Tri-unity Christian School

News You Can Use

2012-01-18T20:30:00.000-08:00

....The evening ended with Mark Keeler sharing a childhood story which spoke to the concept of family...specifically the Tri-unity family.

Family meetings are all about sharing. Last night, the family shared the challenges of right sizing our small school, both financially and administratively. We talked about how the past has caught up with the present. We acknowledged the sacrifices our staff has made to help us meet budget and move our school into the next year.

An official announcement was made regarding Tri-unity's exit from the Student Life Campus, formerly known as the Sports Xchange. Next fall, the Wilson campus will welcome grades 3-6 and Grades 7 and 8 will return to the high school campus.

With this move comes our first physical addition to the building. Four classrooms will be built onto the southside. As with all moves, we will be making additional transitions. The consolidation of campuses provides significant savings which in turn support the strategic vision of the Board of Trustees.

As the family closed the discussion in prayer, we were reminded by Mark's childhood story how important it is for us to support each other, speak well of the family to others, and believe in what God is doing in the midst of our family business.

'Commit to the Lord all that you do and your plans will succeed.' Psalm 16:9

Blessings,
Deb Blanker
Head Administrator

Deepening Their Roots

2011-12-09T07:18:00.001-08:00

Open the door to opportunity and they will walk through it. Today, the 3rd-8th grade campus debuted the new middle school worship band. A sweet spirit filled our worship center. Mr. MC - you are to be commended for your work in developing young worship leaders.

My belief in moving the 7th and 8th graders on to the elementary continuum was they needed more time to grow into young adults, explore leadership opportunities, dive deeper into their personal walk and grow under the mentorship of an outstanding team of believers.

Today, we experienced the blend of this opportunity; worship led by middle school students and our message on character shared by two eighth graders.

Sometimes change feels uncomfortable - raises questions ... but change is what God does to move his Kingdom forward. I see God at work in the changes.

We are committed to nurturing this generation in the power and presence of the Holy Spirit. Tri-unity Christian School has the most awesomeest (ouuu, is that a word?), the greatest bunch of kids around!

Serving Him who is greater ...
Deb Blanker
Superintendent/Elementary Principal

A Day In The L.I.F.E....

2011-11-09T10:26:00.000-08:00

Two weeks ago our fifth and sixth graders went on a field trip to the Creation Museum in Kentucky. I ask you, who else gives an opportunity like this??? Braydon reported when they had worship time that evening, "..the presence of God hit a lot of us." Breanna said, " Right when I got in the pool room I jumped right into the pool. ..... We fell backwards into the pool and all other silly things. After that we had time to worship together. I could feel the Holy Spirit in that place. "Our trip to Kentucky was amazing. Riding the bus, to the hotel, and the museum, it was all showing us what an amazing creator God is." Amanda.

I was with a friend recently who commented, 'What is the L.I.F.E. about anyway?" Good question ... if you are wondering, too - let me bring you back to the comments above. We are preparing kids for Loving relationship with God and others. We are preparing students to have Influence with purpose. We are preparing students to have Faith through Fire and Educate them for the 21st century.

....All that and more on a field trip to Kentucky.

Blessings,
Deb Blanker
Superintendent/ Elementary Principal

Invitation

2011-05-27T10:05:00.000-07:00

Next Tuesday night, 29 seniors will graduate from Tri-unity Christian High School. For many of them, it will be a 13 year journey with the same classmates.

You might think graduation is just for seniors and their families, with attendance being rounded out by the remaining high school students. However, that is not the case. Graduation is a TCS community-wide celebration which holds special meaning and significance.

"Some of the best of what the school has to offer is on display at graduation and will touch your heart." (TCS parent) It will impact you as a parent of younger children and give you a vision for what the school is producing and anticipation for what your son or daughter will become.

Join us Tuesday, May 31st at 7pm in the Lighthouse Auditorium to celebrate the 2011 TCS graduation. A parent recently said he had attended his first graduation a few years ago and has made it a point not to miss one since and wishes he had started coming when his children were younger.

