Central Christian School quarterly

Central Is Named a
2016 National Blue
Ribbon School! PAGE 4
2015–16 Annual Report PAGE 20

CENTRAL CHRISTIAN SCHOOL ISSUE 07 | WINTER 2016

content
MIssion

Central Christian School partners with families to
prepare children by instilling a passion for God, a love
of truth, and a zeal to serve.

VISION

Central Christian School will be a Gospel-driven,
academically excellent community for each unique
mage-bearer

Founded 1957
700 South Hanley Road, Clayton, MO 63105
314.727.4535 | www.centralschoolstl.org

© 2016 by Central Christian School
Printed in the USA

IN THIS ISSUE | 1

7 passion for god
School Verse and Chapel

11 love of truth
Grade-Level Updates

17 zeal to serve
School Counselor

Board Administration
of directors
John A. Murray, Head of School
Melanie Wood, President Audra Christian, Development Special Events Coordinator
Carla Bailey Bill Goessling, Business Manager
Nancy Barter Lindsey Hunsicker, Executive Asst. Head of School & Admissions
Marc Braun Christan Perona, Director of Communications
Emily Gardner Sabrine Rhodes, Director of Admissions & School Culture
Josh Hager Lisa Roth, Director of Development
Jack Hughes Dana Scheidt, Director of Curriculum & Instruction
Doug Miller Annette Shroyer, Office Manager & Registrar
Juan Moore Jennifer K. Whitmer, Director of Assessment
Tim Page
Karen Pollack
John Powers
Mark Talbott

Photo contributors: Amy Darr, Kim Jackson, Kacey Ruckstaetter,
Jennifer Williams, and Cambridge Engineering.

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JOHN MURRAY

HEAD of school

@john_a_murray

Dear Central Community—

We have had a wonderful start to the school year with we are now looking to replace the dated iMac desktop
much activity in recent months, as you will see in this computers in individual classrooms and the Computer
edition of the Central Quarterly. The highlight this fall Lab. We also plan to replace the older iPads used in the
was learning on September 28 that the U.S. Department fourth through sixth grades and the TLC Horizons
of Education recognized us as a National Blue Ribbon program. Please keep us in your prayers as we embark
School—one of fifty private schools in the nation and on this big financial commitment to keep our students
one of three in Missouri! current in technology.

Several people have asked me what the process entailed Looking to update our technology, we are also exploring
and what goals are next. how we can better prepare our students for middle and
high school in the areas of STEM. We desire to launch
To become a National Blue Ribbon School, we had to an after school program in this arena, which we hope
meet a number of criteria before we could apply. Once will lead to more integration within our regular science
we qualified, we then began an extensive evaluation classes.
process that ended with a comprehensive report on the
school. The findings were submitted to the Council for As we pursue re-accreditation this year, we will develop
American Private Education who then nominated us to a new strategic plan for the next three to five years. We
the Department of Education (DOE). The DOE made look forward to sharing more details about our upcoming
the final decision, which was announced in September. plans as we finalize our AdvancEd accreditation report!
To God be the glory for this national award! (You can
read more details about our Blue Ribbon process on Sincerely,
pages 4 and 5.)

In regard to our future goals, we will soon begin Phase 2 John A. Murray
of our school-wide technology upgrade. Having replaced
teacher MacBooks and smart boards the last two years,

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2016 National Blue Ribbon School

Central Christian School named one of the best in the nation

Earlier this fall, Central Christian School was Schools may apply for status as Exemplary High
named a 2016 National Blue Ribbon School
by the Department of Education! Only eleven
schools in Missouri received this honor; three of them,
including Central, were private schools. Across the
nation, 279 public schools and 49 other private schools
were named. (There are almost 31,000 private schools
in the nation!)

While the Department of Education nominates
public schools, private schools can only be nominated by
CAPE (Council for American Education), a think tank
in Washington, D.C. that provides support and resourc-
es for independent schools. Director of Assessment,
Jennifer Whitmer, oversaw the Blue Ribbon application
process and submitted our application to CAPE in
October 2015.

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PASSION FOR GOD

Schools may apply for status as Exemplary High Per- “By God’s grace, we have been blessed with an amazing
forming—among the top schools in a state—or group of teachers here at Central,” shares John Murray,
Head of School. “We have professional educators that
Exemplary Achievement Gap Clos- are looked upon as models. This helped us earn the
ing—schools making the fastest honor. I am encouraged to see them receive national
progress in the their state in closing recognition for their passion for teaching and dedication
achievement gaps among student sub- to our students.”
groups. Central was awarded for being
Exemplary High Performing. John Murray, accompanied by Jennifer Whitmer
(Director of Assessment) and Dana Scheidt (Director
The selection process began with test of Curriculum and Instruction), represented Central
scores. Schools must demonstrate Christian School at a two-day awards ceremony in
scores in the top 15% of the nation Washington, D.C., to celebrate their hard-won
across various racial and academic achievements.
groupings. This award confirms we are
educating all our students in such a way “It was truly a privilege to
that they can effectively demonstrate oversee the Blue Ribbon
their knowledge in new and different application process … to
circumstances. In addition, a Blue witness and articulate who are
Ribbon School is assessed regarding school is and what our com-
school culture, achievement, curricu- munity is like. I was reminded
lum, instructional practices, assessment that we are an amazing school.
uses, school leadership, family engage- We recognize we are educat-
ment, and other detailed financial and ing children’s hearts, minds,
demographic data. bodies, and souls. The ex-
cellence and intentionality is
throughout all we do.”

