Horizon Christian School - private, Christian school, Hood River, Oregon

04-30-13 - Constitution Conference
Students from several Christian schools in the Portland area and Hood River will join Horizon 7th and 8th grade students on Thursday for the second annual HCS Constitution Conference . The students will spend the day delving into an investigation of the Constitution from a Christian worldview and learning about the godly individuals whose Christian values were the true inspiration for this document. The special day long class is the result of a $10,000 grant that was awarded to Horizon Christian School. The conference has been developed and coordinated by Horizon teacher, Jared Nagreen.

04-23-13 - Missions Trip Impacts Group
Instead of spending their spring break sleeping in and hanging out with friends, twelve students from Horizon Christian School traveled by van to Tecate, Mexico along with 28 other students and 20 adults. Their mission – to build three houses in four days for families in a poor neighborhood. The team poured concrete, built walls, and roofed the houses. They then shopped for beds, couches and other furniture which they gifted to the families.

Marlie Bloomster, Kaylee Demchuk, and Hannah Kempf were among the Horizon students who went on the trip and they shared some of their impressions. The first was an awareness of how very little the people have and how appreciative they are of very simple things. The families showed it not only with verbal expressions of grati-tude but also by preparing meals, taking care of the team, and giving and serving in so many ways. The other take away for the girls was a challenge to dig into God's Word more. Traveling, working, and living together gave opportunity for discussions and the study of God and His Word that created a hunger for more. Would they go again? Absolutely!

03-12-13 - Constitutional Essay Competition
Horizon Christian School is hosting a trip to Washington DC during May Term 2014 for students in grades 7-12. Eight students also have an opportunity to receive a $500 scholarship to use toward the Washington DC trip. To receive the scholarship, students must write an essay on the Constitution, answering two questions. Applications may be submitted at Horizon's front office. The application deadline is Wednesday, March 20. Students who win a scholarship and decide to enroll in the trip during the month of March will receive an extra discount of $100 through the program. Download the form for all details.

03-06-13 - Hawks Claim #2 Spot in 1A Basketball A loss by two points is hard to take in any game. A loss by two points when it is the state championship game is really tough and requires digging deep to overcome the disappointment. That was the situation for the Hawks on Saturday evening when they played City Christian from Portland for the #1 spot in the state. But as one fan said, "There are 81 teams in the A league, and 79 of those teams would love to be where the Hawks are right now." There is a tremendous amount of time, energy, and work that is involved in becoming a championship team. Thank you to the coaches and athletes for that investment. It was a great season!

02-27-13 - Hawks Head to Baker City for State Championships The Horizon Hawks play their first State playoff game today in Baker City at 1:30pm against Country Christian. . The tournament continues through Saturday evening with teams playing in a winners' bracket or consolation bracket depending on what they do in game #1 on Wednesday. You can hear all of the Hawk games on KIHR 1340 and 93.8—Gorge Radio.com. Go to osaa.org/basketball/ for information about the tournament including brackets, times, and to hear the streamed games. The championship game can also be viewed online at the OSAA website.

02-20-13 - Teacher In-service Report
Teacher's heard an interesting presentation from Bob Spotts, Board Trustee - Excellence Committee, on the topic of introverts and extroverts in the classroom at last week's in-service training. Teachers were encouraged to recognize the differences, their strengths, and needs. Bottom line - "Everyone shines given the right light. For some, it is a Broadway spotlight, for others, a lamp-lit desk." Elementary teachers also continued work on aligning their curriculum with the state core standards specifically in the areas of writing and language arts. In addition, they lined up curriculum thematically with other grade levels so that Horizon teachers are teaching similar topics at the same time and can therefore better collaborate with each other. Secondary staff explored options through the Association of Christian Schools (ACSI) online training program.

02-20-13 - Hawks Head into State Playoff Games
The Horizon Hawks claimed the #1 spot at the District Tournament, earning a bye in the first round of State games which are being played on Tuesday. The Hawks, ranked #1 in the State, will play in a state playoff game on Friday evening at home in the Hawks Nest at 7:00pm (opponent to be announced after this evening's games). Tickets for that game go on sale Wednesday morning at the front office or can be purchased at the door.

