Notable News from TPCA Elementary!
June 23rd, 2017
From the desk of Principal Ruiz:
I pray that your summer experience has been sensational thus far and that you and your Eagles are finding time to rest, while rejuvenating spiritually.
A notable change that will take place for the 2017 - 2018 school year...all parent correspondences will be sent via the Principal's newsletter. After this edition, you should expect an additional newsletter on July 7th, July 21st and then beginning on August 4th, you will receive a weekly correspondence. The intention of streamlining the correspondences sent to parents is to maximize the effectiveness of communicating while eliminating the large number of newsletters and emails previously sent by our TPCA staff. While our intentions are pure in keeping our families well informed, we listened to your request to minimize the frequency of newsletters.
We encourage you to look for the informative newsletters and continue to provide our staff with feedback that improves the process.
As always, if you have a question, concern, or have a prayer request, please do not hesitate to contact me at aruiz@tpcs.org.
Frederick Koenig once stated, "Happiness comes not from getting something one lacks, but from recognition and appreciation of what we have." I agree - my gratitude for the Eagles, their parents, and our constituents that have allowed me to serve at Traders Point comes from a grateful and appreciative heart.
In His service,
Angela Ruiz, Ed.S.
Making time for Him...
Do we believe that "God is our refuge and strength, a present help in trouble?" Psalms 46:1 Of course we do; however, there are times we settle with the ache in our heart or the anxiety in our mind, even though we know to reach out for our Creator who is always available to all. God desires for us to come close to Him; He invites us to have an intimate relationship that provides peace. James 4:8 says, "Draw near to God and He will draw near to you." We are blessed with a Creator that encourages and desires for us to make room for Him. Why is it important to "make room" for Him? Because we honor Him when we submit to His will, when we accept the love He offers above all feelings of our own inadequacies.
When we are in His presence, we can experience joy that safety and security in Him brings. His presence allows us to experience His peace, regardless of circumstances surrounding our lives. God's presence can bring us to a place of calm, comfort, confidence, and complete rest. We merely need to make room, diligently seek Him, and trust in His love.
Let us all make an effort to desire more of Him, make room for Him, and know that He will answer when we call upon Him. Our prayer is that He will convict each of us when we need to set aside more time for Him and when we need to be more obedient to Him. Our Jesus wants us to graciously accept all of His love.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
Share the Gospel with the World by Hosting a TPCS International Student
How do you "go into all the world and share the Gospel" if you can't head to Asia, South America or Europe? Consider hosting a TPCS International Student in 2017-2018! This is a vital ministry for Christ and our school in every way, and a blessing for you to love on a kiddo who is thousands of miles from their family and home. Students come to us to receive the best education as they prepare to attend a US college. What do you have to do?
· Be a TPCS or TPCC family
· Provide a loving Christian home to a student for the 2017-2018 school year or for two months Mid-October through Early December
· Take them to church with you and involve them in your own bible studies
· Provide daily meals, school related transportation and involve them in your family
· Help them learn about the US and Christ
· Support them academically as you would your own children
We will need 2-5 families for the full school year (Chinese girls and boys in high school) and 2-3 for short-term Guatemalan student placements from mid-October through mid-December. We provide a monthly stipend August – May which pays added expenses of having an extra person in your home. TPCS provides medical insurance, they bring their own personal spending money and they are required to return home or participate in a planned US travel experience during Fall, Christmas and Spring breaks. You tell us your preference for the gender of your hosting student. Could God be calling you to open your heart and home to one of his children? Classes begin in 6 weeks. Please contact Mrs. Toni Kanzler right away with any questions and to learn how to apply to be a host family.
God at Work!
Our Eagles learned of exciting Bible stories, sang impactful songs during worship, and were encouraged to deepen their relationship with our Creator through every project and lesson that was presented.
Why do we encourage parents to pour Christ into their children with every opportunity that presents itself? Because the Bible says, "Train up a child in the way he should go: when he is old, he will not depart from it." Proverbs 22:6. It is never too late to pray for and with our children. The Word of God will never depart from them; our Eagles will forever remember what they have been taught when we are pointing them to Him!
