Now with Video!

Check out this really cool video one of our alumni - Nathan Kinkel - made of our Fall Festival!




Isn't that fun! He did a great job! Thanks Nathan!

Teacher’s Wish List

A few posts ago, I mentioned the fundraisers we did in the beginning of the year had brought in $2272. I thought it would be nice to share with all of you how that money was put into use!

Mrs. Den Bleyker’s Preschool room received 4 rest mats, tempura paint, police officers costume, puzzles, “town center” road rug.

Aren’t they cute?

Kindergarten received a brand new double sided canvas book display. I know for a fact that Miss Vis has wanted and needed this for quite a while.

Now the kids can reach all the books!

In Miss DeJong’s classroom, the kids are enjoying a new Magnetic letters kit, 12 letter practice white boards, 2 packs of reading trackers and a table top drying rack.

I had no idea what a reading tracker was. Miss DeJong informed me that black writing on white paper is the most difficult type to read. With the reading tracker, kids that are having difficulties can place it over the text and the background is blue, making it easier for them to read! Awesome!

The second grade classroom is putting their new traffic light timer and dry erase markers to good use.

Mrs. Kuiper said that the timer is very useful for when the kids are teamed in pairs for math. The different lights cue them when they are to move on, or take their turn. I just think it’s really cool looking!

Mrs. Hache’s 5th grade classroom is the proud new owner of science and math tools! 3 Books: Sandwich Bag Science, Science in a Box, and I’m Through What Can I Do? A tub of Math Dice,a tub of Fractions, decimals, percents, and circles, and 12 new dice.

Mrs. Tussing’s 6th graders are enjoying some new learning books about the Old and New testament, as well as studying a bit about the book of Judges.

Mrs. Irvine’s classroom is using a much needed new Microwave oven, Popcorn anyone?

Mr. Hickock is REALLY excited about the new PE equipment he was able to get.

There are 6 new red scooter seats, and 18 new plastic paddles. Mr. H corrected my assumption that they were used when kids got out of line (ha, ha). He assured me that they are for developing the students eye-hand coordination.

Mrs. Gross was able to get a brand new 5-disc CD changer. Now she can get to the song she wants when she wants. She also was just really excited about her music curtains and although she got them last year, I thought I would post them anyway – they are really neat!

The school was also able to purchase 18 keyboard covers for technology class.

Wow! That is A LOT of stuff that our teachers were able to received for use in their classroom! Miss VP says-

“The teachers have asked me to please thank the Auxiliary for their generosity. They so much appreciate all the work you do as well as keeping them happy and fed! It certainly makes my job easier when I can purchase items for the teachers. I too, thank you for all the wonderful things you do”

Did you know you are part of the Auxiliary? Everytime you help your kids with a fundraiser, or give a bit of your time at an event, you are a member. Just being a parent of a student, we consider you to be member. Our kids are benefiting from the fundraising we did, but more importantly, we give the Glory to God. It is because of His continued blessings that these items were able to be purchased.

Our next event is actually this week! We are organizing and serving cookies after the Christmas concert Thursday evening. Moms and grandmas are providing cookies, and several auxiliary members are arriving early to set everything up. See you there!

Festival Memories

Do you have any fond childhood memories?  Anything in your experiences as a kid that gives you a good feeling?  A lot of my fond memories are from the Fall Festival.

I remember the roasting pig in the ground…yum yum yum.

I remember buying as much candy as I could get away with – FunDips, Nerds, Tootsie Pops, Soda Pop.  It’s a wonder my teeth didn’t fall out by the end of the day.  I remember when the Preschool/Kindergarten/Library building wasn’t there and all the games were set up in front of the lower elementary classrooms.

I remember when my mom was working  the “fish pond” game and there was a prize that I really really wanted.  I thought she should just give it to me, she told me to go and get in line like everybody else.  I did, and I thought that she would instantly realize it was me on the other side of the barrier.  She didn’t and I ended up with a “lesser” prize in my eyes and I was very upset.

I remember the year my mom and Mrs. Weemhoff pieced and hand quilted a large quilt for the Live Auction.  That thing was set up in our dining room for an entire summer as my mom stitched away.  My fondest childhood memory is lying underneath the quilting frame and reading books to my mom as she worked. 

I remember the Live Auctions and Mr. Pete Andringa calling out the bids in a voice so fast that it was dizzying, but so exciting!!!

I remember the week after the Fall Festival when we would still find small toys out on the playground that kids inevitably lost.

