High School Campus Blog
Not Goodbye, Just See You Around
June 03, 2026
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
Celebrations
May 27, 2026
This year has been filled with growth, celebration, and learning across our junior high and high school communities. From studying the book of Ephesians and exploring what it means to be Called for a Purpose to cheering on students in academics, athletics, fine arts, and leadership, we are grateful for the many ways God has been at work throughout our schools.
Over this year, we have watched students grow not only academically but also in character, resilience, wisdom, and spiritual maturity. One of the greatest joys of working with junior high and high school students is witnessing the incredible transformation that happens during these formative years. Students learn how to navigate challenges with perseverance, build long-lasting friendships, strengthen their faith, and discover the unique gifts and callings God has placed on their lives. These experiences help lay the foundation for lifelong spiritual formation and Christ-centered leadership.
One recent highlight from this year was our incredible Fiddler on the Roof theatre production. The performance beautifully showcased not only the remarkable talent and dedication of our students but also the passion and investment of our teachers and our incredible theatre director, Ms. Severeid, who poured countless hours into mentoring and encouraging the cast and crew. From the music and choreography to the storytelling and stage production, it was a memorable example of students using their God-given gifts with excellence, confidence, and joy. Experiences like that remind us how the arts help shape students into thoughtful, courageous, and expressive leaders.
Our athletics program also took excellence to new heights this school year. Of our 19 Washington Interscholastic Activities Association varsity teams, 15 qualified for the state tournament. Of those 15, 4 finished in the top 3 of the entire state! Well done, coaches and athletes.
As we head into these final weeks of school, there is a strong sense of celebration across our campuses. We look forward to honoring accomplishments, milestones, memories, and the many ways students have grown this year.
Thank you, parents and families, for your partnership, encouragement, and support throughout this school year. Your investment in our students, teachers, and school community makes such a difference. We are truly grateful for the opportunity to walk alongside your family and celebrate all God is doing in and through Cascade Christian Schools.
We look forward to finishing the year well and celebrating all that has been accomplished together. God is good!
Memories
May 20, 2026
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 12, 2026
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!