Thursday, November 17, 2022

Falling into Thanks and Praise





Hopefully you received your "Meet the Teacher" email about signing up for a conference with the teacher/s of your Jr. Cougar. This year conferences are Monday, 11/21 and Tuesday, 11/22. While in-person is recommended, we are offering a virtual alternative if that option is best for you. Please sign up as soon as possible and be sure include your conference style preference.
The last day to sign up is Friday, 11/18 at noon!
We look forward to this sweet time with you praying, processing, and sharing in the journey of loving, teaching, and helping your fearfully and wonderfully made Jr. Cougar to grow and become all that the Lord has planned!



In our last elementary chapel we reviewed what we learned in a previous chapel about the 3 Whos and the 3 Hows of obedience.  

The 3 Whos of Obedience

The 3 Hows of Obedience

  1. God

  2. Authorities

  3. Parents

  1. Obey right away

  2. Obey with JOY

  3. Do your best


One of the verses we discussed and practiced was John 14:15.


“If you love me, you will keep my commandments.”


In their small groups Jr. Cougars discussed with one another a time when they were obedient over the last two weeks. In preparation for our guest speaker the small groups also shared a favorite present they received. At the end of the small group discussion time one of our precious Jr. Cougars raised his hand and boldly shared that his favorite gift is Jesus and what He did on the cross for him!!! Praise the Lord for this JOY!!!

As always, God's timing was perfect for this focus teaching because Mr. Jack Greenly, our Director of Student Life, was also led to speak about obedience in conjunction with presenting our Jr. Cougars with the gift of a plan for us to help to share JOY of Jesus right here in our own community just in time for Christmas! (Yep! The "most wonderful time of the year" is soon here!!! Whoop! Whoop!) Mr. Greenly centered his teaching about obedience focusing on the two greatest commandments, loving God with all our heart, soul, and mind and loving each other as ourselves. Throughout his time of sharing Mr. Greenly referenced Mark 12:30-31 and John 15:12-14.


"And you shall love the Lord your God with
 all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.
 The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”

"My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. 
Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. 
You are my friends if you do what I command."

I myself sat in awe of the Lord during chapel as Mr. Greenly shared his heart and the Lord's message because he and I had not originally planned to teach together and neither one of us had discussed our topic or verses before we presented, Yet the Lord brought it altogether.

Mr. Greenly then explained to the Jr. Cougars that they have the opportunity to share God's love and love our neighbors by working with the Twin Valley Food Pantry to bless and bring JOY to other littles and bigs just like them, with toys for Christmas! As the Lord leads your family, your Jr. Cougars can donate new, unwrapped toys to a child in the community that might not have any gifts under their tree on Christmas morning. Donations can be brought into school until Friday, December 2nd.  On this day representatives from the Twin Valley Food Pantry will be joining us for chapel so we can share God's blessings with them of the toys from our Jr. Cougars. We will also pray over the gifts and for the children and families that receive them. (All parents are invited to attend this special chapel at 8:10 am in the gym.:) We can't wait to celebrate the love of Jesus and His gifts to us and to our local brothers and sisters during this special chapel and precious Christmas season.   

(Maybe your Jr. Cougar  and you can have experience Christmas JOY together over the Thanksgiving break by planning a Christmas shopping date together!:)


Make a JOYful Noise!!!
Thursday, 12/15/2021
Concert at 6:30 pm 
(Jr. Cougars need to report by 6pm)
At Hopewell Church
Mark your calendars for this oh so JOYful and holy night celebrating the birth of our precious Savior Jesus with our Jr. Cougars worshipping Him and singing His highest praises of the season! This night definitely adds Jesus JOY and sweet and heavenly peace to celebrating Christmas on earth!

BRRRRR!
'Tis the season for cold and snow...
But the Jr. Cougars still love to get up and go!
It's so much fun to get outside to run and play
each and every sunny day and maybe the cloudy ones too. 
As long as the temperature is not too much below the freezing mark of 32.
So please be sure they have lots of cold weather gear,
 like coats and hats and gloves 
to keep your littles (and bigs) warm and cozy and bundled with love!

(And don't forget the mud shoes too! :)


November
  • November  18              1st Trimester Ends 

  • November  21-22        Parent Teacher Conferences - No Classes

  • November  23-28        Thanksgiving Break

 

December

  • December  9 -10         Cougar Classic

  • December  15              All-School Christmas Concert

  • December  21              Last  Day before Christmas Break

  • Dec. 22 - Jan. 2            Christmas Break 

 




Thank you for allowing CCS to partner with the Lord and you

 to share this part of your child's journey in growing

 spiritually, academically, socially, emotionally, and physically.
Go Jr. Cougars! 

