SCCS Home Bulletin
January 26, 2022
FROM DR. B.
Happy Wednesday, Trailblazers!
We’ve got an exciting week coming up next week – just in time to chase away the winter doldrums and to give a boost to the winter months: Trailblazer Days!
Our Deep Hope: SCCS students, faculty, and staff will celebrate Sioux Center Christian School.
Learning Target: I can enjoy and celebrate being a part of our school community.
From January 31-February 4, students, faculty, and staff are invited to participate in fun dress-up days and activities:
Monday, January 31
Cozy Connections Day
Students may wear pajamas or comfy clothes to school.
*Attire must meet dress code requirements for modesty and weather. *Slippers may be worn inside, but students must have shoes.
Connection groups will schedule a time to read or do another activity together.
Tuesday, February 1
Trailblazer Day
Students are encouraged to wear Trailblazer gear.
Teachers will invite an SCCS alum (student or faculty/staff member) to read to the class.
Wednesday, February 2
Storyline Day
Students wear chapel shirts.
Teachers choose an activity to live out their classroom storyline.
*Chapel at 1:35 featuring 7th grade
Thursday, February 3
Decade Day
Students are invited to choose a decade and dress in clothing from that time period.
Everyone is invited to check out SCCS artifacts displayed in the front entryway throughout the day.
Friday, February 4
Celebrate SCCS - Fan Friday
Students are invited to dress in as much blue and yellow as they can.
Students are invited to participate in activity stations set up in hallways around our building.
We’ll have the annual 8th grade vs. teachers volleyball match from 2:30-3:00 in the gym. Students in grades 5-8 are invited to attend.
It’s time to show that Trailblazer spirit!
Have a great rest of your week.
BOARD UPDATE
Greg Van Dyke, Board President
The board believes a strong orientation process for new trustees is essential. Dr. Bowar and I have been meeting with Jay Dekkers and Darren Raih this fall in order to get them up to speed as to how the SCCS board operates. They have been doing a great job! Trustees serve a three-year term and have the option to renew for an additional three-year term. Renae Calkhoven, Joe Bakker, and I have all chosen to serve an additional term. Therefore, we will not have a board nomination process this year.
SCCS and the board is working with CACE (the Center for the Advancement of Christian Education) to assist in the development of a new strategic plan for the school. This past fall, CACE fellows visited SCCS and met with groups of teachers and parents to explore the state of the school and what might be next for SCCS. A strategic road mapping team was assembled and is made up of teachers, parents, society members, the head of school, and the board president. This team met on Monday, January 18 to start the process, with plans to have a finalized strategic plan later this spring.
The board has been very involved with the IGNITE building project and campaign. The board believes this new project will help meet the needs of students, teachers, parents, and the society to ultimately fulfill the mission of SCCS. This will be a huge endeavor for the SCCS community, and your prayers and support are appreciated. The board is excited to host some informational evenings in February and March so you can learn more about the project and how you can get involved.
One of my favorite highlights from this past fall was the Trustee Visit Day. This day gives trustees the opportunity to see first-hand all the amazing things happening at SCCS! We are blessed to have such an amazing faculty and staff who pour into and love our kids daily. SCCS is a JOY-filled place where kids are treasured, trained, and transformed for the glory of God!
ANNOUNCING PRINCIPAL HIRE
“I couldn’t be happier about the appointment of Mr. Haan as our principal. He has a passion for kids, a love for God, and a heart of service. He is a strong leader with a proven track record of navigating difficult situations, encouraging professional growth, teamwork, organization, and leadership,” states Josh Bowar, Sioux Center Christian School Head of School. “Brandon is a man of integrity who works hard, communicates effectively, builds relationships, understands the importance of Christian education, and sets a high level of excellence both for himself and for others. He is all about students, and I am looking forward to seeing God work through him at Sioux Center Christian School.”
Brandon will be moving to Sioux Center with his wife Jill and his daughters – Makenna, Jacy, and Addison – this summer.
“I am incredibly grateful and excited to serve the students, teachers, staff, and the entire Sioux Center Christian School community. God has been so faithful to SCCS throughout the generations, and we know and trust He will continue to be in the future,” says Haan. “I can’t wait to dive in, to partner with Dr. Bowar and the school’s amazing people, and to continue to strive for excellence as we live God’s Story.”
