CCS - QuickNote from the Principal

2010-07-15T09:43:00.002-04:00

July 8, 2010

Dear CCS Family,

Summer camp is in full swing, but here in the school office, we are looking ahead to September and trying to get things organized for the new principal. Once the new principal is hired, you will be notified by the church office.

Just a reminder that the fee for Books & Supplementary Resource Materials is due by July 15. If you haven’t sent in your payment, please do so immediately so books can be ordered for next year.

Three Year Old Preschool $140.00 1st - 5th grade $275.00
Four Year Old Kindergarten $175.00 6th - 8th grade $290.00
Five Year Old Kindergarten $240.00

I am enclosing a planning calendar for 2010-2011. It only contains school holidays, grading periods, conference days, and staff development days. A more detailed calendar will be issued by the new administration. If you didn’t pick up a new supply list before school ended, you can pick one up at the school lobby anytime between 6:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. (summer camp hours), or you can download the pdf file from our school web site under Student Resources. The summer reading packets for 1st - 8th grade are also in the school lobby and on the school web site.

Report cards and certificates were mailed out in June. If you did not receive your packet in the mail, please call the office at your earliest convenience. Standardized testing results are now in the office and will be mailed to parents of K5 - 8th graders within the next few days. Account balances must be paid in order to receive the report cards and/or standardized testing results.

Please note that orientation for students is scheduled for Friday, September 3. Students are invited to come anytime between 1:00 and 3:00 p.m. to meet their new teacher, find their desk, unpack their supplies, etc. Returning students entering K5 and 6th grade need to update their immunization record before August 15, 2010.

Have a blessed and safe summer.

Yours in Christ,

Kathy J. Sens, Principal
Christian Center School, Inc.

Enclosure

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
Philippians 4:8

Summer update to Parents . . . . . . . .6/23/10

2010-06-24T13:15:00.000-04:00

June 23, 2010

Dear CCS Family,

It’s hard to believe that the school year went by so quickly. I feel blessed to have been a part of your child’s education. I will miss seeing the smiles on the students’ faces as they walk through the doors on the first day of school. I will continue to pray for Christian Center School and Christian Center Ministries. I ask that you give the new principal the same support and love that you have shown me during the past 15 years.

As we finish up the 2009-2010 school year and prepare to turn things over to the new administration, there are several reminders listed below:

• Your child’s report card and end of the year certificates are included in this envelope (except Mrs. Jacob’s K4 class).
• Standardized Testing results will be mailed within the next two weeks.
• Summer reading packets for 1st - 8th grade students were available in the school lobby before school ended. We have also posted the reading lists on our school website under “Student Resources”.
• Book fees for 2010/2011 are due on July 15, 2010. If you have not already paid the fees, please mail the fees to the school on or before this date.
• Parents of K5 and 6th grade students need to update their immunization record before September 2010.
• Our 2010/2011 Supply List is already on the web site and extra copies are in the school lobby.
• As Mr. Martin mentioned in his letter, I am working on the 2010/2011 calendar. Once the new principal is hired, we will review the scheduled events and publish the calendar.

As most of you know, Mrs. Jacob, one of our wonderful K4 teachers, had a death in the family the last week of school. She is still in New Orleans but plans to return the first part of next week. The progress reports for her class will be completed and mailed out at that time. If your child was in her class, you are receiving this letter without the final report.

Although our school year has come to an end, our school office is open from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. May God continue to bless you throughout the summer.

In Christ,

Mrs. Kathy J. Sens, Principal
Christian Center School, Inc.

Enclosures

P.S. Many of you have asked that we stay in touch. I treasure your prayers and your friendship and am looking forward to continuing a relationship with you. My personal email address is kathysens@gmail.com. You can also find me on Facebook.

From the Principal . . . . . . 5-28-10

2010-05-28T14:50:00.002-04:00

QUICK NOTE FROM THE PRINCIPAL....
May 28, 2010

Dear Parents:

1. MONDAY, MAY 31, 2010 IS MEMORIAL DAY. This is a holiday for all CCS students and staff. Please use this time to remember the U.S. men and women who died while in the military service.

2. JUNE LUNCH: A reminder that we will not have hot lunch in June. Students will need to bring their lunch each day. Please do not send glass containers or anything that needs to be heated. There may be special events or field trips planned in your child’s class. Please check with your child’s teacher regarding special activities.

3. FIELD DAY is next Friday, June 4, for our 1st - 8th grade students. We still need parent volunteers to help with the games. If you are able to help, please see Coach Mills as soon as possible. Field Day t-shirts are being sent home today and should be worn to school on June 4 with tennis shoes and comfortable shorts. Field day rain date is Monday, June 7. REMINDER: ALL students need to bring a bag lunch this day.

4. WALL OF WORSHIP. It has been great seeing all of the different bulletins hanging on our Wall of Worship. Next Friday is the last day to bring in your bulletins.

5. WE HAVE ADDED A DOLLAR DRESS DOWN DAY FOR MONDAY, JUNE 7. The students asked for one more dollar dress down day before the end of the school year. Since we have a lot of field trips coming up, the only day available is a Monday. I know it is hard to remember Monday events, but we have put it on our school calendar (www.ccmfamily.org/school) and will remind the students next week. All proceeds from this event will be used for the Yearbook Signing Celebration (moon bounce, dunking booth, and more).

6. 2009-2010 CCS YEARBOOKS. An order form was sent home two weeks ago for the yearbooks. If you ordered a yearbook, you will billed on your final billing statement. The cost is $15.00 per book. We will hand out the books to the students on Monday, June 7 (same day that we will have our Dollar Dress Down Day). This will give students time to collect their classmates autographs. On Wednesday, June 9, we will have our Yearbook Signing Party. The students will have an opportunity to have their books signed by the office staff, special subject teachers, ELC counselors, and other students. Students and staff may wear play clothes on June 9, for the yearbook signing celebration. Students will be dunking the Student Council after they sign yearbooks.

7. SPEAKING OF THE YEARBOOK SIGNING CELEBRATION, we need volunteers to help with the events planned for this day. We are still finalizing the plans, but we know we will need parent volunteers during the day. Please check your schedules and let us know if you can help us on this day.

8. THE LAST DAY OF SCHOOL IS JUNE 16, 2010. This is a half day for students. Students will have their last Bible class for this school year. They will also finish up any last minute details and then join us for an end of the year assembly at 10:00 a.m. in the gym. All parents are invited to attend. We will recognize those students who have earned: Honor Roll Certificates, Perfect Attendance, Bible, and Presidential Fitness awards. The actual certificates will be mailed to the students along with their final report cards on Wednesday, June 23, 2010.

9. LOST AND FOUND. We have an abundant amount of lost clothing in our Lost & Found box. Please check the box before the end of the school year

10. TUTORING FOR THE SUMMER. If you are interested in having your child tutored by a CCS teacher during the summer, please complete and return the tutoring form located in the front lobby.

11. READING IS FUN! Summer reading lists will be available next week for pick up at the front lobby and also available on our school website (ccmfamily.org/school). Each list will include summer reading choices for 1st through 8th grade students. Details about specific reading assignments will be included for each grade.

12. K4 & 5TH GRADE STUDENTS. Before entering K5 & 6th grade, all students must have another booster shot. Students entering K5 are required to have a second MMR booster shot before school begins. All children entering the 6th grade must have a complete series of Hepatitis B, as well as a Tetanus booster.

Yours in Christ,

Mrs. Kathy Sens, Principal
Christian Center School, Inc.

ADDITIONAL DATES TO REMEMBER:
05/31 - School Is Closed on Monday, May 31, in Observance of Memorial Day.
06/04 - Field Day for 1st - 8th grade students
06/11 - 8th Grade Graduation Ceremony, Friday, at 7:30 p.m. in the CCS gym.
06/12 - K5 Graduation Ceremony, Saturday, at 10:00 a.m. in the CCS gym.
06/14 - Patrol Luncheon (off campus)
06/16 - Last day for School. End of the Year Assembly 10:00 a.m. Students must be picked up by 11:30 a.m.
06/21 - CCS Kid’s Summer Camp BEGINS!
06/23 - Final Report Cards Mailed Out - make sure we have your correct home address.

From the Principal . . . . . . 5-14-2010

2010-05-18T17:36:00.004-04:00

Quick Note from the Principal May 14, 2010

1. THANK YOU SO MUCH! It was a wonderful Teacher Appreciation Week! The PTSF and the classroom parents did an outstanding job honoring the staff of CCS. We also want to thank Mike Martin, Pastor van Dyk, and Roland Gagnon for Monday’s breakfast and to Mrs. Martinez for organizing the wonderful massages and special lunch from Baja Fresh. The staff was blessed by the parents who covered their classrooms so they could have a massage. We truly feel appreciated.

2. OUR ANNUAL TALENT SHOW is Wednesday, May 19. If your child signed up to perform, we will send home an agenda on Monday giving you the order of appearance for the Talent Show. Parents are invited to come out and cheer on our very talented students and staff members.

3. We have another Fundraiser before the end of the school year. Please see the pink flyer from Oriental Café in your child’s Friday folder. You can eat at the restaurant or call ahead and pick up your meal after school. Please mention that you are from CCS when you order. We will receive 10% of all CCS purchases on Thursday, May 20. Proceeds from this event will be used for our annual Yearbook Signing Party, which is scheduled for Wednesday, June 9.

4. OUR ANNUAL MUSIC RECITAL IS SCHEDULED FOR FRIDAY, MAY 21. This recital will include Honors Choir, Liturgical Dancers, Steppers, Band Students and Human Video Performers. All participants should return to school no later than 6:45 p.m. on Friday, May 21. (Dancers & Steppers are arriving earlier - please contact Mrs. Bowman at naomi06@aol.com if you have any questions). Come out and support our school at 7:00 p.m. next Friday.

5. K5 - 8th Grade Summer Tutoring will begin soon. A form is located in the lobby. If you are interested in receiving additional information on this program, please complete the form and return it to the office by Friday, June 4. A teacher will contact you about this service.

6. Yearbooks are going on sale!!!!. An order form is in your child’s Friday folder. Simply complete the form, check the box on the order form, and return it to the office or your child’s teacher by Tuesday, May 25. You will be billed for the yearbook on your final billing statement. The cost is $15.00 per book. We will hand out the books to the students on Monday, June 7, for a “sneak preview”. Our Yearbook Signing Celebration will be on Wednesday, June 9. The students will have an opportunity to have their books signed by the office staff, special subject teachers, ELC counselors, and classmates. Students and staff may wear play clothes on June 9 for the yearbook signing celebration. We will have the dunking booth and the moon bounce for this fun event! Look for more information as the date gets closer.

7. READING IS FUN! Summer reading lists will be sent home at the end of the school year. Each list will include summer reading choices for 1st through 8th grade students. Details about specific reading assignments will be included for each grade.

8. Lost & Found is over flowing AGAIN. Please check it for lost sweaters, coats, hats, and even shoes!

9. Our Hot Lunch Program will end this month. Please pack a lunch for your child each day in June. Please check with your child’s teacher for lunch arrangements for field trips and/or special events in June.

10. STANDARDIZED TESTING - Just a reminder that on Monday, May 24, we will begin Standardized Testing for K5 - 8th grade students. We ask that all students be at school on time (the morning tardy bell rings at 8:30 a.m.). It is important to always be on time for school but especially during testing week. You will not be allowed to enter the classroom once the testing has begun. It is our goal to have an atmosphere that is conducive to test taking. Plan appointments for the afternoon or another week so your child doesn’t miss a test, make sure they get plenty of rest each evening, have a nutritious breakfast each morning, and don’t forget to pack a morning snack.

EACH STUDENT NEEDS TWO #2 PENCILS

For the Pre-K and K4 classes, we ask that you also arrive on time. We don’t want excess traffic in the hallways during testing, so after 8:55 a.m., students will be held in the office until a break in testing.

Yours in Christ,

Mrs. Kathy Sens, Principal
Christian Center School, Inc.

From the Principal . . . . . . 4/30/10

2010-04-30T16:42:00.002-04:00

Quick Note from the Principal April 30, 2010

Dear Parents,

1. SCHOLASTIC BOOK FAIR WAS A HUGE SUCCESS. Thank you parents & students for your support of our book fair. We sold over $3,000 worth of books and supplies. This gives the school $1,840.00 of scholastic dollars. All of the scholastic dollars will go toward replenishing our classroom libraries.

2. NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER. Please join us for our 8:45 a.m. assembly on Thursday, May 6, 2010. Our Student Council will lead us in a time of prayer for our leaders, our families, our teachers, and more. After the assembly, each class will have a time of prayer at a pre-determined location on campus. Students and staff are encouraged to wear a Christian t-shirt on this day. It can be the Fruit of the Spirit Shirt or another Christian t-shirt that they own. The t-shirts may be worn with jeans or shorts. All parents are invited to attend.

3. TALENT SHOW. We will have two dates for the Talent Show this year (May 12 & May 19). If you child submitted a form, you will receive a tentative agenda next week indicating the date and time for his/her performance.

4. CAMP INFORMATION PACKETS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE FRONT LOBBY. Please feel free to take one for a neighbor or friend.

5. OUR MUSIC RECITAL will be held on Friday, May 21, at 7:00 p.m. The music recital will include Honors Choir, Liturgical Dancers, Steppers, Human Video Performers, and three of our CCS alumni. Any piano students who wish to perform at the recital are encouraged to participate and should speak to me about their music selection for that evening.

6. FIELD DAY IS SCHEDULED FOR FRIDAY JUNE 4, 2010. Our 1st through 8th graders will be divided into teams and participate in fun activities all day. Each team has a different colored shirt. Coach has the teams assembled and the Student Council has chosen the art work for our shirts. There has been a slight delay in getting the order forms to you. Please look for these in your child’s folder next week.