I don’t mean to bore you with my sappy childhood memories.  I guess I’m just really excited to be a part of something that played such a huge roll in my childhood.  I’m even more excited to be a parent and to have my kids experience the same thing I did.

I hope that you will come out to the Fall Festival this coming weekend.  There are so many really neat things to experience!  The Snack Shop of course will keep you suffering any sugar lows.  There is the bake shop where you can buy some homebaked goodies to share with your friends and family (or just eat yourself!)  You can also get some ice cream at the Ice Cream Shoppe. Games will be set up out on the fields for all ages, yound and old!   The Gift Shop is back with some beautiful and creative offerings.  No bidding here!  First come, first serve.  Don’t forget the Silent and Live Auctions set up in the tent.  The Silent Auction runs from 1:30-3pm. Live Auction starts at 5:30pm, right after the kids are done with their concert.  Don’t forget a jacket!  It was a bit chilly in the tent last year.

The Fall Festival Committees have worked so hard over the last year to bring this all together!  I hope you come out to see the fruits of their labor!

Long Time, No Post

Wow! I can’t believe how long it’s been since this blog has been updated! I’ve seriously been falling down on the job. In my own defense, I do have to say that things have been a bit crazy.

Do you like the new fall background? It makes me feel like I need to be wearing a sweater. I love this time of year. The colors, the crisp mornings, the smell of spiced pumpkin. Ahh Fall.

The volleyball tournament was a lot of fun! I hope that everyone who came out to cheer, play and eat can say the same. I think there are a few people who are questioning my claim that it was “fun” as we did have a few injuries, and I’m not talking bruised egos. I know that there were stitches, bruises, injured shoulders, and sore knees. To those of you who “took one for the team”, I salute you.

I can officially update you on the outcome of the Auxiliary fundraisers! The Butter Braid fundraiser brought in $1712, and the Current fundraiser brought in $560. Grand Total raised (drum roll please) - $2272!!!!!! We are so thrilled with the outcome. Now, I know you are all thinking “What is that money being used for?”. All monies raised have been turned over to Miss VP to be used to fulfill the teacher’s wish lists. We are SO excited to be able to give back to our wonderful teachers. It’s just a small thing, but we hope that it helps our teachers make a difference in the lives of our students.

If you haven't noticed, I did post the Current Fundraiser link back under "helpful links". Why? We can support our school ALL YEAR LONG through current! Directions are a few posts down.

Be on the look out for information coming home with your students about the upcoming Fall Festival. There will also be a volunteer sign-up board at Parent-Teacher conferences. Prayerfully consider how you could give of your time!

BUMP, SET, SPIKE!!!!!

Those words are designed to strike fear into the hearts of those of us who  are athletically challenged, such as myself.  In my own defense, I did play in a “fun” game of volleyball at the school picnic a few weeks ago.  While I did have a few stellar hits in which the ball flew into the crowd of unsuspecting spectators, I admit I spent most the time watching the ball, praying that it wouldn’t be hit  remotely near me.  I did not receive the athletic gene from anyone in my family, just ask my mom, I don’t think we have one. 

That being said, I have to confess something.  I actually had FUN.  There, I said it.  FUN.  I never in a million years thought that I would associate that word, with my participation (albeit forced) in any type of team sport!  I really enjoyed myself that afternoon, and not just because of the game.  I enjoyed being on the “court” (that’s what us volleyball players call it you know:)) with the other people that were playing.  They were even nice to me and didn’t groan too loudly when I NEVER hit it over the net.

Why do I mention my absolute lack of athleticism you ask?  I hope to inspire anyone and everyone at the school to sign up for our Volleyball Tournament scheduled for October 3.  We currently have 6 teams registered and are looking for 3-4 more teams of 10 players.  Call the office if you would like to join a team or form a team.   Let me break this down for you a bit.

There is a team captain (he or she is the head cheese) who recruits 9 other players to be on their team.  Now, this is a fundraiser for the school, so there is a $1000 entry fee for each team.  I know that seems like a lot of money, and it is.  However if you remember that you will have 10 people on your team, that’s only $100 from each player.  Break it down anyway you want - $100 from 1 person, or $20 from 5.  (If you are feeling really inspired, or you have a lot of friends, you can even raise more than the $1000, we won’t mind).

That $1000 doesn’t just get you on the court.  You get a free breakfast, drinks, snacks, PRIZES (I’m not at liberty to discuss what these are), and a ton of FUN!!!!