— Jennifer K. Whitmer, Director of Assessment

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PASSION FOR GOD

Vision 2016

CENTRAL PARENT NIGHT: Many parts. One school.

In early September, after the initial Back-to-School “I’ve heard many of you
rush, Central leaders invited parents to an evening of describe Central as the ‘best
vision casting. Led by Head of School, John Murray, kept secret.’ It’s my job to
mothers and fathers were reacquainted with our Admin- make sure that’s no longer
istrative Team, Partners in Education (PIE), and Board the case.”
of Directors. Specifically, the audience learned about
each leader’s role at the School, what individuals hoped — Christan Perona, Director of Communications
for in the coming school year, and specific ways parents
can support and partner with each leader.

“Vision 2016 was such a good reminder of all the ways community-building events. All in attendance were
God is working in the lives of our students and families also encouraged to serve at Ditto, an upscale resale store
through Central Christian School. It’s a blessing to be a whose profits provide student scholarships to St. Louis
part of it,” attests Lisa Roth, Director of Development. area Christian schools.

From giving feedback on parent surveys, to sharing a The evening culminated with hearing from school
social media post, to serving on the Central School Fund board president, Melanie Wood ’86. “The Board is con-
Cabinet, parents were offered an array of opportunities cerned with not only Central’s present-day health, but
to engage with the School and help it thrive. also with the long-term sustainability of the school,”
said Mrs. Wood. “We want to insure our academic
Following the Administrative Team, the president and excellence, commitment to Biblical truth, and vision
president-elect of PIE, Jennifer Williams and Adena of growing leaders who impact culture continues for
Dorsey, invited returning and new parents to strengthen generations to come.”
our School by getting involved in planning and hosting

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2016-17 School verse

At Central Christian School, each
school year is marked by a con-
centrated focus on Scripture that
reinforces our broader mission and vision.
This year, Head of School, John Murray,
chose Ephesians 4:15-16 to emphasize
our School’s commitment to be a unified,
Gospel-driven community for every im-
age-bearer of God.

“Speaking the truth in love, we are to
grow up in every way into him who is
the head, into Christ, from whom the
whole body, joined and held together
by every joint with which it is equipped,
when each part is working properly,
makes the body grow so that it builds
itself up in love.”

“With this past summer’s turbulent events
and the polarizing election season,” explains
Mr. Murray, “we need to be unified now
more than ever to present the only hope
that matters—Jesus Christ.”

Mr. Murray addresses the student body in
chapel every month to unpack the concept
of unity within the Body of Christ from
passages in Ephesians 4. Parents, grand-
parents, and friends of Central Christian
School are welcome to join us in the gym
for our weekly chapel services on Friday
mornings at 8:30am.

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Fall Sports Report

Physical, Emotional, and Social Development

The Lions soccer program continues to
develop teamwork, resilience, and sportsman-
ship year after year. Over 100 students span-
ning Senior Kindergarten through sixth grade played on
nine different Central teams this year. Special thanks to
our volunteer parent coaches: Jim Garvin (2nd Boys),
Josh Hager (3rd Girls), Michael Obertop (2nd/5th/6th
Girls), Tim Oldani (1st/4th Girls), Carlos Ruiz (1st
Boys), Jeremy Ruckstaetter (SK), and Mark Talbott (SK).
“I’m thankful for opportunities like soccer for our
children to extend themselves into new and different
arenas of their development,” shares Jeremy Ruckstaet-
ter.“It’s a joy to participate as a parent and a
soccer coach.”

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Embracing Those We Teach

Knowing and Understanding Your Children

Earlier this summer, I was asked to explain what emotional learning specific to our children’s generation.
my title “Director of Curriculum and Instruc- Key to this process is thinking critically about what
tion” meant. I began to give my go-to answer, we’re learning and executing change with discernment.
saying that I work with teachers to unpack the WHAT Thank you for the incredible privilege of knowing
(the curriculum) and the HOW (the instruction) of your children. In knowing, our School can strive to
teaching. However, I found myself discontented with make intentional decisions in curricular and pedagogical
that description because it sounded distant and imper- refinement. It is a joy to partner with you.
sonal. If I am honoring your children as God’s im- Together in Christ,
age-bearers, then each of them must be at the heart of Dana
what I do at Central. In other words, the what and the
how must embrace the who because we are teaching DANA SCHEIDT
children, not simply covering material.
DIRECTOR OF CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION
While my role involves being in constant communica-
tion with teachers, I cannot support them well without
knowing your children, which is why you’ll see me em-
bracing daily life with your child — in the classroom,
on service trips, in carpool, at 6th Grade Camp,
at lunch and recess, and more. These experiences
aren’t seen as just tasks, but opportunities. These
interactions, combined with our content and insight
based assessments, help me see your children across
environments, stay tuned to their gifts, and consid-
er how we can honor them in what we do in the
classroom. Your children make what and how we teach
purposeful.