SCCS seeks to continue the school’s current momentum in the areas of curriculum, the student experience, parent relations, middle school initiatives, faith nurturing, and inclusive education. Bowar continued, “Mr. Haan has the experience and leadership ability that we need to keep our school moving forward as we seek to follow God’s will in all areas. He has a strong faith, is adaptable, works hard, and believes in and supports the core values of the school. This is an exciting time for our school community!”
SCCS RECEIVES GRANT FROM PELLA CORPORATION
MEJIA-VARGAS FAMILY
As you may know, the home of Imelda Mejia-Vargas and her three daughters was lost in a fire this past Sunday. Imelda serves at our school as a cook and custodian, Adlemi is a freshman at Western, Madeli is in 6th grade, and Melani is in 3rd grade.
Thank you to all who have reached out to quickly help Imelda and the girls – clothing and many generous gift cards have already been received and are a blessing to them as they take care of immediate needs. They are living with her brother in town and will be there while the insurance company processes the claim on their home.
We know many in our supportive community want to help the Mejia-Vargas family, so we want to share that Atlas has set up an account at American State Bank to receive donations that will mostly be used to help them set up a home when that time comes. To give a tax-deductible donation, please make your check payable to Atlas, with “Mejia-Vargas family” in memo. Otherwise the check can be made out to “Imelda Mejia-Vargas”. Donations may be dropped off at American State Bank in Sioux Center, Atlas, Sioux Center Christian School or Western Christian High School.
Thank you for being such a supportive community!
FOR YOUR INFORMATION
- Please check the online calendar for upcoming events (http://www.siouxcenterchristian.com/calendar.cfm)
TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION FOR JAN. 28 AND FEB. 11
MYSTERY AT SHADY ACRES
You are invited to attend one of the 7th/8th grade performances of Mystery at Shady Acres on Friday, January 28 and Saturday January 29 at 7pm in the TePaske Theater. Enjoy this lighthearted “whodunit” that needs the audience’s help to solve a baffling theft. No tickets needed; a freewill offering will be received.
Note: 1st grade through 6th grade will attend a matinee performance at 1pm on Friday.
Parent Visit Days
We take seriously our calling to partner with parents in the education of their children. We value this partnership! We want to invite you into the school so you can experience what’s happening in the classroom with your students. To do that, every grade level will be hosting a parent visit day. You are invited to join us for some time in the classroom and a free lunch with your child.
5th grade visit day will be Thursday, February 3 (11:00-12:00- classrooms/12:00-12:30- lunch). Please sign up here by Monday, January 31 if you plan to attend.
6th grade visit day will be Thursday, February 10 (11:00-12:00- classrooms/12:00-12:30- lunch). Please sign up here by Monday, February 7 if you plan to attend.
More information for the following visit day will be sent out later:
- March 10- 7th & 8th grade (11:15-12:15- classrooms/12:15-12:45- lunch)
TK-4 CONCERT
TK-K will be singing about God’s love for us and others. We will follow that with grades 1-4 performing a concert titled, “A Small Part of the World – Folk Songs from Here, There, and Everywhere”, reminding us of God’s creation and love for His children. The concert will be held at the BJ Haan Auditorium at Dordt University on Thursday, February 10, at 7:00pm.
POSITION OPENINGS
7-8 READING TEACHER: Sioux Center Christian School invites you to consider the opportunity to work with a dedicated faculty and staff, passionate parents, and fantastic students through the position of grades 7-8 reading teacher (3 sections of 7th grade, 3 sections of 8th grade), with a start date of August 1, 2022. The ideal candidate loves God, loves kids, and loves learning. Interested applicants should complete the faculty application package, located at https://www.siouxcenterchristian.com/about/employment.cfm.
K-4TH GRADE ART TEACHER: Sioux Center Christian School invites you to consider the opportunity to work with a dedicated faculty and staff, passionate parents, and fantastic students through the position of K-4th grade art teacher, with a start date of August 1, 2022. The ideal candidate loves God, loves kids, and loves learning.
Interested applicants should complete the faculty application package, located at https://www.siouxcenterchristian.com/about/employment.cfm.
FULL-TIME BEHAVIOR INTERVENTIONIST POSITION OPENING: Sioux Center Christian School invites you to consider the opportunity to work with a dedicated faculty and staff, passionate parents, and fantastic students through the position of behavior interventionist. The ideal candidate loves God, loves kids, loves learning, and has a servant heart and passion for Reformed Christian education. For more details on this position and the application package, go to https://www.siouxcenterchristian.com/about/employment.cfm
PARAPROFESSIONAL (Part- or Full-Time):Do you have a passion for serving God’s kids and want to be part of a vibrant learning community? Sioux Center Christian School is seeking to fill the role of paraprofessional in either a part- or full-time capacity.