7. K4 & 5TH GRADE STUDENTS. Before entering K5 & 6th grade, all students must have another booster shot. Students entering K5 are required to have a second MMR (measles) booster shot before school begins. Effective July 1, 2001, all children entering the 6th grade must have a complete series of Hepatitis B, as well as, a booster dose of Tdap. Please check with your child’s pediatrician or the front office for more information.

8. SEASONAL ALLERGIES. Many of our staff and students suffer with seasonal allergies. Please make sure we have up to date information on the Emergency Authorization Form pertaining to ALL allergies, even seasonal ones. Some of you have asked that we keep your child inside during recess. This does cause a hardship for the other children and the teacher. Please know that we will try to accommodate those children who are suffering by having them sit quietly in a classroom, but we cannot always provide indoor recess for just one student. We want our students to get outside for fresh air and exercise whenever possible.

9. SCHOOL SURVEY. We are near the end of the school year and are asking each family to please complete a School Survey. We want to continue improving our services and truly appreciate your input. Please complete and return it by Monday, May 10, 2010.

10. WALKING TACO. The 3rd grade students will be running the concession stand at the May 7 basketball game. All proceeds will go toward their Jamestown trip. Please come out and support our basketball players and the 3rd graders. Steppers and Liturgical dancers will be performing at the half time show. The game starts at 5:30 p.m. The menu includes a WALKING TACO. Come out and try one of the WALKING TACOS prepared by the 3rd grade parents.

11. TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK IS MAY 3 - 7. There has been a change in the schedule. Please see below for revised Teacher Appreciation Events (If you attended the April PTSF Meeting, you already know about the changes). Please feel free to add something special on any day during the week. We want parents and students to participate in this week of appreciation. Our list below is just to get things started.

• WALL OF APPRECIATION: Instead of having our “Wall of Worship” this week, we will have a Wall of Appreciation. Please bring in cards or write notes of thanks and encouragement to all of the staff. Please feel free to pin the notes to the wall under the staff members name throughout the week.
• MONDAY, MAY 3 - BREAKFAST: Provided by CCM.
• TUESDAY, MAY 4 – MASSAGE: Piedmont Massage Therapy will send several therapists on Tuesday. We do need volunteers to cover the classes for a short 30-minute massage session. There will be a sign-up sheet posted next week. Parents, please note that you may not be assigned to sub in your child’s classroom.
• WEDNESDAY, MAY 5 – FLOWERS FOR STAFF: Flowers will by our 3rd grade students. An order form is available at the front desk to place advance orders. Flowers will be delivered to staff on Wednesday. LUNCH: The PTSF will provide a Buffet Lunch from a local restaurant for the staff.
• THURSDAY, MAY 6 – PRINCIPAL’S DAY: Mrs. Sens will provide something special for the CCS staff. This is also the National Day of Prayer and we will begin the day with a special assembly at 8:45 a.m.
• FRIDAY, MAY 7 – PARENT/STUDENT DAY: This is the day that parents and students can bring in “special gifts or cards” to each teacher and assistant. Don’t forget about our awesome ELC workers and Special Subject teachers. There is an “ALL ABOUT ME” book in the lobby giving valuable information on the likes and dislikes of all staff members. The PTSF will also have something special for the staff on Friday, but we want to keep something as a surprise for the staff.

*The PTSF funds are being used for the buffet lunch on Monday and the massage therapist on Tuesday. An accounting of PTSF funds was given at the PTSF Meeting on Thursday, April 22.

God Bless,

Mrs. Kathy J. Sens, Principal
Christian Center School, Inc.
www.ccmfamily.org/school

UPCOMING EVENTS:
April 30 - Varsity Basketball Game
May 3 - 7 - Teacher Appreciation Week
May 5 - Kaiser will present: “Professor Body Wise”. This special chapel is for PreK - 2nd grade students. The show begins at 2:00 p.m. and parents are welcome to attend.
May 5 - Varsity Practice
May 7 - Last Game for Varsity Basketball Team
May 12 - Talent Show (permission/participation forms are in the school lobby)
May 14 - School is open. This is a make-up snow day for staff and students.
May 19 - Talent Show (permission/participation forms are in the school lobby)
May 21 - Music Recital. The music recital will include Honors Choir, Liturgical Dance, Steppers, and Human Video performers.
May 24 - 28 - Standardized Testing Week for students in grades K5 through 8th grade
May 31 - Memorial Day Holiday CCS will be closed on this day.
June 4 - Field Day for 1st - 8th grade students
June 9 - Yearbook Signing Party
June 11 - 8th Grade Graduation 7:30 p.m.
June 12 - K5 Graduation 10:00 a.m.
June 16 - Last day of school. Morning Awards Assembly - 10:00 a.m. School ends at 11:30 a.m.

From the Principal . . . . . . 4/16/10

2010-04-20T09:05:00.004-04:00

Quick Note from the Principal April 16, 2010

Dear Parents,

1. SCHOLASTIC BOOK FAIR IS COMING TO CCS NEXT WEEK! Check out our homepage at http://bookfairs.scholastic.com/homepage/christiancenterschool. A list of preview dates and times is available on the homepage. There is also a flyer in your child’s Friday folder today with an order form.

2. PTSF MEETING. Our next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, April 22. Please join us as we discuss events happening during the 4th quarter of school. We will also discuss the Scholastic Book Fair and give parents an opportunity to shop with their children after the PTSF Meeting on Thursday, April 22.

3. NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER. Please join us for our 8:45 a.m. assembly on Thursday, May 6, 2010. Our Student Council will lead us in a time of prayer for our leaders, our families, our teachers, and more. After the assembly, each class will have a time of prayer at a pre-determined location on campus. Students and staff are encouraged to wear a Christian t-shirt on this day. It can be the Fruit of the Spirit Shirt or another Christian t-shirt that they own. The t-shirts may be worn with jeans or shorts. All parents are invited to attend.

4. TALENT SHOW. We will have two dates for the Talent Show this year (May 12 & May 19). Permission/participation forms are located in the school lobby.

5. CAMP INFORMATION PACKETS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE FRONT LOBBY. Please feel free to take one for a neighbor or friend.

6. OUR MUSIC RECITAL will be held on Friday, May 21, at 7:00 p.m. The music recital will include Honors Choir, Liturgical Dancers, Steppers, Human Video performers, and three of our CCS alumni. Any piano students who wish to perform at the recital are encouraged to participate and should speak to me about their music selection for that evening.

7. FIELD DAY IS SCHEDULED FOR FRIDAY JUNE 4, 2010. Our 1st through 8th graders will be divided into teams and participate in fun activities all day. Each team has a different colored shirt. The order form for the shirts will be sent home next week.

8. K4 & 5TH GRADE STUDENTS. Before entering K5 & 6th grade, all students must have another booster shot. Students entering K5 are required to have a second MMR (measles) booster shot before school begins. Effective July 1, 2001, all children entering the 6th grade must have a complete series of Hepatitis B, as well as, a booster dose of Tdap. Please check with your child’s pediatrician or the front office for more information.

9. SEASONAL ALLERGIES. Many of our staff and students suffer with seasonal allergies. Please make sure we have up to date information on the Emergency Authorization Form pertaining to ALL allergies, even seasonal ones. Some of you have asked that we keep your child inside during recess. This does cause a hardship for the other children and the teacher. Please know that we will try to accommodate those children who are suffering by having them sit quietly in a classroom, but we cannot always provide indoor recess for just one student. We want our students to get outside for fresh air and exercise whenever possible.

10. TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK IS MAY 3 - 7. The following is a list of special events that we have scheduled. Please feel free to add something special on any day during the week. We want parents and students to participate in this week of appreciation. Our list below is just to get things started.

• WALL OF APPRECIATION: Instead of having our “Wall of Worship” this week, we will have a Wall of Appreciation. Please bring in cards or write notes of thanks and encouragement to all of the staff. Please feel free to pin the notes to the wall under the staff members name throughout the week.
• MONDAY, MAY 3 - LUNCH: The PTSF will provide a Buffet Lunch for the staff*.
• TUESDAY, MAY 4 – MASSAGE: Piedmont Massage Therapy will send several therapists on Tuesday*. We do need volunteers to cover the classes for a short 30-minute massage session. There will be a sign-up sheet posted next week. Parents, please note that you may not be assigned to sub in your child’s classroom.
• WEDNESDAY, MAY 5 – FLOWERS FOR STAFF: Flowers will be sold in advance and will be delivered to staff on Wednesday.
• THURSDAY, MAY 6 – PRINCIPAL’S DAY: I will provide something special for the CCS staff. This is also the National Day of Prayer and we will begin the day with a special assembly at 8:45 a.m.
• FRIDAY, MAY 7 – PARENT’S/STUDENT’S DAY: This is the day that parents and students can bring in “special gifts or cards” to each teacher and assistant. Don’t forget about our awesome ELC workers and Special Subject teachers.

*The PTSF funds are being used for the buffet lunch on Monday and the massage therapist on Tuesday. An accounting of PTSF funds will be given at the PTSF Meeting on Thursday, April 22.

God Bless,

Mrs. Kathy J. Sens, Principal
Christian Center School, Inc.
www.ccmfamily.org/school

UPCOMING EVENTS:
April 19 - 22 - Scholastic Book Fair
April 21 - Multicultural Program (part 2) is now being done in the classrooms. Teachers will work with students through-out the week of April 19 - 23 to discuss different cultures. All teachers will have a presentation with their students during the week. Check with your child’s teacher for additional information.
April 22 - PTSF Meeting at 6:30 p.m. Childcare is provided.
April 28 - Honor Roll Chapel - 1:30 p.m. Students must be in Dress Uniform.
April 30 - Spring Concert is being combined with the Music Recital in May (see below)
April 30 - Varsity Basketball Game
May 3 - 7 - Teacher Appreciation Week
May 5 - Kaiser will present: “Professor Body Wise”. This special chapel is for PreK - 2nd grade students. The show begins at 2:00 p.m. and parents are welcome to attend.
May 5 - Varsity Practice
May 7 - Last Game for Varsity Basketball Team
May 12 - Talent Show (permission/participation forms are in the school lobby)
May 14 - School is open. This is a make-up snow day for staff and students.
May 19 - Talent Show (permission/participation forms are in the school lobby)
May 21 - Music Recital. The music recital will include Honors Choir, Liturgical Dance, Steppers, and Human Video performers.
May 24 - 28 - Standardized Testing Week for students in grades K5 through 8th grade
May 31 - Memorial Day Holiday CCS will be closed on this day.

From the Principal . . . . . . 3-26-2010

2010-04-14T10:10:00.001-04:00

Quick Note from the Principal March 26, 2010

Dear Parents,

1. CCS WILL BE CLOSED FROM MARCH 29 THROUGH APRIL 2 FOR EASTER BREAK. Monday, April 5, is one of our make-up days from the February snow storm so school is in session on this day. We pray that all of our families have a blessed Easter and will have many opportunities to fellowship with other believers during this time.

2. After the February snow storm, I sent out a list of changes to our school calendar. The following is a repeat of several of the dates, confirmation of events that haven’t changed, and additional information concerning upcoming events:
April 5 - School is open. This is a make-up snow day for staff and students.
April 7 - Spring Picture Day (forms are going home today).
April 7 - Last Game for Jr. Varsity Basketball Team.
April 13 - PTSF Family Night - Chuck-E-Cheese’s in Woodbridge, Virginia (4:00 - 8:00 p.m.)
April 14 - Multicultural Program (part 1) is being changed. Students, who prepared their Black History Month skits, will perform them on April 14. Two of our CCS Alumni, Cody Arnold and Miguel Martinez, will also help with the chapel program on April 14.
April 21 - Multicultural Program (part 2) is now being done in the classrooms. Teachers will work with students through-out the week of April 19 - 23 to discuss different cultures. All teachers will have a presentation with their students during the week. Check with your child’s teacher for additional information.
April 22 - PTSF Meeting at 6:30 p.m. Childcare is provided.
April 28 - Honor Roll Chapel - 1:30 p.m. Students must be in Dress Uniform.
April 30 - Spring Concert is being combined with the Music Recital in May (see below).
April 30 - Varsity Basketball Game.
May 3 - 7 - Teacher Appreciation Week (look for additional information when we return from Easter break).
May 5 - Varsity Practice.
May 7 - Last Game for Varsity Basketball Team.
May 14 - School is open. This is a make-up snow day for staff and students.
May 21 - Music Recital. Additional information will be sent home after Easter break. The music recital will include Honors Choir, Liturgical Dance, Steppers, Band, and Human Video performers. Guest soloist: CCS Alumni Spencer Bass-Murphy.
May 24 - 28 - Standardized Testing Week for students in grades K5 through 8th grade.
May 31 - Memorial Day Holiday (this is NOT a snow make-up day). CCS will be closed on this day.

3. Scholastic Book Fair is coming to CCS. We will host a book fair the week of April 19. Check out our homepage at http://bookfairs.scholastic.com/homepage/christiancenterschool. A list of preview dates and time is available on the homepage. Parents will also have a time to shop with their children after the PTSF Meeting on Thursday, April 22.

Have a Very Blessed Easter,

Mrs. Kathy J. Sens, Principal
Christian Center School, Inc.
www.ccmfamily.org/school

2010-03-12T13:17:00.000-05:00

Quick Note from the Principal
March 12, 2010

Dear Parents,

1. INTERIMS. Third quarter interims are going home today.

2. BASKETBALL NEWS: Wow, we had a fantastic turn-out at our Scrimmage game last week. Thank you parents for supporting our Jr. Varsity basketball players (1st - 3rd grade). Our first Varsity game (4th - 8th grade) will take place tonight at 5:30 p.m. Come out and cheer on our teams!

