rancho christian magazine spring/summer 2016

RANCHOCHRISTIAN.ORG 1

Rancho Christian Magazine

SPRING/SUMMER 2016

STEM: Mission Critical 2Involvement in the Middle School Years 4Finding the Right College Fit 6Global Languages 8 Tovey/Schultz: The New Campus 10Student Focus 12

INSIDE:

RANCHO CHRISTIAN MAGAZINE

SCHOOL LEADERSHIP

PRESIDENTScott Treadway

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR–SCHOOLSJim Kunau

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR–ADVANCEMENTBetsy Kunau

HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPALCraig Swanson

MIDDLE SCHOOL PRINCIPALDan Saatzer

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PRINCIPALMontyna Cowan

VICE PRINCIPAL FOR ASSESMENTLisa Gray

PRESCHOOL DIRECTOR Mindy Silberman

DIRECTOR OF ADMISSIONSDebbie Fallon

REGISTRARLori Riley

Rancho Christian School31300 Rancho Community WayTemecula, CA 92592

www.ranchochristian.org

ADMISSIONS INFORMATION

Attend an Open House, Coffee Hour or Shadow Day or schedule a Campus Tour today! Contact Rancho Admissions Office at 951-303-8040 or [email protected].

MISSION

To build Christ-centered leaders who are University Ready – Life Ready.

VISION

Rancho Christian School is a model of exceptionalism, centered on the grace and truth of Jesus Christ. We cultivate a safe and positive environment where students journey through a comprehensive, premier educational experience. Graduates will transform their communities, our nation, and the world.

CORE VALUES

Loving God and OthersChrist-like CharacterPremier EducationExceptional Programs

Much has been written recently about the critical need for preparing our young people for upcoming careers in STEM related fields. The pro-

jected percentage of growth in available jobs in these areas can be as much as six times higher than that of non-STEM related fields. From medical scien-tists to engineers, and even to stay at home moms who are able to write code from home – the opportunities for advancement are clearly on the rise.

The Brookings Institution has stated that there are currently 26 million STEM jobs in the United States, accounting for nearly 20% of all U.S. employment. The May 2015 report from Georgetown University’s Center on Education and the Workforce found on average that college graduates with these interests and skills have a greater likelihood of higher salaries in the workforce. On average, STEM majors earned $76,000 annually; more than business majors at $65,000, or teaching and service industry majors at $46,000 annually.

Yet too few students recognize the future benefits of STEM related skills – those of critical thinking, problem solving, innovation, and independent analysis. These skills become “mission critical” to any student looking for long-term educational advancement and productive employment. Even those students who do not follow a science or engineering path can become a more valuable asset to their employer simply by possessing the attributes learned through STEM education.

Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) is NOW Mission CriticalBY MR. WERNER G. VAVKEN, VICE PRESIDENT OF AMSE

RANCHO CHRISTIAN SCHOOL MAGAZINE2

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projected percentage in job increases (2010–2020)

WERNER G. VAVKEN, BS EE, MAED is a special advisor and consultant to Rancho Christian School. He is currently the Vice President and Advisory Board Chair of the Ap-plied Math, Science, and Engineering Institute at Valley Christian Schools in San Jose, California.

After a successful career in telecommunication research, product development, and engineering spanning 30+ years, Mr. Vavken joined Valley Christian Schools in 2002. He was the founding Director of Valley Christian High School’s online campus, a new, innovative, on-line arm of Valley Christian High School tasked with helping the school’s students, as well as other students worldwide, take exciting interactive online courses.

Since 2008, Mr. Vavken has served as the Director of Stu-dents of the school’s Applied Math, Science and Engineer-ing Institute (AMSE), that provides a unique curriculum and co-curricular program for students interested in ca-reer paths in those areas. In 2014 he was promoted to Vice President of AMSE K-12 for the school.

Mr. Vavken graduated from California State Polytechnic University with a BS degree in Electrical Engineering with high honors and did his engineering graduate work at the University of Santa Clara. He has also earned a Masters of Arts Degree in Education (Instructional Technology) from San Jose State University.

When not busy in the world of STEM and education, Mr. Vavken enjoys filmmaking, scuba diving, golf, travel, gour-met cooking, photography, ham radio, traveling with his wife and dog in their RV, and fine woodworking.

He and his wife, Sharon own a home in Temecula’s Wine Country and are looking forward to moving near family, friends, and Rancho Christian School. ■

RANCHO CHRISTIAN SCHOOL is excited to be part of educating young people for these exciting careers. Stu-dents are already receiving training in the much-needed skills of robotics. In addition, all students K-12 are learn-ing the skill of computer coding through the “Interna-tional Hour of Code” Week. Furthermore, this year Ran-cho launched a prestigious Satellite Tracking Program for their high school students. A state-of-the-art satellite tracking station located on the Rancho campus is the only one at any Southern California high school.

