Wingspan Spring 2019

Spring 2019 1 Grove City Christian School Magazine

DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION David Arrell EDITOR Hannah Blandin EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Amy Sullivan CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER Don Rogers ELEMENTARY PRINCIPAL David Muschott INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL PRINCIPAL Debbie Edwards HIGH/MIDDLE SCHOOL PRINCIPAL Jim McMillan HIGH/MIDDLE SCHOOL ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL Rebecca Jeffries ATHLETIC DIRECTOR Matt Blandin DIRECTOR OF ADVANCEMENT Hannah Blandin www.grovecitychristian.org www.facebook.com/gccseagles Twitter: @gccs_eagles Instagram: @gccs_eagles Grove City Christian School serves as a ministry of the Grove City Church of the Nazarene

Welcome to our online magazine! It is hard to believe that the school year is almost over. I know our seniors are ready to graduate. This is a fun time of year as we close one chapter in their lives and we begin to see the next chapter unfold for them. We will continue to pray for God’s protection and blessings in their lives. If you have been on campus, then you know that we have a few projects ongoing. The Grove City Christian Childcare is consolidat- ing their operation onto this campus. Currently, the childcare serves families in two locations, one on Columbus Street and here on Hoover Road. In order to prepare for their arrival, we are bringing classrooms up to code in the early childhood wing of the building by the Play Place. Also, we are adding two new playgrounds with equipment built just the right size for little children. We have other projects that still need to be completed from the storm damage. Finally, we have interior projects which include work in the Activity Center (carpeted gym) and the main school entrance. Please join us in praising the Lord for the strongest re-enrollment rate in the history of the school. Due to the strong re-enrollment rate and so many new student applications, we have already had to close a few grades and develop waiting lists. Remember to pray for wisdom for those who participate in the admissions process. In this edition, we want to highlight an alumnus, tell you about the success of our students and tell you a little bit about what God is doing on our campus. David Morrison, ’04 and current NexGen Pastor at The Naz, will be featured as a World Changer. We will highlight the success of our art students at the annual ACSI Art Fes- tival as well as the 2nd and 8th grade students as they develop their skills in STEM learning activities. Each year we take our juniors on a retreat and we can’t wait to share about that life and soul-shap- ing event. Finally, we have an article highlighting the intermediate school’s reading of Pilgrim’s Progress this school year. It has been a highly engaging reading and discussion-based study through this book which has influenced Christians for many generations. Thank you for your partnership and participation in Christian schooling! In His service, Dave David J. Arrell Director of Education Grove City Christian School 3

Development of Middle School STEM Class Lyndsay Smith, Middle School Science Teacher The 2019-2020 school year will mark an exciting change in our Middle School science curriculum with the introduction of Middle School STEM, as our standard class for eighth grade GCCS stu- dents. The STEM class is being developed with the goal of students becoming active participants in their learning, by engaging in problem solving and developing their critical thinking skills all while having fun learning. Students will look at topics such as plate tectonics, weather/natural disasters, space technology and exploration as well as robotics. The students will be utilizing LEGO Mindstorms learning modules throughout the year, as well as our Sphero robots. Both of these technologies will allow our students to learn basic coding skills and promote higher level thinking. While the STEM class curriculum is still being finalized, students are excited to see the materials arriving at the school and are beginning to anticipate taking STEM next year! Additionally, qualifying eighth grade students will have the opportunity to take Honors Physical Science. Students in this class will be able to earn a high school credit for this course and will accelerate their ability to complete their mandated high school science credits. This will allow the students more opportunity to take science electives their junior and senior years of high school. The Honors Physical Science course is approximately one semester of introductory chemistry con- cepts and one semester of introductory physics. 4 WINGSPAN Magazine | Spring 2019 | www.grovecitychristian.org

An Immeasurable Blessing AJ Gillespie, Class of 2019 Grove City Christian School has been an immeasurable blessing in my life. Coming from a public middle school where I always felt lonely and never had a sense of belonging, GCCS welcomed me with open arms coming into 9th grade. This place has not only instilled bib- lical principles in me, but provided me with Christ-centered relationships with my teachers, my peers, and even my administration. Whether it be on the soccer field, the classroom, or even just the lunch room with my friends, GCCS always feels like home. It is abundantly clear that my teachers and coaches want what is best for me spiritually and personally. As I transition into college at Indiana Wesleyan University, where I plan on studying Pastoral Ministries and playing soccer, I will never forget all of the memories, lessons, and relation- ships that GCCS gave me. This school has provided me with opportunities to grow in my prospective career path by allowing me to speak at chapel and lead small groups with my peers. Those experiences have not only allowed me to grow externally, but also internally. It is often said that the 4 years of high school are some of the best years of your life, and thanks to GCCS, they truly were for me. 5

