I sometimes take for granted that my entire life, since entering Kindergarten (back in 1967), has revolved around the 10-month school calendar. Although I worked during the summers while in college, and my current position in administration is a 12-month position, the start of every summer break is always exhilirating and full of promise. I have always embraced summer as my favorite season of the year! I love the sun, the beach, the freedom to let my guard down and relax a bit, and--most significantly--our family's traditions that were (and still are) so intricately woven into our summers.
My mom and dad made summers seem like treasures of gold. My dad worked two to three jobs so that my mom could be a stay-at-home mom (her lifelong aspiration, and she was amazing at it!), but family time was ALWAYS important enough for my dad to plan around. As a family of six growing up (my parents and four daughters), we found inexpensive ways to make the BEST memories ever! We went camping together, we visited extended family faithfully, we played outside the entire day right up until it became dark, and my mom always made a point to join in some of our outdoor games with our neighborhood friends. As we eventually married and grew families of our own, we developed new memory-building traditions--like family talent shows on Memorial Day!
At CCS, we know the value of your family time and memory-building efforts during the summer months. For this reason, we do not give summer assignments to be completed and submitted in the fall. However, while you are building memories together, consider creating scrapbooks to chronicle your adventures, read about the places you are visiting (or wish you could visit), and take a few minutes to let your child estimate the cost of the ice cream cones you are purchasing (and even count out the money if paying with cash). Have a blessed and memorable summer with your children this year!
Tonya Snyder Head of School
SUMMERTIME MEMORIES
& MEMORY-BUILDING
from the Desk of the Head of School
TEACHER FEATURE
MEET OUR HIGH SCHOOL BIBLE TEACHER
The high school journalism class interviewed Mr Himmelstein, who teaches Bible Grades 9-11 and serves as the CCS Chaplain.
Q. What made you want to start working with young people?
I really enjoyed working with children in high school during basketball camp. When I went to college, I went in as a business major, not knowing what to do. My roommate was in youth ministry. I took one class and was sold. I prayed, and God led me to the youth ministry major. I particularly enjoyed coaching here and at Covenant Christian Academy.
Q. Was there a teacher you looked up to?
When I was in high school, Bill Harbeck was my principal, basketball coach, and mentoring group leader. He was pointing us back to Christ.
Mr. JT Himmelstein (Interview by the Journalism Class)
(continued on back page)
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THE LION'S ROAR
JUNE 2022