Prepare to be inspired ...

Deb Blanker
Superintendent

Get the '411'

2011-04-24T15:22:00.001-07:00

It is time to get the annual '411' on Tri-unity Christian School and its' plans for the future. On Monday, May 2nd, the only place worth being is at the new Wilson Ave Campus! This year's annual event will begin with exciting testimony and drama from our Dominican Republic Missions' team.

If you arrive early enough, you can enjoy warm pie and coffee, while you watch our Fine Arts students finish up a practice for their production of The Wizard of Oz.

Highlights will include; teacher service recognition awards, update on our ACT scores, transitions taking place between campuses, parent surveys, building expansion, capital campaign news, and much more.

Required business, such as budget approval and the presentation of new board members will also take place.

This is the most important meeting of the year. Your attendance validates the hard work put in by so many during the school year. Please join me, on Monday, May 2nd @ 7pm, as the TCS 'State of the School' is presented.

God's Blessings
Deb Blanker
Superintendent

6th Graders Learn Micro-Finance

2011-04-14T15:41:00.000-07:00

Micro-finance? What sixth grader is thinking about micro-finance? In Ms. Chapman's sixth grade classroom, students experienced the challenges of starting a small enterprise to support the Tri-unity Christian project of packaging food for kids in the Dominican Republic. Assignment: Design a project that will require a minor investment to generate revenue which will be used to purchase food packaging supplies. Rationale: Expand students' understanding of the work it takes people in third world countries to start businesses which allow them to support their families. Outcome: Greater Understanding and 636.27 for the Kids Feeding Kids program. I asked the students what were some of the challenges they faced. Their responses were both insightful and age-appropriate. Most of them had family members support their efforts. A luxury many do not have. Did we create the next generation of entrepreneurs? A few ... but more importantly, Ms. Chapman invested time and discussion in helping broaden their global perspective. She allowed them to 'feel' the work of collaboration and helped them over-come their challenges. The biggest take away? They all said, they would do it again and working to help others was worth it. So in the end, Ms. Chapman had allowed them to grow their faith and become people of influence with purpose!

Dedicated to maximizing each student's unique qualities and abilities through a spirit-led education. Deb Blanker

Secure your opportunity

2011-03-29T16:36:00.000-07:00

Our worship time is 'fun for me because we get to have fun and praise the Lord. God has spoken to me once and the verse he gave me is now my favorite verse. I feel that this time (worship) is not just worship. I feel that it is getting to know God, getting closer to him and learning about myself.I love it because it helps me grow closer to God.' Reflections offered by our fifth graders following a recent time of prayer and praise. Although words of fifth graders, it is a true reflection of what has happened on our campuses this year. Next Tuesday, our high school students will head to the Dominican Republic. Their work will expand the physical size of the Christian school we have supported for many years and include ministry through team sports and outreach activities. From our youngest to oldest students, TCS is creating opportunities for them to grow in their personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Secure your child's experience by enrolling today! Blessings, Deb Blanker

Headed to the State Finals

2011-03-20T15:52:00.000-07:00

Wow - we have two teams headed to the state finals! One team, sporting 15 young high school men and the other, a middle school team of one.

Tuesday night is a big night for TCS. One team will compete against an old rival, Lenawee Christian. The other team will compete against students from around the state.

One team's win will take them into a semi final game at the Breslin Center. The other team will compete for the honor of representing Michigan in the National Spelling Bee finals.

Our young men have played with dignity and grace through a long season of endless practices and Class A challenges. Our young lady, has practiced with the help her parents and competed against her peers and students from surrounding districts.

One team will go together in unity supported by school coaches, families, and friends. The other team will face the competition with less public support, but strengthened by the prayers and encouragement of her middle school friends and teachers.

