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UPDATE FROM PASTOR JOHN...
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"BRING US HOME!"
Blessed! Excited! Amazed! These are words that I frequently hear when I talk with people about our new home for next year. I would agree that each of those words capture what truly is happening at AVC. First and foremost, we truly are blessed by God. We are blessed not just by our new location for next year, but by each and every thing God continues to do for us. Every day lives are being changed as students are being taught. Did you know that this school year we have experienced a 20% growth (mostly in Preschool-5th grade)? ... and that we were voted by the Daily Press readers as "Best of the Desert" in 3 different categories? We truly are blessed, and I believe we have every reason to be excited as God pours out His blessings on us. It is amazing that our new home on Ottawa is the very same building that we looked at before we moved to Hesperia.
As we look forward to the future, the reality is that it is going to take a lot of work and it will take a team effort. We need EVERYONE to help in at least one of these three areas:
1) Donation of time - We need people to help with the build-out at our new home. You don't need to be a licensed general contractor (although if you are, that's great!) in order to help out. We need willing volunteers who are able to help whenever they are available - weekdays, weekends, evenings. How exciting to be able to help build AVC, where students for years to come will be trained as "Christian Leaders Committed to Excellence!" If you are able to donate time, please email me at pastorjohn@ avcschool.com or call the school office (760.995.3516).
2) Donation of materials - Some of you are able to acquire materials at a discount or, even better, free! Every little bit helps, so please don't think that the materials you have don't add up to much. If you are able to donate materials please email me at pastorjohn@avcschool.com or call the school office (760.995.3516).
3) Donation of money - We are going to need money in order to complete this build-out and every dollar given helps in that effort. Maybe you know someone who would be willing to donate to this worthy cause - let them know about AVC or let me know so that I can tell them about what God is doing at AVC. If you are able to donate money, please email me at [email protected] or Mrs. Casey at [email protected], or call the school office (760.995.3516).
I pray that you will take the opportunity to be a part of the team that helps to "Bring Us Home!"
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"THANK YOU" FROM MR. WATSON...
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Accreditation Visit 2014 and Classical Christian Education
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Thank you to everyone who contributed to the accreditation process. Students, parents, and staff all worked very hard to represent our school to the ACSI-WASC Accreditation Visiting Committee. The accreditation team was deeply impressed with our school. We are encouraged by their response.
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We congratulate our students, who "exhibit the faculty's commitment to higher-level thinking and critical thinking skills, as instruction, especially middle to high school level, is based on class discussion of issues and defense of views. Answers to 'how' and 'why' (not just 'what') is an integral part of each school day." You are Christian leaders committed to excellence.
As was stated by Dr. Swetland in his note to us, we will receive the terms of our accreditation renewal later this spring. I had the opportunity to discuss many topics with the team. The process was always challenging and informative. One theme was stated frequently. The team believed the classroom learning environment on all levels of our school to be exceptional. They believed that any parent that had the opportunity to observe classrooms for extended periods would be motivated to have their student enrolled in our school.
Included in this month's newsletter is an article regarding Classical Christian education. I encourage you to read and consider their ideas. I think it interesting that the conclusion to the "Myths" article states: "Students are not allowed to be disruptive, but they are constantly encouraged to offer observations, ask questions, and make comments. The Classical method encourages a stimulating and enjoyable learning environment for students." Compare these comments to the Accreditation Commendations, which are also included in this month's newsletter.
Thank you for your commitment to AVCS. Our passion is helping your students to grow to be whole persons who have a complete, God-centered orientation of life, providing them with an education founded on a thoroughly Christian and biblical worldview, with the goal of creating, under God, students with a Christian mind.
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Major Commendations
The Committee Commends:
The board, administration, and faculty for the development of a clearly articulated philosophy of Classical Christian education that builds a solid foundation and framework for student learning.
The board, administration, faculty, and staff for consistently and effectively living out the school's Biblically-based philosophy of life and learning, thereby enhancing student's understanding of the Christian world view and impacting their own life choices.
The school board, administration, faculty, staff, students, and alumni for responding with a clear sense of God's sovereignty and collective resolve to keep the school open which has resulted in an enhanced faith in God, a new non-profit 501(c)3 organization, a new location, and a renewed sense of mission and vision for the ministry of Apple Valley Christian School.