The #1 placing at the Tournament was the result of two wins and gives the Hawks a 27-0 season. The Hawks beat the South Wasco Redsides 65-49 on Saturday evening in the championship game. The game came after a hard fought game on Friday evening against the Sherman Huskies, 60-54 . Sherman was the last team to beat the Hawks in February 2012, making it 35 games since their last loss. Also announced at the game were the all-league players. Matt Totaro (11th) and Jake Wells (12th) were named to the All-League #1 Team; Mason Bloomster10th) was chosen for the #2 Team.

Another trip to Baker City is the carrot for the Hawks on Friday evening. Eight teams will meet there for the State Tournament on February 27 — March 2.

02-12-13 - Operation Christmas Child 2012 Thank You Letter
Click here to read the letter (PDF)

02-12-13 - Hawks Head to District Tournament
League play concluded last week-end. The boys varsity team ended the season with a 25-0 / 14-0 record and is ranked #1 in 1A schools across the state. The girls varsity team had a 7-16 / 4-9 season record. The boys team is on their way to Hermiston this week-end to capture another District Championship. Their first game will be Friday, February 15 at 7:30pm (game #8). If they win, they will play the championship game on Saturday at 5:30pm (game #12). A loss would result in a game on Saturday at 2:30pm (game #10).

02-06-13 - Horizon Teacher Receives Award for 6th Grade Class
Indian Creek Stewards, including Horizon Christian 6th graders, received an award at the Hood River City council meeting from Solve. Teacher Sheila Sletmoe was on hand to receive the award for the classes who have participated. For the past several years Horizon students have been partnering with other local organizations on watershed education and riparian restoration. By working together they hope that someday kids will be able to fish and play in Indian Creek again.

01-29-13 - Horizon's Student Counselor Shares Thoughts Read more... (PDF)

01-29-13 - Horizon Receives Grant
Horizon Christian School received it's third grant in three years from the Stover Foundation. The $10,000 grant is for the development of tools and curriculum for teaching a biblically based forum on the US Constitution. The goal is to increase the impact to a greater number of schools in Oregon by providing tools and curriculum to help a student learn about the Constitution and it's biblical foundation. Teacher Jared Nagreen, who wrote the grant, noted, "This grant will allow us to compile a wealth of resources in a 'market ready' boxed curriculum set to be distributed to Christian schools in Oregon. This is a great opportunity!" A total of $30,000 has now been received from the Stover Foundation.

01-29-13 - Christian School ASCI Facts
The attached fact sheet is a summary of a recent survey that includes statistics on the number of students who attend private school, and compares the responses from Christian and private schools to others schools in the areas of safety, graduate preparedness, spiritual and cultural issues, academics, and top priorities of the school. The survey was conducted by Cardus Education Survey (CES) and was the topic of an article in Christian School Education (CSE), a magazine published by the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI). Click here to read the Facts (PDF)

01-29-13 - Horizon's Basketball Team "Gets the Job Done!" With season win #20 against Ione on Friday evening, the Hawks boys' team continues to demonstrate a fast paced game that can't be stopped. Watching these guys play is amazing. In defense they are on their opponents like a bunch of swarming bees causing turnovers and blocking plays. In offense they are quick, instinctively knowing where their teammate is, and can turn nearly anything into two points – or three. The Hawks (20/0) are rated #1 in the 1A state rankings and it is easy to see why.

There are only three home games left in the regular season so make tracks to the Hawks Nest and watch these guys play. Game times are 4:30 (JV boys) / 6:00 (Varsity Girls) / 7:30 (Varsity Boys).

01-14-13 - Board of Trustees Meeting Highlights (from January 7)
Counseling update (Shannon Miller) - Shannon Miller, a qualified and experienced counselor, has taken on the role of working with students who have been identified as needing some special focus. She meets with those students to determine whether they are just having a bad day or need some additional intensive help that can be directed to par-ents, a pastor, and/or Christian counselor. Mrs. Miller indicated that she always notifies parents when she meets with students. She described how working with kids looks different depending on their age. Looking forward she would like to develop a newsletter for families with parenting tips and website resources, and work with elementary students on dealing with emotions. Her intervention has proven to be a real help to students.

