Fall 2012 - Ripon Christian Schools

RIPON CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS
COMMUNIQUÉ
Summer 2012
Another Beginning...Another Reason to Thank God
By Kerry Manus, Superintendent
success
school.
of
the
We will again be
seeking donations
for the completion of the building
project during this
year’s Fall Fund
Drive
scheduled
to begin in early
Greg Wheatley from Cor5 Construction Management poses with
November. As in
Middle School Students on the construction site.
years past, the first
It appears to be a usual start to the
$150,000
raised
during the drive
school year here at Ripon Christian,
will
go
to
the
general
fund of the
but this start is anything but ususchool.
Donations
in
excess of
al. Construction on an $800,000
Middle School/Media Center build- $150,000 will go to completing
ing began August 27, with an antici- the fundraising for the new buildpated completion date of May 27, ing. This year’s Drive promotional
2013. The one story building, which material will take on a new look. You
is directly behind the current middle should all receive a color tri-fold
school, will include three new class- mailer that will provide information
rooms, a media center/library, rest- about the drive and an attached envelope which can be used to send
rooms, storage, and a vestibule.
in donations. The flier will also
Fundraising began over the past have information about giving onfew years during our annual Fall line while at the same time updating
Fund Drives during which we raised your personal information. We ask
over $615,000. Giving for build- that you prayerfully consider giving
ing projects has been tremendous so that we can raise the remainsince the start of Ripon Christian in ing $185,000 needed to complete
1928. We have passionate alumni the building project. Praise be to
and constituents, who always sup- God for the continued generosity to
port the school, frequently volun- Ripon Christian. (2 Corinthians 9:
teer, and continue to pray for the 6-15)
We have so much to be thankful for
as we begin the 2012 - 2013 school
year. God has blessed us in so many
ways. Summer was very busy with
new teacher and new family interviews. We are so thankful for the
gifted new faculty we have added
to our staff this year. Not only that,
we are blessed with eighteen Korean foreign exchange students that
have added flavor and excitment
to our student body. Teachers are
excited about implementing technology into the classroom curriculum. Already, some classes have
seen the addition of Smartboards
made possible through the donations of constituents and Christian
School Circle. We are reminded
over and over that our God is faithful! Please keep Ripon Christian
in your prayers as we collectively
seek to serve Him and transform
His Kingdom here on earth!
Both staff and students shout out
a big “THANK YOU!” for your continued support and love for Ripon
Christian Schools.
“You will be enriched in every way
so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your
generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.” 2 Corinthians 9:11
Ripon Christian Foundation
Planting Seeds for the Future
By Jami Vander Weide
The Ripon Christian Foundation is a member of the
Barnabas Foundation which offers free assistance
to you with estate planning. Their goal is to provide excellent service and technical expertise in the
preparation and maintenance of an appropriate estate plan within an atmosphere of confidentiality and
objectivity. They will never ask you for a donation;
never sell you any financial products; never charge
you for their services and never share your financial or personal information. If you are
The Foundation provides opportunities to
interested in scheduling a meeting with
bless our school through various ways
of giving:
Bob Zeilenga of Barnabas, he will be in
Ripon during the week of November 12.
You can call Jami Vander Weide @ 599Memorials: A gift to the RC FoundaFoundation
2155 x292 or send an e-mail to the Fountion is a meaningful way to honor a loved
dation
to schedule an hour appointment.
one who has passed away. These gifts re o
n
ia
fR
ip o n C h r i s t
provide family and friends with a unique opIf you have an interest in making an immediate or fuportunity to remember the life of their loved one.
ture gift to the Foundation, you may contact a memHonorariums: A birthday, anniversary, or other cel- ber of the Foundation board listed below or send an
ebratory occasion is the perfect time to recognize a e-mail to Foundation@rcschools.com.
relative, friend or employee.
Current members include: Ron Van Essen, Jake
Wills and Bequeaths: A chance to give something Sonke, Joe Mendes, Rick Van Unen, Scott Kamper,
by Will or Trust, typically personal property, cash or John Vander Schaaf, Dan Van Groningen, Kerry Manus (Superintendent) or Jerry Pasma (Liason to the
other assets.
RC Board)
Gifts: An immediate or a planned gift can be made
to the Foundation.
ho
Fu
tu
Sc
T he
ol s
The Ripon Christian Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that exists primarily for the purpose of supporting the operating financial needs of
our school.
Through the growth of our endowment, we are ensuring we will be able to respond to the needs of Ripon
Christian today and in the future. An endowment is
forever: It’s a safety net for Ripon Christian’s future.
Ripon Christian Preschool News
By Elly Rampoldi, Preschool Director
Our new school year
has begun and we
have had a great start
so far! We began the
year with sixty-eight
students. Our morning classes are completely full right now;
but we do have a couple openings in our
afternoon class. We
anticipate that these classes will fill up quickly!