Another key to embracing who we are teaching involves
educating myself and teachers on current research and
practices for teaching all learners—through conferences,
articles, conversations with professionals, and site visits
to other schools. The amount of educational research
pouring into professional conversations is immense,
particularly with the vast increase in information regard-
ing brain development as well as academic, social, and

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LOVE OF TRUTH

3K Relationships by Janet Heinemann, 3K Teacher

Each year in our first unit, we spend time focusing wants us to draw near to Him. Through our Jesus Time,
on friendships. This practice has been a great and singing songs like Jesus Is My Best Friend, Jesus
way for our 3K students to adapt to their new In the Morning, and our greeting, We Are Glad To Be
environment and community of peers. We point to the Together, we planted the seed for this big truth. These
importance of friendship by emphasizing it in various classroom experiences launched a year of loving God
aspects of the 3K experience. and loving others (Luke 10:27).

We enjoyed Buddy Days for the first couple weeks of the
school year as each student brought a loved stuffed ani-
mal from home. Having a familiar “friend” at school was
reassuring as our young children made the transition to
school life. We paired this experience with literature such
as Knuffle Bunny, The Twins Blanket, My Brown Bear
Barney, and more. It was fun to discover that storybook
characters also find reassurance in the presence of their
beloved stuffed friends.

Transferring our focus to the new friends in class, we “We shared ideas
shared ideas about how our actions can impact others. about how our actions
We discussed being polite and using our manners. The can impact others.”
word “manners” is simply a fancy way of saying we need
to act in a way that demonstrates love and care for others. — Janet Heinemann, 3K Teacher
God wants us to love one another by remembering to
be kind in both big and small ways.

The over-arching idea in our first curricular unit was
that Jesus LOVES children. He cares about each one, and

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LOVE OF TRUTH by Patty Fellows, Junior Kindergarten Teacher

JK God’s Unique Creation

“I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully
made.” Psalm 139:14

Our Junior Kindergarten students know Psalm
139:14 and regularly sing a jazzy rendition of it
as they walk to the playground each morning.
During our first unit of study, “I Am God’s Unique Cre-
ation”, students were introduced to the concept of being
made in God’s image. In the creation story of Adam and
Eve, we learned how each one of us is special to God, for
humans share some of His attributes unlike other crea-
tures of the earth.

In art, students painted self-portraits and dictated to
teachers specific ways they are uniquely made by God.
Our social studies curriculum gave children a turn to
collect special items in the JK “All About Me” box
which they presented in front of their classmates. A
favorite part of this experience was leading the class in
important language activities on their special “All About
Me” day. In science, we explored the amazing bodies
God has blessed each one of us with by hosting JK
parents who serve in the medical field. Our Pretend
Play Center was transformed into a doctor’s office
complete with real medical instruments, x-rays, and
lab jackets.

Our integrated curriculum connected various subjects
and experiences to our “I Am God’s Unique Creation”
unit. Not only were important themes reinforced, but
student enthusiasm grew with each new connection!

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SK Parent Involvement by Erin Eachus, Senior Kindergarten Teacher

In Senior Kindergarten, we have a robust reading We not only have parents expand upon the letters of the
curriculum, and we have made intentional ways to week, but they also read to the class, chaperone field trips,
have fun with it! Building on the literacy foundation and help with special parties. Parents are such an import-
of 3K and JK, we review a different letter each week ant part of Central’s community, and we love for parents
throughout the school year. When exploring each letter of to get involved any way they can.
the alphabet, we invite mothers and fathers to come speak
about their jobs or special passions they have that coincide
with our letter of the week. We love parent involvement!
Hosting parents in this way gives them an opportunity to
engage in the classroom while allowing students to hear
about different jobs and hobbies.

This fall, we enjoyed a visit from Mr. Andy Roth, a
Senior Kindergarten dad, who spoke about turtles during
“T” Week. He brought his family’s pet turtle and gave
a presentation about this creature’s different characteris-
tics. We learned that turtles are amphibians and that box
turtles can live to be over 100 years old!

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LOVE OF TRUTH

1 Foundations in LiteracyST by Hillary Franz, First Grade Teacher

First grade is a crucial year for developing proper readers” use. Acquiring a variety of reading strategies
reading skills. Our students are busy this year empowers children to choose the strategies that can best
learning and practicing various skills that “good help them, as unique individuals, when they are reading
to themselves or reading aloud to others.

Each first grade classroom has a “Literacy Cafe Menu”
on the wall where students can glance up and be re-
minded of the strategies available to them. Each home-
room sets a new, weekly minute goal to build our
reading “stamina.” When setting this goal, we discuss
again what reading to self looks like and sounds like.
We also consider goals that are not too easy but not too
difficult. It’s been great to watch the students develop
their reading stamina. On the first day of school we read
for one minute, but five weeks later we could read for a
half hour!

Our hope is for each student to be equipped with the
necessary skills to be empowered, independent readers.

2 The Ultimate HeroND by Jessie Pace, Second Grade Teacher

“Let’s do something beautiful for God.” compassion, and godliness unfolded, our second graders
– Mother Theresa were challenged and motivated to strive for these virtues
daily. As Christians, we are called to sacrificially love oth-
Our first unit in second grade is “Individuals ers, including the marginalized, pointing them to Christ.
Make a Difference: Heroes and Helpers.” After
defining what heroes and helpers are, we stud- We concluded that God is the greatest hero of all and that
ied specific roles and community figures. We began by we are called to have a Christ-centered attitude. Through
examining “everyday heroes” such as policemen, firemen, His strength, He equips us to use our gifts and resources
teachers, soldiers, moms and dads, etc. Then we moved to be heroes and helpers within our own community.
our focus toward some “famous heroes.”

