The Race is On! "I'm blown away on a daily basis," says superintendent Geoff Brown. "There are crews of subcontractors on site each and every day, including most weekends and many evenings, moving the ball forward. The fact remains, however, that we're still just too early in the game to know if we'll get the ball across the goal line by August 5th. The most significant issue in front of us right now is the timeline for throwing power on in the building. We have temporary power to keep the progress going but we need the final green tag to start classes." During the week of July 15th, the NCS team will be making the call as to whether it looks probable to start the school year in the new building. "At that point," continues Geoff, "we'll be communicating to all and adapting our plan for the start of school."

Crusader Missions 2024. As this digital newsletter hits your inbox, several Northwest Christian School missions team are either returning from the field, in the field, or preparing for the missions field. The team of teachers and students that visited Rwanda have just returned and a team of 35 Crusaders is in Imuris, Sonora, serving at the Kids Kingdom orphanage, right now. Another team is preparing to serve with Hope Partners in Costa Rica. Are you ready to join a team in the 2024/2025 school year? Start the adventure by following this link.

Crusaders Charge into Summer 2024 Reading. As part of a long-standing Crusader tradition, the summer of 2024 has included an opportunity for NCS families and faculty to participate in a summer reading campaign that will ultimately sets the stage for the spiritual emphasis theme of the 2024/2025 school year. The summer's reading is themed as "WisDUMB" and includes an opportunity to read through the 31 chapters of Proverbs during the 31 days of July. The campaign also includes two associated books: "A Proverbs Journal" by Peace Korarero and "Solid Ground" by T.W. Lewis.

Each Monday, the Crusader community receives an email which serves as a guide and includes links to weekly videos and podcasts that expound upon the solid foundations of wisdom and discernment. In just a few days, beginning July 1st, families will also enjoy a daily podcast. As part of the reading plan, during the 31 days of July, the Crusader community is invited to enjoy a chapter of Proverbs each day. Daily episodes of Kingdom Culture Conversations will feature different NCS faculty and staff discussing the Proverb for that day.

Jenna Young, Second Grade. After staying home this past year to have her baby, Mrs. Young is coming back to teach second grade. This New York native earned her Bachelor's Degree of Science in Education and a Master's in Literacy Education at SUNY Oswego. This will be her 8th year at NCS and 6th year coaching the Junior Crusaders Cross Country Team. She has been married to Joel Young for nearly 10 years and has two daughters and a dog. Her family attends Copper Hills Church and they teach an elementary art class at Copper Hills Center for the Arts. In her free time, she likes to be outdoors, bake yummy treats, and travel to Disney. Her passion for teaching shows in her creative lessons that engage all the students. This is her calling and she thanks God every day she gets to teach her students about Jesus. 

Brittany Klauka, Early Education. Craig and Brittany Klauka met at Arizona Christian University where she studied Elementary Education. After graduating, Brittany taught first grade in the Washington Elementary School District. She's also worked alongside Craig in ministry; first, as he worked in youth ministry and now as they plant a new church--The Grafted Church in North Peoria. Brittany is very familiar with the NCS community as that she has served as a substitute teacher and has four children that attend the school. "I have really enjoyed subbing across NCS, getting to know the students, staff, and families," explains Brittany. "Northwest has been in our prayers throughout the years, and I am privileged to be a part of a Kingdom focused school. God has prepared the way for our family to be here. I do not take it for granted."

Tammy Neitch, Fourth Grade. An Arizona native, Tammy received her Bachelor of Arts in Education at ASU and earned her Master of Arts in Teaching from GCU. With 25 years in education, much of her experience has been teaching second grade but she has also served as an assistant principal and most recently was the principal at Challenge Charter School in Glendale. Miss Neitch has a twin sister and enjoys traveling, baking, playing pickleball and spending time with family, friends and her two dogs, Willow, a golden retriever, and Winnie, a cocker spaniel. She has attended West Side Bible Church since childhood and some of her best memories are from her time spent at West Side’s small, private, Christian school where she attended from kindergarten – 6th grade. "I believe that God has opened the door for me to return to my true passion of teaching," explains Tammy. "I love the interaction with students on a daily basis as well as building a community of learners who support one another as they grow in knowledge and understanding."