We are very pleased to say that we have many siblings of former preschoolers enrolled this year and we
are thrilled to continue serving these families as they
grow. We have been blessed by all our families in the
past and look forward to working with many of them
again and also all those who are new to our program.
2 • Communiqué • Fall 2012
We have many exciting themes and activities planned
for our fifth year of operation including field trips and
special projects. This year we will add some new units
to study and plan on taking a field trip to the new Great
Valley Museum at Modesto Junior College in addition
to our regular annual field trips.
Our goal remains one of helping the children develop
the skills needed for a successful transition to elementary school. We instruct the children in areas of cognitive, emotional, social, spiritual and physical development through a well rounded curriculum in a loving,
nurturing environment.
All in all the staff here is committed to another wonderful year working with the students at Ripon Christian Preschool and are excited about the prospects of
growth for our program as Ripon Christian School continues to grow.
Ripon Christian Welcomes New Faculty Members
Ashley Schuller joins us from
Turlock Christian, with eight
years experience in teaching.
She will be teaching second
grade along with Julie Vander
Molen and Lynn Veltkamp.
Ashley is an alumnus from Ripon Christian and then went
on to Dordt College, double
majoring in Elementary Education and Special Education.
Ashley enjoys learning new
Teacher Ashley Schuller with things with her students, but
her student Emma De Bruyn.
most of all she loves to hear
her students talk about Jesus!
When Ashley isn’t teaching, you just might see her at
an Oakland A’s game. Ashley is excited to be part of
the Ripon Christian Elementary faculty and is looking
forward to getting to know the teachers, parents, and
students. She is truly excited to see what God has
in store for her at Ripon Christian Schools! We are
blessed to have her as part of the elementary team!
Welcome, Ashley!
Krista den Dulk joins the High
School Science Department
to teach Biology and Honors
Human Anatomy and Physiology. She is a 2007 graduate
of Ripon Christian. She went
to school at Hawai’i Pacific
University and studied Marine
Biology. She is currently going
to school for her Master’s degree. She previously worked in
Hawai’i doing marine science
tours and assisting a veterinarian and biologist on the marine mammal stranding
team.
Neil Karsten also joined our
High School Science Department. Neil is teaching Chemistry, Physics, and Earth Science. This graduate of Calvin
College comes to us after
teaching at Sunnyside Christian Schools for the last two
years. In addition to moving to
California, Neil was also married this summer.
Justin Unruh has joined the
English Department at Ripon
Christian and will be teaching
English 9. He has been teaching the previous two years in
Norwalk, California. Justin is
a RC Alumnus who continued
his education at UC Irvine for
undergrad and Biola University
for his credential. In addition to
his high school responsibilities, Justin will also spend half
of the day in the elementary
school where he will be teaching fifth grade science
and social studies.
Ted Olsen will be taking over the Industrial
Arts Program here at
Ripon Christian. Ted
comes to us with well
over 10 year experience teaching in the
area of industrial arts.
He teaches wood and
metal courses and is
also exploring additional courses that may be
offered to further bolster our Industrial Art Program at Ripon Christian.
A New Addition to the
Administrative Team
Kevin Schenk joined the adminstrative team this year as
Assisitant Principal of PreK
through 8th grade. Mr. Schenk
is also teaching PreAlgebra at
the high school and sixth grade
science. Mr. Schenk recently
completed his Masters Degree
in Curriculum and Instruction
from Dordt College. He has
been teaching at Ripon Christian since 2005.
Ripon Christian is excited about these
additions to our staff. Please continue
to pray for our entire staff so that God
may be glorified at Ripon Christian.
Communiqué • Fall 2012 • 3
Teaching with Technology
By Pam Huisken, Kindergarten Teacher
This summer I had the privilege of attending the I
Teach K! National Conference. This conference featured seminars addressing the latest educational issues in kindergarten, curriculum standards, and effective teaching skills. I was thrilled to gain new insights
into the upcoming trends in education and how to use
them in kindergarten. Overall it was a wonderful learning experience that I hope to attend again in the upcoming years.
In addition to the kindergarten program, Ashley Schuller, a second grade teacher, and Justiss Van Nieuwenhuyzen, a fourth grade teacher, will be getting this technology in their classrooms as well. Both teachers are
eager to model this new technology for their students.
