CHAMagazine Of f i c i a l Magaz ine o f C hape l H i l l Acad emy S pr ing 2014

P ub l i sh ed fo r F am i l i e s and F r i ends o f Cha pe l H i l l Acad em y

THE LORD IS FAITHFUL CHA dedicates new Owens Commons

MIDDLE SCHOOL Coming Fall 2014

STEM Coming Fall 2014

CHA: IT’S THE PEOPLE Meet some of the people who make Chapel Hill Academy an amazing community

CHA BOARD Meet the Board of Directors

Education of a movement.

FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL

2 | CHA Magazine

Dear Friends,

We are in the midst of a great movement—one that began nearly 45 years ago and continues today

as God leads us to reach more families and touch more children with the love of Christ. The ministry of

Chapel Hill Academy started with a vision of “Hearts to Know and Minds to Grow” as the pathway to a

Christian life. Now, we move into a new era where momentum is building and the power of the Holy Spirit

is upon us to develop and inspire future Christian leaders. We are educating a movement of leaders to be

the light bearers of Christ in an ever-changing world.

The cover of this publication honors the early leadership of Chapel Hill Academy. Todd Owens, son

of founder, Art Owens, and Dick Case, beloved 24-year Head of School (1976-2000) are shown surrounded

by children and staff members. The image represents a

great legacy of Christian education that emphasizes a

personal relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ.

We honor the vision and direction God placed

upon Owens, Case, and many others; their legacy has

affected thousands of individuals who have been

touched by the ministry of Chapel Hill. In 2 Timothy

2:1-2, Paul teaches the secret to an enduring legacy

when he shares “You then, my child, be strengthened by

the grace that is in Christ Jesus, and what you have

heard from me in the presence of my witnesses, entrust

to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.”

Paul’s words make it clear that having a successful

school is not enough; we are educating a movement of

believers to boldly stand for Christ and be a light to

others. Indeed, at CHA hearts are knowing and minds

are growing, yet we remain focused on our Heavenly

Father’s commission to increase His Kingdom—this is our enduring legacy.

It is with great pleasure that I present to you the first publication of CHA Magazine. As God

continues to move us in His direction, it is my hope that these pages may be a tangible reminder of the

power, love, and mercy God has on the ministry of Chapel Hill Academy.

Photo by Rick Narvaez

Kassie Grosz, Ed. S.

The fifth Head of School of Chapel Hill Academy

952-949-9014

groszk@chapel-hill.org

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Spring 2014

CHAMagazine

The Lord is Faithful 04 A look at the new Owens Commons and the stories

behind it.

CHA: It’s the People 06 Meet the Board members and some of the faculty and staff.

Fine Arts Events 09 Snapshots from winter and spring events.

Support the Movement 11 Furthering the mission of Christian education.

Chapel & Missions 12 God always wins.

Coming This Fall 14 New Middle School and STEM Program.

Worship Team 16 Ushering in the Holy Spirit.

Cougar Athletics 18 An exciting winter season.

ON THE COVER:

Todd Owens, son of founder Art Owens

Dick Case, former principal Photo by Rick Narvaez

education of a movement.

Since 1970

4 | CHA Magazine

THE LORD IS FAITHFUL

O W E N S C OM M O N S D E D I C T I O N

We will not hide them from their descendants; we will tell the next

generation the praiseworthy deeds of the LORD, His power, and the wonders He

has done.

NEW COMMONS DEDICATED TO FOUNDER,

ARTHUR W. OWENS by Debbie Hansen

Recognizing God’s marvelous hand of blessing and protection, the

Chapel Hill Academy community gathered for a time of praise, prayer, and

dedication, Friday, March 21. This time of celebration focused on a few key

events that God has used to display His sovereign care and mighty power.

The school year began with an electrical fire in the basement of the

administration wing that could have been much worse. The extensive soot

damage from smoldering plastic bins required much restoration which lead to

the relocation of various offices and equipment. What initially looked like a

terrible loss and tragedy, God has turned into blessing. Once again, the CHA

community rallied to support and supply resources to assist with the

restoration. Among the many awesome outcomes includes the creation of a

Commons area where students and families are able to gather for fellowship.

The centerpiece of the Commons contains a beautiful electric fireplace that

reminds the CHA community of how God stayed the fire and kept it contained

to a small area. He truly has brought beauty out of ashes.