STEM Programs in development at Rancho include as-tronomy, development of science experiments to fly on the International Space Station, satellite development, rocketry development, 3D-printing, green energy, com-puter programming and system design, and much, much more.

Modeled after the most advanced STEM program in Cal-ifornia located in San Jose, students, staff, and parents are very excited to see how God will guide this mission critical endeavor at Rancho Christian School. ■

STEM related programs at the K-12 level are not just an “add-ed bonus”, they are a necessary part of the educational process. Preparing students for what lies ahead gives them the best chance at success.

Data has proven that a rich after-school program, guided by experienced industry professionals, with relevant hands-on projects will propel young people into the best colleges and universities in America and abroad. Today, outstanding col-leges and successful industry leaders are looking for students that have more than just “good grades” and “great SAT Scores”. They are looking for students with a proven, hands-on-passion for using their skills to develop an idea. It is not just diverse course offerings that spell success for a STEM program at any K-12 school, but the supplemental activities offered with the influence of local experts that makes the difference in the lives of the student learners.

All of this data is especially important to young people in Southern California as the medical, technological and biomed-ical fields are all experiencing significant growth in this specific geographic area. The hands-on opportunities for partnerships, mentorships and collaboration with professionals are ripe for the student and program that is ready and willing to accept the challenge. ■

Sources: Brookings Institution, Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce , U.S. Department of Education

Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) is NOW Mission Critical


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projected percentage in job increases (2010–2020)

Projected Percentage Increases in STEM Jobs

(2010–2020)

Max Lucado said it best when he said, “Children are not books to be written, but to be read.” It is

during the preteen years that children are the most pli-able and open to growth. It is a crucial time to seek to discover and develop each child’s unique gifts and apti-tudes, and to challenge them in academics, athletics, and the arts. Christ-like values, a persistent work ethic, strong core relationships, and sound strategic decision making skills can be developed through believing in the potential within each child.

Let’s explore the “10/13 Window”. Alan Nelson coined this phrase to illustrate the time in a child’s life between the ages of 10-13 (“Me to We”, Children’s Ministry, 2005). During these years, cognitive skills are sophisticated enough to comprehend and apply academic strategies of:

• authentic literacy• innovative and differentiated instruction • high-level benchmarks• varied innovative assessments • peer-led discussion and debate • abstract concepts of reasoning and problem solving

At this age, students are ready to be challenged with eth-ical choices and exploration of their ability to positive-ly influence others. This is why active participation, in non-core academic subjects, independent group work, teacher-mentorship relationships, and most especially,

WHY STAYING INVOLVED AND ACTIVE IS A VITAL PART OF THE MIDDLE SCHOOL YEARS.

JAMIE STORY, RANCHO CHRISTIAN MIDDLE SCHOOL ASB DIRECTOR

"EAGLE EYE LIVE" IS A STUDENT RUN ANNOUNCEMENTS AND NEWS EFFORT (RIGHT)

The Case for Involvement


STUDENTS COLLECT BOXES FOR OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD

CHEERLEADERS PREP FOR THE BIG GAME

Here at Rancho Christian School, our faculty and staff are dedicated to partnering with each parent in helping children to find their own purpose and give them the tools necessary to achieve it. Each child is encouraged to actively engage in disciplines beyond core courses:

Cross CountryGirls VolleyballTackle FootballSoftballBaseballGirls BasketballBoys BasketballTennisGirls SoccerBoys SoccerTrack and Field

extracurricular clubs and activities become as important as classroom learning for middle school students.

For example, in Rancho Christian Middle School ASB class, students go beyond devel-oping public speaking skills by composing and delivering their own Chapel messages. These student leaders enhance the middle school experience for their peers by planning an annual Stay-treat, Talent Show, month-ly Mid-Madness lunch parties, and Eagle Eye news broadcasts and newspapers. These events are entirely student-run, with little in-put from teachers. All students are encour-aged to become both community and global-ly aware by being involved in annual outreach opportunities such as Operation Christmas Child, food drives for the Community Mis-sion of Hope, and “Penny Wars” (to benefit Imani Christian School in Kenya).

Rancho Christian School collaborates with parents in the educational process to sur-round students with collective support. Teachers lead with the confidence that comes from experience and continued study, and a Christ-like love for and belief in the success of each child. ■

TheaterBandChoirWorship Arts Team (Including Tech)RoboticsSpeech and DebateASB (Leadership)CEO/Computer EssentialsGlobal LanguagesStudio Art


STUDENTS COLLECT BOXES FOR OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD

BAND IS AN ACTIVE AND GROWING PROGRAM FOR RANCHO MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS

“FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS” ON RANCHO’S SPOGLI FIELD GETS EVERYONE IN THE RANCHO SPIRIT

A WIDE RANGE OF ATHLETICS GIVES AMPLE OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS TO EXPLORE THEIR GIFTS AND TALENTS

CHEERLEADERS PREP FOR THE BIG GAME

The choice of college comes down essentially to "Right Fit", where preparation and opportunity

awareness collide. A student can be academically prepared for matriculation into a good college, but be uninformed of the possibilities. Or a student may be very cognizant of all the opportunities available, but fail to make the most of their educational poten-tial to be able to attend their dream university.

