Sioux

Center Christian School

Christian Schools International Accreditation Introductory Narrative

2014-2015

Name, address, website, contact information, current head, current chair of the school
improvement team
Sioux Center Christian School
Harlan De Vries, Principal

630 1st Avenue SE; PO Box 165;
hdevries@siouxcenterchristian.com
Sioux Center, IA; 51250
Josh Bowar, Assistant Principal and Chair of School
www.siouxcenterchristian.com
Improvement Team
Phone: 712.722.0777 Fax: 712.722.0782
jbowar@siouxcenterchristian.com

The schools mission
The mission of Sioux Center Christian School is to disciple Gods children by equipping them with a knowledge and
understanding of Christ and His creation so that they can obediently serve God and others as they work and play.

A brief description of the school as it is todaygrades taught, student population, geographic area
served, governance model, and other notables
-transitional kindergarten through 8th grade
-491 students
-serving the Sioux Center, IA community and a radius of approximately 10-15 miles
-Sioux Center Christian School is governed by a team of board members from representative churches, including
the Partner Society (which represents non-CRC churches). Currently, there are 12 board members, with the
offices of President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Vicar. Board meetings are held once per month (or
more often, as needed). The principal and assistant principal also attend all board meetings.
-student population has expanded by about 100 students in the last 5 years

A brief history of the schoolwhen founded, major changes over the years, building additions
It was February of 1903 that the first permanent Christian school society west of the Mississippi River was formed in
Sioux Center. At the first meeting, Rev. J. Smitters called on the conviction of several church members to be willing to
provide for distinctive Christian training for covenant children. The first building was 30 ft. by 40 ft. and a two story
wooden structure. On the 3rd of April in 1905, students left the public school and walked down the street to begin class
at the new Christian school. Since the day the school began, it has been the wish of the society, teachers, and supporters
that the schools graduates come to understand Gods power in His world, that they get to know that the Creator of the
universe is their God and savior, that He rules the world, and that He has touched their own hearts and lives with His
love. Fifty students began in the building in April 1905, and we currently have 491 students enrolled.
Important Milestones:

1903: school society formed

1904: school incorporated in the State of Iowa
1905: school begins
1920s: enrollment increases
March 24, 1924: society meets to discuss closing the
school because of shortage of funds, decides to keep
the school open
1930s: dedication continues, with teachers and
janitor working without pay to keep the school going
1949: new building dedicated
1948: Principal A.J. Boersma is hired, credited with
growing the school
1950-1960: enrollment grows from 120 students to
339 students, music and band begins
1965: 60th anniversary, gym and locker rooms added
1970s: central library is set up
1995: expansion of technology services begins
2004: school celebrates 100th anniversary
2008: school-wide themes begin
2009: drama program begins

2010: inclusive education program begins

refinement process
2014: largest building expansion project in school
history begins

Building/Facilities History:

1903 first permanent Christian school society west

of the Mississippi formed
1905 first building opens, 30 ft. by 40 ft. two-story
wooden building
1948 school society approves building of a new,
four-room brick school, which is still part of the
building used today
1952 two more classrooms are added to the
building
1960s kitchen, activity, and eight classrooms added
to the building
1970s gym and locker rooms are added
1979 large addition was added, creating the junior
high wing and enclosing the courtyard to make a
large multipurpose room (which is now the library)

1991 new classrooms and administrative space

were added
2014 ground-breaking of an expansion set, which
will include ten classrooms, a new office area,
expanded music rooms and lunchroom, and space for
inclusive education work
Our school is currently in its 110th year of operation,
which is a huge testament to the faithfulness of God
over the years. His faithfulness has been shown
through the many teachers, staff members, parents,
and students that worked at, supported, and attended
Sioux Center Christian School. We continue to see an
increase in student enrollment, and we continue to
experience the passion of Christian education, shown

by both our teachers and school supporters. The

Reformed perspective still remains strong in our
school, and we find ourselves well supported through
prayer, service, and finances by parents and other
school supporters. Even through hard times, school
supporters have chosen to keep the school open in an
effort to further Gods kingdom with His covenant
children. These supporters are willing to make
sacrifices for Christian education, which is a huge
blessing to SCCS. We continue to be able to provide
more and more specialized services and activities to
meet the needs of our current student body because
of our strong base of support.

Student population for the past ten years

2004-2005: 354
2008-2009: 374
2005-2006: 356
2009-2010: 382
2006-2007: 355
2010-2011: 400
2007-2008: 366
2011-2012: 419

2012-2013: 449
2013-2014: 475
2014-2015: 491

Summary of standardized test results for the past five years

Iowa Assessments National Grade Equivalent
Grade Level and
2009-2010
2010-2011
2011-2012
Subject Area
4th Grade Math
6.2
6.2
5.3
4th Grade Reading
6.4
6.1
5.9
th
8 Grade Math
12.3
11.2
10.4
8th Grade Reading
10.9
10.9
10.5

2012-2013

2013-2014

5.4
6.5
11.8
11.9

6.2
7.1
13+
13+

Current focuses of the schoolcan be a summary of the current vision or strategic plan
We are currently implementing a revised process and system for our inclusive education program. We also are
working on ideas for an improved school scheduling process and schedule for student classes, specials, support
services, etc. The school is also intent on intentionally nurturing student faith through our curriculum,
instruction, and assessment as well as through our school policies and shared spaces procedures.
A narrative regarding the tools the school is currently using to assess its effectiveness or progress
on a school improvement plan
Since the plan submitted this year is our first school improvement plan, we do not have any tools in place based
on a previous school improvement plan.

Any other major things to notehigh debt, major enrollment trends, major campaigns, major
shifts in curriculum and instruction
Notable programs:

-Transitional kindergarten
-Rapidly growing student body
-School counselor
-Refined inclusive education program
-Registered nurse
-TRIP program well supported
-Talented and gifted program
-Comprehensive curriculum
-Several music opportunities (general, orchestra, band, honor
choirs, jazz band)

-Established drama program (yearly play, drama troupe)

-Intramural athletics
-Interscholastic sports
-School-wide themes and chapels
-Highly organized professional development
-Dedicated teachers and staff members
-Fair share program
-Dedicated PACE (Parents in Action for Christian
Education) support group

-Before our capital campaign for the upcoming building project, we were a debt-free school.
-The current capital campaign is focused on a $6.8 million addition/remodel project that was approved by 94% of
the school society.