The morning isn’t just for the players though!  What team doesn’t need a few cheerleaders?  We want our families to come and cheer the teams on!  Breakfast is served from 7-9, with game play starting at 8am.  You can order your breakfast through the office, or watch the “Wildcat” for an order form.  Adults eat for $5, kids for $3 (did I already mention that you eat for FREE if you are playing?)   This delicious breakfast of pancakes, sausage, fruit, muffins and OJ is being prepared and served by our wonderful auxiliary parents.  Make sure  you fill your tummies before settling into an exciting morning of spectating!  We definitely encourage cheering and maybe a few loud rounds of  “Pass, Set, CRUSH”… just for fun.

What does the $1000 go towards?  All proceeds go to the school, earmarked for general operating expenses.  I would ask that anyone that wishes to play, or sponser a player, prayerfully considers their donation.  Ephesians 6:7 says “Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the LORD, not men”.  This school exists, and has existed for 50 years, because of the goodness and faithfulness of God.  You aren’t giving the donation to the player, or even the school.  You are giving it to God. 

I ran across a wonderful quote the other day:

“In good times and bad, we know that people give because you MEET needs, not because you HAVE  needs.”- Kay Grace

I hope this is true.  I hope that our school is meeting your and your family’s needs and expectations.  And while we do have needs at the school – electricity bills, upkeep, office supplies, I hope that you are prompted to give financially or simply give your time back to the school because of a desire to serve our faithful Savior.

If you have questions or want to help serve breakfast, please contact me either through the auxiliary e-mail, or the school office!

Opportunities

Wow!!  What an amazing turn out at our first annual, All-School BBQ!  Thanks to everyone who came out and made it a success!  It was an amazing opportunity to spend some time with each other, getting to know one another.  Thanks be to God for such a wonderful community of parents, students, and staff.  We have been so blessed by the opportunity to have our children taught in a loving, Christ centered environment.  I hope that those of you who were unable to make it are able to attend our future events!   The auxiliary looks forward to planning more events like this soon!

Our first Auxiliary Meeting of the year is scheduled for September 21 at 7pm.  We will be meeting on the school campus.  We will be discussing the upcoming year – specifically the many volunteer needs and opportunities we have coming up.  Slated for discussion is the Fall Festival (November 14), Volleyball Tournament breakfast (October 3), Friday Fellowships, and Teacher Appreciation Committee.  The meeting is open to any and all adult family members of current students.

If those topics aren’t enough to make you jump up out of your seat and run to the meeting, perhaps you need something a bit more enticing!  All attendees have the opportunity to enter their name into a drawing for a Massage Envy Gift Card!!  The drawing will be held at the end of the meeting, and you must be present to win.  Good luck everyone!!

Look for more information in the coming weeks on the blog about the Volleyball Tournament on October 3.  If you have questions about the tournament, are looking for a team, or want to be a captain, don’t hesitate to contact Alene Bell, Sarah Madderom, Jon Rop, or Denese Rowe for more information.

Good Eats and Good Company

It’s the first annual, All-School BBQ!  Come on out to the VanHofwegen’s on September 12  starting at 4pm for an afternoon and evening of fellowship and fun. 

There will be games of volleyball and soccer, so don’t forget to bring your skills – we’ll supply the first aide kit (just kidding)!  If team sports aren’t your thing, then there will be swimming to keep you cool. 

  

Don’t forget the excellent company – your fellow PCS families and staff.  The Auxiliary is providing Burgers, Hot Dogs and Drinks.  Families “A”-“L” – please bring a side dish to share.  Families “M”-“Z”- please bring a dessert to share.

 

If that doesn’t sound like a fabulous way to spend an afternoon, I don’t know what does!  If you have questions, feel free to e-mail us using the link on the right.

It’s that time again!

You know what I’m talking about don’t you? It’s Fundraiser time!!!! I know, I know, I can hear the collective groans. However, the auxiliary has made is extremely easy this year!

The Butter Braid fundraiser starts today and runs through August 31. Some of you were lucky enough to get to sample the pastry last night at the “Meet the Teacher” night. So yummy and delicious, I can still taste it. Order while you can because you can only get them through a fundraiser! Once it’s over, it’s over!!! Order forms are coming home with students today. Think ahead to the holidays when you may need something to bring to a party, or to feed all those ravenous family members that come to visit!

The “Current” fundraiser starts today as well. This one runs a bit longer. Orders may be submitted through September 8. This one I know you are really going to like! Take a look at the right hand side of our blog. Under “Helpful Links”, click on “Current Fundraiser”. Then follow these simple steps!