Welcome to our newest Eagle Leaders:
Miss Brianna Baker - Kindergarten Teacher
Hi! My name is Brianna Baker, and I have the privilege of teaching Kindergarten at TPCA this Fall. I am originally from Fort Wayne, Indiana where I grew up with my parents and 1 younger brother. I attended Blackhawk Christian High School beginning in 6th grade. We began attending Blackhawk Ministries as well and I was able to begin volunteering in Children's Ministries at the age of 13. I was then blessed to be able to work with this awesome staff from my junior year as an intern through my first year of college. I began immediately attending Ivy Tech Community College the Summer after my high school graduation. I say immediately because I graduated on June 3rd and was sitting in my first college class on June 4th! To say that I was excited to get started on the degree I had desired since I was a little girl would be an understatement. I then transferred to Purdue University in West Lafayette for a semester, but chose to finish my education through Western Governors University. I chose to finish online because I was working a full time job managing a spa & loved the flexibility that my online education provided me.
My parents & brother relocated to the Indianapolis area in 2012 and began attending Traders Point Church. While I had my own home church where I was living, I always loved visiting Traders Point. I was able to complete 60 observation hours at TPCA in the Spring of 2016 followed by my 12 week student teaching experience in the Fall of 2016. I had an amazing experience and fell in love with the staff and students here. The environment is indescribable at Traders Point, and I was thrilled to be welcomed back this Fall! I feel more than blessed to be able to begin my teaching career at a school filled with so many people who genuinely go out of their way to show Christ's love every single day. I cant wait to meet you all!
Mrs. Kristi Flynn - Media Specialist
My name is Kristi Flynn and I feel beyond blessed to be joining the Traders Point family as the K-8 Media Teacher. My husband, Nate, is a police officer and works as a School Resource Officer. We have two children, Sophie, who will be three in July, and Zeke, who is 16 months old.
I grew up on the south side of Indianapolis and was raised in the Catholic church. I attended public schools throughout my K-12 education and graduated from Center Grove High School in 2001. I attended Indiana University in Bloomington and earned my B.S. Elementary Education along with a Computer Endorsement. I graduated in 2005 after student teaching in a fourth-grade classroom in Brownsburg where I was fortunate enough to be hired to teach fifth grade the next school year.
During my first year of teaching a friend invited me to go to church with her at Connection Pointe Christian Church in Brownsburg. Through that simple invitation I was drawn back to church and towards a relationship with God that I didn’t know I could have. I have experienced firsthand the power of one simple invitation and how that can change the trajectory of a person’s life and I pray I can be that person for others.
I have spent the past 11 years teaching in Brownsburg as a fourth and fifth grade teacher. I have loved my time in there and the kiddos and families I’ve been fortunate enough to walk alongside throughout the years. Since having my own children I have felt God tugging at my heart to step out of my comfort zone and play an even larger role in leading my students’ hearts towards Christ in a way that I could not do in the public school classroom.
I am thrilled to step in to this new role as Media Teacher and am excited to teach our children Digital Citizenship and how to be safe and responsible using today’s technology, develop their technological skills to prepare them for a future we can hardly even imagine, while also helping to develop, enrich, and inspire the love of reading in their hearts!
Summer Camp with SpringHill ministry at TPCA!
SpringHill Camp is a ministry that brings Christ to kids through camp. Based out of Michigan, they have overnight locations in Evart, Michigan and Seymour, Indiana. Taking Christ’s Great Commission to heart, they also bring SpringHill Day Camps to locations all around the Midwest.
As a day camp, they offer a variety of engaging experiences, from the Flying Squirrel (where harnessed children are pulled to the top of the gym through teamwork and pulleys!) to Skittle Skattle Battle (a more fun and intense version of Capture the Flag), from daily water activities to archery. But what makes this camp unique and impactful is that they connect everything back to faith. Through debriefs where every activity relates back to our walk with Christ, to small group time when students and counselors dig into the Bible, Christ can be seen in everything they do.
At TPCA, we are intentional in providing every child the opportunity to learn about our Creator in every possible capacity, even through play.
Summer Reading at TPCA:
Campfire with Characters:
On June 20th, several TPCA students, and a few parents, joined Principal Ruiz and Mrs. Schafer for a time of worship that included prayer, reading, fellowship, and S'mores!One may ask, "Why is it vital for my Eagle to read 30 minutes each day?" Here are a few mentionable responses:
If daily reading begins in infancy, by the time the child is five years old, he/she has been fed roughly 900 hours of brain food! If one reduces that experience to just 30 minutes a week, that child's hungry mind will lose 770 hours of Bible stories, nursery rhymes, fairy tales, and stories that contain life-lessons. A kindergarten student who has not been read aloud to could enter school with less than 60 hours of literacy nutrition. No teacher, no matter how talented, can make up for those lost hours of mental nourishment. Now one may have a better understanding why reading daily is so very important.
