Experiential Learning Highlights: Springbrook Nature Center

At CCHS, a high emphasis is placed on students personally experiencing the topic they are researching. Two students, Katerina Meybaum and Emma DeVries, have done just that. Every Monday afternoon, they headed to the Springbrook Nature Center to learn more about animal care and creation stewardship. Emma DeVries says, “We chose this project because we had done volunteering with people before and we were more interested in doing something different and we both enjoy working with animals.” Katerina commented:  “The last day we were there, we saw a snake shed its skin. That was the coolest thing I have ever seen.” Emma and Katerina presented their project on February the 6th.

- Ian Krueger

Spanish Trip Success!

On February 6th, CCHS’s Spanish 3 & 4 class took a trip to a restaurant called Boca Chica. From the car all the way to their destination students were interactive with the language. Students were asked questions in the car about the murals in the restaurant which was followed by a discussion in Boca Chica about the history of these Mexican murals. After that, it was required to not speak in English anymore. Miss Wheeler’s aim was to get her students to fully experience the culture as much as possible... even with some authentic food. Many of the students enjoyed this trip and said it was a good experience. Thanks for our chaperones that came along too!

Not seen in photograph: Ben Smith

- Angela Balboa

Basketball Update: Pre 2/7/2014

Basketball at CCHS is enjoyed by fans, friends, and players alike. But, as it is said, all good things must come to an end, and the season has the end is now in its sight. Players have enjoyed the season, from the victories, to of course the crushing defeats. When asked to reflect on the season, Nathan Mateer, a sophomore, answered “I think it’s been really fun, people stepping up as leaders, working with each other, encouraging one another.” Sarah Bursaw, a sophomore, replied, “Its been pretty good, it has its ups and downs with big wins and losses. Practices could also be hard as well.”

Every team of course has its opinions on how far they have progressed as a team “From 1-5, with 5 being the highest, our team is about 3.5. We have our ups and downs of the season. Otherwise, I think we’re getting to know the sets better.” John Erickson, a freshmen and new player to the team comments.

As the season begins to close, CCHS encourages for fans to come and watch! This coming Friday, CCHS is having spirit day, where all proceeds from concessions will be donated to Heifer International® to help donate an animal to give to needy communities. Hope to see you there!

Andrew Thomas

Breakfasts as a Community

Why are community breakfasts important to Calvin?

Once every month, Calvin Christian High School students gather and have breakfast together to build community in the student body. The ideas behind these breakfasts are not just for a bite to eat as you might think. The goal is to help build community by giving students time to truly connect to other students. Maddie Vande Kamp, a senior, said “ I believe Calvin does things like this to help promote community within the school to get students who don't usually interact with one another to talk and get to know one another.” Overall, breakfast at Calvin is about a lot than cereal and some milk and students look forward to these mornings together.

- Connor Bartz

Who can you trust? Even a seemingly reputable store like Target Might not be safe!

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Target_logo.svg

Much of modern life dedicated to technology. Without it life would be majorly different for the majority of people. People can more often than not be found with technology on them wherever they are. Is technology always beneficial? Can it harm you?

Mollie Kelderman, a freshman said that on the Internet “I don’t feel like I am in danger.” She said “Not really” when asked if she felt in more danger after the Target incident and that everyone “should be more careful” when they are on the internet.

Josh Scherrer, a senior said that he felt his safety “depends on where I go” on the Internet, and the reputation of the site. He said that the Target incident for the most part did “not really” impact his feeling of safety. When asked about what could be done to stop things like this, he said that places like Target must “keep up on it” and understand the methods and technology well enough to prevent it.

This is important to think about since more of life is now online, and more threats of that nature could happen. It might not always be possible to stop every potential danger, though it still would be wise to acknowledge them and be prepared to avoid them. Remember that even some well known things like Target could get you in trouble.

- Rick Derfus

Black History Month: CCHS Wonders - What is Black History Month all about?

The month of February is time where we can remember those who have made a difference in our American History, including significant people like Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, Jackie Robinson, and many more. We can appreciate the achievements of African Americans and the role they had in U.S. History. It has been proclaimed ever since 1976 by our past presidents that February shall be Black History Month. What are some ways we can celebrate this month? You can listen to music that discusses and highlights our past, you can view the many films to watch to learn more about African American history, you can view art that was a huge part back then to express how they felt. These are a few steps to show respect and to learn more about the American story from different and equally important perspectives.

- Angela Balboa

CCHS' Spanish Class Goes Out Into the City!

Calvin Christian High School's levels three and four Spanish class are taking a trip for some authentic involvement. Students are planning to go to a local restaurant called Boca Chica to enjoy authentic Mexican food, along with learning more about the Latino cultures within the city. Spanish three and four are currently working on projects about other Spanish speaking countries. When asked her reason for organizing this trip, Spanish teacher Miss Kayla Wheeler commented"  “As we are working on these projects, I felt it would be appropriate to take us somewhere to get an authentic experience.” She also believes it should be realized that even though English is the dominant language in America, there are other beautiful and important cultures around us. Students are looking forward to this hands-on learning experience.

- Angela Balboa