On Tuesday night, our varsity basketball team will meet their rival in Jackson, Michigan, while seventh grader, Lisa McKelvey, competes at the Gerald R. Ford Museum. I am proud of both our teams.

I love basketball and look forward to my trip to the Breslin. However, this Tuesday night, I will join a smaller contingent and cheer on Lisa as she competes in her state finals.

Both teams deserve our support. Where ever you are on Tuesday night, remember to pray for their success and if that equals a win ............. we'll see you at the next venue!

GO BLUE!!!!!
Deb Blanker
Superintendent

Holy Spirit Blanket

2011-02-25T06:59:00.000-08:00

Today is my new favorite day. I use that phrase when something has happened and I know God has been in it! Today I was covered by the Holy Spirit Blanket.

I felt His presence throughout our praise gathering time. There was such a sweet spirit of worship. As we moved to close, Vicki Gallas, our praise and worship leader, asked teachers, parents and other staff to pray over our kids. There was a powerful move of the Lord.

So, about the Holy Spirit Blanket ... Mr. Wright came up and spoke about the power of speaking, singing, and proclaiming God's name. He said he felt the Lord wanted the children to pray over me. The students came up front, laying hands on me, with everyone laying their hands on the person in front of them. I felt the warmth and love of Jesus Christ surrounding me like a blanket. Hence, the Holy Spirit blanket and my new favorite day.

We're training our kids to know there is power in the name of Jesus. As you fill out your re-enrollment form for the next school year, thank God we can proclaim His name and teach our students that, ...greater is He that is in me, than he who is in the world.

If you want to experience our unique spiritual environment - join us any Friday morning at the elementary or Friday afternoon at the MS/HS and watch loving relationships reflect the Lord Jesus Christ.

Deb Blanker,
Superintendent/Elementary Principal

Stay Steady

2011-01-10T06:08:00.000-08:00

When recently asked, "What is the will of God for Tri-unity?," I reflected on the past 30 years and realized the will of God has not changed. Tri-unity Christian School is to teach from a full gospel perspective and graduate academically excellent disciples of Jesus Christ. Recent devotions, candid discussions and a pointed Sunday message all echo; Stay the course - remain steady!

Economic times and promises of character development have lured parents away from Christian education at a time when families need it most. It doesn't require much exposure to the news to know this generation faces a more difficult battlefield.

We are to be a beacon, a light, a community who strives to expand our boundaries and equip students to fulfill their Kingdom purpose.

Education at our school begins with prayer and 13 years later ... at the graduation ceremony... it ends with prayer. During this time, we will pray with our students no fewer than 6,942 times, and encouraged their spiritual development through multiple venues.

We have intentionally designed an environment, in which the Word of God goes beyond Bible instruction into Kingdom practice. This year, our high school students are mentoring middle school students in small group settings. Elementary students are meeting the needs of hungry people thousands of miles away. Our spring missions trip will take students to the Dominican Republic and this past weekend several of them fed the hungry on the streets of Grand Rapids.

Every day, lives are being molded and changed by the power of the Holy Spirit. Join us in praying for the future of our school as we continue to position ourselves to fulfill God's call.

Blessings,
Deb Blanker

Epic Journey

2011-01-02T18:05:00.000-08:00

In the fall of 2011, Tri-unity Christian will add Young 5's, Kindergarten and First grades to the current Treasure Tree Preschool site. It has been a thirty year journey to bring TCS classes to its' own campus.

This year we've experienced the biggest increase in preschool students since we began the program. We are excited about expanding our early childhood program with the addition of these three classes. The M-6 corridor makes our new building a perfect location for families from any direction.

Our journey doesn't end with these additions. The following year, we will continue growing, moving and developing an exciting learning community which will house our entire elementary program.

The Winds of the Holy Spirit are blowing through the lives of our students empowering and preparing each student for their unique Kingdom purpose.

This journey is gaining momentum and birthing a new future for Tri-unity Christian. God has refined and positioned us for growth. Stop in and check out our future .... 5353 Wilson Ave. (just south of 52nd St.)