This past Christmas break I had the chance to re-connect over lunch with one of my former high school players who will graduate from Dartmouth College this coming June. His impending gradua-tion brought back a vivid personal memory for me. When I was a high school senior one of my friends had mentioned to me that I should look into going to Dartmouth after graduation. I was too embar-rassed to tell him that I literally had no idea what Dartmouth was, let alone where it was located. He might as well have said to me, “you should go to col-lege on Mars.” Like many high school seniors, I just didn’t know the options available to me.

The first and most important step to securing college opportunities is for a young person to do an excel-lent job as a student. This is a reflection of commit-ment; a student’s willingness to set a high bar and then manifest the perseverance necessary to fulfill and achieve their maximum academic potential. Developing the habits of a good student (focus in class, thoroughness in completing assignments, and diligence in preparing for exams) while cultivating an uncompromising attitude toward not accepting mediocrity from themselves is essential.

This is both a character and conviction issue. Stu-dents who have had stellar character traits engraved on their hearts by both family and caring teaching mentors in a strong, Christ-centered environment have a much greater likelihood of pursuing and achieving noble aspirations.

As students and families turn their attention to the college application process, the focus should be on searching for the best possible fit. “Right Fit” refers to maximizing the combination of factors which will produce a great college experience, including:

• The overall academic strength of the institution along with its prowess in a particular educa-tional field of interest.

• The social and spiritual dynamics and appeal.

• Size and location.

• The cost to benefit ratio, including demonstrat-ed post graduate opportunities and placement.

WHERE DEDICATION AND OPPORTUNITY

AWARENESS CONVERGE

Finding t e Right

College Fit


BY JIM KUNAU, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, SCHOOLS

JIM KUNAU joined the Rancho Christian School team in 2014. For over 20 years, he served as Head Football Coach, teacher, President of the American Leadership Institute and a lead administrator for Orange Lutheran High School in Orange, California. He also served as a professor at Concordia University Irvine, specializing in teaching advanced courses on leadership and ethics.

In addition to numerous athletic accolades and championships (including a California State Football Championship and two CIF Football championships), Jim has helped hundreds of young men and women find their “Best Fit” at colleges and universities across the nation. A brief sampling of those institutions range from Princeton, Harvard, Dartmouth, Army, Navy, Amherst, and Duke on the East Coast to Stanford, UCLA, USC, Oregon, Washington, Chapman, and University of San Diego on the West Coast with schools like Notre Dame, Northwestern, and TCU in between. For him and the staff at Rancho Christian, helping students become University Ready – Life Ready is more than a catchy slogan. It is a passionate commitment from RCS to effectively prepare graduates for fulfilling futures where they can discover and utilize the gifts and opportunities God has given them, including the best possible college fit!

FINDING THE RIGHT COLLEGE FIT AT RANCHO

At Rancho Christian, our students can avail themselves of an education that will prepare them for their best future. Through resources like planned college tours, engaged faculty and personal college counseling, students have the opportunity to become aware of the incredible collegiate possibilities in our country. It is one thing to have a vague notion about Ivy League schools, or universities as diverse as Vanderbilt, Wake Forest, MIT, Amherst, Virginia, Washington and Lee, Notre Dame, Wheaton, TCU, Gonzaga, Stanford, USC, and UCLA, and another to have knowledge of the subtle and not-so-subtle differences among the vast array of college choices out there. Rancho Christian is a special place where young people can obtain the education and information necessary to reach for their proverbial college star!

With regard to college costs, it is vital to bear in mind that parents and potential students should evaluate the expenses of attending a college after they have completed the process of applying for aid and received their final cost breakdown from the given university. It is sometimes the case that the college with the bigger up front ‘sticker price’ ends up being the less expensive option because of an aid package they are able to provide.

Finally, one of the most helpful actions a parent or mentor can take for a student in the college search process is to visit institutions of potential interest. A student will most likely develop a feel for a campus and its offerings during a visit, and be able to either place it at the top of the list in terms of interest or eliminate it from consideration. Both outcomes are enormously helpful in the process of seeking to identify and secure the “Right Fit”! ■

“The teachers and coaches at Rancho Chris-tian definitely prepared me for life at a university. From Socratic discussions and learning how to write college-level papers, to

encouraging me personally to be a leader and pursue my goals, Rancho truly prepared me to be successful at col-lege. My teachers and coaches were on my side, genuinely cared about my future, and rooted me on to success in whatever I did.”