Reflecting on the blessings of God’s hand of protection and continued

provision for Chapel Hill Academy, parents and staff were reminded of the

sacrificial work by so many families from years past. The current families are

reaping the benefits and blessings of the pioneer work that was begun over 44

years ago. Therefore, with grateful hearts, the CHA community desired to honor

and dedicate the beautiful Commons to founder and board member, Arthur W.

Owens, who went home to be with His Lord and Savior, October, 2013. Former

Principal, Dick Case, offered a prayer of thanksgiving for the work and legacy of

Mr. Owens. This was followed by current Principal, Ken Norman, presenting a

plaque to be displayed in the Commons to Todd Owens, son of Art Owens.

Every good and perfect gift comes from The Father above - Thank you,

LORD!

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Photos by Rick Narvaez

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C H A : I T ’ S T H E P E O P L E

CHAPEL HILL ACADEMY

Board of Directors

Aaron Wilson recently joined the

CHA Board. He and his wife, Ann,

have three children currently

attending CHA. Aaron works as a

sales consultant in the cardiac

surgery business at Medtronic. He

is very active as a volunteer

serving at his church as a

co-leader of a men’s study and a

basketball coach at CHA. An interesting fact about

Aaron is that he enjoys participating in triathlons.

Aaron and his wife are passionate about sustaining

the CHA ministry and expanding the impact it can

have on the greater community.

Chad Pearson and his wife,

Michelle, have three children

currently attending CHA. Their

family has been part of the CHA

community for eight years. Chad

had been a teacher for 20 years and

now owns his own landscaping

company. He is serving his fourth

year on the CHA Board. One aspect

Chad and Michelle love about CHA is the spiritual and

educational framework that is consistent with how they

raise their children.

Bruce Johnson, his wife Angie, and

their three children have been part

of the CHA community for 13 years.

Bruce has a strong calling to serve

wherever he is needed. He has been

serving on the CHA Board for seven

years. Bruce appreciates the impact

CHA has on families. It is a place

where the whole family can learn

and grow in their relationships with Christ.

John Anfinrud has been serving

for three years with the privilege

of being the Board Chair the last

two years. He has found the

experience to be far more

rewarding than he could have

imagined. He and his wife, Jodi,

have three children and have

been part of the CHA community

for 10 years. John works at US Bank where he

oversees the estate lending division. In addition to

his duties at CHA, John volunteers and resides on the

Board of Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity. John and

Jodi believe strongly in the CHA ministry. They feel

that the mission of training their children to help

develop their hearts for Christ is priceless...and

eternal.

Abby Du Moulin and her husband,

Larry, have four children and have

been part of the CHA community

for nine years. Abby enjoys

volunteering at CHA; her favorite

activity is photographing CHA

events and sports. Abby has served

as a room-mom, co-coordinator of

the CHA Auction, and manager for

the boys soccer team. This is Abby’s second term on

the CHA Board. She considers it a blessing to have

been called by the Lord to serve Him on the CHA

Board of Directors.

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Jon Nykanen has been serving on

the CHA Board for four years. He is

also the Chair of the Finance

Committee and serves on the

Strategy Committee. Jon and his

wife, Deb, have three children

currently at CHA. Jon started his

career in engineering and

transitioned to his own business analytic software

consulting company. He is active at his church serving

and teaching the adult Sunday school class. Jon values

the godly teachers and biblical instruction at CHA.

Sharla Stafford and her

husband, Eric, are realtors. They

have three children at CHA. Sharla

joined the CHA Board this past

winter. She and her husband enjoy

volunteering with Treehouse, Feed

My Starving Children and at their

church. Sharla truly enjoys the

CHA community - a Family of Families.

Lindsay Hoyer and his wife, Colleen,

have been part of the CHA

community for eight years. They

have a daughter who is in seventh

grade at CHA. Lindsay enjoys being

active with volunteer work. He has

been serving on the CHA Board for

two years. Lindsay has been blessed

by the CHA teachers. He appreciates

their dedication to building a foundation of education,

faith, and life for the students.

Gayl Manion has been serving on

the CHA Board for two years. She

and her husband, David, have two

children and have been part of the

CHA community for four years.

