Wilmington Christian School

Raising Your Children in a Digital Age

rfoster — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 21:51:55 +0000

Parents are facing challenges unique in the history of the church. As families are spread further apart by countless demands, family members are increasingly retreating to a digital world with unique dangers, challenges and opportunities.

On Tuesday March 13th, 7:00pm

Pastor Joshua Knott of Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Newark, will be leading a seminar and discussion to inform, encourage and equip parents to help their teens navigate these new digital waters in ways that honor the Lord.

The topics covered reflect Pastor Knott’s technical background and years of pastoral experience working with youth and their families. All are welcome to come and encouraged to invite others to join them. Handouts will include links to current resources on various topics to keep the conversations going at home.

MS “Heads Up” 1-23-2012

gcampbell — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 11:00:32 +0000

We are at the halfway mark of the school year. The students have completed their mid-term exams, and they are focused on the third marking period. We are looking forward to many exciting events.

Report Cards will be coming home with your child on Monday, January 30th. Mid-term exam grades will be listed on the report card, but they will not be averaged into a grade until the final grade is calculated. Please make sure that you sign the envelope (keeping the report card) and return the envelope to the homeroom teacher as quickly as possible.

Our Moms in Touch and Dad’s Prayer Huddle continue to meet. The next Moms in Touch meeting is Tuesday, February 7th, 8 AM, in the ES library. The Dads meet on Thursday, February 9th, 7:45 AM, in the conference room. It is such a blessing to know that our parents are praying for our school.

We have an open house for prospective parents (and students) scheduled for Tuesday, February 7th, 9 – 11 AM. If you know a family who should be at WCS, please invite them to come by and tour the school.

Our last math league meet is scheduled for Monday, February 13th, at 3 PM. This competition will be held at Skyline Middle School. Thank you to the many parents who have driven our students to the various meets! We couldn’t do it without you.

Please continue to check out our website for the latest winter sports schedules. Our basketball teams are playing very well. We have had some great victories, and the players continue to develop excellent skills. A special thank you goes out to Marc Baffone for helping with the girls’ basketball team.

As most of you know, Mrs. Vincent was placed on bed rest for the remainder of her pregnancy. Mr. Mike Rust has stepped in to substitute for her while she is on maternity leave. He does have an email address: mrust@wcsfaculty.net and will be happy to assist you with your questions or concerns. We will keep you posted on Mrs. Vincent’s pregnancy as we know that you are praying for a safe delivery and healthy baby!

Our 8th graders are diligently preparing for History Day. We are looking forward to the completed projects. They will be on display on February 23rd. Come by and see their efforts!

We are in the process of scheduling our second semester field trips. Details will come home with your student as we get closer, but many of the trips have already been scheduled and can be found on the middle school calendar on the school website.

We have been working with the students in following the standard of dress. ”Under” shirts are to be solid white. No shirt should hang lower than the Rose Uniform shirt. The “top layer” should be a Rose Uniform shirt, sweater, or fleece. Many girls are wearing tights because of the colder temperatures. Those tights are to be of a solid color: red, white, black, or grey. Hopefully this reminder will help you assure that your child is following the standard of dress each morning.

We have appreciated the love and support that has been shown to Robin Foster and her family. If you wish to help out, we have set up a group of parents and colleagues who are organizing this assistance. Please call the school for details.

In His Service,

Gwen Campbell, Principal

ES “Up-to-the-Minute” 1-23-2012

gcampbell — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 11:00:31 +0000

As I type this newsletter, the sounds of falling bowling pins can be heard in the hallway. Math Day is winding down! What a wonderful day. The students participated in several math activities: patterns, measuring, estimating, bridge building, and many others. Thanks to the many parents who volunteered to “man a station.” The day was successful because of you.

Spirit Week begins TODAY! Today is Silly Sock and Slipper Day. Tuesday is Crazy Hat Day. Wednesday is Hilarious Hair Day. Thursday is Beach Bum Day. Friday is Jammin’ Jersey and Jeans Day. We are looking forward to a fun-filled week of school spirit!!

We have been asked by Wilmington University to assist with their students completing their teaching practicums with us. We have 5 students who will be observing classes and learning from our excellent faculty.

Report Cards will be issued on Monday, January 30th. Please sign the envelope (keeping the report card) and returning it to your child’s teacher as quickly as possible.

Our Box Tops for Education Contest will begin on Wednesday, February 1st. Please help your child collect Box Tops and Campbell’s Soups labels for our school. The classes will be competing with each other to see who will bring in the most Box Tops. The proceeds will help us buy classroom and educational supplies!

We are also planning the Home and School Connection sponsored Pajama and Bagel Day on Thursday, February 16, 2012. Slippers are OK, but please make sure that your child has a change of shoes for recess and/or PE.

Last Friday we were privileged to have Cathy Patnovic as our chapel speaker. She is a talented chalk artist who shared a gospel message through her art. We are still looking for some speakers for dates in the spring. If you know of someone who would be willing (and able) to share a short message with our elementary school students, please contact me through the elementary school office. Also parents are always welcome to join us for chapel. There is nothing better than worshiping our Lord with our children.

