Reflector Spring 2004 - Timothy Christian Schools

Transcription

S P E C I A L F L I P - B O O K : T U R N O V E R F O R T H E A N N U A L R E P O RT 2 0 0 3 - 0 4
A P U B L I C AT I O N O F T I M OT H Y C H R I S T I A N S C H O O L S
Photography:
Award Winners
SPRING 2004
Ta b l e
o f
C o n t e n t s
Features
6
The Annual Report
2003-04
Early Elementary Education at
Timothy Christian Schools
Our Annual Society meeting
is set for Thursday, May 27.
Our Report to the Society
is included in this issue of
the Reflector.
The littlest students at Timothy are blessed with loving and wise
master teachers. Read about how this corner of the elementary
building develops small versions of academically prepared disciples
of Jesus Christ.
Flip book over
11
North Central Accreditation Update
Self-examination is hard work, and developing a plan to
improve what we do is no small task. Read this update to
learn about what we think of the job we’re doing, and how we
plan to make it better.
Special Feature Insert
Prize-Winning Student Photography
“Retired” teacher John Harkema is Timothy’s resident
photography guru and his many students produce amazing
work. This feature insert brings a small portion of the gallery
directly to you.
22
Stewardship Planning: One Couple’s Story
Stewardship is by design. Read about Cal and Grace Walstra’s
intentional and thoughtful approach to charitable giving.
Page 6
Departments
4
Reflection
10
Campus News
12
Support Group News
16
Elementary and Middle
School News
19
High School News
22
Timothy Foundation
News
23
Timothy Alumni News
24
From the Archives
A PUBLICATION OF TIMOTHY CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS
SPRING 2004
Editor
Dave Larsen
Editorial Board
Paul Eldersveld
Ardy Iwema
Marianne Tigchelaar
Barbara Van Kampen Snella
Photography
Jim Hartgerink
Cindy Van Kampen
Julia Moran
Barbara Van Kampen Snella
Cover photo “Triadic” by
Allison Vander Naald
Design and Layout
Change Design Group
Printing
Darwill Press
188 W. Butterfield Road
Elmhurst, IL 60126
Phone: (630) 833-4616
Fax: (630) 833-9238
www.timothychristian.com
The Reflector is published four times a year and is a publication of the Timothy Christian
Schools Board of Directors. Timothy is a member of Christian Schools International and
is accredited by the Commission on Schools of the North Central Association of
Colleges and Schools.
The Reflector is mailed free of charge to Timothy alumni, members of the Timothy
Christian School Society, and supportive friends.
The purpose of this publication is to foster strong ties between Timothy Christian
Schools and its alumni/society members, to nurture Christian education in the school
and in the family, and to better inform its readers of the activities of Timothy Christian
Schools.
Superintendent
Dan Van Prooyen
Director of Advancement
and Community Relations
Dave Larsen
High School Principal
Clyde Rinsema
P-8 Principal
Tom Mulder
We welcome letters and comments to the editor, addressed to the school or by e-mail:
larsen@timothychristian.com.
P-8 Assistant Principal
Susan Schemper
Alumni are especially encouraged to submit news and photos.
We reserve the right to edit.
Advertising rates:
Please inform the school of any change of address by providing both the old and new
addresses.
Full page: $400
1/2 page: $225
1/4 page: $150
1/8 page: $75
Board of Directors
President
Bruce Van Heukelem
Grace Lutheran Church of River Forest
Attorney
Hoogendoorn & Talbot
Tim Bolt
Fellowship Reformed Church
Lombard
Senior Account Executive
Darwill Press
Vice President
Jan De Boer
Faith Christian Reformed Church
Elmhurst
Homemaker
Steven De Jong
Western Springs Christian Reformed
Church
Professor of Surgery
Loyola University Medical Center
Secretary
Don Engelsman
Lombard Christian Reformed Church
Vice President for Human Resources and
Risk Management
Rest Haven Christian Services
Dave De Vries
Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church
President
S.E.T. Environmental
Treasurer
Darrell Stremler
Chief Executive Officer
Du Page Medical Group
Financial Secretary
Robert Venhousen
Elmhurst
Vice President of Finance and
Human Resources
Darwill Press
Ben Hoekstra
Accountant
Ondeo Nalco
Flory Hoving
Elmhurst
Homemaker
Andrew Kranenborg
Developer-Wireless Network System
Group
Lucent Technologies
Bill Kuiper
Landscape Designer
Alan Horticultural Enterprise, Inc.
Howard Van Dyke
Chief Executive Officer
Darwill Press
Darl Leman
Christ Church of Oak Brook
Chief Operating Officer
Farrington Transportation
Herm Vander Naald
Elmhurst
Owner
Able Printing Service
J.D. Salazar
Founder and Owner
Champion Realty Advisors, LLC.
Cassie Swierenga
Homemaker and Artist
Tom Sytsma
Wheaton Christian Reformed Church
Roll-off Manager
Waste Management, Inc.
Sandy Tameling
Western Springs Christian Reformed
Church
Homemaker
Cindy Vander Woude
La Grange Presbyterian Church
Homemaker
Cynthia Veldman
Fountain of Life Church
Lombard
Consultant and Director
Phi Beta Data
R e f l e c t i o n
A r t i c l e
Gifted
by Dave Larsen
by Design
I
f you’d like to design the car of your dreams, any
number of manufacturer’s websites will accommodate
you. Choose the color, engine size, interior fabrics, and
options from an astonishing list of features. Don’t settle for
the basic model. There is always a way to improve on it.
What if we could do the same with children?
Most of us, I believe, would be opposed on ethical or
moral grounds to genetic engineering. But if chemical
enhancements could produce “designer children,” could
increase ACT scores or break long-held track records
without harm to our children, how tempted would we be
to use them in the name of excellence? Experimentation
may soon extend into the world of students. Perhaps even
Timothy students, if we are not careful.
A recent article in The Atlantic Monthly (April 2004)
presents a number of frightening scenarios about
contemporary parenting. In “The Case Against Perfection”
Michael J. Sandel considers the ethics of enhancement, and
carries the discussion far beyond the sports page debate about
why so many baseballs are ending up in McCovey Cove.
When Barry Bonds hits soaring home runs, how much can
be attributed to genes and how much, if any, to granules?
Even without the temptation of genetic enhancement, the
constant struggle for parents is between accepting and
celebrating giftedness (or even the lack of it), and the deliberate
engineering of the child’s environment and experiences for the
sake of improvement and peak performance. It moves parents
from their legitimate role of encouragers and developers into
the manipulative neighborhood of perfection engineers.
Sandel’s essay speaks to our contemporary urge for
improvement, enhancing performance, and consumer choice.
He sees children as the likely objects of this experimentation,
especially at the hands of parents who will go to great—and
sometimes dangerous—lengths to improve on giftedness.
It’s a question that many parents and schools ask: What is
that fine line between developing a child’s gifts and abilities
to their fullest and obsessing over enhancing and perfecting
their child at whatever cost? It’s an important question to
ask in our contemporary culture of power parenting.
We try to put the best Christlike teachers in front of our
students, we attempt to nurture creativity and curiosity
through meaningful curriculum and effective instruction, and
we strive to cooperate with Christian homes in the education
and faith development of students. Parents, likewise, want
the best for their children.
Yet can there be too much of a good thing? What if
controlling and shaping is out of control? Is there any room
for failure, and any merit in learning from it? Is there space
for dealing with disappointments? Is there an arena for living
life with appropriate humility and thankfulness? Before,
during and after our encouragement of individual gifts, we
ought to be the best at accepting students for who they are
and how they’ve been gifted.
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Reflector
SPRING 2004
Summer approaches, and with it comes the annual menu of
summer choices. At Timothy Christian Schools, we have our
own carefully developed schedule of academic and athletic
summer camps. Parents will be faced with the temptation
to over-program and make unrealistic demands on their
children. Let’s pray that together we will find that delicate
and healthy balance between encouraging our students to
be more, and the gracious acceptance of God’s image
bearers as they are.
As Sandel put it in the Atlantic article: “To believe that
our talents and powers are wholly our own doing is to
misunderstand our place in creation, to confuse our role
with God’s . . . To acknowledge the giftedness of life is to
recognize that our talents and powers are not wholly of
our own doing, despite the effort we expend to develop
and to exercise them. It is also to recognize that not
everything in the world is open to whatever use we
may desire or devise.”
It brings to mind the words of a famous historical
confession which grew out of the Protestant Reformation:
“. . . I am not my own, but belong—body and soul, in life
and in death—to my faithful Savior Jesus Christ.”
It also brings to mind several notions from Timothy’s
Mission and Vision Statement, directives which guide
our policy and decision making here:
“We reflect God’s kingdom by serving Christian families
from diverse economic and cultural backgrounds and
students who possess a wide range of abilities.”
It is important to understand the broad reach or natural
limits to the giftedness of our children. And we will always
remind our students (and parents) that gifts are never given
in isolation. They are given so that they may be returned—
in service to the God who gave them in the first place.
Dave Larsen
Director of Advancement
Corrections:
In the last issue of the Reflector we inadvertently
missed listing student Julia Moran in the photo
credits. And in the reprint of the article from the
Elmhurst Independent newspaper about the New
to You Resale Shop, the revenue generated is, on
average, $1,200 per day, not per week as stated,
and the portion to be distributed by Timothy
to its parents does not go to need-based
scholarships. The money will be distributed
equally on a per student basis.
And . . .
“We develop and encourage the gifts and talents of one
another to serve Christ and renew His creation.”
There may be a sense of satisfaction in designing your
own car. There is also a great deal of satisfaction in
recognizing and accepting a gift that is nothing of your
own design or merit.
SPRING 2004
Reflector
5
F e a t u r e
A r t i c l e
Early Elementary Education at Timothy Christian Schools
The Timothy
by Barbara Van Kampen Snella
and Ruth Harkema
Preschool Program
T
he Timothy preschool program benefits from caring,
veteran teachers. Ruth Harkema has taught preschool
since 1974 for Western Suburbs Christian School and
Timothy. Sandy De Boer is in her 19th year at Timothy. Deb
Lanenga taught first grade for two years and preschool for
15 years at Timothy.
Ruth began the preschool in Western Springs as a way of
increasing a dwindling enrollment. Her first curriculum was
based on ideas from her children’s preschool, what she felt
was appropriate for young children, and what she learned
from reading early childhood curriculum books. When
Timothy opened a preschool at its Elmhurst campus, Ruth
returned to school to learn more about early childhood
development and curriculum.
Preschool teacher Deb Laninga
measures heights against the
Emperor Penguin chart
6
Reflector
SPRING 2004
Spend any amount of time with her, and it is clear that Ruth
directs the preschool with wisdom and heart.
“As all of us have learned more early childhood development
and education through class work, early childhood workshops,
and reading, Timothy’s preschool curriculum has become
more appropriate for young children’s concrete thinking,”
Ruth says. “We work to provide hands on, open ended,
process-oriented activities for children, activities to give
children opportunities to develop a sense of wonder about
God’s world and thinking skills.”
Preschool is a very busy place, filled with eagerness and
activity. Over time, the curriculum and instructional system has
changed. “We have recently begun using the Project Approach,”
Harkema says. “In this work children find answers to their
own questions, make sense of their experiences, solve
problems, and represent what they have learned in art work
and words. Children’s creativity and reasoning abilities are
stimulated. To develop literacy and a love of reading, we share
good literature with the children, ask them open-ended
question, and use books with rhyming words and predictable
phrases to help them build awareness of the sounds in the
words. We encourage them to bring books from our preschool
library home to read with their parents.”
Children build math thinking in the block areas, at the light
table, in the art area, and by using small manipulatives as
they sort, pattern, measure, and put objects in order.
Research shows that socially successful children are also
successful learners so the teachers work to support children
in dramatic play areas as they learn to negotiate with each
other to solve problems.
Preschool teacher Sandy De Boer consoles a student
Currently the preschool program has 20 children in each of
three classes, 19 in the fourth. The National Association for
the Education of Young Children recommends a ratio of 1:7
up to 1:10 children in a group. Smaller class sizes would
create opportunities for more in depth interactions with each
child. There are two teachers in each class, an excellent high
school volunteer in our morning classes, a grandmother
volunteer one day a week, and occasionally parent
volunteers. Volunteers in the classroom or preparing
materials outside of the classroom give teachers more time to
observe and interact with children, and extend their activities.