3. More BASKETBALL NEWS: Our very own basketball coach, Mykel Lawhorne, will be in Chicago next week as part of the coaching staff for her college’s National Championship Game. If the game is televised, we will give you the details so we can all watch the LADY OWLS on the court. Wednesday, March 17, we will still have our scrimmage game for the Jr. Varsity team. We will NOT have a practice for the Varsity team next week (Friday is the Easter program).

5. DST. Daylight Saving Time begins on Sunday, March 14, 2010. Don’t forget to set your clocks ahead (yes, we lose an hour of sleep) on Saturday night.

6. CCS JACKETS. Look in your child’s book bag today for information about our annual jacket sale. Jackets will be on display next week. Please note that jackets/coats can be worn to school but should not be worn in the classroom.

7. NEXT WEDNESDAY IS ST. PATRICK’S DAY. Teachers will be sharing information about this incredible man who led so many to the Lord. For those of you who think St. Patrick belongs only to the Irish Catholics, you should know that Patrick himself was neither Irish nor Roman Catholic. Students and staff can wear orange and/or green play clothes next Wednesday, March 17.

8. KRISPY KREME DOUGHNUTS WILL BE ON SALE NEXT WEDNESDAY. Our Middle School students are raising money for their end of the year field trip. Please support our Middle School students by purchasing St. Patrick’s Day doughnuts next Wednesday. They will be selling them from the lobby and through carpool. Look for the flyer in your child’s folder today.

9. Don’t forget that we have an incentive program for referring parents to CCS. If you recommend a family to CCS and they tour, you receive a $5.00 credit. If they register their child, you receive an additional $50.00 credit. Flyers, to hand out to your neighbors and at your church, are available to be picked up in the school lobby.

10. OUR EASTER PROGRAM IS AT 7:00 pm on Friday, March 19. We have been very busy planning out the program for the 1st - 3rd grade students. The Honors Choir, Liturgical Dancers, Human Video Team and Step Team will also perform this evening. ALL CCS students and parents are invited to join us for this evening of worship and celebration.

11. Spirit Week is scheduled for March 22 through March 26, 2010. There are many exciting events happening throughout the week. We will end the week with our annual PARENTS vs STAFF Basketball game. A sign-up sheet is in the school lobby. Come out and cheer on our CCS staff AND parents at 7:00 pm. We will be selling hot dogs, pizza, and sodas during the game. Check out the schedule on the back of this Quick Note.

12. Financial aid packets are available in the front lobby. If you are currently on financial assistance or feel that you qualify for this help, please stop by the office and pick up a packet. Please note that they must be returned by April 1. (We are closed for our Easter Break on April 1 but will use the postmark on the envelope if mailed.)
13. EASTER BREAK. CCS will be closed from March 29 through April 2 for Easter Break.

14. PTSF NEWS. Our PTSF FAMILY NIGHT on Tuesday, April 13, will be at the Chuck-E-Cheese’s in Woodbridge, VA. At the last PTSF meeting, many parents asked if we could have it at this location, so Mrs. Dickens has made that happen!!! Look for directions and additional information to be sent home soon.

15. CCS WILL HAVE A BOOK FAIR. The week of April 19 we will hold a Scholastic Book Fair here at school. Check out the Home Page of our book fair at http://bookfairs.scholastic.com/homepage/chritiancenterschool or look on our web site for more information.

Important Dates to Remember:
March 12 - Third quarter interims issued.
March 16 - Tornado Preparation Drill (all students)
March 17 - St. Patrick’s Day. Wear orange or green play clothes/green doughnut day!
March 19 - Easter Program - 7:00 p.m. 1st - 3rd grade, Honors Choir, Liturgical Dancers, Human Video and Step Team.
March 22 through 26 - Spirit Week. Fun activities each day - details are below!
March 26 - CCS Annual Parents vs Staff Basketball Game.
March 29 - April 2 - Easter Break
April 5 - School Resumes

God Bless,
Mrs. Kathy Sens, Principal
Christian Center School, Inc.
www.ccmfamily.org/school

Spirit Week

March 22 through March 26, 2010
(YOU DO NOT HAVE TO WEAR UNIFORMS ANY DAY THIS WEEK AS LONG
AS YOU ARE DRESSED FOR SPIRIT WEEK)

★ Monday -Fruit of the Spirit Day and Crazy Cranium Day.

★ Tuesday - PJ Day - All students & staff wear PJ’s.

★ Wednesday - Wacky Tacky Day -All students & staff wear a funny outfit and/or hat on this day. The wackier the better! (Staff will play our Varsity Team in a special afternoon basketball game.)

★ Thursday - Backwards Day and/or Twin Day - Choose a friend (or two) and dress alike on this day. Or you can wear your clothes backwards or inside out. Or you could do both for even more fun!!!!

★ Friday - Sports Day - Wear the colors of your favorite team, or wear the uniform from your favorite sport.

★ Friday Evening - BASKETBALL NIGHT - Parents vs. Staff. The game is at 7:00 p.m. We will be serving food during the event. Volunteers are needed for kitchen duty OR to play on the teams. Please see the Sign-up sheet in the front lobby. So we can tell the Parent Team from the Staff Team we are asking the parents to wear white shirts and the staff to wear blue shirts.

From the Principal . . . . . . 2-26-2010

2010-02-26T18:02:00.002-05:00

Quick Note from the Principal......
February 26, 2010

Dear Parents,
1. Switching Classes was a lot of fun yesterday. Please ask your child what he/she learned about next year’s class.

2. Hope for Haiti. Thank you students, staff, and parents for your generous donations in our Hope for Haiti box. We were able to send $554.41 to Convoy of Hope. They are keeping us informed on the progress they are making in the relief effort and we will keep you updated as more information is received.

3. Our annual SCIENCE FAIR is TONIGHT! Remember that it is mandatory for 4th through 8th grade students and is part of their Science grade. Please join us at 7:00 p.m. for this wonderful event. In order to receive your certificate you must be present tonight.

4. Due to the February snow, we extended the deadline for the reduced re-registration fee. This date is Monday, March 1. Please take advantage of the discount and turn in your paperwork no later than Monday. Our Open House Week will be held all next week for prospective families. Remember that we have an OPEN DOOR POLICY and you are welcome to visit next year’s classroom at your convenience

5. Next Tuesday, March 2, is “Read Across America” day. Christian Center School is participating in the fun and educational event. Each class will read for 2010 seconds (33 1/2 minutes) beginning at 9:00 a.m. This event celebrates the birthday of Dr. Seuss. Some classes are reading his books, asking parents to join us in reading, making green eggs and ham, and doing different critical thinking projects to promote this event. Please help us celebrate by reading your teachers Newsletter/Test Schedule for ways that you can help make this day fun!

6. Krispy Kreme Donuts will be on sale next Thursday. Our Middle School students are raising money for their end of the Year field trip. Please support our Middle School students by purchasing glazed or chocolate covered donuts next Thursday. They will be selling them from the lobby and through carpool. Look for the flyer in your child’s folder today. (Look for the Middle School car wash information when it starts getting warmer outside.)

7. Don’t forget to send in your YEARBOOK ads. The deadline for submitting the ads has been extended to Friday, March 5, due to the snow delays and closings. Additional information is on the flyer located in the school lobby.

8. Step Team/Liturgical Dancers/Honors Choir Update. All three of these groups will be participating in the Easter Program this year. The students have already started rehearsing for this event which will be held on Friday, March 19.

9. Please welcome Mrs. Lynn O’Berry and her daughter Kelsey O’Berry as our new Honors Choir directors. They are very familiar with CCS as Kelsey and her brother Jordan attended here several years ago. Kelsey also works as one of our ELC Counselor in the afternoons. Mr. Dokken is on personal leave in California and will not be able to help with the Easter program. The O’Berrys have stepped in to help us out and we truly appreciate all they are doing. Choir will continue to meet on Thursday afternoons from 3:00 - 3:30.

10. Piano Students, due to Mr. Dokken’s absences, we have not billed any February piano fees and you will not incur any additional fees until piano lessons resume. Please look for a letter to all piano students to be sent out next week with additional information.

11. Our first Jr. Varsity Scrimmage game will take place on Wednesday, March 3, (1st - 3rd grade) and our Varsity Basketball game (4th - 8th grade) will take place on Friday, March 12. Both games start at 5:30 p.m. Friends and family are welcome to join us for these fun events! Come out and cheer on our teams!

12. Spirit Week is scheduled for March 22 through March 26, 2010. There are many exciting events happening throughout the week. We will end the week with our annual PARENTS vs STAFF Basketball game. Additional information is listed below. Don’t forget to sign-up on the sheet for the basketball game in the front lobby.

13. Financial aid packets are available in the front lobby. If you are currently on financial assistance or feel that you qualify for this help, please stop by the office and pick up a packet. Please note that they must be returned by April 1. (We are closed for our Easter Break on April 1 but will use the postmark on the envelope if mailed.)

Important Dates to Remember:
February 26 - Science Fair
March 12 - Third quarter interims issued.
March 12 - Dollar Dress Down Day
March 16 - Tornado Preparation Drill (all students)
March 17 - St. Patrick’s Day. Wear orange or green play clothes.
March 26 - CCS Annual Parents vs Staff Basketball Game.
March 19 - Easter Program - 7:00 p.m. 1st - 3rd grade, Honors Choir, Liturgical Dancers, and Step Team.
March 22 through 26 - Spirit Week. Fun activities each day - details are below! March 29 - April 2 - Easter Break

Yours in Christ,

Mrs. Kathy J. Sens, Principal
www.ccmfamily.org/school

Spirit Week
March 22 through March 26, 2010

(YOU DO NOT HAVE TO WEAR UNIFORMS ANY DAY THIS WEEK AS LONG
AS YOU ARE DRESSED FOR SPIRIT WEEK)

★ Monday -Fruit of the Spirit Day and Crazy Cranium Day.

★ Tuesday - PJ Day - All students & staff wear PJ’s.

★ Wednesday - Wacky Tacky Day -All students & staff wear a funny outfit and/or hat on this day. The wackier the better!

★ Thursday - Backwards Day and/or Twin Day - Choose a friend (or two) and dress alike on this day. Or you can wear your clothes backwards or inside out. Or you could do both for even more fun!!!!

★ Friday - Sports Day - Wear the colors of your favorite team or wear the uniform from your favorite sport.

★ Friday Evening - BASKETBALL NIGHT - Parents vs. Staff. The game is at 7:00 p.m. We will be serving food during the event. Volunteers are needed for kitchen duty OR to play on the teams. Please see the Sign-up sheet in the front lobby.

Makeup Snow Days ...... 2/17/10

2010-02-18T11:53:00.000-05:00

February 17, 2010

Dear CCS Parents,

Wow, what a crazy month with over 31 inches of snow in such a short period of time. Prayerfully we will not have anymore snow days, but the seven that we did have put us behind in our academic schedule. Although we have enough hours to cover all of our snow days, we have decided to make the following changes in our calendar. This will allow us to add three additional academic days and complete the curriculum on time.

• 3/12/10 Parent/Teacher Conference Day will now be a regular school day for students and staff. Individual conferences can be scheduled on an “as needed” basis.
• 4/5/10 Easter Monday will now be a regular school day for students and staff. If you already have vacation plans, please notify the teacher in advance and an excused absence will be issued.
• 5/14/10 Teacher Workday will now be a regular school day for students and staff.

I pray that the above doesn’t interfere with any family plans that you have already made. Due to the storm, several school events were also missed. Some will be rescheduled and some will not. I have also extended the 3rd quarter interim period by one week, giving us a few more days to make up any quizzes and test. I’ve outlined the events below:

• PTSF Meeting scheduled for this Thursday will be canceled so teachers/students/parents can focus on catching up on academics, homework, and the upcoming Science Fair.
• Basketball practice will be held on Wednesday & Friday this week. We will NOT schedule a makeup game for this week.
• Intramural practice will be held this Friday after school (as scheduled).
• Valentine’s card exchange will be held this Friday, 2/19/10. Students & Staff may wear play clothes. *Classes with Friday field trips may adjust their Valentine card exchange, please check with the teacher.
• Dollar Dress Down Day was originally scheduled for Friday, 2/19/10. It is now rescheduled for Friday, 3/12/10.
• 2nd Quarter Report cards will be issued on Monday, 2/22/10.
• 2nd Quarter Honor Roll Assembly will not be rescheduled. Certificates will be handed out in the classrooms.
• Spring Fundraiser dates - we have rescheduled the entire Fundraising Event.
a. 2/16/10 - Fundraiser Starts
b. 2/23/10 - Early Bird ends (2/25/10 - Early Bird Lunch)
c. 3/2/10 - Fundraiser Ends
d. Second week of April - Product delivery
• Our day to "Switch Classes" we will be Thursday, 2/25/10.
• The Science Fair will remain on Friday, 2/26/10. Judges are still needed for this event.
• Re-registration is being extended to 3/1/10. Discounted re-registration fees will apply.
• 3rd Quarter Interim will end on Friday, 3/5/10. Interims will be issued on Friday, 3/12/10.

If you have any questions, please contact your child’s teacher or call me at 703-971-0558.

God Bless,

Mrs. Kathy J. Sens, Principal
Christian Center School, Inc.