Ashley states, “I am so excited to be getting a Promethean Board in my classroom. I’ve had one in
my classroom for the last three years at my previous
school and it brought a whole new dimension to my
teaching. It increases the student’s engagement in the
One of the recurring themes I heard throughout this lesson and I feel like it will improve their overall learnconference was the growing use of technology in kin- ing. It makes learning come alive and it is a great way
dergarten. This includes the use of
to meet the needs of visual learners. iPods, iPads, and Smart Boards
I can’t imagine teaching without one,
When
technology
is
within the classroom. It was internow that I’ve been so used to having
esting to see and hear how teachers used correctly, it can
one. It’s a great tool to have when
nationwide are finding ways to bring
those “teachable moments” come
be a useful tool in
digital technology into the classup and you want to look something
room as a way to engage students
up to show your students. It makes
education.
in their learning and allow them to
learning and teaching fun!”
become active participants. Some
ideas presented were digital storytelling, Google Earth, Appealing to the fourth grade students, Justiss will be
PowerPoint presentations created by students, blog- introducing a Smart Board into her classroom in the
ging for students, classroom websites, apps to practice next few weeks. Justiss shares, “I am excited to have
academic skills and so much more. When technology the opportunity to have a Smart Board in my classis used correctly, it can be a useful tool in education.
room! During my time student teaching, I had a Smart
Board in the classroom and I loved it! Being able to
The teachers are excited to gain two Smart Boards in have numerous activities ready to go makes it a great
the kindergarten program this year. Our students are timesaving tool. I plan to use the Smart Board to make
eagerly anticipating the arrival of the “big computers” my lessons more interactive and engaging for my stuon the wall. Through the use of this technology we dents. “
will be able to create lessons to practice sight words,
reading and comprehension skills, and math skills. We It is exciting to see our classrooms here at Ripon Chriswill be able to engage our students in a completely tian becoming equipped with these great learning tools.
new format. We look forward to using Google Earth to We as teachers look forward to using them as a means
“travel” to countries as we study “Christmas Around the to enhance the learning of your children as we aim for
World” in December. Our goal is to begin to integrate academic excellence in each of our classrooms and
the use of technology into our kindergarten program as grade levels.
a way to enhance our teaching and the learning experiences of our students.
4 • Communiqué • Fall 2012
Greetings from Priceless Treasures Thrift Shop:
By Bob Van Hofwegen, Thrift Shop Manager
Bob and volunteer Joann working at Priceless Treasures in Modesto.
As a new school year begins, we at Priceless Treasures Thrift Shop want to wish all you a most blessed
school year. We are thankful that we are able to join
with you in the Christian education effort being made
by Ripon Christian Schools. We believe, along with
you, that this kind of education is so important for our
children in order to prepare them in our fallen world
for the Kingdom calling that all of God’s redeemed
children have. That sounds like a mouthful, but it is
so simply true. The best way for our children to be
prepared to fulfill the calling God gives to all of us is to
receive the most full-orbed Christian education possible. And, for our children, in the culture in which we
live today, we believe strongly that this includes the
education that they receive at home, at church and
at school. As was said, we are thankful that we can join with you
in seeking to achieve this. For those of you who are
new to the RCS community, we are your thrift store! We are a part of Ripon Christian Schools and, under
the Lordship of Jesus, we exist for Ripon Christian
Schools. Blessed by the Lord, we are able to send a
significant amount of dollars to RCS each year. These
dollars are used, along with other fund-raising efforts,
to keep the cost of tuition down as much as possible. We also benefit Sierra Salem Christian Homes, a
God-glorifying residence ministry for developmentally
disabled adults. The Lord even uses us for His ministry purposes in Modesto, serving the homeless and
others who need to experience His love, in a variety
of ways. So...if you have not been aware of us, we
are thrilled to make ourselves to known to you.
Having said that, we need to also say, we could use
your help. We depend almost exclusively on volunteers: those who volunteer their donations as well as
those who volunteer their time. Over the years we
have been blessed by so many in this regard. However, the need is ongoing: donations and volunteers.
So, if you have any good and decent material items to
donate, we’d love to have them! They would help us
so much! Make sure you tell others about us as well! If you have time to donate, we’d love that too! I wish
I could introduce you to all the faithful volunteers who
have taken the time over the years to come down to
the store to donate their time! Some have entered
the mansions prepared for them, others are no longer
physically able to help for a variety of other reasons,
the rest we still have! We praise the Lord for all of
them!
I’d like to personally invite you at this time to prayerfully consider donating some time yourself here at
the store. As was said before, the need is ongoing,
and so is the blessing. We have a lot of fun here;
we enjoy each other immensely, because we all know
we are serving a common Lord for a common cause. If you know anyone who is volunteering his/her time
here, please talk to them! Otherwise, come on down
to the store at 321 McHenry Ave., Modesto, CA. You
can also call us at 209-579-5513 and ask for Bob.
May God grant you His richest blessings at Ripon
Christian Schools.
Middle School Robotics
in Action
Writing an algorithm for an imaginary robot that can navigate
through trees.
Communiqué • Fall 2012 • 5
A Personal Note From School Board
By Brian Vos, Board President
With the beginning of the school year comes both excitement and a little apprehension. Students, teachers, staff and parents all share these emotions. It is
rewarding to see all the students return to RC, ready
to take advantage of all the opportunities that are
available to them courtesy of the support and contributions made by generations of RC supporters. It is
with this support and heritage that RC is able to offer
a special learning environment for our students.