—HUNTER RAUCH, Rancho Class of 2015, Pepperdine University Regents’ Scholar

“I was nervous about what college would be like, but I didn’t need to be. Rancho really prepared me to be a critical thinker and gave

me the skills I need to succeed at TCU. Rancho’s “dreaded” Senior Project has made every college writing and research assignment unintimidating and manageable. The time management skills I learned through juggling my class-es and the many extracurriculars I was in has definitely helped me excel at college.”

—MIKALYA BREWER, Rancho Class of 2015, Texas Christian University RANCHOCHRISTIAN.ORG 7

UNIVERSITY READY—LIFE READY

When traveling around the world, in most cases it is not hard to find someone who speaks En-

glish. Some may use this as a reason (or an excuse) to not take the time to learn a global language. However, through research, specialists have found that the abili-ty to communicate in a different language is only one of the many benefits that come with taking the time to study and learn a global language.

According to the American Council on the Teaching of Global Languages, the positive outcomes of learning

The Benefits of Studying a Global Language

a global language include gaining an understanding and a respect for another culture, as well as the development of study skills that transfer to other academic subjects, which then leads to improved performance in those sub-jects (including English, math, and science). Attaining a good proficiency level in a global language enhances the student’s college prospects and could make the student more marketable in the ever-growing global marketplace.

These benefits are not just for high school students, but also for elementary school students and middle school

ATTAINING A GOOD PROFICIENCY LEVEL IN A FOREIGN LANGUAGE

ENHANCES THE STUDENT’S COLLEGE

PROSPECTS

At Rancho, a Global Language Program is offered at all levels – Kindergarten through High School .


BY CHRIS TIGHE, RCS GLOBAL LANGUAGES SPECIALIST


COUNTRIES RANCHO STUDENTS HAVE VISITED ON ACADEMIC AND SERVICE TRIPS:ETHIOPIA

MEXICO

KENYA

FRANCE

GERMANY

CHINA

ENGLAND

BELGIUM

NETHERLANDS

ABOUT CHRIS TIGHE

Mr. Chris Tighe is the Global Education Specialist at Rancho Christian School and has significant experience in foreign language studies. He is a graduate of the Defense Language Institute in Monterey, California specializing in Chinese Mandarin. He holds a Masters degree in Global Leadership from the University of San Diego where he studied diversity in a global workforce. He received his bachelors degree from Wayland Baptist University in Occupational Education specializing in Chinese Mandarin and took advanced courses at the University of Hawaii in Chinese Mandarin. He has spent over 20 years translating articles from Chinese to English and serving as an interpreter for military, law enforcement and civilian organizations. He is deeply passionate about academic excellence and the building of future leaders. ■

students as well. Younger students who study a global language are more open to learn about other cultures, they have a better chance to learn multiple languages, and it helps them develop their cognitive skills at an earlier age. Additionally, studies have shown a correlation between long-term global language study and higher scores on ACT and SAT tests.

Learning a global language is more than just an elective class at school. It is an opportunity to enhance other areas of one’s life. In addition to gaining the ability to communicate in another language, one can gain greater confidence, problem solving skills, good study habits, a strong work ethic, and an understanding of people from different cultures. ■

GLOBAL LANGUAGES RANCHO STUDENTS SPEAK:KOREAN

JAPANESE

MANDARIN

CANTONESE

GERMAN

FRENCH

SPANISH

NATIVE AMERICAN LANGUAGES

100% of all Rancho s tudents, K -12

have the opportunity to learn aGlobal Language

At Rancho, a Global Language Program is offered at all levels – Kindergarten through High School .

Passion Project


“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.”

DESCRIBE THE BUILDING FROM A CONTRACTORS POINT OF VIEW.

This new campus is one is the most comprehensive, multi-use facilities I've ever built—with 23 classrooms, a gym, a student union center, 4 labs, and a chapel—well situated in the overall structure for an incredible campus flow. The classroom section is well isolated from the other uses pro-viding required security and safety for students.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN RANCHO AND TOVEY/SHULTZ TO MAKE THIS DREAM A REALITY?

The project team, involving Tovey/Shultz and Rancho Community Church and Rancho Christian School has truly been a dream team. Rancho’s construction team worked seamlessly with ours with the additional benefit of a great working relationship with the City of Temec-ula. Tovey/Shultz experienced helpful cooperation and coordination with church staff and facility departments throughout the course of construction. This project has been a great pleasure for me personally.

WHY ARE YOU EXCITED TO HAVE PARTICIPATED IN THIS PROJECT?

It is exciting to build something that will be used every day to advance the cause of Christ, teach the good news of God’s grace, do good for the community, and equip thou-sands of young men and women to impact the world for good. The longevity of this building will provide a con-tinuing environment for these purposes for decades and perhaps a century or more.

WHAT WOULD BE YOUR PRAYER FOR THE STUDENTS WHO ARE EDUCATED ON THIS CAMPUS?

Our prayer for the students at Rancho Christian is that their experience with God would be authentic and life giving. We pray that each staff and faculty member would influence each generation of students with authentic Christ-like love and give them exceptional education that prepares them for a bright future.

