Dear Parents,
We have the opportunity to go in a bold new direction. What might our education look like if we provided a laptop for every student? This was the topic of our parent focus group on January 24, 2011. I have invited parents to leave comments and questions on this blog. This is the beginning of the conversation.
Please leave comments on the financing plan, the timeframe for implementing the plan and / or the parent training opportunities.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Dear Friend of Unity Christian High School,
Merry Christmas! I have really gotten into the Christmas season this year. Have you? Maybe it is the new surroundings. People in Northwest Iowa really seem to know how to celebrate the season. I look back over the last three weeks, and I have been to 3 Christmas parties and 2 concerts, with number 3, Unity’s concert, tomorrow night. It is all good my friends, all good.
All this singing and partying has helped me focus and reflect on the amazing gift of Jesus Christ. I love the following verses from Luke 2: 10-11:
But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.
A baby lying in a
feeding trough.
Good news
and great joy.
Born to you
for all the people.
A fulfilled prophecy.
The way
the truth
and the life.
No one comes
to the father
except through me.
The temple curtain
Torn in two
It is finished.
Merry Christmas
and welcome to a party
that will never end!
Merry Christmas! I have really gotten into the Christmas season this year. Have you? Maybe it is the new surroundings. People in Northwest Iowa really seem to know how to celebrate the season. I look back over the last three weeks, and I have been to 3 Christmas parties and 2 concerts, with number 3, Unity’s concert, tomorrow night. It is all good my friends, all good.
All this singing and partying has helped me focus and reflect on the amazing gift of Jesus Christ. I love the following verses from Luke 2: 10-11:
But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.
A baby lying in a
feeding trough.
Good news
and great joy.
Born to you
for all the people.
A fulfilled prophecy.
The way
the truth
and the life.
No one comes
to the father
except through me.
The temple curtain
Torn in two
It is finished.
Merry Christmas
and welcome to a party
that will never end!
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Dear Parents,
What would it look like if every student at Unity brought a laptop to school? We don’t have to look far to find schools where this is a reality. This Fall Sibley Ocheydan High School and Spirit Lake High School went to this model of learning. At a recent principal meeting I attended, every conference school is considering going to this model, often called 1:1. In the state of Iowa there are currently 11% of high schools, currently 1:1. Projections are that as many as 30% will be going to a 1:1 model in the next 1-2 years. I believe it is not a matter of if, but when we at Unity go 1:1.
Next Monday night, we are hosting a parent forum to discuss this possibility. Who pays for this massive change? Why are we looking at this now? What are the steps prior to implementation? Is this a for-sure-going-to-happen for Unity? How will we as a Christian school handle this technology differently? Will this mean that the way we teach will change? Is technology driving education? Should it? How can parents help?
Mr. Karl Kaemingk and I will be leading the discussion. I encourage you to attend. We are meeting at 7PM in the chapel / gym balcony area.
Any change we make at the Board level goes through both our mission and our vision. Our mission identifies who are are, and our vision answers the question – where are we going? These are exciting times to bring captive every area of life under the domain of Jesus Christ. May this conversation and future decisions regarding laptops be done for the glory of God.
Sincerely,
Wayne Dykstra
What would it look like if every student at Unity brought a laptop to school? We don’t have to look far to find schools where this is a reality. This Fall Sibley Ocheydan High School and Spirit Lake High School went to this model of learning. At a recent principal meeting I attended, every conference school is considering going to this model, often called 1:1. In the state of Iowa there are currently 11% of high schools, currently 1:1. Projections are that as many as 30% will be going to a 1:1 model in the next 1-2 years. I believe it is not a matter of if, but when we at Unity go 1:1.
Next Monday night, we are hosting a parent forum to discuss this possibility. Who pays for this massive change? Why are we looking at this now? What are the steps prior to implementation? Is this a for-sure-going-to-happen for Unity? How will we as a Christian school handle this technology differently? Will this mean that the way we teach will change? Is technology driving education? Should it? How can parents help?
Mr. Karl Kaemingk and I will be leading the discussion. I encourage you to attend. We are meeting at 7PM in the chapel / gym balcony area.
Any change we make at the Board level goes through both our mission and our vision. Our mission identifies who are are, and our vision answers the question – where are we going? These are exciting times to bring captive every area of life under the domain of Jesus Christ. May this conversation and future decisions regarding laptops be done for the glory of God.
Sincerely,
Wayne Dykstra
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Dear Friend of Unity,
We have created a Facebook group for Unity Alumni and Friends. This is an attempt to become more accessible to friends of Unity all over the world. If you get a chance, please join the group.
We live in a new and exciting age where we can communicate at so many different levels. What an opportunity we have before us.
We have created a Facebook group for Unity Alumni and Friends. This is an attempt to become more accessible to friends of Unity all over the world. If you get a chance, please join the group.
We live in a new and exciting age where we can communicate at so many different levels. What an opportunity we have before us.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Dear Unity Friends,
Are we bored with God? That question was posed at a recent lecture series event held at Dordt College. We of the faith, from church to home to school, would we admit that at times we're bored with our Christianity? If so, how might we spark complacent kids and adults to move from boredom in the faith to being alive?