Blessings
Deb Blanker
Superintendent/Elementary Principal

Mirroring the Experience

2010-11-07T17:23:00.000-08:00

The Kids Feeding Kids program has become an intricate part of Tri-unity's elementary program. The passion and vision of our teachers is creating opportunity for our students to do something 'bigger than themselves'.

The next level of development for this program is the introduction of micro-finance to our 5th and 6th grade students. Next semester, Kids Feeding Kids (KFK) will invest in the future of individual families in Los Alcarrizos, Dominican Republic.

Micro-finance is a global initiative to give a hand up to those who want to make a life changing difference for their families. With a small loan (which will go through 'Unto Ministries') community members will be able to begin the process of self-sufficiency through the development of a small business.

The loan will be paid back, but kept in the community and used for someone else who can also benefit from this hand up. While a family is experiencing the excitement of personal growth, our students will mirror the experience by starting their own small business to help fund the KFK program.

We have lots of work to do before we initiate the project. But, we have a GREAT BIG GOD and His will calls us to serve in this area.

This is an exciting year at Tri-unity Christian School. Celebrate the hearts of students. We are training up 'life changers' with Kingdom Purpose.

Preparing Kids for L.I.F.E - Faith with Fire!!
Deb Blanker

Bully or Kid Stuff

2010-10-18T11:57:00.000-07:00

Bullying is on the national radar these days. Personally, I think it is long overdue. My caution is, take care to understand the difference between bullying and kid play.

Bullying is an act of intended intimidation. Girls, boys, young adults all need to 'tool' their way through the development of friendships and self-awareness. Awkward responses and behaviors are often part of this growth period. Bullying however, is a malicious act geared at minimizing others in order to elevate one's self worth.

I see an increasing number of children and young people who are working hard to find their place. We can be a part of making the journey smoother with understanding hearts and encouraging words.

However, if you see a form of intimidation designed to hurt and conquer, take a stand on behalf of the victim. Watch for signs of distress, tell the key people in their lives, and find ways to give value.

One of the most dangerous forms of bullying takes place in cyberspace. Words have become lethal weapons. Please look over your child's shoulder. Protect them from others as well as themselves.

I hope you will link arms with me on this very important issue. The culprit isn't found in developmental growth, it is found in the heart. Lets be heart smart and help our students value themselves as Kingdom people not worldly warriors.

Preparing Kids for L.I.F.E. ... Influence with purpose
Deb Blanker

Learning Isn't Neat

2010-10-07T12:11:00.000-07:00

Learning can be unpredictable and full of challenges. It is a little like putting a model plane together. Some of us need to read every instruction while others will use the trial and error method and of course there are learners like me - very visual. Learners are NOT created equal ....

Learning can be messy; messy papers, neglected pieces, forgotten problems, tears, attitudes, and shut down. We need to help students embrace struggle as a necessary part of growth. Did you know it wasn't until Tom Edison's 2001st try he succeeded in inventing the light bulb? How about Michael Jordan's missed shot record of over 9000?

Some students will enter into the world of learning with a smile. But more of them will question the value of the work they are asked to do. Through collaboration (teacher, parent, student), we conquer the challenges. Preparing them for L.I.F.E. requires us to embrace and guide them through the sometimes bumpy terrain of learning.

Dedicated to valuing your child as an individual learner,
Deb Blanker

Christian Education - It Takes A Village

2010-09-20T07:37:00.000-07:00

In a recent CRC Banner article, James Smith eloquently defends the decision for Christian education. He refers to Christian schools as laboratories to form children who see that our broken world is full of orphans and strangers we are called to love and welcome, while acknowledging its' high investment.

