SCCS Home Bulletin

May 17, 2023

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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

FROM DR. B.

Happy Wednesday, Trailblazers!


It’s hard to believe, but we are nearing the end of the 22-23 school year. This week’s feature will be the last in the series the Stories of SCCS. Thanks for reading about all the faithful servants at SCCS. We are so blessed and thankful!


Have a great rest of your week.


jb

THE STORIES OF SCCS: Sheila Tietgen, Dean of Students/Interventionist

How long have you served/been at/been involved with SCCS?

  • I’ve been at SCCS for 27 years.


What's something interesting about you?

  • I have six grandchildren who I absolutely adore and love to spend time with.


How does your role fulfill the mission of Sioux Center Christian School? How are you Living God’s Story at SCCS?

  • Although, I no longer have my own classroom, I still have an opportunity and privilege to disciple students individually or in small groups. This may be in an academic setting, guiding them to make better choices, or walking alongside them in their spiritual journey. This is where our stories overlap, but it doesn't just stay here. Just like the church is more than a building, so is our school. We are a part of the bigger Story, and this can take place out in the community, or wherever we may be used as the hands and feet of Jesus..


Why do you choose to be part of the SCCS community?

  • I have had the honor to work at SCCS for quite some time, but last spring when I cleaned out my classroom and shut the lights off for the last time, with tears rolling down my cheeks, I thanked God for giving me my dream job. I have been blessed to do the Lord's work each day with some of the best people in the world! And, the beautiful part is I get to continue to do this but in a different compacity as dean of students and an interventionist.


Which throughline do you most identify with?

  • God worshiper and justice seeker.


What is most important to you about SCCS?

  • That what we do here (this includes all--students, teachers, administration, staff, cooks, bus drivers) is not about us. It is all about the cross.

CONGRATULATIONS, MRS. DE SMITH!

Congratulations to Mrs. De Smith on her retirement! Mrs. De Smith taught first grade during the 1983-1984 school year and then moved away for a few years. In 1991, her family moved back to Sioux Center and she joined our faculty again to teach in the Discovery Room. We are so thankful for her 33 years of service at Sioux Center Christian and the many students she has impacted both in her classroom and in her role leading Destination Imagination. We wish her and her husband, Bob, God's richest blessings as they transition to this next phase of their lives. Thank you, Mrs. De Smith for your faithful service to SCCS!
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CONGRATULATIONS, MR. BERENTSCHOT!

Congratulations to our K-4th grade art teacher, Mr. Leroy Berentschot for winning the Pella Staff Member of the Month award!


Friends from Sioux Center - Pella Corporation surprised Mr. Berentschot and the 3rd grade class he was teaching with a BIG CHECK for $500! You can see the evidence of his amazing work with students in many of the art projects displayed in our hallways!


As the Pella Corp. School Staff Member of the Month recipient, Mr. Berentschot receives a certificate, mug, plus $500 to be used toward materials or activities for his classroom. CONGRATULATIONS, Mr. Berentschot!!


The purpose of the Pella Corp School Staff Member of the Month program is to recognize the local school faculty and staff who go above and beyond in their daily interactions with students. We are extremely grateful to Pella Corp for this program that serves to encourage and bless our faculty and staff!!

FOR YOUR INFORMATION

TRAILBAZER INVITATIONAL TRACK MEET

The Trailblazer Invitational Track Meet is today, Wednesday, May 17, at the Sioux Center Football Field and Track. Click here for the Track Meet Schedule https://www.siouxcenterchristian.com/editoruploads/files/Trailblazer%20Invitational/2023_Official_Track_Meet_Schedule.pdf)


Be sure to visit the concession stand! They will be serving pulled pork sandwiches, Pizza Ranch Pizza, hot dogs, homemade bars, popcorn, chips, fruit, candy, pop, Gatorade and water. The stand is run by First CRC of Sioux Center and all proceeds benefit their Christian education fund.

POPS CONCERTS

You are welcome to join us for the following pops concerts on Thursday, May 18 in the gym!
  • The Pops Concert for 7-8 Band and 6-8 Orchestra will be at 2:15pm.
  • The Jr. Pops Concert for grades 3-5 Orchestra and 5-6 Band will be at 3:15pm.

SCHOOL LUNCH

Just a reminder that during the last week of school, crews will start the remodel process in the kitchen, which means that there will be no school lunches served. By allowing this work to happen prior to summer, we increase the probability that the kitchen will be up and running by the time school starts in the fall. All students must bring a sack lunch for the last week of school (May 22-25). Milk will not be provided and students will not have access to a fridge, microwave, silverware, etc. so please keep that in mind as you pack your lunches!

