Northwest Christian School

“Where FAITH and EXCELLENCE

are Inseparable”

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Northwest Christian School

Summer Athletic Camps

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Northwest Christian School provides five

opportunities for your child to learn more

about a sport they love.

For more information, please contact

Debbie Franz in the Athletic Office.

602-978-5134 X127

DFranz@ncsaz.org

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Dates and Events

School Year At A Glance
2011-12 NCS School Calendar

2012-13 NCS School Calendar

Current Week

5/14/12 Mon	-TRIP Orders Due by 8:00 a.m. -8th Grade Finals -Senior Finals -Jr. Crusader Volleyball (10-12) 3:15-5:00p.m. -HS Choir Concert @ Palmcroft 7:00-9:00 p.m.
5/15/12 Tue	-8th Grade Finals -Senior Finals -HS Voice Lessons 3:00-6:00 p.m. Rm. 105 -HS Chapel Band Practice 6:00-9:00 Room 105 -ASAP Mini Christian Warriors -HSTRACK Awards - NCS Gym 6:00-9:00 p.m.
5/16/12 Wed	-Moms In Touch 8:00-9:00 a.m. C-102 -8th Grade Finals -Senior Finals -Kindergarten Wild-Wet Wednesday -EL 1st-3rd Chapel 12:00-12:30 p.m. NCS -EL 4th-5th Chapel 12:50-1:20 p.m. NCS -Jr. Crusader Flag Football (8-10) -Jr. Crusader Flag Football (11-13) -Jr. Crusader Volleyball (7-9) -Jr. Crusader Volleyball (10-12) -Jr. Crusader Basketball (6-7) -HS Cheer Tryouts - NCS Gym 4:30-6:00 Clinic/Tryouts Immediately Following Clinic
5/17/12 Thu	-8th Grade Finals -Senior Finals -HS Voice Lessons 3:00-6:00 p.m. Rm. 105 -ASAP Mini Art -ASAP Mathletes 1st-8th -4th-6th Band Concert 6th-8th Choir Concert 7:00-9:00 p.m. NCS Gym
5/18/12 Fri	-TRIP Orders Ready for Pickup -8th Grade Finals -Senior Finals Tour. - TBA
5/19/12 Sat

Mark_Rine.jpgOn Friday, February 24th, middle school science teacher Mark Rine was surprised by a Channel 3 news crew in his classroom as he learned that he was one of eight teachers in the Phoenix metro area to win the 3TV Silver Apple Award for the 2011/2012 school year. Rine had been nominated for the award by 8th grade student Drew Innness who gives the teacher credit for being "one of his favorite teachers ever". Middle school principal Samantha Maszton kept the win under wraps for over a week after initially receiving the congratulatory call from the television station. "Mark is amazing," she explained. "He is generally one of the very first people on the campus in the morning and he works incredibly hard to make certain that his science lessons are impactful for his students. He has a warm, wonderful sense of humor that his students love and the activities in his class keep students engaged and enthusiastic."

Congratulations, Mr. Rine!Middle School Teacher Mark Rine Honored with a Silver Apple Award - Hard-working teacher makes science excitingLoredo_Apple_Winner_030912.jpgFor the second time in a month, an NCS science teacher has been recognized for merit by the Phoenix media. In the March 2012 issue of "Images AZ", a magazine which serves the communities of the north valley, high school science teacher Dee Dee Loredo was honored with a "Apple Award" for excellence in education. Images AZ writer Christmann Larson wrote of LorLoredo Award Winneredo: "She makes learning interesting and fun, but she also sees her role as expanding beyond the textbook. She encourages students to open new doors for themselves, to explore their options and take a look at opportunities. Their eyes are opened to a new possibility that excites and propels them into a future they're enthusiastic to embrace." Loredo, who teaches Biology and serves as the science department chair, was also celebrated for her inventive and popular science elective: Forensics.