From the Principal . . . . . . 1-22-2010

2010-01-22T12:49:00.000-05:00

Quick Note from the Principal......
January 22, 2010

Dear Parents,

1. HOPE FOR HAITI BOX. CCS has joined with Convoy of Hope to provide water and food for the earthquake victims. We have been praying for the people of Haiti in our classrooms and before we dismiss in the mornings. The students set our goal of raising $400.00 for the victims. Please consider allowing your child to make a donation in our red Hope for Haiti Box located in the school lobby. ALL money raised will be sent to Convoy of Hope (http://www.convoyofhope.org). Their website gives additional information about what is needed most.

2. Thank you, parents, for participating in our PTSF Family Night at Chuck-E-Cheese’s last Thursday. UPDATE: We were unable to schedule our PTSF Family Night for February 11, as previously announced. Please come to the next PTSF meeting on February 18, to hear about upcoming plans for our future family nights and how you can help the PTSF with upcoming events.

3. OUR BASKETBALL SCHEDULES ARE AVAILABLE AT THE FRONT DESK. They are also posted on our school website. Check out the dates for the games and plan to attend to cheer on our teams. We will have a half time show during each of the Friday night Varsity games (steppers and dancers should confirm their schedule with Mrs. Bowman). We are also hoping to have the concession stand running for each of the Friday night games, but we need your help. Please contact our PTSF President, Mrs. Jaminet, at PTSF@ccmfamily.org if you are available to help with purchasing, cooking, and/or serving for any of the games.

4. After last Friday’s basketball practice, we had two items picked up by someone other than the owners. With coats, shoes, bags, etc. in the gym, we know that it is easy to pick up the wrong items. Please check at home for a pair of women’s Adidas basketball shoes, black, size 8 1/5 and a Northface black fleece jacket with the name Jonathan inside. The owners (and parents) would really appreciate having the items returned ASAP. By the way, there are several coats, a pair of tennis shoes, a few lunch boxes, many sweaters/sweatshirts, and a variety of hats in our lost and found. If you are missing an item or two, please check in the Lost & Found.

5. FALL FUNDRAISER UPDATE. Our Laser tag trip is Monday, January 25. Thirty students qualified for this fun event. All permission slips MUST be turned in to the office for your child to join us on this fun trip.

6. CCS ANNUAL SPELLING BEE WILL TAKE PLACE ON WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27, AT 1:30 P.M. Students in 4th through 8th grade participated in class spelling bees in December. The top six in each class have advanced to the school wide spelling bee. The winner of the Senior Division will be declared the School Spelling Champion and will advance to the Fairfax County Spelling Bee. The Official Spelling Bee Rules, along with websites for additional words, were sent home on 1/15/10 to all participants. We will also have a small supply available to parents the day of the Spelling Bee.

7. RE-REGISTRATION FORMS AND RATE SHEETS ARE AVAILABLE IN THE LOBBY. Open registration begins on Tuesday, February 16. This is the date that we open up the registration to families not currently enrolled at CCS. If you want to guarantee your child’s spot for 2010/2011, please complete the re-registration form, and turn it in to the office with the discounted fee by Friday, February 12. Remember that we have an Open Door Policy so you can review next year’s books and/or visit next year’s classrooms at any time.

8. STUDENTS WILL “SWITCH CLASSES” ON FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2010. For 30 minutes that morning, the students will go to the next grade level. They will meet the teacher(s), learn about field trips and special activities, find out what they will be learning next year, and take a tour of the classroom. This is an exciting time for all of the students.

9. FINANCIAL AID PACKETS ARE AVAILABLE. If you are currently on financial assistance or feel that you qualify for this help, please pick up a packet in the school lobby. Please note that they must be returned by March 26, 2010.

10. 2ND QUARTER REPORT CARDS WILL BE ISSUED ON FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 5, AND THE HONOR ROLL CHAPEL for 1st through 8th grade students will be held on Wednesday, February 10, at 1:30 p.m.

11. MANY CLASSES ARE PLANNING VALENTINE’S PARTIES FOR FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12. Check with your child’s teacher regarding sending in Valentine’s cards and/or treats for the class. The students (and teachers) are allowed to wear play clothes on this day.

12. SPEAKING OF VALENTINE’S DAY, look for information about our upcoming Parent’s Night Out to be coming home very soon. Mrs. Bowman, our Dance/Step Teacher, is organizing this event as a fundraiser for an upcoming field trip. If you are interested in having a “night out” with your spouse, think about Friday, February 12, from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. The Dancers/Steppers will also be selling Valentine’s Baskets, so before you buy that box of chocolates for your wife or husband, please consider ordering a special basket. Samples will be on display very soon!

13. OUR ANNUAL SCIENCE FAIR IS SCHEDULED FOR FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26. All CCS students are encouraged to participate in the Science Fair. However, it is mandatory for 4th through 8th grade students. Registration forms were due on January 15. Science fair packets, giving more detailed information, will be given to students who have turned in a registration form. We are looking for Science Fair Judges!

14. REMINDER ABOUT INCLEMENT WEATHER: Christian Center School follows Fairfax County for inclement weather closings. The voice mail at the school will have an announcement of delays or closings by 5:30 a.m. We also post our delays or closings on several TV stations. You can tune in to Channels 4, 7, and 8. You can also listen to WGTS 91.9FM to learn the status of delays and closings. You can also go to www.schoolsout.com and register to receive emails regarding the school’s status. There is a link on our webpage www.ccmfamily.org/school.

15. The next edition of the TORCH is delayed. As all of you know, Hannah, our wonderful editor, is the daughter of missionary parents. They had to return to the Philippines to continue their ministry. We are currently in the process of putting the it together and appreciate your patience. If you purchased a “happy gram”, please rest assured that it will be included in the next edition.

Yours in Christ,

Mrs. Kathy J. Sens, Principal
Christian Center School, Inc.
www.ccmfamily.org/school

Important Dates to Remember:
January 25 - Fruit of the Spirit Day. Wear your FOTS T-shirt.
January 27 - CCS Annual Sr. Spelling Bee - 1:30 to 3:00 p.m.
January 29 - BOXTOPS for the 2nd quarter are due.
January 29 - Dollar Dress Down Day.
February 1 - Staff Development Day, No School for Students.
February 5 - Students Switch Classes to learn more about next year’s grade level - 9:30 - 10:00 a.m.
February 10 - Honor Roll Chapel - 1st - 8th grade 1:30 p.m. Parents are encouraged to attend!
February 11 - PTSF Family Night - CANCELLED
February 15 - President’s Day - School is closed for staff and students on this day.
February 16 - Open Registration Begins for all prospective families.
February 18 - PTSF Meeting - Childcare provided.
February 26 - Science Fair

From the Principal . . . . . . 1-8-2010

2010-01-08T11:51:00.002-05:00

Quick Note from the Principal......
January 8, 2010

Dear Parents,

Happy New Year and Welcome Back! I pray that you had a very special time with your families over the Christmas Break. We are starting off 2010 with many exciting things. Look over the following items, and mark your calendar for these special events.

1. OUR NEXT PTSF FAMILY NIGHT WILL BE NEXT THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 2010. We will be meeting at Chuck E. Cheese’s, 9404 Main Street, Fairfax, Virginia, 22031. Please note that this is the Chuck E. Cheese’s on Main Street and not the Route 1 location. Come anytime between 3:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., and join us for good food and good fellowship. (The Chuck E. Cheese’s flyer in your child’s bookbag says 3:00 p.m.- 9:00 p.m. but we recommend leaving at 8:00 p.m. so students can get a good night’s rest).

2. CCS WILL BE CLOSED ON MONDAY, JANUARY 18, IN OBSERVANCE OF MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. DAY. Learning activities will take place in each classroom next week.

3. RE-REGISTRATION FOR RETURNING STUDENTS BEGINS ON TUESDAY, JANUARY 19. THE RE-REGISTRATION FORM AND RATE SHEET WILL BE SENT HOME AT THAT TIME. Open registration begins on Tuesday, February 16. This is the date that we open up the registration to families not currently enrolled at CCS. If you want to guarantee your child’s spot for 2010/2011, please complete the re-registration form, and turn it in to the office with the discounted fee by Friday, February 12. Remember that we have an Open Door Policy so you can review next year’s books and/or visit next year’s classrooms at any time.

4. STUDENTS WILL “SWITCH CLASSES” ON FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2010. For 30 minutes that morning, the students will go to the next grade level. They will meet the teacher(s), learn about field trips and special activities, find out what they will be learning next year, and take a tour of the classroom. This is an exciting time for all of the students.

5. CCS ANNUAL SPELLING BEE WILL TAKE PLACE THIS MONTH! The Spelling Bee (4th - 8th grade) will be held on Wednesday, January 27, at 1:30 p.m. Students in 4th through 8th grade participated in class spelling bees in December. The top six in each class have advanced to the school wide spelling bee. The winner of the Senior Division will be declared the School Spelling Champion and will advance to the Fairfax County Spelling Bee.

6. FINANCIAL AID PACKETS WILL BE AVAILABLE IN THE SCHOOL OFFICE ON JANUARY 22. If you are currently on financial assistance or feel that you qualify for this help, please stop by the office and pick up a packet. Please note that they must be returned by March 26, 2010.

7. TARDIES: Did you know that missing just 5 minutes of class each day adds up to 900 minutes of lost instruction time per year. Please see the Tardy Policy letter in your child’s bookbag today, and make it a priority to have your child in class on time each day.

8. FALL FUNDRAISER UPDATE. Our Laser tag trip is tentatively scheduled for Monday, January 25. Thirty students qualified for this fun event. If your child was one of the thirty, he/she will receive a field trip form on Monday, January 11. Please sign the form and return it ASAP.

9. 2ND QUARTER REPORT CARDS WILL BE ISSUED ON FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 5, AND THE HONOR ROLL CHAPEL for 1st through 8th grade students will be held on Wednesday, February 10, at 1:30 p.m.

10. MANY CLASSES ARE PLANNING VALENTINE’S PARTIES FOR FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12. Check with your child’s teacher regarding sending in Valentine’s cards and/or treats for the class. The students (and teachers) are allowed to wear play clothes on this day.

11. OUR ANNUAL SCIENCE FAIR IS SCHEDULED FOR FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26. All CCS students are encouraged to participate in the Science Fair. However, it is mandatory for 4th through 8th grade students. Registration forms are due on January 15. Additional forms can be picked up at the front desk. Science fair packets, giving more detailed information, were available at December’s PTSF meeting. They will also be given to students who have turned in a registration form.

12. INTRAMURALS WILL BEGIN VERY SOON. Look for information on this exciting activity in your child’s bookbag. It is open to 4th through 8th grade students only.

13. TOASTMASTERS. Each year we are blessed to have the Toastmasters Organization sponsor an eight week club for our students. Our plan was to begin in the 3rd quarter, however, an instructor is not available until April. More information with the exact start date and times will be sent home in February.

14. REMINDER ABOUT INCLEMENT WEATHER: Christian Center School follows Fairfax County for inclement weather closings. The voice mail at the school will have an announcement of delays or closings by 5:30 a.m. We also post our delays or closings on several TV stations. You can tune in to Channels 4, 7, and 8. You can also listen to WGTS 91.9FM to learn the status of delays and closings. You can also go to www.schoolsout.com and register to receive emails regarding the school’s status. There is a link on our webpage www.ccmfamily.org/school.
Yours in Christ,

Mrs. Kathy J. Sens, Principal
Christian Center School, Inc.
www.ccmfamily.org/school

REMINDERS: Fruit of the Spirit Day is Monday, January 25.
Dollar Dress Down Day is Friday, January 29.

From the Principal . . . . . . 12-4-2009

2009-12-04T12:35:00.002-05:00

Quick Note from the Principal......
December 4, 2009

1. Our Christmas Program is Friday, December 11, at 7:00 p.m. The program features PreK - K5, and we will have a special performance by the Honors Choir and the 1st & 2nd grade Liturgical Dancers. This Christmas program promises to be a very special night! Please come, relax, and enjoy a blessing from our precious children. (Students in the program need to arrive at 6:45 p.m. and go directly to their classrooms). Because parking is limited, we ask that families only bring one car to the performance. Attire for PreK - K5 and Honors Choir is Christmas/Holiday Best. Liturgical dancers should check with Mrs. Bowman.

2. Our next PTSF Meeting will be held on Thursday, December 17, 2009 at 6:30 p.m. After the meeting, the children will join us as we sing Christmas Carols and enjoy Christmas cookies and hot apple cider. We are asking each family to bring in their favorite Christmas cookies to share. The PTSF will provide the cider. Childcare is provided. We will be discussing the upcoming Science Fair at the PTSF Meeting.

3. Interims will be issued on Friday, December 18. Please review the grades and comments, sign, and return to school on Monday, January 4, 2010.

4. Parents, please check our Lost and Found for sweaters, gloves, books, etc. We would like to clear out the Lost and Found before the holidays. Anything left over the break will be donated to charity. Please put your child’s name on ALL uniforms, bookbags, coats, and lunch boxes.

5. Classroom Christmas Parties are Friday, December 18. The students are allowed to wear play clothes on this very special day. Check your child’s Friday folder for information regarding parties, lunch, gift exchange, etc. This is our last day of school before the Christmas Holidays. We will return to school on January 4, 2010. Most classes will participate in a gift or book exchange. Check with your child’s teacher for additional information.

6. We will have normal dismissal time and PM ELC on Friday, December 18.

7. Our annual Spelling Bee is right around the corner. Our Spelling Bee for 4th - 8th grade students will be held on Wednesday, January 27, at 1:30 p.m. The classrooms are holding their own BEES next week and the top 6 from each class will participate in our CCS Spelling Bee. The winner from our Bee will go to the Fairfax County Spelling Bee, which is held in March.

