SCCS Home Bulletin

The mission of Sioux Center Christian School is to disciple God’s children by equipping them with a knowledge and understanding of Christ and His creation so that they can obediently serve God and others as they work and play.

Every Student TREASURED, Every Student TRAINED, Every Student TRANSFORMED

I have what I think is an autographed copy of A. J. Boersma's biography in my office (Amy Vander Berg is letting me borrow it). Mr. Boersma started as the principal in 1948 and served for 23 years. His story is fascinating. I am not finished reading, but I peeked at the last couple of pages where he quotes from the 50th Anniversary booklet (1954) of SCCS and OCCS:

"Reflection upon our school's history constantly reminds us of the fundamental purpose and aims of the founders ... training children in the light of God's Word, upon which rested the Calvinistic "world and life view." Utter amazement fills our hearts when we read the record of their sacrifices to attain this goal. Both their deep sense of responsibility to God for the education of the children entrusted by the Lord to their care and their conscious love for God's glorious covenant explains their willingness to sacrifice materially, and bear nobly the criticism and ridicule of many whose eyes were close to the beauty and value of distinctively Reformed education."

Those words were written 50 years after the school was founded -- 70 years ago! And God is still writing chapters in the SCCS story. I praise God for all who have sacrificed, and are sacrificing to make SCCS such an integral, life-transforming place. What a great story to be a part of!

We value our parents at SCCS very much, and we want to hear from you! Could you please take 10 minutes or so to complete the annual survey found at this link?

The deadline for completing the survey is Tuesday (October 15). The school leadership and board of trustees take time to analyze results to both celebrate what is going well and to put plans in place for areas of improvement. We highly encourage you to complete the survey because we definitely use the results. Thank you for choosing to partner with SCCS!

Storyline chapels will be the first Wednesday of the month at 1:35pm in the gym. Students are expected to wear their Storyline shirts! Parents and guests are WELCOME to attend! You can also watch the livestream/recording here (siouxcenterchristian.com > Current Families > Livestream Links)...

• Please check the online calendar for upcoming events (http://www.siouxcenterchristian.com/calendar.cfm)
• There will be no school on Thursday, Oct. 3 and Friday, Oct. 4 for students. Our teachers will be attending the Heartland Convention at Dordt University on those days.
• There will be no Aftercare on Oct. 2, 3, and 4.
• The School Office will close at 3:00 on Oct. 2 and be closed on Oct. 3 and 4.
• The TRIP Office will be open on Thursday, Oct. 3 from 8:00-1:00 and closed on Friday, Oct. 4.

All TK-8 students have access to our school library. TK-4 students visit the library once a week and check out a book. When your child returns their book, they may check out a new book. Books are due weekly in elementary and every two weeks in middle school.

Mrs. Emily Mouw facilitates elementary student checkouts and Mrs. Jill Van Soelen oversees the library administration. The deep hope of our library is that students find BEST stories that positively impact the way we think, feel, and act!

Our teachers creatively design classroom lessons to connect with field experiences and service opportunities so that learning truly transforms how students view God's world and see His Story.

Our 5th graders are studying Iowa - our history, our government, our culture, our people - from when settlers first arrived to today.

Students experienced the importance of preserving history and shined as servant workers as they pulled weeds, swept sidewalks, and cleaned buildings at Heritage Village in Sioux Center in preparation for its annual Harvest Festival on Sept 13-14.

Their study of Iowa took on more dimensions through their field experience to Des Moines on Friday, Sept. 20. They were immersed in the lives of Iowa settlers at the Living History Farms, they walked through the grandeur of the Capitol building to see where state laws are made, and they explored the wonder of God's order and design at the Science Center of Iowa. Students' gratitude shined through the handwritten thank you cards they gave to their bus drivers, parent chaperones, and each place they visited. We are thankful for 5th grade teachers, Mrs. Van Ravenswaay, Mrs. Pieper, and Mrs. Vanden Hull, who work together to design this milestone learning experience for God's kids, so they can learn deeply and practice discipleship skills as they live God's Abundant Life!

THANK YOU to Sioux Center Kiwanis for making this trip financially possible! Make plans to attend their Pancake Supper fundraiser on Tuesday, October 8 (5-7pm at Centre Mall). Our students will be there serving!

Our 3rd grade students are studying landforms and how water and wind make slow changes over time but also how weather events can make sudden changes to land. Students conducted experiments with soil, sand, and water; they tested the effectiveness of windbreaks to keep dirt in the fields using paper, cotton balls, and straws; and they will be designing their own islands with clay next week, displaying the variety God has formed in creation.

3rd grade teachers, Mrs. De Hoog, Mrs. Feenstra, and Mrs. Reuvers design these science lessons to show students the wonder of God's hand in creation but also the privilege of God's people to think of ways to be earth keepers and care for His creation.

Due to the public school having an early dismissal on some Fridays, we will be running the alternate bus route in the afternoon on the following Fridays during this school year: Oct. 25, Nov. 22, Jan. 10, Feb. 28, Apr. 4, May 16.