On Tuesday April 4th, our Middle School baseball team visited Cypress Church to volunteer at “Parents Night Out” to benefit families of children with special needs. While these families enjoyed a rare night out, our baseball players were hard at work making sure their children truly felt like superheroes. Kids from all over the city came out to par- ticipate in the “superhero” themed evening that included crafts, games and some worn out baseball play- ers. Coach Sean Butt, who oversees the ministry and coaches the base- ball team, said, “I thought it would be a great idea to have the players pull kids around on carts making it feel like they were flying. Little did I realize that some of them would be doing it for two straight hours.” He added, “They were joking around saying that they were more worn out after the evening than any practice.” The players were able to understand the importance of serving. There are more important things in life than sports and video games. They have an opportunity here to really make an impact on people’s lives that may Making not necessarily have the same ad- vantages as we do and they can put others needs before their own. Coach Butt plans on hosting an- other “Parents Night Out” over the summer, where he hopes to get his football team and the cheerleading An Impactsquadinvolved. Sean Butt, Middle School Baseball Coach 6 WINGSPAN Magazine | Spring 2019 | www.grovecitychristian.org

Why Study Visual Arts? “Art lets me be “ Students who have a strong interest in creative, like God visual art have the opportunity to further created me. Taking their skills by studying art independently. art class helps me grow to be the Check out what some of those students person God wants said when asked what art does for them. me to be. “I can really express myself through what I draw and it helps me learn to take risks and step out of my comfort zone.” Catherine Snider, Sophomore “When I’m creating a piece, I’m fully absorbed in making it the best I can and fulfilling the vision I have for it. Doing art is a form of self-expression, escape, and enjoy- ment in a very stressful world.” Nicole Ward, Junior Natalie Bankey, Junior “I take art class to improve my skills as an artist and because it gives me freedom to be creative.” Kaitlyn Bernhardt, Senior “I like to make people happy with my art.” Sophi Hoyt, Junior 7

Excelling Artists Helen Massaro, Middle & High School Art Teacher The 2019 ACSI Art Festival held at Cedarville University on April 6th hosted artwork from students in 3rd – 12th grade, from 14 different schools across Ohio. Student artwork was evaluated by a pan- el of judges and received one of the following ratings: superior, excellent or good. Students who attended also had the chance to participate in an art workshop for a day full of fun. Our own Grove City Christian School students participated and received the following ratings: Elementary & Intermediate School High School Eli Lee– Superior Ella Beckley- Superior (2 pieces) Nevaye Kauffman– Superior Natalie Holland- Excellent (2 pieces) Cameron Stinemetz– Superior Paige Spencer- Good Karlie Devine– Superior Zoey Wilson- Superior (2 pieces) Leah Jones– Excellent Gretchen Williams- Excellent Taylor Ison- Excellent Caren Quiroz- Superior & Excellent (2 pieces) Middle School Aubrey Smith- Excellent Catherine Snider- Excellent Brisen Azbell- Superior (2 pieces) Sidney Tackett- Superior (2 pieces) Quinn Garringer- Excellent Katelyn Merrill- Superior (2 pieces) Natalie Bankey- Superior Tatum West- Superior & Good (2 pieces) Grace Baumgardner- Good Cameron Downton- Excellent Zaria Jackson- Excellent Nicole Ward- Excellent Kaitlyn Bernhardt- Excellent & Good (2 pieces) Taylor Oda- Superior (2 pieces) Carl Richter- Superior Jesus Rojas-Ramirez- Superior Kennedy Mandeville- Superior The following students were nominat- ed to participate in the Best of Show competition: Eli Lee Nevaye Kauffman Ella Beckley (2 pieces) Zoey Wilson (2 pieces) Caren Quiroz Sidney Tackett Taylor Oda Carl Richter Jesus Rojas-Ramirez Tatum West won Best of Show for the 6th-8th grade division. 8 WINGSPAN Magazine | Spring 2019 | www.grovecitychristian.org