Over the summer, the RC Board and Administration
team began the process of updating our Strategic
Plan, including the Vision and Mission for the school.
The prior Plan was developed several years ago,
and indicative of a good plan and a good team, much
of that Plan has been successfully executed. The
review process considers our current situation and
performance, the expectations and requirements of
our constituents, and a forward look, to identify the
opportunities that may exist over the next decade.
The review is focusing on several “planks” that will
form the revised Strategic Plan. Each of these strategic planks, listed below, is being further developed
by subcommittees composed of current and former
board members and administrators.
• Development of Faith in an integrated Christian
learning environment
• Education Quality
• Staff Quality and Care
•
•
•
Facilities Requirements
Financial Strength
Marketing
Over the years, RC has been able to constantly
adapt and grow to meet the needs of our students
and parents. While it has not always been easy, the
RC community pulls together when faced with new
opportunities or needs. If you’ve been around school
lately, you may have noticed a new building project
behind the Middle School. This project, part of the
prior Strategic Plan, has been a long time coming,
but thanks to generous support, construction is now
under way on a much needed new Middle School
classroom and library/media building. For those of
you, like me, with sentimental attachment to the old
Middle School basketball courts, don’t worry, there
are parts of the RC heritage and tradition that are too
valuable to lose, and the courts will re-appear behind
the Middle School gymnasium.
Valuable and much needed projects like this are only
possible with the tremendous support we have from
the RC community. Thanks to all who have partnered
with RC to make this project a reality. Through the
updating of our Strategic Plan, we hope to develop a
roadmap, laying out the opportunities that will lead to
the continued improvement and development of all
facets of Ripon Christian Schools.
Ripon Christian Class of 1962
Celebrates their 50th Reunion
On Saturday, July 7th, the Ripon Christian graduating
class of 1962 gathered at the home of John and Sharon Van Zwaluwenburg for their 50th reunion. About 20
of the original class of 34 and their spouses enjoyed a
wonderful afternoon visiting, topping it off with a delicious prime rib and chicken dinner and Johnny’s softserve ice cream.
After dinner, time was spent as each classmate shared
what had transpired in their life in the past 50 years. A
special tribute was made to the six classmates as well
as one spouse who have passed away. Classmates
came from as far as Michigan and Washington. They
spent the evening sharing memories of their times at
RC and reflecting on God’s blessings they have enjoyed. Realizing how short life can be, plans are being
made to meet again in two years when, hopefully they
should all be 70 years old!
6 • Communiqué • Fall 2012
By Dot Veltkamp, Class of 1962
From left to right and front to back: Fred Douma, Hank Vander Veen,
Leonard Maliepaard, John Poelstra, Gary Nienhuis, Jan De Boer, Susan
(Peterson) Luth, Leo Van Vliet, Hefti Brunold, Ray Mensonides, Marcy
Hoogendoorn, Roger Van Dyken, Evie (Attema) Sloan, John Van Zwaluwenburg, Dot (Roorda) Veltkamp, Marlin Schilt, Don Eskes, Calvin Luth.
Also attending, but not in the photo, was Joan (Boersma) Buckner).
Principal’s Post
As we begin yet another
school year, I am amazed
by God’s continued faithfulness to Ripon Christian. As a
high school, we are excited
to have 249 students in our
halls this year. Over 85 of
those students are new students or incoming freshman. We also welcome an additional seven international
Eric Segaar
students from our partnership
High School Principal
with Global Vision Christian
Schools. In addition to the increase in our student population, we are excited by the
addition of four new teachers to the high school staff.
As we entered the summer with a number of staffing
positions to fill, the Lord provided faithful individuals to
meet our needs and allow our school to continue to
grow. We have been truly blessed.
With much to be thankful for and so many blessings,
it can be easy to become complacent. I am reminded
of the parable of the talents in Matthew. As I am sure
you all remember, the master placed varying amounts
of money (talents) in the care of his servants. The servant that received five talents put the money to use
and earned five more for his master. The servant that
received two talents also put the money to work and
doubled his master’s money. However, the servant that
received one talent buried the talent in the ground and
returned it to his master without any gain. At this, the
master called the servant evil and lazy. He praised the
first two servants for their faithfulness and promised
to each of them additional responsibility. Our Master
places in our care many talents, and it should be our
intent to grow these talents. We are not going to take
the blessings that the Lord has provided to us and bury
them in the ground. Rather, we will strive to grow God’s
Kingdom through the students that He has placed under our care. Students will grow in their understanding
of the Lord through both the teaching and non-teaching experiences that they encounter this year at Ripon
Christian. The Lord is faithful, yesterday, today, and
always.
