ALLIN D D D D D D D D D 13007 Douglas Pkwy Urbandale, IA 50323 in (515) 252-2480 www.DMCS.org ALL2018-2019 • ANNUAL REPORT ALLIN D D D D D D D D D in … All Lions ALL2018-2019 • ANNUAL REPORT The DMCS mission, to equip minds and nurture hearts to impact the world Becoming to Bold to All In. While it for Christ, is at the core of who we are as a school and a community. This vision for our students, families, alumni, faculty, and staff drives us. During the 2018–19 Over the last three annual reports, we’ve grown from school year, our parents, students, and employees were asked to participate in an seemed the natural progression, when we chose All In as our theme for 2018–2019 we could independent survey study done by Independent School Management (ISM). not have guessed what God had in store or how fitting the theme would prove. The last year Survey results confirmed that our community isAll In when it comes to this mission. has brimmed with All In moments: n In the way our high school students serve and step outside their comfort zones to ACADEMIC STUDENT STRENGTHS ve theirlo neighbors both locally and globally. EXCELLENCE PERSPECTIVE n In the voices of elementary students singing “Reckless Love” at the top of their lungs erformance Hall overflows with the melodies of their worship. ISM Summary: Top Program Ratings Top Student Perspectives: until the P by Parents: n n A Christian emphasis and Campus & Facilities n n In the middle school hallways where students post notes to one another, reminding development of faith Fine Arts n Educational Technology classmates that they belong here, they belong together, and they belong — first and and character in students n n Graduate Placement Safety & Security f n oremost — to God. Excellent academics Record n Health Services n n n In the way people have given sacrificially of their time, talents, and resources so that A positive, caring Academic Rigor n College Placement community where n tudentss and faculty alike are equipped to thrive, explore, learn, and pursue Christ Core Academics n School Spirit a spirit of hospitality students are known in all things. n Leadership n Character Emphasis n A well-regarded Opportunities reputation and graduate All In reflects both attitude and action. It is characterized by humility, by n Athletics and generosity, and by an infectious joy. All In invites us to be part of something bigger than placement record ourselves and to rejoice in that. All In in the person and work of our n An excellent campus and facilities We find the ultimate example of what it means to be n A secure environment Savior. Jesus poured out His life for us; He held nothing back. In John 15, He calls us to follow in His footsteps, to lay down our lives for each other. It is our privilege and our calling to emulate this expression of love for one another. It is the defining feature of community bound together in Christ. We’re All In because He is All In. ENROLLMENT BY SCHOOL YEAR No matter who you are, where you’ve come from, or how long you’ve been a part of DMC, we are all Lions. It takes every one of us pouring into the lives of students and standing alongside All In. 1200 one another. I hope you enjoy and are encouraged by stories and the examples of God’s 1000 900 faithfulness to Des Moines Christian as you read through the pages of this Annual Report. 800 Thank you for the role you play in the lives of our students, and thank you for being 700 600 500 400 300 Cade Lambert 200 endent, Des Moines Christian School 927 987 1039 1101 Superint 100 1 2015–2016 2016–2017 2017–2018 2018–2019 2 ALLIN EARLY EDUCATION D D D D D D D D D in From the Beginning ALL2018-2019 • ANNUAL REPORT Every day is full of adventure for the children in our early education program. Over 150 of our littlest Lions fill the classrooms, halls, and playgrounds with big smiles and even bigger energy. From outdoor explorations to learning the alphabet, our academic programs promote kindergarten readiness and a strong foundation for future learning in a creative, play-based environment. But our program is about so much more. Early education is only the beginning of the adventure. Even as students engage the world with wonder and curiosity, they learn they are precious not only to We love DMC! their family and teachers but also to their Heavenly Father most of all. From one end of our campus to the The facilities are terrific, and all the other, children are surrounded by reminders and examples of God’s love for them and His unique design extra activities are fun, but it’s the “ for each of their lives. “ teachers and the administrators who clearly go above and beyond to make FAITH FAMILY FUN DMC great for kids and their families. No student is too young to be We love to support and Learning experiences in Early — Steve Randall & Stefanie Donnell-Randall, grounded in worship and encourage the students and Education are as playful as they Ellie, 5th Grade; Emma, 2nd Grade; Scripture. Each day the children parents that call DMC home. are purposeful. Children become Hallie, Pre-K fill their school with their singing That’s why we’re committed to independent, self-confident, voices and evident delight. Our creating a family environment inquisitive, and enthusiastic teachers are privileged to from the beginning of the day all learners by actively exploring their guide students into a deeper the way to the end. This year we environment. Our students enjoy understanding of who Jesus is. hosted special family events to many experiential activities such as Our hope and prayer is that foster the community and connecting with firefighters, police their faith may deepen and friendships that make DMC officers, and nurses during their flourish throughout their years a place to belong. Community Helpers unit, practicing at DMC and beyond. animal care for our pet study, and The family-favorite Parents going on adventures to the Night Out provided extended pumpkin patch and the childcare hours so parents could Science Center of Iowa. enjoy an evening away and know that their child was safe, loved, and having fun. The Fall Harvest Party filled the Performance Hall with friends old and new as students, siblings, and parents bonded over face painting, cookie decorating, and inflatables. Children celebrated the Christmas season with their performance of “Unto Us a Child is Born” for over 3 700 family and friends. 4 ALLIN ELEMENTARY LIFE D D D D D D D D D The Elementary Curriculum prepares students for lifelong learning through a strong academic base while fostering spiritual and social growth in a loving, accepting environment. God’s Word is the foundation of our curriculum; Scripture is in integrated into each subject and activity so our students experience the Creative Learners transformational impact of the Word from the beginning of the school ALL2018-2019 • ANNUAL REPORT day to the end. If you take a tour of DMC today, you may wish you Elementary Clubs could return to the classroom as an elementary student. Chess Club: Nearly 60 students in grades 2–5 gathered before You can sense the excitement in the halls as DMC school each week for our elementary chess club. Students learned teachers bring learning to life. On a typical day in the rules of the game as well as the value of strategic play. elementary you might: Ukulele Club: Learning to play the ukulele is an added bonus for n Walk in the shoes of your favorite historical figure students at DMC. Students use their newly developed musical skills at the annual 3rd grade wax museum to perform at chapel and special school events. n Practice creative problem solving with an invention for the 5th grade science fair Worship Choir/Worship Band: Students grow as musicians n Create your own video in front of our own and artists during their time in elementary school. Our green screen elementary worship choir and worship band lead the entire school in praising the Lord during weekly chapel n Experience project-based learning as you try your hand at challenges in building, robotics, 3D gatherings. Students eagerly join this team as they printing, design, sewing, or coding with a team sing for the Lord! of your peers n Lead worship through music, skits, and prayer in 2018–2019 Theme Verse our weekly chapel services The elementary-wide theme verse provides a backdrop n And so much more! for chapels and conversations throughout the year, uniting students, teachers, and administrators to God’s Word as we ask how God wants us to live in relationship with one Equipped with industry-leading technology, another and with Him. students from grades K–5 become dynamic problem solvers and creative thinkers as they explore God’s creation, seek His truth, and grow in confidence of who God has made them to be. Act justly, love From college to career, elementary mercy, and walk “ students are given the groundwork to discern and pursue the unique “humbly with calling God has placed upon your God. their lives. — Micah 6:8 5 6 ALLIN 5TH GRADE LIFE D D D D D D D D D 5th Grade Adventure The capstone experience offers students a fun and celebratory way to say goodbye to elementary and look forward to middle school.