Humboldt Community Christian School

From the Principal’s Office

What are we thankful for?
In the last newsletter I mentioned all the new students for whom we are grateful. God continues to affirm that he sent them here and that we are to love and teach them. Brian (name changed) was sent to my office for pushing, and when he was asked how God feels when he hurts others, he innocently and correctly said, “How would I know, I don’t go to church?” He is yearning for change and desires to attend church. When his mother enrolled him, she shared her desperation over his public school experience, particularly the past two years spent with a teacher who did not care for her students and did not help him to learn. He also was unable to read, and his mother said, “Do whatever it takes,” when we needed to put him in a lower grade. Brian and his mother have seen great improvement both in his abilities and in the care and instruction he receives here.
We are extremely grateful that God answered prayer in providing an exceptional staff that returns year after year, and we praise God for the freedom and privilege we have of proclaiming his name and his word. Last week, with thrill and gratitude I watched 6th graders present their drawings of various events in missionaries’ lives and answer questions from their interested classmates. At the same time, 7th graders were designing posters about missionaries’ lives, and 8th graders were researching them online.
Pray with us that our students would continue to become godly servants and knowledgeable citizens as they grow academically.

~ Debbie Flores, Principal

PRAISE REPORT ~ From a Student

Brian, a 2nd grader, shares: “This school does more than the other school. I used to have to fight a lot at my other school, but at this school I don’t have to fight. And I learn a lot more here than at my other school. I like this school because I’m learning about God a lot, but in my other school they were learning about the devil a lot. It was hard making friends before, but here it’s easy to make friends—it’s a piece of cake.”

ANSWERS TO PRAYER!

• 40 NEW STUDENTS!! (of 114 enrolled)
• WISDOM God has given in the numerous discipline situations
• 2 fantastic NEW TEACHERS ~ Krista Rakochy in 1st grade and Kristen Hooker in PreK
• AFTERSCHOOL TEACHERS ~ Cindy Hernandez and Kim Davila assist with the much-larger than expected program
• HELPFUL PEOPLE and RESOURCES for our students
• SAFETY ~ for each student and the building

“PRAISE THE LORD”
~ From a New Teacher

“Can we have just a peek at the next story, Mrs. Rakochy?” The first graders ask me this virtually every morning after I read from a New Testament Bible story book. I find great joy to hear the “ooh's" and “ah's" of these children when we read about the miracles of Jesus Christ. These valued times each day have led to incredible discussions about the nature and character of Jesus Christ. Little by little, the first graders have begun to comprehend that they have done wrong and are in need of forgiveness. A student mentioned one day, “I have been trying to be good Mrs. Rakochy, but sometimes it is just so hard!” Through moments such as these, the Lord has carefully orchestrated our conversations, leading us to discuss the saving grace of His Son. The students have been hearing that Jesus Christ loves them and offers the free gift of forgiveness. It has been important for me to emphasize that receiving salvation is clear-cut—one needs to believe, then pray, asking Jesus to “take over”. The Lord caught me off guard one day with students requesting to pray and receive this “eternal life”. What an incredible opportunity to be used as an instrument of the Lord and to pray with these students! I find myself overwhelmed with joy at the workings of the Lord. All I can do is thank the Lord that these students now understand that Jesus Christ is “The Way, The Truth, and The Life.” To God be the glory!
What a blessing it has been to be here at HCCS! The Lord truly answered my prayers in providing this teaching opportunity. After graduating from Moody Bible Institute in Elementary Education in 2005, the Lord prepared me in great ways to come to this first grade classroom. Growing to know the students and their parents has been such an incredible experience, and I look forward to what the rest of the year holds!

~ Krista Rakochy, 1st Grade teacher

“PRAISE THE LORD”
~ From the Parents

“I am so happy with the school and the work my son (a 2nd grader) has been doing, he especially likes reading the stories and making story maps. My son likes HCCS much better than his previous school and is receiving an excellent education!”

“I, Mrs. Barraza, was honored to be visited by my son’s teacher. I am so pleased with my son and the progress he is making, I really wish he would have come to HCCS sooner. His self-esteem is getting much better and I am seeing growth in all areas of his life, not only with his studies. We are so thankful for all the extra help and motivation you have been giving my son. Thank you!”

“PRAISE THE LORD”
~ For our Taxes 

Congress has recently passed legislation that will allow for significantly higher limitations for charitable contributions in 2006 & 2007. The Pension Protection Act of 2006 allows you to provide tax-free gifts from your traditional or ROTH IRA to a ministry close to your heart. The following applies:
• Gifts are tax-free up to $100,000/yr
• Gifts qualify for minimum distributions
• This applies for 2006 and 2007 only
• IRA holder must be 70 ½ or older
• Gifts must be an outright gift to a charitable organization

MARK YOUR CALENDAR!
HCCS’ ANNUAL AUCTION
March 16 @ 7pm
Faith Christian Reformed Church
1070 Prospect, Elmhurst
Jim Engel, Auctioneer
Donations and volunteers are needed-
Call Debbie Flores at 773-278-6330