Each day at CCS, students gather for a song of worship, a scripture and time of devotion, and the singing of the doxology. Some of the scriptures used this past week during morning devotion are listed below.

This week, during Holy Week, students heard more each day about the events leading up to Christ's crucifixion and resurrection.

Our last hot lunch menu for this school year is now ready!

**LOWER SCHOOL Field Day is May 2nd but they are NOT planning any special lunches for the kids this year, so you can still order pizza for that day.

The last day to order is Sunday, April 27th.

Go to https://cullmanchristian.gradelinklunch.com/ to order.

Make sure you select the dot beside the menu item and then press "add lunch."
After all lunches are added, BEFORE YOU PRESS SUBMIT, please check and make sure that it is showing the day and the price of $6.00 for EACH DAY. If there is a day that does not show the date and the price, then it will not process correctly.

Students in Mrs. Griffin's art classes spent some time creating artwork for Easter with special reminders of what this weekend is really about.

He is risen!

Monday got a little interesting at the upper school when we experienced some plumbing issues. Thankfully we were able to finish the school day and walk to City Hall when needed. We are thankful for the quick actions of the church staff who fixed everything while we continued class!

This past Monday, our tennis team participated in the 1A sectional tournament in Pell City, hosted by Victory Christian. We are extremely proud of our boys' and girls' tennis teams. Many of the teams we compete against have players with years of experience or those who take lessons. Our teams demonstrated remarkable determination and did an outstanding job. They showed significant improvement throughout the season.

Drama and Chorus students spent some time on Tuesday celebrating a successful show by enjoying lunch together and watching a recording of the spring musical.

On Wednesday, our Youth Leadership representatives, Jack Haynes and Emma Grace Thompson, had the chance to travel to Montgomery to learn more about state leadership. They even got the chance to meet Governor Ivey. We are thankful for the Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce for providing opportunities in the community like this for our students!

By the way current 10th graders.... Don't forget to complete and turn in your application for 2025-2026 Youth Leadership selections.

During this week, Holy Week, upper school students learned more about the days leading up to Christ's death and resurrection as Mr. Rutherford broke each day's events down daily during morning devotion. During Thursday's chapel service, Mr. Rutherford demonstrated Christ's character and actions through the washing of feet.

On Thursday, students enjoyed an impromptu free dress down day for Easter activities. Lots of smiles and bright Easter colors filled the halls, classrooms, and play areas!

Lower school students enjoyed some fun Easter activities by hunting eggs and sharing goodies with classmates, and celebrating the resurrection of Jesus is the best!

Mrs. Vermillion's 2nd graders completed a fun project about the empty tomb with some flower pots, rocks and sticks.

Many of our students enjoy activities around the community outside of the school day. On Friday, Mr. and Mrs. Yearwood and Mrs. Candase got to see several playing t-ball, baseball, and softball at Heritage Park. We love seeing our kids in other places!

Track team members competed on Friday at Cullman High School, then again on Saturday at Wallace State. They did an outstanding job! Sophomore Elisabeth DeCicco placed 1st in the 400M and 3rd in the 800m. Sophomore Katelee Blalock placed 1st in the high jump. Sophomore Lila Sellers placed 3rd in the 400m and 4th in the 800m. Junior Waylon Smith represented the boys well with a 5th place finish in the shot put. Freshman Hayden Smith finished 8th in the girls discuss. Freshman Paige Bradfield represented the Lions well in the triple jump and 400m.

Several of our student-athletes obtained PR's and broke CCS records in the AHSAA! Good luck this week in the sectionals Friday and Saturday at Winfield.