Congratulations to all for representing your talents and our Art Department in such an amazing light! 9

A Retreat Like None Before Rebecca Jeffries, Middle & High School Assistant Principal In keeping with the mission of GCCS, leave when they graduate next spring.  each spring our junior class participates The difference in this year’s retreat was in a three day retreat at Camp Otterbein the way that the students allowed them- in the Hocking Hills.  The focus of the selves to open up and become vulnera- retreat is on team building and devel- ble in the worship time that we shared oping leadership skills that the students together on the second night.  Lives will need as they prepare for their se- were changed that night as both stu- nior year and beyond.  The program- dents and staff had an encounter with ming for this year’s retreat was similar God that they won’t soon forget. If you to years past.  Students participated in get the chance, I would encourage you activities that encouraged them to work to ask one of the juniors about their together as a team and to talk about recent retreat experience. the legacy that their class desires to 10 WINGSPAN Magazine | Spring 2019 | www.grovecitychristian.org

“Junior Retreat really gave“I felt the hand of God me the confidence I needed going into my senior year.”Reflections fromcleanse my body and give -Studentme the goal to follow Him. I have never felt such a “What stuck out to me was how we were able to set aside our differences for a briefJuniorstrong presence in a room.” moment and become closer as a result.”-Student “-Student“Lives were forever changed by our Retreatexperience that night.” -Student “Junior Retreat really reinforced my walk with Christ.” -Student “While I was there I could “Junior Re- feel God pulling at my treat was amazingly heart which has lead me restorative to live a better life.” spiritually -Student and I found an even “Hearing friends pray deeper love out loud, crying on each others’ shoul- for my ders, being com- classmates.” “Junior Retreat -Student pletely filled with the showed me Holy Spirit and seeing that I need to “Junior Retreat was a life Christ work through changing experience. Before ask God every this trip, I had never seen so my peers was… day to keep His many people touched by the incredible.” Spirit on me.” -Student -Student “Junior Retreat showed Holy Spirit. We (as a class) me how God can work have truly bonded in a way in our school.” that can only be attributed to -Student God.” -Student “This year’s junior class is an unusually cohesive group, who genuinely care for one anoth- er. This year’s retreat started off similarly to the last one that I attended in 2017. Everyone was having fun, playing games and doing activities…kid stuff. Until Thursday night, nothing seemed out of the ordinary; little did we all know what was going to happen! I have never, in my whole life, seen the Holy Spirit move through a room and indwell most of the people in the room. I had seen revivals but nothing this powerful. I saw young men openly weep- ing and embracing one another without shame. The kids were praying for each other out loud and laying on hands. It was a moment that I never want to forget because it was real. Ever since I’ve been back from the retreat I’ve felt the Holy Spirit guiding me. I thank God for His mighty love for us and how He blessed our class.” -GCCS Staff Member 11

