The New Routine

The summer is my favorite time of year. It's warm, sunny and the days seem to last forever. For most of us the 3 months without school are filled with exciting trips, relaxing and memory making.  Some are more excited than others by the time late August and early September come creeping around. The weather still feels like the summer months but we pack up and head off to school.  September 4^th seemed like an early morning after getting comfortable with the summer’s relaxed schedule and sleeping in.  The first few days and even weeks of school were a little crazy and a tad bit chaotic. Many students were seen running around saying “hi” to old friends, meeting new teachers, finding lockers and remembering which classes they had and when. Even for students who have been attending CCS their entire school career, these are all typical back to school occurrences. 

            By this time, the summer has started to fade and autumn is upon us. The air is beginning to lose its summer heat and cool nights have taken the place of warm ones. The colors are slowly but surely changing from lush greens to crispy reds. Students have traded in their sandals for fall boots and their t-shirts for warm hoodies. The routine has been set and early mornings don't seem quite so early anymore. Everyone has located their lockers and knows exactly who sits next to them in class. New teachers aren't exactly 'new' anymore but are instead becoming familiar faces.  The process of note taking and completing homework assignments are quickly being remembered. New friendships have been formed and old ones carry on. I think it's safe to say, that most everyone has set summer aside and settled into the autumn routine. It's shaping up to be a great school year!

            Lauren Wilcox, Senior

Beach Cleanup Fall 2012

Last Wednesday, the nineteenth, some Junior and Senior high school students went to beach clean-up at the beach of Maranatha Bible and Missionary Conference.

Mr. Maine and the students that were going, Haley Mohr, Michael Warren, Cameron Bricker, Jefferson Britton, Anna Swanson, Alvaro Ceballos, Kayla Burgess, and David Everett, along with the two adult helpers, Mr. Langdon and Mr. Swanson (yes, he’s my dad) gathered in the cafeteria to discuss the process, rules, and safety precautions of picking up trash on the beach. Students were equipped with a small pencil, a garbage bag, and a sheet of paper to record what they found, so that what people are doing on the beach can be kept track of. Volunteers work in pairs, one picking up garbage and putting it in the bag, and the other recording what they pick up with the pencil and sheet of paper.

Once we had all gotten to Maranatha, we took off our shoes and put them in a rack, and walked down to shoreline. Everyone fanned out and walked along the water’s edge, picking up and recording trash along the way. Once we reached a certain point, we turned around and started walking back, picking up trash up in the grass and looking for anything we may have missed. On the day we went, it was a little cold, and extremely windy, especially down by the water. Trash would sometimes come right to you, and more than one person had to run after a record sheet.

 

As soon as we reached the point we started from, we took a little time to sit down on some benches and relax. Some went out toward some rocks, and some swung on the swings and went on the playground. It was nice to be able to have some fun after we were all done working.

And of course, as soon as we got back to the school, all of those that participated got a popsicle and an ice cream sandwich, according to CCS custom.

            Anna Swanson, Junior

Eagles vs. Calvary of Holland

Starting out with a beautiful morning on Tuesday the 25^th of September. In the evening of the same day, the Calvary Eagles Boys Soccer team took to the field. As they approached the field, they had the determination to win and a good attitude even towards the opponents. With the sun high in the sky and a slight breeze, the whistle was blown to start of the first half of the game. The game had a slow start with both teams at 0 to 0, but the possession of the ball was mostly held by us. Calvary of Holland was playing well too, but we were winning the possession more than they were. Everyone was expecting it to be a close game but we guessed wrong.

After the horn sounded to end the second half, we were up 3 to 0. Then the Calvary Eagles stormed back on the field with the same determination as they had at the beginning of the game. They had the attitude of winners but shill had great sportsmanship towards the opponents. It was getting close to the end of the game and we had six goals now instead of 3. The visiting team had scored two goals but that was all the Calvary Eagles didn’t let that bother them. The main scorers of the game were Drew Maine, Joel Fullmer, Brandon Hamilton, and Ililo Bisee. Drew Maine got a hat trick, which is scoring three goals in one game. Aaron Ebling played defense really well but received a yellow card for being too aggressive but he played a great game with or without a yellow card.