As mentioned within the last edition of the Spotlight, the recognition was the second for NCS teachers within a month: On Friday, February 24th, middle school science teacher Mark Rine was surprised by a Channel 3 news crew in his classroom as he learned that he was one of eight teachers in the Phoenix metro area to win the 3TV Silver Apple Award for the 2011/2012 school year.

High School Science Teacher Earns Apple Award - Dee Dee Loredo honored by Images AZ magazinegrammar-bowl.jpgNCS wishes to congratulate four middle schoolers who have qualified as finalists within the statewide Grammar Bowl competition: Brittany Schmertmann, Megan Kennedy, Madison Fagerlie, and George Brown.

From the recent press release: One hundred and eighteen students recently qualified for the regional round of the Arizona EGUMPP Grammar Bowl. The academic competition for eighth and ninth graders focuses on grammar concepts and terminology and offers students an opportunity to win scholarships, prizes and a trip to Washington, D.C. during the final competition at Grand Canyon University in April. To qualify for Regionals, students were required to earn a final score of 90 percent or higher on 20 online lessons and an extensive mastery test. The average time to complete the lessons and test was 15 hours. Regionals will be held from Feb. 20-24 and consist of an online test with the top-scoring contestants advancing to the Semi-Finals. "We're very pleased with the participation in the second annual Arizona Grammar Bowl, which has more than tripled since our inaugural event last year," said Bob Safran, president of Safran Publishing Company and creator of the Arizona Grammar Bowl. "Not only have these students progressed toward the Finals at GCU Arena, but they have gained valuable grammar knowledge that will last a lifetime." The Semi-Finals will consist of a written test held at the Arizona State Capitol on March 24. The top 24 scorers will then advance to the Finals at Grand Canyon University Arena on April 14. The Finals will be an exciting live event featuring individual elimination rounds, a redemption or reduction round (based on the number of remaining contestants), head-to-head competition rounds and a championship round with the two final contestants.

Valley schools with Regional finalists include: Alhambra Traditional School, Arizona School for the Arts, BASIS Chandler, Bogle Junior High School, Bourgade Catholic High School, Brophy College Preparatory, Carl Hayden High School, Chandler High School, Chaparral High School, Cheyenne Traditional School, Christ the King Catholic School, Desert Meadows, Desert Ridge High School, Foothills Academy College Preparatory, Gilbert Classical Academy, L. Thomas Heck Middle School, Mesquite High School, Northwest Christian School, Phoenix Country Day School, RSD Charter High School, Self Development Charter School, Seton Catholic Preparatory School, St. Mary-Basha Catholic, Tesseract, The Odyssey Preparatory Academy, Trailside Point School, Tri-City Christian Academy, Verrado Middle School, Western Sky Middle School and Wigwam Creek Middle School. Other Arizona schools represented in Regionals include: BASIS Oro Valley, Carden of Tucson, La Cima Middle School, ORME, Pinon Accelerated Middle School, Pinon High School, Sonoran Science Academy - Broadway, University High School and Veritas Christian Community School.

For additional information, visit www.grammarbowl.com. NCS Middle Schoolers Advance to Regionals in Grammar Bowl - Four students among 118 finalists statewideFCC_Nationals_Logo.jpgCongratulations to the NCS cheer squad for capturing their first national title at the Fellowship of Christian Cheerleading competitions in Florida this past week! The team did extremely well across the board. In addition to capturing the title for "Large Varsity Cheer", the pom team captured first place and the cheer squad also won honors for "Best Tumbling", "Best Stunts", and "Best Jumps". Aubrey Ingram won first for freshman/sophomore individual and Maryssa Thomas took first for junior/senior individual. In the latter category, Marina Conrad also captured second place. Congratulations also go out to varsity cheer coach Jana Conrad who was selected as 2012 FCC Coach of the Year.

