Reflector - Timothy Christian Schools

Education Committee
Cindy Vander Woude, Chair
Ann De Groot
Rachel De Young
Malinda Dirkse
Jay Evenhouse
Reginald Greenwood
Peter Hegel
Flory Hoving
Tracey Jarzombek
Teachers are the heartbeat of the school and the means by which God
accomplishes his purposes at Timothy. We took note of the upcoming retirement
from full-time service at Timothy of veterans Larry Slager, Ken Huizinga, and
George Bosman, who with last year’s retiree, Bob Senti, will be honored at a
reception prior to the Annual Society meeting. We gladly welcomed Rachel Weide,
Kayla Worries, Lisa Eastway, Oliver Hersey, Kevin Tameling, and Josh Anderson.
Anna Watson is also new, but an Elim employee. We also note that Paige Buck,
Michelle Gladstone, Chris Casemier, and John Contant have decided not to return
to Timothy next year, and thank them for their years of service here.
Teachers work with curriculum and programs, the stuff that drives the educational
process. Many changes for next year were the result of committee discussion and
action. The Board approved the addition of Spanish in K-8 for the next academic
year. We recommended and oversaw the reinstatement of the industrial technology
program in high school. The process of revamping the high school English
curriculum that will allow American literature and U.S. History to be taught the
same academic year was begun this year.
The Education Committee gives oversight to summer curriculum work in the
development of critical thinking skills in the sciences, the summer reading
program, and an ongoing review of North Central Accreditation goals in reading,
critical thinking, and a Reformed worldview.
A major focus this year was the study and recommendation of a policy for a
uniform standard in grades 7-12, which was eventually defeated by Board decision.
The committee, working with administrators, helped with the revamping of parent
evaluation in grades K-8, approved additional summer camp offerings, studied
patterns and purpose for elementary school worship, and advised in the middle
school transitioning to a seven period day.
Ongoing attention is given to the development of curricular mapping and the
approval of new curriculum and textbooks in a number of areas.
And we rejoiced to notice the significant academic accomplishments of our State
Champion Mock Trial Team, the Worldwide Youth in Science and Engineering
Team, Scholastic Bowl Team, Chess Team, and students performing exceptionally
well as National Merit scholars and Illinois State Scholars. With exemplary Iowa
Basics and ACT scores, we are grateful for the atmosphere of academic
achievement that also supports meaningful programs for the wider variety of
learning needs and abilities of all our students. We are grateful to the many parents
who support their students and our teachers with love and prayer.
Cindy Vander Woude
2005-2006
ANNUAL REPORT
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