Steadfast FutureA message from Andrea DeYoung, SCS Board President

As we celebrate 65 years of Watson Groen

and Shoreline Christian School this year, we began with gratitude. Acknowledging the staff, students and families who have come before us and made this place what it is today. But our Gala in September was only a pause to catch our breath before turning toward the next 65 years. In the words of Danish philosopher Soren Kierkegaard, “Life can only be under-stood backwards, but lived forwards.”

The school is debt free, we have resources to help build our future, and we are positioned in a city that is expected to double in size over the next ten years. Our school was built to be a community of learners and parents of learners. While we have done well with our student learners, we recognize the challenge of connecting an ever growing and diverse ecosystem. To that end, the School Board has a new, streamlined structure so that it can focus on connecting parents with each other and the school. Finally, we are blessed with a staff willing to take on the challenge of educating a generation that has never known a world without the Internet and social media, forced to discern Truth within the deluge of information that comes at them like water through a fire hose.

We have already begun work on a number of projects this year that will have a lasting impact for years to come:

Technology: The addition of Rachel Burke to our staff of specialists, focusing on technology integration. She will help our staff leverage technology in their classrooms, and also oversee the eventual remodeling of our computer lab into an interactive technology space.

High School Culture: We have engaged pastor and church planter Jim Fox to lead an in-depth study of our high school culture and community, how do we build connections in a digital age? We have

received Jim’s initial report, and are processing it’s contents and his recommendations now.

Weight Room: There are plans for a new weight room facility attached to our playfield (currently where the sand pit is located). It will be larger than the current space, and feature garage doors that open onto the playfield - think crossfit gym.

Music Classroom Expansion: The space above the gym which currently houses the weight room will be incorporated into a remodel of our music room thanks to a generous estate donation.

Storage: The space next to the gym which used to house two storage containers will be filled with a new storage building to house all the PE/Athletic equipment outside the gym floor plan.

Administrator: After 30 years of the current administration, the school board and administrative team have begun processing what the future administration of the school will look like as Tim steps out of this role at the end of the school year.

At the 65th Anniversary Gala, junior Eesaia Filbrun reminded us “the future of this community belongs not just to you and me, but also to all of the students and faculty yet to come.” As we move into the next 65 years of Shoreline Christian, we remember that we are all--past, present and future-- linked together in this community.

So how will you make a difference at SCS? Whether you are a regular giver, or a first time donor, in the midst of celebrating 65 years—and 65 more!—we continue to need your support this year. Not because our school is struggling, not because we have debts to pay, but because God is good and steadfast and calls us to be part of His story through this community.

Shoreline Christian School Presidential Report 2017-18: 65th Anniversary Edition

Quick Facts about Admissions

• 81% of our families re-enrolled from

last year to this year• 38 new families adding 52 new students enrolled• 212 students surpassing our budgeted goal

Standards of ExcellenceLast year, the Education Committee studied the use of technology in our classrooms K-12, which led to hiring a new Technology Integration Teacher responsible for teaching students and assisting faculty in the area of computers and technology.

They also approved the Middle School Concept - moving sixth grade from elementary to middle school (6th -8th grades).

This year they plan to study student connectedness, develop a plan for a pre-k program, and evaluate our math curriculum. Their desire is to continue to recommend balanced offerings based on our school mission, state standards, college expectations, student interest, faculty expertise and interest, and school capabilities.

Math Curriculum

We asked 4th grader, Nathan, what they thought about math:

Do you like math?“A lot! Sometimes I get to help people. I like division and multiplication. [We did some] Algebra - it’s not that hard...we basically just had to subtract to find the answer so it wasn’t that hard.”

What do you think math teaches us about God’s character? “Infinity - God’s love is never stopping and he always loves us and is always there for us...no matter how much we add there’s still going to be more to add.”

Campus ImprovementsThe capital improvement fund along with generous donations has been used to tackle various projects and improvements around campus. Including: • New roof for secondary building• Painting hallways and three classrooms in secondary

Upcoming projects:• Building an equipment storage shed• Building a weight room facility• Remodel the secondary music classroom

Middle School Success

We asked Middle School Teacher, Kori Tjoelker, how it’s going in the newly formed middle school:

For the first time, we welcomed the 6th grade students this year into the secondary building as part of our new middle school program. Our biggest goal for creation of a middle school was to design an intentional community where kids can thrive as the unique learners

God created them to be. We followed the nationwide middle school model of 6-8th graders learning and growing together. While classes continue as normal, we’ve infused the program with opportunities for middle school community. We started the year with an overnight middle school camp where students participated in team building activities and got to know each other better off campus. We’re seeing community being fostered in the hallways and in middle school athletics, as well as in the classrooms. As we continue to develop the middle school program, we are excited about new things like middle school chapels, student-lead activities, service possibilities, and more opportunities for our students to collaborate outside the classroom.

Pre-K Development

Amy Hart, our new preschool director, shares her thoughts on Pre-K:

When I first arrived at SCS in June, I was given the opportunity to explore the idea of a Pre-Kindergarten program at Shoreline. I soon realized that this was not the first time our school has considered this

idea. Twice before previous directors had started on the same journey but made the de-cision not to proceed. As I mulled it over and have considered my research on the idea, I have found it to be an adventurous opportunity for myself and preschool program at SCS.

A pre-kindergarten program is the perfect way to bridge the gap, figuratively and literally, between preschool and elementary school. Our preschool is far enough from the rest of the campus that we don’t have daily opportunities to experience a Christian School environment. We cannot visualize the larger community when we are down the hill, so we will now have a presence in the elementary building, a chance for parents and children alike to experience the everyday comradery, love, grace and community that a Christian school offers. I will have a better chance to bring the excitement of big school to little children. The whole point is to get more families engaged with the whole school, and therefore bring more families closer to the Lord.

NON-PROFIT ORG.US POSTAGE

PAIDPERMIT NO. 841

SEATTLE, WA 98155

2400 NE 147th St Shoreline, WA 98155

Ways to Donate:

1. Mail a check: 2400 NE 147th St Shoreline, WA 98155

2. Call Tassie DeMoney, Director of Development,206.364.7777

3. Donate online visit: www.shorelinechristian.org

Our mission:Shoreline Christian School works in partnership with Christian families and their church to challenge students in preschool through high school:

•To celebrate that all of creation belongs to God•To respond to God by developing their unique gifts and abilities.•To live as dynamic and transforming influences for the glory of God

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

You have the ability to make a difference in our students’ future.Please give boldly to Shoreline Christian School’s Annual Fund today.

Shoreline ChriStian SChool PreSidential rePort

2017-18

SteadfastPast • Present • Future

Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord,

knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:58