Mother Teresa is one of the key figures we study every
year. In September, Central Presbyterian Church mem-
ber and former Central school board member Rosemary
Oliver visited our classrooms. Mrs. Oliver shared about
her past experiences in India and her interactions with
Mother Teresa. She relayed many stories of Mother
Teresa’s heroism including her choice to live in Calcutta’s
slums to better aid “the unwanted, the unloved, and the
uncared for.” As the stories of Mother Teresa’s courage,

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3 CommunitiesRD by Mark Bartels, Third Grade Teacher

Live. Work. Play. These are words that help define Like every grade, we also provide real-life experience
a community. The beginning of each school year beyond the walls of our school. Together with our JK
marks the start of a new classroom community buddies, third graders visited Rolling Lawns Dairy Farm
for students. One way we embrace these changes in third and experienced a rural community in action. We look
grade is by designing pretend communities, as well! forward to learning about the history of our metropolitan
area as we explore the St. Louis History Museum next
In our first unit, students collaborated to create their
made-up communities, defining how they would live, month.
work, and play. Choosing between an urban, suburban,
or rural setting, each group incorporated buildings and
attractions within their unique world. Third graders also
mapped out territories while discovering how a spatial
layout can define the activity and culture of a society. Fi-
nally, they named their communities and established rules
to govern these new municipalities. This project provided
an opportunity for children to strengthen their creativity,
as well as their problem-solving and teamwork skills.

4TH New Beginnings by Mariah Romano, Fourth Grade Teacher

As fourth grade explores God’s sovereignty and
His call to serve Him in all endeavors, we exam-
ine various characters in literature throughout
the year. When studying different characters, students are
able to analyze how each one is given opportunities for
new beginnings.

This fall, we read Robert C. O’Brien’s Mrs. Frisby and
the Rats of NIMH, a Newberry Medal book. Through
the genre of fantasy, students discovered how Mrs. Fris-
by’s generosity is returned when needed the most. The
rats help move her home so her ill son, Timothy, will not
succumb to pneumonia again. Mrs. Frisby’s family is giv-
en a new beginning when no other hope could be found.

The unique literacy curriculum at Central is designed
so students can observe the thread of Christ’s redemption
through others’ stories.

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5 Fifth Grade RetreatTH by Michael Bolton, Summit Math/Fifth Grade Homeroom Teacher

Each August, the Fifth Grade Retreat marks the Back at Central, we discussed how Barnabas was an en-
beginning of our students’ journey into the Sum- courager and how we can be like him. Additional team
mit. Our adventure began at the Wolf building activities focused on organizational skills, test
Center this year as we learned about different wolves liv- preparation and the connection between exercise and
ing in the United States and right here in Missouri. nutrition to academic wellness.
In addition, we engaged in a hands-on lesson about
stream ecology and participated in a GPS course at the These three days helped us focus on key skills our oldest
Shaw Nature Reserve. These activities grew our knowl- students need to thrive in the Summit while emphasiz-
edge and emphasized the importance of teamwork. A ing the importance of loving and supporting each other
night hike completed our day as we used all five senses to as brothers and sisters in Christ.
experience nature, guided only by the light of the moon.

6TH Strengthening Faith Through Science by Deb Barham,
Summit Science/Sixth
Grade Homeroom Teacher

One of the goals of the Summit Science In our sixth grade astronomy unit, students viewed
program is to daily demonstrate how what clips from Lee Strobel’s The Case for a Creator, which
we learn in science points back to God, discusses the Kalam Cosmological Argument for the

the Ultimate Scientist. origins of the universe. Students unpacked how the

universe began, drawing parallels between The Big Bang

Theory and the first chapter of Genesis.

Taking this conversation a step further, we learned about
the 200+ parameters necessary for a planet to be able to
sustain life and how Earth is the only planet that has all
the necessary ingredients. If just one of those parameters
doesn’t exist, or is off by just a fraction, there would be
no life.

Through ongoing inquiries and conclusions, students
regularly connect their discoveries in the science lab to
our Christian faith. At Central, science will always be a
pathway to knowing God better.

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ZEAL TO SERVE

The Truth About Anxiety

Understanding and Supporting Our Children

Anxiety. It is all around and through us all. Our anxiety. We should filter our responses through that
culture floods us with images and perceptions knowledge. Anxiety can be like a flame—feed it, and it
that make both adults and children anxious. will grow; starve it, and it will begin to fade and lose
it power.
Anxiety has different faces, and we often assume that if
people present themselves as overwhelmed, or express- As parents, we don’t want our children to struggle
ing great fear or concern, they have anxiety. It’s just through feelings of anxiety. We want the power to ease
not true! Consider this equation: my past + my present/ every ache and level every hurdle. As a parent, I have the
future situation = anxiety/depression or confidence/secu- same desire, but God loves our children even more than
rity. So, the solution to processing anxiety, as well as the we do! The challenges they face are purposed and meant
responses to many other emotions, is found in exploring to shape Godly character in them.
both sides of this equation and meeting our kids with
truth and love. We can support our children by reminding them of
God’s Word: Be anxious in nothing, but in everything
You might ask your child: “How are you feeling about… by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your
Have you ever felt this way before? If not, did something request be known to God; and the peace of God which
happen to make you feel this way? Lets talk about things surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and
we can do to help prepare you to face these feelings.” minds through Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7)

When the anxiety itself becomes the focus, it grows!
Feelings of guilt, shame and failure often accompany

Valerie Hubbard joined Central as School Counselor
in August. She holds a B.A. in Psychology from the
University of Missouri St. Louis and a Master’s degree
in Professional Counseling from Lindenwood University.
She brings 13 years of counseling and therapy experi-
ence with children and families in private practice and
school settings, and much of her career has been spent
serving children ages 3-12. Mrs. Hubbard also serves as
Counselor in Ministry at The Gate Church, training lay
ministers to support and counsel church members and
attenders. We’re grateful for the vast amount of wisdom
and insight Mrs. Hubbard brings to Central!