Danee Krem, Fourth grade. After graduating from Eastern Michigan University, Danee Krem moved to Arizona to teach in the Cartwright Elementary School District. She taught 2nd, 3rd and 4th grade as well as a year as a reading interventionist. She received her Masters degree in Educational Leadership from NAU in 2015 and has been an Assistant Principal for 5 years, most recently in the Peoria Unified School District. She and her husband have been married for 7 years and have 2 amazing sons who will be attending NCS in the Fall. As a family they enjoy traveling, hiking, camping, playing sports, playing games and staying involved at CCV.  "My favorite aspect of teaching is building relationships with her students and families," says Danee.  "God has given me a passion to teach and I look forward to engaging my students in learning and making the classroom environment warm and inviting.  I am so excited to be a part of the amazing family at NCS and to be a part of all that God is doing through this community."

Heidi Sikora, Middle School Math. After realizing her God-given passion for teaching at 18-years-old, Heidi attended Clarks Summit University, where she graduated in 2020 with a Bachelor's Degree in Secondary Education and Biblical Studies. Throughout her college years, she played collegiate soccer and softball. But throughout that time, she has also been engaged with tutoring, teaching, and youth ministry. After college graduation, she transitioned to online teaching until she married her college sweetheart and relocated to Las Vegas, Nevada. For the past three years in Nevada, she has been shaping young minds as a middle and high school science teacher and soccer coach at Word of Life Christian Academy. Outside of the classroom, Mrs. Sikora and her husband enjoy hiking, snowboarding, and spending quality time with friends and family. She says, “I am super excited to be in another Christian School where I can help students grow in their academics and faith.”

Conner Woods, High School Government and Economics. To suggest that Conner Woods route to the NCS classroom was circuitous would certainly be an understatement. Hailing from a family of educators, Woods graduated from GCU with a degree in communication and Christian studies. He endeared himself to students serving as the point man in the Northwest Christian chapter of the YoungLife program and as a member of the school's basketball coaching roster. "My family has many educators and I have really felt the Lord pulling my heart towards teaching," explains Conner of his decision to pursue a post-bac teaching degree. "I want to walk alongside students as they grow in Christ as well as the sort of excellence and self-discipline that they can experience in academics. I have truly loved being a part of the Northwest Christian School community for the last few years and I am really looking forward to continuing that journey as an educator within the classroom."

Becki Burke, Fourth Grade. As Mrs. Miller moves from the fourth grade team towards taking over the Northwest Christian elementary art program, Northwest Christian is pleased to bring back a fourth grade veteran. After previously teaching in both fourth and fifth grade at NCS, Becki is looking forward to a return to the elementary program after serving within the online school. Prior to her time at Northwest Christian, Burke also taught preschool and elementary in Indiana where she also tutored in ESL. "I will have been married for 20 years to my husband, Peter, this November," says Becki. "We have lived in Phoenix since 2020. Some fun facts about me: I love movies, books, music, singing at church, travel, family, friends, and hiking. I was a missionary kid in Kenya, Africa during high school and will remember those days forever and all that God taught me."

Lauren Olive, Early Education. Born and raised in Southern California, Lauren moved to Phoenix to complete undergraduate degree in Sociology with an emphasis in Social Work. Presently, she is also finishing up a Masters degree in Early Childhood Development. "I have a passion for investing in meaningful relationships and creating space where individuals can feel seen, heard, encouraged, and challenged," explains Lauren. "I love teaching because it provides a vehicle to execute all of those things and more. I believe in providing students with the tools and skills they need to excel and doing so from a biblical foundation. I am thrilled at the opportunity to begin putting that into action at Northwest Christian."

Jason Chidester, Assistant Band Director. Under the direction of Mrs. Hutson, the NCS band program is literally bursting at the seams. The growth has been so significant that the school is bringing in an assistant band director to assure that the program continues within its trajectory. But, to find the right support for Hutson, the school had to look as far as Alabama! "I’ve been teaching music at various levels since 2015," says Jason. "This includes to includes marching and pep band, concert band, and competitive drumlines. I'm excited for this aspect of NCS!" After retiring from the US Marine Corps on 2011, Jason went on to earn a BA in psychology from Brandman University and a MA in teaching from Chapman University.

