Redeeming Moments
Last Week With Cameron Andrews
Last Tuesday at chapel, we had the pleasure of hearing Cameron Andrews speak to the middle school about his trip to Haiti and what to expect in High School.
Cameron told the 5th and 6th grade students, “At first, I was second guessing if this was how I wanted to spend my last Spring Break of high school, but when I got there and saw all of their smiling faces, it was worth it.” He explained how the children of Haiti have the same interests as all of them. They all loved angry birds, peanut butter and even Justin Bieber.
When it was chapel time for the 7th and 8th grade students, he concentrated more on what they can expect from high school. He explained how there are tons of clubs and sports teams to join. Cameron told them that Redeemer prepared him for high school by giving him the confidence to make new friends without giving into the pressures that a lot of high school students usually face.
Cameron is a great example and he has a bright future ahead of him. We are very proud to call him a Redeemer Alumni!
Stay tuned next week and we will have the story of Ben Nazaruk, our 8th grade student from Mexico that decided to spend his last semester of 8th grade with us at Redeemer!
Jessica Juarez
Marketing Director
Redeemer Christian School
Cameron Andrews: Speaking At Chapel On 4/10
“Redeemer gave me the confidence to succeed in everything I do. I could go into honors classes easily and not be intimidated. Having Bible class everyday was huge for me. Every year we went on a journey through a different book of the Bible. I felt that this was a great experience and had a huge impact on my spiritual life.” –Cameron Andrews, RCS class of ’08.
There are only two months left in the school year and around this time we start to prepare to let go of another class as their time at Redeemer has come to an end. While the 8th grade class is about to venture off to high school, we also have to remember our former alumni who are now ending their time at high school and stepping into their next big phase, college.
Former RCS alumni, Cameron Andrews, will be speaking to the middle school students Tuesday, April 10th about the exciting events they will encounter in high school as well as how rewarding it was for him to help others while he was in Haiti.
When I asked Cameron what prompted him to speak to the middle school, his reply was, “ As my four years are coming to an end at Forest High School, I realize how much of an impact Redeemer had on me and I wanted to share with the middle school students what my experience meant to me while I was there.”
Cameron said he was given the confidence in knowing that he was capable of making the smooth transition from a middle school of 60 students to a high school of 2,400. Want to find out how else Redeemer helped prepare spiritually, educationally and socially? Come listen to him as he speaks words of wisdom to our middle school on April 10th at 1:36 pm with grades 5th- 6th and 2:26 pm with 7th- 8th grades.
Jessica Juarez
Marketing Director
Redeemer Christian School
Auction Thanks!
The auction was a successful and fun night! Thank you to all who came out and supported our school, class representatives who put together the baskets/ class projects, the parents who helped set up and another thanks to our sponsor, who can be found here.
I’d also like to thank the rest of our auction committee Leighton Mims, Ryan Leeward, Sherri Breach and Allison Campbell for helping put this entire event together.
Jessica Juarez
Marketing Director
Who Rocks The House?
Who rocks the house? From the looks of last week, Redeemer rocks the house! Our school hosted the basketball tournament all week along with the cheer competition on Thursday, which is when our Lady Lions took 1st place!
Our cheer coach Cindy Bowlin shared that; “This year's competition seemed to have a higher level of competitiveness and camaraderie than those in recent years. I am so proud of the way our girls represented our school and our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.”
She also said, “To win against such great performances from the other schools in our own gym made the win even more special! We are thankful for the amazing support that we receive from our fans and I am so proud of Redeemer's first "back to back" champions!”
Not only did Redeemer’s athletics do well, so did our academics! Case Erwin, Payton Possehl, and Joseph Callahan represented Redeemer Christian School at the Big Springs Region Science Fair on Thursday and Friday. Case Erwin was awarded first place in the Zoology category, Payton Possehl received a third place award in the Microbiology category and Joseph Callahan received a second place award in the Earth and Space category!
Keep up the great work students!
Jessica Juarez
Marketing Manager
The Holy Spirit Works in 5th grade
About two weeks ago, the elementary school students did not have chapel so Mrs. Baxley decided to do a chapel of her own in 5th grade! Little did she know that the Lord was going to use this what she thought was a mundane testimony would lead to a revival in 5th grade.