Moments and Mentors David Morrison, GCCS Class of 2004 I remember walking into Grove City Christian School for the first time as an apprehensive 7th grade student, curious about future friendships, who my teachers would be, and if this would be a place where I could feel at home. It didn’t take too long for me to realize that GCCS was a place for me – little did I know that this place would be intertwined in my future for quite some time! It was here at GCCS that I discovered my calling, met my future wife, grew as a student athlete, and made lifelong friends. One thing that always stands out to me concern- ing my time at GCCS were the teachers who went above and beyond, and were more mentors than anything! Mentors like Mr. Livergood who were never too busy to stop and share wis- dom, Ms. Board (now Mrs. Chandler) who would take time in Bible class to teach us the Spir- itual Disciplines and provide time to practice them, and like Mrs. Clark who always made the best brownies and gave the best advice, are what made Grove City Christian great! All of their mentorship happened in moments that I needed a guide. Following graduation at GCCS, I admittedly ran from my true calling into ministry in order to pursue a business degree, but God had other plans and I ended up graduating with a degree in Pastoral Ministries from Lee University! I couldn’t believe it, but a job opened up at GCCS to be a High School Bible teacher. I jumped at the chance to help give back to a community that had given me so much! From there I joined the youth ministry at The Naz and have been here ever since. Currently, I serve as our NextGen Age Level Pastor, Youth Pastor, GCCS Chapel Speaker and am on the Preaching Team at The Naz! I never thought in my wildest dreams that I would end up returning to serve this church and school. Serving students is one of the greatest joys of my life. I believe that the Middle School and High School years are some of the most transformative and foundational moments in a stu- dent’s life. It is during these times that students discover who they are, build their own faith foundations, transition into adulthood, and begin to pursue answers to life’s biggest ques- tions. These crucial times for students require Godly mentors who echo the discipleship of a student’s parents and care enough to wade through even the most messy and confusing times. Jesus Himself was most likely a youth leader as His disciples were young and messy, but fun, full of life and potential! My time at the Naz has taught me that life and ministry are about living in the moments that come your way and helping guide students through theirs. The most meaningful moments are often the small ones. Moments like walking with a stu- dent to ring the bell after he completed a brave round of chemo, like baptizing students in the Darby, like late night conversations at Roosters, like conversations around a camp fire, or small prayers after a moving chapel service. I once heard someone say, “wherever you are, be fully there.” God wants to use you in the moments He has placed you in, just as He has placed mentors into the moments of your life. For all current GCCS students, take a moment to thank your mentors and listen to their advice, you will glean from them the rest of your life. To alumni and parents, take a moment to stop and have a meaningful and fruitful conversation with a student. It is time eternally invested. GCCS is pleased to announce that we will be recognizing David Morrison as the recipient of our 2019 World Changer Award at our High School Graduation on May 31st at 7:00pm in the GCCN Worship Center. 12 WINGSPAN Magazine | Spring 2019 | www.grovecitychristian.org

“These crucial times for students require Godly mentors who echo the discipleship of a student’s parents and care enough to wade through even the most messy and confusing times.” 13

Adventures In STEM Julie Baumgardner, Elementary School Teacher When I was introduced to STEM education, I finally found the missing component of higher-level thinking in my classroom. Yes, I’ve been trained in the scientific method, and I even taught my students to use it well. While training in STEM, I truly began to unpack what all of it meant to my students. STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. Right now, everyone who hates math has just stopped reading this article. Stick with me and you will see all that STEM has to offer. It even includes Fine Arts without having to create another acro- nym like STEAM or STREAM. Many Language, Reading, and Fine Arts teachers were originally put 14 WINGSPAN Magazine | Spring 2019 | www.grovecitychristian.org

off by STEM and wanted to add an A to the acro- nym. However with further investigation, they would have realized that the E for engineering would solve all of their educational inclu- sion needs. You see, a true engineer is one who reads for greater understanding and uses all of life’s experi- ences to further his or her investigative endeavors. STEM education is com- pletely inclusive and all types of learners can de- velop greater understand- ing of content within the curriculum. This is not just a hands-on approach to learning. It includes hands- on activities that must include a driving question, problem, or statement. Teachers must be able to have the time to develop a greater understanding of why we do what we do in the classroom. Here at Grove City Christian, we are spending quality professional development time learning how to develop and implement one or two essential (driv- ing) questions that anchor our lessons to the required curriculum. One way to do this effectively is to continue to set high standards for our teachers and students. Another way is to provide the necessary time to develop these initiatives so that they are effective and manageable in all grade levels. In second grade, we work with a maker station model. We ask parents for recycled items through- out the year to create guided and independent STEM projects. Students learn how to manage their time and resources to complete a finished product. We work through the Engineering Design Model that even large companies, like HONDA and Battelle, use in their manufacturing processes. By using 21st century skills, our students learn how to design, build, and even fail, while working toward a desired outcome. They learn early that it is ok to fail, if we learn from it. Earlier this year, we built Indian and Pilgrim villages and had a science carnival with rides and games. We even created a plan to help others in need by using the Engineering Design Model. To- ward the end of this year we have been working on designing airplanes and cars. Here is where our reading and writing skills come into play. We were able to secure a small grant for 10 free fiction books and supplies to build a car. The organization, SEMA, offered the free books: If I Built a Car. We have created a lesson around this book where our students will draw a prototype of their car with a written summary of their design. As you can see, STEM can be applied to all areas of edu- cation. We’re proud to say our STEM education does not just prepare our students for the future, it helps them achieve their educational goals now. 15