The preschool staff is very appreciative of the support and
interest shown by parents. “Involved parents are very
important to the success of children in school,” according
to Ruth. “They help children master the transitions from
home to school and encourage a love of learning by reading
with children, by being excited about their children’s school
activities, and by assisting during our project work. We
could not do project work without parents.”
The preschool staff works to create a safe loving
environment by respecting children as individuals, with
individual needs. They help children learn how to interact
appropriately with each other, solve problems, and develop
caring concern for each other. Every attempt is made to
keep the environment and materials safe for children too.
Preschool Director Ruth Harkema knows the value of hugs!
It is extremely important to notice and work with the
individual abilities and gifts of each child. The preschool
program does not look at children as behind or ahead of
their classes, but tries to create activities or adjust
expectations to meet their needs.
The preschool also involves our learning specialists
Lynda Kleyn and Francis Wright, and counselor,
Cathy Schuurman, seeking insights on how best to
meet individual children’s needs. Children with sensory
integration needs are provided weighted pencils, easels or
slanted surfaces on which to write, occupational therapist
recommended methods of writing, special seats and weights
to use, visual schedules, social story cue cards, and repeated
activities to gain mastery. Some of these materials are used
with the whole class because most children benefit by using
more than one of their senses in an activity.
Sandy De Boer likes teaching at Timothy because it gives
her an opportunity to tell Bible stories and share the Gospel
with children, and through them with parents who may not
be familiar with the Word of God. She enjoys the attitude,
helpfulness, camaraderie, and caring concern of other
Christian teachers.
SPRING 2004
Reflector
7
F e a t u r e
A r t i c l e
The Kindergarten
Museum
by Faith Schoon, kindergarten teacher
Teacher Deb Laninga shows students the wonders of magnets
Ruth Harkema believes that children are a gift of God
to their parents and she is privileged to be part of their
education. She enjoys creating experiences to nurture
children’s sense of wonder about God’s world and love
of learning. She enjoys the strong sense of community
among our teachers, the dedication of the teachers to
their students and to the school and appreciates being
able to share the joys and work on the challenges of
teaching with Christian friends on the staff.
Deb Lanenga also enjoys the opportunities to share
Christian values with both the young children and their
parents. She loves meeting parents new to our school and
our beliefs and enjoys seeing their desire to keep their
children in our school system because of the people and
atmosphere of love that they find here at Timothy.
There are still openings for the 2004-2005 school year in
the afternoon classes. To enroll in preschool a child must
be three years old and toilet trained. Parents desiring
more information about the program are encouraged to
call the school office to arrange for a conversation and
tour of the facilities.
We are grateful for the trust placed in Timothy with these
“little ones in the faith,” and for the expert teaching and
loving care demonstrated each day by our preschool staff.
8
Reflector
SPRING 2004
In March the kindergarten visits the Field Museum of
Natural History. Before the visit the classes look at
pictures of the museum and discuss the purpose of a
museum. The children learn that some museums are
for pictures like the ones the picture lady brings to the
classroom. Some museums are for very old things and
some are for things that tell about animals and nature.
The children look at maps of the Field museum and talk
about the exhibits they would like to see. Each field trip
group writes an itinerary that serves as a guide for their
visit to the museum. Room parents carry back packs
with the children’s museum journals so the children can
write about the exhibits they see.
The next day at school the
children write about the field
trip and draw some pictures
to illustrate their writing.
Teachers Faith Schoon,
Becky Vander Naald, and
Sonja Vander Wal place
books in the classroom
libraries that tell more about
the exhibits the children have
seen. Often there will be
some natural artifacts in the
classroom science center.
Mrs York and her son
stand by his contribution
to the museum
Meredith VanDenBerg
explores her
museum display
Parents and grandparents attend the Museum opening
As the classes discuss their experiences the teacher suggests
making a museum of their own in the classroom. The
children begin by selecting a topic and finding a book that
will help them with their research. Topics usually include
dinosaurs, fossils, mummies, ancient Egypt, gem stones,
volcanoes, Native Americans, Native Alaskans, mammals,
birds and fish. Students in the fifth grade work with the
kindergarteners to help them read about their topic and
identify at least five interesting facts about their topic.
Then the study teams draw up a plan for the student’s
exhibits. Each exhibit begins with a plan for the
background and foreground. The fifth grade study
partners help the kindergarteners think about what
they will need and how their exhibit will look.
After the planning stage of the project is complete, the
kindergarteners spend quite a bit of time painting
backgrounds, sculpting animals or other objects for the
foreground and arranging the items for their exhibits in a
box bottom. The final piece of the process is the exhibit
label which uses the facts researched by the study team.
The kindergarteners dictate the label information to their
teachers. As this second stage of the project winds down the
kindergarteners begin to transform their classrooms into a
museum by designating areas for certain types of exhibits,
creating signage and designing maps. Sometimes ticket
booths are set up in the doorway of some classrooms using
handmade tickets and real money.
McKenna Byrne displays her research on gems
every family is represented and many families are able to
bring grandparents. The families tour all three kindergarten
classrooms. Pictures, comments by the children and other
samples of the work done for the museum are used for
“history” boards for the hallway. After the official opening
of the museum, visitors, especially the study partners,
teachers, and first graders are encouraged to come for a
visit. The museum closes in about a week, but the pictures
and narrative of the children’s work remain displayed on
the story boards in the hallway. The children and many
adults enjoy revisiting the museum project.
The kindergarten program at Timothy Christian Schools is
Biblically-based, developmentally appropriate, academically
challenging, and child-centered. The museum project is an
example of the integration of individual, small group, and
whole group instruction.
Busing and a hot lunch program are available. Our teachers
are state certified and have earned the Masters Degree in
Early Childhood Education. For more information, or to
arrange a tour, please call the school office.
Kindergarten teachers Faith Schoon,
Becky Vander Naald, and Sonja Vander Wal
The final step of the process is to write an invitation to
parents and family to come to the evening open house. The
children dictate their ideas to the teacher and she makes a
copy for each child.
On the evening of the open house the children stand by
their exhibits and answer questions for the visitors. Almost
SPRING 2004
Reflector
9
C a m p u s
N e w s
Timothy Auditorium Becomes the Huizenga
Auditorium
By action of the Timothy Board of Directors on January 17,
2000 the Timothy Auditorium was named the Huizenga
Auditorium to honor and recognize models of service and
devotion to Christian education. This recognition is given to
four women of the Huizenga family: Elizabeth Bovenkerk
Huizenga, Jennie Sterenberg Huizenga, Bertha Wezeman
Huizenga, and Tena Huizenga. Each of these women, in
her own quiet and humble way, advanced the mission of
Timothy Christian Schools through leadership, volunteerism
and stewardship. Together they represent hundreds of
women and men whose vision for Christian education
helped shape and sustain Timothy Christian Schools.
When she and Tom married, they moved to Cicero,
Illinois. Jennie was widowed in 1945, and raised four
children who, with their children, remember Jennie as a
woman who lived her faith and loved Christian education,
especially Timothy Christian Schools.
Bertha Wezeman Huizenga
Bertha Wezeman Huizenga was born in Chicago on January
5, 1899. She married Sam Huizenga on November 17, 1920
in Chicago, Illinois. While raising five children, Bertha was a
businesswoman ahead of her time as she also managed a disposal business. Bertha was a woman of faith who delighted in
sacred choral music as a vehicle for her faith’s expression. She
especially enjoyed the choirs of Timothy Christian Schools.
Treintje (Tena) Huizenga
A plaque recognizing these women, and a companion plaque
describing Timothy’s Mission and Vision, will be on display
at the Annual Society Meeting, Thursday, May 27.
What follows is background information on the women who
represent not only a family, but a generation that shaped and
supported Timothy Christian Schools.
Elizabeth Bovenkerk Huizenga
Elizabeth Bovenkerk Huizenga was born in Chicago,
Illinois on September 28, 1911. She married Peter Huizenga
on March 28, 1933 in Chicago. Betty attended Wheaton
College, and later met Peter while both were attending
Chicago Junior College. Her love for Christian education
and the Fountain of Life Church helped form a cooperative
arrangement for the construction of the Timothy
Auditorium, and was a focal point for her stewardship. In
1991 the Timothy Board of Directors recognized Elizabeth
as a “Distinguished Friend of Timothy,” in part because of
her “sponsorship and leadership in the building programs of
Timothy Christian Schools.”
Jennie Sterenberg Huizenga
Jennie Sterenberg Huizenga was born in Chicago, Illinois
on December 22, 1901. She married Tom Huizenga on
October 26, 1927 in Chicago. Jennie grew up on a farm
that is now the location of Chicago’s Midway Airport.
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Reflector
SPRING 2004
Tena Huizenga was born in Chicago, Illinois on February 26,
1907. Her grade school years were spent at Ebenezer
Christian School. Inspired by God’s Spirit, the preaching
of Rev. John Van Lonkhuyzen, and the missionary zeal of
Johanna Veenstra, Tena felt God’s call to become a medical
missionary. She received a diploma from the Chicago Mission
Training School, her nursing diploma from Garfield Park
Hospital, and graduated from Moody Bible Institute in 1935.
Tena served seventeen years in the Nigerian mission field with
the Sudan United Mission and the Christian Reformed
Church. It was Tena’s estate bequest of $28,000 in 1978 that
began the Timothy Foundation, which today funds faculty
research and provides tuition assistance support.
“Thanks!” to Schoolpop.com Shoppers
We thank those faithful web shoppers who do so through
www.schoolpop.com. Rebates are returned to Timothy
Christian Schools for our general fund. It’s quick, easy,
painless, and a direct help to the school. Our most recent
rebates came from merchants such as Barnes & Noble,
Eddie Bauer, J. Jill, Lands’ End, and Wal-Mart. Visit the
website, register for Timothy, and do your on-line shopping
with an added benefit.
Open House Stories
Board member Bob Venhousen, whose wife Sherri teaches
in the Discovery Program, wrote with these interesting
observations on the February Campus Open House.
“Our family had two ‘God Sightings’ relative to the open
house this past weekend. Saturday, my son Justin went for a
haircut in Lombard. The person who cut his hair (Sue) was
going to attend Sunday’s open house. As they were talking
she found out that Justin attended Timothy. She had a chance
to hear first hand from a student. Justin has told us more
than once how much he appreciates our school so I’m sure he
gave Timothy a good reference from a student’s perspective.
Sunday morning we noticed a new couple in the narthex
waiting for the service to begin. We introduced ourselves.
We asked what brought them to our church. They said that
they were attending the open house and they wanted to
check out the Reformed faith so they came to our church
first. They currently attend a Bible Church. They seemed
very enthusiastic about the day. God brought these prospective parents together with a Timothy teacher and a Timothy
board member. God’s hand was evident before and I’m sure
during and after the Open House. It’s amazing to see how
He orchestrates these events for His purposes.
God is good!”
Timothy Parent Featured in the Daily Herald
A recent article in the Daily Herald
featured Timothy parent Chelcie
Ross, an actor who has appeared in
44 films, made dozens of TV
appearances, and is the voice-over
for many commercials, including
the Chicago Blackhawk’s radio
spots. The article profiled his characters in sports films, including
Hoosiers, Major League, and Rudy,
Parent Chelcie Ross
where he played Notre Dame coach
Dan Devine. He will appear in the upcoming film
Uncle Nino with Joe Mantegna. This past fall he assisted
in the Timothy production of Father of the Bride.
NCA Update, by Sue Schemper, Chairperson, NCA
Steering Committee
We continue to make progress as we proceed with our ongoing school improvement as set forth by the North Central
Accreditation (NCA) Association. Each teacher serves on a
committee that meets to plan, implement and, monitor
progress on our three school goals. The goals are as follows:
All students will improve
1. their reading comprehension.
2. their ability to reason.
3. their ability to understand, interpret and
apply a Reformed Christian perspective.
