Frederickson Campus Blog
Educating for a Lifetime
May 06, 2026
People often say that the impact of a teacher is not measured in a single school year but measured in the lasting difference they make over a lifetime. I can certainly identify with and testify to the truth of that statement. I have shared before about some of my own teachers who impacted me for a lifetime. Mr. Frazier was my fourth-grade teacher, and Miss Walters was my fifth-grade teacher. Both of them inspired confidence and character in me through the way they spoke to me and by the opportunities they gave me to be a leader. If I were asked today who my favorite teachers were, they would both be at the top of the list for my elementary experience because they encouraged me to be my best. I was fortunate to have teachers and coaches who would fill that space in my junior high and high school education as well.
To say our teachers and coaches are amazing and to say they are educating for a lifetime is a huge understatement. Just this week, I heard from multiple parents about the tremendous influence particular teachers and coaches are having on the lives of their students, along with the incredible level of gratitude they feel for the opportunity their students have to be taught and mentored by such amazing people. I am confident that every one of our teachers and coaches, from early learning through high school, has shaped the lives of multiple students and will end up on students’ lists as “favorite teacher” or “favorite coach.”
Like you, I share a deep and genuine gratitude for our teachers and coaches and the influence they have in shaping the lives of our students. Please join me in praying for our teachers and coaches and in looking for opportunities to bless them in recognition of National Teacher Appreciation Week. Take time this week to let them know just how much they are valued and appreciated.
With deep gratitude,
Dr. Ken Friesen
Called and Committed to Prayer
April 29, 2026
How have you seen the transformative power of prayer in your own life?
I experienced it firsthand a few years ago when I was diagnosed with cancer. Even when medical reports were disappointing and treatments were daunting, I felt a tangible sense of protection, mercy, and grace. I have no doubt that this peace was the direct result of the prayers breathed out by my church community.
Even greater than in the physical healing, I witnessed the true power of prayer during the long nights when my mind was shielded from despair. I felt it in the very real joy and hope for heaven that was preserved within me, even amid hardship.
Miracles happen through prayer.
Mountains are moved through prayer.
Lives are transformed through prayer.
Why? Because we pray to a glorious Father in heaven who inclines His ear to listen to His children. We pray in the mighty name of Jesus, the One who sits “far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked,” (Ephesians 1:21).
This May, the Cascade Christian family will finish walking through the entire book of Ephesians together. Looking back at this incredible letter, how fitting is it that the concluding charge is a call to prayer?
“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.” (Ephesians 6:18)
On May 7, we join believers from across the country for National Day of Prayer, coming together as one in Spirit and of one mind to pray that HIS kingdom come, and HIS will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
CCS, let us pray. Let us pray for Christ-exalting miracles in our world. Let us pray for mountains to move in our country. Let us pray for genuine life-transformation in our churches. Let us pray for our prodigals to come home. Let us pray for Spirit-led repentance to spark revival in our communities.
Amen, Amen. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Looking for resources on prayer?
Check out these videos available on our CCS RightNow Media page!
Readers are Leaders!
April 22, 2026
A common phrase we say at Frederickson is “readers are leaders,” which we use to encourage students to read often. In Psalm 119:11 (NIV) we read, “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you,” further demonstrating what a beautiful gift reading is that God has given to his creation. Developing discerning leaders is one of our key missions here at Cascade Christian, and we believe reading is an essential piece of the puzzle in becoming a critical thinker.
This year, we created a “Book Madness” bracket where students have opportunities to vote on their favorite books. Each book is read by a staff member, recorded, and then played for the students in their classrooms. At the end of the readings, students have the opportunity to vote on which book they like best, and this process will continue until we reach our campus favorite for this school year. On Monday mornings during All School Opening (ASO), we announce the winner for the week and give a preview of what “book battle” will be coming up next. Students cheer every time they see their favorite book win, creating an environment of excitement toward reading!
At our school, we are committed to fostering a love of reading in every student. From classroom libraries and read-alouds to independent reading time and family partnerships, we strive to make reading a daily, joyful experience. We encourage students to explore books that spark their curiosity and challenge their thinking.
The journey to becoming a reader, and a leader, doesn’t stop after school. Families play a crucial role. Simple habits like reading together, discussing stories, and modeling a love for books can have a lasting impact. Even a few minutes of reading each day can make a difference. Let’s continue to champion reading, knowing that every page turned is a step toward leadership.
And in honor of National Poetry Month…
A Gentle Whisper
By Grace Harvey
A gentle wind whispers through the daisies
Lay down lay down
Your fear
Lay down lay down
That’s the only thing you hear
A mighty storm approaches the horizon
You hear the whisper again
Slow down slow down
It’s okay to take a while
Slow down slow down
Take time to smile
A gale rips through your hair
You hear the whisper again
You’re safe you’re safe
I’m here my child
You’re safe you’re safe
I died to save you, my love for you is wild
To Read
By Isabel Sherwood
To read is to live a thousand lives and die a thousand deaths. To love with the lovers and weep with the grievers. To conquer with the courageous and bleed out with the wounded. To see the wonders of a thousand worlds; to hear the melody of a thousand stories. To see the most disgraceful of the wicked; to hear a thousand cries of anguish from the innocent. But to stop reading is to be torn from life, and to never read is to never live at all.
A Year of God’s Faithful Provision
April 15, 2026
There are seasons when you get to watch God’s faithfulness unfold in real time. This has been one of those years at Cascade Christian Schools.
When we, the CCS Board of Trustees, began the process of searching for our next superintendent, we carried a deep sense of responsibility and an even deeper sense of dependence on the Lord’s guidance. We didn’t take our task lightly. We prayed. We listened. We trusted that God had already prepared the right leader for this next chapter.
First, I want to honor Dr. Friesen for his faithful service. Stepping into leadership is one thing; stewarding leadership with grace and steadiness is another. Dr. Friesen has done that. He led well, he cared deeply, and he will leave a legacy of integrity that has strengthened this school. We are profoundly grateful for him.
And then God opened the door to Robb Warfield, a leader whose experience, heart for Christian education, and vision for what’s ahead got our entire board excited. His arrival isn’t just a hire—it’s a provision from the God we serve.
On a personal note, this year also gave me an unexpected gift. As a dad with kids walking these hallways, I had the privilege of co-teaching a Biblical Perspectives on Work, Finance, and Leadership course at the high school with Petrona Kasemeier. Standing in front of students, including some of my daughter Natalie’s classmates, and exploring what Scripture says about vocation, finances, stewardship, and purpose reminded me why our schools exist: Beyond education, our classes are about preparing students for a Christ-centered life well after their years at CCS.
Psalm 37:23 (ESV) says, “The steps of a man are established by the Lord, when he delights in his way.” This year, I’ve watched that truth play out across our schools in a search guided by prayer, a transition handled with dignity, and a classroom where faith and life collided.
Thanks be to God for another amazing year at CCS!
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This week, we have three thoughtful poems written by McAlder Elementary students. Thank you to this week’s featured poets for using creativity to impact our community!