Cheer Team Wins National FCC Title - 'Fellowship of Christian Cheerleading' competitions held at Walt Disney World in OrlandoCasey_Jahn_Player_of_the_Year_Pic.jpgIt was an amazing fall sports season and, after all the dust has settled, the school is thanking the Lord for an additional volleyball state championship banner to be hung in the Don Sanderson gymnasium and numerous honors and college scholarships afforded to NCS athletes.

Senior Casey Jahn became the state's all-time leading rusher for 11-man football and he became The Arizona Republic's Small Schools (Divisions IV-VI) Player of the Year. As well, he was named The Arizona Republic's West Valley Player of the Year and one of five Arizona athletes nominated for the prestigous Ed Doherty Arizona High School Football Player of the Year award.

Division V coaches also named named the following Crusaders to their All-State teams:
Offense, first team: Casey Jahn, Blake Thomas, Jeff Kortman, and Michael Costello. Offense, second team: Johnnie Lewis, Orbi Gonzales, and Dean Shipp. Offense, third team: Will Gerard, Chandler Maszton, and James Walworth. Defense, 1st team: Jeff Kortman, Hayden Anderson, Trevor Osborne, and Isaac Vogt. Defense, second team: James Mosbrucker, Will Gades, Quentin Molina, and Andrew Rivera. Defense, third team: Sammy Serwa.

Girls varsity volleyball coach Beth Lemke was named small schools girls volleyball coach of the the year after leading the team to a 28-10 record for the 2011 season and its second consecutive state championship. From her team, Briana Procunier, Alexis Patterson, and Kaylee Eubank were named to the AIA's Division IV All-State team. Amy Holtfrerich and Jaci Horwood received All-State honorable mentions.

Senior Crusader quarterback Orbi Gonzales signed in December to play football for Trinity International University in Deerfield, IL. A solid spiritual leader on the NCS campus, his teachers and coaches are excited to see how he contributes at TIU both on and off the field.

In addition, two NCS alumni recently received scholarships to play at the college level. After a season of football at Phoenix College, 2011 NCS grad Travis Linser committed to Division 1 Eastern Michigan University where he will have three years of eligibility remaining. Linser was one of the top lineman for the Phoenix College Bears this year. 2011 grad Jesse Gerkey has just signed with the Arizona Christian University soccer program. Both Travis and Jesse were phenomenal spiritual leaders in their respective sports while at Northwest Christian.

NCS Athletes Earn All-State Distinctions, College Scholarships - Casey Jahn, coach Beth Lemke, and others provide strong testimonies after stellar seasons Fagerlie_and_Ehlers.JPGAnnually, the VFW sponsors a patriotic essay contest, called the "Patriot's Pen", and the theme for 2011's contest was, "Are you proud of your country?" Under the direction of Lisa Ehlers, six middle school students placed within the competition for VFW Post 1433: Madison Fagerlie, Megan Arena, Katie Krause, Julisa Carrizosa, Breanna Van Raalte, and Moragan Elkin. Madison Fagerlie's essay, titled "Blessed", finished first for VFW 1433 and went on to win the regional contest as well. Now, Madison's essay is up for judging at the state level and may ultimately qualify for a chance at the national level.

"I called my essay 'Blessed'," says Madison. "We sing 'God Bless America', but I wanted the readers to understand that we are blessed. God has already done so much to bless America."

8th Grader Madison Fagerlie Wins Regional VFW Patriotic Essay Contest - Six students place within local competition, one prepares for state level competitionCrusader_Chess_Team_compressed_pic_100611.jpgThe NCS Crusader Chess team participated in the Fall Classic chess tournament on September 24th and did very well. The K-6 under 700 team made up of Kaleb Morrow, Christine Dubas, Jordan Ehlers, Hayden Pallanich, Jeremy Proch, and James Furnia finished second place in that tournament division with 9 team points. The first place team also finished with 9 points, but beat out the NCS team with tie breaker points. Luke Greenan finished 5th in the Open division with 2 points. Theo Greenan finished with 2 points in the K-3 under 600 division. Kaleb Morrow led all individual scorers with 3 points.