 

The Calvary Varsity soccer team has started off their season, not as good as they wanted, but they are still striving for victory. So if you’re around come by and cheer them on, your motivation helps whether you believe it or not. Come by and cheer on the Varsity soccer team, you'll be glad you did.

            - David Everett, Senior

See You at the Pole 2012

As a school, we have many yearly traditions. We go on our high school retreat, have lip syncs during Spirit Week, Spiritual Emphasis Day, and Senior Trip. But, one thing we also do every year is See You at the Pole. 

See You at the Pole is something that kids do nationwide whether you attend a public school or private. All the students go and stand around the Flag pole (In the past they’ve stood out in pouring rain too!) and pray. This is an event that is not put on by adults but instead it’s up to the students to put it on by themselves. At CCS the seniors are in charge of putting the entire thing together.

Wednesday, September 26, 2012 at 7am there were 40 middle and high school students standing around the flag pole ready, and wanting to worship the Lord through song and prayer. The morning started with reading of Bible verses. We then broke off into small groups to pray and thank the Lord for the things He has blessed us with. After a few minutes of prayer we then gathered back around the flag pole. Hayley Mohr played guitar and Natalie Kapanka led us in the song “10,000 Reasons”. After, more verses were read, and we gathered into our small groups to pray this time for the school staff, and school board members.  We began singing “Came to My Rescue” and after that we then broke off into groups and prayed for the last time. This time we prayed for our peers. We also took prayer requests. For the final time we gathered around the flag pole. We ended with singing “How Deep the Father’s Love for Us.” We joined hands and did one final prayer, as a big group. 

Sometimes I think when you are allowed to pray, worship and talk about God openly in school, we tend to take it for granted. It was amazing to see 40 students show up not because they had to or their parents made them, but instead because they wanted to be there. We then got to go inside right before school started and got to eat doughnuts together and visit one another right before starting the school day.

            - Megan Beals, Senior

Bears in Kindergarten

The Kindergarten Class is spending their first month of school learning all about bears! They started out by bringing their Teddy Bears the first day of school. They read the story Corduroy and went on a scavenger hunt looking for his lost buttons.  They found one in the library, one in the cafeteria, one in the office, and even one in Mr. Kapanka’s office. This is a great way for them to meet the special helpers that they will see each day. When they got back, Corduroy had a special bear snack waiting for them.

 In Science, they made a book all about Black Bears. They learned the eating and sleeping habits of black bears. They learned that an adult male can weigh up to 550 pounds and he often sacrifices sleeping in the coziest spot in his den so he can lay by the door and shield his family from cold and danger? What a protector he is to his family!

The Kindergartners have a chance to win a beary special prize when they read with their moms or dads. Each time they are read a book, they get a puzzle piece for their bear on the bulletin board. When the puzzle is completed, they get a little stuffed bear to take home!

There is another bear bulletin board in the classroom. It’s Buddy the Bear peeking through a window. If the Kindergarteners get all the apples off his shutters, and into his window box, they will have a special party. They have to work together as a class and have good behavior to make the apples disappear.  Can you guess what kind of party? It’s of course, a bear party!

The Kindergarteners can’t wait for their Teddy Bear Day!  They will be having four stations each with a Teddy Bear Theme! They will do some graphing, sorting, patterning, language skills, and even a craft, all with Teddy Bears! They will also have a Teddy Bear cake and, of course, bring back their Teddy Bears for the day. Even their bears will win an award!

            The Kindergarteners are enjoying their bear theme this month. I must say, they are having a “beary” good time!

- Annie VanTine, Sophomore

Mr. Marshall reenacts the Civil War

Mr. Marshall, a new teacher at Calvary, is a Civil War re-enactor. This weekend, he invited his class to come to Van Raalte Farm in Holland to see the re-enactment of the life of a Civil War soldier or civilian at the time.

            The day started off with rain. Everything was damp, dreary, and muddy. If you weren’t careful, you could slip and fall or get your shoes wet and dirty. Originally, there was a battle between the north and south planned, but was cancelled because of the rain. To make things worse, Mr. Marshall was nowhere to be found.

