High School Highlights

Teaming Up with Mr. Ricks

Winter 2018 Update

Greetings from the Upper Campus! As I think about Thanksgiving and the wonders that God has done for all of us, His goodness and His righteousness, I have been reminded of Psalm 143:8- “Let the morning bring me word of Your unfailing love for I have put my trust in You. Show me the way I should go, for to You I lift my soul.” Happy Holidays! Thank you for allowing Northwest Christian High School the privilege of partnering together in the mind and heart education of your children!

November highlights

* November Chapels: Youth Pastor Brad Knott of Zion shared on November 7^th in our Veterans’ Day Chapel a message from Luke 15, The Prodigal Son. He opened the message by showing pictures of art work that had been purchased at thrift stores that later were found to be worth millions of dollars. He compared that value and authenticity to Jesus’ love for us. Luke 15:20; “So he got up and went to his father. While he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him, he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.”  Brad then discussed the role of the prodigal son, the Father and the older brother. Through each character, he stressed the importance of our relationship with Christ which is not built on works, but grace. Special thanks Pastor Brad for this excellent gospel-centered message!

On November 14^th, Pastor Josh Bingle of Genesis Church partnered with the ASB to share an inspiring message titled “Change the Lyrics” from Daniel 3 recounting the story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. He challenged the student  body to “change the lyrics” and stand up for what is right even though it may not be popular.  He challenged the students to not bow their knee to decisions or cultural idols that they know are wrong and to avoid putting on the “church mask”.  He finished the story with the 4^th person in the fiery furnace, Jesus, who walks with us and holds our hand through the trials and temptations of life. He then discussed the impact the men’s choice “to stand” had as a powerful witness of God’s power and grace.  Daniel 3:28-29 says, “Then Nebuchadnezzar said, “Praise be to the God of Shadrach, Meschach, and Abednego, who has sent His angel and rescued His servants. They trusted in Him and defied the king’s command and were willing to give up their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God.”  Thank you to Pastor Bingle for this wonderful message!  

Small Groups at NWCS: Small groups play a vital role in building community at NWC and helping us to fulfill the mission of a gospel-centered education every day for every student. 

PLAN Groups stands for Purposeful Listening Advising and Nurturing.  Students are placed in a small advisory PLAN group which meets prior to chapels for a 20 minute weekly connection. PLAN teachers and staff members host these meetings. PLAN sessions incorporate a variety of topics such as chapel themes, current topics in the school, college/career readiness, prayer and fellowship. During a recent session, students discussed an article about screen time and social media practices. As a result, I am encouraging all parents at NWCS to monitor the hours that are spent on devices and engage in regular communications with your teenager about screen time, media content and social media. PLAN sessions in December and January will focus on college/career readiness and  PSAT results.  

Senior-Led Small Groups kicked off last week, as well, and use one of the weekly designated PLAN time slots each month to meet. After their awesome senior leadership retreat, the seniors requested that we as a school re-engage the tradition of senior-led small groups to help encourage the younger classes, build relational bridges across the grade levels and discuss relevant messages from the chapel. While a staff member is present in each of the senior led small group meetings, the seniors are charged with hosting their meeting, facilitating any games, leading the discussion and praying for their group members. Thank you to our seniors for their desire and willingness to lead the student body!

* Fall Sports! Congratulations to all  fall sports teams for a memorable fall sports season. Every team had representation at state which is remarkable! The Volleyball Team placed 7^th in the state tournament in Yakima. The Girls Soccer Team made it to the state quarterfinals (top 8) and were the Girls Soccer 2B Academic State Champions. The Boys Cross Country Team placed 5^th in State and Autumn Janke qualified for state for the Girls Cross Country Team.  The Football Team qualified for state play and had two remarkable comebacks, eventually making it to the state quarterfinals (top 8). In addition, our fall sports teams did an excellent job in the classroom ranking very highly in the state academic rankings.  Most importantly, it was a joy to watch each team compete with class, dignity and a strong testimony for Jesus. A great season for all…to God be the glory!

Housekeeping

Attendance: Pre-arranged absence forms need to be on file in the main office, signed by parents and initialed by teachers two days prior to leaving. If students are sick or absent, other than pre-arranged absences, please give a courtesy call to the Front Office that day. Students need to obtain an admit slip from the office prior to returning to classes if they have been absent. This is vital in the communication process. If students need to be picked up early for an appointment, please contact the office in advance, so we can have your student waiting for you. Thanks for your help in these important procedures.

Calendar:   

Preschool-12^th Grade Christmas Band/Choir Concert  

Please mark your calendars for Thursday, December 20^th for the Preschool-12^th Grade Band and Choir Christmas Concert. The concert will be located at Turning Point Church with 6^th Grade through High School band and choirs performing during the last session of the evening. Come celebrate and watch these amazing performers! Performances times are as follows:

· Pre – 2^nd at 5:30pm

· 3^rd – 5^th at 6:30pm

· 6^th – 12^th at 7:30pm

Until next month,

Ray Ricks, High School Principal