Separately, on the next Saturday (October 1st), Jeremy Proch was the sole NCS participant in the Twister tournament in Chandler and took an individual first place in the K-6 under 700 division. This is quite an accomplishment for this 3rd grader in a division primarily made up of 4th through 6th graders.

"I've been a part of school chess for many years," says superintendent Geoff Brown. "It is one of many different barometers that I monitor to gauge the academic strength of a school. But, I've never seen a team become so dominant so quickly. We have some amazing young people on this team who are very dedicated. I also give a good amount of the credit the coaches, including Kelvin Morrow."

Crusader Chess Team Takes Second in Fall Classic - Crusader Chess Team 100611In only its 2nd year, the team is very competitive Rob_Bair_NCS_Baseball.jpg"This guy loves Christ. He loves kids. He loves to compete," says NCS athletic director David Inness of the school's choice for varsity baseball coach. "And, he loves to teach." With significant experience playing, coaching, and teaching, Rod Bair is well positioned to move the school's baseball program forward alongside major leaguer Tim Worrell who serves as a varsity assistant coach and served as part of the baseball coach selection committee with Inness and middle school athletic director Jim James.

Bair's resume includes time as both a player and coach at Grand Canyon University where he was both MVP and team captain in 1996. Following that season, he was drafted by the Colorado Rockies where he was a minor league all-star in 1997, 1998, and 1999 and the Colorado Rockies organizational player of the year in 1999. Following his time with the Rockies, Bair became the full-time hitting coach at GCU where he served until 2011. With an undergraduate degree in psychology and a master's degree in education, he's well positioned to capitalize on the teaching elements of the game as he works to build out the NCS baseball program at all levels. He's also taught within the GCU College of Health Sciences since 2003.

Rod Bair is also very familiar with Northwest Christian in that his wife, Jamie graduated from NCS as valedictorian and later coached the varsity girls volleyball program to two state championships.

"What most impresses me about Rod," says Geoff Brown, NCS superintendent, "is that we found a guy that fits perfectly within the priorities that the Lord has been directing us forward within over the last year: discipleship and service. He's a guy who gets high schoolers and is able to develop impactful coaching relationships with students. As well, during his time within the Rockies organization, he won two different awards for community service. Service is obviously something that enjoys priority in his life."

NCS Names New Varsity Baseball Coach - Teaching and coaching experience destine Rod Bair to move Crusader baseball to the next levelCasey_Jahn_State_Record.JPGIn Friday night's game against Arizona Lutheran Academy, with 11:16 left on the clock, Orbi Gonzales handed off to Casey Jahn as he rushed into the record books. His fifteen yard run precipitated a new state record (6,513 yards) and an explosion of team and fan support from the sidelines. Coach David Inness called a time-out and team-mates and media alike rushed the field to enjoy the moment as the stands rang with chants of "Casey! Casey! Casey!"

After the game and a 48-0 win, Coach Inness assembled the team and fans in a tight circle as he presented the game ball to Casey and his family. Inness explained to the several media outlets that were there, "We play as a team and we have no egos, and this guy, No. 44, has no ego." In the manner that defines the young man, every opportunity that presented itself after the game found Casey thanking the Lord, his team-mates, and coaches for their support.

The state rushing record and team's undefeated season have allowed the players ample opportunities to present solid Christian testimony to the community. At this point, each of the three NCS football teams (middle school, junior varsity, and varsity) is undefeated. The ALA game brought the varsity Crusaders to 7-0 for the season as they prepare for the play-offs and a run at a second consecutive state championship.

Casey Did It! - Solid team support positions Casey Jahn to become all-time leading rusher in the stateDebbie_Noland_Mercy_Ships_09091.jpgReturning home from Sierra Leone, Africa just in time for the start of the new school year; first grade teacher Debby Noland came back to NCS enriched by a month long opportunity of service and adventure. Two weeks ago, Debby shared with the elementary students in chapel of her time both on-board the African Mercy Ship and off-ship in Freetown.

