Inside this issue:

Words of Grace

October 2016 Volume 31, Issue 2

October 5: Zoo field trip

Oct 10: Office Closed— Columbus day

Oct 12: Picture Day

Oct 15: Hike—Los Penasquitos

Oct 19: PSAT NMSQT

Oct 19: Pumpkin Patch

Oct 25: “Kids in Parks” Hike

Nov 3: Legoland field trip

Nov 4: Magic Mountain HS Day

Office is closed on Fridays please call before coming

Hike Info

High School Events 2

Special Needs

Transfers

Notes

3

Newsletter Essay Con-

test

Speech Contest

4

Work Permits

College Planning 5

Words of Grace

6 Flags Magic Mnt Info 6

School Support

GCU 7

Birthday

Creation Museum 8

Tutors , Teachers and

Class options 9

Field Trip Coordinator: Katie: 619-302-3614 or e-mail GraceFieldTrips@gmail.com

Katie Katie Katie

SAMPLE

SAMPLE SAMPLE

Look for me when you come to a field trip!

Free trip to the Zoo—MUST arrive by

8:45 and check in with our group.

Numbers are limited. $5 bus tickets

available. Contact Katie for Info

San Diego Zoo Oct 5th

$10 per student and adults (3 student

tickets with one adult) extra adults

$30. Free parking with 3 or more

students. MUST PREPAY BY OCT

5TH—call Katie to sign up

Legoland Nov 3rd Must Pre Pay by Oct 5

Weds Oct 19th

Starts at 11:30am: our hayride is 1pm

Each family will pay as they arrive

(must mention Grace Christian

School).

$9 per child up to age 13

1 adult (age 14 or older) per family

free

Additional adults $5 each

Snacks & drinks are available for sale

but you are welcome to bring your

own

Enjoy all the activities at the farm on

your own until our group meets for

the hayride just

before 1pm.

Contact Katie with

any questions!

Oma’s Pumpkin Patch Oct 19

Upcoming Events

Call now to reserve your spot!

Put on your nice shirt and

best smile; on October

12th, Mike Shriver Photog-

raphy will be here again to

take our school pictures.

You can have them take

individual shots, family

shots, and buddy pictures.

Or bring your instrument or sports

ball.

They have a wide range of photo

packages which are always reasona-

bly priced and beautiful. You can

have pictures taken just for the ID

and yearbook at no cost if you don’t

see a package that you like.

See you there!

School Pictures! October 12th

Volume 31, Issue 2 Page 2

For our hike in October, we will meet at the Ranger

Station where Black Mountain Road meets Mercy

Road at 9:45; we will start together at 10. This hike

is mostly level. There are a few different turn around

spots, so you can choose your hike length. The trail

follows and crosses Penasquitos Creek, and if you

stick with it far enough, there is a waterfall!

This is not a “kids in parks” trail, so there won’t be Jr

Ranger points, but it should

be a great hike for all ages.

we are planning on 2—3

hours for this hike—which

should get us to the water-

fall and back.

Hike—October 15th Los Penasquitos Canyon

Kids In Parks Hike—October 25th Lindo Lake County Park—Lakeside

The Lindo Lake County Park TRACK Trail is an easy

1.4 mile loop around the lake. The park features two

play areas, an historic boat house and picnic pavil-

ions.

The trail offers great opportunities to see the various

wildlife that is attracted to the lake.

12660 Lindo Lane

Lakeside, CA 92040

Take Interstate 8 east; merge onto CA-67 north;

take the Winter Gardens Blvd. exit toward Lakeside;

keep right at the fork to go on Winter Gardens Blvd.;

turn Left onto Woodside Avenue; Woodside Avenue

becomes Chestnut Street; Chestnut Street becomes

Lindo Lane.

Park in the lot off Lindo Lane, and meet us at the

Kiosk at 1:45 pm and choose your adventure. There

are 4 separate trail adventures available.

We will begin the group hike at 2 pm.

Earn your Jr Ranger badge and add points for fun

prizes.

High School Events I received this email from one of our

High School Students.

I would like to suggest the idea of having an Associated Student Body (ASB) for Grace Christian Schools. I think that it would be a great help and a lot of fun for students to get together and learn from each other. The ASB students can be able to organize events such as: fundraisers, reunions, parties, and competitive events that they think would able to unite their fellow classmates. ASB will introduce important qualities like leadership, team work, responsibility, problem-solving, and creativity.

I agree with her completely. Last year we offered HS

game nights and events that were sparsely attended,

but those who were able to come had a great time. I

would love to offer this again this year, but need to

know what YOU want to do and what fits into your

schedule!

Even if it is more games than “ASB” oriented I en-

courage you to get to know your classmates!

Please call or email the office to let us know if you

are interested and what your thoughts are. If there is

a family that would like to host events, or a student

or two that would like to coordinate—that would be

awesome!