Reflections from a new teacher (Betsy Roberts) - Mrs. Robertson, 1st grade teacher, is new to Horizon this year. Before moving to Hood River she was a teacher in the Beaverton school district. She compared being a teacher in a public school and a Christian school — she really appreciates the opportunity to teach the Bible and integrate biblical concepts into all classes. She also enjoys the flexibility that she has and the opportunity to talk and pray with stu-dents, making a connection between Bible stories and real life settings. Betsy and her husband have two children at Horizon and as parents, they are grateful for the wholly integrated training their children are receiving and the oppor-tunities for discussion that creates at home.

Firearms at Horizon for emergency response - Trustees shared thoughts and discussed options. Staff shared the lockdown procedure that staff and students are being trained in: avoid, deny, and defend. Further discussion was tabled until the next meeting.

Affordable Health Care law - Trustees discussed the impact of the law as it relates to the school's stand on abortion. Several organizations have conscientiously decided not to participate and are involved in federal suites because they cannot support the law as a result of the contraceptive clause. Trustees determined that these issues would be ad-dressed through school policy rather than direct opposition to the law.

ACSI annual survey results - Each year the Association of Christian Schools, International surveys their member schools in several areas including salaries and tuition. The average tuition increase last year for northwest ACSI schools was 3.24% compared to 3.0% at Horizon. Starting teachers at Horizon make 126% of ACSI schools and 91% of public schools. A Horizon teacher with an MA and experience is making 113% of ACSI schools and 61% of public schools.

Board Challenge grant gift update - Horizon received a $100,000 gift in October along with a challenge to match it. The donation was matched through gifts from trustees totaling $115,000 and year-end giving of $13,500 for a total of $128,500.

01-09-13 - HCS Joins National Honor Society
The purpose of the National Honor Society is "to create enthusiasm for scholarship, to stimulate a desire to render service, to promote leadership, and to develop character in the students of secondary schools". Horizon is in the process of accepting information from qualified students to select the charter members for this new chapter. . Membership is for 10th-12th graders who demonstrate excellence in the areas of academics, service, leadership, and character. Students with a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or higher received an invitation and information packet recently and are encouraged to complete the information form in order to be considered for membership. Forms should be submitted to Mrs. Wade, our NHS faculty advisor, by end of school day on Friday, January 11. The faculty council will then review the information and identify those students who meet all of the criteria. Names of those selected for membership will be announced on Friday, January 25. If your 10th, 11th, or 12th grader received an invitation to pursue membership, please encourage him or her to complete the form right away as signatures from current and past bosses, coaches, and other supervisors may be needed.

12-19-12 - Horizon Reponds With School Preparedness "...we take seriously our responsibility as administrators, staff, and teachers to have as our highest priority the safety of the students in our care. We are fortunate to live in a safe community, but we are fully aware that no community is immune to the horror we have witnessed this past week." Read Superintendent Ken Block's response to last week's events. (PDF file)

12-11-12 - Students Help Out at Local Hospital
Horizon students decorated five Christmas trees at Providence Memorial Hospital last week, giving the hospital a holiday atmosphere. Students and Staff received the following note of appreciation from the hospital:

12-04-12 - Horizon Hawks Sweeps Invitation Tournament The boys' Hawks team swept the Hawks Invitational Tournament with wins against Hood River Valley High School (72-51) and Amity, a 3A school (53-31). The girls' Hawks took 2nd place with a win against Trinity Lutheran and a loss to Amity. The JV boys' team won an exciting game on Saturday morning by forging to a one point lead in the final seconds of the game and holding on to it through the final buzzer. Well done, Hawks!

11-13-12 - Annual Rose Garden Basketball Event On December 20th, watch two great basketball events for the price of one: In the afternoon, cheer on the Horizon Hawks against East Linn Christian at 1:30pm and then that evening watch the Portland Trail Blazers take on the Denver Nuggets at 7pm. For more information and to download the flyer, click here. Forms are also available in the school office.