In truth, our pragmatic nature challenges us to consider all the financial values equated with tuition based education. Questions ranging from "Is there busing?" to "How do your ACT scores compare?" riddle the person answering the inquiry. However, Christian education is more than a dollar for dollar menu value - it is more than the 'safe' environment parents seek - it is more than a daily Bible class. Christian education is the fundamental experience of 1098 hours a year we spend living Christ for students and with students.

It takes a village to create an authentic Christian experience. It is the words we hear at carpool, games, field trips, lunch room, hallways ... It is the act of kindness extended to a student or encouragement to finish the race. It is our response when no one else is listening.

WE are the Body - we all share in the responsibility of Christian education.
Yes, there is a value proposition for dollars paid ...but in this broken world, WE have the opportunity to share in the development of the Kingdom Warriors who will face the greatest challenge.

It takes a village ... lets be on high alert for the things of 'the world' and encourage each other to be authentic believers. It is a 'lesson' that can be taught in and outside the classroom.

Blessings
Deb Blanker

See You Soon

2010-06-10T20:33:00.000-07:00

Today we said good-bye ... see you in September.

It was filled with bitter sweet moments. There was rushing to the parking lot at the high school campus and hugs and tears at the elementary building. Teachers working hard to get final exams graded and teachers watching children march around to the music of "Sanctuary".

High school teams already practicing for summer camps and afternoon class parties at the lake. Parents texting each other in the carpool line and teachers extending words of encouragement as students headed off to meet them.

Then there were the final good-byes to friends who will not be returning to TCS in the fall. I consider myself blessed to interface with so many wonderful people during the school year. I will miss those who won't be returning. I hope they come back for a visit ...or just come back.

Blessings to you as you enjoy the freedom of summer. Come back - safe and refreshed!
Deb Blanker

Tonight's the Night!

2010-05-31T20:11:00.000-07:00

A parent called last week to confirm their final decision on placement for their oldest child who will begin school this fall. We had met during the interview process, discussed the merits of the 'Young Fives' program and talked about the beginning of the education journey. I couldn't help but share how fast the time would go and before they knew it - she would be graduating.

Tonight, parents, grandparents and friends will sit in the auditorium and confirm the same sentiments I shared with these new parents. "It goes by so quickly."

Five years from now, when these graduates reflect on their time at Tri-unity Christian School, they will reminisce about lasting friendship, things they did in class, wins and losses in the gym fondly referred to as 'The Box', missions trips to the Dominican Republic or New Orleans, working the hot lunch program, classes they took, and things they wished they had done differently.

However, what will bubble up most frequently is the teacher(s) who cared enough to listen, encourage their dreams, and pray for their future. It will be a memory of someone who reflected the Love of Christ.

Join us tonight and experience the essence of a Spirit-filled educational environment. You won't want to miss the evidence of things promised.

Deb Blanker

Give a Cheer

2010-05-10T06:16:00.000-07:00

Did you get to see the Cinderella production? Did your child participate in the regional Math Olympics? How about the 5th/3rd Youth Run last week? Did you happen to see the recent Power Puff which raised over $350.00 for the Dominican Republic water filtration system? Oh and by the way, there is an annual chess tournament in the fifth grade classroom each year. Guess who isn't a better chess player than a fifth grader!

Each week a good news update goes out to our email subscribers. Included are the things we have to celebrate about our students at Tri-unity Christian School.

The cast of Cinderella performed to record attendance at our new building. I saw them opening night and thought they were phenomenal. I heard their last performance was stellar!

Did you know 70% of our student participants at Math Olympics placed, with three of them receiving medal honors?

Last Wednesday at the youth run, each runner ( the majority of the elementary students participated) wore a blue shirt celebrating their commitment to Christ, school and fitness. There are a lot of memories to share about how your children demonstrated Christ. In fact, we are starting to make our mark ... "Hey, there's that Tri-unity Team" was echoed.

Did I already mention we have a lot to celebrate ...

Dietrich Bonhoeffer once said, " Action springs not from thought, but from a readiness for responsibility". Thank you for allowing us to partner with you in preparing your kids for L.I.F.E..

