High School Campus Blog
A Sweet Invitation: Called to Draw Near
October 01, 2025
Whole stories can unfold just by observing parent pickup time. You notice it as a child’s eyes light up when they spot their parents, in the expression that unfolds across their face, or in the sweet embrace that follows. In the flash of a routine moment, a story of relationship is told, and you witness what the child believes about the one they’re running to: Am I safe? Am I loved and known? Will I be welcomed wholeheartedly?
And isn’t this often a picture of our own relationship with God?
October’s spiritual theme is Called to Draw Near, and to some, this call may feel like a burden or a cause for shame. For others, it rings like a sweet invitation.
What we believe about God shapes every aspect of how we approach Him. In Ephesians 1:15–23, there is an abundantly rich store of truth about the One we’re called to draw near to: He is identified as the “glorious Father,” who gives the “Spirit of wisdom and revelation,” and who longs to be known by His people. He is the One who offers steadfast hope, who declares His people as His “glorious inheritance,” and who is the source of “incomparably great power” for those who believe.
This is the God we have the privilege of drawing near to! He is the heavenly Father whose embrace is an invitation to experience “life, and have it to the full,” (John 10:10).
This October, I’m praying that the truth of who God is, as revealed in His Word, would shape our response to His invitation to draw near. I pray we’d deeply know and experience the love in which He first drew near to us. His mercy is our safety, His love is unwavering, and His welcome is wholehearted.
Celebrating the Cougar Classic
September 24, 2025
The sun was still asleep, and the morning air carried that familiar hint of fall—bright, cool, and full of possibility. Voices rang across the parking lot and, before they could be seen, it was clear that the cheerleaders and football players had arrived at the Cougar Classic Golf Tournament! Most were still half asleep at this early hour, but they brought their joy and spirit.
Before the students arrived, the serious golfers were out on the range, swinging those clubs, warming up those muscles, sharpening their focus. But before the first ball was teed off, before the first call of “fore!” rang out across the green, there was you.
You were the person who made all of this possible. Your generosity helped bring this day to life. More importantly, your gift is shaping lives. It’s empowering student-athletes to dream bigger, train harder, grow stronger, and pursue their goals with courage and character. Because you cared, you gave, and your support is helping them to become all that God designed them to be, so they can do all He has designed them to do.
Thank you for investing in the future of these young people. You are making a real, lasting difference.
Leadership, Stewardship, and Community at CCS
September 17, 2025
I hope the start of the 2025–2026 school year has brought joy and encouragement to your family. Whether you’ve been part of CCS for years or are joining us for the very first time, we are so glad you’re here. Welcome to the CCS family!
Leading by Example: WATCH D.O.G.S. (Dads of Great Students)
We recently hosted our third annual WATCH D.O.G.S. launch, and what a success it was! Father figures and their students gathered across our district to volunteer, play games, and, of course, share pizza (because what dad event would be complete without pizza?).
Scripture reminds us in Ephesians 6:4 (NIV): “Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.”
At CCS, we believe that fathers and father figures play a vital role in raising children with Christ at the center. Through WATCH D.O.G.S., dads are given the opportunity to live this out by modeling servant leadership, encouraging their children, and strengthening our school community through presence and example.
It was inspiring to welcome so many new dads this year. The laughter, connection, and sense of mission reminded us just how much fathers matter in shaping a strong, Christ-centered community.
Keeping the Cascade Christian Community Safe: Reunification Training
Now, let’s turn to an important topic: reunification. Reunification is the process of reuniting students with their families after an emergency. This could be the result of an inconvenience, like a burst pipe, or a real crisis, like an earthquake. This year, we’re intentionally training both staff and families in the I Love U Guys Foundation® Standard Reunification Model (SRM), in partnership with EPIC Emergency Management so that we have well-established procedures in place before an emergency occurs. Our prayer is that we never need to use these tools, but preparation is an act of stewardship. By preparing in advance, we can protect and care for the students God has entrusted to us.
You’ll be hearing more about reunification in the coming months. In the meantime, if you’d like a head start, visit the I Love U Guys Foundation website for helpful videos and resources here: SRM ♥ The "I Love U Guys" Foundation.