IS THERE SOMETHING ABOUT THE CAMPUS THAT YOU ARE EXCITED TO DELIVER TO THE STUDENTS?

My favorite spaces in the project are the gathering plac-es such as the fountain, the courtyard, the gym, and the student union center. Fond memories are created as students spend good times with their friends while participating in the events that shape their lives. These young people will take the faith that is strengthened here and carry it through to their future families and careers.

IS THERE 1 STORY THAT ENCAPSULATES THE HEART OF THIS PROJECT?

Locally, Rancho Community Church and Rancho Christian School is well known and the community truly sees this church as Jesus described it; “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.” This fact was evident in our relationship with the City of Temecula and with all the consultants and subcontractors on the job. This project exuded ‘respect’ in the community, which is very well deserved.

WHAT IS YOUR IMPRESSION OF THE VISION OF RANCHO CHRISTIAN?

Being involved in the project gave me the opportuni-ty to get to know the vision of Rancho Community Church and Rancho Christian School. It is refreshing to see such a wide range of age groups that are function-ing very well together on site and in the community. As churches age they must continue to embrace the next generation and guide them to the place that the Lord is leading. I see momentum here. Like a flywheel turning, you can’t stop it. God’s love is widespread among all the generations here at Rancho. ■

Passion ProjectKEVIN TERRY KNEW WHEN HIS CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, TOVEY/SHULTZ, WAS SELECTED BY RANCHO TO PREPARE FOR THEIR NEXT PHASE OF GROWTH, HE WAS TAKING ON MUCH MORE THAN THE BUILDING OF A NEW 226,000 SQUARE FOOT FACILITY; HE WAS HELPING TO BUILD A COMMUNITY. WE SAT DOWN WITH KEVIN AND ASKED HIM HOW THIS PARTICULAR PROJECT IMPACTED HIM AND HIS TEAM.

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Deanna Choi“...IT WAS ONE OF THE MOST IMPRESSIVE EXPERIENCES IN MY LIFE TO SHARE DIFFERENT CULTURES AND FIND SIMILARITIES AMONG THE DIFFERENCES...”

STUDENT FOCUS

A relative “newbie” to the Rancho family, Deanna Choi has had the opportunity to learn more in her

three years at Rancho Christian than most students get to do in their entire educational career.

A first generation American student, she thoroughly enjoys the academic rigor at Rancho Christian. When pressed, she has a difficult time picking her favorite class, which is understandable for a student who enjoys her time in science and robotics as much as her design time in Photoshop or in the art studio. But, it’s her most challenging class that she says means the most to her. Her English courses, she says, have given her the most trouble, “not only because it is my second language, but sometimes literature requires cultural based knowledge that causes me to struggle the most. However, the more challenging it is, the greater sense of accomplishment I feel.”

As with a number of her talented peers, Deanna has ful-ly taken advantage of the wide variety of artistic courses available to Rancho students: Photoshop, Studio Art I and Studio Art II. Deanna’s natural gifts have flourished under the instruction of world-renowned artist Ron Di-Cianni who serves as art teacher and head of the Arts Department at Rancho Christian. “It is not often that a student possesses the capability to work from both sides of the brain. Deanna is such a student. In her work, she uses creativity combined with intelligence and the re-sults have been exemplary.”

Deanna explains that it is Rancho’s commitment to diversity and cultural awareness that drew her to the school in the first place. She says it’s the unique nature

of the student body that really makes Rancho totally dif-ferent than other schools.

“During my sophomore and junior years, I met friends who are from various countries: Japan, China, Thailand, Vietnam, Mexico and Chile. It was one of the most im-pressive experiences in my life to share different cul-tures and find similarities among the differences. I have attained a different and wider perspective to view other cultures, and I am now willing to experience more vari-ety without any bias or judgemental thoughts.”

Although she enjoys the academic competitions she has been a part of, Deanna also enjoys supporting her friends on Eagle athletic teams. She says it helps her feel like she is part of a big community. Her thoughts on the impact of her teachers produces the same heartfelt passion for community. “I love the teachers at Rancho. They not only are good teachers, but also care about the students. I will never forget all the teachers who have taught me. Rancho is not just a school that is titled as a "Christian school" but one that sincerely conveys faith in God through its people.”

INTRICATE DETAILS, LIKE THIS GIRL'S BLUE EYES, ARE A HALLMARK OF DEANNA’S ARTWORK (RIGHT)

A FOCUS ON DEANNA

Deanna ChoiNathan Vaniman has seen a lot of growth at Rancho

Christian in his 13 years as a student. As an inquis-itive, active and service-minded student, it is the mul-tiple activities that Rancho offers, and the opportunity for leadership that he most enjoys about his high school.