For their in-class chapel, they all sang worship songs and during one of the songs is when the Holy Spirit prompted Mrs. Baxley to share her testimony.
“I hesitated because I had not planned to do this and really didn’t feel like my testimony was that powerful. God does use the weak and weary. I began to share and could feel the tingle inside which reassured me that it was not me but Christ in me sharing.”, said Mrs. Baxley.
As the class finished up their praise and worship time, she noticed one of the students becoming emotional. The student leaned over and asked Mrs. Baxley how he could ask Jesus into his heart too. Well this started a domino effect and one student’s obedience resulted in four more students following his lead.
She wrote each student a personal letter and gave them a personalized gift with their name and the date of their decision so that they will always be reminded of it.
In chapel this week, Michael Rauls used a least three different story/scripture references that Mrs. Baxley had used in the different letters during his lesson. Mrs. Baxley ended by saying, “This is evidence of how God using pieces of His body to take part in the discipleship of our students at Redeemer.” What an awesome reminder that God uses all things no matter how unimportant they may seem.
Jessica Juarez
Marketing Director
Jump Rope For Heart
Coach Doug Davison has been working for weeks with the Redeemer students in PE class showing them lots of different ways to jump rope. All of this practice led up to Friday, January 20th where they all showed their stuff! Trust me, they weren’t camera shy!
Before the students even touched the ropes, they watched a video with children that had heart problems. This video showed them that Jump Rope For Heart is not just another really fun event; it is also for helping other children.
Coach Doug shared a personal story with his classes as well. He has a sister who has a heart problem so he holds this program near and dear to his heart.
“A healthy heart is one that first has Jesus in it and second consistently exercises”, says Coach Doug. “And that is why I love it here at Redeemer because I can teach both of these things to my students”, he added.
If you find it in your heart, please donate here and help the hearts of others.
Jessica Juarez
Marketing Manager
Sherri Breach
If you step foot onto Redeemer’s campus, then you are bound to see Sherri Breach somewhere around the school either substituting, performing her duties as the PTF president, or just volunteering to help with any event occuring at the school on that day. With Sherri’s busy life also consisting of a career and family, you might ask why she makes time to always be there for Redeemer? Her answer is truly remarkable.
Sherri enrolled her oldest son, Craigee, at Redeemer strictly for the academics. She did not mind the Christian education that her son was receiving but that was not her priority. As weeks passed , Sherri started to realize that Craigee was not only learning a lot academically but also spiritually. He would share with his parents what he had learned about Jesus that day. Sherri became good friends with the moms and staff at Redeemer and could tell something was different about them but was not sure what.
Well on April 2nd, 2009, she noticed that difference in herself. Sherri was in her kitchen at a breaking point in her life. She fell to her knees and exclaimed, “Jesus, I need you!” A sudden rush of peace showered her and then realized that her burden had been lifted . That was the day the Holy Spirit came into her life and has been with her ever since.
“When that moment happened, I knew not all of the troubles went away, there were still worldly everyday problems occurring, but now I knew I was not alone, and God would be there to help me through anything that came my way.”
And that is the answer to the question, “Why does Sherri set time aside to always be there for Redeemer?” The answer is because Redeemer was there for her. “God used this school as a vessel for me, so I want to give back and honor it.” She sees how dedicated the staff is here, so she wants to be that dedicated, too.
Thank you for sharing your story with us Sherri; it is encouraging to see how God used Redeemer to help you find Him.
Science Fair
The Redeemer Science Fair will take place tomorrow, January 5th from 3:30-5:30pm. We welcome all families to walk through and see the creative Science Fair projects the middle school students have completed. Judging will take place and the top 2 winners will move on to the Big Springs Regional Science Fair! Come and see the awesome work that these students have done!
Interfaith
Redeemer is currently gathering coats, jackets, socks, mittens, gloves, scarves and blankets for Interfaith to give to the homeless. We have 210 students at RCS. Wouldn't it be nice to have every student bring in 1 coat? That would be over 200 coats. The Warren and McDonald families are challenging every family to donate a coat per the amount of people in their family. Please bless the less fortunate in Marion County by donating your new or used items. Merry Christmas and remember "Jesus is the reason for the Season'.