WHOOP! WHOOP!





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Wednesday, September 21, 2022

All Things New

 


New to our beloved Elementary Dream Team!
(Continued from our last Elementary Blog!!!)


Continued from our last elementary blog, we are so excited and blessed to welcome to our beloved Elementary Dream Team our new school counselor and our new librarian! We can't wait to see how the Lord is going to shine in and through them and all they do to love, support, encourage, and teach our precious Jr. Cougars! We've already seen them in action and know they are bright additions to all of the beaming rays of sunshine on our team.


Mrs. Getz
Librarian

Hi I'm Kelly, a former graduate of CCS.  I graduated with my degree from West Chester University in Business Management and spent several years in the corporate world.  For the past 5 years, I've been a stay-at-home mother to my two wonderful daughters, one being an incoming Kindergartener.  This has brought me back around to CCS. I felt God calling me to work and serve where my children will be attending and I feel blessed that I get to be a part of my children and their friends' education.  I'm excited to be walking the same halls I did as a student many years ago.



Mrs. Yoder
CCS School Counselor

My name is Stephanie Yoder, CCS's first-ever full-time K-12 School Counselor.  I am thrilled to be here supporting our students and families.  I am a graduate of EMU who has spent the last 26 years working with students in various roles.  I have taught Learning Support, Social/Emotional learning, and most recently was the Student Assistance Specialist in ELANCO offering support groups and individual check-ins.  When I am not at work, I can be found cheering on CCS's sports teams (Coach Yoder is my husband and my daughter, Chloe, is a senior), walking briskly for exercise, swimming, reading, playing games with family and friends, exploring nature, or traveling our beautiful world.  This photo is of Chloe and me on a recent trip to Germany.



Elementary Chapel this Friday at 8:10 am in the Gym!

                        




At the end of the year last year I shared with our precious Jr. Cougars how the Lord had called me to be BOLD for Him! To stretch and grow me in this area He was blessing me and giving me the gift of a lifetime and lifelong dream come true mission trip to Kenya! This past summer from July 1st through 13th, along with a team of brothers and sisters from Hopewell Church and Branchlife Church, I had the JOY, honor, and privilege of traveling to Ol Kalau, Kenya on a short-term mission trip caring for littles and bigs and playing with them lots and lots too, in three children's homes that are part of Living Love Ministries. I promised our Jr. Cougars that at the start of the school year I would share with them all about what God did in, through, for, and with me on the trip during one of our elementary chapels.  Not to mention show them a few of the many pictures I took while was there too. :) So this Friday at 8:10 am in the gym, our elementary chapel is featuring my adventures with Jesus in Kenya! You are welcome to join us! (Please be sure to sign in at the main office in the high school with Mrs. Nace before heading down to the gym. :)



NEW this school year...

CCS Parent Gathering 

In an effort to help parents get to know us and each other a bit better our school planning a CCS Parent Gathering is on Wednesday, 10/5. It will be a combination meet and greet and ice cream social for our CCS grown-ups! (Free 😁 ice cream and no littles or bigs around to have to share it with or clean up after! )

The schedule for this time of sweet treats and cool connections is as follows:

6:30-7 pm - ES Meet and Greet

7-7:30 - Ice Cream Social for all parents PS through Grade 12

7:30-8 pm - MS/HS Meet and Greet 

So save the date, watch your email, and RSVP to spend an evening getting to know us and your CCS family!                                        



Attendance and Pre-Planned Absence Procedures

When starting a new school year there are many procedures and details to learn about the day-to-day operations and especially if you are new to CCS. So below are a few noteworthy ;) mentions about absences both preplanned and unexpected.  

Notifying the School of Absences

-It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to contact the school office with the reason for the absence as soon as possible on any day a student is absent.  Messages can be left on office voice mail at any time.  A staff person in the CCS office will call for information regarding an absent student for whom no information has been received.

-If a parent/guardian does not contact the school to provide information about the absence, the absence will be considered unexcused.  If parents/guardians would like to request an excused absence, they need to notify the school within three days.  While notification does not automatically excuse the absence, no absence will be excused without notification.  If no notification occurs within 5 school days upon return to school, the absence will be identified as unexcused and will not be changed unless granted by the Head of School. 

