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2008 Convention Updates

WELCOME

For the past 79 years Christian school leaders have gathered in the summer for a time to stretch thinking, establish networks, and renew spirits. At our 2008 Convention, will have opportunity to do all three. Our times of worship and praise together promise to be uplifting. Our conversations around connecting head, heart, and hands will not only remind us of how important our work is, but will also help us better
understand the complexity of the schools we are called to serve. The ideas you pick up by simply being with passionate Christian school leaders will help all of us serve our schools better.

AGENDA UPDATES:

NEW BREAKOUT SESSION:

Puzzled About the Pieces of Christian Education?
Wednesday 8:30 a.m. – 9:45 p.m. & 1:45 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Joanne den Boer and Bill de Jager
Directors of Curriculum and Instruction
Society of Christian Schools in British Columbia

This workshop will allow us to participate in a refresher of the 5 foundational pieces that create dynamic places of Christian learning in the 21st century, as found in the Society of Christian Schools in British Columbia’s resource – Educating Towards Wisdom. This resource is for school leaders and teachers, building on current strengths and bringing renewal to various aspects of their school. Come and get a “taste” of this excellent resource. During this interactive presentation, jelly beans and “reminder bags” will be available for the participants’ palette and memory!

CSI SPONSORED ACTIVITY UPDATES

Key Stakeholders Reception
Tuesday July 29, 2008
5:45 p.m. – 6:15 p.m.

First Time Convention Reception
Cardinals Ballpark Break
Tuesday July 29, 2008
5:45 p.m. – 6:15 p.m.

Opening Night Family Celebration
Chocolate All The Way
Tuesday July 29, 2008
8:15 p.m.-9:00 p.m.

An Evening at the St. Louis Zoo
Wednesday July 30, 2008
3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
TICKET DEADLINE IS JULY 1.

The Muny
“My One and Only”
Thursday July 31, 2008
6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
TICKET DEADLINE IS JULY 1.

Refuge of Nation’s “Koroga Bonga” Picnic
Thursday July 31, 2008
6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Transportation to the Koroga Bonga Picnic is now full. Those who do not have transportation to the picnic will need to make their own transportation arrangements. Please see the information table when you arrive.

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES

There will be an information table (located in the lobby of the Hilton) for questions, tourism and
transportation information. Sponsored by Westminster Christian.

What to wear:

In the heart of the summer, St. Louis weather is warm and humid.

From late spring to early autumn, casual dress generally consists of shorts, T-shirts, and sandals or tennis shoes. Those sensitive to the cold may wish to take along a light sweater, as air-conditioned buildings can be chilly. Sunglasses and sunscreen are necessities for outdoor summer events; additionally, taking water with you is highly recommended.

TRANSPORTATION

There is a lot to see and do within a walking mile radius of the downtown St. Louis Hilton at the Ballpark. If you need transportation further than one mile, we recommend that you take the Light Rail Metro Link located only 1 ½ blocks from the Hilton. For only $1.75 per pass or $4.50 a day, you can go just about anywhere in downtown St. Louis!

For more information:

Metrolink:
http://www.metrostlouis.org/default.asp

Buy Metrolink tickets online:
http://bi-state.org/Results.asp?category=0

Where to buy in St. Louis:
http://www.metrostlouis.org/Fares/FarePurchase.asp

SPONSORS

BANK OF THE WEST
http://www.bankofthewest.com

Bank of the West’s Educational Institution Banking Division provides a full spectrum of banking services to Christian schools nationally.

BARNABAS FOUNDATION
http://www.barnabasfoundation.com

Barnabas Foundation provides the guidance and education that enables Christians of all generations to grow in their understanding of biblical stewardship so that they may experience the joy of living a generous life. Our professional staff helps Christians manage their assets in a God-glorifying way both during their lifetimes and beyond.