For more details on the position and the application package, go to https://www.siouxcenterchristian.com/about/employment.cfm
SUBSTITUTE TEACHERS: We are in need of substitute teachers for this school year. Subs are needed for teachers and paras at all grade levels, kitchen crew and at times a nurse. Please contact the office (sccsoffice@siouxcenterchristian.com) if you are interested in adding your name to the sub list. SCCS will provide all training, and you even get a free lunch when you sub! Qualifications for being a sub include a love of children, the ability to follow teacher lesson plans, flexibility, and a commitment to Christian education. We invite you to join us!
NICSTO POSITION OPENING
OUTLET 75
Outlet 75 is open on Wednesdays from 11am-8pm, Thursdays from 11am-3pm, plus occasional Saturdays from 10am-1pm (they are OPEN THIS Saturday, January 29 from 10-1!)
All profits from our store benefit every family at SCCS!
Are you willing to fill in any of the open shifts in February? We’d love to have you come and experience the joy of volunteering at Outlet 75!! If you can help, please connect with Janey Boogerd (712.449.8106 or info@shopoutlet75.com)
https://www.shopoutlet75.com/ /// Facebook @shopoutlet75 /// Instagram @outlet75
FOOD SERVICE NEWS
- Thanks to everyone who signed up to help with dishwashing this year! If you would like to help out you can sign up here. If you have questions, contact Carmen Mulder (cmulder@siouxcenterchristian.com).
- You can find the lunch and dishwashing schedule here.
- If you would like to eat lunch with your child, please contact school 24 hours in advance.
STAFF MEMBER OF THE MONTH
Recognize a Sioux Center Christian faculty or staff member who goes ABOVE and BEYOND by nominating him/her for the Sioux Center - Pella Corporation Staff Member of the Month award!
Pella Corporation in Sioux Center offers this monthly award to a teacher or staff member in Sioux Center and the winner receives $500 to impact the learning in their classroom! Printed forms are available by the TRIP office.
https://www.siouxcenterchristian.com/editoruploads/files/SXC_STAFF_OF_THE_MONTH_21-22.pdf
Pella hasn’t received many nominations from SCCS this year … so we’d love it if you would take the time to share how a teacher or staff member has impacted your child!
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION FUNDRAISER - FREEZER MEALS
Just a reminder that the Christian Ed Freezer Meal fundraiser will be closing at midnight on Sunday January 30. This is a great way to stock your freezer with meals for those busy days when you don't have time to cook a meal! We know you are busy! Let us do your grocery shopping and cooking for you! Or how nice would it be to buy a meal and gift it to a teacher, a family that just had a new baby, college student, a health care worker or a shut in. The options to share a meal are endless. Here is the link to order your meals...https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0A44A4A92CA6F94-2022
The meals we are providing this year are Chicken Enchilada (8 small enchiladas, 3-4 servings), Baked Pasta Casserole (3-4 servings), and Chicken Pot Pie (2-3 servings). There will only be one size of each meal this year.
You will be able to pick your meals up from the back door of Casey’s Bakery on Feb. 19 from 9:00-11:00 and Feb.23 from 3:00-6:00. If you have a hard time getting around and would like your meals delivered to you or if you can not make the pick up dates we can make other arrangements with you. Payment can be made at time of pick up. We are suggesting a $20-25 donation per meal. Thank you for your support!!
REQUESTED ANNOUNCEMENTS
- The Office Handouts http://www.siouxcenterchristian.com/parents/officehandouts.cfm is the place to check regularly for camp information, registration forms, and more. Currently there is information for:
Inspiration Hills Summer Camp Registration Information
STEM Fest for Grades 4-8
Sioux Center Public Library Program - Meet a Meteorologist
Dordt University Youth Dance Camp for Grades TK-6
Driven School of Driving - Spring Session
MOC-Floyd Valley Driver Education
SCCS
The mission of Sioux Center Christian School is to disciple God’s children by equipping them with a knowledge and understanding of Christ and His creation so that they can obediently serve God and others as they work and play.
Every Student TREASURED, Every Student TRAINED, Every Student TRANSFORMED
Email: sccsoffice@siouxcenterchristian.com
Website: siouxcenterchristian.com
Location: 630 1st Ave. SE, Sioux Center, IA
Phone: 712-722-0777
Facebook: facebook.com/siouxcenterchristian
Twitter: @sccstrailblazer