The administration and faculty for fostering an atmosphere of active learning, higher-order thinking ability and critical thinking skills that result in students who are articulate defenders of their faith.
The administration and faculty for providing opportunities for service, missions and personal growth so that students are able to demonstrate their Christian character in the surrounding community.
Other Commendations
The Committee Commends:
The administration and faculty for establishing a strong science curriculum in grades 1 through 8 that connects the school's commitment to Christian worldview in a way that bolsters the Classical Christian model.
The faculty for providing students in grades 9-12 with a strong science program which leads to graduates of the program finding success in scientific and engineering fields of study.
The teachers for engaging students in the Socratic method to learn the "why" and "how" of the historical process, fostering an environment where a deeper understanding is emphasized and not simply historical facts.
The administration, faculty, staff, and students for demonstrating a level of compassion and caring that builds school unity and enhances character development.
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ACSI-WASC VISITING TEAM LETTER
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The visiting team, representing the Association of Christian Schools International and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, wishes to express appreciation for Apple Valley Christian School and its commitment to school improvement.
- We commend the board for seeking to maintain its status as an accredited school.
- We commend the administration for leading the staff through the rigors of self-study and preparation for the visit.
- We commend the faculty and staff for spending focused time in evaluating every aspect of the school and developing a picture of what the school is today in order to prepare it for tomorrow.
- We commend the parents for committing themselves to the school by entrusting it with their children and accepting the financial burden of support for this commitment.
- We commend the students for their openness and candor as they shared their perspective of life at Apple Valley Christian School.
It has been a distinct pleasure to be a part of this experience in the life of the school. The entire visiting committee is grateful for the opportunity to serve the school in this way.
We trust that our report will be a useful tool and serve the school well as it pursues its preferred future.
The committee has sent our report and recommendations to the ACSI and WASC Accreditation Commissions. It is these commissions that make the determination of a schools' accreditation status and they will notify the school of their decisions later this spring.
The committee was very pleased to see how the Apple Valley School Community rallied to keep the school alive and all the work that is being accomplished to help it thrive now and in the future!
Thank you for your hospitality to our team,
Dr. Cecil Swetland
ACSI-WASC Visiting Committee Chairman
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MYTHS...3 COMMON MISPERCEPTIONS
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Taken from Discover Classical Christian Education
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Myth:
Classical education was fine back then, but we need modern education in a modern world.
Fact:
Classical education teaches students facts, provides them with logical tools to use those facts, and perfects the student's ability to relate those facts to others. This fundamental skill-set is more valuable today than it has ever been. The process of teaching students to think extends far beyond filling their heads with knowledge.
Modern education, to varying degrees, has succeeded in teaching facts and some skills. Classical education helps students draw original, creative, and accurate conclusions from facts and then formulate those conclusions into logical and persuasive arguments.
Modern subjects based in science and technology are taught in classical schools, through classical methods. Parents who are exposed to classical education recognize that its "back to the basics" approach contrasts with the distractions of modern education. Is the classical method applicable in a modern, technological age? The technology we have today was invented, in large part, by the classically educated.
Classical education teaches children the timeless skills of thinking, reasoning, logic, and expression. Our subject matter is as up-to-date as that found in other schools. We simply add a depth and dimension through this time-tested method.
Myth:
Classical education is unnecessarily difficult.
Fact:
Children enjoy learning. They are wired for it. Assuming that a child will not be able to succeed in a challenging environment is tempting, but simply untrue.
A common assumption is that a demanding curriculum results in unhappy children. As adults, learning new things can be uncomfortable. However, children are fascinated by what they learn. The excitement of children learning Latin grows as they become able to describe the world in a language that most adults do not understand. The rich and complex texture of classical literature is amplified by youth. Science and the history of Western Civilization come alive for those who hunger to know about their world. For the unconvinced, a visit to a classical Christian school is sure to demonstrate that our students love to learn.
Classical schools maintain order in the classroom. This does not translate to stoic where interaction is limited to an occasional, downcast "yes sir." Students are not allowed to be disruptive, but they are constantly encouraged to offer observations, ask questions, interact, and make comments. The classical method encourages a stimulating and enjoyable learning environment for students.
Myth:
Classical education is too extreme.
Fact:
Classical education teaches children "with the grain" - complementing their developmental phase with the appropriate teaching method. Parents are rightfully skeptical of anything that differs boldly from the norm. However, classical of classical education was the norm 100 years ago because it worked.
