City Christian Schools

May School Newsletter – Lions Pause

Mexico Trip 2010

By Caroline Smith

The senior class of 2010 recently had the privilege of traveling to Mexico. Although the idea of a mission trip to Navajoa was in the back of every student’s mind, the foremost thought was a vacation. The journey started off smoothly with no hiccups in flight or attendance. The excellent planning of school Principal Mr. Ed Mason saw to that. It was fun and interesting to be surrounded by the nervous excitement caused by the looming adventure. I am proud to say that the respect and cooperation of each student made the traveling more of an enjoyment rather than a necessary hassle.
Upon landing in Tucson, Arizona, we were greeted by Pastor Enrique of Templo Calvario Church. He had been kind enough to join our party and ensure our safe commute to his city. The next day and a half we faced the long trek into Mexico. The frequent, yet fun stops along the way seemed to elongate the distance between our destination and us.
On our arrival at Templo Calvario, we got straight to work. The main intention of the trip was to serve the community. The best way we could do so turned out to be in repairing the church building. Plans were made, jobs appointed, and supplies bought. The next few days had everyone working long and hard. Periodic interruptions to our work were made for the allowance of fun, “tourist” things. Such activities included visiting a nearby mission and watching a parade. Our group also had the privilege, one evening, to join in the church service. The people were so friendly and welcoming that the pressure of the new environment and the language barrier slackened. Our own WLT class had the opportunity to lead that congregation in worship. The team had prepared a few songs in Spanish for the occasion, however, many adjustments were made and the students just went with the flow. The worship was fun and inventively combined Spanish and English songs to suit both groups. Pastor Enrique later insisted on introducing every visitor to the church members. Many students agree that meeting the people was one of their favorite moments of the trip.

The most fulfilling and rewarding part of our time in Mexico was the remodeling we did at Templo Calvario. The painting, building, sewing, and sweeping were nonstop for three days. The result of all our hard work was a lovely sight to see.
We left behind a newly built stage, freshly painted wall, and tasteful décor. International students Yumi Takeda and Nan Teonugul beautifully painted a beloved scripture above the Templo Calvario stage. Students and chaperones alike contributed their ideas and hard work to this sanctuary makeover.
Although the focus of the mission trip was to serve, give, and benefit the Navajoa community, we also benefited ourselves. The whole experience taught us to stretch ourselves and go out of our comfort zone. Being in a Spanish speaking country gave us the opportunity to use ridiculous gestures like a never-ending game of charades.
This journey showed us not only what we – as Americans – can be thankful for, but also what we – as Americans – can give. Before we went to Navajoa, Templo Calvario might not have had an amazing church building, but they had joy. They shared that joy with a small group from City Christian High School who might not have been there long, but learned so much.

Spanish Language and Culture

Learning About our Southern Neighbors

The Spanish I and Spanish II students have a lot of fun in class. They work hard to learn Spanish from the textbook, but their learning goes beyond that. The Spanish students learn the locations of all the Latin American countries. Each student chooses a country and throughout the year, learns about that country and shares their knowledge with the class through posters, reports, and oral presentations. The best part of the Spanish class is singing Spanish songs and tasting Hispanic foods. Though learning a new language is no easy task, the Spanish students know how to have fun while working hard. – by Mrs. Denise Syfrett

The Mystery of the Canopy Bed

A mystery surrounds the life of Amanda’s Great Aunt Libby, and to her dismay and frustration, no one has the answers that will help her solve it. Then she and her sister are mysteriously transported across time and space and stranded in the desert with a community of nomads. Having no other choice, the girls join these desert dwellers as they journey across seemingly endless stretches of arid hills and plains, becoming little more than servants to these strange people.
How will Amanda and Emily ever find a way to return to the world they know? And will their unbelievable adventure help them unravel the mystery surrounding their Great Aunt Libby?

CCS teacher Kathy Crow has taught sixth grade for fourteen years. This is her first book. Since its inception, she has read it aloud to each sixth-grade class she has taught. Students, boys and girls alike, have received it with enthusiasm and begged for a sequel. At this time, Ms. Crow has plans for four sequels to The Mystery of the Canopy Bed.

You can purchase The Mystery of the Canopy Bed at the Open House on Friday, May 7th, or you can contact Ms. Crow.

Coach’s Corner

Is Spring really going by this fast? This year has flown by. We are already staring Summer in the face!
We are in the late stages of our spring session and we are keeping an eye on our golfing team. They have been working to improve as individuals and as a team. We have a great bunch of guys turned out. 1st year coach Dave Chown is doing an outstanding job with the team. Good job, Coach!
The golf team has 6 players out and have had great golfing opportunities. Members of the golf team are Joe Boivin, Brion Lynch, Devon Peterson, Mikey Chown, Ryan Glanville and John O’Toole. Freshman Mikey Chown has been outstanding thus far in posting the highest score of the match on more than one occasion. As a team we have won some matches and been near the top in some matches. This all adds up to the potential to qualify as a team for state and definitely a good chance to at least have some individuals qualify.
The elementary track meet at the Portland Christian Invitational is coming up on May 28th. Our youngsters did a great job last year and expectations amongst them are high. We are excited to watch them perform again this year!
What a great school year this has been in our athletic department. We are so proud of our Athletes! It seems that there is a buzz of anticipation already for next year. It won’t be long!

Defining the American Dream!

In January, Gateway Elks Lodge sponsored an essay contest. The theme was “The American Dream: What Is It?” Two City Christian School students have received top honors at the state level. Congratulations to both students, Laurin Maurer and Adam Brown. Their essays are included below.

The American Dream: What Is It? by Laurin Maurer

“I am the American Dream. I am the epitome of what the American Dream
basically said. It said, you could come from anywhere and be anything
you want in this country. That’s exactly what I’ve done.”
-Whoopi Goldberg-

The American Dream has not changed much since the Mayflower sailed to America. It is still the dream of an opportunity for a better life.
The people who have immigrated to America have come for a reason. Many people came to escape the government, persecution, famine, and poverty. They also came for opportunity, a chance to be what they wanted to be.
The Pilgrims came to America for religious freedom. Some people came because of famine. Others came to escape a failing government or economy. Why did they come here? They came because America offered freedom, opportunity, and relative safety.
The American Dream has not died with those first to have it. It lives on in many hearts of Americans today. The American Dream is a strong motive that draws many people to America. Where would we be without the American Dream? Many American citizens today had relatives that came to America because of this dream. America has been built upon this. Therefore America, as we know it, would not exist if not for the American Dream. The only reason you and I are here today is because someone, possibly long ago, dreamt of freedom.

The American Dream: What Is It? by Adam Brown

“…I came to America…so that I might have a better way of life,
a more democratic way of life.
I wanted to live the American Dream
where if you worked hard and put your mind into the task
anything was possible.”
-Mel Martinez-

The American Dream to some people is only a saying, to others it is much more. It is the dream that all may be a citizen regardless of who they are; the dream that men and women can provide for their family; the dream where anyone can own a business. It is the hope that America can have freedom and liberty for all who enter. It helps us realize how fortunate we are. For the American Dream was not started by the fortunate, but by people who could not own a business, were not able to be a citizen, and whose salary was not enough to provide for their family. For all these people who at first could not, they now can be a citizen of a free country. Many would not be here if not for the American Dream that called their ancestors to America. While they were living in what they thought was their entitlement, others were living in a place where distress and deficiency of food was commonplace. The American Dream is what separates us from other countries. We must not complain, but be thankful for what we have, for we are living the American Dream.