Prayer Warriors Program
By Lisa Van Groningen
We have started our 5th year of the Prayer Warriors Commitment: Our volunteers are committed to
Program at Ripon Christian Schools. Don’t know praying at school at the same time each week.
about this program yet? Well, if you’ve ever seen Concentration: We do our best to focus on the task
the movie Facing the Giants, you’ll have an idea of at hand .
what we do. In this movie there was a godly man that Confidentiality: Sensitive prayer requests are abwalked through the hallways of a school and prayed. solutely spoken only between the “prayer walker”
While “prayer walking,” we pray for the school, stu- and God.
dents, families, and teachers repQuiet: Our goal is to be seen by
“Pour out your heart like
resented at Ripon Christian. We
teachers, staff and students but not
have a committed group of prayer water before the face of the heard. This is to give staff and stuLord…Lift up your hands dents a visible reminder they are
warriors walking through desigtoward
Him for the lives of being upheld in prayer, but also
nated areas of RCS once a week
throughout the school year.
so we don’t disrupt any part of the
your children.”
school day.
Lamentations 2:19
We are looking for more people to
pray with us. Moms, dads, grandparents or anyone We will be starting up again at the end of September.
with a heart for RC are welcome to join us. It’s very If you would like to join us or would like more inforsimple to do! Each Monday morning that school is in mation about this Prayer Warriors program, please
session, each “prayer walker” picks up their prayer contact Lisa Van Groningen at 209-456-4628 or
sheet at the office, goes to their designated area and bvangee@velociter.net.
prays! It only takes about 30 minutes each week.
The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effecThere are a few criteria each prayer walker MUST tive. James 5:16b
follow:
Communiqué • Fall 2012 • 7
Global Vision Christian Schools Sends 18 Students to RCHS
for the opportunity of opening our hearts and home to a
Korean student named Kevin (WooGee) Lee.”
“Hosting Patrick adds a whole new dimension to our
lives. It gives us the opportunity to continue nurturing
a young person and in return we see the world through
his eyes. It expands our view of God’s creation. Mostly
it has just been fun!”
Eighteen families have opened their homes to host students from Global Vision Christian Schools. These students come from South Korea and have a deep desire to
learn the American culture. They also strive to improve
their English as they are immersed into our culture. The
students have shared some of their favorite things about
Ripon Christian. Most of them enjoy classes from Math
with Mr. Tameling to Art with Mrs. Van Groningen. One
student expressed his love for our campus. The green
grass and open fields are not as common in South Korea. Another student stated that chapel was her favorite
part of RC. Several of them voiced how friendly the students at RCHS are. Although they come from a different
part of the world, they share many things in common
with American teenagers. Like most students at RC,
they love In-N-Out burgers and pizza! We praise God
for the eighteen families that have opened their homes.
The host families include: Mike and Karel Brown, Brian
and Susie Herr, Brandon and Loretta Hicks, Randy and
Julie Hilarides, Matt and Yvonna Ray, Keif and Amber
Machado, David and Debbie Mensonides, Greg and
Vikki Groshong, Rev. Lloyd and Heidi Wicker, Scott and
Tami Kamper, Bryan and Stephanie Saenz, Bob and
Cynthia Faure, Ed and April Silveira, Josh and Dawn
Clark, Jerry and Betty Pasma, Jim and Vivian Schuller,
Ted and Brenda Kramer, and Scott and Kathy Cragin.
Several of them expressed their favorite things about
having a foreign exchange student:
“As a family we enjoy experiencing new things with
Kevin. Things that we tend to take for granted living
in California, are new and exciting to him. As much as
Kevin is learning from us, we feel our family is equally
learning from him. We enjoy learning about each others’ cultures, sharing with one another and realizing the
similarities and the many differences in our lives. It has
been a wonderful experience for our family and taught
our children valuable life lessons. They are learning
to think of others in all that they do. They help to show
Kevin how to do things, say things, and explain what
things mean. Our family will be forever changed by this
experience! We will forever remember and be grateful
8 • Communiqué • Fall 2012
“We love talking with Jacob and learning about his life
in Korea, gaining insight into his culture, his expectations, and his worldview. It is also fun to watch him learn
about our American culture and to introduce him to new
foods and experiences. Our children learn from him too
and the teasing and lively banter between them is quite
entertaining.”
“The brotherly camaraderie between our son and our
Korean student.”
“We enjoy having Amy here for so many reasons. God
had laid it on our hearts to take this on since He has
given us the resources with the home we live in and our
children can enjoy learning from someone of another
culture. We also enjoy sharing our culture with Amy and
we all learn what it’s like to invite a stranger into our
home and love her like Christ does.”
“We have been thoroughly enjoying having Sally in our
home. It is fun and exciting learning about a different
culture and trying new foods all from our own home, no
traveling required. We love to travel and think it would
be cool to go to South Korea someday. One cool realization for the kids has been the discovery of how similar
other teens are to them, even from the other side of the
world.”
“We love being exposed to their culture and the opportunity to share our culture with them. Our family has bonded with David through good natured jokes and teasing,
numerous nicknames, football and soccer games, and
control over the music playlist. One minute grooving to
classic Chicago and the next, singing and dancing to a
Korean rocker who I am not even certain David understands. We are very blessed to have David as part of
our family.”