Since joining the high school Robot-ics team as just an 8th grader, Nathan has had the oppor-tunity to be a part of the inaugural seasons of Team Bullseye, Rancho Christian High School’s FIRST robotics team. He has run on both the Varsity Cross Country and Var-sity Track and Field teams. Nathan is also an inte-gral volunteer at Rancho’s Farm–a working produce farm where all the produce grown goes to feed local families in need. In his “spare time” he also serves on the church and school tech team, assisting with the audio and lighting for performances, chapels, meetings and assemblies.

For a strong academic like Nathan, the hardest part about being a student isn’t the course load or the daily homework. It isn’t even the time management of all his interests and activities. “The hardest thing” he says, “is deciding which activities to participate in because there are so many options. The coaches and teachers try to be flexible and allow students to participate in many things at the same time.”

Nathan also enjoys sharing his passion for engineer-ing and robotics with younger students, serving as a mentor and counselor in “Mindstorm Masters,” Rancho Christian’s FIRST Lego League Team, and also at STEM camp. He sees these as opportunities to pay forward the mentoring and guidance he has received in his time at Rancho. “I like being able to share with younger students my talents, just like so many mentors have shared with me.” His mentor-ship of younger students isn’t without a small de-gree of good natured envy, though. “I am jealous of someone who is currently in elementary school be-

“THE HARDEST THING IS DECIDING WHICH ACTIVITIES TO PARTICIPATE IN BECAUSE THERE ARE SO MANY OPTIONS.”

Nathan Vaniman

STUDENT FOCUS

cause they get to experience the new campus for their whole middle and high school years.”

Nathan’s investigative mind has lead him to pursue a degree in the field of engineering. While uncertain of exactly what area of engineering, or even where he would like to study (he says he’ll have a better idea after his summer internship at MIT this year), it’s clear that his passion for learning and making the world a better place will no doubt combine into something wonderful.


A FOCUS ON NATHAN


Emma Baker“...THE FACT THAT I CAN GO TO ANY ONE OF MY TEACHERS AT ANY TIME WITH A PROBLEM, AND ASK THEM TO PRAY WITH ME, SETS OUR SCHOOL APART.”

Emma Baker has been a student at Rancho Christian since Kindergarten, and has seen the growth of her

school first hand. Currently a sophomore, she has great perspective on her experiences as a Rancho Eagle. With the opening of the new Middle and High School cam-pus, she is excited to be a part of the next phase of Ran-cho’s history.

While Emma may be best known as the “girl kicker” with a perfect PAT record in 2015, on the Rancho Chris-tian Varsity football team, with her blonde braid peak-ing out of her navy helmet and her signature pink socks, she truly defines what it means to be a Rancho Eagle as a three sport athlete (football, volleyball and soccer) and a great student in the classroom.

Emma attributes a great deal of her success to her teach-ers at Rancho. Having been a Rancho Eagle for over 10 years, she says “I know they are here to help prepare me for the future. They know who I am, including my strengths and weaknesses. They know what I can ac-complish and they know how to push me. The fact that I can go to any one of my teachers at any time with a problem, and ask them to pray with me, sets our school apart.”

And of course, her friends have always been a big part of her life. “There is a group of us that have been togeth-er since kindergarten, and they are some of my closest friends. We have experienced life together.” She adds, “We are like a big family. I know everyone in our school. We care about each other.”

This extends to the signature Rancho High School expe-rience, the Annual High School Retreat. Emma shares, “The Annual Fall Retreat is something I look forward to. It is a time when we grow together as a whole school outside the classroom.” Held each year, off campus for three days, students from grades 9-12 come together to playfully compete in class “competitions”, enjoy inspir-ing worship, and participate in memorable bonding ac-tivities. After this time together, students are energized and ready to take on the year’s challenges.

In the true spirit of a well-rounded education, when not on the court or on the field, Emma enjoys watching her classmates explore their talents in Rancho’s theater pro-ductions. “They are funny and well thought out. I en-joy watching people I know perform and have fun with something they really like.”

Emma hopes to continue her athletic and academic en-deavors in college, and she’ll do so with the enthusiastic encouragement of her Rancho family. “Rancho is pre-paring me for the future. Our teachers are here to help me make my dreams come true, all with a Christ-cen-tered foundation.”

The best part of Emma’s experience is that it is not unique. Each and every Rancho Christian student is encouraged to get involved in multiple activities at ev-ery level. It’s only through participation and exploration that we believe our students can discover the path the Lord has for them. ■

STUDENT FOCUS

A FOCUS ON EMMA

THE TREASURE TREE by John TrentThis creative and fun book teaches children about personality traits and how to respect and appreciate each individual for who they are.

THE ADAM RACCOON SERIES by Glen KeaneThese seven books teach parables to children based on Biblical truth.

BIG AL by Andrew ClementsThis beautifully illustrated book teaches children not to judge by appearance.

THE KISSING HAND by Audrey Penn

This book helps children deal with separation from their parent(s) as they start school, giving them reassurance of their love anytime the child’s world feels a little scary.