8. Our annual SCIENCE FAIR is scheduled for Friday, February 26. All CCS students are encouraged to participate in the Science Fair. However, it is mandatory for 4th through 8th grade students. An information sheet and the entry form is being sent home next week.

9. Don’t forget that each teacher has his/her bio and blog on our CCS website. Go to ccmfamily.org/school and check out pictures, updates, homework, etc. for your child’s classroom.

10. Just a reminder that Basketball practice has already started and uniforms are being ordered. The times for each group are:
Junior Varsity (1st - 3rd grade) Wednesday 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Varsity (4th - 8th grade) Friday 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.

11. Take a look at our CCS Newspaper, The TORCH, in your child’s Friday folder. This newspaper is run completely by CCS students. Articles, interviews, and pictures are selected, written, and printed by this very talented group of students. BIG congratulations to our new editor Hannah Caringal. I think Hannah and her staff have done a tremendous job!!!

Newspaper Editor: Hannah Caringal
Star of the Month Reporter: Sachin Sundar
Special Events Reporting: Jessica Mitchell (This month - Hope for Tomorrow Paks)
Birthday Searcher: Nathan Caringal
Sports Section: Reed Baldwin
Holiday Reporting: Kacey Clarke (This month - Why do we Celebrate Christmas?)
Calendar Checker: Samuel Runner
Assistants: Jasmine Stewart, Daija Mitchell, Kelly Barbari (copying, proofing, delivery)

12. Congratulations to two of our classes for winning NUT passes for showing their FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT. Our student council voted on Mrs. Esteves’ class for October - JOY and Mrs. Dickens’ class for November - PEACE. The council said that Mrs. Esteves’ class always shows JOY in the hallway and at lunch. They sing beautiful songs in the morning and always have a smile on their faces. Mrs. Dickens’ class is calm and PEACEFUL. They treat each other with respect and they have not been seen being grumpy or mean to each other.

13. COOKBOOK NEWS! The recipes are in and the Middle School students have collected 200 recipes for our first ever CCS Cookbook. Look for details going home today about ordering your book in time for Christmas. The recipes look great and I can’t wait to try some of them out. Thank you parents for submitting them and for supporting the Middle School Fund Raiser.

14. Holiday Pictures are going home today. Lifetouch has provided a special Christmas Ornament package for each student who took individual pictures in October. There is a cover letter stapled to each picture packet giving additional information.

Yours in Christ,

Mrs. Kathy J. Sens
Christian Center School, Inc.

From the Principal . . . . . . 11-13-2009

2009-11-16T08:31:00.002-05:00

Quick Note From the Principal . . .
November 13, 2009

Dear Parents,

1. OUR FALL UNIFORM PICTURES have arrived and are in your child’s Friday folder.

2. FUNDRAISING MONEY WAS DUE TODAY! If you haven’t turned it in, please do so ASAP. We would like to finish the program and award the prizes before Thanksgiving Break.

3. CHRISTMAS CARDS FOR NOAH BIORKMAN. Last week, Mrs. Baldwin’s friend told her about a very sick little boy who is in the hospital. Mrs. Baldwin shared this with the students in morning care and asked if they would pray for Noah and his family. He has been diagnosed with Neuroblastoma (cancer) and his doctors haven’t given him much longer to live. His parents want to give him Christmas early this year so we are asking that, in addition to your prayers, would you consider sending Noah a Christmas card. Monday, November 16, Mrs. Baldwin will gather all of the cards and mail them to the family. We pray that it will cheer him up and let him know that he is in our prayers. Please pray for the Biorkman family as they go through this very difficult time.

4. OUR FIRST PTSF FAMILY FELLOWSHIP DINNER for the new school year is scheduled for Tuesday, November 17. More information is in your child’s Friday folder today! Please put November 17 on your calendar and make plans to join us at Fuddrucker’s on Duke Street. It is a wonderful way for the children to get together outside of school, parents to fellowship together, and moms (and/or dads) don’t have to fix dinner. The school does receive a percentage of the receipts from all CCS parents on that evening, so it is also a fund-raiser. Proceeds from this event will help the PTSF plan additional events like our annual picnic, parent vs teacher basketball game, and Teacher Appreciation Week.

5. MARK YOUR CALENDARS: Our 4th - 8th grade students will present our Thanksgiving Program on Friday, November 20, at 7:00 p.m. Scripts and attire for the program were sent home weeks ago and we are in full rehearsal mode. Mr. Dokken and Mrs. Bowman are working with the students on their songs, dances, and individual parts. The Honors Choir, Step Team, and Liturgical Dancers will also participate in this special event. Here is a recap of the attire, but if you have any questions, please speak to Mrs. Bowman or your child’s classroom teacher:

★ Dancers (come wearing the leotards): White Leotards/White Dance Pants(Provided)/Yellow or Orange Sashes (provided) Black Ballet or Dance Shoes. Hair Pulled back into a bun, braided back with a bun, or twisted back with a bun (no hanging hair). Light Make-up is encouraged but not required. Neutral Undergarments. Gold or Diamond Stud Earrings (no hanging earrings).

★ Steppers (come dressed): Black Tight or Loose Long Sleeved "Workout-type" Shirt (similar to the Under Armour, Nike or Champion Gear). Black Pants. Black Shoes (Black Tennis Shoes are okay). Black Gloves (Provided)

★ Thanksgiving Play (come dressed): Pilgrims - black pants or skirt and white top. Indians - khaki pants or skirt and white top. Choir members/non-Pilgrim/non-Indian - khaki pants or skirt and green top (if you don’t have a green polo, please talk to your teacher).

★ If you have several parts: Don’t worry, we will work it out. Please talk to your classroom teacher.

6. WALL OF WORSHIP continues to be a great success. It’s fun to display the bulletins from the different churches we all attend. Please have your child bring their current week’s church bulletin. We always display them on the walls in the gymnasium and count them up on Friday mornings!

7. HOPE FOR TOMORROW PAKS went home last Friday and we look forward to seeing them come back - FULL of great school supplies for the children in Bolivia. We would like to have all of the boxes back during the week of November 30. If you need an additional box, please see Miss Waters at the front desk.

8. HONOR ROLL CHAPEL will be held on Wednesday, December 2, at 1:30 p.m. Please join us in celebrating the accomplishments of our 1st - 8th grade students.

9. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, is our December PTSF meeting here at school. We will meet at 6:30 p.m. and childcare is provided. After our meeting, we will have a time of fellowship, Christmas goodies, and apple cider. We will also sing some of our favorite Christmas carols. Please bring a favorite Christmas dessert to share with others (Christmas cookies, cakes, etc. The PTSF will provide the cider.) Feel free to bring dinner for your child so they can eat while we meet - the students and childcare providers will join us for dessert and singing in the gym after the meeting.

10. MEET AND GREET. With the changes we have had in our 2nd & 3rd grade classes, several parents have asked for a time to get together and talk to the new teachers. We are in the process of arranging this event and will let all 2nd & 3rd grade parents know the time and date as soon as possible. It is important to have a smooth transition for the students and we want the parents to feel very comfortable with the new classroom environment. Look for more information to come home very soon!

11. COOKBOOK RECIPE DEADLINE EXTENDED TO FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2009. Our 6th - 8th grade students and teachers are working on our very first CCS Cookbook. The cookbook is a fundraiser for the Middle School Students. They want to include recipes from ALL grade levels, so please think about your favorite ones (yes, you can submit more than one). Please submit all recipes by November 20. You can pick up a recipe sheet at the front desk, go to the CCS website and enter your recipes, or you can email them directly to richard.sens@ccmfamily.org. (NUT passes for every 5 recipes submitted).

Upcoming Events:
● Thanksgiving Program for 4th - 8th grade students, Friday, November 20, 7:00 p.m. Everyone is invited to attend this special program performed by our 4th - 8th grade classes.
● Picture re-take day is scheduled for Wednesday, November 18.
● School will close 2 hours early on Wednesday, November 25, 2009. Walk-in parents can pickup from the classrooms from 1:00 to 1:15 p.m. Carpool will run from 1:15 - 1:30 p.m. We will not have p.m. bus service on this day.
● Christmas Program for PreK through K5, Friday, December 11, 7:00 p.m. Everyone is invited to attend this special program performed by our PreK - K5 classes. The Liturgical Dance and Step Team will also be performing for this special program.
● Christmas Parties in the classrooms - December 18. Teachers will send home more information.
● Christmas Break - No school Dec. 21 through Jan. 3, 2010. School Resumes on Monday, Jan. 4, 2010.

Yours in Christ,

Mrs. Kathy Sens, Principal
Christian Center School Inc.
www.ccmfamily.org/school

From the Principal . . . . . . 10-27-2009

2009-10-28T16:52:00.003-04:00

Quick Note From the Principal . . . October 27, 2009

1. It’s not too late to join the Honors Choir. This choir is open to all 2nd - 8th grade students. We have started working on our songs for Thanksgiving. If your child would like to join the choir, please sign-up on the sheet posted in the main hallway. We meet on Thursday afternoons from 3:00 - 3:30 p.m. in the music room. Note: we are going back to the original time of 3:00 - 3:30 p.m. beginning this week.

2. PTSF. Our first PTSF Meeting is scheduled for Thursday, October 29, at 6:30 p.m. Childcare is provided. Mrs. Jaminet, our PTSF President, and Mr. Perez, our PTSF Vice-President, will discuss upcoming events and ways you can get involved in our school. Please join us for this very informative evening. Childcare is provided, and don’t forget that if you attend, your child will receive a NUT pass to be used the following week.

3. Don’t forget that Friday, October 30, is Dollar Dress Down Day for students and staff. Pay a dollar and receive your Dollar Dress Down Day pass. (Dress down is considered play clothes.) This event is sponsored by the PTSF.

4. MONDAY, NOVEMBER 2, IS A STAFF DEVELOPMENT DAY. There is no school for students on this day.

5. Annual Community Service Project. This year our Student Council Members have voted to continue working with Mira Ministries in providing Hope for Tomorrow Paks for school age children. Last year we were able to send 178 backpacks, full of school supplies, to a Ukraine orphanage. All of our classrooms will participate in The Hope for Tomorrow Pak Project during the month of November. Additional information will be sent home next Friday. You can also go to http://miraministries.com to learn more about this ministry. Our very own Pre-Kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Pam Waters, is the Director for this very important ministry. Mrs. Waters and her husband, Pastor Dave Waters, minister at Sunset Hills Baptist Church on Franconia Road.

6. OUR FIRST PTSF FAMILY FELLOWSHIP DINNER for the new school year is scheduled for November 17. More information will be sent home in the very near future, but please put November 17 on your calendar and make plans to join us at Fuddrucker’s on Duke Street. It is a wonderful way for the children to get together outside of school, parents to fellowship together, and moms (and/or dads) don’t have to fix dinner. The school does receive a percentage of the receipts from all CCS parents on that evening, so it is also a fund-raiser. Proceeds from this event will help the PTSF plan additional events like our annual picnic, parent vs teacher basketball, and Teacher Appreciation Week.

7. MARK YOUR CALENDARS: Our 4th - 8th grade students will present our Thanksgiving Program on Friday, November 20, at 7:00 p.m. We will be sending home additional information as the date approaches, but the students have already started learning their new songs. Ask them to sing for you! The Honor’s Choir will also participate in this special event.

8. I am very happy to announce that piano lessons have resumed this week. If you signed up for piano, you will be charged on the November statement. We truly appreciate your patience as we searched for, and found, the perfect piano teacher. Please make a point to greet Mr. Jeff Dokken when you come by the school. (Parents, you will notice that you were not billed for September or October piano lessons. We will start billing with the November statement.)

9. Our 6th - 8th grade students and teachers are working on our very first CCS Cookbook. The cookbook is a fundraiser for the Middle School Students. They want to include recipes from ALL grade levels, so please think about your favorite ones (yes, you can submit more than one). Please submit all recipes by November 13. You can pick up a recipe sheet at the front desk, or you can email the recipes directly to richard.sens@ccmfamily.org.

Yours in Christ,

Mrs. Kathy Sens, Principal
Christian Center School Inc.
www.ccmfamily.org

(This is an edited version of the paper copy that went home to every parent on 10/27/09)

From the Principal . . . . . . 10-9-2009

2009-10-09T13:44:00.002-04:00

Quick Note From the Principal . . .
October 9, 2009

1. OUR CCS PICNIC WAS WONDERFUL! Special thanks to the parents who sent us pictures, helped out with the grilling, and set up the food tables. Check out the pictures on the school web page.

2. SCHOOL WILL BE CLOSED MONDAY, October 12, 2009, in observance of COLUMBUS DAY.

3. INTERIM REPORTS will be issued on Thursday, October 22, 2009. Parent/Teacher Conference Day is Friday, October 23. There is no school for students on this day. You can still sign up for a conference with your classroom teacher and any of the special subject teachers. Conference forms are posted in the main hallway outside the lobby.

4. Fruit of the Spirit T-shirts ARE HERE! Please check your child’s bookbag for the shirt. (Some teachers may hold them for next week because of a scheduled field trip. Check your teacher’s newsletter for further instructions.) Our Fruit of the Spirit Day for October is on Monday, October 26. Please allow your child to wear their new t-shirt (with playclothes) and help us celebrate JOY for October.

5. PTSF. Our first PTSF Meeting is scheduled for Thursday, October 29, at 6:30 p.m. Childcare is provided. Mrs. Jaminet, our PTSF President, and Mr. Perez, our PTSF Vice-President, will discuss upcoming events and ways you can get involved in our school. Please join us for this very informative evening. Childcare is provided and don’t forget that if you attend, your child will receive a NUT pass to be used the following week.