1. Click on “Start Shopping Now”

2. Make your selections

3. Proceed to checkout.

4. When asked what STATE your organization is in – choose ARIZONA.

5.Choose our school from the list

“Phoenix Christian School K-8”

You can also send your friends and family out of town or state this website address: www.CurrentFun.com along with the above instructions. Happy shopping! Remember, our school gets 50% of all profits from both fundraisers!

Meet the Teacher

How was your first week of school!  It’s hard to get back into the swing of things, don’t you think?  Rousing sleepy children from their beds, making sure backpacks are packed, homework is done, tests are studied for – whew!  I’m tired just thinking about it!  If you are curious as to what it is your child will be doing this year in their classes, make sure you come to campus this Monday night, the 17th of August.

Parents (sorry, no kids) are invited to visit with one another starting at 6:30.  The Auxiliary will be sampling our first fundraiser, slated to start Tuesday, August 18.  Make sure you get a taste of our delicious “Butter Braids”.

At 7pm, we will disperse to our child’s classrooms where we will get to spend some time with their teachers.   Don’t worry, if you have more than one student, there will be multiple sessions.  Get answers to your most burning questions – When do they have PE?  When is music?  When do they have library?  What will they be studying this year?

There will also be a chance to sign up to be a room parent!  If you want more information on this, e-mail us at pcsauxiliary@gmail.com .

First Day of School

Did you have a chance to come on campus with your students this morning? I hope you did, if you didn't here's a bit of what you missed! We had a wonderful spread put out by the PCS auxiliary:

Here are some of our Auxiliary members:

Shirley Van Dalen, Susan Knight, and Sheila VanHofwegen

Smile!


Hi Moms!

Eighth Graders

Miss VP

Did you miss me?

So happy to see friends again!

I hope all the students have a great first day back! Make sure you check back with our blog to read about our fundraisers starting next week!!

Can you feel it?

You know what I'm talking about, don't you? It's there in the air around you - the anticipation and excitement as students prepare to head back to school? Do you remember your "first day of school" experiences as you were growing up?

I remember shopping for school supplies - always a treat. To this day I get really jazzed about the pink erasers, new pencils, and crisp, clean notebooks. There is just something about the "newness" of them that I love. I also remember being a bit nervous about walking onto campus that first day. Would my friends from last year be my friends this year? Would I like my teacher? Would they like me? What if the homework is too hard this year? What if there are new kids in my class - would they like me, and I in turn like them?

Maybe you still feel that way. As parents, I think that we feel those same things, at least I know I do. It's always the fear of the unknown - the "what ifs".

The PCS Auxiliary is hoping to help calm some of those fears you may have about the first day of school. Come onto campus that first day with your students. Stop by the goodies table and enjoy some refreshments. Meet and mingle with old friends, and maybe make some new ones. Don't be surprised if you are greeted with a warm smile, and maybe a hug. You'll be glad you did!

AACK!! The First Day of School!?

Can you believe that we are about 1/2 way through summer vacation? I can't quite believe that the first day of school is only 41 days away! Where has all the time gone? As we get ready for the first day of school, the auxiliary wants to give you a "heads up" on some of the changes and events that are happening!

The first change is obvious - it's our blog!!! Add us to your "favorites" and be sure to check back for updates and information on school and auxiliary events.

The other change is a little more subtle - we are now known as "PCS Auxiliary". Yes, after 50 years, we have dropped the "ladies". Not a big change, but a significant one. We want our moms AND dads to be involved. We want input from our fellow parents and PCS community. Our school NEEDS YOU and your willingness to not only provide YOUR TIME but also YOUR IDEAS and enthusiasm.

The first day of school is August 12 - plan on spending some time greeting old friends and meeting new families! The Auxiliary will be serving some goodies in the morning, so don't just drop the kids off and speed away! Take a few minutes to come onto campus and say "hi"!

Monday August 17 is "Meet the Teacher" night. Be sure to put this one on your calendar! It's a great opportunity to see your child's classroom and spend some time talking with the teacher about the coming year. Plan to stop by the auxiliary table and get some more information about what we're all about. Make sure you get a chance to sample our first fundraiser - yummy!!!!

Enjoy the rest of your summer vacation!!! See you August 12!!!

Our First Post!

Welcome to the Ladies Auxiliary blog! We hope to use this blog to keep everyone updated on auxillary functions, school events, and opportunites for YOU to get involved. Volunteers are always needed!