Conventional education has taken an experimental approach to educating our children over the past four decades. Many different methods have been tried and later scrapped when they failed. This constant state of change in education creates an environment where anything "traditional" seems extreme.
Classical education provides a basic structure upon which we can build effective, successful students. We are not advocating an experiment. Rather, we are seeking a return to a system proven for over 1,000 years.
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BEST OF THE DESERT - 2014!
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ACSI MUSICALE 2014...Mrs. Brenda McLaughlin
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Our AVCS Chorale members participated in ACSI's Senior High Musicale on March 13-14th. This annual event took place at Lake Avenue Church in Pasadena and included 15 California Christian High Schools showcasing nearly 500 students in a mass choir concert. Participating schools prepare the same seven pieces for performance together in what ACSI has titled a "Command Performance," for the King of Kings! In addition, each individual choir prepares two selections that they perform for other choirs and the guest adjudicator, who critiques and offers suggestions to improve their choral music presentation.
This year's adjudicator and mass choir director was Mr. John Tebay of Fullerton College, whose choirs have received numerous awards around the world as well as being selected to perform at the highly esteemed ACDA (American Choral Directors Association) national conference. Mr. Tebay's musical expertise, wisdom, humor and spiritual input as he worked with the choir students for over 10 hours of rehearsal, were incredible and impacting!
This is the 15th year that AVCS has participated in the ACSI Musicale. This unique and stellar event has, once again, influenced lives, greatly improved students' musical knowledge and, most importantly, transformed hearts for the glory of God!
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ELEMENTARY NEWS... Mrs. Foster
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Evidence of Spring is all around...finally. It is truly hard to believe we are in the fourth quarter. Now is the time to make our final push and finish strong! A few items....
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As the weather warms up and students begin to pull out their summer clothes, please be mindful of the elementary dress code. Shorts/skorts should be a modest, near-the-knee length, and please no spaghetti strap tank tops. Also, it is recommended that shoes and sandals be of a closed-toe variety to minimize injuries on our Chicago-style playground! Refer to the Elementary dress code for specifics.
You are cordially invited to our Easter Program presented on April 17th at 6:30pm by the Elementary Choir in the chapel. You will be blessed as we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord through music and song!
April 14th - 17th is Cancer Awareness Week. High School students visit the elementary classrooms each day with a short lesson and activity to promote awareness and prevention of these deadly diseases. We culminate the week with an all-school activity on Thursday. Specific details will follow shortly, but please mark your calendars and plan to join us on Thursday.
Finally, Terra Nova testing will begin on Tuesday, April 28th and continue all week until they are completed. The test is administered first thing in the morning only. If at all possible, please be prompt in bringing your child to school and avoid any unnecessary absences during the testing dates. Students should get as much rest as possible and start the day with a healthy breakfast. A healthy morning snack containing protein is also recommended. Thank you.
Enjoy this wonderful season!
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MIDDLE SCHOOL NEWS... Mrs. Patag
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WOW!! There is never a dull moment here at
AVCS Middle School!! It's hard to believe that
t
he 2013/14 school year is almost complete.
The Lord has continued to bless us beyond belief!
Evening of Elegance, "The Great Gatsby", went off famously!! Students enjoyed a chicken Parmesan dinner served by our wonderful middle school dads. Thank you to Mr. Lockwood who provided the music for the ballroom dancing. Students spent the evening dancing, having their pictures taken with fun props, and simply having a great time hanging out together. Thank you MS SLT and advisors for a wonderful night.
With Evening of Elegance behind us, the beginning of basketball season, and the excitement of class trips beginning next week, we head boldly into the final weeks of the 2013/14 school year. Watch for Cancer Awareness Week, Teacher Appreciation Week, ACSI Band Festival on April 11, 8th Grade Promotion May 29, and don't miss the High School Graduation on May 30. Time will move fast, so hang on tight!!
We are continually reminded of God's grace and provision and seek to remember to give Him the glory and praise for the things He has done, continues to do, and will do. Thank you again for your support and the continued trust you show us by allowing us to partner with you in educating your precious children. We continue to endeavor to instill in them a love of Jesus and a desire to serve Him with their whole lives. So pray without ceasing, serve with the heart of Christ, study hard, and take advantage of opportunities to be involved.