-At the end of the school year, it is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to notify the school office by the last day of senior exams for students in 12th grade and by the last day of school for students in kindergarten through 11th grade to request excused absences.

Preplanned Absences

-Preplanned absences are to be requested for family events, educational trips,

DMV appointments, college visitations, graduation project, etc., and are to be submitted

to the school office at least five days in advance of the absence.  Forms for preplanned

absences are available from the school office or the school’s website.  Preplanned

absences are not to exceed five consecutive school days.  current families on the CCS website.

Preplanned Absence Form


October

  • October  3                     Picture Day (4-year-olds, Pre-K, and
                                          K - 11th grades)

  • October 5                      CCS Parent Gathering - Meet and Greet/Ice Cream Social

  • October  12                   PSAT 11   

  • October  14-15             BBQ & Auction (Friday full school day)


November

  • November 10               Height/Weight/Vision/Scoliosis

  • November 11               No School - Teacher In-service

  • November  15              Picture Day Retakes (Also 3-year-olds and 
                                            Seniors)

  • November  18              1st Trimester Ends 

  • November  21-22        Parent Teacher Conferences - No Classes

  • November  23-28        Thanksgiving Break

 



Thank you for allowing CCS to partner with the Lord and you

 to share this part of your child's journey in growing

 spiritually, academically, socially, emotionally, and physically.

Go Jr. Cougars! 

WHOOP! WHOOP!

Monday, August 22, 2022

From the Rays of the Sun to the Wheels of the Bus...




SCHOOL SUPPLY SHOPPING JOY!

The bright yellow summer sun will soon play second fiddle to the big yellow school bus every morning but with the little bit of summer left, you and your Jr. Cougar can have a school supply shopping date! Maybe you can start or end your date with a little fun in the sun too! :) Just click the link below to find our school supply lists for the 2022/23 school year! Whoop! Whoop! Please be aware that school supply lists are by grade, not class/teacher. ;) Happy Shopping JOY!





As the sun begins to set on Thursday, August 25th we will once again be opening our school doors for our annual "Back to School Night" Open House from 6-8 pm.  We cannot wait to welcome all of our CCS families, returning and new, and especially our Jr. Cougars to campus to visit, drop off supplies, and have fun and fellowship together. Our beloved elementary abodes and Dream Team will be bursting with JOY to meet and greet you as you visit and explore all our creative, cozy, and cool nooks and crannies. (And don't forget to look to the west as you are traveling through campus to see God's majesty in all its glory over the horizon; AKA the sunset.:) We are excited about all the gifts of this new school year that is sure to be filled with the Lord, love, and learning and of course lots and lots of fun and JOY too!  Whoop! Whoop!

 

New to our beloved Elementary Dream Team!

We are so excited and blessed to welcome to our beloved Elementary Dream Team three new teachers, a new support aide, and a new librarian! We can't wait to see how the Lord is going to shine in and through them and all they do to love, support, encourage, and teach our precious Jr. Cougars! We know they are going to be bright additions to all of the beaming rays of sunshine on our team


Mrs. Ryder
Grade 5B

Hi, my name is Leann Ryder, and I will be your fifth grade teacher this year! I enjoy spending time with
my family, reading, taking care of my flowers, and going to the beach. I am 39, and this will be my first
year having my own classroom. I am so excited to start this journey and can’t wait to help my
students continue growing into all that God has created them to be!

I attended Valley Forge Christian College in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania, and received my
Bachelors of Science in Psychology. I have 13 years of experience working with students one on one
and in groups in reading and math. My kids attend Conestoga, so I really value our family-like, Christ-centered atmosphere here, and I look forward to be able to share Jesus freely with my students.

Miss Groff 
Elementary Art and Spanish

My name is Josie Groff and this is my first year at Conestoga Christian School where I will be teaching Elementary Art and Spanish. I have my Associate’s Degree in Early Care and Education from HACC and have a passion for Art and Spanish, hence why I am teaching both subjects! In the past, I have helped in an orphanage in Guatemala, worked as a camp counselor at Woodcrest Retreat, trained with YWAM Lancaster, and did mission work in Mexico, and worked as an aide at Kraybill Mennonite School. Camping, hiking, reading, and playing guitar and ukulele are some of my hobbies as well as basically anything else outdoorsy or creative! I’ve lived in Lancaster County all of my life and attend Weaverland Church with my family. I am elated to start at Conestoga Christian School and share my gifts and passions with everyone here!

