CVC NuggetDid you know...?Students International gives

our students the opportunity to spend two weeks each summer volunteering in Guatemala on a mission trip. CVC has been serv-ing in Guatemala each summer since 2006.

The dates for this year will be June 9–21.This summer Mrs. Branderhorst and Mr. Steve Gann will be accompanying students for that trip.

Each summer for a week prior to the trip, an opportunity is given to attend language school in Antigua, Guatemala where the students live with a family and take one-on-one language classes for four hours each day M–F.

Please join us when you are in high school. Requirements are that you are at least 15 years old. Take this opportunity to enrich your language skills, serve God, and discover a new culture. Your life will never be the same.

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In This IssueSpring Cleaning . . . . . . . . 2

CVC Book Drive . . . . . . . . . 2

Alumni Accomplishments . 2

Alumni News . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Social Media Age . . . . . . 3, 4

Cavalier Preview Day . . . . 4

Of Note . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Sport Shorts . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Looking Ahead . . . . . . . . . 5

Annual Dinner/Auction . . . 6 (“Grow...” continues on page 2)

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• C V C A D M I N I S T R A T I V E P E R S P E C T I V E– by Len Fakkema, CVC Elementary School Principal

God, Who Makes All Things GrowGod makes everything grow! I love planting a garden and watching the progression from seed to a seedling.

This process is so interesting to observe. The correct soil, the right amount of water, and tender care that is needed is unbelievable. But, when you think about it, it takes a lot of faith to know that these seeds will one day become mature plants. We wait to see if we will have a good crop. Will my corn survive the summer heat? Will the bugs leave my lettuce alone? Will we be eating salad and corn on the cob later this summer? Why does a seed even grow to begin with? How does this even happen?

I Corinthians 3 talks about planting, watering, and growing. Paul states that he and Apollos are fellow workers. “I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.” Along with the Christian home and the Church, we are “God’s fellow workers” (vs. 9), planting the Word of God into the hearts and minds of our children through a Christian educational experience.

Our kindergartners will be planting seeds and watching them grow. I love to see the curiosity of these little ones and the faith they display. As I watch these covenant children grow, I wonder what God is growing in their lives. From a seed to our hearts, God loves growth. In our hearts God wants our actions, our thoughts, and our attitudes to become more like Jesus. Just as a little seed can become a large tree, so our lives can grow to become like Jesus in ways we never dreamed.

As I am writing this, it is storming outside. It is much like a monsoon. We need the rain here in the Central Valley, and I praise God for this rain, wind, and lightning. It shows the power of God and how magnificent He is! Our God is the one who makes all things grow. This rain will put a little dent in how much rain we really need. We are thankful for it! The rain helps things grow just as God’s Word helps us grow closer to Him.

Our theme for the year is “Changing the Tide.” Central Valley Christian is “Chang-ing the Tide” in so many ways. The growth of our children will continually be seen in

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Cultivatingresponsible

Christianadults

Valuingacademic

excellence

ConnectingBiblical truthswith everyday

living

ShapingChrist-likebehavior

the physical sense, but can we see the spiritual growth? I certainly hope so, or we aren’t doing our job as educators and parents. As our vision statement says, we are to be “cultivating responsible Christian adults, valuing academic excellence, connecting Biblical truths with everyday living, and shaping Christ like character.” I hope and pray that the seeds grow in each of our children and that we will see the fruits of the spirit.

– by Len Fakkema, CVC Elementary School Principal

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Spring Cleaning?Have you been doing some spring cleaning in recent

weeks and discovered items you no longer need? Used Treasures will gladly take your gently used

clothing and other items. Call them for large donations, 684-8919, drop them off at their store at 232 S. K Street, Tulare, or bring your donations to the shed located at the CVC Middle School. Thanks so much!

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Read for LifeThank you CVC Community for participating in the

“Read for Life!” book drive. Our school gave more than 1,500 books!

CVC Alumni AccomplishmentsAndrew Hofmans (’07) enlisted in the US Navy after

graduation. After boot camp and different training schools, he was assigned to the USS Truxtun, a destroyer attached to the carrier group of the USS George W Bush. In 2011, this carrier group was deployed to the Persian Gulf and west coast of Africa. While off the coast of Africa, their mission was reconnaissance for pirate ships. Andrew Hofmans was

on the search and seize boarding party for the pirate ships that were located during their mission.