“Our favorite part about having Chloe in our home is
getting to know her and making her feel welcome and
comfortable in her new home away from home. We are
having fun and feel so blessed to be a big part of Chloe’s
American experience.”
High School Gym Gets New Look
By Renae Goslinga, High School Teacher
If you have been in the Gym recently, then you have
seen what has transpired over this past summer. If
you have not, then come by and take a look. Over the
years, since the gym was built, different graduating
classes have left monetary gifts denoted with special
projects in mind. A committee was formed that included
Sylvia Colyn, Lynette Vos, and Renae Goslinga. The
committee helped facilitate the work and completion of
the project.
The recently graduating Class of 2012 provided funds
to paint the school’s name, Ripon Christian, on the wall
along with a carefully chosen verse. The verse from
Colosians 3:23 says, “Whatever you do, work at it with
all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.”
What a great reminder of our ultimate desire to honor
God!
The Class of 2011 gave towards the painting of the
School Song, since it was not found in the High School
Gym. They wanted to honor with their gift the Class of
1977 who donated the original painting of the school
song in the now Middle School Gym.
The painting of the Knight was donated by the Class
of 2010. The Knight graphic was designed by Ripon
Christian supporter and graphic designer, Janet Schollenberg. It came out looking fantastic!
The history of athletics at RC is overwhelming! The
championship banners fill the wall with not only color, but celebration. RC has six State Championships,
seven NorCal Championships, and thirty-seven Section Titles. They also celebrate seventy-three League
Championships in eleven different sports, dating all the
way back to 1967! Many different groups and graduating class gifts were brought together for the completion of the wall that proudly displays these accomplishments. The Classes of 2003, 2006, 2007, 2008, and
2009 had left money for various projects that did not
come to fruition, but through contact with each of the
class’ Senior Presidents, these funds were designated
for this project. The Ripon Quarterback Club also donated money for this project. A special thanks to Kent
Vos, Bill Mulder and Ed Mulder who figured out the details of this project, and also to Ted Kramer, Tom Kramer and Johnny Sikkema for putting up the banners as
well as the wall matts. The wall mats were donated by
the RC Boosters Club.
To complete this project, all of the walls were repainted
before the artwork and banners could be hung. In addition, new flags were purchased which represent our
country and our faith. Also an audio/visual projection
system including screens was permanently mounted.
What a blessing it is to see so many come
together for the completion of this project!
Communiqué • Fall 2012 • 9
2012 Fall Sports Update
Football
The 2012 football team
enters this year on the
heels of their recent playoff season. Our small, but
talented group of dedicated players looks to build
on and continue their success. The team is led by
Manteca Bulletin Player
of the Year running back
Andrew Brown and senior quarterback Danny Vos.
Boys Soccer
The future continues
to look bright for the
boys soccer team. The
Knights are led by veteran seniors, Christian
Manes, who leads the defensive side of the field,
and Jon Vander Molen,
who leads the offensive
attack. Sophomore Danny Vander Molen hopes to continue to score goals and
build on an outstanding first year.
By Joe Daretta, Athletic Director
Girls Golf
Our girls continue to develop and compete at a
higher level each year. This year the team is
again led by senior allleague player Jenny
Wickham. The girls play
in the competitive Valley
Foothill League which
is composed of schools
from the Trans-Valley, Mother Lode, and Southern
Leagues. Volleyball
The 2012 volleyball team
defends its back to back
Southern League titles
and its five consecutive
SacJoaquin Division Five
Section championships. The team is led by junior
sensation Andie Shelton. She was the Manteca
Bulletin and Modesto
Bee Player of the Year in
2011.
Ripon Christian School Circle Update
It’s the beginning of another school year at Ripon
Christian and the excitement level is high--the kids
are settling into their new classes and School Circle is
gearing up for another great year of fundraising, volunteering, and fellowship! A few changes were made
last year with separating Family Fun Night into “RC
Knight Out: Dinner and Auction” in the fall and “Family Fun Festival” in the spring. At the auction alone
we raised over $50,000 for RC! The money that was
raised is being used to help retrofit our buses and purchase classroom technology such as Smartboards
and iPads.
This year RC Knight Out: Dinner and Auction will be
held on October 27 at the Ripon Community Center
from 5pm until 9pm. There will be a silent auction
throughout the evening with a wide variety of items up
for bid. There will be appetizers, a dinner buffet and
dessert. Afterwards, the room will be transformed into
an auction house where live auction participants can
10 • Communiqué • Fall 2012
By Stacey Johnston, School Circle President
bid on items such as weekend getaways, baking lessons, handcrafted items, wine baskets, sports tickets,
and even catered dinners. If you have an item that
you would like to donate to the auction, please email
Pam Van Zwaluwenburg at vanzwap@juno.com.