Our plan for making improvements in these three curricular
areas was evaluated and approved by a team of expert
advisors. The chairperson of this visiting team is Harriet
Potoka, Principal of Daystar School in Chicago. Other team
members include Dan Beerens, Curriculum Coordinator of
Holland Christian Schools in Michigan, Dan VanderArk,
Executive Director of Christian Schools International, and
David Abler, Director of Curriculum and Assessment of
Illinois Math and Science Academy in Batavia, Illinois.
We anticipate making several improvements that will impact
the curriculum, instruction and even schedule during the
next three years. Some of the improvements may include:
1. Changed or improved curriculum.
2. Additional or enhanced classes.
3. Improved methods of instruction.
4. A summer reading program.
5. Focused questions, discussion and assessment, tied to
critical thinking skills.
6. Integration of faith and learning.
7. Additional time for professional development of teachers.
The support, encouragement and participation of our NCA
visiting team, steering committee, education committee,
administration and especially the teachers, has been
outstanding. We are truly working together to make
Timothy a better place for our students as they seek to
become academically prepared Christian disciples with a
calling for a life of service beyond Timothy.
SPRING 2004
Reflector
11
S u p p o r t
G r o u p
N e w s
Moms In Touch
E
very Friday morning during the school year, about
ten to fifteen mothers of Timothy students gather
for prayer. The sessions begin at 8:30 am and are
held in the high school conference room. Child care is
provided in the Faith Christian Reformed Church by
Timothy Christian High School students who do this as
part of their service project. The mothers spend an entire
hour praying for their children, the students, faculty, and
staff of Timothy Christian Schools.
The Moms In Touch group at Timothy is part of an
international program started in British Columbia by Fern
Nichols in 1984. She felt the need for prayer when two of
her children entered junior high school. She said, “My
heart cried out to the Lord asking Him to protect them,
enable them to see clearly the difference between right
and wrong, and to make good decisions.” (Moms In
Touch leaders’ booklet). This burden led Nichols to
contact a friend who shared her concerns. From this
humble beginning, a group of mothers formed a prayer
by Paul Eldersveld
group, and now Moms In Touch
prayer groups are found in Canada,
the United States, and in several
other countries around the world.
The purpose of Moms In Touch is:
• To stand in the gap for our children through prayer.
• To pray that our children will receive Jesus as Lord and
Savior, then stand boldly in their faith.
• To pray for teachers and staff.
• To pray that teachers, administrative staff, and students
would come to faith in Jesus Christ.
• To pray that our schools may be directed by biblical
values and high moral standards.
• To be an encouragement and a positive support
to our schools.
• To provide support and encouragement to moms who
carry heavy burdens for their children
(Moms In Touch leaders’ booklet).
Moms gather in the high school conference room each Friday
12
Reflector
SPRING 2004
Prayer support praises God and blesses Timothy
Every prayer session is organized around four components:
praise, confession, thanksgiving, and intercession. The
praise portion begins with the attendees reading several
passages from Scripture. This prompts offerings of praise
and lays the foundation for everything that follows. The
confession component consists of a silent confession of sin
by each group member, and then each member is given the
opportunity to give thanks for answers to specific prayers
and evidence of God’s blessing. During intercession,
members break into groups of two or three for prayer. Each
mom’s prayer places her child and a selected teacher in the
context of Scripture so that, “the power of God’s Word
drives out anxiety and fear and produces faith in us.”
(Moms In Touch leader’s booklet). Finally, prayers of
intercession are offered for students, staff, and family
members of the school constituency. Throughout this
entire process, each member of the group is encouraged to
participate in prayer, either silently or aloud, and to feel the
support of the Spirit as well as each member of the group.
Since Timothy is a private Christian school, Moms In
Touch enjoys a supportive relationship with the school and
is allowed to meet on the school campus. In addition, the
group receives written prayer requests from parents, staff
members and students. Each request for prayer is carefully
and diligently attended to during the prayer session. While
praying, each member of the group conscientiously adheres
to one of the most important principles of Moms In Touch:
confidentiality. Without exception each member abides by
the motto, “What is prayed here, stays here.”
You are welcome to join this important ministry of praying
for your children and the work of Timothy by attending the
Friday sessions. For more information on the Timothy
chapter of Moms In Touch, contact Doris Connolly
(630-832-9310) or Denise Baptista (630-279-9439).
SPRING 2004
Reflector
13
S u p p o r t
G r o u p
N e w s
The “New to You”
by Ardy Iwema and Marianne Tigchelaar
Resale Shop
As regular Reflector readers know, the “New to You”
Resale Shop is a combined effort of four Christian
Schools: Timothy Christian, Chicago Westside Christian,
Humboldt Community Christian and Daystar. It is a
non-profit organization governed by a board which
reports to the Timothy Christian School Board of Directors.
The New to You Board includes representatives of all
four schools. It is run entirely by volunteers, with the
exception of Collette Valrie, the manager of the store.
Allow us to take you on a guided tour. When you enter
the store, you will see murals depicting each school’s
setting and mission on your immediate left. In front of
you is our “boutique section” which features designer
clothes. These items are priced individually, unique for
this part of the operation. All other clothing items have a
set price. For example, in the other clothing sections you
may find a dress for $ 7.00 or a sweater for $3.50. All
the items that fall in those categories—and there are
many more—would be sold for that price. On the wall
by the dressing rooms in the very center of the store you
will find a big poster board, depicting all these categories
of clothing and the corresponding prices.
Surrounding the centrally located clothing section are the
furniture, houseware, jewelry and other accessories,
electronic equipment, sporting goods, toys, and much more!
When store manager, Collette Valrie, was asked why she
thought the store was a valuable addition to the school
communities and the community of Broadview, she
answered, “Seeing the joy on the face of a person, who
finds an excellent piece of clothing for a great price, is a
real blessing. It also gives us an opportunity to spread
God’s word among this specific community and I believe
it gives people a real sense of security, knowing they are
in a Christian store.”
And why do the volunteers do what they do? There seems
to be a whole host of reasons, as we found out when we
asked them.
Some started out volunteering because they felt it was
their duty, never thinking they would be blessed by
this work as well. As they found out, they really
enjoyed working here, meeting new people and
knowing that everyone works toward a
common goal! As one volunteer put it,
“I have always volunteered at my child’s
school, which was certainly closer to
home, but it is great to come here,
working with different people and
being given a specific job, which
might be different every time
you work here. Unless you
want the same job!”
14
Reflector
SPRING 2004
Volunteers wait at the check
out counter for the doors to
open for customers
Others said they loved meeting new people, the idea of
serving others, having fellowship with fellow Christians and
being part of this community. Still others see it as a true
blessing in their lives, since it gives them a great sense of
purpose and the feeling they are doing something worthwhile.
Mary Latal, one of the most faithful volunteers, sums it
up. “It keeps your mind and body moving. I love working
here and meeting wonderful Christian people. It is also
great to know that you are serving the community and
that this store makes people happy.”
Jeff Boerman says he likes to volunteer on Fridays and
Saturdays and loves meeting all the people—he serves as
the official Wal-Mart style greeter of the store—and
knowing he does this for a good cause.
Customers find their way through the displays
Ginger Swierenga commented that it is fun and that she
likes seeing all the people. She also likes the goal we are
working towards. Not only do we raise funds for the four
Christian schools involved, but it also serves a purpose in
the community.
After reading these comments you might wonder what
you could do if you decided to be a volunteer. Every day
the ideal number of volunteers would be 16, divided up
as follows:
2
1
1
1
1
3
1
3
1
1
1
Does the store regularly have that ideal number of 16?
At times yes, at times no. Especially in the afternoons the
store very often has to make do with fewer volunteers. So
if you see anything that might appeal to you in the list of
jobs and could give some of your time and energy to
volunteer for this fun and worthwhile opportunity, your
help would be greatly appreciated.
Now that the weather is getting better many more
customers will soon be coming to see this great operation!
Join the growing number of volunteers who have found
this to be a meaningful experience for a great, united
witness in Christian education.
cashiers
wrapper
greeter
floorwalker
sales assistant
sorters
furniture sales person
receivers (backroom)
floater
stocker
outdoor detail
This mural, produced by Jim Hartgerink and his art students, represents the unity and diversity
of the four Christian schools supported by the Resale Shop
SPRING 2004
Reflector
15
E l e m e n t a r y
S c h o o l
N e w s
The following devotional was given by elementary school
teacher Ellen Dec to the Preschool-Middle School faculty on
March 9, 2004:
I was blessed with 25 eager, curious 2nd graders that year.
We had a great year living and learning together for God’s
glory. As I planted bulbs one at a time, I wondered how,
when, and where these children would bloom. I prayed that
God would help me to develop them academically and to
encourage their gifts.
As I complete my 11th year at Timothy Christian Schools,
my heart is filled with gratitude. I say with the Psalmist in
Psalm 107:
One of the privileges of teaching in a PK-12 school system is
that I have been able to follow these students’ achievements
as they moved from grade to grade.
Faculty Devotional Focuses on the Blessings of
Watching Students Grow
“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.”
This is a special year for me because my first class of 2nd
graders is now Timothy seniors, soon to be graduating as the
class of 2004.
I came back to teaching full-time in September of 1993.
What was going on then? It was George Tamminga’s last
year as principal, colleague Kelly Lenarz was in high school,
colleague Nancy Wierenga was in grade school, and the
Bulls were in the midst of their first three-peat.
Here’s a short list of bloomings that I’ve sighted:
Peter Groenewold: He had a passion for math and science
and always brought math riddles for the class to solve. Peter
is currently on the WYSE and Scholastic Bowl teams, winning first place in a physics and computer competition and
third place in toss-up leaders.
Allison Vander Naald: In 2nd grade she loved to use artistic
means to show what she learned. She recently received silver
medals in photography and digital imagery in the Scholastic
Art Awards.
Mark Bonnes: Mark was a master of debate already in 2nd
grade. Mark is on the State Champion Mock Trial team.
Sarah Engbers: Sarah had a passion for writing in 2nd grade.
She recently took 2nd place in a writing contest in the Banner
with a moving essay entitled “Mysteries Now Solved.”
Angela Cole: Angela did a great dance for my 2nd grade talent show. She sings and dances each year in the Black
History assembly. She plans to major in performance art at
Columbia College in Chicago.
Teacher Ellen Dec
16
Reflector
SPRING 2004
Behind me are six of the students that were in my first class
here. Seventeen students are still here at Timothy from that
class. I would like to tell you how much I appreciate you
coming here today. All of us here will continue to pray for
you as you leave Timothy to continue your academic and
spiritual journey that God has planned for you.
Now these students would like to tell you about their plans
for the fall and also acknowledge some specific teachers.
(A summary of their comments follow.)
Jackie Hoekstra is going to Calvin College to major in
Elementary Education. She spoke to Mrs. Vander Naald, her
kindergarten teacher, and thanked her for making each and
every school day fun and for sparking her curiosity. She said
she never wanted to go home at the end of the school day!
Nicole Slager is going to Lincoln College to major in
Pharmacy. She addressed her thoughts to Mrs. Ellefsen and
her constantly cheerful mood. She loved the way that Mrs.
Ellefsen helped them to memorize Bible verses and passages.
Calvin Hoving is going to De Vry Institute, and spoke to
Mr. Vander Naald, mentioning specific science experiments
and the light box that he made in 5th grade.
Sarah Engbers is headed to Trinity Christian College to
major in special education. She spoke to Mr. Bosman, and
thanked him for special times of prayer during a year in
which some students’ parents had died. She also recognized
Mr. Huizinga for being her basketball coach and for helping
her to enjoy science more than she ever had.
Justin Venhousen is leaning toward Calvin College to major
in Business. He spoke to both Mr. Powers and Mr. Le Grand,
thanking them for the great impact they both had on him as
they coached him in basketball. He deeply appreciated their
emphasis on integrity and the priority to be placed on his
relationship to God and family.
Bulbs planted. Bulbs blooming and growing stronger. Praise
God for the privilege of being here to see it and to be part of
a team of colleagues who see things the same way.
