February 2021 1426 Tanglefoot Lane, Bettendorf, IA 52722 563.359.5700.www.morningstaracademy.org

Morning News Teaching Truth|Training Disciples|Transforming the Community Headmaster Notes - The Beauty of Accountability Accountability isn’t a warm, fuzzy word for most of us. Our country’s DNA is one of independence. We understand the value of authority -- without it there is anarchy -- yet not too much authority. But independence or autonomy is not just an American trait. It is a human trait.

In the Garden we took autonomy too far. We rebelled against our Creator and believed the lie that we could be independently wise and self-sufficient. We believed that self-focus was better than God-focused; a law unto ourselves. We’ve been reaping the miserable consequences ever since. Dates to Note: A little over six years ago, Morning Star Academy expressed our desire to become account- • Feb 3rd - Early Out- able to Christian Schools International (CSI), a recognized accrediting association by the 11:30am, Teacher In- Iowa Department of Education. Our aim was twofold. One, to “up our game” as an Service academy and two, to open up the opportunities to enjoy some state benefits without coming under the direct umbrella of the Iowa Department of Education. • Feb 1st-11th - Senior Valentine Messages Sale Next fall a CSI re-accreditation team will visit. We gladly look forward to the continued • Feb 4th - CLT Assess- accountability. ment, 9th & 10th grades “Up our game” • Feb 9th - Senior Night- How does being accountable to CSI “up our game”? I have formed a School Improvement Boys Basketball Team made up of board members, staff and faculty, parents and administrators. We are • Feb 12th - Valentine’s doing a self-study examining our governance structure, fiscal responsibilities, student Day Parties, K-5th health and safety, curriculum, assessments, nurture and care of students, and community grades interaction. The input we received from the December parent, faculty and student surveys is a key part of this self-study. Thank you for completing those surveys. The response rate • Feb 15th - No school was far above CSI’s expectations. Through this self-study CSI’s accreditation team will (President’s Day) assist us in forming a School Improvement Plan with a five-year scope to address those • Feb 16th - String areas that need improvement. Yearly accountability to CSI regarding the plan will help us Ensemble, 6:30pm to “up our game.”

• Feb 25th-26th - No “Enjoy state benefits” School Parent-Teacher What state benefits do we enjoy? Conferences • Access for all students to the Area Educational Association services such as speech therapy • Book funds to purchase primary sources and textbooks • Teacher professional development funds • Participation in the scholarship tax credit program • Transportation reimbursement for Iowa residents

In the coming months I will keep you informed on our progress. In the meanwhile, please be in prayer for the School Improvement Team. Ask God to show us the key areas we need to focus on in the next five years in order to “up our game” for the glory of God.

Rob Spykstra, Headmaster PAGE 2 MORNING STAR ACADEMY Governor Reynold’s Educational Bill There is a small amount of conversation in the social media sector amongst our families regarding the Governor's Education Bill that was unveiled on January 20th. The concerns are around establishing a state fund assisting students in struggling schools to attend a private school. Our lobby group, Iowa Association of Christian Schools, has a response that is measured and positive, but expresses some concern as well.

The bill came out of committee on the 25th and will be debated within the legislature accordingly. If parents want to take action, they can reach out to their state senator here. Introducing Dr. Sandra Arguelles We are pleased to introduce Dr. Sandra Arguelles as our new Upper School Spanish teacher. Dr. Arguelles was born and raised in Bogota, Columbia. She received her Bachelors Degree in Bogota from The English School. Her English is excellent. She went on to earn a Veterinary Medical Degree.

Dr. Arguelles has been in the United States for a year-and-a-half. Our previous Spanish teacher, Diana Fernandez, highly recommended Dr. Arguelles. This is her first teaching position, so please keep her in your prayers with the steep learning curve of classroom management, grading, and lesson planning. Bettendorf Rotary Buys Staff Lunch In expression of thanks, on Friday the Bettendorf Rotary bought Little Joe personal pizzas and cookies for every one of our staff and faculty members.

Monica Kruse, Rotary member, wrote, “Bettendorf Rotary members value educators, especially in Bettendorf and particularly during this challenging school year. As a small token of our appreciation, Morning Star Academy’s teachers and staff have been selected to receive lunch from Happy Joes, compliments of Bettendorf Rotary. Happy Joes will deliver a Little Joe personal pizza and cookie, in a variety of flavors, for every teacher and staff member.” COVID Calendar Updates As stated in the Return to Learn Plan, the administration is required to review the calendar and make up- dates as demanded by COVID conditions. The following additions, modifications and cancellations will be made to the second semester.

Legend: Green = added Blue = modified Red = cancelled

February 5th: High Tea cancelled February 16th: String Ensemble March 4th: Open House cancelled (private tours will replace open house demand) March 4th: Academic Night cancelled March 4th: Academic Day: recorded virtual presentations March 12th: Kindergarten Round-Up at 8:30 am for current families April 15th-17th: Drama presentation at Northridge Community Church April 23rd: Quad-Cities Educational Experience at Circa 21 (tentative) April 24th: Rhetoric School Spring Gala cancelled April 29th: Spring Vocal/Bell Concert (K-7th) at Coram Deo May 4th: Athletic Recognition Night moved to Coram Deo May 27th: Kindergarten Graduation -- 9 am for morning class; 10 am for afternoon class May 27th: Last Day (Awards Assembly in Great Hall for Lower School students only) PAGE 3 MORNING STAR ACADEMY