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HIGH SCHOOL NEWS... Mrs. Huff
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Wow! As we fly through April, we are looking at the last two months of school left in 2014! What a whirlwind - Seniors will soon be graduating, students are enjoying activities like Musicale, Science Camp, Catalina, Math Olympics, Warrior Band at Knott's Berry Farm, Baseball is ongoing, and the list goes on and on. So hold on to your hats and watch those calendars!
Hopefully your seniors are making final decisions for next year, these are exciting times!
Juniors, you should be looking at taking the College entrance SATs at least once before this school year is over. You register by going to collegeboard.com. Juniors, start planning summer trips to visit colleges of interest to you as well.
Next year's schedule will soon be out and I will then be meeting with each of the students to discuss their future plans and making sure they are on track for graduation and college entrance as well.
As just a reminder, here are the graduation requirements for our high school:
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
BIBLE Four (4) years or every semester in
attendance at AVCS
ENGLISH Four (4) years
SOCIAL STUDIES Four (4) years
MATHEMATICS Three (3) years (Plus one additional
year recommended)
SCIENCE Three (3) years (Plus one additional
year recommended)
FOREIGN LANGUAGE Two (2) years
PHYSICAL EDUCATION Two (2) years - Each school team
sport counts for 1/2 year
FINE ARTS One (1) year - Art, Choir, Drama
Students must have 270 credits to graduate.
Our standards for graduation are all based on the entrance expectations of the colleges, especially the University of California (UC) system.
As we fly through the end of this school year, with much anticipation and excitement for the next, please feel free to drop in if you have any questions or would like to be sure that your high school student is on track.
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We have exciting news for enrolling your children for next school year, 2014-2015!
AVCS has recently upgraded to a web-based School Management System, called RenWeb. At the end of this school year, we will no longer be using our old system, SchoolMinder, or Edline. The new "Parents Web" will provide you with a convenient means of communication with teachers and staff.
As a result of this, enrollment will be done online. You will no longer have to complete all of your pages and pages of information. It will come to you already completed with the previous year's data, and you will only need to update changes.
Be sure to look for an email soon from Mrs. Singery that will explain how you are to access Parents Web and set up your family account, as well as how to re-enroll your children.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call Mrs. Singery in the school office: 760.995.3516. |
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NEW LOCATION - UPDATE MEETING!
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There will be an update meeting in the chapel on our current campus regarding our new Apple Valley location at 22230 Ottawa on Thursday,
April 10th, at 6:30 pm.
Don't miss it!
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Use this secure link for donating to Apple Valley Christian School!
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COMMENTS FROM
ACSI VISITING TEAM MEMBER, Kathryn O'Brien
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I was so blessed getting to know you, the staff, the kids and the entire AVCS family just a few short weeks ago. What a wonderful place~ God is working mightily at Apple Valley Christian! I am excited for your move, as you continue to trust God in His great plans for your school.
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Preschool Pancake Day Pastor John paid a visit to our AVC Preschool and read them the story book, "If You Give a Pig a Pancake." He also made pancakes for them and ate with them. They all had a great time! What a wonderful Preschool program we have at AVCS, directed by Wanda Wagner with Sheri Plantenga! |
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We have partnered with Goodwill Southern California to raise funds, as well as support Goodwill's mission of "enhancing the quality of life for people with disabilities or other disadvantages through education, training and job placement services" by hosting a donation drive! We will host the drive Saturday, April 12th from 9am-2pm. Please drop off your donations by 2pm on April 12th at Apple Valley Christian School! We have started collecting items already. Our neighbor, Store More, has generously donated storage space for us to store items until our Donation Drive on the 12th, so feel free to drop them off anytime at the school office. If you have any questions regarding this event, please contact Michelle Littell in the school office (760.995.3516). Please read the following information for acceptable items. We can only accept items on this list.
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GOODWILL DONATION GUIDELINES
All Donation Drive Fundraiser donated items must be in good, clean, working, sellable condition. We do not repair, refinish or reupholster. Goodwill has developed the following guidelines to help increase the amount of "sellable" donations credited toward your fundraiser.