Dr. David Naugle’s answer to the boredom question was that we need to appeal to the imagination of the bored Christian. Imagining what could be, is where we will see teenagers and adults spiritually engage.
When I think of the word imagine, I think of two completely different songs, I Can Only Imagine, by Mercy Me, and John Lennon’s Imagine. Imagine there is no Heaven. John Lennon sang this anti- God song in the 70’s and it ranks as one of the most anti-God songs out there.. In the late 90’s Bart Millard, of Mercy Me, wrote a song, “ I Can Only Imagine”. This song spoke about how wonderful Heaven is going to be, especially when Millard envisions himself worshipping God alongside his father, who died too early in this life. Both songs sparked our imaginations, one towards God and one away from God.
In dealing with Christian teenagers, our job is to spark imagination and I think that is best done focusing on Jesus Christ. Jesus has overcome, he is our roaring lion victorious and he is the quiet still voice in our hearts when we are anxious. He is the Alpha and the Omega. He is our Redeemer.
What might this school, this town, county and world look like if we started to imagine of what could be. Jesus died for us, redeemed us and now sends out your teenagers, and you, to do what he physically could not do in the body of one man walking around Galilee. He tells us he is in us, and can do amazing things through us.
John 14:11-13
I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.
Imagine what Jesus would do if he walked the halls of Unity, and then understand that through each of us he is. Imagine the restoration, the reaching out to the least among us. Parents, pray for your child to imagine what God is already doing, is willing to do and waiting to do through us in this place.
Mr. Dykstra
Are we bored with God? That question was posed at a recent lecture series event held at Dordt College. We of the faith, from church to home to school, would we admit that at times we're bored with our Christianity? If so, how might we spark complacent kids and adults to move from boredom in the faith to being alive?
Dr. David Naugle’s answer to the boredom question was that we need to appeal to the imagination of the bored Christian. Imagining what could be, is where we will see teenagers and adults spiritually engage.
When I think of the word imagine, I think of two completely different songs, I Can Only Imagine, by Mercy Me, and John Lennon’s Imagine. Imagine there is no Heaven. John Lennon sang this anti- God song in the 70’s and it ranks as one of the most anti-God songs out there.. In the late 90’s Bart Millard, of Mercy Me, wrote a song, “ I Can Only Imagine”. This song spoke about how wonderful Heaven is going to be, especially when Millard envisions himself worshipping God alongside his father, who died too early in this life. Both songs sparked our imaginations, one towards God and one away from God.
In dealing with Christian teenagers, our job is to spark imagination and I think that is best done focusing on Jesus Christ. Jesus has overcome, he is our roaring lion victorious and he is the quiet still voice in our hearts when we are anxious. He is the Alpha and the Omega. He is our Redeemer.
What might this school, this town, county and world look like if we started to imagine of what could be. Jesus died for us, redeemed us and now sends out your teenagers, and you, to do what he physically could not do in the body of one man walking around Galilee. He tells us he is in us, and can do amazing things through us.
John 14:11-13
I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.
Imagine what Jesus would do if he walked the halls of Unity, and then understand that through each of us he is. Imagine the restoration, the reaching out to the least among us. Parents, pray for your child to imagine what God is already doing, is willing to do and waiting to do through us in this place.
Mr. Dykstra
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Mark Your Calendars!
Dear Parents,
I would like to have you mark four dates on your calendar. We are calling these nights, Focus Nights or Focus Groups. The name is not important, but what is important is having you join us. Our goal is to have you feel connected to the future of Unity. It is your opportunity to meet the staff, have a voice, hear our plans and ask questions.
October 25 - Back to School Night – Sponsored by The Promotion Committee
The focus of this night is to give the parents a chance to meet the teachers, tour the building. We will build a simulated bell schedule and parents will in effect, go to class. Each class will last approximately 8-10 minutes. Teachers will introduce themselves and what they teach. This fits our vision of becoming more inviting and engaging.
November 22 - One to One Initiative – Sponsored by W. Dykstra / K. Kaemingk
What is the rationale behind local school districts going one to one? Where is Unity Christian High School at in the area of one-to-one? What might it look like to have a laptop in the hands of every student? What needs to happen before that becomes a reality?
January 10 - Social Networking: the Opportunities /Dangers – Sponsor TBA
Face-book and texting are more than a temporary trend. The rules of social interaction have changed. How do we educate and parent in this new landscape? Come join us as we highlight some successful solutions. If all of life belongs to Christ, how might we partner together to train our children to be conquerors with these new realities?
March 28 - A Shared Vision for the Future of Unity Christian High School – Sponsored by the SIAC – School Improvement Advisory Committee
Come share what you want Unity Christian High School to look like 5,10 or 20 years from now. “ I sure wish Unity had a program for _____” “ Has Unity ever tried _______?” This Focus event will be largely a listening session. You will have a chance to speak or write your thoughts.
Again, I recommend you go to the school website and click on the Principal’s Blog. You can leave comments, and you can sign up to follow this blog. Anytime I post to the blog you will get an email alert. The blog is a place for you to leave comments and ask questions.