STORYLINE CELEBRATION INFORMATION

  • The dress rehearsal for the TK-8th Grade Storyline Celebration is planned right away in the morning on Monday, May 22, at the BJ Haan Auditorium on Dordt’s campus. The buses will be dropping off the students at the auditorium rather than at SCCS that morning. If you drive your son/daughter to school, please drop them off at the BJ Haan Auditorium between 7:55 and 8:10, rather than at school that morning. Students may not ride their bikes, so if your student normally bikes to school, they will need to walk or get a ride to Dordt’s campus. All students will be bused back to school after the rehearsal.
  • 4Care students need to be dropped off at school on Monday morning (May 22). NO buses will be dropping off students at SCCS that morning so you will need to arrange for drop off for your 4Care child. We will start our day like normal in 4Care at 7:55. Thanks!
  • Storyline Celebration will be held at the BJ Haan Auditorium at Dordt University on Monday, May 22 at 7:00pm. We would like the students to wear their storyline T-shirts with a nice pair of blue jeans or jean shorts. Please have your children at the BJ Haan Auditorium by 6:50 p.m. We will be dismissing by grade level after the program, so please plan to meet your child on the front lawn of the auditorium after the program. We look forward to sharing how we’ve been learning about and worshiping God this year! You may also join our livestream (and recording) at https://www.siouxcenterchristian.com/currentfamilies/livestream.cfm

8TH GRADE CHAPEL AND GRADUATION

  • Join us for our final chapel of the year celebrating our 8th graders. We will gather at 8:30 in the gym on Wednesday, May 24.
  • 8th Grade Graduation will be at Centerpoint Church on Wednesday, May 24, at 7:00pm. There will be a reception after the ceremony in the Family Life Center at the church where you will have a chance to congratulate the graduates. Congratulations, 8th Graders!

LAST DAY OF SCHOOL

  • Our last day of school will be Thursday, May 25.
  • We will dismiss at 1:15. The public school has a full day of school on that day so the public school buses will run in the morning but WILL NOT run at 1:15. Only the SCCS buses (2014 and 2020) will be running their routes at 1:15. All other students will need transportation home from school.

BUSING INFORMATION

WEDNESDAY BUSING TO THE END OF THE YEAR: The public school will continue to provide busing for our 2:05 Wednesday dismissals (even if the public school has a different dismissal time). Bus numbers are attached. We appreciate the relationship that we have with them very much.


MONDAY, MAY 22: The dress rehearsal for the TK-8th Grade Storyline Celebration is planned right away in the morning on Monday, May 22, at the BJ Haan Auditorium on Dordt’s campus. The buses will be dropping off the students at the auditorium rather than at SCCS that morning. If you drive your son/daughter to school, please drop them off at the BJ Haan Auditorium between 7:55 and 8:10, rather than at school that morning. Students may not ride their bikes, so if your student normally bikes to school, they will need to walk or get a ride to Dordt’s campus. All students will be bused back to school after the rehearsal.


THURSDAY, MAY 25: SCCS will dismiss at 1:15 and the public school will have a full day of school on Thursday, May 25. All buses will be running the morning route but only Bus 2014 and 2020 will be running the afternoon routes at our 1:15 dismissal time. All other students will need transportation home from school.

PACE SIGN-UP

PACE (Parents in Action for Christian Education) is made up of all SCCS parents. THANK YOU to the parents who have volunteered to help provide fellowship and encouragement to our school community this past year! Now we are looking to fill those spots for the next school year. Find more information and sign up HERE.


Note that because PACE is no longer in charge of any fundraisers, we have simplified the committee of PACE Officers to reflect this simplified role to include the President, Vice President, and the Chairs of each PACE subcommittee. If you have any questions, please contact outgoing President Ashley Wynia or incoming President Bethany Bosma. Thank you!

STUDENT DRESS CODE

As the weather gets warmer we wanted to send a few reminders from our dress code policy as outlined in our Parent Handbook:

  • Clothing worn to school and to school activities must be neat, clean, modest, and appropriate for the classroom atmosphere or the activity.
  • Clothing should not be too tight, too short, or too revealing. Tank tops, bare shoulders, bare midriffs, bare backs, bare buttocks, and revealing necklines are not appropriate. Undergarments should not be visible.
  • Shorts length must reach the fingers of the wearer when arm is extended by the side.
  • Dresses and skirts worn without leggings may be no higher than just above the knees.
  • Caps and hats are not permitted for daily wear in the classroom (except during special theme days).
  • We would prefer, for safety reasons, that students wear tennis shoes during the day and not flip flops or sandals. Tennis shoes are required for all activities in the gym or during PE.