In His Service,

Gwen Campbell, Principal

Naviance-Family Connection

WCS — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 03:03:41 +0000

Welcome to Naviance Succeed and Family Connection

Students to get to Family Connection click the link below

Family Connection Website Link

Students and Parents:

This year I have started to use Naviance with the students. Next year, parents with have access to their students “Family Connection” page by having their own username and password. This program is extremely valuable for all 9-12 students. I am excited to watch as it grows.

The purpose of Naviance:

Students learn how to set goals and achieve them.
It will increase students success and improve college and career readiness.
It allows them to explore careers and majors they may be interested in.
College planning -they will use the college searching tools which will provide students and parents with valuable insight on data they need to make an informed decision.
In the future – It will manage all aspects of the college admissions process.

For success there are four key values of this program:

Success starts with a plan
Success depends on raising expectations
Success requires meaningful data
Success goes beyond instruction

If you have any questions please feel free to contact me. abickling@wilmingtonchristian.org

ES “Up to the Minute” 12-12-2011

gcampbell — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 16:37:46 +0000

Merry Christmas to our WCS families!

May the peace that comes through knowing Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord be yours in abundance during this wonderful season.

Congratulations to our middle school students Kate Carney and Emma Whitesel. After competing against over 250 students, both were chosen to represent WCS in the All-State Junior Band.

We have already had the joy of attending two of our Christmas concerts. The Elementary Program was a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the musical and dramatic talents of our students. Thanks to the many parents who volunteered to help with the set, costumes, room monitoring, and even baking for the party.

Our final concert, the middle and high school vocal concert, will be held on Thursday, December 15, 2011, at 7:00 PM, in the Fine Arts Auditorium. Please join us for a wonderful evening of music and visual arts. We wish to recognize the hard work and dedication of our Fine Arts Department: Barbara Schiller, director and instrumental music instructor, Kerry Weber, vocal instructor, Dian Sutton, elementary and middle school visual art instructor, and Debbie McNiel, elementary music instructor. The Lord has blessed us with a wonderful staff!

The ACSI Geography Bee is scheduled for Friday, December 16, 2011, 1:30 PM, in the Fine Arts Auditorium. Grades 4 – 8 will be competing for the school championship. The winner will head to Laurel, DE, to compete at the state level.

Our last day of school will be Tuesday, December 20, 2011. This is a full day of school, but many of the homerooms will be celebrating Christ’s birth with parties at the end of the day. There will be a middle and high school chapel on this day at 1:16 PM (during 7^th period.) Our elementary chapel will be on Friday, December 16, 2011, at 9:15 AM, in the Fine Arts Auditorium. The elementary students will be performing for this chapel. Parents are welcome to both of these events!

School will resume on Wednesday, January 4, 2012. We pray the Lord’s blessing on your vacation and will anxiously await the safe return of our students. See you next year!!

In His Service,

Gwen Campbell, Principal

MS “Heads Up” 12-12-2011

gcampbell — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 16:35:44 +0000

Merry Christmas to our WCS families!

May the peace that comes through knowing Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord be yours in abundance during this wonderful season.

Congratulations to our middle school students Kate Carney and Emma Whitesel. After competing against over 250 students, both were chosen to represent WCS in the All-State Junior Band.

School will resume on Wednesday, January 4, 2012. We pray the Lord’s blessing on your vacation and will anxiously await the safe return of our students. See you next year!!

In His Service,

Gwen Campbell, Principal

Fruits for Fine Arts Order Pick Up Today,December 14th

rfoster — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 16:29:59 +0000

Parents please plan to pick up Fruit sale orders today by the end of the school day.

Orders are being handed out from the Elementary Gym (Stage).

Poetry Out Loud Finalists

rfoster — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 17:20:23 +0000

Wilmington Christian School Poetry Out Loud School Finalists pose with English

staff members just after the Top Five winners were announced during chapel Dec. 12, 2011.

The first place winner will go on to compete in the semi-final round of the

POL State Competition on Feb. 7.

The top three winners received gift certificates to Barnes and Noble.

2011 Poetry Out Loud Finalists Pose With English Staff Members

L-R top row: English staff member Celinda Conteh, Department Head Elle Straley, Matt Piscitelli, Mike Gray, 4th Place – Lauren Hess, 5th Place – Nate Foggy, E Zhao, Riley MacGray, Elias Reed, Roger Evans, English staff member Dave Bird.

L-R middle row: Christina Albrecht, Donata Kazachkina, 1st Place – Elizabeth Landon, 3rd Place – Jake Moran, Katie Smith, Rachel Ronan, J. D. Hansel, English staff member Sherrie Gumienny.

L-R front row: Ty Moyer, Jessica Drumheller, Amanda Nashed, Katie Barton, Lauren LaPorte, Carley Needham, Morgan Benson, Nathan Hawk, May Lu Wenshan. Missing from photo – 2nd Place alternate – Hannah Glavin.

5th Grade Hands-On Experience

rfoster — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 17:04:14 +0000

Studying Squid Characteristics

There are exciting things happening in our upper elementary school.