Gayl’s profession is Insurance and

Risk Management. During their free

time she and her family enjoy

partnering with agencies and missionaries who are

focused on serving in the Middle East. Gayl has

expressed that at CHA, she knows her son is growing in

his knowledge of the world; he is doing so through the

biblical lens of Scripture.

CHAPEL HILL ACADEMY’S

To glorify God and assist families by

providing a Christ-centered

education which inspires and enables

students to pursue spiritual maturity

and academic excellence.

8 | CHA Magazine

C H A : I T ’ S T H E P E O P L E

Mary Stude teaches junior

high science and has been

teaching at CHA for 21 years.

She and her husband, David,

have two children who

graduated from CHA. In her

free time, Mrs. Stude enjoys

volunteering on projects to

help raise money for the

poor. She also enjoys

volleyball, sewing, reading and running. Mrs. Stude’s

passion is to show the joy of our Lord Jesus Christ to

our junior high students and help them form a firm

foundation in their faith. She hopes to encourage them

to actively engage in their learning process, using their

gifts to honor and glorify the Lord.

Carmel Willett teaches

second grade at CHA. She

has been part of our

community for over 14 years.

Mrs. Willett and her

husband, Gary, have two

adult children. In her free

time she enjoys serving at

her church by playing hand

bells and singing in the

choir. A fun fact about Mrs. Willett is that she loves Star

Trek and Star Wars. She is a self-proclaimed “Trekkie.”

She loves the CHA community of people which she

thinks of as part of her own family.

Linda Houston teaches fifth

grade at CHA. She and her

husband, Tom, have three

adult children and welcomed

their first grandchild this year.

She has been at CHA for over

16 years. In her free time she

enjoys serving at her church,

gardening, reading,

scrapbooking, hiking, enjoying

nature, and spending time with her family. Mrs.

Houston’s passion is to help her students grow spiritually

closer to the Lord and grow academically in all subject

areas.

Tom Becker is finishing up

his second year as CHA’s

physical education teacher.

Mr. Becker and his wife, Kelly,

have a young son who will

attend CHA in the future. In

his free time, Mr. Becker’s

favorite hobby is fishing. He

also enjoys serving at his

church as a 5th grade Sunday school teacher,

conducting summer camps, and being a youth group

mentor. Mr. Becker truly enjoys the CHA chapel

services. He hopes to help students grow in their walk

with Christ and provide them with a positive and

meaningful physical education experience.

Jeanne Savitt is in her first

year at CHA as the Director

of Finance and Human

Resources. She and her

husband, Scott, have four

children. Jeanne is excited

to help make a difference

through her background in

corporate financial

reporting and commitment

to fiscal responsibility. She and her husband are active in

marriage ministry, Prayer Ventures and the Blessing

House in Victoria. Jeanne’s passion is to help make CHA

financially available to families who are seeking Christian

education.

CHAPEL HILL ACADEMY

Faculty & Staff

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I T ’ S T H E P E O P L E

- CHA FINE ARTS EVENTS

Photos by Scott Savitt

and Rick Narvaez

See more photo highlights online at chapelhillacademy.zenfolio.com

10 | CHA Magazine

2 0 1 4 C H A L I V E & S I L E N T AU C T I O N

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LADIES LUNCHEON Monday, September 15, 2014

Bearpath Golf & Country Club, Eden Prairie

Chapel Hill Academy fundraisers are an important function for the school operations. Most years we

have three major projects that generate revenue in order to support our budgetary needs. This winter, the

Live and Silent Auction was an incredible success. CHA is blessed by the many volunteers who planned,

organized, and coordinated the event. This is a huge undertaking for these individuals; their tireless efforts

proved to be fruitful when the goal surpassed previous years. Because of this, our students will benefit with

new science and technology programming. What a great blessing!

The 2014 Live and Silent Auction can serve as a great springboard for future fundraising efforts. These

events require involvement, and involvement requires interest. What could be more interesting than

furthering the mission of Christian education? With more involvement from our community, our alumni, and

our corporate friends, our school can make an even greater impact on children and families. Next year, we

will continue our fundraising efforts and hopefully expand our reach to draw in those who share this passion

and vision. The Annual Golf Challenge/Ladies’ Luncheon is scheduled for September 15, 2014.