They are only strangers until you meet them!

Anyone want to: Laser Tag, Bowl, Golf, Frisbee Golf,

Picnic, Sight See, Board Games ??

Page 3 Words of Grace

The PSAT NMSQT testing date is full.

I will be offering the PSAT for 8th and 9th graders

on Feb 24th, and the PSAT for 10th graders March

10th.

If you are interested in those tests, please call the

office to get on the list. I will be ordering those tests

by mid October.

PSAT NMSQT, PSAT 10, PSAT 8/9

Please be Informed! In last month’s newsletter, we shared this scripture-

2 Corinthians 6:17 “Therefore, come out from

among unbelievers, and separate yourselves from

them, says the LORD. Don’t touch their filthy things,

and I will welcome you.”

As you know we have never been an accredited

school, but for more than 30 years local schools

have accepted- at the very least- our core curriculum

credits, even though the district policy has been to

not accept credits from unaccredited schools. This

year, for the first time, local high schools have been

crying “district policy!” and not transferring our cred-

its. (We are not the only PSP to have issues with

transfers this year.) Our Principal has been in con-

tact with the district in an attempt to find a reasona-

ble solution.

Please know that if you are planning to transfer to a

local high school you may be put at a freshman

standing regardless of the credits you have taken

with us. If this occurs push to take classes that

would complete your transcript instead of retaking

courses you have already completed.

You can avoid all of this if you choose to remain out

of the public school system and be, “strong and im-

movable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord,

for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ev-

er useless” (1 Corinthians 15:58.) If you feel like you

are “missing the High School Experience,” then why

not help plan and participate in events with other

Grace high school students? We would love to help.

October 18th, 7—9 pm at the Grace Office!

Come and join us!

Our special needs group, Growing TREES: Truth,

Research, Encouraging and Equipping Stu-

dents, is designed to aid families dealing with a

wide variety of learning differences They are there

to support you through your rough times and to in-

struct you in different learning tactics to help your

student. You can find Growing TREES at

www.growingtreessd.com or find

their page on Facebook.

They will also be available on Picture Day, October

12th from 10—2. They will even be providing some

snacks for those who come in. Come and meet

them, and find out if this group will be helpful for

you and your family!

Help for Special Needs Students

Is It Time for a New Computer? Remember that you can get discounted computers,

laptops and tablets with NotebooksForStudents.org

through our school. On their website, go to the

“Homeschool” link. You will be able to see what

makes and models are available. We are currently

getting the “11—30” discount. Download and fill out

the order form, list “Grace Christian School” with our

phone and email in the top box. Be sure to use your

name and email just above your order. Email or fax it

to them and send us a copy. They will email an in-

voice.

Page 4 Volume 31, Issue 2

Newsletter Essay Contest: In 150 words or less

October’s Essay Topic: “Thankfulness”

In 150 words or fewer, can you share what things

you are most thankful for this year? How does being

thankful help us or others? How do we show grate-

fulness in our everyday lives?

This is open to students and adults. There may be

prizes.

I would love to publish your responses in the No-

vember issue. Please encourage your younger stu-

dents do contribute—even if they only have a few

sentences. The more we write, the easer it becomes

and the better we learn to communicate our ideas to

others.

Please submit your responses before October

21st.

Sure it can.

We will be looking for talented people to help with

our school Christmas party this year. Do you have

musical talent or can you put on a good skit? Maybe

your kids would like to participate in a skit if some-

one else put one together?

Let us know what you think would make for a great

school party— and if you would be willing and able to

help plan, co ordinate, participate , bake. . . (maybe

a cookie exchange? Could be fun. . .)

We would love to talk to you about participating in

the Christmas program. Please give us a call or send

an email before Nov 1st.

It Can’t be Time to Think About Christmas!

2017 Speech Contest

Our annual speech contest isn’t until May, but it can’t

hurt to starting thinking early! Here is the topic for

this year’s event.

What does it mean to be a hero?

See below for details.

In popular culture, heroes are depicted as superhu-mans who fly through the air to rescue a damsel in distress or save the world from a villain’s evil plan. Christopher Reeve, who starred as one of the most famous superheroes in American film, once said, “A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles.” This year’s School Speech Contest asks contestants to speak about what it means to be a hero.

In organizing their speeches, students may choose to

consider one or more of the following questions or

present on their own aspect of the topic.

- How do you define hero or heroic behavior?

- What characteristics do you think define or describe

a hero?

- What are some examples of heroic behavior?

- Who is your hero(es)? Why?

- How are heroes depicted in literature and film?

Students may use these questions to help formulate

ideas, but they should not be limited by the list

above.

We hope to be able to have both 4th—8th and 9th—

12th grade competitions this year.