She was blessed on-ship with the privilege of watching a tumor removal and several cataract surgeries, leading worship service for a staff of 400, serving in the dining hall and reading stories to young patients as they recovered from surgery. Off ship, Debby prepared and led several teacher training seminars to local elementary teachers in Freetown. She met the minister of education, the "MLK" of Sierra Leone, and the ambassador to Gambia who invited her to his country to lead a teacher training. Challenged by the difficulties teachers face in third world countries, she is more grateful than ever for the privilege of serving in a school where the staff and student body are encouraged to reach out to the lost and needy.

Mission ventures are nothing new to Debby and her husband. They served 2 years in Bolivia (where they met) and 15 years in Mexico before they moved to Phoenix with their five children. Two of their five grown children are now serving full time in ministries as well. Melody is a pastor's wife and Rebecca is a nurse on board the African Mercy Ship.First Grade Teacher Debby Noland Spends a Month Aboard Mercy Ship in Africa - Teacher training becomes the vehicle to share God's loveCross_Country_First_090611.JPGUnder the direction of lead coaches Dan Cadriel and Brandon Southall, the NCS Cross Country team is establishing all sorts of "firsts". The team--running forty athletes strong--is the largest cross country team in the school's history. As well, the team has established its strongest start in the team's history, with the young men capturing the top spots in its first two meets and the girls capturing the 2nd and 3rd spots respectively.

Most recently, on Tuesday, September 6th, in a home meet hosted at Victory Lanes, the NCS boys took first with three runners within the top ten finishers: Peter Martin, Elliot Martin, and Josh Munoz. Jack Martin and Cade Richards also finished in the top twenty. For the girls, Kara Moore posted a top ten finish in the meet. Abby Mucklow, Elizabeth Garlick, Chastity Cannon, and Megan Davis finished in the top twenty.

NCS also wishes to thank United Healthcare for its recent, generous gift in support of the growing cross country program.

Strong Start for Cross Country Teams

Right out of the gates, Boys Cross Country wins first two meets of the season

Achievement_Test_061011.jpgAfter a 2010/2011 elementary reading curriculum adoption, NCS saw a historic jump in reading and language arts scores this year. At three elementary grade levels (1st, 4th, and 5th) reading scores on the Spring 2011 Stanford Achievement Test were at historic highs. At all grade levels, scores exceeded previous annual growth averages.

The reading adoption meant a significant amount of training and work for teachers who began in the summer of 2010 to ready the program for their students.

"Elementary teachers worked incredibly hard last year at the implementation of the new language arts program through Houghton Mifflin," explains Dawna Underwood, NCS director of curriculum and instruction. "The training for the elementary teachers included research-based strategies aligned with state standards in reading and language arts. The teachers work diligently to see that our children become competent and fluent readers and writers."

Elementary SAT Scores at Historic Highs

Teacher training and hard work allow reading scores to hit all-time high marks

Weekly Announcements (click to view .pdf)

Whats New

Recent NCS Spotlight eNewsletters

NCS Spotlight 3-28-12

NCS Spotlight 4-16-12

NCS Spotlight 5-2-12

YOU ARE NOW ABLE TO APPLY AND INQUIRE WITH NORTHWEST CHRISTIAN ONLINE
Please click on the image below if you are one of the following:

New or Returning Preschool Family
Current NCS Preschool Family Entering Kindergarten
New K-12th Grade Student

(Click On Image)

Please note that our Mom's Day Out Online Applications will be available on
February, 15th 2012. Thank you for your patience.

Thank you so much for visiting NCSAZ.org and we look forward to another great year where faith and excellence are inseparable.

Please contact Michelle Reddy, Director of Admissions, at 602-978-5134 X515 for more information regarding the above admissions events or to schedule a campus tour. Online inquiries will begin being accepted in January 2012.

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