12TH ANNUAL

CHA LEADERSHIP GOLF CHALLENGE

Monday, September 15, 2014

Bearpath Golf & Country Club, Eden Prairie

12 | CHA Magazine

“God always wins.” by Carly Watchorn, 8th grade student

Chapel Hill Academy principal, Ken Norman stated this simple fact of faith while discussing the

school’s missions focus. Chapel Hill raises and donates money each year to numerous Christian organizations

including Feed My Starving Children, Love Inc, and missionary families. In previous years, Chapel Hill has

supported various groups, but the organization the school partners most closely with each year is Feed My

Starving Children. Feed My Starving Children packages food and sends it out to nearly seventy countries

around the world, and Chapel Hill supports their efforts through fundraising, individual grades and classes

serving, and families volunteering year-round. This year’s classes raised over two-thousand dollars for food.

Plus, the sixth grade works at Culver’s to earn missions money, and the junior high leads its own leadership

fundraisers. During Spirit Week, the 8th grade sold hairstyles, snacks, and face-paint to raise around eight

hundred dollars to distribute to various groups.

The main goal that Chapel Hill tries to achieve through missions is to make students aware of the

needs of others. Students need to know about the needs that people have worldwide, needs both spiritual

and physical. Groups like FMSC address both types of needs, feeding the hungry and teaching the Gospel to

children and parents. Principal Ken Norman says that another main goal is to teach children the importance

of Jesus being known all over the world. Being a missionary himself in Ecuador and Austria, he knows as well

as anyone the need that people have for Christ.

Matthew 28:19-20 tells Christians to go and make disciples of all

nations. By raising and donating money to Christian organizations, Chapel

Hill Academy is enabling people to do just that. Chapel Hill is helping the

Kingdom of God expand by giving people the means to go and share.

God is victorious when it comes to missions, so if He plans for someone

to give, they will give. God always wins.

C H A P E L

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See more photos online at the official CHA Photo Gallery

chapelhillacademy.zenfolio.com

14 | CHA Magazine

CHAPEL HILL ACADEMY MIDDLE SCHOOL

From junior high to middle school, Chapel Hill Academy is restructuring the upper grades to more

effectively meet the needs of students. Fall of 2014 will look very different for incoming sixth graders. CHA has

traditionally offered sixth grade as a self-contained classroom much like the lower grades. Cause for the change

to a middle school model stems from the need to address the varying abilities and interests of young

adolescents, particularly in math and science. To accommodate a change, sixth grade teachers will teach content

area sections; sixth grade students will move throughout the day similar to seventh and eighth grade. Added

offerings in sixth grade will include regular Spanish instruction, study skills, health topics, and STEM science class.

Additionally, the traditional American history focus will shift to Minnesota Studies which aligns with the

Minnesota Standards for K-12 Social Studies. Students in grades six through eight will work on an A/B

alternating day schedule for specials that will include grade-level choir rehearsal opposite art and physical

education. These changes are exciting and have infused a great deal of energy and excitement in our school!

CO M I N G TO C H A T H I S FA L L . . .

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The world is changing rapidly, and Chapel Hill

Academy is committed to preparing the next generation of

Christian leaders. In order to fulfill our mission, we must

offer academic programs that lay the foundation for

advanced learning which will pave the path for Christian

leadership in the workforce. This initiative has been

embraced by the CHA community, and those who attended

the February Live and Silent Auction had a front-row seat to

the energy and excitement behind the vision of this new

program. Within minutes, the Fund-a-Need segment of the

auction raised nearly $60,000 to launch STEM this coming

fall. Since that evening, the STEM Steering Committee has

met regularly for the planning and development of a quality,

progressive program for our students. STEM will be

integrated into all grades Kindergarten through eighth

grade with a heightened concentration in the middle school

science curriculum. What a great blessing to offer STEM

from a biblical perspective in the classroom. This initiative

will equip our students to follow God’s plan for their futures!

LEARN MORE ONLINE

CHAPEL-HILL.ORG/ACADEMICS/STEM/

Worship Team by Erin Olson, 8th grade student

Every Wednesday morning, hundreds of students, along with countless staff, teachers, and parents,

file into the auditorium for a morning spent in Christ's teachings. However, to be open to the lesson

ahead, it is crucial to have the congregation centered on Christ. This daunting task is Mr. Zink’s, Chapel

Hill's music teacher and choir director. In preparation for each chapel, Mr. Zink and a group of students

with a passion for music devote their time to perfecting songs of worship in hopes that the lyrics speak

to their audience.