Speeches should be 4—6 minutes in length. Speakers

may use note cards .

If there is enough interest, I would be happy to run a

class beginning in January to help students write and

prepare their speeches. Contact the office to reserve

your spot.

Page 5 Words of Grace

There are still copies of the 2016 –17 yearbook

available. Pick up or request your copy at the office.

There are 40 pages of school fun in each $35 annu-

al.

Want to make next year’s book MORE fun? Come

and participate in the field trips and events—send in

pictures of the fun you are having during your

school year.

Get Your YEARBOOK Here!

There are a number of Christian college fairs around

Southern California in October, and across the na-

tion as well.

Many are listed at

http://myblueprintstory.com/christian-college-fairs/

Attending a Christian University & College Fair can be the first step for many students when searching for the right college or university. We offer over 120 fairs all over the U.S. and Canada each year and look forward to seeing you at one of these events..

A few upcoming venues are: (from 6 pm—8 pm un-

less otherwise stated.)

Oct 3, 2016 Ontario (CA)

Oct 5, 2016 Riverside County (CA)

Oct 6, 2016 Whittier (CA)

Oct 8, 2016 South Los Angeles (CA) 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Oct 10, 2016 Costa Mesa (CA)

Oct 11, 2016 Vista (CA)

Oct 12, 2016 Temecula (CA)

Oct 13, 2016 San Diego (CA)

Check out the link for more information, or to find a fair closer to home.

We are also looking in to having one or two “meet a greets” informational meetings with our Grand Canyon University representative.

One will be set in the North County, combining with 2 other PSPs—we are working on details, looking at November 3rd, but the date is not confirmed.

We would also like to offer a meeting closer to the office if there are people who would like to come. Please contact the office and let me know.

For college planning help, you might check out the College Planning Network.

http://www.collegeplan.org

College Planning Network (CPN) was formed in 1987 to assist individuals seeking higher education

opportunities. As a nonprofit organization, CPN con-nects students, families, high school counselors and

administrators, college admission, financial aid and scholarship administrators with private businesses,

community organizations and foundations. CPN has created a network of individuals and organizations

committed to helping students plan successfully for college.

Work Permits

Remember that if you are in school, and have a regu-

lar job, you must have a work permit!

If you had one last school year, and are still working,

your permit has expired. You need to renew it every

year. Contact the office if you have a job, or are

ready to start looking.

Remember that to keep your permit current, you

must keep your grades up and send regular progress

reports as well.

Planning for College?

Page 6 Words of Grace

November 4th is a special day. Magic Moun-tain is opening just for us! Grade "A" Thrills Fit For the Whole Family!

Be a part of Home School Family Day and enjoy all day park access to the most thrilling rides and at-tractions in Southern California. The park will be open from 11am -5pm.

Choose between two ticket options: •Admission Only Ticket - Purchase by 10/23/16 for the best rate •Catered Picnic Package, includes admission plus an all-you-can-eat meal and a free return ticket to Holi-day in the Park**

The picnic lunch will be served in our Grande Oak Picnic Pavilion from 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM only. A meal ticket will be required for entry. All Catered Picnic Packages must be purchased in advance no later than Friday, October 28 and will not be availa-ble for purchase on the event day. Outside food, beverages and coolers are not allowed in the Park. Season passes or other admission tickets will NOT be honored.

For further information or to purchase your Home School Family Day tickets over the phone, please contact our Group Sales department at 661-255-4501, Monday-Friday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm.

Magic Mountain Home School Day Nov 4

Private Home Schooling is under attack. It has

been of course, for many, many years, but the op-

position is growing. From the Secretary of Educa-

tion in Washing DC to local school districts—the

push is on for conformity and compliance.

Our best weapon is prayer. Continue to pray for

God’s blessing and for His hand in our nation and

local governments. Pray for God’s provision for the

families that are trying to be faithful to the com-

mand to teach their children and to bring them up in

the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Pray for our

faithfulness to his calling.

It is also vitally important to continue to support

those agencies that monitor legislation and fight for

our parental and religious rights . (On the national

level: Home School Legal Defense at HSLDA.org,

and Family Protection Ministries at

http://pheofca.org, in California: CHEA ofCA.org, in

San Diego: CFSSD.org—or find the organization

nearest to you!) Many of these organizations are

currently struggling to keep their doors open and to

be able to provide support to our communities. Be-

come a member, attend a conference, read (and

share) their information. They are a wall defense for

our freedoms and a source of strength and commu-

nity for private homeschoolers.

The other thing that we should be doing daily is

to be intentional in our home schooling. Be sure that

we are striving for excellence in all that we do. Push

our students to be the best that they can. Help them

to follow their interests and dreams.

Will everyone be become the top of the class at a

prestigious university? No. That’s not really the goal.