Second Grade students raised $189 of their own money for the
“Bibles for Kenya” program
Children Caring for Children
The 2nd Grade Classes recently completed studying the
countries of Kenya, China and Australia. As a way to
challenge the students to serve in their global community
(one of Timothy’s vision statements), the teachers gave the
children the opportunity to donate some of their own
money to a program called “Children Caring for Children,”
a ministry of the Bible League.
The “Children Caring for Children” program has two
primary goals. The first is to educate children as to the value
of Scripture and its importance as an evangelistic tool. The
second is to give children an opportunity to participate in a
project that will bring other children into a relationship with
Jesus Christ.
The 2nd graders eagerly responded to the challenge by
donating $189 of their own money! The money given for
this program will be used to print, ship, and place Scripture
pieces for children in Kenya.
Federal Funds Support Professional Development
Elementary and Middle Schools principal Tom Mulder
reports that this school year, using $13,767.00 of federal
Title II funds, we sponsored one professional development
speaker, Dr. Gerald Nosich, of the Foundation for Critical
Thinking, and sent 34 faculty members to 13 professional
conferences, focusing on the areas of reading and reasoning.
SPRING 2004
Reflector
17
M i d d l e
S c h o o l
N e w s
Members of the Middle School Public Speaking Class rehearse
their radio show
On the Air!
8th Grade Basketball Highlights
In March, the Middle School Public Speaking Class visited
the Back to God Hour recording studio to record a radio
theater. Visit our website (PreK-8th, MS Public Speaking) to
view more photos of their experience.
Congratulations to our 8th Grade Basketball Teams! Both
the 8th grade Girls and Boys finished first in their league.
Saturday, February 21 was “All-Basketball” Day for the
8th Grade Girls Team. At the Illiana Tournament, they
watched the 8th grade boys play and win in the morning.
The girls played and won in the afternoon. Then they
headed out to Naperville where they had courtside seats to
watch the Chicago Blaze, a professional women’s basketball team (NWBL). The Timothy girls wore their uniforms
to the game. During halftime, they provided the entertainment by having a “team” scrimmage against each other in
front of the crowd. The girls also helped during the game
by serving water to the players on the bench and wiping
up wet spots on the court. The Chicago Blaze won, even
without Tamika Catchings, their WNBA Star, who was
practicing with the Olympic team.
The Snake in the Grass . . . or Tied to the Tracks
This year’s Middle School play The Snake in the Grass, was
an old fashioned melodrama by Tim Kelly. The audience
boisterously cheered the hero and booed the villain as these
characters vied for the hand of our heroine Dakota Melody.
Villian Silas Snakebreath attempts to charm Dakota
Melody in the Middle School melodrama
18
8th grade girls basketball team members on the sidelines at the
Blaze game
Reflector
SPRING 2004
H i g h
S c h o o l
N e w s
Girls Varsity Basketball Team
Girls Basketball Team Advances to Sectional
Semi-Final Nail-Biter
The Girls’ varsity basketball team ended their season with a
heart-breaking one-point loss in the Sectional Semi-Final.
The game was close from beginning to end, with neither
team being able to pull away. The score was tied going into
the 4th quarter, but the Latin School prevailed. Jana Lucas
led all scorers with 22 points, and Brandi McNeil added 10,
with Wendy Zigterman scoring 9. In a year when only
3 players returned from last season, a year which many
considered a “rebuilding” year, the Trojans ended with a
season record of 23-5, losing only one conference game.
Congratulations to head coach Jill Groenewold, assistant
coach Ken Carwell and a wonderful varsity girls’ team
on a great year.
College Visits the High School
Seen in the halls of the high school this spring: a class of 15
adults from the College of Du Page on a field trip to our
photography exhibit. Their professor wanted the students in
his photography class to see quality, artistic photography.
Congratulations to teachers John Harkema and Jim
Hartgerink, and to the students for their outstanding
and exemplary work.
State Champion Mock Trial Team
Mock Trial Team Takes State Championship Again
For an unprecedented third year in a row, Timothy’s Mock
Trial team came home with another state championship in
Springfield, defeating quality programs and schools such as
Oak Park-River Forest and Rockford Boylan. The next step
is a trip to national competition in Orlando, Florida
Mother’s Day weekend.
Coach Scott Roelofs was impressed with the very demanding
level of competition again this year, and had high praise for
his team. “If this were a state championship basketball
game, one turnover would be the end of your run. We had
no turnovers.”
Timothy defeated Rockford Boylan Central Catholic in
the first round, and then Springfield Chatham-Glenwood.
The top eight teams then entered the final round, which
pitted Timothy against Oak Park-River Forest. The final
standings had Oak Park-River Forest and St. Charles East
tied for third, Rockford Boylan second, and Timothy as
State Champion!
Congratulations to Coach Roelofs, advisers Cathy McNeil
Stein and Grant Dixon, and the outstanding students who
represented Timothy this weekend! The next Reflector will
profile the results of the national tournament.
SPRING 2004
Reflector
19
H i g h
S c h o o l
N e w s
Student Named to All-State Academic Team
Wendy
Zigterman
Senior Wendy Zigterman has been named to
the Illinois High School Association All-State
Academic Team. Twenty-six outstanding
young people attending Illinois High School
Association (IHSA) member schools were
named recently to this Ninth Annual IHSA
All-State Academic Team.
“Selection for the All-State Academic Team is a tremendous
recognition of a student’s academic performance, and also of
the student’s demonstration of character and citizenship,”
said IHSA Executive Director Marty Hickman. “Competition
for this recognition is intense and selection certainly recognizes team members as truly outstanding young people.”
Nominations for 475 seniors were received. The All-State
Academic Team includes one male and one female senior
student from each of the seven (7) IHSA Board of Directors
statewide geographic divisions, plus 12 at large selections.
Another 50 students earned honorable mention.
To be eligible for consideration for selection to the team, a
student in an IHSA member school must have a minimum
Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 3.5 on a 4.0 scale
after the seventh semester. Nominees must have participated
in at least two (2) IHSA-sponsored activities (athletics and/or
non-athletics) during the last two school years, and must
have demonstrated outstanding citizenship during his/her
high school career. Each IHSA member school could nominate one male and one female student.
Wendy doesn’t limit her unselfish nature to just the nine
months of an average school year. She makes it a twelvemonths-a-year lifestyle, dedicated to the service of others.
Her high school principal Clyde Rinsema says, “Wendy’s
ascendancy to president of Student Council indicates that
many students recognize and appreciate the mature presence
she brings to Timothy Christian. Also in smaller groups she
is a leader, captaining her varsity teams, coaching her peers
in summer leagues, and most impressively showing patience
and enthusiasm for younger kids by serving as a summer
school sports camp counselor.”
20
Reflector
SPRING 2004
Wendy is truly a rarity in our world: a young woman who
is as comfortable singing in the Honors Choir as passing
the baton to a teammate in the
3200-meter relay state finals.
She is an example of tremendous
perseverance and dedication. She
was a WYSE regional participant
in chemistry, math, and served on
the yearbook staff, homecoming
court, and fine arts committee.
She is an active member of her
church youth group and spent a
week last summer on a Serve
Wendy Zigterman
Project in North Carolina.
Congratulations, Wendy!
W.Y.S.E. Champs
Congratulations to the
WYSE Team (Worldwide
Youth in Science and
Engineering) for the first
place finish in Regional
Competition, held at
Triton College. Timothy
took home six individual
1st Place finishes in the
different categories! Visit
our website home page for
link to a complete listing
of winners.
W.Y.S.E. team looking up
The team went on to take second place in Sectional
Competition at North Central College. The team placed
fourth in state competition on April 20th at ChampaignUrbana. Individual winners were: Deb Denby, 2nd Place in
English; Dan Smith, 2nd Place in Computer Science; Eric
Boomsma, 2nd Place in Physics; Peter Groenewold, 3rd Place
in Physics; Ben Post, 3rd Place in Math; Brad Huizinga,
3rd Place in Tie Drafting; Aaron Lammers, 3rd Place in
Tie Drafting. Congratulations to all the students and to
coach Carlton Rink!
Valentine Dinner for Care Net Pregnancy Centers a
Resounding Success
Coach Carlton Rink and the Varsity Scholastic Bowl Team
Scholastic Bowl Team Rolls On
Principal Clyde Rinsema reports that the Varsity Scholastic
Bowl Team finished their season with a record of 30-10.
They finished third in regular season conference play and
third in the Conference Tournament. Congratulations to
Ben Post and Deb Denby who were name to the AllSectional team. The Frosh/Soph team ended its season
with a 23-6 record. They finished second in regular season
conference play and second in the conference tournament.
Zoe Voulgarakis led the team with 114 tossups.
Congratulations to the students and coaches Carlton Rink
and Debbie Van Prooyen.
Coach Deb Van Prooyen and Junior Varsity Scholastic Bowl Team
The Timothy Christian High School Drama
Club and Student Ministries Committee
joined on February 12th to support Care Net
Pregnancy Centers with the first ever
Valentine Dinner Theater. The ambience
of a romantic Venetian café coupled with a
Care Net
fabulous dinner catered by several favorite
Pregnancy
area restaurants including Braxton Grill and
Center display
Simon’s made for a memorable evening.
Timothy Drama Club performed two one act
plays, A Marriage Proposal by Anton Chekhov starring
Desmond Gray, Elise Anderson and Andrew Ziegler and
Where Have All the Lightening Bugs Gone? by Louis E.
Catron starring Jana Meulink and Dante Pope.
The cast curtain call at the Care
Net Dinner Theater
With the food, talent and
time donated, all funds
raised went directly to
support Care Net
Pregnancy Centers in their
continuing work in promoting, equipping and
developing pregnancy
resource centers throughout the U.S. and Canada.
Drama Club Sponsor Tom Day reported,
“We ended up having a capacity crowd,
all the promised food donated by area
restaurants showed up on time, about 30
energetic kids volunteered to serve and set
up, the dinner was wonderful, the plays
were really well done and well received by
Students serve
the 120 in attendance, and $2796.00 was
Dinner Theater
donated to support Care Net. Thanks to all
guests
who came and showed their support! We
would also like to express our gratitude to the following
businesses who donated food, flowers or supplies: Angelo’s
Ristorante and Banquets, Braxton Seafood Grill, Jewel Food
Stores, Lawrence’s Fisheries, Marino’s Pizzeria and Italian
Cafe, Pfund and Clint Florists, and Simon’s Restaurant.”
SPRING 2004
Reflector
21
T i m o t h y
F o u n d a t i o n
N e w s
Stewardship Planning: One Couple’s Story
Timothy constituents Cal and
Grace Walstra tell this story of
stewardship planning through
the Barnabas Foundation.
Timothy Christian Schools is a
member of this organization,
and we can help you develop
Cal and Grace Walstra
your story of thoughtful charitable giving. Simply contact
Dave Larsen to work out the details of this free service.
The following story is reprinted with the expressed permission of the Barnabas Foundation, Tinley Park, Illinois.
Challenge Your Children to Be Good Stewards Using
Barnabas’ Resources
When asked what motivates their charitable giving, Cal
Walstra enthusiastically responds, “Grace and I give to
Christian ministries as a way of giving back some of what
we’ve received and expressing appreciation for the greatest
gift of all.”
Cal spent 40 years in the insurance business starting his
career with an insurance company in the Midwest and concluding it with his own company, Walstra & Associates in
Wheaton, IL. In the year 2000, he sold his company to an
employee and retired.
The Walstra’s have worked with their accountant and
Barnabas® Foundation for many years. Services have included
one-on-one personal planning meetings; discussions regarding partial interest in a family business; creative uses of life
insurance and complex income tax issues. They now have a
Charitable Remainder Trust and a Stewards Fund account,
the donor-advised fund at Barnabas® Foundation.
They found out about the Stewards Fund from their
accountant and are extremely enthusiastic about it. “The
ability to give a variety of assets to the fund is a real plus,”
according to Cal. They’ve given cash, appreciated stocks,
real estate and a privately traded business interest (stock)
to grow their account.
