A Special Guest from Honduras

   In the last month, the school has had a special visitor, Milena Maximo. She is from a Christian school in Tegucigalpa, Honduras where the senior class of 2008 visited on their mission trip last spring. Milena is a native Brazilian who lives in Honduras and teaches at Gerizim Christian School. The school has about one hundred students, grades K-12. Not only is she a teacher, but she also attends a local university. Milena teaches English to kindergartens, the only bilingual class in the school. There are many educational needs in Honduras. The lack of running water is one of the many challenges for this school.
   Milena has wanted to visit the United States for many years, and with the contact made through Vaughn Newman last year, the school made it possible for Milena to come to Oklahoma. The main purpose in her coming was to observe an American Christian school. She wanted to learn how we incorporate Christian principles and concepts into our classrooms. Milena also spent time at Destiny Christian Academy in Wagoner. She said it has been an amazing experience, and she has learned so much about teaching methods, new ideas, curriculum, and music. Milena said that it is wonderful how much we pray, worship, and spend time with the Lord all day at school. "It's a part of who you are," said Milena.
   Milena wanted to say, "I've been really happy to be here. I want to thank everyone who took care of me and took me around Oklahoma to see all the different things. Thank you to Vaughn and Jan Newman, Destiny Christian Academy, and Family of Faith Christian School, and the principals for all that you've done for me. Please come visit us in Honduras some day!"

**Click on the slide show to view a picture of Milena.

The Chapel Praise Team

By Student Mercee Nelson (10th grade)

   This year, as every year, we have put together a praise team to usher in God's presence during chapel service before the teaching. The praise team is led by Sherri Willis. Mrs. Willis also sings on Family of Faith Church's praise team. The chapel praise team is composed of many musically talented middle school and high school students who enjoy lifting worship to the Lord.
   Singers on the team are Clelia Polimeni, Morgan Webb, Chance Bowers, Kayleigh Phillips, Paris and Caristona Anderson, MaryKate Roberts, Julie Hall, Joy Dragman, and Jessica Cobble. Musicians are Lauren Phillips (piano), Erin McDonald (drums), Joseph Stewart (electric guitar), Mercee Nelson (piano-keyboard), Kayleigh Phillips (piano), and Amina Kadokura (bass).
Now, let's take a look at the morning of a praise team member. We arrive at school about 8:00 a.m. and meet in the sanctuary on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. We begin by considering which songs will be released in the upcoming chapel service. Next, we practice and try to perfect any mistakes. Upon finishing early morning practice, we form a circle and pray for the service.
   Our main focus is to encourage the students to enter into the presence of God.  Leading worship can be a battle, but when God comes, a magnificent peace rushes in, all of our mistakes are forgotten, and the feeling of anxiety is erased.

**Click on the slide show to view a picture of the team in action.

ICLC Leadership Conference

   On Thursday, November 13, the ICLC National Leadership Conference will begin. Leaders from around our nation will gather to hear from God and to seek His direction for the months to come. On Friday, November 14, students will arrive at school at the usual time of 8:45 a.m., and go to their homeroom classrooms. This allows student to participate in the morning conference activities. School will dismiss at noon on Friday. Classes will be also be dismissed on Monday, November 17.
   You are very welcome to attend these powerful meetings, which begin on Thursday and Friday evenings at 7:30. Morning services begin at 9:00 on Friday and Saturday. A Children's Conference occurs at the same time as the adult meetings, and a nursery is provided.

Cookie Dough Fundraiser

   This year's cookie dough fundraiser began on Wednesday, October 29! Sales continue through Tuesday, November 11. Each year we conduct a series of fundraising efforts to be able to supplement the budget of the school. These fundraising events are essential to our school's tuition plan.
   We ask each student to sell a minimum of eight tubs of cookie dough. Separate incentives are provided for secondary and elementary students who sell fifteen or more tubs and turn orders in by Tuesday, November 11. Our experience shows the students who achieve the largest sales volume begin on the first day. The due date always seems to comes more quickly than you think. I pray for you to have favor and success as you participate in this endeavor.

Pack the Stands!

   Our first home game for this season is Friday, November 7. This will be PACK THE STANDS night. We want to show our support for the basketball teams by PACKING THE STANDS with WARRIOR FANS! The first game begins at 6:00 p.m. Bring the family for a fun-filled evening of fun, food, fellowship, and competition. Concessions will be available.
   Admission is $4 for adults and $2 for children. Admission for children ages 3 and under is free. Season passes can be purchased at the first game or from the school office - $41 adults and $22 students (K-12).

Financial Commitment

   We appreciate the financial commitment of every family. Enclosed with your monthly newsletter, you will find a monthly financial statement listing charges and payments. We appreciate your prompt payment.

Christmas Program 2008

   I know you will want to mark your calendar for the upcoming Christmas program on Thursday, December 11. Music, dancing, drama, lights, and other creative expressions will spark your spirit in celebration of our Savior's birth. Bring the whole family, grandparents, and friends.

Cold Weather is Here!

   Outside elementary recess will be continued throughout the cooler seasons when the weather is dry and temperatures are above 40 degrees.
   Please send a coat to school with your child. Also be sure to dress your child appropriately for the cooler weather.

Book Fair

   Our annual Scholastic Book Fair is coming on November 16 - 23. It will be for one week, Sunday to Sunday. The Scholastic Book Fair is very helpful in expanding our school's library, due to the considerable book donations we receive each year.
   Come and hunt for a good book in the safari- themed room located in the west foyer just off the sanctuary.

Homeland's $ for School$

Remember to present your One Card at the register (school code 62040). As a participating school, we can receive a donation in cash based on school percentage of sales. Thanks!

School Events

October 31 - November 1Liberty Festival
at Liberty Academy

November 5All School Corn Maze Field Trip

November 7
First Home Basketball Game

November 11
Cookie Dough
Fundraiser Ends

November 13-15
ICLC Conference

November 14
School Dismissed at Noon

November 16 - 23
Book Fair

November 17
No School