They can, however, each strive to become the best

that God has made them to be; to excel in the field

that interests them.

Even more importantly we should be helping

them to become spiritually prepared to take on an

ever stronger presence of our common enemy. Build

their character, train them in righteousness and

strengthen them in grace and wisdom. Teach them

to evaluate their culture and the information they

receive for Truth. Help them learn to communicate

Truth to the world around them with meekness and

grace. Set an example of service and strength—

then unleash them to influence their generation.

Words of Grace

Page 7 Words of Grace

Grand Canyon University http://www.gcu.edu/ Grace Christian Graduates receive a $5000/year Scholarship!

GCU's identity and mission have remained deeply rooted in "the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints" (Jude 3)

for nearly 70 years. As an interdenominational university, GCU's community is a product of the wonderful diversity of tradi-

tions and denominations that have grown out of the roots of biblical Christianity. Yet in the midst of this rich diversity, the

university has consistently cultivated unity around the core doctrines and common practices of the faith.

Our work on campus and within the community flows from a vibrant faith and concern to honor and emulate Jesus Christ in

all we say and do. Our Christian convictions, Christ-focused curriculum and service beyond the class-

room provide a foundation that is the bedrock of our community and basis for work together. This

foundation simultaneously serves as a reminder of who we are and a statement about who we strive

to be. This one foundation continually guides our learning and working communities toward faithful-

ness, excellence and service to God and our neighbors.

We have a link to Amazon on the

school web page that used to allow

you to donate money to the school as

you shopped at Amazon. That link no

longer connects to Amazon, but it does lead to an online

mall, (shopping.escrip.com) Shopping on line through

that link will still donate money to Grace Christian

Schools. They have many stores and special offers avail-

able for you.

Amazon is now using “Amazon Smile”

(smile.amazon.com) to funnel donations to your charity

of choice. You can easily sign up there and then shop at

Amazon as you usually would and still have a donation

sent to us.

We want to thank each of you that

has made it a point to clip and send

your Box Tops and Labels to us. Box Tops are still

worth $0.10 each but we are no longer collecting the

Labels of Education. Keep those Box Tops coming!

(Maybe you could collect them from your families or

church , too!)

Benefit-mobile.com has replaced most of the old

escrip giving platforms.

Benefit Pays with Purpose. “Benefit is a digital gift card platform that

funds the things that matter most through

everyday transactions. Cards are pur-

chased and delivered within seconds to the

mobile app for immediate in-store redemption. Each

purchase earns up to a 20% rebate that is sent to a

school, non-profit organization or a personal life ex-

pense of the users choice.”

Sign up using your bank account or credit card and list

“Grace Christian Schools” (Ruffin Road, San Diego) as

your designated recipient. Then, when you shop at a

participating vendor, use the benefit-mobile app to

purchase a digital gift card (you can do this for the ex-

act amount of purchase while standing at the register!)

Show the gift card on your phone to the clerk, and you

are done. A small percentage of your purchase price is

credited to our school account. It only takes a mo-

ment. There are a large number of stores, restaurants

and services that participate.

I have been using this app for many months and find it

to be easy and care-free. I can choose to use it at any

listed location when I wish, but don’t have to worry

about it if I don’t want to bother. I can also pre-buy

“gift cards” to keep on hand.

Ways to Support the School

Page 8 Words of Grace

Seth K Oct 2

Isabella D Oct 3

Laura O Oct 5

Frankie G Oct 7

David H Oct 11

Kaylie P Oct 12

Justin G Oct 13

Joshua R Oct 14

Joe B Oct 16

Jonathan H Oct 16

Aiden M Oct 17

Nicole R Oct 17

Lucia N Oct 19

Patricio A Oct 21

Raul G Oct 21

Sarai F Oct 25

Jacory H Oct 25

Benjamin U Oct 25

Trinity S Oct 28

Justin B Oct 29

Huitzi G Oct 29

Ian K Oct 29

Irina W Oct 30

Happy October Birthday to our stu-

dents! May God richly bless you this

year!

(If your name is

missing, we did not

have permission to

print it. If this is an

error, please let us

know. Happy Birth-

day to you, too!)

Happy Birthday!

Family Movie

Night! Join us for

our FREE family

movie night the last

Saturday of each

month. Featuring

"Do You Believe "

starting Saturday,

October 29 at 6 pm.

Refreshments & pop-

corn available for

purchase.

Kids Creation Club

Saturday, October 1 at 10am - Bones! Apes and Humans -

Kids Scientific workshop includes a hands on project, refresh-

ments & movie! $5 non members, free for members.

Contact Infor-

mation:

10946 Woodside Ave.

N.

Santee, CA 92071

(619)599.1104

www.CreationSD.org

Hours of Operation:

Monday - Saturday

10am - 6pm

Sunday 1pm - 6pm