Miss Jones
Grade 2B

I am so excited to start the school year and get to know everyone! I recently moved back to Pennsylvania after finishing my degree in Virginia at Liberty University. I actually went to CCS when I was in elementary school so it is awesome to see God's faithfulness in bringing me back here to teach!

When I am not teaching, I love to draw and paint, so I can't wait to use these hobbies in the classroom. I played field hockey at Liberty University and hope to use what I learned from my time on the team at CCS.

I am prayerful about this year and the students and that God's hand will be at work in the classroom!

Mrs. Zink
Grade 4

This is my first year at Conestoga Christian school and I am so excited to be working with the children and families. I received my Bachelor's degree 3in Elementary Education from Liberty University and am now in my last year for my Master's Degree at Grand Canyon University. I have a wonderful husband who is a volunteer fireman in New Holland, 3 dogs, Beau, Thatcher, and Pierce, and 3 boys, Aden, Mason, and Easton.

When I'm not at school I enjoy reading books, helping out at the firehouse, coaching soccer, and watching my boys play sports. 


Mrs. Baez
Elementary Aide


Hello CCS Families, my name is Sasha-Marie Baez. I have the pleasure of assisting in the third and fourth grade class for the 2022-2023 school year. I’m excited to watch and take part in our children’s learning and growing in such a God-fearing, loving environment.

Prior to the pandemic, I worked at Penn State Health as an outpatient pediatric nurse. I’m fortunate that I still get to utilize my nursing skills on the weekends attending home births. One thing that is always constant and true is my love of children. Thank you for allowing me to be part of their journey.

Stay tuned to our next elementary blog to read all about our new librarian, Mrs. Getz!



Over the years we have been so very blessed by our partnership with our families and specifically with the gift of parents (and even some grandparents:) who volunteer and serve as elementary lunch supervisors. In addition to the fun, food, and fellowship you experience with the Jr. Cougars you also give the precious gift of time to our beloved elementary dream team! Our precious Jr. Cougars dine with delight in their classrooms which are equipped, with microwaves for quick 1-minute heat-ups. (Our super lunch supervisors assist Jr. Cougars with this process.) We have two lunch periods for your serving pleasure! :) Grades 3, 4, and 5 feast from 11:25-11:55 am, and kindergarten and grades 1 & 2 munch their lunches from 12:05-12:35 pm. 

Keep an eye on your email for the Jr. Cougar Lunch Supervisor Sign-Up! Thank you for taking the time to consider adding sparkle to our elementary lunches by serving and supporting our beloved elementary dream team and our precious Jr. Cougars in this unique and special way! 



Thank you for allowing CCS to partner with the Lord and you

 to share this part of your child's journey 

in growing spiritually, academically, socially, emotionally, and physically.
Go Jr. Cougars! 
WHOOP! WHOOP!




Thursday, July 21, 2022

Sizzlin' Summer JOY!





Splish Splashin' JOY!
It's almost time for your Jr. Cougars (and you :) to join us 
for our Jr. Cougar Slip and Slide 
on Tuesday, August 2nd from 1 -3 pm! 
Whoop! Whoop!
(Raindate is Thursday, 8/4, same time, same place! :) 
 It is our annual favorite, funtastic summer event!
 Be sure to bring your towel, sunscreen, and smile 
to have a splish splashin', great time with friends old and new!


SCHOOL SUPPLY SHOPPING JOY!

A new school year usually means a few new school supplies too! If you have been doing any shopping lately, you probably have seen school supplies to the max in the seasonal aisles in stores since before the fourth of July! Don't be fooled! There is still a lot of summer blessings and JOY to be had, but just in case you want to dream about what's to come and cooler days :) you can click the link below to find our school supply lists for the 2022/23 school year! Whoop! Whoop! Pllease be aware that school supply lists are by grade and not by class/teacher. ;) Happy Shopping JOY!




New School Year, New Grade, New Class and Teacher! 

Along with a few new school supplies in the new school year comes a new class and a new teacher. New class/teacher assignments for our Jr. Cougars will be emailed to parents during the second week of August! Stayed tuned for more Jr. Cougar school JOY in your email! :)


Thank you for allowing CCS to partner with the Lord and you
 to share this part of your child's journey 
in growing spiritually, academically, socially, emotionally, and physically.


Go Jr. Cougars! 
WHOOP! WHOOP!