11-13-12 - Check out recent soccer photos

11-13-12 - Athletes Honored
Both volleyball and soccer athletes were honored at the recent fall sports awards events. who received special recognition include:

10-30-12 - Horizon Students Participate in Gorge Marathon Several Horizon students toughed it out in the rain on Saturday for the final leg of the Gorge Marathon. Students ran and logged their mileage during the fall and then ran the last mile as a group. The total goal was 25 miles. Horizon students included: Ellie Rinella (2nd Gr—finisher), Ella Moring (2nd Gr), Shrishti Jadhav (2nd Gr), Judah Hepner (1st Gr), and Ethan Moring (K). Congratulations, students!

10-30-12 - Soccer District Playoffs
The Hawks, who were undefeated in regular league play, lost a tough battle in overtime to City Christian on Monday afternoon. Their last game will be played on Friday, November 2 under the lights at the Hillsboro Stadium where they will challenge the Eagles from Crosshill Christian School from Keizer. The Hawks got their only tie in league play against this team, so we anticipate some great action. Game time is 6:00 pm and cost is $5.00 for adults and $3.00 for students. League awards will also be presented between this game and the 8:00 game (Life Christian vs City Christian). The stadium is located at 4450 NW 229th Ave., Hillsboro, Oregon.

10-15-12 - Girls Basketball Coach Selected
Horizon Christian School welcomes new Girls Basketball Coach Chad Leeson to the Horizon Staff. Chad has played several different sports and has coached basketball, girls' fast pitch, and is the current offensive coordinator for the Stevenson High School football team. Chad's vision is to "develop a program that glorifies God by developing athletes that are using the talents and gifts that He has given them to the best of their ability and for His glory both on and off the court." Chad and his wife, Leslie, are the parents of three children including Horizon 8th grader Samantha. He is the pastor of The Bridge Community Church in Stevenson.

"Chad is a man of integrity with proven coaching skills and his philosophy fits perfectly with our philosophy of athlet-ics at Horizon," commented Athletic Director Oscar Stenberg. "I am very excited about this selection and am looking forward to working with Chad as we continue to develop the girls program."

10-04-12 - City Approves Limited Occupancy of Cafeteria
The City of Hood River recently approved limited occupancy for our Cafeteria. The work on this space is the result of a lead donation that was given in memory of Don Betz, grandfather of a Horizon student and owner of a local construction business. Additional donations provided enough funding to move forward with the project. Funds are still needed for other things we would like to see accomplished in this area, such as flooring and racquetball panels for the walls.

09-24-12 - High School Bible Study
All Horizon junior and senior high school students are invited to join a high school bible study on Wednesdays starting at 5:30pm. Dinner will be served followed by the study and finish at 7pm. Contact Mr. Stenberg if you are interested.

09-19-12 - May Term Trip to Washington DC and Williamsburg There will be a meeting on Monday, October 1 at 6:00pm, room 150 for all students in 7th-12th grade who are interested in joining us on the May term trip to Washington DC and Williamsburg. There are ten $250 scholarships available. Come and find out about the trip. Students, parents, grandparents, family, and friends are welcome to join us. For more information contact Mr. Ken Block at ken@horizonchristianschool.org or 541-436-3208.

09-11-12 - Secondary Retreat at Jonah Ministries The excitement level was high as students took off for the beginning of the year retreat at Jonah Ministries in Trout Lake, Washington. The fire along Hwy 141 added another layer of "excitement!" On the schedule were activities such as whitewater rafting, paintballing, caving, hiking, mountain biking, the high ropes challenge course, and the zipline after dark. The "Eco-Challenge" required students to work together as teams, and throughout the retreat Pastor Mark Hoeffner and other speakers developed the 2012-13 school theme, "Watch your step" from Ephesians 5:15 — "Be very careful, then, how you live — not as unwise, but as wise." (see pictures at www.facebook/horizonchristianschool — more to be posted)

09-11-12 - Horizon Student to Celebrate Eagle Scout Status Austin Requa, a Horizon junior, has been in Boy Scouts for ten years. He started as a Cub Scout in 2002 and has completed the requirements for his Eagle Rank, the highest award that can be earned as a Boy Scout. He will be celebrating this accomplishment with his friend and fellow Eagle Scout recipient Adam McCaw on Sunday, September 16 at 3:00pm at the Hood River Alliance Church in Hood River. Austin would be honored to have his Horizon family there to celebrate with him.