Protecting the Future: Veteran’s Security Operations
You’ll also notice our security officers from Veteran’s Security Operations (VSO) on every campus. These men and women are deeply committed to keeping our schools safe. Be sure to give them a smile or a fist bump. They’re here to serve our CCS family, and we are grateful for their presence.
Continuing Education with Integrated Security Group
Our partner, Integrated Security Group (ISG), continues to strengthen our district’s safety readiness. Over 200 employees have now been trained in Stop the Bleed®, reunification, and other emergency response protocols. These trainings equip our teachers and staff to act with confidence and care in a crisis, ensuring that your children are protected with the highest level of preparedness.
Get Involved!
If you’d like to learn more about WATCH D.O.G.S. or join the program, connect with your campus leader or sign up by contacting your campus.
For more information about reunification and emergency preparedness, visit:
- SRM ♥ The "I Love U Guys" Foundation
- About | EPIC Emergency Management Portal
- Business Partners - District - Cascade Christian Schools
- Training | Stop the Bleed
- ISG
- VSO
Thank you for your continued support, encouragement, and prayers. Together, we are building not only a safer school environment, but also a stronger, Christ-centered community where students can grow in wisdom, faith, and character.
In Christ,
Jake Petersen, MSc
Associate Superintendent of Operations
Cascade Christian Schools
Chosen and Called
September 10, 2025
A note from Dr. Friesen:
Welcome to the 2025-26 school year! This year is especially meaningful to me, as it marks my final year serving as superintendent. Karen and I are extremely grateful for the 12 years God has allowed us to serve here at CCS and will soak up and cherish the many wonderful moments God gives us with you all throughout this coming year.
The first week of school has been absolutely amazing on every campus, and we are beyond excited to experience all God has in store for us this year. One of the first highlights is coming up this weekend: Convocation this Saturday, September 13. This is an event you won’t want to miss, so be sure to include it in your weekend plans and join us!
A new school year also entails a new spiritual theme. Our spiritual theme serves as a strong foundation for all the amazing things we experience during the year. I am pleased to give Courtney Petersen, a member of the CCS Leaders Team and the interim leader of our Spiritual Life Team, the opportunity to share our September focus, introduce the new members of the Spiritual Life Team, and provide helpful resources.
Theme and Updates from Courtney Petersen:
Chosen and Called
My prayer for us as we start off the year is that we can be mindful to align our strengths and character with Jesus as we walk in our calling.
In September we will read through the beginning of Ephesians, where we will focus on how we are chosen and called. Each of us is like a small puzzle piece in God’s masterpiece. God calls us, invites us into his family, and equips us with gifts, strengths, and roles so that we get the joy of working together with those around us to accomplish His greater purpose. In 2 Timothy 1:9, Paul writes again about being called for a purpose: “He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time,” (NIV).
We are called to a holy life. We are saved by grace, through Jesus, and we have a divine purpose and a holy calling that reflects God’s nature and His purpose. With hearts of unity, with a posture of teamwork, and in using our strengths and callings to draw others closer to Jesus, we believe God will do great things this year. I look forward to journeying through the first chapter of Ephesians with you this month.
Meet the Team!
We are pleased to introduce two new members of the Spiritual Life Team at Cascade Christian Schools:
Trevor Duplissey, our junior high and high school Bible teacher and head of the Bible Department will also take up the role of Junior High and High School Pastor. His role will include discipling junior high and high school students to grow in spiritual maturity.
Leah An is our Spiritual Life Coordinator and new to the Cascade Christian family. In her role, she will collaborate with CCS leaders and campuses to provide spiritual formation support and coordination.
RightNow Media
RightNow Media is a library of biblical video resources with helpful discipleship content for all ages. Cascade Christian Schools provides our CCS community with access to RightNow Media.
Create an account here if you haven’t done so yet.
You can also find resources in Cascade Christian’s library, which we will update throughout the year: CCS RightNow Media Library.
We hope you enjoy this resource as much as we do! My team and I are praying this school year is filled with joy, growth, and meaningful moments with Jesus as we journey through the book of Ephesians together.
References:
Strong's Greek: 2822. κλητός (klétos) -- Called, invited