            As a few confused students, including me, trudged through the woods, we ran into a few men from the infantry. We asked them if they knew where the third Michigan unit was, and they directed us to it. The third Michigan unit was the largest in the Union camp, and also what Mr. Marshall was part of. Unfortunately, when we arrived, he wasn’t there.

            We continued asking around until a friendly Union soldier directed us to the civilian camps where Mr. Marshall was “hiding”. He gave us extra credit for finding him. He led us back to the third Michigan camp where we learned about where they slept, how they set up their tents, and how to use a gun.

            After that, we continued to explore the area. We returned to the civilian area, where we saw old fashioned cooking fires, old fashioned dresses and uniforms, and re-enactors trying to hide the iPad they were using but not doing a very good job. We talked to a re-enactor named Cheri and learned about what little kids wore and what civilians did during the Civil War era.

            As the rain began to clear up, we headed out to the battlefield where there would be a mini-battle because the original one was cancelled. The soldiers, including Mr. Marshall, shot at each other and “died” whenever they wanted.

            All in all, it was a really fun experience and the students who went learned about the Civil War, and may get a few extra credit points for writing a paper on what they learned.

            -Gabrielle Kuszewski, Sophomore

Varsity Soccer Game vs. Zion Christian

On Friday, September 21, The Calvary Christian Schools’ Varsity soccer team played Zion Christian School at Zion’s field. Calvary won 4-2 ending in a good game. Drew Maine scored all four of Calvary’s goals. The first goal was a goal off of a corner kick by Drew. The second goal was another goal that was kicked in after Drew threw the ball in from out-of-bounds. The third goal came from a penalty kick that Drew took. Our final goal was a good shot that bounced off of the keeper and into the net. Zion’s goals came from two well-placed shots by Zion’s striker.

            Michael Warren, the goal keeper for Calvary Christian, got a yellow card in the last 15 minutes of the game. The call was a charging foul. Michael was trying to protect himself as a striker charged at him to win the ball. The striker, being half the size of Michael, hit Mike and went flying. Mike got a yellow card and had to sit out of the game for 10 minutes. Mr. Maine put Carson Burgess in goal for Calvary Christian. Carson had never played goalie before, but played his best.

            Joel Fullmer and Ililo Payton both played injured in this game. Earlier in the week during practice both players went up to win a header and hit heads. Ililo got the least injured and only came out with a bump on the head. Joel however wasn’t so lucky--he ended up in the Urgent Care Center’s procedure room and came out with six stitches in his forehead. However, both Joel and Ililo played in the game as if nothing happened. The only difference was neither player was allowed to head the soccer ball.

            Calvary played a great game and it showed in the end. Their record is currently 3 wins and 6 losses.

            - Joel Fullmer, Sophomore

Highway Cleanup Fall 2012

Every year around this time, our school always gives back to the community and cleans up a section of the highway. On Thursday, September 20th, the freshmen and sophomores met in the cafeteria and had a safety meeting on cleaning up the highway. They learned what to watch out for, what not to pick up, not to be to close to the road and many more useful tips that they would need. After this meeting they got their safety vests on, their gloves on and got their trash bags and headed to the bus. That is when their journey began.

First, the freshmen and their supervisor Mr. Swanson were dropped off on one side of the highway. Then the bus took the sophomores around to the other side of the highway and dropped them off with their supervisor Mr. Muri. Even though the highway was a mess, they had a great attitude and did the best they could to pick up every bit of trash. When both sides were about half way done, Mr. Maine, driving the bus, would come and give them a water break. They all were very thankful for the water because they got very warm picking up trash with the sun beating down on them. Both classes worked very hard to clean up the highway and filled many garbage bags with trash. Altogether the classes cleaned eight miles of highway to help the community.

After this long day of work, everyone was treated to an ice-cream sandwich in the cafeteria. Everyone had a fun time helping out. The school will be cleaning up the highway again in the spring time. They will clean up all of the trash on the ground from the long winter. Calvary Christian School does the best they can to give back and keep their community clean.

            - Elise Maine, Sophomore

Girls Varsity Volleyball Tournament

 On the fifteenth, the third weekend of September, your Calvary Christian Varsity Girls Volleyball team participated in a Zion Invitational Tournament. Did I say participated? Not only did we participate, we won second place! Team members taking home this great trophy were: Morgan Rude, Elise Maine, Shymari Harris, Taylor Richards, Sophia Zelenka, Brianna Zehr, Hayley Mohr, and Natalie Kapanka. The JV and Varsity volleyball girls are coached by Heather Denger and Joy Wildfong.