In late summer and early fall of 2012, a movie production company made ar-rangements with the US Navy to utilize the USS Truxtun for

filming of the movie, Captain Phillips. This film is based on a true story about the rescue of a civilian ship’s captain from Somalian pirates by the US Navy. Besides using the ship itself, the production company also utilized many of the crew members in the movie, and Andrew Hofmans portrays his Navy job and played the part of a guard of the Somalian pirate that was captured.

In May 2013, Andrew passed exams and was promoted to Petty Officer First Class. In January 2014, he was given orders for transfer to a new duty station in Everett, WA.

Alexandra Gann (’12) is currently serving in the United States Air Force on the Osan Air Force Base in South Korea with Security Forces.

Ian Steck (’12) is in the United States Air Force and is being trained in the electronics field as a Missile and Space Facilities Specialist. He is currently located at Vandenburg USAF base here in CA.

More Alumni News on Page 3

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CVC Alumni News Calling all Alumni! CVC would like to maintain an accurate list of all alumni for the purpose of future class reunions, alumni events, and to remain connected. Please encourage any of your alumni children and friends to go to the alumni link on the CVC web page to enter current address and email. Alumni will also be placed on the mailing list for “The Cavalier” and be notified of all future alumni events.

Class ReunionThe CVC class of 1994 will have their 20 year reunion

this summer. Plans are being made and more information will be made available in the next month or so.

GraduationsAdam Castleberry (’06) graduated in 2012 from the

COS Fire Academy. Adam is currently employed as a Tulare County firefighter.

Micah Escobedo (’08) graduated from CSU Fresno in December 2013, with a BA degree in Communication. He accepted an editorial internship with a national political magazine and relocated to Washington DC.

Jessica Monteiro (’09) graduated in December 2013 from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Ag Business. She is currently employed with ADP as an outside sales representative.

Paige Gilkey (’10) graduated from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, on March 20, 2014, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Ag Business.

Moriah Escobedo (’11) graduated from the Los Angeles City College Theatre Academy in June, 2013, and is now working in Los Angeles as a film and television actress.

MarriagesJoel Ruiter (‘06) and Jennifer King were married October

19, 2013 in Springville, CA. They are living in Monterey where Joel works at the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

Capt. Joost Verduyn (’03) married Naomi Laudicina on Feb. 26 at the Wedding Pavilion in Walt Disney, Florida. Joost is currently based at Eielson AFB where he is the Director of Public Affairs. In April, he is moving to Norfolk Naval Station in Virginia where he will be working with a Joint Public Affairs Support Element. (JPAC)

Ryan Weststeyn (’06) and Tiffany Walker were married in Kingsburg on February 8, 2014. They are residing in Visalia.

Please see page 2 of this issue of The Cavalierfor information on CVC alumni accomplishments

If you would like to see your alumni news and informationin print, please send an email with all information to:

sdweststeyn@gmail.com

Christian Parenting in a Social Media Age

Unless your head has been buried in the sand, you have likely noticed the prevalence of social media in today’s society. Everyone has access to the Internet with the use of smart phones and tablets, and you don’t have to look very far to see someone checking their device at any given moment. When used responsibly, technology and social media can be a fun and useful tool. However, navigating the waters of social media use with your children can be a tricky voyage, but it’s one that you need to take! So, strap on your life vest and read on for a few tips.

Social media and technology can easily replace community. Relation-ships and interaction within your family and with others needs to be valued and encouraged. Texting is so much easier than a face-to-face or phone conversation. But, easy is not always best.

Be mindful of how technology is used to communicate with others. En-courage communication within your family. Sit down to dinner together a few nights out of the week (without any technology). Es-tablish a “no technology time” during the day or evening, and be consistent when enforcing the rules.

Consider how you, as a parent, model the use of tech-nology. Are you constantly checking your phone? Do you need to always have the phone or computer within arm’s reach? It is important that, as a parent, you control the technology in your family – or technology will end up controlling you.

Consider very carefully how much and when you want your child(ren) to be involved with social media. Once the social media door has opened, it can be difficult to shut. It is your job as parents to guide, protect and teach your children. Be engaged and be aware, and establish clear rules from the very beginning. Your child should know that you will have complete access to their social media accounts, and you will monitor their posts and activity. Be open about passwords in your home. It is wise to have computers in a public place.