Blessings,
Deb Blanker

1098

2010-04-26T06:48:00.000-07:00

An interesting thing happens when our kids go out the door and out of our sight .... somebody else gets the chance to influence them. I remember walking through a neighborhood school four years ago with my then one year old grand-daughter and her parents. I was doing the typical 'gramma' thing, lamenting on how fast time will go, getting in my two-cents worth of advise on her training and talking about Christian Education and its' value.

Hmmm, I was quickly reminded I was not the parent! I quickly reminded back ... 1098 hours a year she would sit under someone else's influence. "Know the influence she will sit under."

One of the most significant things in my children's lives at Tri-unity Christian was the influence they sat under; spirit filled, passionate, loving teachers. It is still a memory that resurrects at family gatherings.

Influence is a word I don't think we give much attention to once we place our children into "approved" environments. However, no matter how 'approved' the environment, the 'world' is waiting for our kids - just outside the influences.

I encourage you today to continue speaking life into and over your children in their comings and goings. The enemy seeks to destroy - but the real power is in the influence of Jesus Christ.

Blessings
Deb Blanker

The Power of Action

2010-03-29T06:26:00.000-07:00

" Be Thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity." 1 Timothy 4:12 KJV

The power to change lies in our willingness to take action. Webster defines action as the manner or method of performing.

For us, the power of action lies in our ability to respond to the real needs of the culture - knowing Jesus Christ. For the past four years, we have shared our commitment to being a Christian school that 'stands out' in our community through the development of our Roots to Wings spiritual life courses.

Last Wednesday, I attended the 8th grade girls' 'Purity Commitment Ceremony'; a capstone of our Roots to Wings program. This ceremony culminates a six week teaching on purity done by Mrs. Margi Vogel. For us, the 'real' need of our young women is to know their value in Christ.

Defining spiritual needs and creating a method in which to respond (Roots to Wings) is who we are committed to being for you and our community.

Resurrection Blessings!
Deb Blanker

Ideas Worth Sharing

2010-03-17T11:39:00.000-07:00

Have you ever seen the small note pad at the Residence Inn ,which says, 'Ideas Worth Saving' ? I presume it's provided so you can record ideas, which may help them better serve their customers .Or maybe they leave it to help you remember ideas, which may serve someone else.

I recently jotted down some ideas worth saving, during a parent conversation. The exchange of ideas is beneficial for all of us. Our lens are only as broad as the experiences we have filtered through them. So, lets take your experiences and meld them with our own and birth something new. Jot down your ideas worth sharing and email me ... I'd love to meld them with my own.

In April, Tri-unity Christian School will birth another beginning ... after thirty years of labor, we will become first time 'owners' of a building. In the fall of 2010 we will open our new preschool, Treasure Tree, at the new site. You will still see the same great teachers, but experience some new ideas! As funding permits, this site will be transformed into our new elementary.

We need everyone to be a part, as we write the next chapter in Tri-unity's story. For more information contact our office @ 532-TUCS or email me @debb@tucs.org.

Blessings
Deb Blanker

2010-03-08T16:49:00.000-08:00

21 Century Curriculum

2010-03-08T08:14:00.000-08:00

Curriculum can be defined as a 'living organism'. It encompasses all experiences related to learning content information. Curriculum is more than the text - it is the teachers, the learners, the tools, the experiences and the final product. Curriculum engages with ideas. The well established model has not always reflected such boldness in service delivery. However, we recognize the outcomes can no longer look the same. Outcomes of instruction must incorporate the requirements our students will face in a changing marketplace.

The Partnership for 21st Century Skills ( an outcome based framework adopted by TCS ) has developed a vision for student success in a new global economy. The model supports Life and Career Skills, Learning and Innovation, as well as Information, Media and Technology skills.

Does change happen over night? Not usually. This shift will include full funding for classroom technology, professional development, and learning environments conducive to engaging creativity. Does change mean published text have no value? Absolutely not. It means there is more to instruction than the text.