This year’s team has not had an easy ride. As most teams might have started the season in their regular gym, we had the pleasure of conditioning at the local YMCA. Coach Heather made this somewhat difficult, yet fun. After those few days, the JV and Varsity teams practiced at EFC.

The following week we finally had our first practices in the Calvary Christian Schools gymnasium. That next weekend the Varsity players attended a tournament at North Pointe Christian. There, we did less then our best, but every team has those days!

At the Varsity girls next five games we were consistently The Victors. One of those games was in honor of Mrs. Meyer, where the JV and Varsity teams wore all pink, and another was Eagle Mania night. The Varsity team knew this winning streak was not to be for granted and so we all tried to practice hard in preparation for the upcoming Zion Tournament.

The morning of the Zion Tournament, the Varsity Players woke up in anticipation. Bringing crackers, subs, carrots, apples and grapes, we were planning on great nutrition throughout the day. Game one was a wake-up call where we split with Godwin Heights, (we won one game out of two). We then had a break between games and Coach Heather gave a great devotional. Game two was against Providence and we won both games. After those games we started tournament play, which means as soon as you lose, you’re done in the tournament. First we played Godwin Heights again, and beat them in the first two games. We then had a snack of grapes while watching Black River play Freedom. Freedom won so we played them next. It was a close first two games as we each won one game. The team that wins two out of three games determines who would move on to the finals.

It was close, but your Varsity Girls pulled it off! We put our game faces on, and won the game by six points. We quickly got ready for the final game against Zion Christian. The first game was very close with Zion winning by four points. The next game the Varsity Girls played hard but just couldn’t get it together. Zion won the second game by three points.          

Overall, I thought we played well and knew what to improve on. Please come and support the soccer and volleyball teams at Calvary Christian Schools! You can find a sports schedule online. Thank you to all the fans from the Varsity Girls Volleyball team!    

- Taylor Richards, Sophomore

At Cornerstone University's Sync

On Thursday, September 13, Calvary Christian high school took a field trip to Cornerstone University for the event Sync, and met up with a number of other Christian schools. One of the goals of Sync was to encourage people to get to know individuals from other schools as more than sports competitors. It was a partial success as some people were mingling with other schools, but mostly everyone sat with their friends.

We got there and sat together. When the other schools like Calvary Holland, Algoma, Freedom, North Pointe, and Heritage started coming in we spotted the people we played against. Then Ken Rudolph spoke about a crushed spirit. Some important verses are Proverbs 17:22, Proverbs 16:32, Proverbs 18:14, Proverbs 15:13, and Colossians 3:21. We learned that a crushed spirit is caused by heartache and we must control our spirit. Also we learned that a crushed spirit dries up your bones and it cannot bear pain. Another thing is that fathers must not anger their children because it will discourage them.

After Ken Rudolph spoke we had a mini concert by The Birdsongs. They sang How Great Thou Art, Forever Reign, Will You Save Me, I'll Fly Away, and much more. During the songs Drew Maine and Jefferson Britton crowd surfed. Then a Christian comedian told us what love is. It is sacrificing our life for others. He also told us a story of when he was driving and fell asleep and hit a parked car. The funny part is that the only scar he came out with was from the airbag.

Later, we learned about Peter's denial. Jesus told Peter that he was going to deny him three times before the rooster crows. Then in the temple in front of a charcoal fire Peter denied Jesus three times before the rooster cries as predicted. In John 21 Peter and the disciples are out fishing when a figure tells them to throw their net on the other side, having caught nothing else they threw it on the other side and there was so much fish in the net they could barely put it into the boat. They wondered who this man was when John replied it’s Jesus. Peter jumped out of the boat and swam to Jesus. When he reached Jesus there was a charcoal fire and Jesus asked Peter three times if he loved him, each time Peter answered, "You know that I love you" and Jesus told him then show me by your actions.

We had a few words of prayer and were allowed to go home. The take-a ways in the end were to do all things joyfully and for God, and you’ll be able to get it done better, and to realize just how badly Jesus was tortured just because he loved us and wanted to save us.

