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Frederickson Campus Blog

Not Goodbye, Just See You Around

June 03, 2026
By Ken Friesen, EdD Superintendent

As I put hands on my keyboard to write this blog, I do so with a great deal of mixed emotions. This is one more of the “last time” events I am experiencing this spring, since this is the final year-end blog I will write as superintendent. That realization gives a great deal of “weightiness” to the remaining words I will choose, because I want them to be as significant and profound as possible.  

When my wife and I think about our time here at Cascade Christian, the words that come to mind quickly are: honored, humbled, and extremely grateful. We are honored and humbled to have been given the opportunity to serve for twelve years (way beyond the national average) at one of the country’s premier Christian schools. And we are extremely grateful for the amazing people God has allowed us the opportunity and privilege to serve with in our time here. To all of those amazing people, which certainly includes current and past parents, we want to say a deep, heartfelt thank-you! It is hard to find the words to adequately express just how truly grateful we are. From my four years as high school principal to the past eight years as superintendent, my wife and I have been made to feel extremely known and valued. It is somewhat ironic to me that what has mattered most to me—making others feel known and valued—is what we have experienced from this community at the highest possible level.

As we transition out of the roles of superintendent and superintendent’s wife to the roles of “Papa” and “Nana” to our two grandchildren who will be in second and third grades at the McAlder Campus next year, we don’t say goodbye: We say see you around. We will still be around, just in a different capacity, which is a much lighter one for us. We also want to leave you with this blessing from Numbers 6:24–26 (NIV): “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.”

Our deep hope and prayer for you is that you will experience God’s richest blessings in the forms of peace, hope, joy, and love. If you have those things, you have everything you need.  

With deep gratitude, in His service, and for the last time,

Ken and Karen 

Reflecting with Gratitude

May 27, 2026
By Annie Pichot, Principal

As we prepare to close another incredible school year at Frederickson, my heart is filled with gratitude for the many ways God has moved throughout our campus community. From classrooms filled with learning and laughter to chapels centered on worship and prayer, this year has truly reflected our spiritual theme: Called for a Purpose. Throughout the year, we anchored ourselves in Ephesians 4:1, where Paul encourages believers to “live a life worthy of the calling [they] have received.” This verse became a meaningful reminder for our students that God has uniquely created each one of them with purpose, unique giftings, and many opportunities to make a difference for His kingdom.

It has been inspiring to watch our students grow not only academically but also spiritually and personally as they learned how to walk in kindness, humility, perseverance, leadership, and faith. Whether inside the classroom, on the playground, during chapel, or while encouraging others, we have seen so many examples of students striving to live out their God-given callings in both BIG and small ways.

This school year has been packed with unforgettable moments that strengthened our community and created lasting memories. Many fun-filled experiences and events reminded us that education is about far more than academics alone: It is about building character, always having a place to belong, and helping students discover who God has called them to be.

One of the greatest blessings at Frederickson is the partnership we share with our families. Whether volunteering at events, supporting teachers during Teacher Appreciation Week, attending chapel and prayer gatherings, or simply encouraging your children each day, your involvement makes an eternal impact on our school community. Thank you for walking alongside us as we continue raising up strong, resilient students who are prepared to lead and serve with Christ-centered hearts.

As I reflect on this year, I want to pause to celebrate and honor Mr. Kranik as he enters retirement after 43 incredible years in education, including the past 10 years at our campus. His dedication, wisdom, and servant leadership have impacted generations of students and families. Mr. Kranik has truly modeled what it looks like to faithfully live out one’s calling, and his legacy at Frederickson will continue for years to come. We are deeply grateful for the many ways he has poured into our campus community.

The final weeks of school are always filled with excitement, celebration, and anticipation for what lies ahead. As students enjoy the final traditions of the school year, I encourage each family to pause and celebrate just how much your child has grown this year. Growth is measured not only in grades or test scores but in so many other reflective ways.

As summer approaches, my prayer is that you would find time to rest and enjoy time spent growing together in Christ. May our students leave this school year knowing they are deeply LOVED, intentionally CREATED, and personally CALLED to live lives worthy of the purpose God has placed before them.

Thank you for allowing me the privilege of partnering with your family this year. It has been a joy to serve this incredible community, and I am already looking forward to all God has in store for next year at Frederickson. Let’s finish this school year strong together!

Memories

May 20, 2026
By Brooklynn Leach, Sixth-Grade Student at Frederickson Elementary

Memories are like the best little pieces of life that we get to bring along with us. Some may make you cry, some may make you smile. Some may make you laugh, and some may even make you roll your eyes.

During first grade, I remember Polar Express Day when Mrs. Dilley and Mrs. Estep popped popcorn and made hot chocolate to go with our movie. They also dressed up for the spirit days to show us how much fun it could be. During fifth grade, I look back to how Mrs. Gill let us keep butterflies in the classroom. Then we released them in the field. In sixth grade, we all entered our first day of school knowing that it would be the last year here. We welcomed three new students this year, and now they will leave with us, too.

On my journey to sixth grade, I made lots of fun memories that I can cherish all through life and carry with me. The spiritual theme for our last year in elementary school has been Called for a Purpose. Deep down, I feel that many people this school year have been ready and patiently waiting for God to give them their calling.

I hope that, as we continue to go through life, everyone who has come to our campus will have good memories of chapel and the valuable life lessons we have learned from our speakers.

Spring into Summer Camps!

May 13, 2026
By Kristin Hannus, Executive Director of Recreation

Your summer adventure starts here.

Cascade Christian Schools’ 2026 Thrive Summer Programs are now open for CCS families and campers across the Puget Sound area, from preschool through grade 6. This year, we even have a CCS Soccer Clinic open to junior high and high school students!

Our mission through Thrive is to provide a fun-filled, enriching, and excellent summer program in a loving Christian environment where campers can thrive and feel known and valued while discovering, exploring, and learning about themselves, others, and the world that God created for them to enjoy.

Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” —Matthew 19:14 (NIV)

Our adventure day camps, sports camps, theatre camps, and enrichment camps provide unforgettable summer adventures your camper will always remember. If you have an aspiring artist, chef, scientist, actor, or athlete, we have camps where they can build their skills, make new friends, and enjoy summer activities. This year, we’re excited to also offer a soccer clinic at Kelley Farm Fields in partnership with former Seattle Sounder Lamar Neagle and former Major League Soccer players.

Last year, nearly 800 campers and athletes participated in our Thrive Summer Programs. This year, we are blessed to offer three Adventure Day Camp locations: McAlder Campus, Frederickson Campus, and Pioneer Campus.

Here’s what parents are saying about Thrive Summer Programs:

  • “Such an amazing program! It was our second year and we look forward to many more years.”
  • “Thank you for another awesome summer!”
  • “My daughter looks forward to summer camp every year. Thanks for all you do for these kiddos.”

Our Thrive Summer Programs site coordinators are blessed to be entrusted with caring for hundreds of campers every summer. Together, they bring 15 years of early childhood experience to our camps.

Thrive is also a great way for high school students to gain valuable experience by serving as volunteers for Camp Invention. Students who are at least 16 years old and interested in volunteering can email their name and contact information to Recreation@CascadeChristian.org.

There’s still time to register. Click the link for a full list of 2026 Thrive Summer Programs and let the adventures begin!

Recent Posts

6/3/26 - By Ken Friesen, EdD Superintendent
5/27/26 - By Annie Pichot, Principal
5/20/26 - By Brooklynn Leach, Sixth-Grade Student at Frederickson Elementary
5/13/26 - By Kristin Hannus, Executive Director of Recreation
5/6/26 - By Ken Friesen, EdD Superintendent

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