City Christian Schools

February School Newsletter – Lions Pause

GO LIONS!!!

City Christian boys varsity team won the St. Paul Christmas Tournament held at St. Paul on Dec. 28 and 29. They beat Crow HS in the semifinals and St. Paul in the championship game!

The City Christian Lions are rolling into February with a roar! The junior high basketball teams have kicked off their game schedule after working hard in practice through much of December. Both teams are doing well. The boys are coached by Joe Johnson, who is in his first year as a coach. At this point in the season the boys have a 4-0 record.
The girls are coached by returning coach, Nicole Damazio, and she has led them to a 3-1 record. Of course, both teams are working at fundamentals with the hopes of being ready for the high school team in the near future!
The girls varsity basketball team is competing very well under 2nd year head coach, Jeff Thompson. The girls have a 10-6 overall record and are playing very well. The team consists of 3 seniors, 2 juniors, 1 sophomore, and 2 freshmen. Their strength isn’t in numbers, but in talent. This team has loads of talent and will be a force as we get closer to district play. They have key games coming up on the schedule. Come on out and watch. League home games are 4:00 for JV boys, 5:30 for varsity girls and 7:00 for varsity boys.
The boy’s JV team has 5 wins and 7 losses in the season. Coach Lewellen is pleased with their progress and looks forward to their continued development. The varsity boys team is sitting with a 13-6 overall record as they are halfway through their season. They have more than doubled last year’s win totals! The key has been strong play from top to bottom on the varsity squad. The team has great depth with 5 seniors, 3 juniors, and 3 freshmen.
And now I would like to share a note from “The Sidelines.” As you know, our young athletes can get very busy with homework, youth group, family, sports, etc. It is important that we continue to encourage them to not get discouraged, not to give up, and to put Christ first in all of their busyness. The athletes also can have a tendency to put their health on a back burner. Encourage them to drink lots of healthy fluids (water) and to eat healthy food as well.

Please come out and support these great student-athletes! They are working so hard and deserve an audience! Thank you! For game dates and times, go to citychristianschool.com.

Teacher’s Aides – Serving Staff and Students!

This article is devoted to honoring a teacher’s best friend, their teacher’s aide (T.A.). T.A.’s earn one credit, but make teacher’s lives so much easier, giving them more time to do lesson plans, teach and help their students. Some are volunteer aides helping to tutor other students in various subjects.

Caroline Smith is an amazing T.A. for Ms. Mason. She faithfully manages the unending stacks of papers that cycle in from English 10, English 11, and English 12. Because she has a wonderful grasp of English and excellent critical thinking, she is capable of helping with spelling, vocabulary, writing, and literature. “I’m so privileged to have Caroline, and I know that I couldn’t teach all three classes without her,” says Ms. Mason.

Brianna Carlisle serves as the Worship Coordinator in Ms. Mason’s Worship Leaders Training class. This is a strategic position that keeps the class running smoothly from week to week. Brianna takes care of all sheet music and team scheduling, works with worship leaders to prepare for their lists, and sets an example of a worshipper who passionately loves the Lord and pleases Him in her lifestyle.

Debora Nitu is an aide for Development Coordinator Mrs. Becky Montigue. Her character and skills have been truly an added measure of help to both Mrs. Montigue and to the office. She always does an excellent job with the work given to her. She takes direction with a positive attitude and works diligently until the task is complete.
– Mrs. Montigue says, “I feel truly blessed to have such an outstanding TA!”

Riley Thompson transferred to the office as T.A. and is doing a great job! Riley was their T.A. last year, and they are happy to have her back. She adds an additional friendliness to the office. They didn’t have to train her. She already knew what to do and does it well.

They are excited to have Jessica Damazio as an office aide this year. She is doing a great job at the front desk. They appreciate her willingness. She is a great asset to the office.

Jessica is also a T.A. for CCHS/CCS art teacher Ms. Gabrielle Smith. Jessica has been a wonderful help to both teacher and art students, though she claims not to be artistic. She is always willing to learn and help students with their artwork by encouraging them. “The thing I appreciate the most is her willingness to serve.” – Ms. Smith

Elisa Nitu does an excellent job as an office aide. They can always count on her to do a variety of jobs with no mistakes.

A BIG thank you to all our office aides. You help keep the office running smoothly and are a great asset to the school.” – Mrs. Bushard

Jordan Boivin, Joseph Boivin, Anna Yoon, and Sumitra Crow are math T.A.’s. They help by assisting students in math classes throughout the school. Jordan has worked with students in several different classes including General Math, Math Foundations, Pre-Algebra, and Algebra 2.

Sumitra Crow works with Calculus students. She is very patient in working one-on-one with students. She also helps in many other capacities such as filing, typing, sorting, and other odd jobs that need to be done.

Joseph Boivin works exclusively with students in the Algebra 2 class. He also helps with handing out and collecting classroom work as well as with filing.

Anna Yoon has worked in Pre-Algebra, Algebra 1, and Algebra 2. She is especially excellent in working with new international students who need help learning the English words for advanced mathematical concepts.