Keith Nagel, NCS Online Curriculum Developer. Born and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada, Keith Nagel has always had a soft spot for the Southwest. He graduated from Valparaiso University in Indiana with a double major in International Relations and Geography, then pursued a career in the aviation industry after picking up some pilot ratings while in college. His path to the classroom is unique, as his love for teaching started while instructing students how to fly airplanes. With his newfound passion for education, Keith would go on to obtain a Master of Education degree in Curriculum and Instruction from UNLV. For the past two years, he has taught History and Aviation courses at Faith Lutheran High School in Las Vegas and loved every second of it. Keith is very excited about his new move to Phoenix as it allows him to be closer to his amazing fiancée, who is completing her pharmacy residency at Mayo Clinic. He can’t wait to see what God has in store for him in his new role as a Curriculum Developer at NCS.

Emily Hayes, Early Education. A December 2023 graduate of GCU, Emily earned a double-degree, majoring in both Early Childhood Education and Early Childhood Special Education. Two majors meant double duty in terms of student teaching, observations, and practicum which Emily completed at Phoenix Christian, Scottsdale Christian, Paradise for Tots Christian Preschool, and public schools in the Scottsdale Unified and Paradise Valley School Districts. Of the experience, Emily says, "These were all great learning experiences for me and were confirmation of my calling to teach young students in a Christian environment. I was blessed to attend Christian elementary school, transitioning to an online Christian school in Jr. High and High School. The online school better fit my learning needs as a student with a math learning disability. God used the trials of my learning to help me understand and empathize with the challenges that many students face today. I am a strong advocate and encourager for the underdog!"

Jazmine Greer, Early Education. Mrs. Jazmine Greer is an NAU graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education. She taught preschool during her studies and then taught 5th grade in the Washington Elementary School District. She has spent the last few years at home with her two wonderful boys and now that both boys are part of the NCS family, she is excited to be back in the classroom. She and her husband have been married for ten years and their family enjoys golf, basketball, monster trucks and spending time with their two dogs and cat. "I am very excited to teach our next generation and watch as they grow together in Christ," says Greer. "I look forward to meeting my class and parents and having an exciting new school year."

Aryka Pageler, Elementary Music. As Krystle Distler moves from elementary music to the kindergarten classroom, Northwest Christian is excited to hand the reins within elementary music to Aryka Pageler. Aryka earned her Bachelor's of Science in Music with an emphasis in Modern Worship and a Minor in Biblical Studies. She has a variety of teaching experiences in areas such as teaching private music lessons and middle school/high school music electives. Alongside working in education, Aryka's calling and heart has always been for worship ministry. She is the worship leader at Happy Valley Baptist Church. In her free time, Aryka enjoys studying theology, songwriting, and doing recreational activities out in nature. 

Zayra Rosado, High School Spanish. Sra. Rosado was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and later relocated to the United States in 1998. With a background in Microbiology from the University of Puerto Rico, Sra. Rosado initially embarked on a different career path. However, life took an unexpected turn when in 2005, the principal of the Christian school where her children attended approached her to substitute for the Spanish class temporarily. Little did she know, this opportunity would ignite a deep passion for teaching her native language. Discovering a newfound love for education, Sra. Rosado pursued her calling with fervor. In 2020, she furthered her expertise by completing a master's degree in classical education at Eastern University in Pennsylvania, solidifying her commitment to teaching Spanish.

Proverbs 3:5-6 guides Sra. Rosado's journey: "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." This verse resonates deeply with her, affirming that God's plans are perfect. Beyond the classroom, Sra. Rosado finds joy in family life, boasting four children and four grandchildren. She delights in preparing meals for her loved ones, tending to her garden, and indulging in a friendly game of tennis. Sra. Rosado brings her enthusiasm, expertise, and dedication to her role as a Spanish teacher, inspiring students to embrace the beauty and richness of the language and culture.