W. Dykstra
I would like to have you mark four dates on your calendar. We are calling these nights, Focus Nights or Focus Groups. The name is not important, but what is important is having you join us. Our goal is to have you feel connected to the future of Unity. It is your opportunity to meet the staff, have a voice, hear our plans and ask questions.
October 25 - Back to School Night – Sponsored by The Promotion Committee
The focus of this night is to give the parents a chance to meet the teachers, tour the building. We will build a simulated bell schedule and parents will in effect, go to class. Each class will last approximately 8-10 minutes. Teachers will introduce themselves and what they teach. This fits our vision of becoming more inviting and engaging.
November 22 - One to One Initiative – Sponsored by W. Dykstra / K. Kaemingk
What is the rationale behind local school districts going one to one? Where is Unity Christian High School at in the area of one-to-one? What might it look like to have a laptop in the hands of every student? What needs to happen before that becomes a reality?
January 10 - Social Networking: the Opportunities /Dangers – Sponsor TBA
Face-book and texting are more than a temporary trend. The rules of social interaction have changed. How do we educate and parent in this new landscape? Come join us as we highlight some successful solutions. If all of life belongs to Christ, how might we partner together to train our children to be conquerors with these new realities?
March 28 - A Shared Vision for the Future of Unity Christian High School – Sponsored by the SIAC – School Improvement Advisory Committee
Come share what you want Unity Christian High School to look like 5,10 or 20 years from now. “ I sure wish Unity had a program for _____” “ Has Unity ever tried _______?” This Focus event will be largely a listening session. You will have a chance to speak or write your thoughts.
Again, I recommend you go to the school website and click on the Principal’s Blog. You can leave comments, and you can sign up to follow this blog. Anytime I post to the blog you will get an email alert. The blog is a place for you to leave comments and ask questions.
W. Dykstra
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
September 8, 2010
Dear Parents and Friends,
Inviting. I want Unity to be more inviting. It is part of my vision for the school.
It sounds like an oxymoron for me to write about Unity not being inviting. For my family and I, we have been blown away with how inviting the Unity family has been to us. It has been 51 days since we arrived and we are still receiving meals! This school family has redefined inviting!
So what do I mean when I say I would like Unity to be more inviting? Like any other high school, Unity could do more to be more inviting to high school parents. Parents are often the neglected part of the learning equation. We could spend hours probing this relationship. How can Unity become more inviting to its’ parents?
How inviting is Unity to the general community. Unity could also take a look at itself from a fresh outside perspective and ask the question, are we inviting to the general public? Are we a school that serves a specific segment of the community? How inviting are we to the broader evangelical Christian community? Is there room for improvement?
Imagine what we would keep and what we would address if the Unity family collectively decided to excel at being inviting.
What are your thoughts? Go to the school website, click on Principal’s Blog and type in your response. Here are some examples of what I am looking for from you:
• I think clearly marked handicapped parking spaces would make Unity more inviting.
• I think having a parent pictorial directory would make Unity more inviting.
• I think hosting more community events at Unity would make the school more inviting.
• I think office staff should wear name badges so strangers can know who they are talking to……
Let me know what you are thinking. All suggestions on becoming more inviting, will be taken to the Promotion / Ambassador Committee.
The goal for being inviting is to bring more and more people into our educational program, a program that seeks to be in relationship with God in all of His curriculum.
We invite others to join us in discovering that Jesus Christ is in all things.
Wayne Dykstra
Dear Parents and Friends,
Inviting. I want Unity to be more inviting. It is part of my vision for the school.
It sounds like an oxymoron for me to write about Unity not being inviting. For my family and I, we have been blown away with how inviting the Unity family has been to us. It has been 51 days since we arrived and we are still receiving meals! This school family has redefined inviting!
So what do I mean when I say I would like Unity to be more inviting? Like any other high school, Unity could do more to be more inviting to high school parents. Parents are often the neglected part of the learning equation. We could spend hours probing this relationship. How can Unity become more inviting to its’ parents?
How inviting is Unity to the general community. Unity could also take a look at itself from a fresh outside perspective and ask the question, are we inviting to the general public? Are we a school that serves a specific segment of the community? How inviting are we to the broader evangelical Christian community? Is there room for improvement?
Imagine what we would keep and what we would address if the Unity family collectively decided to excel at being inviting.
What are your thoughts? Go to the school website, click on Principal’s Blog and type in your response. Here are some examples of what I am looking for from you:
• I think clearly marked handicapped parking spaces would make Unity more inviting.
• I think having a parent pictorial directory would make Unity more inviting.
• I think hosting more community events at Unity would make the school more inviting.
• I think office staff should wear name badges so strangers can know who they are talking to……
Let me know what you are thinking. All suggestions on becoming more inviting, will be taken to the Promotion / Ambassador Committee.
The goal for being inviting is to bring more and more people into our educational program, a program that seeks to be in relationship with God in all of His curriculum.
We invite others to join us in discovering that Jesus Christ is in all things.
Wayne Dykstra
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