-Christi Evans and Erica Mitchell, Freshmen

No More Sidelines - Soccer 2012

The boy’s varsity soccer team along with the girls volleyball team recently teamed up to give the kids from no more sidelines a chance to learn about the game of soccer and then play a real soccer game!

On a recent Monday night in late August, when most kids were still on vacation, the Calvary Christian Schools Varsity teams gave dozens of physically and mentally challenged kids from all over Muskegon County the chance to be “special” for a few hours. Some of the kids had also participated in the No More Sidelines program during the basketball season that was led by the Varsity boys and girls basketball teams.

The event started with the kids breaking up into four groups. Each group spent time at four different stations, where they learned the basics of soccer like kicking, dribbling, and goal scoring. Students worked one on one with the kids to help them along and help them to get better at the game of soccer.

After spending time on the basics, the kids were divided into two teams and got to play a real soccer game. Everyone had a great time!

Following the games several “Calvary moms” donated food and time to serve dinner to all the kids and their families. Sloppy Joes, chips, fruit, and cookies were enjoyed by all! During this time kids from both Calvary and No More Sidelines had time to socialize and get to know each other better. We all made new friends that night and met a lot of new people.

The event was held to benefit the “special needs” kids in our area. But, as all the students who helped out will agree, we were the ones who really benefited from the whole night! It was a great time for a great group of kids of all ages!

- Cory Greeno, sophomore

Pink Out

The JV and varsity volleyball teams were looking forward to the volleyball games against the Potters House Pumas on Tuesday, September 11th.  These would be our first home games of the year.  Of course, like any other sports team, we were hoping both teams would come out with wins.  But there would be something else that would make these games extra special.

Our school is still mourning the death of our beloved teacher and friend, Mrs. Meyer.   For this reason, we decided to dedicate the games in memory of her.  Everyone was heartbroken when she was diagnosed with breast cancer two years ago.  Mrs. Meyer had a wonderful impact on CCS.  The way she lived out her everyday life proved her love for Jesus.  She felt that prayer and prayer requests were very important, and would take half a class period sharing them if we needed to.  Mrs. Meyer was never too busy to talk to us, especially if we were struggling with something in our daily lives.  She was always spiritually strong, even when she was physically weak.  I remember days when she would have chemotherapy in the morning, and come in later that day to teach us.  Nothing could drag Mrs. Meyer down, and she could always make you smile and laugh.  Her favorite nickname for people was “Sweetie Poo Pie.”  I’m not sure why, but it’s something special we’ll remember about Mrs. Meyer.  Her amazing legacy was what caused us to dedicate these games to her.

Our teams got pink jerseys and the whole school got wristbands that said “Mrs. Meyer” followed by the breast cancer symbol and “Sweetie Poo Pie.”  We also had a pink-out for the games where many of the spectators wore pink.  The JV game was a close one.  We won the first game, but it was close.  The second game was also a battle that the Pumas won.   The third game to 15 instead of 25 would decide the winner.   Thankfully, we pulled ahead and won it.  Then it was the varsity’s turn to play.  The Pumas were no match for our Eagles.  They won the first three games which won the match.  It was awesome to win these games, especially since it was for Mrs. Meyer.

-Megan Mitchell, Freshman

Blue and White Tuesday

"This Monday the Varsity soccer team were instructed by Coach Maine to wear their solid blue and white stripped uniforms to school the next day. All players showed up Tuesday to school in their jerseys looking sharp. These jerseys signified a brotherhood, strength, spirit, teamwork, and unity. Mike Warren being the goalie got to wear his awesome lime green and black goalie jersey with the team.

School let out and those proud Eagles soccer players hit the locker room to get into game gear and went right on the field and warmed up. The fans slowly started coming in as the Varsity team warmed up and the fans watched and cheered as the team did their regular lap around half of the field and circled in the middle to stretch. The captains, Drew Maine and Joel Fullmer told the team to start their routine passing drills and they did just that. Then Coach Maine called for a shooting drill. Before you knew it warm up was over and the Varsity team was circled with fists in the air praying, and after Amen was said, Coach Maine said Team on three, 1.2.3. and TEAM was shouted from the group.