Cara Prentice, NCS Online Curriculum Developer and Elementary Facilitator. Prentice has been a part of the NCS family in various roles since 2012, and is excited to be back as an Online Elementary Facilitator and Curriculum Developer for NCS Online. She spent much of her life in Arizona, and received her Bachelor’s of Science in Elementary Education from Arizona State University in 2006. She has taught 1st and 3rd grades in the classroom, privately tutored students in kindergarten-6th grades, and has most recently worked as an Online Elementary Facilitator for 3rd-5th grades for NCS Online in the 2020-2021 school year. That role led her to pursue her Master’s Degree in Education in Learning, Design, and Technology with a focus in Online Teaching and Learning from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, from which she will be graduating in December 2024. Cara has been married to her husband, Steve, for 12 years and they have two beautiful daughters. She and her family now reside in Charlotte, North Carolina after a cross-country move in the summer of 2021. She loves to spend time with her family, enjoys playing board games, reading, traveling, cooking and baking, and all things coffee and chocolate! Cara is an active member at Hickory Grove Baptist Church, and loves to sing in the choir and help serve in the children’s ministry. She says she feels blessed that God has provided the opportunity to recently further her education and add those newly learned skills in helping developing effective, engaging online curriculum and facilitate courses in the outstanding Christian education NCS Online provides to its students.

Madilyn Currier, Kindergarten. Grand Canyon University brought Miss Currier to Arizona, where she earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Early Childhood Education as well as a minor in dance. She began her teaching career in California at a Christian school teaching Kindergarten. Madilyn enjoys family time, exploring new places, watching sunsets, dancing, going to sporting events, and doing Cricut crafts. She did her student teaching at Northwest Christian just 2 years ago. She explains, "I am beyond excited to be back at Northwest Christian teaching Kindergarten. I feel God has called me back to Arizona to continue my teaching

career. I love teaching, watching as students learn through engaging activities, and seeing them grow closer to God!"

Are You Ready to Get Stitched? Summer 2024 "Stitching events" are off to a strong start! Last week, students, staff, and parents enjoyed time at the Pickleball Space (pictured above), St. Mary's Foodbank, and Peter Piper Pizza. Attendance was strong and the Northwest Christian community can look forward to more "stitching" ahead this summer. What is a "stitching" event? "'Stitching,'" explains superintendent Geoff Brown, "is the effort we make as a community to get to know our students, understand their unique interests and personalities, and see those interests and abilities as the proverbial thread that we use to stitch them into the fabric of the community. When students perceive that they are uniquely understood and appreciated, they begin to feel 'safe' and that safety serves as the springboard for all growth--academic, social, and spiritual." To join the fun and enjoy a Summer 2024 Stitching Event, please follow this link.

STREAM THE NEW NC STUDENT FILM, "TEST TAKERS" FOR FREE FOR A LIMITED TIME AND CELEBRATE TEN YEARS OF THE NXNW FILM FESTIVAL! On Friday, January 19th, as part of the 10th Annual NXNW High School Film Festival, Northwest Christian rolled out the red carpet, fired up the limousines, and threw up the Hollywood-style sky lights (literally!) for the premiere of "Test Takers". As part of an amazing partnership with Red Five Media, and formerly Cabin Fever Films, for the past decade, Northwest Christian has created an opportunity for students to participate in the making of an actual film! This year's premiere and festival took place in three theaters at the Harkins Norterra theaters in North Phoenix. 

To celebrate ten years of great films and hard-working students, please, take a moment, click here, and enjoy this wonderfully done student-driven heist film! (Available for a limited time!)

Are You Ready to Get Stitched? Summer 2024 "Stitching events" are off to a strong start! Last week, students, staff, and parents enjoyed time at the Pickleball Space, St. Mary's Foodbank (pictured above), and Peter Piper Pizza. Attendance was strong and the Northwest Christian community can look forward to more "stitching" ahead this summer. What is a "stitching" event? "'Stitching,'" explains superintendent Geoff Brown, "is the effort we make as a community to get to know our students, understand their unique interests and personalities, and see those interests and abilities as the proverbial thread that we use to stitch them into the fabric of the community. When students perceive that they are uniquely understood and appreciated, they begin to feel 'safe' and that safety serves as the springboard for all growth--academic, social, and spiritual." To join the fun and enjoy a Summer 2024 Stitching Event, please follow this link.

Parenting trouble no more! (Well, that might be a bit optimistic.) This past month, Northwest Christian announced its partnership with Christian Family Care to open the many parenting resources available through the Family Care Learning library to the Crusader community of families, free of charge. These online courses are immediately available once NCS parents have completed the "NCS Parent University: Foundations of a Biblical Worldview" course that is required as part of the re-enrollment process. For more information, please follow this link.