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Alumni Spotlight

JOHN H. KRAMER, JR. ‘79

Chief Executive Officer, Cambridge Engineering

John Kramer, Jr. ‘79 has been the Chief School was such a blessing to Kathryn and Hunter,
Executive Officer at the family-owned Cambridge giving them a solid foundation. They were very academ-
Engineering for the past fifteen years, and he ically prepared for seventh grade.”
recently completed his three- year term as Board
President of Central Christian School. He recalls John attributes the fruits of his labors at home, work
entering Central from a public school district as an and at Central to the Lord. He reflects on his time as
academically challenged young boy and thriving in the Board President with great fondness, saying, “This has
student-focused, smaller Christian environment. been a great opportunity. The leadership that came be-
fore me was a solid group, and I am grateful to God that
Cambridge Engineering was just selected as Manufac- we have been able to take what Josh Crane started here
turer of the Year by the Missouri Association of Man- and move it into the next phase with John Murray. I am
ufacturers. The Made in Missouri Leadership Awards not a fan of marking time, and it has been a joy to walk
(MMLA) were developed in 2015 to honor manufac- alongside great people during this tremendous time of
turing companies that are shaping the future of global growth for our School.”
manufacturing. John credits this award to his people
and their constant pursuit of continuous improvement.
Cambridge often sends teams to companies all over the
country and around world to study better manufacturing
practices.

“I love our people at Cambridge,” John shares, “and
I want them to leave work each day and head home as
better fathers, mothers, sons, daughters, sisters,
and brothers.”

John and his wife, Sara, chose Central for their own
children, Kathryn ’12 and Hunter ’14. John says, “The

ALU M N I HI G HLI G HT S

1995 2002

Emily (Kling) Somerville ‘95 works at Washing- Joe Hunsicker ’02 serves as an Associate in Risk and
ton University School of Medicine as an Occupational Advisory for Windham Brannon in Atlanta. He and his
Therapist. Her two children, Tripp and Lily, attend wife, Mary Ellen, were married in July 2016.
Central Christian School.

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2005 2014

Sheritan Hentrich ‘05 is a graduate student at Font- Nine members of the Class of 2014 participated in
bonne University earning her Master’s degree in Art the most recent Central Leadership Forum class. The
Education. She is completing her required 30 obser- students attended twelve classes taught by John Murray
vation hours in Central’s art program with Mrs. Cathy that culminated in an eight-day trip to Gettysburg, PA
Barnes in order to obtain her K-12 certification. and Washington, DC. Pictured with their other CLF
classmates are: Carsyn Beachy, Kylan Davis,
2006 Sydney Hawkins, Hunter Kramer, Clayton Pero-
na, Lauryn Rhodes, Mira Upshaw, Ashlyn Wiley,
Ramya Gruneisen ’06 graduated summa cum laude and Lucy Wood. Also pictured is Aiden Speicher
from Lindenwood University last spring with a B.S. in who attended Central from 2007-2012.
Exercise Science and a minor in Adaptive Sports. She is
currently obtaining her Master’s degree in Therapeutic CALLING ALL ALUMNI...
Recreation from Indiana University’s School of Public
Health. Ramya received a full scholarship and serves as a Join the Central Alumni conversation on
Teaching Assistant. Facebook at Alumni of Central Christian School
- St. Louis, Missouri or LinkedIn at Alumni of
2009 Central Christian School in St. Louis, Missouri.
Have a highlight? Please send it to
Tre Moore ’09, a sophomore at Yale University, was [email protected].
the starting quarterback for Yale’s football team for the
2016 season. He is only the third African American to
start as quarterback in the school’s history.

2010

Seventeen members of Central’s Class of 2010 gathered for A highlight of the 2016 One Run was an Alumni Meet-Up.
a photo at their Senior Celebration at Westminster Christian
Academy. Pictured here are (front row) Lindsey Falkner, Emily
Adkisson, Maggi Eachus, Alyson McKie, Clara Gruneisen, Makay-
lah Meredith, Claire Rebbe, Lucy Kehr, Margaret Koby and (back
row) Casey Hinds, Claire Fellows, Emily Stevenson, Azaria Foster,
Nathan Duke, Sam Hunsicker, Miles Hehner, Nick Cacciarelli,
and Ryan Davis. Not pictured: Sophie Dunlap

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2015-16 Annual Report

CENTRAL CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

Budget: $2,834,657

2015-16 ACTUAL REVENUES 2015-16 ACTUAL REVENUES

•Net Tuition $1,943,054 TUITION (60%)
GIVING (11.4%)
Giving $373,419 CONTRIBUTIONS FROM ENDOWMENT (2%)
FINANCIAL AID & SCHOLARSHIPS (13.6%)
Contributions from Endowment $64,000 OTHER (10.8%)