Tickets for RC Knight Out are on sale now! The cost
per ticket is $30 or $240 for a table of eight. Tickets
will be sold at the RC School Circle meetings and the
elementary and high school offices. Please contact
Kerry Harris at 612-0240 for details!
In addition, we are so blessed to have so much support from parents and from the community. We’re
praying that this year is another huge success! The
Ripon Christian School Circle meets on the first Friday of each month at Almond Valley Church at 8:40
a.m. and is open to everyone who would like to get
involved! For questions or volunteer opportunities,
please contact us at scircle@rcshools.com.
MARKETPLACE
AGRICULTURAL SERVICES
MARC VELTKAMP
Tree Holes & Backhoe Service
421 S. Acacia Ave. Ripon, CA 95366
Phone: (209) 993-5392
Evenings: (209) 599-5424
MODESTO FEED INC.
Russ Hannink
5437 McHenry Ave. Modesto, CA, 95356
(209) 526-9589
Livestock, Pet & Poultry Feeds, Horse Care Products,
Vet Supplies, Hay Shaving, Straw, Fencing
Progressive Ag, Inc.
LectroBlast® Electrostatic Sprayers
Manufacturing * Sales * Service
Elroy DeWinkle
(209) 567-3232
Fax: (209) 567-3233
PO Box 4490 Modesto, CA 95352
1336 McWilliams Way, Modesto, CA 95351
www.proaginc.com elroy@proaginc.com
ROOS RANCHES INC. - HIGHLAND FARMS
Almond Hulling & Shelling
Farm Management & Custom Farm Services
23313 Highland Ave. Ripon, CA 953666
Office (209) 599-8670
Fax (209) 599-8671
Jeff Stuit (209) 595-0160
Eric Winters (209) 595-1699
Dave Van Elderen (209) 595-2752
Wilkey Industrusties
Rich Maliepaard
Sales and Marketing
830 S. Tegner Road * Turlock, CA 95380
Cell (209) 649-1021 * Fax (209) 656-0359
rich@wilkeyindustries.com
www.wilkeyindustries.com
FINANCIAL SERVICES
Croce & Company
Certified Public Accounts
Paul Vander Veen, CPA
Eric Vander Veen, CPA
(209) 943-2222
501 W. Weber, Ste 500 Stockton, CA
www.croceco.com
MICHAEL KASSO
PHOTOGRAPHY
1180 W. Main Street - Ripon, CA 95366
HOME SERVICES
Photo Cards, Photography and More!
Rachel Mouw
www.mouwdesign.com
mouwdesign@gmail.com or 918-2679
ACACIA STORAGE
REAL ESTATE
D.D.S. M.S.D.
Specialist in Orthodontics
(209) 599-4870
Mini Storage - RV / Boat
Nancy Terpstra
Steve Terpstra
(209) 599-6508
Monday - Saturday 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Sunday 2 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
749 S. Acacia Ave. Ripon, CA 95366
GENSKE, MULDER, & COMPANY LLP.
Certified Public Accounts
Peter E. Hoekstra, CPA Managing Partner
Paul V. Anema, CPA Partner
(209) 523-3573 Fax: (209) 574-0224 Cell (209) 602-4920
4803 Sisk Rd, Suite 201 Salida 95368
e-mail: pete@genskemulderco.com
LANDRETH ROOFING CO., INC.
Licensed-Bonded-Insured-Lic #410792
Free Estimates
Stephen Landreth
FLORAL ARRANGEMENTS
(209) 599-2371 Fax (209) 599-1172
521 Key Ave. Ripon, CA 95366
www.landrethroofing.com
Serving the Central Valley since 1981
MAIN STREET FLORAL
SCHEMPER’S ACE HARDWARE
433 West Main Street, Ripon, CA 95366
(209) 599-6322
Audrey Hoffman
Kendra Hoffman
Phone: (209) 599-2141 Fax: (209) 599-6540
www.SchempersAce.com
Get in. Get out.
Get on with your life.
Feed Ingredient Merchandiser
SIGNS
COATES & WRIGHT
P.O. Box 720, Ripon, CA 95366
(209) 599-7776 ~ Fax: (209) 599-7595
Mobile: (209) 479-3828 ~ Cell: (209) 969-1212
K & M SIGNS
Manuel P. King
V-V ENTERPRISES
David Van Vliet
VOORTMAN SPRAY SERVICE
Darrell, Eunice & Paul Voortman
Orchard & non-crop applications
26754 East Jones Rd., Escalon, CA 95320
(209) 604-0996 - Cell; (209) 599-3265 - Fax
Commercial Signs - Job Site - Real Estate Signs
Vehicle Lettering - Trucks - Boats - Water Craft
Banners - Window Lettering - Magnetics - Trailers
595 N. Wilma Ave., Ripon, CA 95366
FRESH PRODUCE
VAN GRONINGEN & SONS, INC.
