Sports – Page 3 – Williston Trinity Christian School

FREE Community Class: “Who Are You in Christ? – The W.A.Y. Challenge.”

Cole Davis, a Christian Counselor & founding WTCS family member, is offering an amazing Bible study- “Who Are You in Christ? – The W.A.Y. Challenge.”

If you have a yearning to really know God and experience the abundant life that Jesus has promised us, then this class is for you! If you have issues and frustrations that your faith in Christ hasn’t helped you with, then this class is for you. You will quickly learn how to solve or best manage your thoughts, feelings and behavior – your life – walking by faith in Christ.

This class meets every Wednesday at 7:00pm in the WTCS chapel. Attend sessions as your schedule allows. You do not need to attend all in order. Everyone is welcome to attend this community program.

Austin Smith: Williston Herald Athlete of the Week

CONGRATS to WTCS Senior Austin Smith for being named Williston Herald’s Athlete of the Week, January 25th, 2017.

“Smith was sublime in his team’s win 75-62 win over Burke County. He broke a school record with a staggering 53 points, 40 of which came in the second half.”

Great job Austin! GO CRU!!

“A difference that adds up – Trinity Christian math scores nearly double in new program”

Williston Herald – Thursday, January 12, 2017

By Melissa Krause mkrause@willistonherald.com

WTCS 6th Grader Aleki Ayon tries her hand at a multiplication game in teacher Angela Nible’s classroom, where students worked a new mathematics program implemented this school year.

Math scores have increased 43 percent at Williston Trinity Christian School, but the students have been improving unknowingly.

Vice principal LaLynda Blotsky observed a large gap between students who quickly moved through their textbooks while others struggled to catch up. If each student were to thrive academically, she understood the math program would have to undergo some restructuring.

“No child should should be punished because they are higher in academia or lower because they are in a certain class,” Blotsky said. “How to we keep them growing?”

That question prompted diligent research to find the core of what was working for students. When she compiled her findings into a workable program, the school’s principal, Cory Fleck, and the school board gave their blessing — then she needed the teachers’ approval.

She was ultimately met without obstacle. Trinity’s educators quickly embraced the fresh ideas, partly because it gave them the autonomy to explore new methods and creativity.

“We have phenomenal teachers who are dedicated to what they do every single day,” she said. “One of the things we struggle with is we have to do more with less…We do not receive federal or state funding, so one of the challenges we have is to get creative when reaching our students that can’t be done with federal dollars. This math enhancement plan is that.”

Trinity Christian is no longer blanketing what students should know by grade level, but instead breaks students into individual groups based on proficiency.

In addition to their standard classes, for 30 minutes a day, kindergarten through fourth grade breaks into groups which focus on mathematics by using kinetics, technology, projects, games and hands-on learning activities.

Students are tested every month, which allows them to switch levels constantly, regardless of age. The flexible nature has instilled a new level of camaraderie among students and brings new faces to teachers.

“We are not leveling students based on their age, but we are leveling them based on ability,” Blotsky said. “You could potentially have a first-grader with a third-grader if that’s the level they’re at.”

Fifth through eighth-grade has been adjusted differently. Through trial and error, the school found the greatest response when math was conveyed as “how is math applicable to my life?”

Real world scenarios like field trips to the grocery store to create meals with monetary limitations clicked.

“What really worked for them was being able to do something other than pencil and paper,” Blotsky.

Upperclassmen are also participating in the IXL program which give parents the opportunity to track their progress online.

The results throughout the school have been staggering.

Based on the NWEA MAPS testing, the school tested at 38 percent at or above proficiency last year, but students in grades K-10 have already surpassed the 65 percent goal educators hoped to meet by the end of the 2016-17 school year. By their mid-year testing, the school has risen to 67 percent at or above proficiency.

“It’s so rewarding,” Blotsky said. “Our teachers are top notch.”

