Knightly News
November 17, 2017
Traders Point Christian High School challenges and educates students within a framework of a Biblical worldview while leading them to a personal faith and transformed life in Jesus Christ.
Letter from Principal Klingerman
As most of you know, Traders Point Christian High School is part of the consortium of schools that have partnered with Grand Canyon University (GCU). We also have partnered with Indiana Wesleyan University and are looking for other like-minded colleges to build relationships with.
The relationship with GCU has grown over the past few years and we have both benefited from it immensely. Recently, a group of representatives from GCU visited our high school campus. They were profusely complimentary of our school's implementation of project-based learning, STEM and our emphasis on essential 21st century skills for the workplace. One visitor commented, "I've visited hundreds of high schools across the country and you [TPCHS] are decades ahead of most schools!"
Earlier this week, I was able to visit GCU's campus and meet the president along with dean's of various schools including business, IT, engineering, and humanities. It was a wonderful, informative experience that affirmed, once again, that are teachers are preparing our students for awaits them after graduation. One question that I posed to the Dean of the School of Business was, "What is the biggest area of weakness for students who enter college?" He stated, "In math, students want to be shown an example of a problem, the formula to solve the problem, and each step to solve the problem." He continued that teaching this way may help students pass a test, but they are ill-equipped to solve problems in a real-world context. "They simply are not good problem-solvers," he concluded. This is a strong argument for the problem-based math curriculum that we have used in the high school.
The School of Engineering, as well as most education and business classes at GCU, employs a collaborative learning approach. Freshman engineering students immediately begin designing and making innovative products that, in some cases, are developed into revenue-generating businesses. For example, two engineering students designed motorized long boards and they have made over a $1 million dollars in profit. They are only juniors!!!
Creating, communicating, collaborating, problem-solving, and critical thinking. Like GCU and many other colleges who are in tune with the demands of today's workforce, Traders Point Christian High School trains students to master these soft skills that are desired by employers today. More importantly, biblical principles are woven throughout our instruction to provide students with godly wisdom to discern right from wrong.
Blessings in Christ,
Mr. Jason Klingerman
Update on the Head of School Search from the Board of Directors:
The Board of Directors has been working closely with the search firm to select our next Head of School. On Monday and Tuesday, November 20 and 21, the search firm's lead consultant will be on site to interview faculty, staff, board members, church leaders and a few parents for their perspective in the head of school search. The candidate sourcing process has been underway and will be matched with the insight gained from these interviews. We anticipate that interviews with potential candidates will begin in February, and a new HOS will be announced in March.
The school board has considered several options for an interim head of school next semester and is currently in discussion with a person who is the first choice to fill this role. This candidate will be on campus one day next week to meet with Mr. Evans, church leaders and the entire school board. We will inform you as soon as a final decision is made.
We are excited to see who God will bring to lead TPCS as we continue to move forward with our mission to " challenge and educate students within a framework of a Biblical worldview while leading them to a personal faith and transformed life in Jesus Christ."
Please continue to keep these processes, individuals and decisions in your prayers!
Knights Shadow Days
The best way for prospective students to learn about life as a KNIGHT is to experience a Knights Shadow Day. It’s a great chance for you to invite your interested friends, neighbors, relatives, or co-workers to register their student to spend a special day with us. We think they will love being a Knight! Available dates are listed and parents can register online at Knights Shadow Day. Contact Mrs. Kanzler for more information. Knights shadow dates for this semester are:
- Tuesday, November 28
- Tuesday, December 5
Summer School Options
Knights International Fair November 13th-17th
Knights families - we will be hosting our first International Week celebration and International Fair November 13-17! We are so excited about the diversity of our student body, and we are planning a fun week with an International Fair on Friday, Nov 17 from 2-3 pm.
Click here for more details.
Have you ever thought about hosting an international student for a few weeks or for the school year? This is an AMAZING ministry opportunity! Join us for an info meeting right after the International Fair at 3:15 pm, Friday November 17, in the high school, room 127, Wheatley Suite.
Message to Seniors and their parents from Mrs. Raab
In order to receive any grants (financial aid), work studies, or even the option to take loans for tuition at any 2-4 year university, students and parents must complete the FAFSA, not only their senior year of high school but each year while in college.
I suggest all students apply, even if you don’t expect your child to qualify based on finances. Should a parent lose their job or be temporarily unemployed during the school year, students may then be eligible for assistance if they completed and submitted the FAFSA the previous fall. There are also some grants available to students regardless of parental income (not need-based), but students can only be awarded these if they have filed the FAFSA.
The state deadline to receive a student’s FAFSA data is March 10, 2018.
The individual college deadline to receive a student’s FAFSA data varies, so it’s good to check each college’s website for any earlier deadlines (for example, Wabash College has a recommended date of January 15).
The FAFSA now includes an IRS Data Retrieval Tool, which makes the process simpler and less error-prone. Your 2016 tax and income data will be used for this year’s FAFSA.
The FAFSA form can be accessed at https://fafsa.ed.gov/ . Students will need to create an account if they haven’t already. For more information, consider visiting FAFSA FAQs at https://fafsa.gov/help.htm. As always, feel free to reach out if you have further questions!
Athletics Department
Volunteer Opportunity for Winter Sports
Here's your chance to sign up to work in the concession stand at TPCA (Academy Gym) for Winter Sports games. This is a great way to bank those volunteer hours, and help support TPCS athletes and athletic programs. Concession Stand volunteers must be 18+ due to the nature of the work that is involved. Times listed are 45 minutes prior to and 30 minutes after game times and end times are approximate. This will give you time to prepare popcorn and set up and clean up the concession stand. Your on-site contact(s) will be Adam Stevenson, Amanda Misner, or Brenden Saget. Thank you for supporting TPCS!!!!!
Stay in touch
Email: jklingerman@tpcs.org
Website: www.tpcs.org
Location: 5608 Whitestown Parkway, Whitestown, IN, United States
Phone: 3177692450