The 2024-2025 school year was a period of significant growth and achievement, and I'm delighted to present the superintendent's report guided by our priorities from the Strategic Plan approved by the Board of Trustees in June.
We have seen significant growth across all facets of our school, from academics, faith formation and the arts, to athletics, and campus infrastructure.
Students Equipped for Success
We took significant strides in strengthening our academic, faith formation, and extracurricular programs to ensure every student is prepared for their future. A major focus was on curriculum alignment with teachers across all grades working to align writing skills, standards, and processes. This initiative, guided by Curriculum and Instruction Coordinator Shelly Bilderback, is creating a more cohesive and effective learning experience for our students.
Our school's mission is deeply rooted in our commitment to faith formation. We strengthened these opportunities through our weekly chapels and special events like Spiritual Renewal Week. Speaker Beau Hummel's messages, titled "Complifying the Simplicated," resonated with students and staff, encouraging a deeper understanding of our faith. These shared experiences, along with daily devotions and service learning opportunities, provided meaningful moments for our students to grow spiritually.
Our commitment to the arts flourished with two spectacular spring theatrical productions under the leadership of Theater Arts Coordinator Christa Wolf and teacher Kelly Morber. Nearly 70 high school students showcased their talents in The Sound of Music, while almost 60 middle schoolers captivated audiences with The Rise of Robin Hood. We also expanded our strings offerings with the launch of a first-grade cello class taught by Corinne Nussbaum. The Heartland Strings Quartet presented stunning performances, showcasing their exceptional musicality. CCS’ choral program showcased exceptional vocal talent through high-quality, inspiring performances year-round.
Our high school athletic teams achieved excellence across the board:
• Cross Country: strong growth anchored by Lexi Bischoff who was a regional qualifier.
• Volleyball: The team made it to the District finals for the first time since 2020.
• Soccer: The team advanced to the State Final Four for its sixth appearance and the first time since 2017.
• Basketball: Both boys and girls teams competed in the District tournament.
• Baseball: The team reached the District finals for the first time in more than a decade.
• Boys Tennis: The team secured a conference championship with Aaron Miedel making his third appearance in the regional singles tournament.
The Class of 2025 exemplified our academic rigor, with graduates earning scholarships and recognition for their hard work. We are especially proud to celebrate Aaron Miedel for his achievement as a National Merit Scholarship Finalist.
Our innovative Mini-Term programs saw substantial growth, particularly in the second year of offerings for elementary students, providing unique hands-on learning experiences across the school.
A Faculty and Staff of Impact
Our dedicated faculty and staff are the heart of our school, and we celebrate their commitment to professional and personal growth. This year, we honored Brandon Conn and Abby Maibach, who both achieved their master's degrees, demonstrating their dedication to lifelong learning and academic excellence.
A Committed Community of Support
Our community's strong support is evident in our sustained enrollment and growing interest from prospective families, a testament to the Christ-centered education we provide. We extend a special thank you to Enrollment and Student Services Director Stacie Tschiegg for her tireless work in stewarding this crucial aspect of our school's growth.
We hosted the Mennonite Schools Network (MSN) Choir Festival in April, the first time we have done so since 2012. The event, themed "Still I Sing," brought together students from across the network. The school also reprised the High School Fine Arts Symposium, a special day led by Tim Shue. The symposium provided a unique chance for students to engage in creative exploration and personal enrichment outside of the typical classroom setting.
Resourced for the Future
Strategic investments in our facilities are vital for providing a safe and effective learning environment. This year's key upgrades, funded through our capital improvement budget, included roof replacements above the Music and Elementary Wings which also included a needed HVAC replacement.
We also completed a significant upgrade to our weight room. What began as a modest space has evolved into a functional training facility. This recent phase included the installation of new racks and weights from Stray Dog Strength, complementing previous improvements. This upgrade was made possible through the support of many, including our Athletic Boosters Club led by Athletic Director Zach Kooker.
As we look ahead, we remain committed to our mission of equipping students for service and Kingdom contributions. Our progress this past year, guided by our strategic priorities and supported by our entire community, has set a strong foundation for the future.
Thank you for your continued prayers, support, and commitment to Central Christian School.
Serving Him,
Nathan W. Holton, Superintendent