22
Reflector
SPRING 2004
The Stewards Fund assists the Walstra’s with their giving
and provides these benefits:
• ability to make gift at time of greatest tax benefit
• flexibility of giving to ministry(ies) at any time
• simplifies giving to a number of different charities
• increases in value because it’s “invested” until
distributions are made
But one of the most exciting benefits of the Stewards
Fund for Cal and Grace is the “Matching Gifts to
Ministries” challenge they are able to give their children.
A second marriage for both of them and the blending of
two families has helped them “try harder” to establish
Christian priorities and pass them on to their kids.
So how does their “matching” program work? Each year,
as their parents, Cal and Grace offer to match gifts to
Christian ministries by their children. They have established a minimum gift amount and a maximum amount per
child. Church support and tuition payments are exempted
from the support challenge. Their Stewards Fund account
makes it possible for them to manage and match their children’s gifts to Christian ministries throughout the year.
“We take comfort in having money on hand in our Stewards
Fund account to give to ministry,” Cal comments. “We can
request distributions to meet needs when the time is right.”
Cal adds that the matching program for their kids introduces them to ministries they might not otherwise be familiar with. It encourages their children to give and lets all of
them share in the joy of giving. They have shared details of
the matching gifts program for their children with other
families and are happy to continue to do so.
Cal continues, “In the Bible, Barnabas is identified as an
encourager—a man with a Christ-like character. Barnabas
Foundation has been a catalyst for Grace and me to really
make giving a joyful event. I think Barnabas Foundation
helped to stir that up inside of us.”
Heritage Dinner Set
Reserve the date! The Third Heritage Dinner will be held at
the Drury Lane Grand Ballroom on Thursday, October 7,
2004. More details to follow!
A l u m n i
N e w s
Steve and Helen Hoekstra, photo courtesy of Trinity Christian College
From the 70’s:
Dr. Steve Hoekstra (’79) and his wife Helen were named the
2004 Alumni of the Year by Trinity Christian College (Palos
Heights, IL) in recognition of their exemplary contributions
to their community and the life of the College. Steve, who
earned his medical degree from Loyola University of
Chicago, is a surgeon living in Bristol, Indiana.
From the 80’s:
Author Travis Thrasher (’89), who will be interviewed in a
future issue of the Reflector, has a new book out this spring
from Moody Press. Gun Lake is the fifth novel for
Thrasher. From the book jacket:
“Once again Travis Thrasher takes readers on a thrilling
ride, this time through the story of five escaped convicts
and the people whose paths they cross. Weaving together
twists of fate and fast-paced action, Gun Lake examines the
consequences of sin and asks some compelling questions:
Where do you turn when there is no hope left? How do
you leave past mistakes behind? An edgy story with a
redemptive message.”
SPRING 2004
Reflector
23
F r o m
t h e
A r c h i v e s
We continue our photo tribute to the Western Suburbs Christian School in
Western Springs, which eventually merged with Timothy Christian Schools.
You’ll find many current Timothy parents in these photos of the graduating
class of 1969 and the girls’ basketball team of that same year.
Graduating class:
Back row (l-r): Scott Bosman, Rick
Euwema, Robert Youngsma, Ned
Gulbransen, Bob Baker, Rog Brouwer, ?
Babcock, John Workman, Jim (?)
Tiemstra, Allan Bilthouse, Randy Heerdt
Third row: Pat Tameling, Jan Schurman,
Karen Bos, Nancy Meyer, teacher Ken
Huizinga, Peggy Wierema, June Tameling,
Karen Veltkamp, Laura De Boer
Second row: Ruth Hartgerink, Stephanie
Schreur, Cindy Zylstra, Cathy Evenhouse,
Grace Workman, Gloria Schuil
Front row: Jim Klein, Kevin Bos, Steve
Evenhouse, Scott Kuiper, Howard Hoving
Graduating class
Basketball team:
(L-r) Laura De Boer, Cathy Evenhouse,
Karen Veltkamp, Gloria Schuil, Esther
Bosman, Peggy Wierema, Grace
Workman, Renee De Vries, Jan
Schurman, Faith Hamstra, Debbie
Workman, Mr. Gulbransen, Mr. Teune
Basketball team
24
Reflector
SPRING 2004
R e f l e c t o r
N o t e s
In honor and memory of . . .
Timothy Christian Schools gratefully acknowledges gifts given in memory or honor of someone.
These gifts assist us in supplying tuition assistance to families in need.
Memorials
Julie De Vries
John Hamstra
Elsie Madden
Robert Molenhouse
Ann Ribbens
Margaret Vander Leest
Anniversaries
Warren & Williamae Noorlag
SPRING 2004
Reflector
25
A d v e r t i s e m e n t s
The Reflector is a free publication. Gifts to help produce it are most welcome.
Please use the enclosed envelope for your donation.
To place an ad in the Reflector, please contact
Dave Larsen at 630-833-4616 ext. 109.
Advertising rates:
Full page: $400
1/2 page: $225
1/4 page: $150
1/8 page: $75
26
Reflector
SPRING 2004
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Reflector
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SPRING 2004
Reflector
29
30
Reflector
11
12
13
14
15
16
11 albula: Janna Meulink
14 melting glass: Nicole Rice
12 resinous: John Bradley
15 lumina: Kevin Connolly
13 incendiary?: Skylar Venema
16 playground readers: Jessica Hansen
1
2
Art and Photography Students
Win Honors
at Scholastic Art Awards
3
Teachers John Harkema and Jim Hartgerink are pleased to
announce that a number of Timothy high school students received
recognition for their work in photography, digital imagery and art
in the 2004 Scholastic Art Awards, displayed at the Elmhurst Art
Museum. This competition featured works from a large number of
public and private high schools.
Congratulations to the following students, and to Messrs. Harkema
and Hartgerink:
Honorable Mention, Digital Imagery: Jessica Hansen, Anna Jensen,
Kristin Salazar, Krystin Conboy, Allison Vander Naald, William
Aldis, John Bradley, Devin Edwards, Jana Meulink
Honorable Mention, Photography: Daniel Oksnevad, David Akre,
Kristin Salazar, Kevin Connolly, David Akre
Honorable Mention, Ceramics and Glass: Peter Groenewold
Silver Medal, Ceramics and Glass: Jerry Hayes
Silver Medal, Painting: Alyssa Tobin
Silver Medal, Drawing: Joe Engbers
Silver Medal, Photography: Allison Vander Naald, Kevin Connolly,
David Akre, Kristin Salazar, Heather Huizenga, Otto Rodriquez,
Michael Holtrop, Jonathan Stine, Nicole Czopek
Silver Medal, Digital Imagery: Allison Vander Naald, Kevin
Connolly, Skylar Venema, Nicole Rice, Nicole Lebron
Gold Medal, Drawing: Jessica Stob
Gold Medal, Photography: Kevin Connolly, Skylar Venema, Joseph
Marshall, David Akre, Markus Anderson
Gold Medal, Digital Imagery: John Bradley
Kevin Connolly’s “Fork Dreams” was nominated for the American
Vision Award, one of the five best works of art in all categories,
and went on to receive a Gold Medal in national competition. In the
school Fine Arts Festival, it won the “Best of Show-Color.”
Resinous by John Bradley won the regional Gold Medal Award and
a national Silver Medal Award.
ex tenebris by David Akre won the regional Gold Medal Award for
photography portfolio and a national Silver Medal Award.
The National Scholastic Art & Writing Competition is the oldest
student art competition in the U.S. Past awards have been given
to many famous artists, including Richard Avedon, Truman Capote,
Joyce Carol Oates, Robert Redford, and Andy Warhol.
1 cyclopean: Kristin Salazar
6 gaudeamus: Kristin Conboy
2 ex tenebris: David Akre
7 mysterium: Nicole Le Bron
3 nocturnal egg: Allison Vander Naald
8 luminosa: Anna Jensen
4 John Harkema, a teacher in focus
9 fork dreams: Kevin Connolly
5 triadic: Allison Vander Naald
10 coma inflamata: John Bradley
4
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SPECIAL FLIP-BOOK: TURN OVER FOR THE SPRING REFLECTOR 2004
Annual Society Report
The Annual Meeting of the
Timothy Christian Schools Society
will be held on Thursday, May 27, 2004,
in the Timothy Auditorium at 7:30 p.m.
Non-Profit Org.
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
Elmhurst
Permit No. 306
188 W. Butterfield Rd.
Elmhurst, IL 60126
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
?
ANNUAL REPORT
2003-2004
2003-2004
Timothy’s
Timothy’s
Mission:
Vision:
Serving God and His people,
develops academically prepared Christian disciples
who embrace Christ’s call to
transform the world.
Timothy Christian Schools will be distinctly Christian in its
community, curriculum, character and convictions.
ONE
We reflect God’s kingdom by serving Christian families from diverse
economic and cultural backgrounds and students who possess a
wide range of abilities.
TWO
We cooperate with Christian homes and churches in the education
and faith development of our students.
THREE
We demonstrate love for one another in our work and play.
FOUR
We challenge students to serve in a global community.
FIVE
We teach and study in the Reformed Christian tradition which
drives us to be Biblically based, culturally engaged, and always
reforming.
SIX
We nurture creativity and curiosity through meaningful curriculum
and effective instruction.
SEVEN
We develop and encourage the gifts and talents of one another to
serve Christ and renew His creation.
EIGHT
We seek wisdom that applies knowledge to gain understanding and
spiritual discernment.
NINE
We prepare students to be articulate defenders and models of the
Christian faith in thought, word, and deed.
TEN
We inspire all students to be counter-cultural disciples who are beacons of light in the world.
?
ANNUAL REPORT
2003-2004
Introduction
The Annual Meeting of the Timothy Christian Schools Society will held on
Thursday, May 27, 2004 in the Timothy Auditorium at 7:30 p.m. Key items on
the agenda are the presentation of the 2004-2005 budget and the election of new
School Board members. A brief review of Board activity during the 2003-2004
school year will be presented. We will also feature the “unveiling” of the
Huizenga Auditorium.
All Society members are encouraged to attend this special evening.
Each year, as required by Article 9 of the Timothy Constitution, a formal report
of the actions undertaken by the Board of Directors is prepared and presented to
the Timothy Christian Schools Society at the Annual Meeting.
It is impossible, however, for a written report to convey the strength of the
Timothy Society, the depth of parental, faculty and staff commitment, or the
spirit that permeates Timothy. A formal Board report cannot adequately provide
insight into God’s work in the lives of our children—a work begun in the home
and the church and continued through the educational and nurturing process at
Timothy Christian Schools.
As parents, friends, supporters, and members of the Timothy Society, you should
be aware that this Board and each of its committees have faithfully prayed for
your children. They have prayed that its actions as a Board would be wise and
conform to God’s will for this institution. You should also know that the
administration and faculty of Timothy care deeply for your children and
grandchildren and desire to be God’s instrument in molding and shaping them to
conform to his plan for their lives. The way the facilities and grounds are cared
for, the way the busses are operated, and the support that the clerical and
administrative staff provides also reflect a commitment to giving the best that we
are capable of giving to God’s kingdom work at Timothy.
As you read this report, we hope that you will thank God for what he is doing at
Timothy and recommit to its support through prayer and service. As we
individually and collectively continue to do this, we will be obedient to God’s
command in Deuteronomy 6: 6-9: “These commandments that I give you today
are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them
when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and
when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your
foreheads. Write them on the door frames of your houses and on your gates.”
2003-2004
ANNUAL REPORT
3
Board of Directors
Tim Bolt
Fellowship Reformed Church,
Lombard
Steven De Jong
Western Springs Christian
Reformed Church
Dave De Vries
Elmhurst Christian Reformed
Church
Ben Hoekstra
Lombard Christian Reformed
Church
Flory Hoving
Faith Christian Reformed Church,
Elmhurst
Andy Kranenborg
Church
Bill Kuiper
Church
Darl Leman
The Board oversees the school, its employees, and its policies. It meets monthly
as a full Board. Each member is also assigned to at least two Board committees
which also meet regularly. The Board, through its Executive Committee,
maintains ongoing contact with the school administrators to respond to timesensitive matters, address policy issues and provide input when necessary.