Students in general math are at all levels. It is difficult to help them all without volunteer tutors. I greatly appreciate them” – Mrs. Barron

Morgan Lewellen is a T.A. for Mr. Powlison during third period. She does a great job with his papers, for World History, American Studies, Health, and Bible.

Cody Whitehead always has a challenge helping Mr. Powlison with his many classes. He has made life so much easier for the 8th grade teacher.

Elizabeth Feather has done exceptionally well as Mr. Powlison’s third-period aide. She too assists with helping to organize the paperwork.

It takes time to input all the grades in my grade book and into the computer. I thank God everyday for my teacher’s aides.” – Mr. Powlison

Elki Hoard is a real Godsend to Mrs. Straup in the 2nd grade! She corrects papers, answers hands, or does a reading group; and she does it all very well. The children love her because she is so loving, kind, and helpful.

“I enjoy seeing what a wonderful girl Elki has become and feel that Elki will be successful in all that she does in the future.” – Mrs. Straup

Third grade teacher Mrs. Sinclair appreciates Ryan Surratt for helping her out with things that may seem insignificant to a senior; however, it is what allows her to get home in time for dinner! Thanks, Ryan!

Patrick Meehl has been a breath of fresh air since he has joined the third grade troops. He has assisted with the reading groups. Maybe he should become a teacher?!

It is so good to have Jordan Shaddy (4th period) and Lorrissa Lewellen (8th period) assisting me in the athletic department! They have been helpful with little projects “here and there,” anything from opening locker-room doors, fetching equipment, sweeping and mopping the gym floor, making phone calls, cleaning up after others, emptying trash cans, carrying concession supplies, inventorying of equipment and uniforms, etc. They are great company, too.

“I am so grateful for them. Thank you, Jordan! Thank you, Lorrissa! I love my T.A.s!!”
- Coach Lewellen

It is so good to have Jordan Shaddy (4th period) and Lorrissa Lewellen (8th period) assisting me in the athletic department! They have been helpful with little projects “here and there,” anything from opening locker-room doors, fetching equipment, sweeping and mopping the gym floor, making phone calls, cleaning up after others, emptying trash cans, carrying concession supplies, inventorying of equipment and uniforms, etc. They are great company, too.

“I am so grateful for them. Thank you, Jordan! Thank you, Lorrissa! I love my T.A.s!!”
- Coach Lewellen

It is so good to have Jordan Shaddy (4th period) and Lorrissa Lewellen (8th period) assisting me in the athletic department! They have been helpful with little projects “here and there,” anything from opening locker-room doors, fetching equipment, sweeping and mopping the gym floor, making phone calls, cleaning up after others, emptying trash cans, carrying concession supplies, inventorying of equipment and uniforms, etc. They are great company, too.

“I am so grateful for them. Thank you, Jordan! Thank you, Lorrissa! I love my T.A.s!!”
- Coach Lewellen

Ashley Nordstrom is very much appreciated by Mrs. Syfrett, 10th grade homeroom teacher. She is willing to do a variety of things to assist in class. She helps file and keep papers organized. Ashley makes copies, helps with paperwork, and organizes projects when needed. Ashley also has a great singing voice and helps lead Spanish 1 class in singing Spanish songs.

Marlana Collins is a wonderful teacher’s aide. She comes in everyday and helps Mrs. Syfrett correct math homework. She is a great organizer and helps organize files. She is very talented and has been great at making posters as examples for Mrs. Syfrett’s classes. Marlana is a joy to have around, always willing to help with anything.

Allison Jones works with Mrs. McCall in the first grade room. She helps students read their work and write their answers. Allison is very patient and kind. Some of the students give her a hug when she comes in the room. The children love her.

The many stacks of papers to grade in 7th grade can be overwhelming at times for Mrs. Ball. Jaleece Williams came into her classroom and jumped right in with little training to help cut through some of the stacks with ease. She is equally at home grading, copying papers, helping students, or running any errands that are needed. “She has been a real blessing to me.” – Mrs. Ball

2010 SPELLING BEE

On Friday, January 22, CCS sent 16 students between 1st and 8th grades to the ACSI Spelling Bee which was hosted by Willamette Christian School in Turner, OR.

Eight schools attended, with approximately 200 students competing. In each grade, ribbons were awarded for 2nd through 4th place as well as a trophy awarded for 1st place. Students being awarded 1st or 2nd place in the 5th through 8th grades went on to compete for 1st through 4th place slots in the Regional competition.

Winners will then go on to compete at District competition in Vancouver, WA later this year.

Our students worked hard and were very excited to attend this special event. Third grader Taylor Jones earned a 3rd place ribbon for her efforts, David Ile received a 2nd place ribbon in the 7th grade competition as well as 4th place in the Regional competition, and Abraham Miranda achieved 2nd place in the 8th grade competition as well as 3rd place in the Regional competition. We are so proud of all of our students for representing CCS at the Spelling Bee this year.