The math enhancement programs was initiated for a two-year period to meet benchmark goals. Trinity Christian will now have to adjust and set the bar higher come the end of the school year, one Blotsky hopes to see breach 90

percent someday.

Beau Skurdal – Williston Herald Athlete of the Week

CONGRATULATIONS to WTCS Senior Beau Skurdal! He was selected as the Williston Herald’s Athlete of the Week on January 11, 2017.

“Skurdal was borderline unstoppable for the crusaders in three wins last week. He scored 55 points, brought down 35 rebounds, blocked 17 shots and had 12 assists.”

The next HOME Varsity Boys Basketball game is Saturday, January 21st vs. Watford City @ 5:45pm. GO CRU!!!

Williston Herald: “Crusaders basketball surging with huge home win over New Town”

by Jeffrey Giuliani jgiuliani@willistonherald.com

If a close loss to region powerhouse Kenmare gave the Trinity Christian Crusaders confidence, there is no telling what toppling an undefeated New Town might do to their psyche.

On their home court, the Crusaders solved the Eagles full-court press and found offense from all their stars in an 89-77 win.

“I’m so happy,” a beaming head coach Jacob Braaten said after the win.

Trinity Christian usually wins by settling into their half-court offense and working the ball into the post.

New Town decided to play a full-court press for most of the game, forcing the Crusaders to go from plodding to run-and-gun.

They responded beautifully, dismantling the New Town defense all evening.

“If they are going to have us push the ball, we’re going to take advantage of what they are doing,” Braaten said. “We can beat a press and we’re going to score a lot of layups if they are going to keep pressing us all game.”

It wasn’t a surprise for Braaten to see the Eagles run such an aggressive defense. He knew this was coming and has spent the previous month getting his players ready.

“We were totally ready for it,” he said. “We’ve had instances where we have struggled, but we were calm and patient.”

Senior guard Austin Smith was pivotal in beating the press, using his athleticism to run the ball up the court and find the open looks. He led the team with 29 points.

“His speed is phenomenal, he’s just a track freak,” Braaten said. “We placed him in the middle of that press hoping he could get the ball and kick it up court.”

The welcome recipients of those passes were teammates Breman Abuh and Beau Skurdal, who scored 26 and 24 points, respectively.

Trinity Christian rode an early run to victory. With the game tied at 12, they rattled off seven points in style that had their home court rocking and forced New Town to take a timeout.

After Abuhl dropped a three-pointer, Smith followed it up with a forceful dunk. Another turnover had some fancy passing lead to another easy bucket, giving the Crusaders a lead they wouldn’t lose.

There is no doubt the Crusaders have their eye on a region title. This win affirms they have the talent to make such a run.

The Crusaders have started their 2017 with a bang, following a 76-48 win over Trenton with this triumph over New Town.

Next up is a home game against Beach on Jan. 7 at 3:30 p.m.

Year End Giving 2016

Dear Friends of Williston Trinity Christian School:

Season’s Greetings! The Students, Faculty, and Staff at WTCS have experienced another amazing semester as 2016 comes to an end. From the excitement of the success of this year’s annual banquet, to the thrilling inaugural season of the middle school football team, this fall has been action packed. We continue to set high spiritual and academic standards for our students.

Nothing describes WTCS better than our triumphant Prayer Walk for America or the number of students recognized on the Honor Roll. The Prayer walk boasted over 225 participants who wore a path around the football field, continuously praying for nine hours. Although we hold a higher grading scale than other schools in our area, 68% of our 7^th-12^th graders maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA. This is proof that we are the Beacon of Light that we strive to be for the youth in our region.

At WTCS we continue to better ourselves with the implementation of additional programs. We are proud of the additions of our Summer Math Camp, Math Enhancement, AP courses, ACT prep, Accelerated Reader 5^th-12^th, and extended library access K-12^th. These successes cannot happen without the quality team that God has assembled, and with the spirit of unity that is so apparent on our campus.

