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Emphasize God's Love

March 26, 2024
By Nicole McDowell, Director

There’s something about watching a bunch of three-and four-year-olds decked out in frilly dresses and bow ties, racing through the yard as they hunt for eggs and get distracted by bugs, airplanes, and…oh my gosh, there’s candy in this egg!

Easter and preschoolers…could there be a cuter combination?

Of course, when it comes to the actual Easter story—you know, the one complete with betrayal and death—this holiday takes on a decidedly darker look.

While it’s impossible to skip over Jesus’ actual death, when it comes to preschoolers, be sure to keep the main thing the main thing. And the story of Easter? It is all about God’s love for us.

He willingly chose to send His Son down to Earth and to certain death. But why? He did this so we could live a better life. He did this so we could live eternally with Him in Heaven. He did this not just for our happiness, but for our ultimate joy.

God chose to give up His one and only Son. Jesus chose to give up His very life. He chose to die so that you and I can live. God loves us so much that He did the hardest thing ever–He gave up His Son. I cannot imagine doing that! And Jesus loves us so much that He did the hardest thing ever–He gave up His life. Can you imagine doing that?

Above all else, be sure that the Easter story you share connects the heart of your preschooler to the heart of the Father. Emphasize God’s love.  

My prayer for you is to enjoy this precious time with your children and be reminded of God’s love for us. Happy Easter from your PELC family! 

Anticipating I-Term

March 20, 2024
By Zoey Baldwin, CCS Senior

IMPACT Term is a unique secondary-level experience held between third and fourth quarters each year. I-Term is designed to provide opportunities outside the classroom so students can experience who God is and how He uses His people to love and serve each other (1 Peter 4:10). Through local, domestic, and international experiences, students gain a more thorough perspective of God’s kingdom on earth. As a result of participating in I-Term, students can develop skills, discover passions, and build relationships that may not have been possible in the traditional classroom setting. Below are some thoughts from high school senior, Zoey Baldwin, as she anticipates her I-Term trip.

As the days slowly tick down to the flight to South Africa, I start to not only grow in my excitement but also the bonds with those also going. Throughout the year, we’ve started meeting with the team going, playing games, and learning about what we will do once we finally get there. Going the farthest away from home I have ever been makes me a little nervous, but after hearing the joy and faith of the people we will be working with and the love of Jesus we get to share with those we serve, my anticipation builds. From when I was young, I heard from my older sister of the impact I-Term had on her life. As I finally get to go on one of the foundational I-Term trips, I continue to pray that God not only works through me to show His love for His people and the grace He has on us but that He also changes my heart and perspective. I can’t wait to spend this upcoming I-Term trip in a beautiful place alongside wonderful people to serve an amazing God.  

Discipling Early Learners

March 13, 2024
By Sarah Orloff, PELC 1s/2s Lead Teacher

Greetings from the Puyallup Early Learning Campus!

The Puyallup Early Learning Campus is one of two Cascade Christian campuses that serve early learners. However, PELC is the only school solely dedicated to educating our youngest scholars.

When one thinks of early learning, play dough, building blocks, and learning the ABCs likely come to mind. All those things are certainly part of our daily repertoire, but behind every lesson is dogged focus on preparing our early learners for success in every part of the Cascade experience—and beyond.

Although our students are pre-elementary school, we strive to maintain the same rigorous standards that can be expected from any Cascade Christian school. To that end, we provide enrichment classes to supplement the teaching and learning occurring in our classrooms. It is wonderful to watch our students exercise their creativity in ballet class and learn about science in our STEM program.

Our families also have opportunities to get involved at our campus. Recently, families were invited to come into the classrooms to play games and engage with other Cascade Christian members during Family Night.

It is important to acknowledge the people who hold our campus together. A word of well-deserved praise goes to our tireless leadership including Heather, Jenn, and Nicole. These three work hard to infuse our campus with the Cougar spirit as we serve God and build his kingdom.  

In the whirlwind of daily life, we can lose sight of what truly matters. Our students are an important reminder of our on-going mission. It is to equip our students with a strong academic foundation in conjunction with a biblical worldview.

As winter slowly fades away and spring is peeking around the corner, I am in awe of the beauty of God’s creation and His many blessings. I consider it a joy and blessing to serve our Creator at Cascade Christian Schools.

“Train up a child in the way he should go, even when he is old, he will not depart from it.” (Proverbs 22:6, KJV) 

2024 State of the School Annual Report

March 06, 2024
By Community Engagement Communications Team

This week, we mailed out our State of the School annual report. We have so many things to be thankful for, and we are happy to share them with you. We covered content about our seven vision goals that make up the building blocks of our district, including:

  1. Educational Excellence
  2. Financial Resources
  3. Human Resources
  4. Community Engagement
  5. Enrollment Management
  6. Advancement
  7. Operational Excellence

Each year, we celebrate all the amazing things God is doing at CCS! This year, we celebrate the inclusion of counselors at our elementary campuses, the ability to track student achievement that continues to come in above state and national averages, the launch of our WATCH D.O.G.S. program, facility updates across the district, and more! You can find a digital link to the State of the School report here.  

Our focus on Jesus and our commitment to integrity, excellence, and honor sets our community apart. This community is special, and we are so glad that each of you are a part of it. God has blessed CCS tremendously. If you have questions about the State of the School report, we encourage you to contact your campus leader.  

Recent Posts

3/26/24 - By Nicole McDowell, Director
3/20/24 - By Zoey Baldwin, CCS Senior
3/13/24 - By Sarah Orloff, PELC 1s/2s Lead Teacher
3/6/24 - By Community Engagement Communications Team
2/28/24 - By Tina deVries, Executive Director of Academic Programs & Services

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