Google: Smarted, Polyvision, 21st Century Skills ... check out the direction we're headed. Does change happen over night .... no, but we're powering up.

Blessings,
Deb Blanker

Kingdom Work

2010-03-01T05:26:00.000-08:00

Mondays are like a ' new dawn', a fresh start to life, the beginning ... Today is the beginning of life without the smile and laughter of a daughter/sister. Today the Wright family begins walking out their new beginning.

As I reflect on the phone call I received early last Sunday morning alerting me to the accident which took the life of Julie Wright-Allen, I am reminded of the hands and feet of Christ which carried family and friends through the journey from acknowledgement to committal.

Yesterday, Bill called to say they are facing their new reality. In the midst of our conversation he was quick to say the Kingdom of God was reflected through acts too numerous to count. He heard, ".. it's okay to be mad at God'. His response was quintessential Bill ...' it's not even on my radar to be mad. I see the Love of God and He has spoken so clearly to me.'

Today is a new dawn for the Wright Family. The Kingdom of God has been at hand. God's love for us magnified by our love for each other. He called and we obeyed. Food, diapers, delivered gravel, snow-plowing, hotel rooms, funeral expenses, notes, calls, family, friends and so much more. Bill and Renee say thanks for being the hands and feet of Christ.

So, we move forward into a new day, a new week, steadfast in our Kingdom work; to care for the Body.

Romans 8: 38-39 (AMP) ... For I am persuaded beyond doubt that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities, not things impending and threatening nor things to come, nor powers, Nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Deb Blanker

Differentiated Instruction

2010-02-08T05:56:00.000-08:00

Differentiated instruction is an educational concept. Colleges teach the basic tenants of differentiation by recognizing learners are different and instruction should take these differences into account. A very simplistic definition for what can be a challenging instructional concept.

I think differentiated instruction begins the day children join the world of siblings! As a parent, I confess how different my children were. They didn't seem to learn the same lesson or respond equally to consequences given. One student -oops I mean child, was so sensitive the simple elevation of my voice gained an immediate response. On the other hand, my risk taker loved to take to me to the edge and back. Understanding their differences helped me to instruct them. However, I expected them to think for themselves, ask questions of me and engage in the family process.

Isn't that what education is about ... teaching them to think for themselves, ask questions and be a part of the process?

Be a stake-holder in your child's education. Help them identify their strengths, guide them through their weaknesses and partner with their teacher(s) to help them reach their potential.

Differentiated instruction is more than an expanded lesson plan. It is understanding each child for their uniqueness and helping them become rooted in the plans and purposes Christ has established for them.

Blessings,
Deb Blanker

What's Different?

2010-02-01T05:34:00.000-08:00

People often ask me to define what is different about TCS ... I always find myself searching for words which do my explanation justice. How can I convey what keeps me moving forward with the same passion I had when I started teaching here 20 years ago. It is our differentiator........

Tri-unity Christian school is NOT a 'me-too' christian school! Oh, we offer the same core classes every other school offers. We have students who 'forget' their homework and don't study. And there is the occasional discipline problem .....However, what speaks most strongly to my heart is the tangible over-arching presence of the Holy Spirit in the entity we call Tri-unity Christian School.

Last week I had the pleasure of 'informally' interviewing an alumni of TCS. She said (and I am paraphrasing), when she was at TCS she felt like she was in a bubble - albeit a good bubble. She went on to say her plans were to graduate, leave town asap with an ultimate goal to travel and teach in another country. However, the influence in the 'good bubble' has brought her back home with a desire to teach at her school and influence others for Christ.

The tangible presence of the Holy Spirit is evidenced everyday by a teacher praying a blessing over a class, a secretary who stops to lay hands on a small child or a parent who says' Lord pick me for such as task as this'... and then there is a fifth grade class who earned money for their Kids Feeding Kids program and donated $500.00 of it to help provide water in Haiti.