There is a cost associated with the aforementioned. Financially, WTCS does not receive State or Federal funding. Families pay tuition, which covers 60% of the total cost to educate each student. The other 40%, which works out to be approximately $23 per day, per student is obtained through partnering sponsors, donations, and fundraising events. A recap of those efforts from June 2016 to present is as follows:

Golf Tournament = $35,200
Summer Matching Fund drive = $100,000
Banquet = $55,600
Walk – A – Thon = $42,000
1^st time sponsors-online donations= $8,350

The fundraising events have been more than successful, and we appreciate all of the support. However, the above referenced amounts represent only one third of our unfunded budget. Our hope is that each of you are able to see the importance of what we do at WTCS, and that you are inspired to partner with us to fulfill our calling. Our goal is to fully fund tuition for every student at WTCS. We can only do this through partnering with individuals, families, businesses, and churches. If you are led to offer additional support, or sponsorship of a student, please click here to make an online donation for your tax deductible gift of support. Please enter “year end donation” in the student id field.

In HIS Grip,

Wade Nelson

Dean of Students

Please follow these year-end giving guidelines if you would like for your Annual Fund donation to qualify as a 2016 charitable gift for federal income tax purposes. Williston Trinity Christian School is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, Federal Tax ID # 45-0426088. WTCS accepts donations at any time during th e

Credit Cards: Online credit card donations must be completed by 11:59 p.m. on Dec. 31, 2016. Please enter “year end donation” in the student id field.

Cash or Check: Your gift must be postmarked on or before Dec. 31, 2016. Using UPS, FedEx, or another private carrier, your gift must be received on or before Dec. 31, 2016. Please mail to:

Attn: Wade Nelson, WTCS Director of Development
2419 – 9^th Ave West, Williston, ND 58801

Hand-delivered: During Christmas Break, school offices will be closed. Contact Director of Development, Wade Nelson, 701-580-8367, wnelson@tcsnd.org to make arrangements during Christmas break.

Quarter 1 HONOR ROLL

Congratulations to the following students for having outstanding academic work ethic. We are proud of our Crusaders!

Over half of our student body in grades 5-12 is on the honor roll this quarter!

76% of our students in grades 9-12 have a 3.0 or higher (88% and higher = 3.0)

Quarter 1 Honor Roll

Grades 5-8 A Honor Roll

Ethan Babcock

Jeremiah Crosby

Dylan McGlothlin

Mason Haugenoe

Derek Lee

Hayley Melby

Vanessa Neumann

Molly Setchfield

Taija Rasmussen

Grades 5-8 B Honor Roll

Rebeca Cruz

Jeslyn Hendrickson

Maguire Neumann

Aleki Ayon

Hannah Cornell

Dawson Fleck

Rane Pederson

Dallas Pitman

Samantha Romo

Carter Smith

Andre Vazquez

Ben Weeks

Titus Lee

Jon Moonen

Collin Shirk

Caleb Babcock

Connor Smith

Grades 9-12 3.0 Honor Roll

Nakia Nelson

Alice Pederson

Andra Smith

Alyssa Ellvanger

Gwen Holmen

Peyton Monzon

Ilyssa Sanford

Taylor Heape

Hannah Nix

Gabriel Vazquez

Olivia Hamrick

Josh Tervo

Shelby Theige

Josh Zarling

Grades 9-12 3.5 Honor Roll

Ethan Decker

Madison Lackey

Jonathan Babcock

Ashley Melby

Ashton Pierce

Kaia Pole

Kaleb Cornell

Miranda Penner

Jacqueline Williams

Jeremy Larson

Beau Skurdal

Austin Smith

Grades 9-12 4.0 Honor Roll

Greta Eder

ACT Prep

Mrs. LaLynda Blotsky, WTCS Vice Principal, will be offering an ACT Prep Program.