Mr. Zink also decides which songs the band will lead each week. This process can only be described

as spirit-led, as numerous songs are eliminated by a trust that God will reveal a song with a message

that the school needs to hear.

Mr. Zink discovered that the most challenging part of leading a school in worship is to make sure

his own heart is in check first. "I have to go out there and ask people to trust that God is going to say

something to their heart through music, and if my own heart isn't even in check, then I'm leading a lie,"

he explained.

Though being in worship band has its

challenges, all the participants agree it has only

enriched their spiritual life. Whether playing an

instrument or singing, students cite that helping with

worship on Wednesday mornings has made them

more responsive to what God reveals to them and

that they now have a deeper understanding for what

it means to truly worship the Lord. Eighth grader

Molly Johnson, who plays acoustic guitar in worship

band, recounted, "It was a light bulb moment when I

was playing on stage and saw the kindergarteners

dancing." She continued, "It made me realize one day

I might want to be a kindergarten teacher."

The result of worship band is students finding

which ways they worship best, whether it's dancing,

singing, or playing an instrument. In a world where

Jesus is so desperately needed, Chapel Hill students have been gifted with the knowledge to show

others who they truly praise.

W O R S H I P T E A M

16 | CHA Magazine Photos by Rick Narvaez

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16 | CHA Magazine 18 | CHA Magazine

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Chapel Hill Academy has a high expectation for our players, coaches and parents to represent our school

in a way that is honoring to God. Basketball has been a great teaching tool for our athletes. The athletes learn

many life lessons as they play throughout the year. This past season, each coach honored one player from their

team to receive the Cougar Award. This honor is awarded to a player showing great character, respect, and effort

throughout the season. The following players received the Cougar Award this year: Stephen Phillips, James

Erickson, Hannah Anfinrud, Dylan Du Moulin, Will Hensel, Jamie Meier, Luke Schwen and Karis Barthelemy.

Basketball at Chapel Hill Academy wrapped up after another exciting season. We had eight basketball

teams this year for boys and girls in grades four through eight. Our teams competed in the South Side Youth

Organization which is made up of about 20 private schools in the metro area.

Our year has been filled with

exciting events. We kicked off Spirit Week

with our annual Parent/Teacher games vs.

the Jr. High Basketball players. All

students gathered in the gym for the big

game cheering along with Max the

Cougar! We also had many fans show

their school spirit at our Pack the Gym

Nights. These events featured

announcers, halftime contests and other

activities for our CHA families. To

conclude the season, our sixth grade boys

took first place in the SSYO tournament.

It was a great way to end the winter

season!

We had our second year of “Hoopsters” for our younger students. This was an in-house basketball skills

program for boys and girls in second and third grade. We had five weeks of skill development, and we ended

with a small tournament with another SSYO school. One of the third grade boys teams took first place in the

tournament. It was a great opportunity for all the players in the Hoopsters program this year.

This spring our CHA track team is in their fourth year of competition. We have a great group of students

in grades four through eight training hard and learning about everything that track and field has to offer. We are

thankful for the leadership of coaches Cheri Dobbs and Robert Jones.

306 West 78th Street • Chanhassen, MN • 55317

PRIVATE K-8 CHRISTIAN EDUCATION SERVING THE TWIN CITIES SINCE 1970 DUAL ACC R ED ITA T ION • S MA LL C LASS S IZ ES • S CH OLA RS H IP S AV A IL AB L E

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CHAPEL-HILL.ORG | 952-949-9014 | 306 W. 78TH STREET, CHANHASSEN, MN

F O L LO W T H E PAT H TO S U CC E S S

OUR MISSION is to glorify God and assist families by providing a Christ-

centered education which inspires and enables students to pursue spiritual

maturity and academic excellence.

We work to accomplish this mission by nurturing Christ-like attitudes in

students, equipping them to articulate and defend a Biblical worldview,

providing excellent programming which upholds the highest of academic

standards, and promoting a distinctively Christ-centered environment.

NOW ENROLLING

FOR GRADES K-8.