By: Cooper Williams, CCS Junior

Every year on the first Sunday following the full moon after the March equinox, people around the world celebrate what we call Easter. The word Easter is of Saxon-origin, Eostra, the goddess of spring. Pagans hold festivals and make sacrifices in honor of this goddess around the time of Passover each year. If you have ever wondered why bunnies and eggs are used as decoration for Easter, this is why- it is a representation and sign of the fertility goddess used by pagans. Around the 8th Century, anglo-saxon Christians took the pagan holiday of Easter and twisted it to be the celebration of the Resurrection and tried to give this holiday a new meaning. By the Sovereign work of God orchestrating all things together for His good pleasure, “Easter” now has a whole new meaning - it is the celebration of the Resurrection of our Lord. We can have joy because this Holiday that was once wicked, and an abomination before the Lord has now been used by the work of God alone. It has been transformed into the most important holiday for Christians, celebrating The Resurrection of the Passover Lamb who was slain for the sins of His people.

In Genesis 3 we have the fall of man. Sin enters the world through Adam and we are no longer in right standing before God. We now deserve God’s just punishment for our sin: death and eternal damnation. But, the second Adam comes and keeps the law that the first Adam failed to keep. He is crucified, but it doesn’t end at the cross. On the third day Christ rises from the grave and defeats our greatest enemy- death. The stronger man, Jesus, has bound the “strong” man, Satan, and we can rest in the knowledge that Christ's work was sufficient for us. The first Adam ate and died, and in him we die also, but the second Adam, the greater Adam, died, and now we can feast in Him.

Why is the Resurrection such a necessity for us? As I think of the Resurrection, I often look at it as this good thing that Christ did, but I forget the complexity and the necessity of it. While this is the case for many people, I think we all must come to the realization that we are the ultimate reason that the resurrection must happen. We can and must be in awe of what Christ did through it, but we can’t let the fact that we are the reason for the resurrection slip by us. It was our sin that made the defeat of death a necessity because, as Paul tells us in Romans 6:23, ‘ The wages of sin is death.’ Therefore, we must die. But Christ is our substitute, our Passover Lamb, and He has died this death in our place and is alive and seated at the right hand of God the Father. What good did Christ’s death do for us if there is no resurrection? A dead god is a weak god, but our God, Jesus Christ, is not dead. He is Risen and we rejoice in the hope we have in Him. Without the resurrection we are damned and without hope. We are suited for what we deserve, and that is eternal damnation. But God has resurrected Christ from the dead to show that He was wholly satisfied with His atonement. The blood of bulls and goats was not sufficient enough to fully atone, but the blood of the Passover Lamb can atone for all the sins that we commit, once and for all. The death of our Lord is not a repeated act as the high priest did, but “He has appeared once for all to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself.” (Heb 9:26)

As you celebrate the Resurrection, constantly remind yourself that Christ’s resurrection is what we celebrate each Lord’s Day. It is not a once a year celebration, but a daily celebration. Let us celebrate this holiday with great joy and thankfulness that Christ has defeated the ultimate punishment for our sin: death. Therefore, we no longer fear death, but we long for the day when we are seated with Christ in the heavenly places because of His atoning work on the cross and His resurrection from the grave. Continually remind yourself of what Paul says in 1 Corinthians 15:55-57- “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Christ has won the victory over death so rejoice in His finished work this special Lord's Day and for those to come! Happy Resurrection Day everyone!

• April 20 - EASTER SUNDAY
• April 22-24 - Volleyball Tryouts (Rising 7th-12th Grade)
• April 25 - $1 Dress Down Day
• April 29 - Honor Society Inductions
• May 1 - Crowley's Ridge College Rep @Upper School
• May 5-9 - Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week
• May 6 - 6th Grade FAWN Trip
• May 2 - Lower School Field Day
• May 8 - Athletic Banquet/Reception
• May 9 - Athletic Physicals (Required for AHSAA Sport Participation)
• May 9 - Night of the Arts Celebration
• May 11 - MOTHER'S DAY
• May 13 - House of Music Luncheon
• May 16 - 4th Grade Water Festival Trip
• May 16 - Upper School Awards Ceremony
• May 19 & 20 - Upper School Final Exams (Make Up Day-May 21)
• May 21 - Early Release Day
• May 22 - Lower School Awards Ceremony
• May 22 - Class of 2025 Graduation

Iowa & CogAT testing will look a little different for lower school students this year. We will be tackling the test this year in small pieces, limiting stressful test time.