TUITION GRANT INFORMATION FOR 23/24 SCHOOL YEAR

Our desire is to have Christian education as accessible for as many families as possible. We believe that what God is doing at SCCS is so important that we want all mission-appropriate families who meet all admissions requirements to have access!


We are excited and thankful to offer generous tuition support to our families.


Families applying for tuition grants (which includes both NICSTO funding and the SCCS Tuition grant fund) need to fill out the application. You can find the application at https://www.siouxcenterchristian.com/currentfamilies/tuitiongrantapplication.cfm We have moved to a streamlined form for all tuition grant programs - so families just need to complete one form. We will no longer be using an online service.


For the 2023-2024 school year, education savings accounts (ESAs) are available to those who have an incoming K student, anyone transferring from a public school, and families who have an adjusted gross income below 300% of the poverty line. NICSTO funds are available for anyone below 400% of the poverty line. We encourage all families to look at their tax return and apply for a tuition grant if you are below 400% of the poverty line. We recognize that families between 300 and 400% will not be eligible for an ESA until the 2024-2025 school year, so we especially want to be able to support families in this bracket through NICSTO funding. So, please apply if this is you!


Please complete the form provided in the link above (which will ask you to include your adjusted gross income from Federal Form 1040, line 11) and turn in the form and a copy of pages 1 and 2 of Federal Form 1040.

Applications are due May 25 (the last day of school). Printed copies of the form are available in the office. If you have questions, please contact Kelli Van Roekel at kvanroekel@siouxcenterchristian.com.

TUTORING SERVICES FOR THE SUMMER

If you are interested in tutoring services over the summer for your child, here is a list of teachers/support staff you can contact:


Emily Penner

Grade Levels: K-1

Contact: epenner@siouxcenterchristian.com and/or 330-617-3903


Jaci Van Den Berg

Grade Levels: TK-2nd Grade

Contact: jvandenberg@siouxcenterchristian.com


Sarah Stoub

Grade Levels: TK-4

Contact: sstoub@siouxcenterchristian.com or 712-441-7022


Miriam Buss

Grade Levels: 4th-8th (Reading, Writing, and Math)

Contact: mbuss@siouxcenterchristian.com or 712-578-1227

TALES AND TRAILS SUMMER CAMP

We were able to secure additional staffing so more spots are available each week at Tales and Trails camp. If you were put put on a waiting list, you should have been contacted and placed in your requested weeks of camp. If not, please call the office. Please register at least 10 days in advance of the week of camp you would like your child to attend.


Tales and Trails Summer Camp at Sioux Center Christian School is a educational and FUN summer supervision option for kids ages 5-11! With exciting weekly themes, such as Spectacular Sports, A Knight to Remember, Sensational Science, Shark Week, and Patriotic Parade, Tales and Trails offers nine weeks of active and engaging experiences for kids! Half-day and full-day options are available, and parents may choose the weeks your child will attend.


Note: A pool pass is required for camp. You can purchase your membership online or call 712-722-4386 x2

https://apm.activecommunities.com/allseasonscenter/Membership


To learn more details and for the registration form (printed copies available at school office):

https://www.siouxcenterchristian.com/studentlife/talestrails.cfm

4CARE

Do you have a child who will attend preschool next year? 4Care is an opportunity for children who attend half-day preschool to enjoy hands-on, child-led, play-based learning at SCCS on the half-day they are not in preschool.
Students may enroll in a morning or afternoon session, plus we offer a full-day Friday 4Care option. If you have interest in 4Care, please fill out the following form:
https://www.siouxcenterchristian.com/studentlife/4care.cfm


We have a great relationship with Stepping Stones Preschool! Their online registration is now open. Click here for more info: https://www.siouxcenterchristian.com/editoruploads/files/4Care/Stepping_Stones_23-24.pdf
Click here for the registration page: https://www.dordt.edu/about-dordt/offices-and-services/academic-centers/stepping-stones

WE ARE HIRING

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 following positions with a start date of August 1, 2023. The ideal candidate loves God, loves kids, and loves learning. Interested applicants should complete the faculty application package, located at https://www.siouxcenterchristian.com/connectwithus/employment.cfm A review of applicants will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.