Once your child has created a social media profile, have the discussion about what is appropriate to put on social media and how to be kind in the social media arena. Chil-dren (older teenagers included!) do not always have the best judgment, and it is imperative that you teach them what is

(“Social Media...” continues on page 4)

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ok and what is not. Encourage your child to ask these three things before they post anything:

▲ Is this true? ▲ Will it help? ▲ Will it reflect negatively on others? Young people do not completely grasp the concept of

far reaching consequences. Explain to your child that, no matter what their privacy settings are, pictures and content can quickly “go viral,” and they will sacrifice all control over it. Discuss ways to be thoughtful and encouraging in their responses to their friends’ posts. There will be many opportunities for your child to stand up for what is right, reflect the heart of the Lord and to be an honorable friend. Those things are not always the easiest to do, and your child will need you, as their parent, behind them 100% for guidance and encouragement.

Social media and technology have allowed anyone, anywhere to give an opinion or make a comment, some-what anonymously. Unfortunately, that has led to bullying, or “cyber bullying,” which has been covered extensively in the news. Discuss this with your child, and tell them to immediately come to you if they are on the receiving end of a threatening or inappropriate comment. Also, randomly read what your child is saying to make sure they are be-having in a way that is acceptable to you and a reflection of who they are, as God’s child.

▲ Great dialogue between you and your child can oc-cur because of information found on social media, so look for teachable moments.

▲ Talk with your child every few weeks about what has been posted (their posts and posts from others).

▲ Having that open discussion can really lead to a lot of learning, for you and your child.

▲ It also encourages your child to be open with you and to discuss things with you that they might not have brought up themselves (but really wanted to!).

Remind your child that as Christians, we are “set apart.” (Colossians 3) Talk with them about what that means and how they can live their faith out on the stage that is social media. Allow and encourage your child to express their emotions about what is happen-ing in their “social media world.” They possibly will see pictures of events that they were not invited to, and that can lead to some very hurt feelings.

Context and tone can often be misunderstood when read on a social media sights and not heard first hand. Take some time to explain that to your child. Now, more than ever, teaching children how to filter

(“Social Media...” continued from page 3) information is very important. You, as parents, are the ones God equipped to raise these

amazing individuals (II Peter 1:3). One writer put it very well: “Pray and pray your GUTS out!” (Toni Birdsong) Pray, and pray often, about how God can help you with discernment, sensitivity, understanding and encouragement for your student(s). Take some time to also pray for your child’s friends and their parents.

In the end, you, as the parent, ultimately are the one who knows your child, and this goes back to how God has prepared parents to “Raise up a child in the way he/she will go. Even when he/she is old, he/she will not depart from it.” (Proverbs 22:6) You know how they act in certain situations, what bothers them, what gives them joy and how much responsibility they deserve. Do your best to keep those lines of communication open, even when your child resists. They may not always appreciate you “being in their business,” but that is what you signed up for when you became their parent. And, in the end, kids usually ap-preciate some help and guidance, even though they might not always confess this.

– by Julie Bakker, the current Social Media director at CVC.She is a teacher, wife and the mother of two girls, both students

at CVC. Julie can be reached at socialmedia@cvc.org

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Cavalier Preview DayPreview Day at CVC gave incoming high school

students and parents a chance to get a glimpse of CVCHS’ curriculum and extra curricular opportunities. They met teachers, experienced a mock schedule and met future classmates (photos below).

Of Note...Congratulations to the following seniors for earning Lifetime Membership in

the California Scholarship Federation! They will enjoy a trip to Magic Mountain on Monday, April 7. In addition, they will be honored at a luncheon provided by the YMCA on Wednesday, April 9 at the Convention Center: Austin Bons; Kaitlin Boone; Jessica Bos; Emily Brown; Emily Byrd; Danielle Cardenas; Justine Duyst; Justin Dykstra; Bronson Espinoza; Blake Haury; Emma Johnson; Craig Kampen; Joshua Koster; Marissa Koster; Stacy Leyendekker; Shane Marshall; Caitlin Mueller; Taylor Reitsma; Cobi Roeloffs; Kristin Stone; Matthew Supancic; Taylor Van Den Berg; Megan Van Grouw; Tess Van Grouw; Victoria Vander Veen; Kirsten Von Meter; Kimberly White; and Hannah Wilgenburg.