WATERFORD IRRIGATION SUPPLY
15100 South Jack Tone Rd. Manteca, CA 95336
(209) 982-5248; (209) 983-9014 Fax
Diversified Growers/Shippers
Almonds-Walnuts-Alfalfa-Watermelon
Sweet Corn-Pumpkins-Silage
RON AND JOHN NYDAM - 874-1386
HEALTH-DOCTORS
AUTO-SALES
ALMOND BLOSSOM OPTOMETRY
FAMILY VISION CARE
B&Z AUTO PARTS
CAR QUEST
Doctors of Optometry
Ray Enas
424 West Main St. - Ripon, CA 95366
(209) 599-2185
CONSTRUCTION SERVICES
MULDER CONSTRUCTION
Lic #401736
General Contractors
Custom Homes & Remodeling
Quality Work - Fair Prices
Bill Mulder 599-2681 Ed Mulder
EDWARDS, LIEN, & TOSO INC.
Jeffrey A. Lien
8408 N. Lander Ave. Hilmar, CA 95324
Phone: (209) 634-9484
Mobile: (209) 495-3114
jeff@eltappraisers.com
www.eltappraisers.com
Agricultural Real Estate Appraisers & Consultants
Comfy Cabin...
8 minutes from Pinecrest and Dodge
Ridge. $150-$175/night, 2 night minimum,
800/wk. Sleeps 8; 3 bdrm; 2 bath; propane/electric heat; 2 VCRs/DVD; laundry;
large deck; new beds. Immaculate. No
pets, no smoking. Contact Barbara SwierSugia 883-4937
Your Ad Here:
Full Year Ad $160.00
Contact Lori McGovern for more
information
599-2155 ext. 237
Home/Office (209) 838-7064
Fax (209) 838-3064
GO KNIGHTS
150 N. Wilma Ave. Ripon, CA 95366
MOUW DESIGN
Duane I. Kirk, O.D.
Tyler E. Kirk, O.D.
423 W. Main St. Ripon, CA 95366
(209) 599-3115
Fax (209) 599-3793
Cell (209) 840-1581
Cell (209) 681-2013
ALLEN D. HOEK, O.D
Doctor of Optometry
Professional Family Vision Care • Laser Vision Correction
Contact Lenses • Large Selection of Frames
(209) 599-2216
1048 W. Main Street, Ripon, CA 95366
Floor Coverings Inc.
Carpet-Vinyl-Laminate-Hardwood
Bert and Nancy Vander Veen
115 Mark Randy Place, Modesto, CA 95350
Ph (209) 527-2100; Fax (209) 527-0341
State Contractors License No 376288
MOBILE SCREENS
Const. License # 767257
Founded by Frank Miller in 1990
Bruce Miller - Owner Mobile # (209) 523-3528
Windows & Door Screens - New or Repaired
New Security Doors - Shade Screens - MID Credits
Window and Door Screen Parts
1530 Glenwood Dr. Modesto, CA 95350
INSURANCE
DARRYL BARTELS, AGENT
State Farm Insurance Companies
Lic. #0378110
210 South Stockton Ave. Ripon, CA 95366
(209) 599-2174
WEVER INSURANCE AGENCY
Don Wever, CPCU, ARM
Res (209) 599-3638
Bus (209) 599-2161
Fax (209) 599-7349
100 E. Main St. Ripon, CA 95366
Lic. #0549066
INVESTMENTS
FINANCIAL NETWORK
Ronald L. Van Essen CFP
Financial Advisor - CA Insurance # 0498676
(209) 239-4155 Fax (209) 239-9560
Personal Office 129 E. Center St. Suite 18, Manteca, CA 95336
Vanessenr@financialnetwork.com
Branch Office 2937 VenemanAve. Suite B100; Modesto, CA95356-0640 (209) 572-1303
Communiqué • Fall 2012 • 11
NON PROFIT
US POSTAGE
PAID
PERMIT #415
STOCKTON, CA
435 N. Maple Avenue
Ripon, CA 95366
www.rcschools.com (209)599-2155
Member of CSI, ACSI, CAPSO, and SCTA
WASC accredited
Society for Christian Instruction
Business Office Hours:
8:00 – 4:00 Monday – Friday
TRIP Office Hours:
9:00-12:00 Tuesday (High School Office)
Store Front Hours:
8:15 – 12:30 Friday in PAC foyer
(First Friday of month at Almond Valley CRC)
Doreen Unruh, TRIP Coordinator (209) 599-6351
ADMINISTRATION:
Kerry Manus, Superintendent
Eric Segaar, High School Administrator
Mary Ann Sybesma, PK-8 Administrator
Kevin Schenk, PK-8 Assistant Principal
Joe Darretta, Athletic Director
Tiger Shelton, Operations Director
Sally Hidalgo, Business Manager
Bob De Ruiter, Technology Director
Elementary students
excitedly searched
through library books
during this year’s book
sale. Thank you to the
volunteers that helped
make this day fun for
all the students!