Here are a few coats that have already been donated to a family in the shelter at Interfaith
i-tec
Mrs. Miller’s 8th grade English class went on a field trip to i-tec on November 4th, 2011. I-tec stands for Indigenous Peoples Technology and Education Center, and it is a ministry began by Steve Saint, Nate Saint’s son, here in Dunnellon. Nate Saint was one of the missionaries killed in 1956 along with Jim Elliot and others by a then savage tribe of Indians in Ecuador known as the Aucas. This ministry is a testimony of the power of forgiveness and redemption only attained by the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Through the death of these humble missionaries, the Aucas, now known as the Wadoni, were transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit and today are missionaries to their own people and other indigenous people of the Amazon Basin.
How does Steve Saint figure into this equation? Steve, a pilot like his missionary father and his fellow engineers, have developed a flying car, more like a dune buggy, that helps transport medicine, dental care, eyeglasses, and those providing the care, whether they be part time missionaries (the Wadoni themselves), lay persons, or professionals in their field to remote jungle settings. The FAA has now approved this vehicle, called the Maverick, and it is being used world wide to bring spiritual as well as medicinal care to many. You can read about this amazing story or watch film adaptations by calling i-tec.
The 8th grade began to prepare for this poignant experience by reading Through Gates of Splendor by Elisabeth Elliot in 7th grade. In 8th they watched Beyond Gates of Splendor and The End of the Spear, adaptations of the story from the missionaries point of view and the Indians point of view respectively. After discussions and writing opportunities they were poised for the trip. Mr. Saint, ever so gracious, spoke to the children as they toured the hangar at Marion-Dunnellon Airport where many labor and create for the love of God. It was quite the experience for the class as well as their teacher. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is still being preached by these five missionaries, Roger Youderian, Ed McCully, Pete Fleming, Nate Saint, and Jim Elliot. God Bless!
Book Club
Have you ever read a book that was so good you just could not put it down? Once you finish it, what is the first thing you do? Tell all of your friends to read it so you can talk about it! Well Redeemer 4th-8th grade students won’t have to worry about finding a friend to share about a book because we are starting our very first book club!
Once a month students will meet with Mrs. Lee, the media specialist, in the library at lunchtime where members of the club will discuss the book they have read. All books that have been chosen come from the Children’s Crown Awards, which is a Christian reading program.
“I want to encourage students to read in other fun and educational ways,” says Mrs. Lee. She hopes that members of the club will enter the Book Bowl in May where Redeemer will compete with other local Christian Schools to see who has the most knowledge about the books they have read! The first meeting is November 15th so start reading!
Benefits of Redeemerlions.com!
I am very excited to announce some new features that have been added to the Redeemer website! Often times, there are so many different pages that are scattered all throughout a website that it can become frustrating when trying to find the information you need. The vision for our site is to consolidate all of the features into one area and make it user friendly for the parents and teachers alike.
Be on the lookout for the new Parents tab! Here a parent can access Redeeming Moments, the Student Handbook, the school calendar and forms and resources. Not to mention the greatest tab of all, the Parent Portal! Yes, an easy avenue to your children’s grades, 24/7. Sorry kids!
Located under the Support RCS tab you will find our SCRIP section. This page provides the SCRIP link, enrollment code, useful instructions and contact information for Dawn Kitzmiller who is Redeemer’s SCRIP coordinator. Scrip is a quick and convenient way to support our school.
Stay tuned to the new additions that will be coming to Redeemerlions.com and keep sending me those pictures! Who knows, you child just might be featured on our homepage.
Jessica Juarez
Marketing Manager
Bags of Blessings
Great things are brewing in Redeemer’s middle school! Our students are working to advance the kingdom of God through ministering to hurting people. They are learning to be Christ’s example through leadership and compassion. It is also a lesson in responsibility and that service is a privilege.
“I encourage each class at Redeemer to think about what they want their legacy to be for the school. What do they want to be remembered for?” said Mrs. Jenson. This year, they have turned their hearts for needy into a practical solution by collecting donations for the less fortunate at Interfaith Ministries. They stuffed bags with necessary items that included handmade cards with scriptures. Thus ministering to their physical as well as spiritual needs! It was a happy group that received their bags!