OH THE PLACES YOU’LL GO by Dr. SeussThis imaginative book, written in classic Dr. Seuss style, helps children to see all the possibilities for the future.

THE LITTLE ENGINE THAT COULD by Watty PiperThis well-loved classic tale encourages children to keep on trying no matter what obstacles are in their path.

THIS YEAR, Rancho Christian Preschool celebrates 36 years of early education excellence in the Temecula Valley. With a combined 222 years of teaching experience, our teachers are living examples of serving as Jesus’ hands and feet with our children. Graduates of Rancho Christian Preschool are prepared for the next step in the educational journey and confident in their future. Young lives full of potential are nurtured, challenged and loved.

With half and full day programs for ages 2-5, Rancho has the right mix of lively educational preparation, creative developmental experiences, and building blocks for strong Christian character.

Mrs. Mindy Silberman serves as the Director of Rancho Christian Preschool, and has extensive experience in early childhood education.

She is enthusiastic, a devoted educator, and thrilled at the daily opportunity to share Christ’s love with the littlest of His children. Mrs. Silberman brings an inspiring vision for 21st century education and care that builds on the Christ-centered school traditions that have led the way in private education in the valley for years.

BY MINDY SILBERMAN, PRESCHOOL DIRECTOR

BROWN BEAR, BROWN BEAR by Bill Martin, Jr. This children’s picture book was designed to help toddlers associate colors and meanings to objects.

THE NAPPING HOUSE by Audrey WoodsThe repetitive phrases are for beginning readers and capture the attention of the children as the story restates all of the action from page to page.

PETE THE CAT BOOK SERIES by Eric LitwinChildren love to follow this beloved cat on many adventures with text set to music. This will quickly become a family favorite.

BLUEBERRIES FOR SAL by Robert McCloskeyThis is a wonderful book that brings you back to a simpler time as Sal and Little Bear go berry picking with their mother and mistakenly end up following the wrong mother.

THE HUNGRY CATERPILLAR by Eric CarleThis is a tale of a caterpillar who eats his way through the days of the week and then changes into a beautiful butterfly. The perfect story for Spring.

CAPS FOR SALE by Esphyr SlobodkinaIn print for over 50 years and loved by generations of readers, this story is about a peddler and some monkeys and some monkey business.

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Better Together



Students enthusiastical-ly sing their math facts

in Mr. Shultz’s third grade class while next door Mrs. DeRusha’s class listens carefully as she gives in-structions for the project they are about to begin. Each classroom is orderly and filled with attentive students actively engaged in the process of learning. While their methods may differ slightly, one thing is certain, every third grade student at Rancho Christian Elementary School is ben-efiting from the dynamic teaching partnership of Erin DeRusha and Justin Shultz.

When Mr. Shultz moved into his classroom in the summer of 2014 he was nervous. This was his first full time teaching position. For-tunately for him, he had been as-signed to third grade and would be partnered with a veteran teacher ready to undertake the challenge of helping a new teacher succeed.

In the classroom next door, Mrs. DeRusha had quickly agreed to take her co-worker under her wing and was looking forward to sharing the tips and tricks she’d learned over her thirteen years as a third grade teacher. She didn’t realize at the time that she would be learning just as much from the “rookie” teacher as he was learning from her.

While she mentored him on classroom management and successful lesson planning, he brought fresh ideas for tech-nology integration and an en-thusiasm to try new things. “Sometimes I would have to say, hold on, these are great ideas but you can’t do them all at once,” says DeRusha laugh-ing about the “sometimes over-

whelming” enthusiasm of her partner. Shultz chuckles too as he looks back at those first few months, “I wanted to do a lot, but I really didn’t have a full plan for how I

What happens when two teachers, each with their own style, are tasked with teaching the same curriculum while

still staying true to their strengths? The situation is a common one found at schools across the country.

Two 3rd grade teachers at Rancho Christian School have found a successful

recipe of friendship, mutual respect and competition to

tackle the issue.

MR. SHULTZ LOOKS FOR HANDS IN THE AIR FROM STUDENTS ANXIOUS TO ANSWER QUESTIONS


would do it. It was great to have someone saying, this is great, but how exactly are you going to do that.”

Neither DeRusha or Shultz can say when their relation-ship changed from one of mentoring to that of partners, but they both agree it grew through the realization that they had built a mutual respect for the other. Not sur-prisingly, both DeRusha and Shultz credit the other for the success of their partnership and explain it ultimately is based on their shared love for teaching and their stu-dents.

“Third grade is a huge year and success in third grade is cru-cial,” explains DeRusha. “What is critical to us is that our stu-dents end the year equally pre-pared and ready for the chal-lenges of fourth grade.” She’s right. Research shows a direct link between third grade suc-cess and future achievement. Equally important is the prov-en correlation between effec-tive caring teachers and the long term advantages their students' experience for years to come.