ScholCalrasshsiposf &20A19wards We are proud of the many accomplishments of the class of 2019. We are pleased to recognize a few seniors for the scholarships and awards they have received this year. Congratulations to all! Grove City Community Club Scholarship Ronald Reagan Leadership Award $1,000 Brianna Reilly Katie Jacobs $1,000 Brett Baker Jackson Township Fire Fighter Scholarship Wendy’s High School Heisman Katie Jacobs Megan McGrath GCCS PTO Scholarship Presidential Service Award $1,000 Megan McGrath Taylor Oda $500 Morgan Ranney $500 Sarah Cuckler Most Hours of Community Service Zach Frank- 700.25 hours GCCS Alumni Scholarship Agonis Club Scholar Athlete Nominees Sarah Cuckler Calista Manns AJ Gillespie University of Alabama Academic Scholarship $104,000 Gavin Robbins Columbus Dispatch Scholar Athlete Finalist Calista Manns Peer Tutor Award AJ Gillespie Sarah Cuckler 16 WINGSPAN Magazine | Spring 2019 | www.grovecitychristian.org

Learning From the Journey Michele Glovitch, Intermediate School Teacher The theme for this year’s weekly Intermediate School chapels is Pilgrim’s Progress. If you are not familiar with this classic by John Bunyan, you may want to check out the book or movie. It is an allegory written about the journey of a man who came to know Christ that was written in the 1600’s while Bunyan was in prison for preaching the gospel. Since the original version would be a bit too difficult for our 5th and 6th grade to read, we have chosen to use an adapted version called Little Pilgrim’s Progress. It is based off the classic edition but in this version Christian (our main character) is a boy. Each week we have read a couple of chapters in the book to prepare for our teaching in chapel. We have been blessed to have many of the students’ teachers (including specials’ teachers), pastors, and parents share in chapel this year. They primarily focus on how the events of the story are applicable to the student’s walk with Christ. As Chris- tian, the boy, has journeyed from the City of Destruction on his way to the Celestial City, he has met many interesting charac- ters. Some have helped him on his journey including Faithful, Hopeful and Interpreter. Many others have tried to lead him off the path including Worldly, Hypocrisy and the Giant of Despair. At times, places like Vanity Fair can distract Christian from his goal of meeting the King. This wonderful book has been packed with lessons for us as Christians as we travel our own journey of faith. The students have really enjoyed following the journey of Christian and learning each week. Throughout this year, our principal, Ms. Edwards, has been looking for a good movie version to use for clips of the story. As only God could orchestrate, she found out this spring they released a new movie of Pilgrim’s Progress. It only came to se- lect cities for 2 days leading up to Easter. We were blessed that the local theater that was showing it was willing to give us our own showing on the last day before Easter break. It was also amazing to share with the students how only God can work out details in this way. We have thoroughly enjoyed learning about Christian and his journey and have learned many lessons with him along the way for our own journey with Christ! 17

Congratulations to the 4.3 highest GPA Class o 37% will graduate with an Honors Diploma 18graduates will be attending different colleges and universities 80.5 hours of college credit was earned while in high school 1graduate will be serving our country through the Army National Guard 32 highest ACT score top 50% of the class averaged an ACT score of 25 18 WINGSPAN Magazine | Spring 2019 | www.grovecitychristian.org

e 43 members of the of 2019! Graduates will be heading to the workforce, military 10and college in different states and countries 3 students will be participating in sports at the collegiate level $6,003,627 awarded in scholarship dollars 98% will be attending college or university 6,361.5 hours of community service performed 19

Upcoming Events May May 28, 7:00pm- Discovery Kindergarten/Kindergarten Graduation 2019May 31- Last Day of School May 31, 7:00pm- High School Graduation August August 12, 7:00pm- New Family Orientation August 13, 6:00pm- Grades 7-12 Information Night, Schedule Pick-up & Pictures August 15, 7:00pm- Discovery Kindergarten/Kindergarten Open House 2020August 19, 6:00pm- Grades 5-6 Information Night, Schedule Pick-up & Pictures August 19, 7:00pm- Grades 1-4 Information Night August 21- First Day of School September September 2- No School- Labor Day September 16- No School- Professional Development September 27- Grandparents’ Day October October 4-5- Homecoming Weekend