In addition to Board and committee meetings, and other in-between
responsibilities, each Board member makes at least one formal visit to the
school, spending most or all of a day observing teachers and students in the
classroom. At the monthly Board of Directors meeting, an average of three
reports on Board members’ visits to the schools is presented. This rewarding
activity keeps the Board in close contact with the most important function of the
school, the teaching and learning that takes place in the classroom.
The Board of Directors represents the parents in its deliberations and decision
making. Its meetings are open to Society members. Parents should feel free and
are encouraged to contact Board members so that parental interests, concerns,
and desires can be addressed.
Bruce Van Heukelem, President
Grace Lutheran Church, River Forest
Don Engelsman, Secretary
Janice De Boer, Vice President
Faith Christian Reformed Church, Elmhurst
Darrell Stremler, Treasurer
J.D. Salazar
Robert Venhousen, Financial Secretary
Faith Christian Reformed Church, Elmhurst
Cassie Swierenga
Church
Tom Sytsma
Wheaton Christian Reformed
Church
Sandy Tameling
Western Springs Christian
Reformed Church
Howard Van Dyke
Church
Herman Vander Naald
Cindy Vander Woude
La Grange Presbyterian Church
Cynthia Veldman
Fountain of Life Church, Villa Park
4
ANNUAL REPORT
2003-2004
Superintendent’s Report
This marks the second full year of operation under our new Mission and Vision
statement. We find these formulations most helpful in building our identity as a
Christian school and as the benchmark against which we measure our dreams,
policies and plans.
As our mission statement describes it, we want to develop academically prepared
Christian disciples who embrace Christ’s call to transform the world. We
continue to not only learn how to do this, but to recognize the Lord’s work in
students lives as we see it happening.
Dan Van Prooyen
Superintendent
Timothy’s elementary and middle schools focus worship and devotion on an
annual theme. “Our God Reigns” served as our theme this year. Classroom
bulletin boards, class art work, and poignant quotes posted throughout the
hallways reinforced this emphasis.
Professional development and evaluation are ongoing exercises. Besides
Principal and Self-evaluation strands of teacher evaluation, Preschool through
8th grade teachers visit one another and “best practice” classrooms offcampus every third year for a “Peer Observation” evaluation opportunities.
Teachers who participate return brimming with renewed enthusiasm and new
ideas to incorporate in their classroom teaching—ideas that they readily share
with one another.
New faculty members have added important new programs at Timothy this year.
Cathi Schuurmann, our School Counselor, visited classes, met with students, and
planned the 7th grade Care Convention and a cafeteria “Mix-it Up Day.” Sherri
Venhousen joined Frances Wright in the Discovery Center, dividing
responsibilities between the 4th-6th grades, and K-3rd grade respectively, to
better focus our services.
Middle school athletic teams perform especially well under the direction of
Athletic Director Jack LeGrand, who stresses with coaches the importance of
teaching Christian ambassadorship for Timothy and for our Lord Jesus Christ.
Both 8th grade boys and girls basketball teams won their leagues, and the 8th
grade boys won the Illiana tournament. This was the first year Timothy offered a
6th grade girls basketball team, coached by Michelle Nonhof.
The fine arts are prominent: band, orchestra, music, and art all play significant
roles in Timothy’s curricular program. This emphasis is regularly featured in our
hallways and offices. Of special note is the fact that Judd and Linda Rinsema
have been creatively directing Timothy’s Middle School plays for 14 years.
Continued
2003-2004
ANNUAL REPORT
5
Superintendent’s Report Continued
Extra curriculars expanded to add a 4th-6th grade Chess Club taught by parent
Todd Barre with faculty sponsor Mike Engbers, Math Club led by Marge
Bogdalek, Writers Club run by Sara Brouwer and Sue Stein, and Junior Great
Books led by Ann Bakker and Judy Sytsma.
Other highlights of this year include continued progress on the North Central
Accreditation process through extensive committee work and directed in-service
discussions. Under the direction of Susan Schemper, this good and necessary
work sharpens our focus and drives our work. You may read about this work
elsewhere in this issue of the Reflector.
The high school experienced God’s grace and many blessings. This year was
unusual in that six new teachers joined the faculty. Their gifts and Christian
influence are already evident.
Student accomplishments and activities were many and varied throughout the
year. In the Arts, musicians in the orchestra, choir and band qualified for the AllState Music Festival. The drama department presented two superb productions,
a comedy in the fall and a musical in the spring. This year the Drama
Department teamed up with the Student Ministries Committee to put on a
Valentines Dinner Theater and raised almost $3,000 for CareNet. Photography
and art students were medal winners in the Scholastic Art Awards Competition.
In Athletics, the girls’ Cross Country team placed 8th at the State Meet for the
second year in a row. Our girls’ and boys’ basketball teams both placed second
in the competitive Private School League and won regional championships.
Many students again participated in a successful intramural program throughout
the year.
Twenty of our seniors were named as Illinois State Scholars. Our Mock Trial
team again had a successful competitive season culminating in another State
Championship, the third in succession. Our Scholastic Bowl and Worldwide
Youth in Science and Engineering teams tallied impressive records, with WYSE
finishing fourth in the state.
This year, through monies received from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation,
we introduced a peer mentoring program for new students as well as a career
development program. This brief list of activities and accomplishments indicate
God’s blessings on industrious students and dedicated teachers.
In November the student worship committee planned a Spiritual Emphasis
Week which promoted spiritual growth within the student body. A student led
Bible study and prayer group met each Wednesday morning during the school
year. We were blessed this year with strong spiritual leadership within the
student body.
6
ANNUAL REPORT
2003-2004
On the development front, momentum is building for a capital campaign in the
near future. This campaign would address critical program enhancements and
facility improvements so that we can continue to provide excellence in what we
do. While many non-profit institutions reported a decline in giving this year,
largely because of the state of the economy, Timothy was blessed once again
with increased giving for our annual Timothy Fund. We note with gratitude that
Timothy alumni are assuming a larger role in support for the school.
Because of properties which have been donated to Timothy or purchased in
recent years we are able to dream of future expansion and campus development
to the south. We are also in ongoing dialogue with Rest Haven Christian Services
and area churches about intergenerational Christian education and the
stewardship of sharing the resources of time, talent, energy and facilities for
common programming concerns.
The New to You Resale Shop approaches its first year anniversary. This
remarkable venture in a united witness to the Lord’s work in Christian education
is proving to be a financial blessing to the four Christian schools it serves, a
wellspring of benefit to the surrounding community, and an oasis for
volunteerism.
In summary, I speak on behalf of all who serve here at Timothy when I
acknowledge the daily blessing it is to be part of God’s kingdom efforts here—
surrounded by energized students, supportive parents, and a prayerfully generous
community. To God be the glory!
Dan Van Prooyen
Superintendent
Administrative Council (l-r):
Dave Larsen, Dan Van Prooyen,
Susan Schemper, Kevin Hackert,
Clyde Rinsema, and Tom Mulder.
2003-2004
ANNUAL REPORT
7
Executive Committee
Bruce Van Heukelem, Chair
Janice De Boer
Don Engelsman
Darrell Stremler
Bob Venhousen
Board officers, including the president, vice-president, secretary, treasurer, and
financial secretary, sit as the Executive Committee. Superintendent Dan Van
Prooyen also attends all meetings of this committee. The committee’s primary
and historic function is to act on behalf of the Board between monthly meetings,
to interact with the administration on matters of confidence and sensitivity, and
to supervise and support the superintendent. As a practical matter, the committee
stays informed on all matters of policy, studies and frames issues of importance
to the entire Board and ensures that full and fair consideration of all policy
issues by the full Board. The committee meets monthly and as otherwise needed.
The committee makes itself available to meet with constituents and staff
members who have concerns or questions about the policies and practices of
Timothy Christian Schools. Finally, the committee regularly consults with the
superintendent and as necessary with other administrators to ensure the overall
orderly functioning of the schools.
In addition to its regular duties, the committee has, during the 2003-2004 school
year, addressed several student disciplinary situations and refined the strategic
goals established at the Fall Board Retreat. These goals, now distributed and
assigned to committees and task forces, work toward a brighter future for
Timothy Christian Schools.
8
ANNUAL REPORT
2003-2004
Admissions Committee
Ben Hoekstra, Chair
Tim Bolt
Dale De Wit
Flory Hoving
Bill Kuiper
J.D. Salazar
Cassie Swierenga
Sandy Tameling
Marianne Tigchelaar
Herm Vander Naald
Cindy Veldman
Bonnie Zigterman
Serving on the Admissions Committee is both challenging and rewarding.
Challenging in that the Committee is given the task of interviewing families
seeking to become members of the Timothy Society and enroll their children at
Timothy Christian School. Rewarding in that Admissions Committee is often one
of the parent’s first interfaces with Timothy School. We as Committee members
get to share our perspectives on Timothy School and Christian education. We
have the opportunity to hear wonderful testaments of faith and witness parents
who desire a Christian education for their children.
The Admissions Committee generally meets monthly from September through
May, with more frequent meetings during the summer months when preparing
for the upcoming school year. Interviews are scheduled after initial contacts and
application through the school. A typical interview includes teams of two or
more Admissions Committee members meeting with and interviewing
prospective parents. Interviews always begin with prayer time. During the
interview time, we get acquainted with the families and provide them with
opportunities to ask questions about Timothy Schools.
A significant interview emphasis is placed on the family’s Christian beliefs and
perspectives within the home, as evidenced through devotional practices
including family Bible reading and prayer time as well as through active church
membership and participation. We provide each family an opportunity to tell us
about their personal relationship with the Lord. The desire for a Christ-centered
education is a prime requisite. Interviews typically last about a half-hour.
The interviewing teams then bring their recommendations to the full Admissions
Committee. After discussion and deliberation, the Committee makes recommendations
to the full School Board for ultimate decision on acceptance or rejection.
In the past two years the Committee has undertaken the task of verifying the
church membership of all families with children at Timothy, as active Christian
church membership is a commitment that families make when applying for
admission. The verification process involves contacting about 180 churches as
our Society members come from a great diversity of churches in the area. This
verification process will continue to be done on an alternate-year cycle in the
future, and reflects the importance we place on a Christian home, a Christian
School and Christian Church participation in developing Christian Disciples.
Ann Raley, the Admissions Coordinator for Timothy, is the backbone of the
admissions process. She does an awesome job in dealing with families, collecting
all the necessary paperwork and scheduling interviews. She truly makes the work
of the Admissions Committee run smoothly.
The Admissions Committee recognizes the responsibility it has been given in
shaping the future face of Timothy. We continue to solicit and appreciate your
prayers for God’s wisdom and guidance in our decisions on His behalf.
2003-2004
ANNUAL REPORT
9
Building and Transportation Committee
Herm Vander Naald, Chair
Dave De Vries
Mark Dykema
Tom Sytsma
The Building and Transportation Committee is responsible for the management
of our transportation and facility maintenance departments. Building
maintenance, bus maintenance and routing, capital improvements, and special
projects all fall under the guidance of this committee. We are grateful for the
excellent work of Marv Bonnes, our Transportation Director, and Doug
Fennema, the Director of Building and Grounds.
Howard Van Dyke
We have continued to streamline bus routes in an effort to improve performance,
and save on fuel. Through the input of parents and drivers, we have initiated a
system of centralized drop-off and pick-up areas on various routes, which is
consistent with our goal of safe and timely transportation of our students.
This year we were able to build on the enhanced campus security measures
implemented last year with a more comprehensive Emergency Response Plan.
We also approved a plan developed by Doug Fennema for changing the traffic
flow in the high school parking lot. Improvements will be made this coming
summer. The committee also noted with appreciation Doug’s work with the
upkeep on our rental properties to the south of campus.
Additional facility improvements and equipment purchases have been made
possible the through generous donations by the Friendship/Mothers Clubs, and
individual donors. We are grateful for the significant improvements provided
through these loyal supporters.
10
ANNUAL REPORT
2003-2004
Institutional Advancement Committee
Don Engelsman, Chair
Andy Kranenborg
Darl Leman
Bonnie Pattison
J.D. Salazar
Cassie Swierenga
Cindy Veldman
The Institutional Advancement Committee serves the mission of Timothy Christian
Schools as it communicates Timothy’s mission and vision to its constituencies and
the broader public, by supporting its efforts in recruitment and community
relations. The committee consists of Board members, society members and Dave
Larsen, the Director of Advancement and Community Relations.