While studies focus on stu-dents’ scholarly achievement, DeRusha and Shultz aren’t

satisfied with merely teaching academics. They strive to en-able students to find and develop God’s gifts, calling, and purpose for each of their lives. Regardless of which third grade classroom you find yourself in, one thing is certain, students are learning the grace and love of Christ through the example of an exceptional teacher. A teacher who consid-ers themselves and their students blessed by a very special teaching partnership. ■

MRS. ERIN DERUSHA REVIEWS MATH HOMEWORK WITH HER 3RD GRADE STUDENTS

MRS. DERUSHA AND MR. SHULTZ USE APPLE TECHNOLOGY TO COLLABORATE ON FUTURE LESSONS

I wanted to do a lot, but I really didn’t have a full plan for how I

would do it. It was great to have someone saying, this is great, but how exactly are you going to do that.”

–Mr. Shultz


I read this recently, and immediately thought about the implications of this on today’s educational climate. Attaining knowledge will always be a key part

of academic life, but in today’s reality, thinking, creativity, collaboration, and ethics are arguably more important factors in a student’s future success. The ability to problem solve, to create, to envision, and to accomplish great things in collaborative teams – with the solid foundation of integrity, honor, and respect – will ensure a child is University Ready–Life Ready.

So imagine this kind of rich, creative, relationship-saturated learning environment. Imagine a school where unconditional grace meets exceptional education; a place where every child is valued, known, cared for, and personally guided through his or her young life and academic journey. Imagine the wide-open future of success and influence that can be realized because your child is prepared in a personalized way.

Rancho Christian is such a school.

Leffert, Benson, & Roehlkepartain of Search Institute determined the critical success factors in a child’s education:

• A caring school climate• Parental involvement in schooling• Clear, values-driven expectations for each student• High standards from faculty

This supportive culture of care and exceptionalism at Rancho Christian is founded upon biblical principles, which includes the value of every child being made in the image of God with unlimited potential to shape this world by God’s unlimited grace at work in their lives. This vision is fueled by caring, experienced faculty, courses and programs crafted to develop both proficiency and character, and small class sizes, which research shows is a key determiner of academic and social success.

Additionally, our newly expanded campus provides a high quality, safe learning environment built to support an engaging, technology-infused classroom experience, healthy social connections and offers creative and collaborative space, and dedicated facilities for the arts, athletics, and advanced coursework.

I invite you to explore all that Rancho Christian will offer your child and your family.

“Google knows everything”

SCOTT TREADWAY

President Rancho Christian School

7

Percentage of Rancho student entries that received TOP AWARDS AT THE ACSI ART FESTIVAL BIBLES gifted

to kindergarten graduates since 1994

20%Square feet of dedicated LEARNING SPACE

10,000Square foot STUDENT UNION

Percentage of all K-12 students are involved in SERVICE PROJECTS

7,800SQUARE FEET OF CAMPUS SPACE dedicated to STEM

1,215

75%Percentage of students who exceed the required 60 HOURS OF COMMUNITY SERVICE

School wide ACADEMIC competition teams

262,000 1 The only school-based SATELLITE TRACKING PROGRAM in Southern California.

SHOWS in Rancho’s Performing Arts Season

10 100% 100%of teachers using COMPUTERS or MOBILE DEVICES in classrooms

ENROLLMENT of students from around the globe

100%Percentage of our students have the opportunity to learn a GLOBAL LANGUAGE

1000 0011 11 00 11 0 1 000001 11101011000 0011 11 00 11 0 1 000001 11101011000 0011

100,000 LINES OF COMPUTER CODE written by Rancho students during International Hour of Code Week

Hours of COMPUTER CODING900

by Rancho Students during International Hour of Code Week

Average Number of ENRICHMENT CLASSES offered every 6 weeks to Elementary Students

6

92%

Percentage of varsity sports went to PLAYOFFS in the last year82%

80%Percentage of all 6-12 students who are involved in an OUT OF CLASSROOM CLUB, SPORT, OR ACTIVITY

1st CIF Boys Basketball Championship in history of Temecula Valley (earned by Rancho Christian Varsity Basketball Team)

150150 Easter Baskets collected in 2016 by Elementary students for Community Mission of Hope

Middle and High School SPORTS TEAMS

25

1981year that Rancho Christian Preschool founded as Sonshine Preschool

Rancho Community ChurchRancho Christian School 31300 Rancho Community WayTemecula, CA 92592

RANCHO CHRISTIAN SCHOOL IS A MODEL OF EXCEPTIONALISM, CENTERED ON THE GRACE AND TRUTH OF JESUS CHRIST. WE CULTIVATE A SAFE AND POSITIVE ENVIRONMENT WHERE STUDENTS JOURNEY THROUGH A COMPREHENSIVE, PREMIER EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCE. GRADUATES WILL TRANSFORM THEIR COMMUNITIES, OUR NATION, AND THE WORLD.

rancho christian magazine spring/summer 2016

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