We value the partnership between our parents and school! We want to invite you into the school so you can experience what’s happening in the classroom. Each grade level will be hosting a Parent Visit Day again this year. You are invited to join us for some time in the classroom and a pizza lunch on us! Below are the dates for the Parent Visit Days this school year. Dates are subject to change depending on circumstances. More information will be sent out later.

• December 6 - 8th grade
• December 13 - 1st grade
• January 24 - 6th grade
• January 31 - 5th grade
• February 20 - TK
• February 28 - 7th grade
• March 7 - 3rd grade
• March 14 - 2nd grade
• March 28 - 4th grade
• April 3 - Kindergarten

• Thanks to everyone who signed up to help with dishwashing this year! If you would like to help out you can sign up here. If you have questions, contact Ashley Keith (akeith@siouxcenterchristian.com).
  
• You can find the lunch and dishwashing schedule here.
• If you would like to eat lunch with your child, please contact the school 24 hours in advance of when you would like to eat. The cost for a lunch is $5.00 and can be paid as you go through the lunch line. Thank you!

We are always in need of more quality substitute teachers and paras. We're looking for individuals who enjoy working with children, can follow instructions provided, and can be flexible with responsibilities. Responsibilities depend on the needs, but could range from kindergarten all the way to 8th grade, full or partial days, and could be classroom teacher or paraprofessional. Times, dates, and assignments are all depending on your preference. We will work with your schedule and level of comfort. Teaching degree not required. If interested, please fill out the form at the following link: Sub Info Form

Nominate a staff member to become the Pella Corporation Staff member of the month. Pella Corporation will award one monthly recipient $500.00 to use towards school approved items and a certificate of recognition. A nomination form can be found here.

Do you desire to make an immediate and eternal impact on children’s lives through prayer? Moms in Prayer groups meet every Tuesday at First CRC in Sioux Center while school is in session. They pray for every student and every teacher throughout the school year. The Grandmother’s Prayer group meet from 9:30-10:30am in the Fireside room and the College/Career Prayer group meets from Noon – 1pm.

There currently isn’t a Sioux Center Christian Mom’s in Prayer group – if you would have interest in restarting this important group, please call Rachel Raih at 712-441-0885 (she is an SCCS grandma and the Heartland Division Coordinator for Moms in Prayer). Small groups of friends could join together or grade-level moms could meet at various times. There are prayer guide sheets that highlight the character of God as you pray for His kids and His school. It doesn’t have to be on Tuesdays – there are options available to keep up this vital prayer support for God’s kids at SCCS! https://momsinprayer.org/

The Harvest Sale is today (Wednesday, October 2), at the Sioux Center Christian School gym. A Pizza Ranch meal will be served from 5-7, with pie and ice cream for dessert. The auction will begin at 6:30, with a bake sale, concession stand, and silent auction throughout the evening. Come for a night of food, fellowship, and fundraising for Bethel CRC's Christian Education fund. We hope to see you there!

The Faith CRC annual Fall Supper and Auction will be at the SCCS gym on Thursday, October 3. Pizza Ranch buffet will be served from 5-6:30 p.m. in the cafeteria with freewill donation for the meal. The auction begins at 6:00 p.m. Proceeds go toward Faith’s Christian Education fund.

Make plans to attend the annual Kiwanis Pancake Supper on Tuesday, October 8! Hot pancakes, scrambled eggs, and sausage will be served at the Centre Mall from 5-7pm. Freewill donations support school trips to the State Capital in Des Moines. Suggested freewill donation is $10 per person (2 & under free). Our 5th graders went to Des Moines on Friday, Sept. 20, and we are grateful the Kiwanis helps make this important learning experience possible! Our 5th graders do their part with this fundraiser by serving as pancake runners, serving drinks, and cleaning tables. We hope you can come!

If you ordered Bridge of Hope frozen pies, they will be ready for pickup at the church office/Ministry Center (43 2nd Street NE) on Thursday or Friday October 24 or 25 between 9am-4pm. (arrangements may be made for a different time.) Payment can be made at time of pickup. Contact the church office at office@bridgecrc.org or 712-722-3951 if you have questions. Thanks for your support!

• Community Events & Forms (https://www.siouxcenterchristian.com/currentfamilies/officehandouts.cfm) is the place to check regularly for camp information, registration forms, and more! Currently there is information for:
• Late Fall 2024 Driver's Ed (Beginning Oct. 21)
• Jr. Knights Boys Basketball Registration (Grades 3-8)
• Jr. Wolfpack Registration Link
• Girl Scout Information for Grades K-5
• Unity Christian Kids Cheer Camp
• American State Bank Sports Complex Middle School Soccer
• American State Bank Sports Youth Mascot and Walkout Video
• Sioux Center Rec 5th & 6th Grade Volleyball
• Unity Christian Boys Basketball Camp Registration (Grades 3-8)
• Unity Jr. Knights Girls Basketball Registration (Grades 5-8)
• Clover Kids Program
• Fall Driver's Ed

Email: sccsoffice@siouxcenterchristian.com
Website: siouxcenterchristian.com
Location: 630 1st Ave. SE, Sioux Center, IA
Phone: 712-722-0777
Facebook: facebook.com/siouxcenterchristian