6. UNIFORM, INDIVIDUAL AND GROUP PICTURES. Uniform picture day is Wednesday, October 14. The picture information was sent home last week. Group class pictures are taken at the same time as individual portraits. Each student will have his/her picture taken for the yearbook.

7. SPEAKING OF PICTURES AND THE CCS YEARBOOK. This year our yearbook will be done digitally. Please email us copies of any field trip or classroom parties to school.info@ccmfamily.org so we can include them in our yearbook. We always have special pages for fun events, and we need great pictures!!!

8. CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OF THE CANDIDATES RUNNING FOR STUDENT COUNCIL. All of the students did a great job campaigning and writing their speeches. It was fun to see the campaign managers working so hard to support their candidate. On Thursday, the 1st - 8th graders voted and the results are below:

President: Sachin Sundar
Vice-President: Jasmine Stewart
Secretary: Cindy Martinez
Treasurer: Jessica Mitchell
Parliamentarian: Mikayla Dukes

The offices of Chaplin, Newspaper Editor, and Year Book Representative are appointed by the Principal. Class representatives are appointed by the classroom teacher in 3rd - 8th grade. Class Representatives are also expected to be at the monthly Student Council Meetings. Check the google calendar on the school website for times and dates of each meeting.

9. Parents, if you pay your CCS statement in cash, please give it to a staff member at the front desk or school office and request a written receipt at that time. All cash payments must be submitted with a written CCS receipt (white copy for the parent/yellow copy to be attached to the cash).

10. It’s not too late to join the Honors Choir. This choir is open to all 2nd - 8th grade students. We have started working on our songs for Thanksgiving. If your child would like to join the choir, please sign-up on the sheet posted in the main hallway. We meet on Thursday afternoons from 3:15 - 4:00 p.m.

11. Please follow our policy regarding Student Illness. DO NOT send a child to school who has already manifested symptoms of illness (nausea, slight fever*, headache, green mucus from nose, diarrhea, etc.) prior to arrival at school. Symptoms tend to get worse as the day progresses. Parents will be notified if a child becomes ill during school hours. We would appreciate your prompt response in coming for your child. *If your child has a fever of 100 degrees or higher he/she must be fever free without fever reducing medication for 24 hours before returning to school.

12. CONGRATULATIONS to our 2nd - 8th grade students who qualified for the Johns Hopkins University Center for Talented Youth Program. They scored a 95% or above in one or more of the reasoning areas on the Stanford 10 Achievement Test (SAT) and are now eligible for this exciting program.

Mia Dowd (9th grade - graduated from CCS 6/09)
Sachin Sundar (8th grade)
Sam Runner (6th grade)
Valeria Vargas (6th grade)
Reed Baldwin (5th grade)
Destiny Brown (4th grade)
Simone Clarke (4th grade)
Amber Pittman (4th grade)
Lavion Morales (3rd grade)
Nathaniel Abera (2nd grade)

Yours in Christ,

Mrs. Kathy Sens, Principal
Christian Center School Inc.
www.ccmfamily.org

From the Principal . . . . . . 9-25-2009

2009-09-25T13:07:00.002-04:00

Quick Note From the Principal . . .
September 25, 2009

1. OUR ANNUAL CCS PICNIC IS NEXT SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2009. The picnic is at Burke Lake Park this year. Directions and the class list of food items was sent home last Friday. Copies are also posted in the hallway. Please join us from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. for this fun outing. If you signed up to help with grilling and/or set-up, please arrive at the picnic site at 10:00 a.m.

2. Paul said it best when he said, “Faith without works is dead.” In response, Mrs. Schweiter’s fifth grade is going to be raising money in order to fund outreach opportunities during the Christmas season and an evangelizing trip in the spring. In order to raise the money, fifth grade will be holding a bake sale next week. They will be selling home made baked goods during upper school lunch and after school. They will also have items on the snack cart during ELC. Fifth grade will even be holding a breakfast for teachers and parents. There will be a menu for you to fill out on Monday, and breakfast can be served to go on Thursday. We appreciate your help in making the event a success.

3. INTERIM REPORTS will be issued on Thursday, October 22, 2009. Parent/Teacher Conference Day is Friday, October 23. There is no school for students on this day. You can sign up for a conference with your classroom teacher and any of the special subject teachers. Conference forms will be posted in the main hallway outside the lobby after BOTH Back to School Nights.

4. SCHOOL WILL BE CLOSED MONDAY, October 12, 2009, in observance of COLUMBUS DAY.

5. FUNDRAISER. The Abundant Funds fund-raiser (Christmas cards) will end on Tuesday, October 6, 2009. EARLY BIRD ENDS NEXT TUESDAY. Get those orders in so you can have a special lunch with the principal on Wednesday, September 30. Check out the posters in the main hallway outside of the lobby to see the top sellers in each class.

6. PTSF. Our first PTSF Meeting is scheduled for Thursday, October 29, at 6:30 p.m. Mrs. Jaminet, our PTSF President, and Mr. Perez, our PTSF Vice-President, will discuss upcoming events and ways you can get involved in our school. Please join us for this very informative evening. Childcare is provided and don’t forget that if you attend, your child will receive a NUT pass (NUT = No Uniform Today).

7. UNIFORM, INDIVIDUAL AND GROUP PICTURES. Uniform picture day is Wednesday, October 14. The picture information will be sent home in the next few weeks. Group class pictures are taken at the same time as individual portraits. Each student will have his/her picture taken for the yearbook.

8. SPEAKING OF PICTURES AND THE CCS YEARBOOK. Don’t forget to send in copies of any field trip or classroom parties. We always have special pages for fun events, and we need great pictures!!! Please turn in all pictures to the office. PLEASE BE AWARE THAT YOU WILL NOT GET THESE PICTURES BACK, SO YOU MAY WANT TO SEND US COPIES.

9. CLUBS. Our clubs are beginning very soon. Look for sign-up sheets and information to be posted on the wall outside the school lobby next week. We will also be sending home information about the different clubs.

10. Fruit of the Spirit Shirts. Unfortunately there is a manufacturing delay and we won’t have our Fruit of the Spirit Shirts by Monday. Please dress your child in regular uniform on Monday, September 28. When the shirts arrive, we will schedule a special Fruit of the Spirit Day for LOVE. Remember that the October Fruit of the Spirit is JOY.

11. Congratulations to Mrs. Vargas’ PreK class. They have truly exhibited LOVE all month. Check out their special bulletin board in the hallway (room 116). Mrs. Vargas’ class will receive certificates and NUT passes next week. Starting in October, the Student Council will choose the Fruit of the Spirit winners and present certificates and NUT passes in Chapel.

12. Parents, if you pay your CCS statement in cash, please give it to a staff member at the front desk or school office and request a written receipt at that time. All cash payments must be submitted with a written CCS receipt (white copy for the parent/yellow copy to be attached to the cash).

13. MORNING CARPOOL. Parents, please WAIT your turn in the car pool lane. The car pool is only ONE LANE. In the morning, some of you are letting your child exit the car before getting to the doors and then you are passing the stopped vehicles as they wait in line. The patrols are there to help the students exit the car and enter the building. While we attempt to insure that no child ever leaves the Safety Patrol, a younger child might dart across the lane to give mommy or daddy that extra hug. You might not see them. We also ask that parents DO NOT exit their cars. Allow the Safety Patrols to help your child in the morning. Please help us keep the carpool lane safe for all who use it. Children must exit the car from the right side. After 8:30 a.m., you must park in a legal parking space and bring your child into the building. The carpool lane is NOT a parking space!

14. AFTERNOON CARPOOL. This year we are having all of the students meet in the gym at 3:15 so car pool can begin. We have had a few problems to work out but I think it will now run smoothly. Parents, thank you for your patience as we work through this new procedure. If you have any feedback on the new procedure, please let us know if the front office. We want to hear your ideas for improvement. While students are sitting in the gym waiting for ELC to begin or waiting for parents to pick up, we have started D.E.A.R. time. (Drop everything and read). It is a great way to encourage reading and at the same time keep talking down to a minimum. Please encourage your child to keep a reading book in his/her book bag. Classroom reading books are also encouraged, but we ask that the students not pull out written homework at this time. Homework room is still scheduled for Monday, Tuesday & Thursday afternoons. If you have any questions about Homework room, please see Mr. Daniel Kim, the ELC Director.

15. CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OF THE CANDIDATES RUNNING FOR STUDENT COUNCIL. The 3rd - 8th grade students voted in our primary election and we have our candidates. Look for campaign posters to start appearing in the hallways very soon. Campaign speeches will be given on Wednesday, October 7. The 1st - 8th graders will then vote on the candidates. Results will be announced on Friday, October 9, 2009.

Running for Office:
President: Sachin Sundar (unopposed), Vice-President: Daija Mitchell & Jasmine Stewart; Secretary: Cindy Martinez (unopposed); Treasurer: Reed Baldwin & Jessica Mitchell, Parliamentarian: Mikayla Dukes & Amber Pittman.

The offices of Chaplin, Newspaper Editor, and Year Book Representative are appointed by the Principal. Class Representatives are appointed by the classroom teacher in 3rd - 8th grade. Class Representatives are also expected to be at the monthly Student Council meetings. Check the google calendar on the school website for times and dates of each meeting.

16. Please follow our policy regarding Student Illness. DO NOT send a child to school who has already manifested symptoms of illness (nausea, slight fever*, headache, green mucus from nose, diarrhea, etc.) prior to arrival at school. Symptoms tend to get worse as the day progresses. Parents will be notified if a child becomes ill during school hours. We would appreciate your prompt response in coming for your child. *If your child has a fever of 100 degrees or higher, he/she must be fever free, without fever reducing medication, for 24 hours before returning to school.

17. BLOGS. Check out the new blogs for each classroom teacher. We are having a lot of fun posting our information. Currently we have about half the school up and running with the new format, and I look forward to having all blogs operational by the end of this month.

18. MUSIC. Unfortunately, we have to make a change with our music teacher this year. We are currently accepting applications for a full time music/piano teacher. If you know someone who might be interested (and qualified), please have them call the school office. They can also print off the employment application at ccmfamily.org/school. We are confident that the Lord will provide a wonderful music teacher for our school and that our lessons (piano, music class, and Honors Choir) will start in October. This does NOT effect band which begin with Mr. Costen on Tuesday at 3:30 p.m.

Yours in Christ,

Mrs. Kathy Sens, Principal
Christian Center School Inc.
www.ccmfamily.org/school

From the Principal . . . . . . 9-11-2009

2009-09-11T13:12:00.007-04:00

Quick Note from the Principal......
September 11, 2009

Dear Parents,

We had a wonderful first week of school. It was such a blessing to greet new families and returning families this week. Just a few reminders and updates:

1. Today is Patriot Day. On this day, each class had a time of prayer and reflection during their Bible time.

2. The carpool lane is open from 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and 3:15 p.m. to 3:35 p.m. At all other times, you need to come into the school building to pick up or drop off your child. If you would like to use the carpool lanes and DID NOT receive a carpool number, please call the office and leave a message for Mr. Daniel Kim. You do not need a carpool number to use the morning carpool lanes.

3. The students have a snack every morning and afternoon. You should pack an extra snack in their lunch box for the morning. For the afternoon snack, you can pack an extra snack or purchase a snack from us. (Drinks and food items are .25 or .50 cents). Check with the ELC director, Mr. Daniel Kim, about setting up a snack account for your child.

4. We are placing our Fruit of the Spirit T-Shirt order! We are so excited to be able to do this for each child this year. Your child’s teacher will let you know if the t-shirt is to be worn on field trip days. We also have a special Fruit of the Spirit day each month. Students, staff, and parents are encouraged to wear their Fruit of the Spirit t-shirt that day to show their school spirit. Check the school calendar for these special days.

5. There are still a few slots left for piano. Please see Mr. Lam or pick up a form from the lobby (1st- 8th grade only). Fees are listed on the form.

6. It is time to collect your Box Tops for Education. Please start saving them and send them in to the teacher at the end of each month. We have a competition between classrooms and a prize for the class collecting the most boxtops.

7. Our September 15, PTSF Family Fun Night has been cancelled. Chuck-E-Cheese’s is closing their Alexandria location while the shopping center is being renovated. We have heard rumors that they will open again in 7 or 8 months. We will keep you updated on future PTSF Family Fun Nights that were scheduled for Chuck-E-Cheese’s.

8. Honors Choir tryouts will be held next Thursday, September 17, from 3:00 to 3:30 p.m. This is the regular time for Honors Choir to meet each week. A sign-up sheet is in the lobby. Your child’s teacher will send him/her down to Mr. Lam at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday. There is a limit of 20 students in the choir so please sign up NOW. The tryouts are for 2nd through 8th grade and will be held in the music room.

9. It’s time to sign up for our Band Program. Information about the band program is available in the lobby. Mr. Costen, from American Independent Music Association, will be here on Friday, September 18, at 9:00 a.m. to meet with our 4th - 8th grade students. Some of the instruments being taught this year include: clarinet, flute, trumpet, saxophone, and drum. Fees are listed on the form and payments go directly to AIMA.

10. Kick-off for our Fall Fundraiser is Tuesday, September 22, 2009. (Assembly at 9:00 a.m.)

11. We will begin our Chapel program on Wednesday, September 23. Remember that we no longer have a chapel uniform for our students. Students should wear regular uniforms, except for Honor Roll Chapel, picture day and/or special field trips. For additional information, please see the Uniform Guidelines (information is in our lobby and on our website), or call the office at 703-971-0558. The Chapel/Bible Study program for our Middle School students began yesterday.