This Committee’s main work this year was centered on enrollment and how we
can attract new students to Timothy. In this regard, the Committee sponsored
three campus open houses, which is one more than last year. These open houses
allow us to welcome the community into our school and show them what a
wonderful place we have for educating their children. With the help of teachers,
administrators and parents, prospective families are greeted warmly and shown
first hand what Christian Education is all about and how it is available to them
here at Timothy.
The Instructional Advancement Committee also put together a comprehensive
survey questionnaire that was given to all parents of school-aged children within
our supporting church system. This survey asks for these parents’ thoughts on
Christian Education and Timothy Christian Schools. This Committee feels
strongly that this information will help us in our future recruiting programs,
educational programs and our transportation programs.
Another major topic of the Institutional Advancement Committee is the
exploration of a satellite kindergarten location. We are currently looking at this
as an opportunity to spread our vision and to increase enrollment through an
expanded kindergarten program.
These are just a few of the things this committee has worked on this year. It has
been a very exciting year for this committee and we look forward to serving the
school and the Society in the future. We have a wonderful mission and vision
and we are excited to spread the news of Timothy Christian Schools.
2003-2004
ANNUAL REPORT
11
Education Committee
Jan De Boer, Chair
Kathy De Jong
Steve De Jong
Malinda Dirkse
The Education Committee is responsible for the educational program and policy
of Timothy Christian Schools. It is mandated to oversee the employment of
teachers and to review curriculum as it seeks to comply with Timothy’s mission
to create academically prepared Christian disciples. The Education Committee
consists of five board members, four society members, and three teachers along
with the school administrators.
Reginald Greenwood
Flory Hoving
Bill Kuiper
Mark Pageau
Cindy Vander Woude
Various members of the Education Committee had the privilege of interviewing
for 11 teaching positions during the past spring and summer months. The Lord
led very gifted educators to our school in many interesting ways.
Out of the Board’s Strategic planning retreat held this past September came two
specific goals. We are seeking to expand students’ service learning experiences in
all grade levels, and are creating a career plan for faculty.
This year the Education Committee is also examining the value of introducing
foreign language in the K-8 Curriculum.
We are also spending time reviewing existing educational policies, revising them
as needed.
A good deal of attention is spent supervising the three goals set as a result of the
work done in the North Central Accreditation process. We will seek to improve
our students’ reasoning skills, improve their reading comprehension, and
improve their ability to understand, interpret and apply Reformed Christian
perspectives.
The Education Committee has many tasks before it, but none of this work can
be accomplished without the talents of our excellent staff. God has richly blessed
Timothy Christian Schools with gifted, caring educators, support staff, and
administrators. Please continue to hold them in your prayers as they seek to
meet the needs of each student entrusted to their care.
12
ANNUAL REPORT
2003-2004
Finance Committee
Darrell Stremler, Chair
Tim Bolt
Steve De Jong
Dave De Vries
Ben Hoekstra
Andy Kranenborg
Darl Leman
Robert Venhousen
The Finance Committee has again been very active again this past year. Throughout
the year we closely monitored the income and expenses of the school to help ensure
that Timothy Christian Schools maintains good financial health. We also worked
closely with the administration and other committees to develop a budget for the
2004-2005 school year that adequately rewards and motivates our teachers,
administrators and staff while keeping the cost of education at a reasonable level. One
of the challenges associated with this process is trying to project student enrollment
five months in advance and manage the number of classrooms that may be required.
Our greatest challenge this year was managing the decrease in enrollment (15
students) and the associated decrease in projected revenue during this school year.
We also worked diligently on the following goals and tasks:
1. Revise Financial Reporting Plan.
2. Develop a multi-year capital and financial plan/forecast, including reviewing
and recommending improvements to the budget preparation and tuition
forecasting processes.
3. Increase Foundation Assets so that we have more financial assistant
available to families that qualify.
4. Review Health Insurance Plans for our staff with a goal of reducing or freezing
employer/employee costs while maintaining quality benefits for our employees.
5. To cut $310,000 in expenses for the 2004-2005 school year without significant
impact on the quality of education being provided at TCS.
6. To embark on our largest General Fund Drive ever. Our goal for the current year
is $347,000. To divide and track the Fund Drive into three main areas; Alumni of
Timothy, Friends of Timothy, and Parents of Timothy.
7. Working with eight supporting churches to collect a total obligation of
$1,492,000 in tuition payments.
We are pleased to report that we have significantly improved our financial reporting
process this year. Our new reporting includes a cash flow statement, tuition and student
enrollment report, tuition receivables analysis, and the projected remaining cash flows
report. This reporting allows the finance committee and the full school board to make
better and more informed decision. It also is very helpful in our planning and budgeting
processes. We have engaged the firm of J.H. Evenhouse CPAs to assist us with this
process. We are very pleased with the results and the new reporting process.
In conclusion, we are so thankful for the way in which our Lord continues to
provide for the school. We are blessed with families who are committed to making
their tuition payments each month and to the sacrifice it takes to have their children
attend Timothy. We have evidence of the generosity of many donors (supporting
and affiliated church families, friends of Timothy, alumni, grandparents, businesses,
etc.) who show their love and thankfulness to Timothy via their financial gifts.
The Board of Directors, the Finance Committee and the administration wish to
thank each and every one of you for your support, both through your prayers
and gifts. It is our prayer that you are being blessed as we are.
2003-2004
ANNUAL REPORT
13
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Timothy Christian Schools Foundation
Peter Huizenga, President
David Bere
Lee Brandsma
Richard K. De Boer
Case Hoogendoorn
Arnold Hoving
Ken Hoving
Bastian Knoppers
Rob Petroelje
Lawrence Poltrock
Darrell Stremler
Terry Van Der Aa
Jack Van Namen
Robert Venhousen
The Timothy Christian Schools Foundation was established with gifts for
endowment, as one way of participating in God’s design for faith in future
generations. Since its inception through a bequest from the estate of “Aunt
Tena” Huizenga, a Timothy constituent who had dedicated her life as a
Christian missionary in Africa, the Foundation has provided a way for others to
join in the opportunity to bless the future. From its beginning with $28,000 in
1978, the Foundation today has nearly $3,500,000 in invested assets. As of
March 31, 2004 assets are $3,466,777 compared to $3,222,147 on June 30,
2003. Foundation assets are used for tuition and salary assistance, curricular and
program development, scholarships, and special projects.
While grateful for God’s blessings through his people, we cannot stop here or
rest on the past. Our first goal is to build the Foundation to an amount equal to
Timothy’s annual operating budget of approximately $7,000,000. Secondly, we
plan to build the endowment to a level double the annual operating budget, so
that the vision and experience of Christian education does not become exclusive
or not affordable.
As shown below, the Foundation continues to serve a vital function in providing
opportunities for excellence at Timothy.
Donald Vos
Wayne Vriesman
John Zeilstra
TIMOTHY CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS FOUNDATION
Summary of Projected Foundation Activity 2003/2004
RECEIPTS
Gifts to the Foundation
Investment Income (Realized and Unrealized)
TOTAL RECEIPTS
DISBURSEMENTS
Management fees
Scholarships, Curriculum and Faculty Grants and Awards
TOTAL DISBURSEMENTS
14
ANNUAL REPORT
$
$
$
25,000
179,162
$204,162
Current Year Projected Net Change
$
371,819
Foundation Net Assets at June 30, 2003
$
3,225,147
Foundation Net Assets At June 30, 2004 - Projected
$
3,596,966
2003-2004
$
51,867
524,114
575,981
D60112_Annual.qxd 5/5/04 7:31 AM Page 15
OPERATING FUND & PLANT FUND FINANCIAL REPORT
Actual
Fiscal Year
2002/2003
Actual
9 Months
3/31/2004
Projected
Fiscal Year
2003/2004
Budgeted
Fiscal Year
2003/2004
OPERATING FUND RECEIPTS
Educational Receipts (Pre-School thru 12)
Other Income
TOTAL RECEIPTS
6,234,311
6,234,311
4,494,987
181,701
4,676,688
6,175,252
303,860
6,479,112
6,245,250
420,860
6,666,110
OPERATING FUND DISBURSEMENTS
K-12 Educational Operations
Pre-School Educational Operations
Program & Faculty Development
Community Relations & Advancement
Other Expenses
TOTAL FUND DISBURSEMENTS
6,421,553
1,290
16,978
(19,751)
(30,259)
6,389,811
4,995,406
(6,501)
18,028
28,559
(6,513)
5,028,979
6,574,550
(1,000)
50,000
(20,000)
10,000
6,613,550
6,609,550
42,000
4,000
6,655,550
OPERATING FUND SURPLUS OR (DEFICIT)
(155,500)
(352,291)
(134,438)
10,560
PLANT FUND RECEIPTS
Capital Improvements Revenue
TOTAL PLANT FUND RECEIPTS
396,088
396,088
344,972
344,972
345,000
345,000
252,000
252,000
PLANT FUND EXPENSES
Fixed asset purchases
Capital contingencies
Depreciation
TOTAL PLANT FUND DISBURSEMENTS
210,368
50,309
270,540
531,217
234,080
10,284
204,345
448,709
235,000
12,000
272,460
519,460
172,700
10,000
182,700
(135,129)
(103,737)
(174,460)
69,300
210,368
234,080
235,000
172,700
75,239
130,343
60,540
242,000
Net Change
Add Back Fixed Assets Purchases
PLANT FUND SURPLUS OR (DEFICIT)
Note: The Plant Fund expense shown above includes depreciation. For cash flow planning, equipment purchases are used instead of depreciation.
SUMMARY OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
Actual
Fiscal Year
6/30/2003
Balances
at
3/31/2004
Projected
Year End
6/30/2004
ASSETS
Cash & Prepaid Expenses
Tuition and Pledges Receivable
Fixed Assets Net of Depreciation
TOTAL ASSETS
14,225
224,258
13,609,705
13,848,188
125
380,431
13,635,322
14,015,878
10,000
225,000
13,572,245
13,807,245
1,022,972
43,550
59,200
1,559,278
2,685,000
1,114,889
370,696
60,949
1,527,101
3,073,635
1,091,579
50,000
60,000
1,516,376
2,717,955
11,163,188
10,942,243
11,089,290
LIABILITIES
Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses
Prepaid Tuition
Designated Gifts
Notes Payable
TOTAL LIABILITIES
OPERATING FUND & PLANT FUND NET ASSETS
2003-2004
ANNUAL REPORT
15
Annual Society Meeting Minutes - May 29, 2003
I.
Call to Order - Board President Mark
McCollum called the meeting to order. Dave
Larsen led devotions and opened with prayer.
III. Minutes of the May 21, 2002
Annual Society Meeting
There was a motion to approve the minutes
of the Annual Society Meeting of May 21,
2002. The motion was seconded and passed
by voice vote.
II. Election of Board Members
A. The Board of Directors put the following
motion on the floor: 1. To be elected,
nominees must receive a majority of the votes
cast. The motion was supported and passed.
IV. Secretary’s Report
Don Engelsman highlighted several of the
Board Committee activities for the past
school year. The Annual Report, providing
general information on the Board of
Director’s activities during the 2002-2003
year, was previously distributed and received
for information.
B. Mr. McCollum explained that this year the
election process has changed with all
nominees being slated. The vote for all slated
nominees was to be a yes/no vote only.
C. Mr. McCollum then introduced all the slated
nominees standing for election.
V.
Nominees included:
Elmhurst CRC – Dave De Vries and
Cassie Swierenga
Faith CRC – Flory Hoving
Lombard CRC – Howard Van Dyke
Western Springs CRC – Steve De Jong
Wheaton CRC – Tom Sytsma
At Large - Cindy Vander Woude
(LaGrange Presbyterian Church)
D. The vote was called and the ballots were
collected and counted.
E. M. McCollum reported that Elisabeth
Sikkema, board member from Western
Springs CRC, resigned during the summer of
2002 and the Board appointed Sandy
Tameling to fill this seat for the 2002 – 2003
school year. He then came with a motion to
elect Sandy Tameling to fill the remaining
two year caused by Elisabeth Sikkema’s
departure. Motion was seconded and passed
by voice vote.