Valentine’s Day Class Parties, K-5th On Friday, February 12th, grammar school students may dress up for their Valentine parties, if they wish, or wear their uniforms. MSA String Ensemble

We will be having our MSA String Ensemble her at in the Great Hall on Tuesday, February 16th @ 6:30pm. Senior Class Sponsored Events Share your Love! The senior class is excited to be offering Valentine’s Day messages again this year. These are always a fun surprise to give to students, teachers, and staff. Your purchase will help support the senior class this year as they raise money for their senior trip to Anna Maria Island, FL. The messages will be delivered on Friday, February 12th. Some of the following items are available: Lollipop bouquet: $1 Bag of assorted chocolates: $2 Carnation: $2 Mylar helium balloon: $5 Ring Pops: $2

Goldfish: $2

Pop Rocks: $2

Valentine messages will be on sale from February 1-11. Simply fill out the form that is sent home with your child and turn it into the school office, along with your payment. Checks should be made out to MSA. Happy Valentine’s Day!! MSA Athletics • February 5th & 6th will be the NICC Girls and boys Basketball Tournament. Girls play on Friday, February 5th, at Beyond the Baseline at 3:00pm. Boys play on Saturday, February 6th, at Pathway Christian. 9:00am. • It’s Senior Night….Friday, February 9th. Games start at 6:00pm and honoring our Seniors at 7:00pm. Come out and cheer on our Varsity Boys basketball team against Pathway Christian. Game is at Beyond the Baseline, 1540 W. 12th St., Davenport, IA PAGE 4 MORNING STAR ACADEMY

PTP News and Upcoming Events Wishing Tree This month’s theme is Love. Please be watching your email for a Sign Up Genius link. There are acts of service, classroom supplies, and personal items. Please help us bless our teachers. If you have any questions please contact Dawn Hughes at [email protected] or 563-340-7499.

Please bring your wrapped gift, with a note on what it is, to the bin in front of the office by February 26th.

Uniform Sale We will be having the uniform sale again during Parent / Teacher conferences on February 25th and 26th. We will need to borrow tables again as the sale will be in the gym. We also need help with set up on February 25th at 8:30 am and tear down on February 26th at 1:00 pm. Please contact Dawn Hughes at [email protected] or 563-340-7499 if you are able to help with this.

If you have any other questions about MSA PTP and how you can get involved please contact Dawn Hughes at [email protected] or 563-340-7499 or Deb Emde at [email protected] or 309-269-2866. PAGE 5 MORNING STAR ACADEMY Second Quarter Honor Roll

High Honor Roll Honor Roll

Gr Student Gr Student Gr Student 2 Jovie Bakken 6 Truman Brooks 1 Halle Carlson 2 Everett Carrington 6 Micah Rohde 1 Louis Carrington 2 Nate Carter 6 Matthew Sievers 1 Ella Emde 2 Elyse Coffman 6 Morgan Tipsword 1 Samson Ranfeld 2 Lydia Decker 7 Clara Lee 1 Rush Zimmerman 2 Emery Flockhart 7 Sadie Voigt 1 Alayna Bortner 2 Brady Girskis 8 Connor Brooks 1 Brielle Hanley 2 Peyson Hanley 8 Katelyn Jacob 1 Aiden Pardekooper 2 Lyza Hovey 8 Elsie McClure 1 Eva Rohde 2 Ian Johnson 8 Jude Rennie 2 Piper Dean 2 Oakly Mack 8 Annabella VonMuenster 3 Taylor Davis 2 Jason Pautsch 9 Rachel Ellingson 3 Ashton Mack 2 Josiah Schaefer 9 Eli Hughes 3 Kenley Mappin 2 Carsten Sievers 9 Madelyn Lee 3 Alex Miller 2 Liam Tooley 9 Ethan Raeside 4 Lyla Johnson 2 Henry Walsh 9 Noah Shook 4 Aidan Mack 3 Sophia Anderson 9 Gavin Trotter 4 Ozias Mack 3 Ava Bortner 9 Natalie Weyrick 5 Sydney Coffman 3 Eli Emde 10 Luke Bohonek 5 Harrison Hill 3 Taylor Jacob 10 Alexia Bolkema 5 Luke Leverenz 3 Henry Jewell 10 Mark Brooks 5 Bryson Minnich 3 Kam Sowards 10 Vallarie Fendley 5 Kaitlyn 3 Gage Stecker 10 Lucas Fulton 6 Lucas Thomaston 4 Bella Bartz 10 Paige Johnson 6 Halle Zimmerman 4 Rosalie Brooks 10 Maddy Murphy 7 Tanner Fulton 4 Rachel Cox 11 Kara Hughes 8 Josh Brady 4 Emmett Hill 11 Rilee Martin 10 Steel Anderson 4 Rylee Peterson 11 Carolyn Raymon 10 Ella Hansen 4 Zaley Rohde 11 Caleb Schroeder 12 Cole Walters 4 Owen Sievers 11 Samuel Schroeder 5 Aubrie Bailey 11 Emily Spykstra 5 Jon Carter 11 Anna Stivers 5 Jillian Hovey 11 Gabrielle Wallace 5 Elise Jacob 12 Eli Brady 5 Atticus Lee 12 Eliana Parks 5 Job Shook 12 Jackson Trotter 5 Reagan Tipsword