Don’t think that this is the end of their story. They plan to continue to share God’s love through other regular community mission opportunities in the future. What better way to advance the kingdom of God? They are living Christ’s example through their leadership and compassion in caring for God’s people.
Stay tuned, we’ll keep you updated on how our eighth graders continue to serve throughout the year!
Jessica Juarez
Marketing Manager
Bob Miller
Our very own Bob Miller was featured in the Star Banner last Monday! The article talked about Bob and the Ocala Farm Ministry center he has been building for four years. While it is not completely finished, it is almost there!
This center offers farm workers and their families a place to worship and get spiritual support from one another. Bob is the chaplain for the Ocala Farm Ministry and he ministers to farmers from every origin.
Bob is not only a great asset to the Marion County community but also the Redeemer community. Check out this link http://www.ocala.com/article/20111002/ARTICLES/111009965?p=1&tc=pg to read more about his interview with The Star Banner.
Becky Nazaruk
We want to use this week's Redeeming Moment let you get to know Becky Nazaruk. She is our middle school history teacher and the newest addition to our Redeemer family!
She attended Pensacola Christian College and majored in history education. She loves history and wants students to as well while seeing God's hand in all of it.
Ms. Nazaurk said, "I know God directed my coming to be a part of the
Redeemer staff. I like the high standard of academic excellence and
the focus on Jesus Christ that I find here."
She is most excited about getting to know the students and staff at
Redeemer while sharing her love of history and geography with the kids.
Welcome to Redeemer Christian School, Ms. Nazaruk! We are blessed to
have you here with us!
Life After Redeemer
Redeemer’s website is going through a “make-over” and one of the revamping steps includes an updated alumni section. We have contacted three former students that shared with us their life after Redeemer and their stories will be featured on the website.
It doesn’t have to stop at three though! If you are an alumni from Redeemer or a parent of one do not hesitate to contact us so we can share your “Life After Redeemer” story which can be emailed to marketing@redeemerlions.com!
Grandparents Day
Grandparents Day
What a great turn out Redeemer had this year for Grandparents Day! The
students and grandparents arrived to the sanctuary at 8:30 where they
enjoyed a delicious breakfast made by Woodlea Gardens that included
bacon, fruit, muffins and french toast casserole. YUM!
After breakfast, Mr. Hawk explained the history behind Redeemer and
the vision he has for the students. He stated that, “Redeemer wants to
not only give students a great education, but also instill the need
for a savior in their lives.”
Mr. Hawk then introduced Jack Brayton, the guest speaker and a
Redeemer grandfather. He spoke about how his children found Redeemer
and how honored he felt to support this institution. He also said,
“The education at Redeemer is far above the rest here.”
Thank you to all of the Grandparents who came to spend this special
day with Redeemer and were understanding about the seating. Also thank you to all of the volunteers who made this happen.
Building Characteristics That Stick!
Our philosophy of education is towards the whole child. We pursue excellence in academics, but also in kindness and responsibility.
Just last week, Beck Mendola shared this story about her son Josh, Westin Wise, Luke Sylvia and Ryan Jackson. They share freshman math at Trinity Catholic this year. The teacher reached out to Becky and shared with her how she was drawn to these four former Redeemer students and stated that they were smart, kind, and engaging students with a great sense of humor!
What a great testimony for Redeemer! Becky said, “I am happy with our decision to invest our kids, our time and our money into this great school and I feel that they were more than prepared for higher level classes in high school.”
We love hearing stories about your kids. Please keep them coming! Contact me, Jessica Juarez and keep the great stuff coming! Have a great week!
Introduction
Technology is ever changing and can be very challenging. It is the way people are starting to communicate. It's a great way to get news out about our school and what is going on. It's also fun!
All of that said, my name is Jessica Juarez. I graduated from Florida State University with a Social Media degree and a minor in Communications. My job is marketing and communications for the school, both with advertising, but also connecting your family more closely with the school. I will post pictures of events and updates to the RCS website and the RCS Facebook. I'm also going to be working to build relationships outside our school in the community.
I hope to be the bridge of communication between Redeemer and the Parents. Tell your stories, marketing ideas, and let me know what's going on so I can help get the word out! Feel free to email me jaj09f@gmail.com) any pictures or events.
Looking forward to a great year,
Jessica Juarez