Austin Bons, Emily Brown and Kaylee Purdy were selected to sing at the California All State Choir in Sacramento. Students were chosen from all over the state to participate. One hundred twenty high schools were represented. Beautiful music and awesome opportunity! Thank you to Miss Talsma, our director, for encouraging the students to try out...and for chaperoning them this week!

Sports Shorts▲ Spring sports have started and all sports are doing well.

▲ Girls’ Soccer won Valley Championship in Division 3

▲ Boys’ Basketball made the Division 3 playoffs, but was eliminated in the first round.

▲ Boys’ Soccer made the Division 5 playoffs and was eliminated in the first round game.

▲ First Team All Central Sequoia League AthletesCraig Kampen (Boys’ Basketball), Blake Haury (Boys’ Soccer), Blake Ja-cobi (Boys’ Soccer), Kirstin Von Meter (Girls’ Soccer), Jady Wilson (Girls’ Soccer), Sara Vander Poel (Girls’ Soccer), Taylor Van Den Berg (CSL Girls’ Soccer MVP) and Jacob DeGroot (CSL Coach of the Year – Girls’ Soccer)

▲ Second team All Central Sequoia League Athletes Justin Dykstra (Boys’ Basketball), Austin Bons (Boys’ Basketball - Defen-sive Player of the Year), Corey Rosa (Boys’ Soccer), Arie DeHoop (Boys’ Soccer), Jaclyn teVelde (Girls’ Soccer), Logan Peters (Girls’ Soccer), Erika Roeloffs (Girls’ Soccer) and Kristen Stone (Girls’ Basketball)

APRIL10 MS Variety Show - 7 pm, HS Chapel14-21 Easter Vacation - No School22 School Resumes22 School Society Meeting - 7 pm, HS

Chapel23 1st-6th Grade “Celebration of Writing”

8:30 am–2:30 pm, Elementary MMC24-27 ASAPH Tour25 Kindergarten Round-Up - No classes

for Kindergarten ONLY25 CVC School Sale - 4:30 pm, HS Gym30 Kindergarten Zoofari - 1:30 pm,

Elementary MMC

MAY2 Fine Arts Festival at CVC Elementary,

No school for K-6 ONLY 3 HS Powder Puff Football - 5 pm, HS

Stadium6 MS/HS Spring Band Concert - 7 pm, HS

Chapel9 1st Grade Mother’s Day Tea - 2 pm,

Elementary MMC10 Jr/Sr Banquet/Prom - Koetsier Ranch

Time to be announced12-15 7th grade Science Camp/8th grade

Daze12 HS Choir Pops Concert - 7 pm, HS

Chapel15 5/6 Grade Spring Concert - 7 pm, HS

Chapel16 No school for MS ONLY17 HS Graduation - 4 pm, HS Chapel20 MS Choir/Fine Arts Assembly - 2 pm,

HS Chapel21 8th Grade Last Day Chapel - time to be

announced, HS Chapel22 4th Grade Recorder Recital - 2 pm, HS

Chapel23 Last day of school - 11:30 dismissal

JUNE16-20 CVC Basketball Camps - Details TBA

AUGUST13 First day of school - 11:30 dismissal

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Set Aside Friday, April 25, 2014 for the:

Annual CVC School Sale Dinner/AuctionWe are busy making preparations for our Annual School Sale and are very

excited to let you know it is coming soon! A School Sale brochure has been sent out in the mail explaining how you can help make this fundraiser a success. We are seeking donations of any kind:

▲ Gift certificates ▲ Unique experiences or adventures

▲ Sporting equipment ▲ Home Improvement items

▲ Spa or Beauty products ▲ Products you have created for sale

▲ Electronics or toys ▲ Concert or Sporting event tickets

▲ Car or truck items ▲ Dairy products and services

Your imagination is the limit! Or, if you would like to send a cash donation, the committee will be happy to do the shopping for you. Also, feel free to contact businesses that you are familiar with and ask if they would be willing to donate to the sale. The money raised through the live and silent auctions goes directly to help keep tuition affordable for all CVC families.

So remember – Friday April 25th - Dinner at 4:30, Silent Auction at 5pm and Live Auction starts at 6pm! Be creative and consider what item or service you could donate. Continue to pray for the planning and preparation of this wonderful event. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact one of the members of the School Sale Committee. Thank You!

The School Sale CommitteeRich Vander Tuig (303-6683) • Keith Visser (967-1475)

Tim Souza (738-3717) • Laura Vander Dussen (804-9415)