CPC Support $85,000 2015-16 ACTUAL EXPENSES

Other $351,917

TOTAL $2,817,390

Gross Tuition $2,387,459

Tuition Remission $236,589

Scholarships $26,498

Financial Aid $181,318
•NET TUITION $1,943,054

2015-16 ACTUAL EXPENSES

Salaries & Benefits $1,992,959

School Programs $377,845

General & Administrative $244,854

Maintenance & Facilities $200,401

TOTAL $2,816,059 SALARIES & BENEFITS (70.8%)
SCHOOL PROGRAMS (13.4%)
GENERAL & ADMINISTRATIVE (8.7%)
MAINTENANCE & FACILITIES (7.1%)

WWI NI NTTEERR 2 20 01 61 6 | | 2 21 1

2015-16 Partners in Education
(PIE) Annual Report

2015-16 REVENUES One Run

Cardinals Game $1,095 Building Community

Book Fair $2,068 The 4th Annual One Run 5K & 1 Mile Fun Run was
held in October. Proceeds from One Run provide
Box Tops $598 scholarship funding for families in need of tui-
tion assistance. Central Christian School has two
Great Scrips $621 streams of funding for this type of need – Financial
Aid and Scholarship. Financial Aid is awarded, up
School Store $1,297 to 50% of tuition, based on a family’s income and
expenses. Scholarship funds are also available for
Restaurants $187 families who qualify for more than 50% assistance.
Both of these funding streams are made possible
Central Dads $1,014 through generous contributions to the Central
School Fund, participation in One Run, and dona-
TOTAL $6,881 tions designated specifically for the Scholarship
fund. Currently, 20% of Central students receive
2015-16 EXPENSES financial assistance of some kind. We treasure the
& GIFT ALLOCATIONS opportunity to make a Central education accessible
to families that God sends to us, but for whom the
Back to School Fellowship $461 cost is prohibitive. The confidential process of dis-
Teacher Support $1,784 tributing financial aid and scholarships helps make
Misc Fees & Expenses $1,106 our community complete.
Christmas Concert
Movie Night $750 The valued community of families receiving
$780 assistance is as diverse as the valued commu-
nity of families who do not. We are a community
Trivia Night $729 that challenges stereotypes...where assumptions
cannot be easily made and where relationships are
TOTAL $5,609 the path to knowing others and being known by
them. Donating to Central Christian School does
more than help educate children. It helps build a
community.

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CENTRAL SCHOOL FUND

2015-16 Donors

BOARD Sanazaro, Scott and Ellie Holloway, Tim and Kerri
Scheidt, Matt and Dana Hurd, Brian and Rhonda
Bailey, William and Carla Sexton, Lauren Inazu, John and Caroline
Barter, Norman and Nancy Shroyer, Annette Jackson, Kimberly
Braun, Marc and Melanie Whitmer, Michael and Jennifer Jobe, Jeremiah and Bethany
Gardner, Erin and Emily Wolfslau, Erik and Megan Jones, Trevin and Heather
Hughes, Jack Koenig, Scott and Emily
Miller, Doug PARENTS LaGrone, Jonathan and Ciana
Moore, Juan and Kia Lang, Josh and Missy
Page, Timothy and Debra Anonymous Larson, Atria
Pollack, Karl and Karen Adamo, Luigi and Jennifer Lindman, Brian and JennyLark
Powers, John and Dee Adeosun, Adewale and Elizabeth Martin, Eric and Jeanne
Talbott, Mark and Kiley Anderson, Danielle McCain, Kenneth and Ebony
Wood, Michael and Melanie Anderson, Reynaldo and Denise McGowan, Sean and Britney
Hooks-Anderson McHale, James and Angela
FACULTY & STAFF Atkins, Bruce and Claire Mills, Bob and Nikki
Beachy, Dale and Amy Minner, Larry and Simone
Anonymous Beaver, Matt and Laura Mitchell, Greg and Katherine
Barham, Dave and Deb Blackman, Reed and Annekin Mitchell, Will and Lindsey
Bingley, Jim and Kathy Blank, Rich and Susan Moslener, Matt and Katie
Bolton, Michael and Nicole Bouchein, Bart and Nikki Muex, Earnest and Aaren
Burzinski, Joe and Kim Boyd, Jason and Denise Mulick, Dan and Carol
Christian, Michael and Audra Brock, Terry and Terri O’Neal, Jack and Kristin
Collaco, Lisamarie Burke, Dan and Liz Oldani, Tim and Christy
DeMare, London Burnham, Mason and Debbie Patton, John and Annie
Drake, Nathan and Laura Cahill, Bill and Callie Plumb, Nathan and Rachel
Fellows, Brian and Patty Catsavis, Donna Porter, Michael and Becky
Goessling, Bill and Peggy Catsavis, Gus Preusch, Beth
Gruneisen, Joe and Nancy Coco, Martin and Cathy Purk, Bill and Jennah
Hauser, Vicky Conners, Christy Quinn, Troy and Angela
Heinemann, Tom and Janet Coplen, Doug and Shari Racanelli, Vito and Amy
Howard, Nate and Rebecca Coverdell, Jeff and Christina Rhodes, Stephen and Sabrine
Hunsicker, Steve and Lindsey Cusumano, John and Denice Rothrock, Chris and Julie
Huson, Kevin and Nicole Davenport, DeAndre and Melissa Ruiz, Carlos and Amy
Jacobs-Soos, Rachel and Adam Shadbolt Davis, Patrick and Kristen Ryder, Andy and Charity
Kouba, Douglas and Joan Draper, Bruce and Barbara Rygiol, David and Nina
Kozlowski, Keith and Emma Dulick, Jason and Sonja Sanders, Empress
Maloy, Brian and Clara Dwyer, Tim and Lisa Sarra, John and Christine
McCall, Jamie and Kim Ewing, Rick and Lauren Savage, Paul and Cheryl
McGee, Jeff and Jo Fuller, Patrick and Antoinette Schloss, Timothy and Julie
Murphy, Andy and Cary Hager, Josh and Sarah Scott, Robert and Pier
Murray, John and Barbara Hall, Vince and Jaimee Siyanbola, Adeniyi and Sabrina
Patton, Donna Hawkins, Marcus and Vanessa Smout, Scott and Lisa
Perona, J.D. and Christan Holder, Bob and Tami Somerville, Nelson and Emily
Pfuetze, Mark and Mollie Hollander, Mike and Alissa Sturr, Tim and Julie
Romano, Mariah Holley, Jeff and Ginny
Roth, Andrew and Lisa