12. Plan to attend our Back-to-School Night on Thursday, September 24, for 2nd through 8th grade students and Thursday, October 1, for PreK through 1st grade students. Parents, please understand that this is a time for YOU to talk to the classroom teacher, special subject teacher, ELC Director and office staff. This is a very important meeting as it sets the tone for the rest of the school year and gives each parent valuable information about the classroom goals. Each classroom teacher will talk about his/her expectations and the responsibilities of the students. The teacher will also give you information about helping your child succeed in the classroom. We do encourage you to leave your children at home for this evening. We will have information about the Giant and Safeway Educational program at this time. Please bring your membership cards with you so we can get you registered for these great programs.

13. On Saturday, October 3, 2009, we will hold our annual CCS Picnic sponsored by our wonderful PTSF (Parent, Teacher, Student Fellowship). More information will be sent home next week, but mark your calendar now for this fun event. Last year was a total BLAST!

14. Uniform Picture Day - October 14 (Packets will be sent home closer to the date). Individual & Group pictures will be taken at this time. This is a “Dress Uniform Day” for 1st - 8th grade students.

15. Parent/Teacher conference day is scheduled for Friday, October 23. This conference is scheduled for the end of the Interim period instead of the end of the nine week grading period in an attempt to help bring up any low academic or character development scores before report cards are issued. School is closed for students on this day. Please sign up for this conference at Back-to-School Night.

16. We have a special “Referral Fee” program running through the end of September. If you recommend a family, and they enroll at CCS, you will receive a $100.00 credit on your next tuition invoice. Make sure the new family gives us YOUR name when they come for their final interview. Forms are available in the lobby with additional information.

Yours in Christ,

Mrs. Kathy J. Sens, Principal
Christian Center School, Inc.
www.ccmfamily.org

Summer Letter to Parents - August 2009

2009-08-12T13:34:00.003-04:00

August 11, 2009

Dear CCS Family,

The summer is going by so quickly and we are busy with preparations for the 2009/2010 school year. The teachers are anxious to return to their classrooms and are eager to meet the students. Orientation will be held on Friday, September 4. The students may come anytime between 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. to meet the classroom and special subject teachers. They will also be able to put their supplies in their new cubbies, desks, or lockers. Don’t forget to pick up your car pool numbers from the ELC Director, Mr. Daniel Kim. We will also have information for you to sign up for the Giant/Safeway/Target programs. These are great fund-raising programs for our school.

Mark your calendars for our School Picnic scheduled for Saturday, October 3. More details will be given at Orientation. You can now follow us on Twitter and Facebook. Check out our web page at www.ccmfamily.org/school for information on how to sign up.

There are ten tuition payments for the school year, and the first payment is due on September 1. Your last payment will be due on June 1. Payment coupons will not be available until after September 1. For your 2nd through 10th payment, these coupons will be preprinted with your monthly tuition amounts. ELC, lunch, music, etc. will still be billed on your monthly statement.

Enclosed you will find our PINK Student Emergency Authorization form. Please complete this form and bring it with you to Orientation (we have included one form for each registered CCS student in your family). At Orientation you will be given the September lunch menu. We will NOT have hot lunch the first week of school. The hot lunch program will begin on September 14. Remember that you are billed for lunches and you DO NOT need to attach a check. Simply mark the lunches you wish to buy and return the form to the office or classroom teacher. If you would like to order lunches for the entire year, you may do so at Orientation. This will eliminate the need to complete the form each month.

It is time to register for piano lessons. Individual lessons are available for CCS students who are six and older. The forms are located in the lobby or you can complete one at Orientation. The instrumental band form for 4th through 8th grade students will be sent home in September.

The annual Swap, Shop and Share has become a very successful annual event at CCS. It is a way to exchange your child’s gently worn uniforms for a new size. The Swap, Shop and Share will be held during Orientation on Friday, September 4, from 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Gently worn uniforms can be dropped off at school for donation or you can bring them to the event for swapping (uniform clothing ONLY). If you are new to CCS and don’t have any uniforms to SWAP, come by the SWAP, SHOP AND SHARE table anyway.

In June we mailed out our summer reading list to our rising 1st through 8th grade students. Extra copies are located in the lobby or on our web page for your convenience (on our main page - blue headings: click on CCS School then Student Resources). Remember that completing the assignment will help to maintain your child’s reading and writing skills. It also means that they start off the school year with extra credit or bonus points.

Don’t forget to send in those post cards! We are putting them up on our hall bulletin board. If you have any questions or need an additional supply list, please call the office or see our website at www.ccmfamily.org/school. God Bless!

In His Service,

Mrs. Kathy J. Sens, Principal
Christian Center School, Inc.

Enclosure

Summer Letter to Parents: July 2009

2009-07-21T14:21:00.007-04:00

July 21, 2009

Dear CCS Family,

Summer camp is in full swing, but here in the school office we are looking ahead to September and the great times we will have during the new school year. We look forward to sharing an exciting and academically fulfilling year with your family.

Just a reminder that the fee for Books & Supplementary Resource Materials was due by July 15. If you haven’t sent in your payment, please do so immediately so we can order our books for next year.

Three Year Old Preschool . . . . . . . $140.00
Four Year Old Kindergarten . . . . . $175.00
Five Year Old Kindergarten . . . . . $240.00
1st - 5th grade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $275.00
6th - 8th grade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$290.00

I am enclosing the new 2009/2010 School Calendar for your convenience. If you didn’t pick up a new supply list before school ended, you can pick one up at the school lobby anytime between 6:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. (summer camp hours) or you can download the pdf file from our school web site under Parent Resources. Report cards were mailed out in June. If you did not receive your packet in the mail, please call the office at your earliest convenience. Please note that Orientation for Students is scheduled for Friday, September 4. Students are invited to come anytime between 1:00 and 3:00 p.m. to meet their new teacher, find their desk, unpack their supplies, etc. The school will send your child a personal invitation in August.

The annual Swap, Shop and Share has become a very successful annual event at CCS. It is a way to exchange your child’s gently worn uniforms for a new size. The Swap, Shop and Share will be held during Orientation on Friday, September 4, from 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Gently worn uniforms can be dropped off at school for donation or you can bring them to the event for swapping (uniform clothing ONLY). If you are new to CCS and don’t have any uniforms to SWAP, come by the SWAP, SHOP AND SHARE table anyway. We will have a small supply of uniforms for sale. Campus Outfitters is having a CCS sale from August 2 through August 8. Purchase your items during that week and you will receive 15% off. Don’t forget to use our CCS code when you make purchases (CH1447).

Returning students entering K5 and 6th grade need to update their immunization record before August 15, 2009. If you need additional information on the required inoculation, please call the school office.

I also want you to know about some great changes taking place next year. The school day will be extended to 3:15 for PreK - 5th grade (8:30 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.). This will allow additional teaching time in the afternoons. Middle School hours will also change next year. They will still begin at 8:15 a.m. but will end at 3:15 p.m.

Another change is to our Chapel Program. In the past we have only had one Chapel program for all grade levels each week. This year we are looking forward to having several Chapel programs during the week. Each Chapel program will be geared toward specific grade levels and will include more student involvement. With this change we are also changing the uniform requirements. Dress Uniforms (previously called Chapel Uniforms) are only required on Honor Roll chapel days, when we have special guest speakers at assemblies or on special field trips.

We will be updating our Student/Parent Handbook to include these changes. Have a blessed and safe summer. Don’t forget to send us postcards. We love to read about your vacations and will post them on our bulletin board, and there is always a little treat waiting for those who have sent us postcards during the summer.

Yours in Christ,

Kathy J. Sens, Principal
Christian Center School, Inc.

P.S. You can now follow us on Twitter. Check out our web site for additional information.

Summer Letter to Parents: June 2009

2009-06-25T16:21:00.005-04:00

June 26, 2009

Dear CCS Family,

It’s hard to believe that the school year went by so quickly. We feel blessed to have been a part of your child’s education during the past ten months. Christian Center School has been serving the community for over 30 years and we look forward to seeing what God has planned for us next year.

One area of praise is that we are on track to order the back playground equipment this summer. We are praying that we can have everything installed before school begins in September. Thank you parents for helping to raise the money for this very exciting purchase.

A friendly reminder that all students must re-register for the next school year. If you have not re-registered your child, please do so as soon as possible. Class spaces are limited, therefore, a student’s place is secured only by submitting the appropriate forms and payment of your re-registration fee. Parents of K5 and 6th grade students need to update their immunization record before September 2009. If you need additional information on the required inoculations, please call the school office.

Report cards were mailed out on Thursday, June 18. If you did not receive your child’s report card, please give us a call during office hours. Summer reading packets were sent out with the report cards for 1st - 8th grade students. We have also posted the reading list on line under “Student Resources”. Book fees for 2009/2010 are due on July 15, 2009. If you have not already paid the fees, please stop by the office or mail the fees to us on or before this date.

Although our school year has come to an end, our school office is open from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. Our 2009-2010 Supply List is already on the web site and extra copies are in the school lobby. The calendar will be available within the next two weeks. May God continue to bless you throughout the summer.

In Christ,

Mrs. Sens

Mrs. Kathy J. Sens, Principal
Christian Center School, Inc.

Enclosures

P.S. We are planning another “Shop, Swap & Share” for school uniforms before school begins. This is a great time to swap any gently worn uniforms for different sizes. We are also setting up a time for Campus Outfitters to bring clothing in different sizes for students to try on and buy. Look for more information on our web site or in the next summer mailing.

From the Principal...... 5/22/09

2009-05-26T07:29:00.002-04:00

QUICK NOTE FROM THE PRINCIPAL....
May 22, 2009

Dear Parents:

1. OUR LAST VARSITY BASKETBALL GAME IS TONIGHT AT 5:30 PM. Come out and support our players. We are selling hot dogs & snacks during the game. Special thanks to Mr. Bowman, Mr. Dukes, Mr. Sens and Miss Lawhorne for all of their hard work this school year. They have been dedicated coaches, referees, and score keepers for the teams.

2. WE HAVE ANOTHER FUNDRAISER BEFORE THE END OF THE SCHOOL YEAR. Please join us at Chuck E. Cheese’s on Thursday, May 28. Come anytime between 3:30 and 8:00 p.m.

3. DRESS CODE FOR NEXT WEEK. We have a lot going on next week and we want everyone to have all of the information. Dollar Dress Down Days are back by popular demand and we will have our last Fruit of the Spirit Day. Please see next week’s line up below:

Monday - Memorial Day Holiday

Tuesday & Wednesday - Dollar Dress Down Days . Students and teachers can pay $1.00 each day to purchase a DRESS DOWN DAY PASS. All proceeds will go to the PTSF for the Yearbook Signing Celebration (moon bounce, hot dogs on the grill, dunking booth, and more).

Thursday - Fruit of the Spirit Day: Self -Control. All students are encouraged to show their support by wearing ORANGE play clothes.

Friday - Field Day for 1st - 8th grade students. Students should wear their Field Day t-shirts. If you didn’t buy a t-shirt, please wear a shirt that matches your team. PreK - K5 can ALSO wear play clothes this day.

4. FIELD DAY is next Friday, May 29, for our 1st - 8th grade students. We still need parent volunteers to help with the games. If you are able to help, please see Coach Mills as soon as possible. Field Day t-shirts were sent home last week and should be worn to school on May 29 with tennis shoes and comfortable shorts. Field day rain date is Monday, June 1. REMINDER: ALL students need to bring a bag lunch this day. There is NO HOT LUNCH on 5/29.

5. WALL OF WORSHIP. It has been great seeing all of the different bulletins hanging on our Wall of Worship. Today was the last day to bring in your bulletins. NUT passes were handed out this morning to all students who brought in their bulletins this week.

6. CAR WASH. The PTSF will hold a carwash on Saturday, May 30, from 9:00 to 12:00 p.m. The proceeds will be used for our annual Yearbook Signing Party (if needed) and to reserve our spot at Burke Lake for our annual picnic (scheduled for October 3, 2009).

7. JUNE LUNCH. A reminder that we will not have hot lunch in June. Students will need to bring their lunch each day. Please do not send glass containers or anything that needs to be heated. There may be special events or field trips planned in your child’s class. Please check with your child’s teacher regarding special activities.

8. 2008-2009 CCS YEARBOOKS. An order form was sent home last week for the yearbooks. Simply complete the form, check the box on the order form, and return it to the office or your child’s teacher by Tuesday, May 26. You will be billed for the yearbook on your final billing statement. The cost is $15.00 per book. We will hand out the books to the students on Tuesday, June 2, before the Yearbook Signing Celebration. The students will have an opportunity to have their books signed by the office staff, special subject teachers, ELC counselors, and classmates. Students and staff may wear play clothes on June 2, for the yearbook signing celebration. PTSF will provide lunch (grilled hot dogs, chips, drinks, dessert) for all staff, students & volunteers.

9. SPEAKING OF THE YEARBOOK SIGNING CELEBRATION, we need volunteers to help with the events planned for this day. The PTSF group is finalizing the plans, but we know we will need parent volunteers during the day. Please sign up on the PTSF board (outside the lobby) to help us on this day.

10. PREK - K5 FUN DAY IS MONDAY, JUNE 8. Additional information will be sent home by the classroom teacher next week, but mark your calendars now for this fun day.

11. THE LAST DAY OF SCHOOL IS JUNE 9, 2009. This year our last day of school is a FULL DAY, and we will have ELC until 6:00 p.m. this evening. Our End of the Year assembly will begin at 9:30 a.m. All parents are invited to attend. We will recognize those students who have earned: Honor Roll Certificates, Perfect Attendance, Bible, and Presidential Fitness awards. The actual certificates will be mailed to the students along with their final report cards on Wednesday, June 17, 2009.