Here are some ideas:
• Have family night reading.
• Have your Eagle read to you while you are cooking, washing dishes, or completing any task.
• Read the Bible with your child and then discuss opportunities for spiritual growth.
• Have your Eagle read on your way to run errands or on the way to school.
• Have a big brother/sister read to a little brother/sister or to the dog, or the hamster or their favorite stuffed animal.
• Always read and pray before giving your Eagle a good night kiss.
There is a multitude of ways to squeeze 20 minutes in a busy schedule. Whatever you do, squeeze them in – it is vital for your child’s success!
We ask each of our Eagles to continue reading this summer and recording their reading minutes. Login information for recording reading minutes was sent home with each of our Eagles the last week of school. If you have questions or concerns about the reading program or incentives, please contact Mrs. Schafer at aschafer@tpcs.org.
If you need the login information for your Eagle(s), please email Mrs. Amanda Schafer at aschafer@tpcs.org.
Our next two summer reading events will be held on the following dates:
July 11th (10:00 - 11:00) - Brownies and Books
August 1st (10:00 - 11:00) - Popcorn Plots
All Eagles in grades 1st - 8th are encouraged and welcome to attend. Please RSVP to Mrs. Schaffer for these events.
School Supply List for 2017 - 2018:
Kindergarten:
· PLEASE DO NOT LABEL SUPPLIES
· 2 packages of #2 pencils, pre-sharpened
· Pink Pearl eraser
· 8 count box of Crayola Classic broad-tip, washable markers (yellow/brown/red/blue/green/black/orange/purple)
· 6 small glue sticks (.26 oz. size)
· ½” white binder with clear plastic on the outside (no larger than ½”)
· 1” burgundy binder (no larger than 1”)
· 1 spiral note book – 70 pages – wide ruled
· 1 pair of headphones (no ear buds)
· 1 container of Clorox wipes
· 2 box of tissues
· 1 plastic pencil box
· 1 pack of white lineless paper (printer paper) for writer’s workshop
· 1 pack of post-it notes for labeling
· 3 boxes of 24 count Crayola Crayons
· 1 package of Expo dry erase markers
· 1 bottle of hand sanitizer
· 1 glue bottle (Art Class)
1st Grade:
· 12 pack of pre-sharpened pencils
· 2 pink pearl erasers
· 1 Clorox wipes
· 8 count box of Crayola Classic Broad tip washable markers
· 2 boxes of 24 Count box of Crayola Crayons
· 12 Elmer glue sticks, 1 liquid glue bottle
· Heavy plastic folders (1 green, 1 red,1 blue) labeled with first and last name
· 2 Boxes of Tissues
· Supply box labeled with Child’s first and last name
· Box of colored pencils
· Pair of Fiskars Scissors (blunt tip)
· 1 multicolored Expo dry erase markers
· Composition notebooks (2)
· 3 Glue Sticks (Art Class)
2nd Grade:
· 24 - #2 pencils, sharpened (yellow only)
· 4 glue sticks
· 1 box of 24-count box Crayola crayons
· 1 - 3” binder with clear sleeve front
· 1 - 8 count box Crayola washable markers
· 2 Composition Notebooks, wide rule
· 2 Pink Erasers
· 1 package of index cards
· 2 green plastic folders
· 2 red plastic folders
· 1 pair of student scissors
· 1 Crayola watercolor paint set of 8 colors
· 24 count Crayola colored pencils, sharpened
· 1 standard sized school box (to be kept in desk)
· 1 container of Clorox Disinfecting Wipes
· 2 sets of addition flashcards* (one for home/school)
· 2 sets of subtraction flashcards* (one for home/school)
· Girls: 2 rectangular box of Kleenex
· Girls: 24 - #2 pencils, sharpened (yellow only)
· Boys: 4 glue sticks
· Boys: 1 box of binder clips
· 12 pack of colored pencils (Art Class)
*one-sided flashcards preferred
1st/2nd Grade (Multiage):
1st Grade Multiage:
· 12 pack pre-sharpened pencils
· -Clorox wipes
· -8 count box of Crayola classic broad tip washable markers
· -24 count box of Crayola crayons
· -4 Elmer glue sticks, 1 liquid glue bottle