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Swoboda, Ben and Mimi Mark, Bob and Jane Ellen Anheuser-Busch Foundation
‘t Hoen, Christopher and Meredith Meyer, Whitaker and Judy Equifax Corporation, Matching Gifts
Talbott, Mark and Kiley Murray, Charles and Bettie Plan
Taylor, Jarrod and Lindsay Oosting, Ronald and Florence Escrip - Schnucks Rebate
Thompson, Curtis and Monica Page, Phil and Jane Hager Companies
Tucker, Blake and Rachelle Plag, John and Jean Northwestern Mutual Foundation
Tzeng, Benjamin and Annie Pollack, Jay and Esther Matching Gifts Program
Ulrich, Robert and Xialing Porterfield, Pattie Regions Financial Corporation
Upchurch, Ahdon and Pat Prentis, John and Nancy Sterling Bank
Upshaw, Dennis and Tiffanie Renn, Charles and Mary Target
Van Engen, Abram and Kristin Smout, Bill and Evelyn Wells Fargo Community
Weltman, Sandy and Jeanne Taylor, Richard and Linda Support Campaign
Whyte, Mark and Alexa Underwood, Dale and Lucy
Wolken, Andy and Katie Van Heukelem, Bruce and Barbara CORPORATIONS
Woodard, Adam and Ana Vieth, Don
Worley, Greg and Jessica Wilson, C.E. and Kim Anheuser-Busch Foundation
Wright-Lyles, Penny Woodard, Marilyn Boeing
Yeadon, Tim and Katie Yates, Callie Equifax Corporation, Matching Gifts
Zavaglia, Greg and Cayce Plan
ALUMNI PARENTS Escrip - Schnucks Rebate
GRANDPARENTS Express Scripts-Matching Gifts and
Keech, Roger and Mary Lou Grants Programs
Anonymous Kramer, John and Sara Gap, Inc.
Amundsen, Kathleen Marshall, Ken and Denise Monsanto Fund
Aronson, Michael and Linda Nixon, Thurman and Marilyn TARGET
Baker, Chris and Marilyn Peters, Matthew and Diana Wells Fargo Community
Baltz, Marty Rasche, Steve and Tammy Support Campaign
Beeson, Richard and Doris Spalding, Jan and Karen Sense Corp
Beeson, Valerie Stark, Pat and Mary Ann Whitehall
Blankespoor, Ed and Carol
Bledsoe, Earbie and Nadine FRIENDS OF CENTRAL 2016 OUR STORY:
Bradley, Emmett and Blanche Dinner & Online Auction
Bush, Larry and Debbie Anonymous
Christian, John and Jane Absheer, Larry and Jane VOLUNTEERS
Cole, Joseph and Gloria Bartels, David and Cecilia
Cook, Michael and Lori Beis, Edward and Donna Beachy, Amy
Curry, Dayle and Carolyn Besant, Kori Burnham, Debbie
Dulick, Barbara Canfield, Bill and Sally Hehmeyer, Amanda
Francis, Gil and Sherree Carruthers, John Kouba, Doug and Joan
Fritz, Cherl Lohr, Freda Lindman, Jenny Lark
Gladney, Bill and Liz Meeks, Bill and Liz Roth, Andy
Greene, Ronnie and Launita Oliver, Rosemary Rothrock, Julie
Harris, Deann Schaefer, Dale and Carolyn Sturr, Julie
Havens, David and Barbara Shaffer, Alan Wood, Melanie
Ikard, John and Nancy Sheets, Brad and Jane Woodard, Ana
Jenkins, Mike Shifflett, John and Becky
King, Dennis and Judy Waller, Jeff and Laura SPONSORS
Kraus, Paul and Linda Wilson, Carolyn
LaGrone, John and Susan Core 10 Architecture
Lee, Cleophus and Frances CORPORATE DONORS Global Granite & Marble
Leonard, Dave and Jayne ICS Construction Services, Ltd.
AmazonSmile Lucas Park Grille
Moneta Group
Sterling Bank