  • K-2 Learning Center (Resource) Teacher (Full-time)
  • Paraprofessionals (2 Full-time positions) - start day August 2023
  • Cook Positions - (Full-Time and Part-Time)
  • Bus Drivers


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 fill out the form at the link below 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!

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSchPyh3Fnjis7w7htYQfnSK137TfmJ339p5IfWqkRChIwhAqQ/viewform

OUTLET 75

Outlet 75 sells new clothing, shoes, home décor, kitchenware, bedding and more …and all profits go to Sioux Center Christian School and contribute to the Alternate Revenue discount that was on your tuition statement!

Volunteers make this profit possible, and we continue to encourage parents to fulfill the commitment made to volunteer at least 3-4 shifts per year – please know that working shifts in June-August absolutely count toward your commitment!

Sign up now for the May-June shifts. PARENTS: We need YOUR HELP to fill shifts!! Please show our managers that we appreciate all they do to put a discount on our tuition statements – sign up to help! THANKS so much!

MAY: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E4AAAAD22ABFEC52-mayo75

JUNE: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E4AAAAD22ABFEC52-june

Open hours: Wednesdays 11am-8pm and Thursdays 11am – 3pm.

Location: About 1 mile south of Sioux Center on Hwy 75. Look for the red flag.

If you have any questions about helping at Outlet 75, please feel free to email info@shopoutlet75.com

FOOD SERVICE NEWS

  • Thanks to everyone who signed up to help with dishwashing this year!
  • 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.

LOCAL RESOURCE FOR SUMMER MEALS

SCCS does not provide summer meals but we don’t want your students to go hungry this summer. There are local resources if you would need help with food for the summer. The Hope Food Pantry is located behind Culver’s and is open on Wednesdays from 1:30- 5:30.

LOST AND FOUND

So much stuff on the Lost and Found Table...check it out and pick up anything that belongs to you before the end of the year. Anything left will be donated to Melissa's Hope Chest. Thank you!
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TULIP FESTIVAL FUNNEL CAKE STAND FUNDRAISER

The Immanuel Christian Reformed Church in Orange City will be serving tasty Dutch treats at the Tulip Festival this week(end) as a fundraiser for their Christian Education fund. While you're out and about, stop by their stand in the Straatmarkt for a funnel cake, fried almond patty (in funnel cake batter), regular almond patty, or a cool drink!

NATIONAL CHILD IDENTIFICATION PROGRAM


On behalf of the National Child Identification Program, identification kits have been provided to all K-12 students in Iowa through a partnership with the Iowa Attorney General’s Office, and corporate partners Alliant Energy and MidAmerican.


These are inkless, at-home kits and are stored by parents and guardians and never enter a database. All instructions for these easy-to-use identification kits are included in the envelope that was sent home with your child.

For 25 years, the National Child ID Program has helped safeguard over 75 million families across North America. Across America 1,000 children go missing on average every day. According to the Iowa Department of Public Safety, there are currently 175 children 18 and under that are missing.


We hope they are never needed but if so, you can provide this information to the authorities. For additional ID kits, visit childidprogram.com/order-now.

REQUESTED ANNOUNCEMENTS

The Office Handouts

https://www.siouxcenterchristian.com/currentfamilies/officehandouts.cfm is the place to check regularly for camp information, registration forms, and more!


Currently there is information for:

  • Northwestern College Middle School Basketball Camp for boys entering grades 5-8
  • Teen Girls Retreat at Living Water Church - August 26
  • Sioux Center Recreation 1st-4th Flag Football
  • Northwestern College Women's Basketball Camps
  • A Day With the Pros-Football (Snap Fitness and ProActive Physical Therapy) - June 19...deadline for registration is May 24, but please turn in as soon as possible as spots may be limited due to high demand for the day.
  • Sioux Center Youth Football Registration Form for 4th-5th graders
  • Sioux Center Recreation Blastball-PreK/TK
  • Financial Assistance Program at All Season Center
  • Western Christian Girls Basketball Camp
  • Western Junior Wolfpack Baseball
  • Unity Christian 8th Grade Lifting Registration
  • Summer Driver's Ed Information
  • Unity Christian Summer Workout Program/Open Gym Schedule
  • Sioux County Conservation Summer Camps and Programs
  • 2023 Western Christian Summer Camps
  • 2023 Unity Christian Sports Camps
  • Dordt Women's Basketball Youth Camps for Grades 4-9
  • Dordt Sports Camp Information
  • Inspiration Hills Summer Camp Brochure