The starters took the field against Potter's House, the whistle was blown and the ball was kicked. The Varsity team played hard for two 45 minute halves. The final horn blew ending the game, and unfortunately the Varsity team had lost to Potter's house. Yet the Eagles held their head high, knowing that win or lose they will be the Varsity team for the season and with hard practices ahead, improvement will be made, and games will be won!"

"As Iron sharpens Iron, so one person sharpens another." Proverbs 27:17

- Will Lipscombe

HS Retreat 2012 - Spring Hill

The entire high school student body went on retreat at Spring Hill this past week.

It was filled with, many great chapel services, great memories with friends and unforgettable activities. Such as, zip-lining, swimming, blobbing and canoeing.

But, one event that stuck out in my mind was the Picture Scavenger Hunt. Each class was given a sheet of paper with a list of items to find and take pictures of those items. We had about an hour to complete all of the tasks. Each picture counted as one point.

Let me remind you, this place is huge! We had to sprint to each destination in order to get all the items in the time given. Some of the teachers were hiding in different buildings or in different areas outside. If you found them you were given bonus points! Mr. Maine was on top of the zip lining platform! Not one of the classes found him.

This event was great bonding time for all of the classes. By the end of the scavenger hunt everyone was exhausted. But, it was time for the results of who had won! The results were, Seniors in 1st, Freshman in 2nd, Juniors in 3rd and Sophomores in 4th! The winners were given a big bag of candy as a prize.

By the looks of it, it seems that everyone had an awesome time at Spring Hill.  CCS is a one of a kind school. I wouldn't choose to be anywhere else!

- Lauren Hutchison, Freshman

The First Day of School

It’s dark and quiet in the halls. Lockers are shining, cleaned by previous students. The lights are blinking, and as they come on, they reveal pristine walls and floors swept of the midyear clutter. A few teachers and staff are unlocking doors to classrooms and adding a few finishing touches, Some take deep breaths, preparing for another rushing year, and so glad that year will be spent here. Others get ready to meet many new faces with this year’s new teachers. Although it’s still an early morning, all are conscious that this day is special.

It’s the first day of school.

Students are bustling in, and the doors seem to bulge at their seams as more enter at a breakneck pace. There are the school veterans, the Seniors, entering for their final year at Calvary, and shy young children clinging to their mothers legs. Other kids clutch new backpacks and lunch-boxes, not quite sure what to do until Mrs. Vantine and Mrs. Kapanka usher them into their new classrooms. These are the Preschoolers and Kindergardeners, small children ready to begin years of learning. They will grow to love the rooms toys, colors, and their beloved teachers in this coming year.

On the other end of the school, the middle schoolers get their schedules and head to their lockers. For some, this is their first time not having one specific class. As they meet their homeroom teachers, some begin to lose their nervousness. Throughout the day, they become increasingly bold until they feel like they belong.

Spread across the school, another group opens newly assigned lockers. They are the high-schoolers preparing for what is for some, their final year at Calvary. For some, this is their first Senior High year. Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors alike, all know that tomorrow will be the start of their High School Retreat at Spring Hill Camps. For now, it’s a mixture of syllabi, old and new faces, and even a little homework for a few.

One more group smiles and greets new faces.The staff of Calvary Christian Schools get ready for the jobs they love. We thank them for all their work and support. As Mrs. Vantine smiles down at little Kindergardeners, Mrs. Anderson shows third graders to their desks, Mrs. Stenberg greets Middle Schoolers, and Mr. Langdon meets the new and old High Schoolers, there stand a conspicuous pair of shoes standing on a bookshelf.

The shoes stand out, They’re tall high-heels, a shining blue. They’re not your average shoes... Just like the person who once wore them..

They are a memorial of sorts to Mrs. Meyer. Just days before school began, She passed away. The shoes stand to remind everyone of her, her joy, her humor, the life the provided to everyone around her... It may seem impossible to fill those shoes, but we have another chapter ahead of us. Yet stronger than any shoes are the memories she left behind. As students pass her classroom, or sit in classes that were once hers, they will remember. And as a whole, the students and staff of Calvary Christian Schools say...

Thank You
Mrs. Meyer

- Alex Anhalt, Freshman