2 4 | c e n t r a l c h r is t i a n s c h o o l

INDIVIDUAL DONORS St. Louis Cardinals Lang, Josh and Missy
St. Louis Symphony Larson, Atria
Barham, Deb Sugarbean Photography Lloyd, Anthony and Jennifer
Barnes, Cathy Sweet M’s Cookies Mark, Bob and Jane Ellen
Bartels, Mark Swing-A-Round Fun Town Marsh, Meri
Beachy, Dale The Dam Martin, Eric and Jeanne
Bingley, Kathy Westminster Christian Academy McGowan, Sean and Britney
Bolton, Mike Mills, Bob and Nikki
Burzinski, Kim OTHER SUPPORTERS
Canfield, Bill and Sally Mitchell, Greg and Katherine
Collaco, Lisamarie Anonymous Moslener, Matt and Katie
Coverdell, Jeff Adamo, Luigi and Jennifer Murray, John and Barbara
Cragg, Bill and Nancy Bahn, Stephanie Obertop, Michael and Casey
DeMare, London Baker, Chris and Marilyn Oldani, Tim and Christy
Drake, Laura Barnes, Michael and Antoinette Plag, John and Jean
Dunlap, Lisa Beachy, Dale and Amy Powers, John and Dee
Eachus, Erin Beachy, Levi and Anna Prentis, John and Nancy
Fellows, Patty Bingley, Jim and Kathy Purk, Bill and Jennah
Fritz, Cherl Bolton, Michael and Nicole Quinn, Troy and Angela
Gruneisen, Nancy Bouchein, Bart and Nikki Rhodes, Stephen and Sabrine
Hauser, Jan Boyd, Jason and Denise Robert, Kristian and Amanda
Hauser, Vicky Brandenstein, Mike and Christi Robinson, Shawn and Paula
Heinemann, Janet Braun, Marc and Melanie Roth, Jerry and Marge
Hendrix, John Cahill, Bill and Callie Rothrock, Chris and Julie
Howard, Rebecca Catsavis, Donna Rygiol, David and Nina
Hughes, Jack Christian, Michael and Audra Scheidt, Matt and Dana
Huson, Nicole Coen, Michael and Connie Schloss, Tim and Julie
Jacobs-Soos, Rachel Conners, Christy Sexton, Mark
Kouba, Joan Coverdell, Jeff and Christina Smout, Scott and Lisa
Kozlowski, Emma Cragg, Bill and Nancy Somerville, Nelson and Emily
Maloy, Clara Cusumano, John and Denice Stephens, Tyler and Elizabeth
McCall, Kim Dahl, Tim and Nancy Stickel, Tom and Kristin
McGee, Jo Davis, Patrick and Kristen Sturr, Tim and Julie
Murphy, Cary Drake, Nathan and Laura Talbott, Dale and Charlotte
Murray, John and Barbara Draper, Bruce and Barbara Talbott, Mark and Kiley
Patton, Donna Ewing, Rick and Lauren Taylor, Jarrod and Lindsay
Pfuetze, Mollie Fritz, Cherl Tzeng, Benjamin and Annie
Roth, Andy and Lisa Gardner, Erin and Emily Upchurch, Ahdon and Pat
Sanazaro, Ellie Goessling, Bill and Peggy Upshaw, Dennis and Tiffanie
Scheidt, Dana Gruneisen, Joe and Nancy Van Engen, Abram and Kristin
Schneider, Scott Hager, Josh and Sarah Whitmer, Michael and Jennifer
Sexton, Lauren Hall, Vince and Jaimee Wichman, Bill and Diann
Stephens, Tyler Hehmeyer, Robert and Amanda Williams, Kirk and Jennifer
Todd, Mariah Hendrix, John and Andrea Wolken, Andy and Katie
Whitmer, Jennifer Hopper, Tacey Wood, Michael and Melanie
Wolfslau, Megan Howell, Greg and Laurie Woodard, Adam and Ana
Hunsicker, Steve and Lindsey Woodard, Steve and Debbie
BUSINESS DONORS Inazu, John and Caroline Yeadon, Tim and Katie
Jacobs-Soos, Adam and Rachel Zavaglia, Greg and Cayce
Amy’s Gourmet Jobe, Jeremiah and Bethany
Bread & Butter Catering Kouba, Doug and Joan
Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis

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SCHOLARSHIPS

DONORS

Anonymous
Burke, Dan and Liz
Casco-Lee, Marcela and Jon Lee
Jackson, Gwendolyn
Knox, Dishon and Kimberly
Partners in Education (PIE)
Sarra, John and Christine
Scott, Michelle
Sterling Bank
Tzeng, Benjamin and Annie
Walseth, Craig and Sarah
Williams, Kirk and Jennifer

ONE RUN SPONSORS

Acuity Anesthesiology
Aging Gracefully
Bingley, Jim and Kathy
Cambridge Engineering, Inc.
Catsavis, Donna
Core 10 Architecture
Cragg, Bill and Nancy
Hager Companies
Holley, Jeff and Ginny
ICS Construction Services, Ltd.
Missouri Foot and Ankle
Orthodontic Consultants of St. Louis
Rosalita’s Cantina
Security Concepts International
Sterling Bank

2 6 | c e n t r a Flouncdehd 1r957is t i a n s c h o o l Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
700 South Hanley Road P AID
Clayton, MO 63105 St. Louis, MO

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Central School Fund

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envelope enclosed or online at
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