· -1 Box of tissues
· -Supply box labeled with child’s first & last name
· -Pair of Fiskars scissors (blunt tip)
· -1 Box of colored pencils
· -8 expo dry erase markers
· -Composition notebook (1)
· -1 ½ inch 3 ring binder (1)
· -3 hole punched 2 pocket folders (5)
· -1 set of addition flashcards
· -2 sets of index cards
· -1 package of post-it notes
2nd Grade Multiage:
· 12 pack pre-sharpened pencils
· -8 count box of Crayola classic broad tip washable markers
· -24 count box of Crayola crayons
· -4 Elmer glue sticks, 1 liquid glue bottle
· -1 Box of tissues
· -Supply box labeled with child’s first & last name
· -Pair of Fiskars scissors (blunt tip)
· -1 Box of colored pencils
· -8 expo dry erase markers
· -Bottle of hand sanitizer
· -Composition notebook (1)
· -1 ½ inch 3 ring binder (1)
3rd Grade:
· 2 packages of #2 pencils (sharpened)
· 1 container of cleaning wipes
· 1 package of loose leaf wide ruled paper
· 1 – 24 ct. box of crayons
· 4 dry erase markers
· 2 composition notebook (wide ruled)
· 2 boxes of tissues
· 2 red pens
· 1 large glue stick
· 1 pair of scissors
· 1 ruler
· 1 – 12 ct. package of colored pencils
· 1 package of cap pencil erasers
· 1 red folder (in-class folder)
· 1 folder of choice (take-home folder)
· 1 clear plastic tub with lid (6-quart size)
· 1 package of “sticky notes” – (Post-Its)
· 10 pack of Markers (Art Class)
4th Grade:
· 3 packages of #2 pencils, sharpened (no mechanical pencils)
· package of Highlighters
· pair of scissors
· packages of 8 count Expo Dry Erase markers
· 5 sturdy, plain colored pocket folders (1 red, 1 green, 3 your choice)
· small supply bag or box for desk (label with child’s name)
· 12 count box of colored pencils, sharpened
· 1 four pack of glue sticks
· Crayola watercolor paint set -8 colors (for Art class)
· 2 boxes of tissues
· 1 clear plastic shoe box with lid (label with child’s name)
· hand held pencil sharpener
· 8 count box of washable markers
· package 3x5 index cards
· perforated notebooks (70 pages)
· containers of Lysol or Clorox wipes
· packages of wide ruled filler paper
· ruler (inches & centimeters)
· folder (please label Spanish Class)
· folder (label with child’s name & Music Class)
· 1 box of tissues (Media Class)
· Composition Notebooks, wide rule
· 1 pack of post-it notes for labeling in literacy instruction
· 2-inch Binder (Color or Style of their choice)
· 1 pair of large scissors (Art Class)
3rd/4th Grade (Multiage):
· 2 packages of #2 pencils (sharpened)
· 1 package of cap pencil erasers or stand-alone erasers
· 1 container of Clorox wipes
· 2 package of loose leaf wide ruled paper
· 1 – 24 ct. box of crayons
· 1 – 12 ct. package of colored pencils
· 4 dry erase markers
· 3 composition/subject notebook (wide ruled)
· 1 package of sticky notes
· 2 boxes of tissues
· 2 red pens
· 1 glue stick
· 1 pair of scissors
· 1 red folder (in-class folder)
· 2 folder of choice (take-home folder & project folder)
· Plastic tub for cubbie supplies (a blue one will be provided by teacher if needed)
· Small pencil box for inside desk (pencils, erasers, scissors, glue stick, etc.)
· 1 package of markers
· Composition notebooks for free writing/projects
Upcoming Events:
June 23rd – Food and Flicks on the Field (8:00 P.M.) – Featuring: Lego Batman THIS EVENT WILL BE RESCHEDULED - look for additional information that will soon be forthcoming!
June 25th - Open House at Traders Point High School (10:00 - 1:00) - Come and see how God is impacting the future for our Eagles!
July 10th – Annual Golf Outing
July 14th – Food and Flicks on the Field (8:00 P.M.) – Featuring: Pete’s Dragon
July 14th - Food and Flicks on the Field (8:00 P.M.) – Featuring: Finding Dory
August 4th – Back to School Night/Supply Drop Off (6:30 P.M. – 8:00 P.M.)
August 4th - Ribbon Cutting ceremony at the High School (6:00 P.M.)