Student assessment is important as a means of measuring progress, but it should not be a source of stress for students and teachers. Sometimes this stress is not only because of the length of testing, but also because of the emphasis placed on it. Our hope is that by breaking things down in smaller chunks and maintaining daily routines that the students can enjoy school days that are pretty close to normal schedule without all the fuss. No need to interrupt PE or lunch or recess; those things they all enjoy!

The first sessions of testing went great! Over the next week we will break down the remaining pieces of the test and finish up on Thursday.

PreK through 6th grade students will be having Field Day activities on Friday, May 2nd.

Parents may volunteer to help by signing up online. Please review the available slots by visiting the link below. Once you are on the page, click on the button beside the time/activity you want to help with to sign up.

If you have questions, reach out to Brittney Smith at brtlyn@gmail.com

It's time for Youth Leadership applications! Applications and details have been given to 10th grade students and are available for download in the Class of 2027 Google Classroom. Applications are due to Mrs. Yearwood by April 25th.

Learn more at https://www.cullmanchamber.org/programs/

It's time to work on Class Ambassador Applications for 2025-2026!

• Students currently in Grades 3-11 may apply.
• Applications are due by May 7th.

This year we tried something new, and we loved it! Our student leaders did not disappoint! Current Class Ambassadors have done a wonderful job this year helping with school events and jumping in to help whenever needed. It has been a great year of serving and now it's time to make selections for 2025-2026.

Tuition payments for families are managed through FACTS. We are excited to announce that beginning in the fall, CCS will also be using FACTS for daily operations and student records! This will make everything more streamlined and mobile friendly. Parents will be able to manage accounts, pay balances, order lunches, check grades and attendance, and much more all in one place!

FACTS will be one stop shopping for everything!

We will be transitioning all student records and functions (including tuition payments, lunch ordering, before/after care management, grades, attendance, and communications) to FACTS.

Here’s what you need to know:

• All families will need a FACTS account.

  • Great news… Most of you already have an account!

  • If you do not have an account, you will create one here https://online.factsmgt.com/signin/3CZ07

• Gradelink will no longer be used after this school year.

• All payments and financial statements and contracts will be through FACTS.

• All hot lunch orders will be done through FACTS.

• All things academic, like grades and attendance will be monitored through FACTS.

• All before/after care attendance and billing will be through FACTS.

• Communication services for delays, cancellations, and announcements will be through FACTS.

• The best part…. FACTS is MOBILE FRIENDLY! No more swapping back and forth to different services and platforms! You will be able to do everything from your phone.

Time is running out to apply for SFK funds!

• Groups A and B - Applications were due on April 4th.
• Group C (New Applicants) - Applications are due to the CCS Financial Office by May 7th.

***If your family does not meet the income guidelines for SFK, but is seeking financial assistance, as a part of the financial assistance policy, you may complete a waiver. The waiver form was emailed out or can be picked up at the main office.

Don't miss out on capturing the memories of this unforgettable school year! Our yearbook is more than just a collection of photos—it's a timeless treasure that tells the story of friendships, achievements, and special moments that will last a lifetime. With vibrant images, fun captions, and highlights from every event, the yearbook is the perfect way to relive all the laughter and hard work. Whether you're looking to reminisce on your favorite memories or keep a piece of your school experience close, this yearbook is something you’ll cherish forever. Order yours now and be sure to preserve the memories that make this year truly unique! Follow the link to purchase.

SALE ENDS APRIL 30TH!

Save the date!

The CCS Golf Classic is scheduled for Monday, June 23, 2025.

There will be two available flight times.

• Morning Flight: 8 AM
• Afternoon Flight: 1 PM

Learn more at https://www.cullmanchristian.org/golf-tournament

Click on the button below to see some of the needs around campus and sign up for what you might be able to help with.

The 2025-2026 school calendar is now available.

Please download and save.

PreK-12

AdvancED / Cognia Accredited

Email: office@cullmanchristian.com
Website: https://www.cullmanchristian.org/
Location: 1803 Beech Avenue Southeast, Cullman, AL, USA
Phone: (256)734-0734
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ccsedu