The program will meet mainly Tuesdays & Thursdays after school from 3:33pm until 4pm in Mrs. Ransom’s room. This FREE program is open to any WTCS student in grades 9-12.

Printable Schedule: ACT Prep Schedule 2016

Date:

Tues November 29 3:33-4:00 What is on the test?

Thurs December 1 3:33-7:00 Take Practice Test 1

Tues December 6 3:33-4:00 Review Test 1

Thurs December 8 3:33-4:00 Review Test 1

Weds December 14 3:33-4:00 Prepare for Practice Test 2

Thurs December 15 3:33-4:00 Prepare for Practice Test 2

Tues December 20 3:33-7:00 Take Practice Test 2

Tues January 3 3:33-4:00 Review Test 2

Thurs January 5 3:33-4:00 Review Test 2

Tues January 10 3:33-4:00 Prepare for Practice Test 3

Thurs January 12 3:33-4:00 Prepare for Practice Test 3

Tues January 17 3:33-7:00 Take Practice Test 3

Thurs January 19 3:33-4:00 Review Test 3

Weds January 25 3:33-4:00 Review Test 3

Fri January 27 3:33-4:00 Improving English

Tues January 31 3:33-4:00 Improving English

Thurs February 2 3:33-4:00 Improving Math

Tues February 7 3:33-4:00 Improving Math

Thurs February 9 3:33-4:00 Improving Reading

Weds February 15 3:33-4:00 Improving Reading

Thurs February 16 3:33-4:00 Improving Science

Weds February 22 3:33-4:00 Improving Science

ACT Test Dates:

Williston State College: Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors- December 10, February 11, April 8, and June 10 – Please register at ACT.org

Williston Trinity Christian School: Juniors (only)- February 28 (this is free, provided by the state)

*If any dates fall on a time when a student cannot make it due to an academic/athletic commitment, please get the materials from Mrs. Blotsky.

*If any of the practice tests fall on a date/time where a student cannot make it due to an academic/athletic commitment, please get the practice test from Mrs. Blotsky to take at a different time. It is important that you still take the practice test so you can stay on track with the ACT Prep course outline.

THANKSGIVING CHAPEL

Please join us for a chapel of honoring our students.

K-4 will be performing as well as our praise band.

We will hear a special Thanksgiving message from Pastor Wade.

And Qtr. 1 honor roll will be announced as well as students of the month.

Everyone is welcome!

THANKSGIVING CHAPEL

Tuesday November 22 at 1:15pm

Wells Fargo/Herman Family Foundation Grant Awarded to WTCS

I am excited to announce that Williston Trinity Christian School has been awarded a grant from Wells Fargo (Herman Family Foundation) in the amount of $7,000! These funds will be used towards purchasing a new math curriculum for grades 9-11. My excitement to work for TCS and the amazing families who have dedicated their hearts to this school has only continued to grow each day since the first day I was hired. My goal as a teacher is to not only teach and prepare my students, but I also strive towards making mathematics family friendly, fun, and easy to understand.

After teaching from many different mathematic books, I have come to find my favorite publisher is the Holt-McDougal-Larson Editions of Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II. These editions have made students and their families’ lives easier due to organization, ease of use, and the connections made from chapter to chapter. These editions are also in line with the current standards and provide the instruction students need to become college bound.

Coming from a large public school, I thought I would be prepared for the transition, but as we know, funding is always an obstacle for private schools. Our budget did not allow for us to purchase these books this school year, but I was determined to make this happen for our TCS students. I spent several weeks in July writing a grant. In the meantime, our students have been using an online version of this textbook along with many photocopied homework pages.

We have prayed for this curriculum, and God delivered with more than we had originally asked for. The original grant amount was $6,700, and Wells Fargo said they will be awarding us $7,000. I could not be more proud and grateful as a teacher of this school to say that we are growing in amazing ways.

Thank you and God Bless,

Courtney R Ransom

WTCS High School Math Teacher