12. TUTORING FOR THE SUMMER. If you are interested in having your child tutored by a CCS teacher during the summer, please complete and return the tutoring form that was sent home last Friday. Additional forms are available in the lobby.

13. LOST AND FOUND. We have an abundant amount of lost clothing in our Lost & Found box. Please check the box before the end of the school year.

14. READING IS FUN! Summer reading lists will be sent home for each grade at the end of the school year. Each list will include summer reading choices for 1st through 8th grade students. Details about specific reading assignments will be included for each grade.

15. K4 & 5TH GRADE STUDENTS. Before entering K5 & 6th grade, all students must have another booster shot. Students entering K5 are required to have a second MMR booster shot before school begins. All children entering the 6th grade must have a complete series of Hepatitis B, as well as a Tetanus booster.

16. 5TH GRADE GIRLS. Information from the Virginia Department of Health is being sent home today regarding the Human Papillomavirus vaccine (HPV). It is required that we send this information to each rising 6th grade female student. Please contact your doctor and decide if this vaccine is right for your daughter.

Yours in Christ,

Mrs. Kathy Sens, Principal
Christian Center School, Inc.

ADDITIONAL DATES TO REMEMBER:
05/22 - 4th Quarter Interims are being sent home TODAY. Developmental Checklists are issued for PreK & K4.
05/25 - School Is Closed on Monday, May 25, in Observance of Memorial Day.
05/29 - The last day to turn in Box Tops for this school year.
06/05 - 8th Grade Graduation Ceremony, Friday, at 7:30 p.m. in the CCS gym.
06/06 - K5 Graduation Ceremony, Saturday, at 10:00 a.m. in the CCS gym.
06/15 - CCS Kid’s Summer Camp BEGINS!
06/17 - Final Report Cards Mailed Out - make sure we have your correct home address.

From the Principal...... 5/8/09

2009-05-11T07:20:00.004-04:00

Quick Note from the Principal
May 8, 2009

1. THANK YOU SO MUCH! It was a wonderful Teacher Appreciation Week! The PTSF and the classroom room parents did an outstanding job honoring the staff of CCS. We also want to thank Mike Martin, Pastor Jack, and Roland Gagnon for Monday’s breakfast, to Mrs. Martinez for organizing the wonderful massages and special lunch on Thursday, and for all of the room parents who honored the staff on Friday. The teachers were very blessed by the parents who came in on Sunday night to decorate the classroom doors, and on Tuesday and Thursday to cover the classrooms. We especially want to thank Mrs. Carol Hunt and Ms. Alicia Willis for everything they did before and during the week. We truly feel appreciated.

2. OUR ANNUAL MUSIC RECITAL IS SCHEDULED FOR FRIDAY, MAY 15. Information on rehearsal times and appropriate dress went home this week to all piano students. All musicians should return to school no later than 6:45 p.m. on Friday, May 15. Come out and support our musicians at 7:00 p.m. next Friday.

3. Lost & Found is over flowing AGAIN. Please check it for lost sweaters, coats, hats, and even shoes!

4. K5 - 8th Grade Summer Tutoring. In your child’s Friday folder, you will find information on our Summer Tutoring Program. If you are interested in receiving additional information on this program, please complete the form and return it to the office by Friday, May 15. A teacher will contact you about this service. (Forms are also available in the lobby.)

5. FIELD DAY, MAY 29. Our 1st through 8th graders will be divided into teams and participate in fun activities all day. We are looking for field day volunteers. Please let Coach Mills know if you can lend a hand on this fun day.

6. Our Hot Lunch Program will end this month. Please pack a lunch box for your child each day in June. Also, please check with your child’s teacher for lunch arrangements for all field trips (May and June).

7. Yearbooks will go on sale soon. We have set aside a special YEARBOOK SIGNING DAY on Tuesday, June 2. More information will be sent home in the next Quick Note.

8. The last week to bring in bulletins for the Wall of Worship is the week of May 18.

9. We have another Fundraiser before the end of the school year. Please join us at Chuck E. Cheese’s on Thursday, May 28. Come anytime between 3:30 to 8:00 p.m.

10. CAR WASH AND YEARBOOK SIGNING PARTY. The PTSF will hold a carwash on Saturday, May 30, from 9:00 to 12:00 p.m. All proceeds will be used for our annual Yearbook Signing Party, which is scheduled for Tuesday, June 2. Last year we enjoyed grilled hot dogs, a moon bounce, dunking booth, and had a great time signing each other’s yearbooks. We are making plans, but please mark your calendars for May 30 and June 2 on your calendars.

11. STANDARDIZED TESTING - Just a reminder that on Monday, May 18, we will begin Standardized Testing for K5 - 8th grade students. We ask that all students be at school on time (the morning tardy bell rings at 8:30 a.m.). It is important to always be on time for school but especially during testing week. You will not be allowed to enter the classroom once the testing has begun. It is our goal to have an atmosphere that is conducive to test taking. Plan appointments for the afternoon or another week so your child doesn’t miss a test, make sure they get plenty of rest each evening, have a nutritious breakfast each morning, and don’t forget to pack a morning snack.

EACH STUDENT NEEDS TWO #2 PENCILS

For the Pre-K and K4 classes, we ask that you also arrive on time. We don’t want excess traffic in the hallways during testing, so after 8:55 a.m., students will be held in the office until a break in testing.

Yours in Christ,

Mrs. Kathy Sens, Principal
Christian Center School, Inc.
www.ccmfamily.org

From the Principal 4/24/09

2009-04-24T13:40:00.004-04:00

Quick Note from the Principal
April 24, 2009

Dear Parents,

1. DOLLAR DRESS DOWN DAYS. Last week we had Dollar Dress Down Days from Tuesday through Friday. This was a HUGE success. Thank you parents and students for helping the PTSF with this fundraiser. The PTSF raised over $700.00 from this event. This money will be used to hire the Massage Therapist during teacher Appreciation Week. (See information regarding each day at the end of this note).

2. NED = NEVER GIVE UP! ENCOURAGE OTHERS! DO YOUR BEST! We had so much fun on Wednesday with the “NED” show. We heard encouraging words, a fun story, scripture verses, and even learned some Yo-Yo tricks. You can still buy a Yo-Yo for your child (or for yourself) through next Wednesday.

3. FIELD DAY IS SCHEDULED FOR FRIDAY, MAY 29, 2009. Our 1st through 8th graders will be divided into teams and participate in fun activities all day. Each team has a different colored shirt. You will find the order form in your child’s Friday folder today. The color of your form is the color of your child’s team. Although this is for 1st - 8th grade students, siblings, parents and staff are invited to buy CCS Field Day shirts. You can order multiple shirts on each form or pick up extra forms at the front lobby.

4. OUR SPRING CONCERT will be held on Friday, May 1, at 7:00 p.m. All Honors Choir, Liturgical Dance (2nd - 8th grade), and Step Team members will participate in this wonderful event. Dress for Honors Choir members is as follows: Girls should be in a nice dress or skirt (knee length or longer). Boys should be in dress slacks, button down shirt, and tie and/or jacket. Dress shoes or chapel shoes are required (no tennis shoes). Dancers should check with Mrs. Bowman regarding attire and costumes. The songs are being rehearsed during our Honor’s Choir time on Tuesday afternoons, so it is very important that all choir members arrive on time and stay for the entire session.

5. OUR MUSIC RECITAL will be held on Friday, May 15, at 7:00 p.m. This recital is for all piano students, bell choir (4th grade) and band students. Musical pieces have already been chosen. Dress for that night is as follows: Girls should be in a nice dress or skirt (knee length or longer). Boys should be in dress slacks, button down shirt, and tie and/or jacket. Dress shoes or chapel shoes are required (no tennis shoes).

6. K5 AND 1ST GRADE LITURGICAL DANCERS should look for information in the next few weeks from Mrs. Bowman regarding the students performing at one of the Chapel programs.

7. NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER. Please join us for our 8:45 a.m. assembly on Thursday, May 7, 2009. Our Student Council will lead us in a time of prayer for our leaders, our families, our teachers, and more. After the assembly, each class will have a time of prayer at a pre-determined location on campus. Many of you purchased the National Day of Prayer t-shirts that we offered last month. If you did not purchase one, please feel free to wear a Christian t-shirt on this day. The t-shirts may be worn with jeans or shorts. All parents are invited to attend. (Don’t forget that we still maintain a dress code even when wearing play clothes. No halter tops or spaghetti straps for girls. Boys pants should not be excessively baggy. T-shirts with offensive language/pictures and short shirts (midriff shirts) are not allowed. Shorts, skorts and skirts should not be more than one inch above the knee. Flipflop shoes are not appropriate for a school environment.)

8. STANDARDIZED TESTING IS MAY 18 - 22 for students in grades K5 through 8th grade. Additional information is in your child’s Friday folder.

9. CAMP INFORMATION PACKETS ARE AVAILABLE IN THE FRONT LOBBY. Please feel free to take one for a neighbor or friend.

10. CAR WASH AND YEARBOOK SIGNING PARTY. The PTSF will hold a carwash on Saturday, May 30, from 9:00 to 12:00 p.m. All proceeds will be used for our annual Yearbook Signing Party, which is scheduled for Tuesday, June 2. Last year we grilled hot dogs, brought in a moon bounce and dunk booth, and had a great time signing each other’s yearbooks. We are making plans but please mark your calendars for May 30 and June 2 on your calendars.

11. SEASONAL ALLERGIES. Many of our staff and students suffer with seasonal allergies. Please make sure we have up to date information on the Emergency Authorization Form pertaining to ALL allergies, even seasonal ones. Some of you have asked that we keep your child inside during recess. This causes a hardship for the other children and the teacher. Please know that we will try to accommodate those children who are suffering by having them sit quietly in a classroom, but we cannot always provide indoor recess for just one student. We want our students to get outside for fresh air and exercise whenever possible.

God Bless,

Mrs. Kathy J. Sens, Principal
Christian Center School, Inc.
www.ccmfamily.org/school

TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK. If you are interested in helping out with Teacher Appreciation Week, please sign up on the PTSF board in the hallway outside the lobby, or contact the room parent for your child’s classroom.

• Mon, May 4 - Breakfast for ALL staff provided by Christian Center Ministries.

• Tue, May 5 – Room Parents/Parent Volunteers will give each teacher and assistant one hour off to relax and enjoy a quiet time in our “Relaxation Room” (any time between 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.). Meanwhile, the room parent will coordinate “something” special for students to do (possibly a craft item, but we don’t want to say too much because some of the teachers are also parents). This special “something” will be presented to their teacher on Friday.

• Wed, May 6 – Principal’s Day - I will provide something special for the CCS staff.

• Thu, May 7 – Several Massage Therapists will visit our school. There will be a sign up sheet so you can arrange to have your class taken by one of our wonderful volunteers (these are not necessarily your room parents, so just sign up and let us do the scheduling). This is also National Day of Prayer.

• Fri, May 8 – Room Parents and helpers will present the craft AND “special gift” to each teacher and assistant. Our awesome ELC workers will also be presented with a very special gift on this day. We are also arranging a special lunch for all staff.

2009-04-09T11:09:00.003-04:00

Quick Note from the Principal
April 3, 2009

Dear Parents,

1. CCS WILL BE CLOSED FROM APRIL 6 THROUGH APRIL 13 FOR EASTER BREAK as listed on our blue school calendar. We pray that all of our families have a blessed Easter and will have many opportunities to o fellowship with other believers during this time.

2. OUR SPRING CONCERT will be held on Friday, May 1, at 7:00 p.m. All Honor’s Choir students will participate in this wonderful event. Dress for that night is as follows: Girls should be in a nice dress or skirt (knee length or longer). Boys should be in dress slacks, button down shirt, and tie and/or jacket. Dress shoes or chapel shoes are required (no tennis shoes). The songs are being rehearsed during our Honor’s Choir time on Tuesday afternoons, so it is very important that all choir members arrive on time and stay for the entire session. We will only have three more rehearsals before the big event.

3. OUR MUSIC RECITAL will be held on Friday, May 15, at 7:00 p.m. This recital is for all piano students, bell choir (4th grade) and band students. Musical pieces for piano and band will be chosen by the student, with the help of Mr. Nichols. Bell choir pieces will be chosen by Mr. Nichols. Additional rehearsal times for bell choir will be scheduled when we return from Easter break.

4. STANDARDIZED TESTING IS MAY 18 - 22 for students in grades K5 through 8th grade. Additional information will be sent home when we return from Easter break.

5. CAMP INFORMATION PACKETS ARE AVAILABLE IN THE FRONT LOBBY. Please feel free to take one for a neighbor or friend.

6. PTSF NEWS
Teacher Appreciation Week is right around the corner. Yesterday I met with the Room Parents and we discussed ways that we can show our appreciation to the CCS staff. In your child’s Friday folder you will find a letter from me regarding some ways you can help. We also have two fund-raising events this month to raise additional money to help with Teacher Apprecation Week:

DOLLAR DRESS DOWN DAYS - When we return from Easter Break we will have Dollar Dress Down Day every day that week (April 14 - 17). Students and teachers can pay $1.00 each day to purchase a DRESS DOWN DAY PASS all four days that week. All proceeds will go to the PTSF for Teacher Appreciation Week.

PTSF FAMILY NIGHT AT FUDDRUCKERS - More information will be sent home as the date approaches, but mark your calendars for Thursday, April 23, and join us for this fun event!

Have a Very Blessed Easter,

Mrs. Kathy J. Sens, Principal
Christian Center School, Inc.
www.ccmfamily.org/school