Acceptable Items
Antiques and Collectibles
Artwork and Frames
Audio/Visual Equipment**
Bedspreads, Blankets, Liners
Books
CD's, DVD's, Records and Videos
Clothing, Shoes, Accessories (Infants to Adult)
Computers, Printers and Computer
Accessories (Working or Not)*
Cookware, Dishware and Utensils
Crafts (Packaged Sets)
Curtains (No Rods or Hardware)
Electronics including: Radios, Stereos, Small
Appliances, etc.**
Giftware and Knick Knacks
Glassware
Hand Tools and Small Power Tools**
Holiday Decorations
Jewelry
Lamps** (With or Without Shades)
Sporting Goods and Sleeping Bags
Televisions** (Except Consoles)
VCR's and DVR's**
Unacceptable Items
Automotive Parts/Equipment
Bed Frames, Head/Footboards
Bed Pans, Porta-potty's
Bicycles and Wheeled Toys
Blinds (Unless in Original Package)
Bolts of Fabric
Carpeting, Carpet Pads
Construction Materials
Exercise Equipment
Filtration Systems
Food
Furniture (Sofas, Tables, Chairs, Dressers, etc)
Gas Powered Tools, Landscape Equipment
Guns, Knives, Bows, Arrows, Ammunition
Hangers
Hazardous Products/Waste (Paint, Oil, etc.)
Hospital Beds, Waterbeds, Air Mattresses
Infant Cribs, Playpens, Car Seats, Strollers
Major Household Appliances
Mattresses, Box Springs, Bed Pillows
Metal Desks, Metal Filing Cabinets
Personal Care Items
Pianos and Organs (In-store Only)
Pool Tables
Recyclables (Paper, Glass, Plastic, Aluminum)
Skis, Ski Boots
Sofa Beds, Futons
Water Heaters
Wheelchairs, Walkers
* We will safely recycle these items for you, however they will not be credited to your fundraiser.
** Non-working electronics (e-waste) will not be credited toward your fundraiser.
888 4 Goodwill
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We are praising God for
His continued provisions!
The Silent Auction was such
a blessing for our school
this year!
We collected many donations and are so grateful for the support of so many school families, staff, and our community! This fundraiser brought in almost $10,000 dollars; however, after expenses our school earned a grand total of $6,235. Thank you so much to the many hands that helped make the event a success! All donations that were made to the school are tax deductible. If you would like a tax receipt for your donation please see Michelle in the school office.
We are so excited about our next Silent Auction and have already begun preparations! We wanted to let you know about a couple of changes that we will be making. We are moving the Silent Auction to the Fall! Mark your calendars for Saturday, November 15th at our new location! We feel this might be a better time of the year for our school families. Since we will be moving the Silent Auction to the Fall, we will also move our annual Serve-A-Thon to the Spring! We look forward to what the Lord has in store and continue to pray for His leading...
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 Congratulations to
Jared Rodgers (AVCS 2009), who recently graduated from the San Bernardino County
Sheriff Academy!
Jared also previously graduated from Azusa Pacific University in May 2013.
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by Skylar Seligman
The G.E.T.T. Club, on April 22nd- 23rd, is having a few days of "Awareness for Stewardship." As a part of this, we are doing crafts with the elementary and games with middle and high school. Throughout the week we are planning on filming and taking pictures, which will be posted on the school website. We hope by doing so that parents will see how interactive their children were in learning about stewardship and, in the process, learn themselves about stewardship.
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Agape All League Teams!
Boys
Kasparas Sileikis
Rimvydas Sileikis
Khanh Messner
Girls
Alanah Conrad
Girls All League
Honorable Mention
Jeni Eklund
Subrina Spidle
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Bring Us Home! Help move AVC back to Apple Valley by enjoying a latte or frappe!
Lucy's Frappe House will be on campus on April 1st, 15th, and 29th from 11am to 1pm. She will be serving up delicious drinks with her homemade whipped cream!
Stop by this fundraiser for a special treat. Proceeds will help us move back to our hometown!
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Mark your calendars for these AVC days at Nubi Yogurt on Thursday, April 17 and May 8, from 1:30 to 8pm. Make sure you obtain flyers and give them to your friends and family! Nubi Yogurt donates 20% of our purchases to AVCS!
Reminder: YOU MUST PRESENT THE FLYER AT TIME OF PURCHASE TO EARN CREDIT FOR AVC!
Can't wait to see all the Warriors on these coming Thursdays!
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Don't miss out on
Warrior News!
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Easter Break... April 18-21
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