I am not sure these few words even begin to quantify the essence of daily life in 'the TCS bubble' of the Holy Spirit. What I do know unequivocally is the presence of the Holy Spirit and the opportunities we accept because of Him, differentiate us from all the rest.

He will teach us of His ways and we will walk in His paths .. Isaiah 2:k KJV

Blessings,
Deb Blanker

21st Century Education

2010-01-25T05:29:00.000-08:00

If you think about it, almost 10% of the 21st century is already by us and education has only recently dialed up its' effort to communicate the need for 21st century education skills.

What does that mean ... 21st century skills? Is there really a need to change the way we deliver education? If it was good enough for me ...

Friends, the world is changing. Technology alone commands we change or be left behind. How do we help learners become critical consumers and global communicators? How do we create a learning environment which mirrors the future - not the past? Challenging questions requiring disciplined thought - followed by intentional action.

This paradigm shift is akin to moving the Titanic on a dime. However, we are committed to making this change to provide the most relevant classroom experience to our students. If you are interested in the direction we are moving google The Partnership for 21st century skills-framework for 21st century learning and check out the path we're on.

The great thing about today is the endless opportunities we can create for tomorrow. Watch for future blogs which will unveil new course offerings that align with our vision to change the face of education at TCS.

Blessings
Deb Blanker

The Things We (TCS) Do!

2010-01-18T06:13:00.000-08:00

First off - what a great event we held on Saturday night with Tammy Trent and Anthony Evans. I hadn't heard Anthony Evans before Saturday - Wow ... I was blessed. His music and his words of encouragement spoke to my heart. It was a worship experience.

Thanks Norm and family for the countless hours you put into this concert. Also, I would like to thank our Foundation Board members for helping make this event so successful.

I was blessed this morning to hear our Kids Feeding Kids program contributed 66 cases of packaged food to the relief effort in Haiti. What this means is just under 9,000 meals were sent via a container provided by Rays of Hope ministry to assist in feeding the Haitian people. Great job elementary students and staff!

Proverbs 11:25 MSG says, The one who blesses others is abundantly blessed; those who help others are helped. I celebrate with you the opportunity to be a part of this ministry, which seeks to teach the heart of God to our students and demonstrate His heart to others.

Be a part of this blog by posting your comments about the concert or KFK program.
Blessings to you
Deb Blanker

2010-01-04T07:15:00.000-08:00

Stand Confident
January 11, 2010

"To know God is to be free of the incessant need to understand exactly what He is doing before you place your confidence in Him." Cathy Fernjack (Bill Wright's sister).

I have kept this quote on my desk as a reminder. We have a very busy year ahead. As reported at our special association meeting in November, we will be moving our preschool program over to our new building. TCS Treasure Tree Preschool will begin in September of 2010.

We are very excited to offer new options for our parents, including; a 5-day per week, all-day program. Follow the blog and share your needs as well as your child's.

Happy New Year Tri-unity Christian families!
January 4, 2010

Using a blog is a new experience for me and TCS. My intentions are to write about the school, update you on the building project and share both educational and philosophical thoughts with you ... I believe my age :) and experience give me permission to enjoy doing both.

However, today I want to share my holiday travel experience. First, don't drive to Florida the day after Christmas! Yikes ... the traffic is horrendous. Secondly, when flying the friendly (?) skies - thank our good Lord for people who do a job, which we believe will keep us safe ... TSA personnel.

Imagine flying New Year's Day following the recent terrorist threat - it could have been a not so friendly experience. Instead, we were treated with respect, kindness and professionalism. I was surprised! After exiting the security check point, I stopped and prayed for the people doing this job. It is becoming a more important component to our travel safety everyday.

The new year is a great time to reflect, regroup, refocus our thoughts. I welcome 2010 for all the reasons just noted. I hope you will journey with me on this blog and enjoy the opportunity to share and grow together.