Earlier in the fall the fifth grade read a chapter of Scott O’Dell’s novel Island of the Blue Dolphins as part of our reading curriculum.

Mrs. Spangler’s class was so intrigued by the story of a young girl’s island survival, that they have been reading the remainder of the book aloud in class. As they came to the end of her adventure story, the class dove more deeply into the content by learning about Karana’s “devil fish” first hand. Using both virtual and actual squid, Mrs. Spangler led the group by studying squid characteristics including anatomy and behavior in the wild. While some were concerned at first about seeing and touching a real squid, by the time the actual squid was examined in the lab, all were able to observe and even appreciate the opportunity for hands-on experience. Super job, class!

Amy Spangler

5th Grade Teacher

Congratulations! 2012 All-State Junior Band

rfoster — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 16:51:02 +0000

Congratulations Emma and Kate!

On December 10th, over 260 middle school students auditioned at Postlehwait Middle

School in Camden DE for the privilege of being selected for the

2012 Delaware All-State Junior Band.

The WCS Music Department is proud to announce and congratulate

Kate Carney and Emma Whitesel for their selection to the 2012 All-State Junior Band.

The Christmas Market

rfoster — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 16:16:35 +0000

On December 1st. Mrs. Cowchok and Mr. Haas took all of the German classes to the

Christmas Market in Center City Philadelphia. The students were treated to a lesson by a

Glassblower from the Thuringen region of Germany. The students could then purchased

one of the newly blown ornaments and paint it with colorful glitter. A few of our students

were even given the opportunity to try to blow an ornament. They quickly found out that it

was not as easy as it looked.

The Christmas Market

Glassblower Demonstration

The students were then given a tour of the market which focused

on the German Christmas traditions. They learned about Advent and Sankt Nikolaus and

how German families decorate their Christmas trees. The students then had some free time to

explore and shop on their own. We were then treated to a bratwurst sandwich, and a special

sweet treat. It was a great time of learning about the Christmas traditions in Germany

and in other parts of Europe.

Nancy Cowchok

German Teacher/Senior Advisor

ATTENTION PARENTS: ”Thank You”From Your Board of Trustees…

rfoster — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 15:57:34 +0000

ATTENTION PARENTS: ”Thank You” From Your Board of Trustees…

Next Steps With Your Survey Input

Many thanks to the large number of parents who completed the Board of Trustees’

survey on the enrollment and promotion of WCS. The response was overwhelming!

We’re analyzing all the data; we’ll have a report back to you in January.

From an initial review, here’s what you told us: The best way to bring new families

to the school is through personal relationships…”word of mouth” from a current

WCS family. At the same time, very few families are receiving the $500 referral discount.

We’re working on some tools and ideas to help our families reach out to friends in their

churches and neighborhoods. Finally, we heard loud and clear that you’re concerned

about keeping WCS afordable. We wholeheartedly agree…and growing our

enrollment will help us do just that!

Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts, and especially to those

who expressed an interest in volunteering to help the school. Stay tuned!

Christmas Chapel Schedules

rfoster — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 15:34:58 +0000

Elementary School Christmas Chapel will be held Friday,

December 16th at 9:15am in the Auditorium.

MS/HS Chapel will be held on Tuesday,

December 20th at 1:16pm in the Auditorium.

High School Students may choose to have a Dress Up for Christmas Day on the 20th.

This would include: red and green sweaters, shirts, pants, ties, and hats.

It would not include : jeans, sweats, shorts or short skirts.

HS will have no 7th or 8th period classes, Homeroom Christmas Parties begin at 2:00pm.

Alumni are invited to join the Senior Class in the cafeteria for their Christmas Party .

Special Invitation forHigh School Parents

rfoster — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 16:11:54 +0000

High School Parents:

The English Department invites you to attend the School-Wide Competition for Poetry Out Loud National Recitation Competition on Wednesday, December 7^th at 8:30 AM in the Auditorium.

The classroom winners from grades nine – twelve will be competing for the opportunity to represent WCS at the POL Semi- Finals held in February and the Finals held in March.

Last year’s WCS winner, Hannah Glavin was named the Delaware State Champion and competed at the Nationals held Washington, D. C.

Sailing on the Kalmar Nyckel

rfoster — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 13:40:26 +0000

On October 14^th, the fourth grade went for a sail through history on the Kalmar Nyckel.

Sailing on the Kalmar Nyckel 2011

The weather prediction was not good for that day but since the sail is rain or shine, we made homemade ponchos out of trash bags and prayed for the best!! Since we were studying the early history in Delaware, sailing on the Kalmar Nyckel and talking about the ways of life back then gave us real insight into how the first successful colony in Delaware started! During our sail on the Christina River, the rain held off, we learned about all of the different jobs on the ship, and we ended our trip by learning an old sailor song, “Bully in the Alley.” After the sail we had lunch in the shipyard and then had the chance to participate in workshops. The workshops taught us how canons were fired, why blacksmiths were an important part of sailing, how to play the world trade game, and specifics about the Swedes who started the colony.

It was a very education, yet fun field trip!!

We were very thankful that the Lord held off the rain until later in the day!!

Kelli Pitman

4th Grade Teacher