16
ANNUAL REPORT
2003-2004
Report form the Superintendent
Mr. Dan VanProoyen gave an oral report on
the activities of the school from the
prospective of the Superintendent. After his
report Mrs. Ellen Penczak, the President of
the Friendship Clubs of Timothy Schools,
was introduced. She highlighted the many
activities and fundraisers accomplished by
the Friendship and Mothers Club. She then
presented Mr. Van Prooyen a check in the
amount of $75,000.00 from the Friendship
Clubs to Timothy Christian Schools. Mr.
Van Prooyen, on behalf of the Board of
Directors and the Society, thanked the
Friendship and Mothers Clubs for all their
hard work and the most generous gift.
VI.
Treasurer’s Report
Ken VanderWal presented the Treasurer’s
Report including a review of the financial
condition of Timothy Christian Schools and
the Timothy Foundation assets and history.
A written financial report was received for
information. Mr. VanderWal also presented
an overview of the 2002-2003 operating
budget and actual performance.
VII. Budget Proposal
Mr. McCollum made the following motion
on behalf of the Board: To approve the
2003-2004 budget as presented. The
motion was seconded. Mr. VanderWal
introduced and discussed the proposed
2003-2004 budget. During this time there
was discussion on the length of the school
year. Some recommended shortening the
school year from 42 weeks to 41 weeks.
Others were in favor of the 42 week
schedule. Mr. McCollum stated that this
issue would be recorded in the minutes of
this meeting and referred to the Education
Committee of the Board.
After the discussion was completed the
motion passed by voice vote.
IX.
Election Results
Mr. McCollum announced that all the
slated nominees were elected.
X.
Recognition of Retiring Board
Members
Mr. VanProoyen recognized the following
retiring Board members: Bob Beckus,
Wendi Huiner, John VanLaten, Ken
VanderWal, Bonnie Zigterman, and Mark
McCollum. Each retiring Board Member
received a plaque of appreciation.
XI.
Adjournment
A motion was made and supported to
adjourn this meeting of the Timothy
Christian Schools Society. The motion
passed and Don Engelsman closed in prayer.
VIII. “New To You” Resale Shop
Mr. McCollum introduced Mr. George
Hoekstra, the President of the newly
created “New To You” Resale Shop Board
of Directors. Mr. Hoekstra gave an update
on this new endeavor. He gave an exciting
report of the formation and beginnings of
this new work. He requested our prayers,
any donations which could be sold at the
shop, and volunteers. This is a very large
undertaking and it will take many
volunteers to make it run smoothly and
successfully and Mr. Hoekstra stated
anyone could volunteer by contacting the
shop or the school.
Respectfully submitted
Don Engelsman, Secretary
2003-2004
ANNUAL REPORT
17
Board Nominees
The Board of Directors is pleased to present the
following nominees for Board positions. Each
candidate was asked, in preparation for this
report, to respond to the following questions:
1. What motivates you to serve on the Timothy
Christian Schools Board of Directors?
2. What strengths or areas of expertise would you
bring to the Board?
3. Our mission calls for the development of
academically prepared Christian disciples who
are taught from a Reformed Christian
perspective. What can a Board member do to
make this happen?
Their responses and brief biographical sketches
are presented below.
decisions that the Board ultimately faces. I have
served on, as well as chaired, numerous
committees at Harris Bank as well as on the Board
of Elders at CCOB. I believe I can apply those
skills in a number of capacities at TCS.
We must create an environment that not only
teaches the basics, but also provides a place where
our students learn to be Christian leaders, decision
makers, and “planters” of the Gospel. With our
pre-school through high school curriculum, we
have the wonderful opportunity to mold our
children “from the ground up” into the young
adults we desire them all to be—disciples of Jesus,
leaders in our community, and carriers of a moral
standard that the world should aspire to. As a
Board member, I will endeavor to insure that our
curriculum and policies allow that to happen.
Todd J. Barre
I believe that serving on the
Timothy Board gives me a
unique opportunity to have
an imprint on the lives of our
future Christian leaders. In a
small way, I believe that I can help create an
environment where young Christians can develop
into young men and women prepared to face an
ever-challenging world. The charge of TCS is
critical in a world that at times seems to be slipping
away from solid Christian (and moral) values.
From a personal standpoint, I have recently retired
from Christ Church of Oak Brook’s Board of
Elders and was looking for the Lord’s guidance as
to where my skills could be used in a new way. I
indeed believe that this is a call from our Lord to
serve in this manner.
In both my church and professional areas of my
life, I believe I have succeeded in not only being
attentive to “the details,” but also not losing sight
of the “forest from the trees.” I believe I can bring
a “top-down” Christian perspective to the key
18
ANNUAL REPORT
2003-2004
I was born and raised in the Buffalo, New York
area in a non-Christian home. However, upon the
death of my mother (cancer) when I was a
teenager, I began to question whether there was a
“higher power” at work in my life. After a lengthy
spiritual journey, I came to know Jesus Christ as
my Lord and Savior in my late-20’s and have
served the Lord in various ways since that time.
Christ Church of Oak Brook was instrumental in
the final steps of that journey, and it was there (in
the singles group!) that I met my wife of 15 years,
Sallie. We have two sons who are both Timothy
students—Matt (7th grade) and Steven (5th
grade). Sallie has been an active room mother
throughout the boys’ lives, and I have recently
started a TCS Chess Club for 4th through 6th
graders that meets on Thursday nights. I have also
served two separate terms totaling nine years on
CCOB’s Board of Elders, and have been involved
in a number of ministries there.
Professionally, I have been in the investment
management business for over 20 years. Most
recently, I have been with the Harris Private Bank
in Chicago for over 10 years, where I am currently
Vice President and Senior Investment Strategist,
with additional responsibilities as the senior
investment officer for the Bank’s largest client, a
corporate family with assets of over $2 billion.
When I’m not busy with work and family, I have
been involved in the chess world as a player,
arbiter and teacher, and also volunteer as a referee
for the American Youth Soccer Organization.
Tim Bolt
Fellowship Reformed
Church, Lombard
Born in Chicago (Roseland),
Illinois in 1958 I attended
Roseland Christian School,
Des Plaines Christian School
and graduated from Timothy Christian High School
in 1976. In 1980 I received a degree in Business
Administration with a concentration in Marketing
from Calvin College in Grand Rapids, MI.
My wife, Beth (Van Der Molen) and I have three
children. Our oldest daughter Carolyn is currently a
Freshman at Calvin College. Our other two
children are currently attending Timothy—Daniel
(10th grade) and Allison (7th grade). Beth
previously was a full-time teacher in the Timothy
Grade School and currently substitute teaches if
called upon.
Our family attends Fellowship Reformed Church in
Lombard, IL. I have served as a deacon, elder, small
group Bible study leader, property chairman as well
as serving on various committees. Beth is very
involved in woman’s Bible study, Mothers-ofPreschoolers, children’s worship and also serves on
various committees.
I am employed as a senior account executive for
Darwill. At Darwill we develop and produce
creative solutions for print communications, data
management and related services. Securing new
clients and ensuring satisfaction among current
clients are my primary responsibilities.
I welcome the opportunity to continue serving on
the TCS Board of Directors. Witnessing the
dedication and commitment put forth by Timothy’s
faculty, administration, clerical staff, volunteers and
all others involved with Timothy motivates me to
serve. I believe firmly in our mission at TCS and
pledge to first and foremost partner with, support
and encourage the faculty to ensure we followthrough with our mission.
I appreciate the priceless gift of Christian education
given to me by my parents. As a TCS Board
member I will work very hard to ensure we keep
Timothy healthy and strong for years to come.
Al Tobin
Faith Christian Reformed
Church, Elmhurst
As a nominee for Timothy’s
school board, my greatest
motivation would first and
foremost be to serve the Lord
and my fellow Christian parents, as well as the
students. It is a privilege to be considered and I look
forward to being a part of the board if I am elected.
I suppose my strengths are simply being willing to
serve others where I can. At our current church,
Faith CRC, I served as a deacon, Sunday school
teacher and cadet counselor as well as a deacon at
our previous church, Fellowship.
As a board member in a Christian school, I believe
our walk with God never ends. It is important to
know God’s word and His will for us, as well as
being aware of our children’s world. As parents,
we need to be aware of what is influencing our
children in and outside of school.
2003-2004
ANNUAL REPORT
19
Board Nominees Continued
I was born in Elmhurst, IL. And have lived in the
surrounding area for all of my life. In 1980, I
graduated from Addison Trail high school. My
wife, Pat (Venhousen ‘81) and I have owned and
operated Four Seasons Carpet Cleaning for the past
16 years. Next year, all six of our children will be
attending Timothy from preschool to high school.
In my spare time, I enjoy mostly outdoor activities
such as: camping with my family, trips to the
Michigan dunes, and fishing.
As a wife and mother of Timothy alumna, I’ve
seen first-hand the enduring value that a Christian
education at Timothy can have not just upon an
individual but upon that individual’s family and
friends. I would like to continue to help guide this
school as I hope to see this “academicallypreparing, discipleship-making institution” have
the same effect upon my grandchildren—
producing men and women of God who are both
wise and faithful.
Gerrit Wieringa
Cynthia Veldman
Fountain of Life Church
I have been honored to
serve for the last three years
as a TCS Board Member.
That service has provided
me with invaluable insight
into just how much prayer, commitment,
conviction, faith, and just plain hard work go into
enabling Timothy to successfully fulfill its mission
to develop “academically-prepared Christian
disciples.”
I believe my education and professional experience
in research has enabled me to help meet some of
Timothy’s informational needs over the last three
years and will continue to be useful to this
institution that I love and respect and which has
benefited my own family so much. I received my
undergraduate and graduate degrees in Public
Policy at the University of Chicago where I was
trained in political and economic analysis,
statistics, and organizational development. As a
Survey Director and Research Manager affiliated
with the University of Chicago and as a research
consultant, I’ve worked on a broad spectrum of
research projects over the years, many of them
related to education and child development.
20
ANNUAL REPORT
2003-2004
Faith Christian Reformed
Church, Elmhurst
Reflecting on my experience
at Timothy Christian
Schools motivates me to
serve on the Board of
Directors. While a student, I did not realize how
blessed I was to be able to attend. Later, after
entering the world of work and interacting with it
I came to appreciate what I received and what is
still being taught here.
My wife Lori and I operate True Comfort Service,
Inc., a commercial heating and air-conditioning
service company. This experience has taught us the
many ups and downs associated with running a
business and how important it is to have a strong
Christian foundation. As a Board member we can
encourage the teachers and administrators and try
to give them what they need to continue and
advance the mission of the school.
I am a graduate of Timothy (‘82) and Illinois State
University. Married to Lori (Van Dahm), we are
the parents of Kacey (5th grade), Drew (1st grade)
and Riley (17 months).
Ballot
Ballot
Timothy Christian Schools Board of Directors
May 27, 2004
Timothy Christian Schools Board of Directors
May 27, 2004
(check one)
Yes No
Faith Christian Reformed Church Elmhurst
(check one)
Yes No
Faith Christian Reformed Church Elmhurst
Al Tobin
■
■
Al Tobin
■
■
Gerrit Wieringa
■
■
Gerrit Wieringa
■
■
At Large: Christ Church of Oak Brook
Todd Barre
■
At Large: Christ Church of Oak Brook
■
Fellowship Reformed Church Lombard
Tim Bolt
■
■
■
■
■
■
Fellowship Reformed Church Lombard
■
■
Fountain of Life Church Lombard
Cynthia Veldman
Todd Barre
Tim Bolt
Fountain of Life Church Lombard
■
■
Absentee Ballots must be put into an envelope
with signature on the outside. Bring to the Society
meeting, or to a school office by Tuesday, May 25.
Cynthia Veldman
Absentee Ballots must be put into an envelope
with signature on the outside. Bring to the Society
meeting, or to a school office by Tuesday, May 25.

Reflector Spring 2004 - Timothy Christian Schools

Transcription

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