Pioneer Christian School

POSTED BY PCS Office IN Articles

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Volleyball – The PCS volleyball team enjoyed a fun season, focusing on the biblical character of Esther “for such a time as this.”  During approximately 50 hours of practice, the young ladies improved their skills tremendously, particularly developing overhand serves.  During the regular season, the team usually won at least one game in close matches against A-league teams; it was encouraging to play at a competitive level.  The girls were described as “remarkably composed with a solid knowledge of the game” by the public schools we played.

The team was excited to qualify for the B-league state tournament.  Captain Olivia Smith was voted to the All-State Team and Co-captain Courtney Goyak received honorable mention for the All-State Team.  These two young ladies provided exemplary leadership for the younger players, and all the girls on the team showed great potential.  They were an absolute blessing to coach!  Thank you, parents, for your support and assistance to make this a memorable season for your daughters.               –Sarah Hayhurst

Soccer – The PCS guys soccer team rallied around Romans 12:11 this season.  “Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord.”  The team was able to take this verse to heart, as it was reiterated many times in both practices and games.  With a season that held some high points as well as some low ones, the guys found themselves near the top of the WACS state tournament in the end, losing in PK’s to a hardworking Bay City team in the state championship game.  One of the most meaningful compliments the team received all season was during the WACS tournament, in which opposing teams pointed out how the PCS guys “played hard, yet kept their testimony above reproach with their words and actions.”  We are thankful for the hard work that the team put in this season and hope they can build upon their experiences for the future.      –Austen McCoy

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Many of our junior high and high school students were able to participate in a community service project last week through Marinette County Elderly Services.  On Friday afternoon we took a van and a car loaded with kids and rakes up to Niagara where we washed windows and raked leaves for two widow ladies.  The students did a great job of multi-tasking:  working hard and having fun!  It is our hope and prayer that we were able to be a blessing and a good testimony as we served our Lord in this way.  “Thank you” to all who were able to participate!

POSTED BY Chad Hayhurst IN Articles

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I trust summer is going well thus far for you and your family and you have found it to be a refreshing time of reflection over the past several months of the school year as well as an exciting time of anticipation of what God has in store for you in the months ahead.

In the next few days, there will be more updates regarding the coming school year.  Please look for those as they come.

In the meantime, I wanted to write a little more here about the blended learning model that I discussed with you all at the meetings this spring.

As many of you understand, technology has been impacting the learning landscape for some time now.  Initially, there was an immediate pursuit by some of online learning and all that it has to offer.  Online learning (video-based in our case) does have much to offer—particularly related to individualized learning.  But it also has its challenges, just like any other learning model, and is not ideal for every setting or individual student.

As time has passed, the most current interesting pursuit is in learning environments that blend the positive traditional classroom characteristics with the best use of technology and reshape an effective learning model that many believe is needed both in secular and Christian circles.

Recently, someone passed along this video (below) highlighting a school that is capitalizing on the best of blended learning. They highlight many of the points of emphasis that I recently spoke of at our meetings about the blended model such as individualized academic support, online courses (or videos in our case) mixed with live support, mastery learning, etc.

Blended learning models are believed by many to be the future of effective education.  This was so striking, I felt obligated to share it with you and thought it might help give you a flavor for the direction we are heading.  Of course, not everything is the same, but the model structure is quite similar.

Please view this video when you have a few minutes.  I’m interested in your thoughts if you want to e-mail me.

POSTED BY Mrs. Anthony IN Articles

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Summer is for fun, not more school work, right? Actually, there are numerous opportunities that will cross your path during this break from school in which your child can learn and still have fun. Summer break allows for extra time to work with “hands-on” activities that you and your child can enjoy together. Read More ►

POSTED BY Mrs. Aliff IN Articles

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As I grew up, my favorite part of summer was always reading. Having been lucky enough to live two blocks from a public library, I made weekly trips to the library (if not more often). The librarian frequently had to pull out her heavy-duty plastic book bags to help my sisters and me carry our large stacks of books home with us. Of course, part of my motivation for summer reading was the sheer fun. But I also loved the summer reading programs that offered free books as incentives.

As a teacher, I now realize the full benefit of reading programs. Many students look forward to summer vacation as an escape from school but are bored by July. Others find summer to be a wonderful complement to school: stepping out of the classroom and experiencing life and the world hands-on. Summer reading is important for students of all ages regardless of reading level and ability. Without the pressure of homework, project deadlines, and required reading lists, students have the ability to explore the wealth of books that appeal to their tastes while keeping their minds active and engaged.

When I see a summer reading program promotion, I still get a thrill of summery excitement even though I am now too old for most programs. I want to share with you some excellent possibilities for you and your families to enjoy this summer. Of course, if you come across another great summer resource, please share it with us!

The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction offers a great program, and the program is not just for kids! Readers ages five and up can earn free passes to eleven different historical sites in Wisconsin, including the Wade House, the Wisconsin Historical Museum, and Old World Wisconsin.

One of my favorites is Barnes and Noble. The company provides a downloadable reading journal for kids from ages 3–12 to fill out as they read. Once the kids have completed their journals, they earn free books from the store! Completed journals are also entered into a contest to win a free Nook e-reader. These devices aren’t just for adults; literally thousands of children’s books can be stored and enjoyed on these devices, which now come in color. Barnes and Noble even offers a downloadable activity kit for parents to share with their kids!

The Barnes and Nobles in Green Bay and Appleton have schedules full of special events. Various reading groups meet for discussion throughout the summer, and children’s reading times are scheduled regularly. If you feel that the drive is a little too far, then carpool or follow this mom’s example and start your own summer reading club!

And of course, don’t forget to stop by your local library and bookstores once summer is here for more great programs, ideas, and (of course) books.

POSTED BY Chad Hayhurst IN Articles

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Not long ago, there was a survey sent out gathering input regarding the blended learning model and the location for the secondary grades.

I wanted to take this opportunity to give some of the results of that survey, answer some of the questions, and provide a general update on the these topics as we conclude this school year.

I would encourage parents of elementary children to read this information although it may not seem to apply to them at this time. It will help them to be better informed about their children’s future education as well as help them to avoid misunderstandings when discussing this topic. Read More ►

POSTED BY Mrs. Aliff IN Articles

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Every once in a while I meet a fellow bookworm. When a student comes to me having read every book in sight and asking for a recommendation for what to read next, I feel warm and fuzzy inside. More often than not, though, parents ask me what books their children should be reading. I am always happy to respond. Read More ►

POSTED BY Mrs. Norris IN Articles

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In Luke 11:1 the disciples of Jesus made a request of their Master Teacher, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.” Just as Jesus taught his disciples to pray, we as teachers need to teach our students to pray—not only by example but by instruction.  “Let’s take a knee” has been heard in the first and second grade classroom over the last few months. We have been having a special prayer time several times a week. Read More ►

POSTED BY Mrs. Anthony IN Articles

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Character is a common word, but is not always a common attribute in today’s society. What kind of character am I talking about? Well, we can think of a “character” as the main figure in a story or play. A “character” may also mean a mark made in writing. Some individuals have even been described as being “quite the character!” Read More ►

POSTED BY Mrs. Beeson IN Articles

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Viruses that cause colds and the flu seem to be quite contagious in our homes and school at certain times of year, and this is a type of contagion that we do not look forward to, nor seek, as it yields unfavorable results. Although a cold, or especially the flu, can affect us severely, these adverse effects are usually relatively short-lived and soon forgotten as we venture back into “normal” life as a healthy person.

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