BUITEN AND ASSOCIATES
http://www.buiteninsurance.com

Buiten & Associates, LLC is an independently owned and operated insurance agency located in Grand Rapids, Michigan. We have served our business community since 1935 with an emphasis in Christian non-profit programs. Our office has 35 employees who handle coverage on behalf of over 10,000 clients nationwide.Buiten has had a business relationship with Christian Schools International for over 40 years. Our support of CSI is a reflection of our strong commitment to the importance of Christian Education.

CALVIN COLLEGE – VAN LUNEN CENTER
http://www.vanlunencenter.org

Calvin College, through almost 100 academic options, shapes over 4000 students each year for intentional renewal of God’s world. The college offers professional development for Christian educators through Graduate Studies, the Kuyers Institute for Christian Teaching and Learning, and the Van Lunen Center for Executive Management in Christian Schools.

COVENANT COLLEGE – MASTERS OF EDUCATION PROGRAM
http://www.covenant.edu

Covenant College is a Christ-centered institution of higher education, emphasizing liberal arts, operated by a Board of Trustees elected by the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in America , and exists to provide post-secondary educational services to the denomination and the wider public.
The college is committed to the Bible as the Word of God written, and accepts as its most adequate and comprehensive interpretation the summary contained in the Westminster Confession of Faith and Catechisms.

CREDO COMMUNICATIONS
http://www.credocommunications.net

Credo Communications works with leading Christian authors and organizations to develop life-changing books, Bible-related products, and other Christian resources.

FACTS
http://www.factsmgt.com

FACTS Management Company, part of Nelnet Business Solutions helps more than 4000 private and faith based K-12 institutions and approximately one million families achieve their education goals. FACTS is your total solution for streamlined integrated services that ease administrative challenges and help you serve families better.

WESTMINSTER CHRISTIAN
http://www.wcastl.org

Established in 1976, Westminster Christian Academy is an independent, coeducational Christian day school. Westminster provides a challenging, comprehensive education for 865 students in grades 7 to 12. Westminster is accredited by the Independent Schools Association of the Central States. The school is located at 10900 Ladue Road in St. Louis, MO.

EXHIBITORS

CREATIVE COMMUNICATIONS
http://www.creativecommunications.com

The Good News Planner’s mission is to equip young Christians and their families with the Gospel, bring faith and worship life into the classroom, and provide a Christ-centered framework for learning. Creative Communications is a Christian, publisher supplying churches and schools with Gospel resources since 1977.

RENWEB
http://www.renweb.com

Web-based totally integrated school management software with Real-time ParentWeb application.

DORDT COLLEGE
http://www.dordt.edu

Dordt College, in Sioux Center, Iowa is a dedicated to providing a comprehensive, reformed, Christ-centered education to students interested in learning from a Christian perspective. We offer programs in education, nursing, agriculture, and engineering along with over 30 other programs of undergraduate study. In addition, we also offer a convenient Master of Education program in Curriculum and Instruction. Stop by the booth to learn more!

TRINITY COLLEGE
http://www.trnty.edu

Trinity Christian College is a community of Christian scholarship, located in suburbs of Chicago, IL, committed to shaping lives and transforming culture.

TRUSTMARK AND CSI INSURANCE
http://www.trustmarkaffinitymarkets.com

Trustmark Affinity Markets offers a smart, easy way to design and administer association healthcare benefits. We make it possible for associations and other affinity organizations to offer one cohesive, affordable health insurance program to their member groups. Trustmark Affinity Markets has more than 50 years of experience in serving associations and other affiliated organizations. For more than five decades, we’ve been helping affinity organizations achieve their goals in delivering group health benefits
to their membership.

HUNTER ASSOCIATES
http://www.huntersystems.com

Hunter Systems is the market leading provider of administrative software for private schools. They enable a school to manage everything from Admissions to unlimited family records, report cards, transcripts and billing. We also incorporate a web-based Teacher Gradebook and communicate all of this information to the parents via the web.

TRIVALENT GROUP
http://www.trivalentgroup.com

Trivalent provides DEMAND driven networking and IT solutions that allow schools to capitalize on technology for improving the educational experience.