McAlder Campus Blog
A Year of Firsts
May 27, 2026
As I was recently searching for a photo on my phone, I found myself scrolling through memories from this past year. What started as a quick search quickly turned into a walk through so many “firsts”—first moments, first memories, first challenges, and first celebrations. As I reflected, I was filled with gratitude for all that God has done through each one.
This past week marked my first anniversary of saying “yes” to McAlder Elementary and the Cascade Christian Schools family. What an incredible first year it has been! One of my favorite firsts has been getting to know our students and families: praying over you, hearing your stories, and sharing in both joys and challenges together. Thank you for welcoming me so warmly into this community and allowing me the privilege of partnering with you.
Another special first was beginning a school year with our amazing McAlder staff. From our teachers and instructional assistants to our office, kitchen, and maintenance teams, I have had a front-row seat to witness their incredible dedication and love for students. This year gave me a firsthand look at what makes McAlder so special: a staff that serves with excellence, humility, and a genuine love for Jesus. In my 26 years in education, I can honestly say that I cannot imagine serving alongside a more dedicated and Jesus-loving staff (Another first, for sure!).
This year also brought many unexpected firsts. There was our first experience with flooding in December and the creation of “McAlder Lake” on our field. There were first chapel services filled with worship and prayer (something that never happened during my years in public education). There were first opportunities to watch students boldly step into leadership in ways that inspired our entire school.
One of my favorite firsts this year was seeing our sixth-grade girls begin Prayer at the Tree and lead our weekly All School Openings. Their courage and excitement quickly sparked a first in many of our sixth-grade boys as well, who then stepped into leadership alongside the girls. One group of boys even created a first-of-its-kind cougar trophy for our Cougar Paws award using a 3D printer.
There were so many other memorable firsts this year: our first year launching driveline, our first Grandparents Day together, the first kindergarten Q & U Wedding I’ve experienced, and the first time having pies thrown in staff members’ faces for students reaching MAP goals! Each event, big or small, became part of the story that God was writing at McAlder this year.
As we prepare to finish our first school year together, I’m reminded of Philippians 1:6 (NIV):
“Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
What I love about this verse is that it begins with a first—“He who BEGAN.” God is a God of beginnings. He begins a good work in His people. Every step of faith, every act of kindness, every prayer, and every moment of growth often start with a first.
And perhaps the most important first of all is the first moment someone says “yes” to Jesus. The moment we invite Him into our hearts and place our trust in Him is the moment He begins His good work in us. Maybe for some, today could be that first. The first day of walking with Jesus. The first day of knowing His love, grace, and mercy in a new way. If you have never asked Jesus to be the Lord of your life, then all you have to do is ask Him. And by His grace, He will begin a good work in YOU, making this moment the most important “first” of your life.
As we near the end of the 2025–2026 school year, my prayer is that we would continue to embrace the firsts God gives us. First opportunities to pray and serve, first moments of courage, first steps of faith and forgiveness, and first chances to love others well. Thank you for allowing me to share so many meaningful firsts with you and your children this year. It has truly been a year I will treasure!
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 13, 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!
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
