​By Amanda Compton 

The oldest of seven siblings, Raina Norman knows a thing or two about leading by example and the responsibility that comes with mentoring and molding young minds in the way of the Lord. She also happens to be quite passionate about God's creation, particularly how science assists students in seeing His purposeful design - down to the smallest, most complex of cell functions.

"Science was always the subject that fascinated me most growing up," said Norman, who joined Twin Oaks as the new middle school science teacher on January 4. "I think that it is important because it helps us to better understand God as the creator and gives us a greater appreciation for the intricate details that exist in everything."

Norman's goals are to build connections with and between students, inspire a greater understanding and appreciation for science and provide students with educational memories that will last for years to come. "I love building relationships," she said, "By gathering a better understanding of each student as a learner, I can provide a learning environment and experience that is more suitable for all."

Norman went on to note that she really enjoys engaging students in learning experiences that are intriguing, inspire critical thinking and connect to real world scenarios. She is also a huge supporter of students learning through their peers using discussion and life experiences. ​

"Raina impressed me from the start," said TOCS Head of School Kendall Brewer. "Her passion for education stood out to me instantly, but was affirmed through many conversations with her. She has received praise from her mentor teacher and university supervisor for her innovative use of technology, her mastery of science content knowledge, and her relational approach to teaching. We can't wait to see how she infuses her classroom with creativity!"

Prior to joining Twin Oaks, Norman completed her student teaching at Ladue Middle School and taught preschool part-time at Cadence Academy in Chesterfield. It was during this time that she ran across the open position at TOCS. Having connections close to the school who had told her of the enriching environment that Twin Oaks offers, she felt the Lord's nudge to move swiftly to apply for the science position.

When asked what ignited her passion for Middle School science, she said, "I was very fortunate to have several amazing teachers who inspired me and continue to encourage and motivate me. These teachers, along with many confirmations from God, led me to pursue teaching so that I can be a similar influence on the next generation."​

Norman earned an Associate of Arts in Teaching from St. Charles Community College before moving on to obtain a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Missouri-St. Louis. She currently attends Missouri Baptist University where she became certified to teach science for Grades 5-9 this past December and will graduate with a Master of Arts in Teaching this August. ​

Raina has five sisters and one brother. She attends Destiny Church, where she has served both in the nursery and as a youth leader,

Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family, watching movies and going thrifting. She also has a passion for travel, especially if it involves a beach. Her creative outlets include Bible journaling and making clay earrings.

Raina's favorite Bible verse is 1 Corinthians 13:13: And now these three remain; faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. "This verse brings me comfort in the power of God's love for me and also reminds me to always strive to be a loving influence in this world," she added.

Join us in welcoming Raina to our Twin Oaks Christian School family!

​​Twin Oaks Christian School, a ministry of Twin Oaks Presbyterian Church

​As Marci Belval awaited her biopsy results, she said she felt the Lord preparing her heart for a cancer diagnosis while enjoying their annual mid-July Beaver Lake vacation in Arkansas, where she, her husband, Andy, and three boys have created precious family memories over the past 12 years. 

"This year God used this time as a personal retreat for me," said Belval, administrative assistant at Twin Oaks Christian School for six years. "He gently spoke to me and prepared me for this breast cancer diagnosis.  He led me to find the actual lump in my breast which I had never felt before."

Marci had her first abnormal mammogram on July 9, a biopsy on August 4 and was officially diagnosed with breast cancer on August 6. Since then her weeks have been packed full of doctors' appointments, various scans and another biopsy that, praise God, came back benign.

For comfort, Marci is led to Isaiah 41:10, which says: "Do not be afraid, for I am with you; be not dismayed for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." 

"Even now, reading this verse makes His love so palpable," noted Belval. "When I was given the actual breast cancer diagnosis in August, it didn't even throw me for a loop because I already knew!"

Her 18-month journey will consist of 12 weeks of chemotherapy, starting on Friday, Sept 25, followed by two surgeries, radiation and continued targeted therapy treatments. Marci's prayer is that she and her family will feel the presence of Christ in the days ahead, that God will be glorified even in the hard times and for God to uphold Andy and the boys as they take on more household responsibilities and serve as caretakers.

Andy and Marci celebrated their silver 25-year wedding anniversary this summer. These many years of marriage have brought many blessings, the highlights being their three sons, Jason (19), Ethan (17) and Nolan (12). Jason and Ethan attended TOCS through eighth grade and Nolan is currently in Mrs. Walker's seventh grade class.

"We are so grateful to have Godly friends to help us through Marci's care plan," said Andy, referring to the numerous brothers and sisters in Christ who have reached out to offer their prayers and support.

At the school office, where Marci is an integral part of the operation, TOCS parents and members of the church have stepped up to volunteer and provide support while Marci undergoes her treatments and works from home. "My doctor has cleared me to go to work on days that I feel well," said Belval. "By God's grace, I hope to be at work more than I am gone. I love this community and there is nowhere else I'd rather be during this time."

Providing office coverage for Marci on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays will be TOCS mom of three, Rebecca Fox, who has been serving as the Thursday office volunteer since February. 

"Although Marci will be working from home, we don't want her to worry about the day-to-day office tasks, but rather focus on rest and recovery, said TOCS Office Manager Amanda Compton, adding with a laugh, "I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little anxious about not having Marci in the office, as she definitely keeps me on task. I always joke that I'm the communicative personality and she's the brains!"

Please be in prayer for Marci and her family as they navigate this very stressful time in life and for God to bless them with comfort and peace despite the circumstances. 

You may follow Marci's journey at this Caring Bridge link: ​www.caringbridge.org/visit/marcibelval

​By Amanda Compton
 
The model Twin Oaks Christian School Head of School Ms. Kendall Brewer envisioned for distance learning during the COVID-19 pandemic was one that is both academically rich and engaging, offering flexibility to families during a highly difficult and emotional time.

“Once the reality of the coronavirus pandemic sank in, we worked together with our faculty and staff to seize the opportunities provided through out-of-school learning,” said Brewer. “During this time, we emphasized the ways that hands-on activities, which may not be as feasible to coordinate with 20 students in the classroom, can be facilitated at home. Our teachers rose to the occasion and certainly made learning meaningful.” 

Twin Oaks utilized Google Classroom and Zoom for distance learning, which provided teachers freedom to tailor instruction to their teaching styles and allowed them to interact face-to face with students. Teachers posted daily videos, devotions and assignments and hosted "Google Meets" so students could socialize with one another. Daily office hours were set up through Zoom in case parents or students needed clarification on an assignment. Teachers were also readily available via text.

"Since Google Classroom was already being used as a supplemental resource for our middle school and intermediate students, it made sense to extend what we were already doing to the lower grades," said TOCS Assistant Head of School Mr. Eric Wildermuth, who also teaches Middle School history. 

In fact, Wildermuth kept his students coming back for more with his creative (and often comedic) weekly YouTube videos including one called "The Search" for the key to the last day of school. He also published an example for a hands-on learning assignment where students constructed a Roman aqueduct for their study of ancient Rome. 

Second Grade Teacher Miss Corbin Shelton instructed her second graders on how to make bird feeders from empty laundry detergent bottles. "The bird feeders actually work," said Rebecca Fox. "We hung it from a tree in our backyard and watch as bird after bird lands on the feeder for food. We have seen Blue Jays, lots of cardinals, chickadees and a finch!"

​Third graders designed a zoo, which entailed determining animal placement by calculating the area and perimeter for each animal pen and zoo attraction; second graders created a dinosaur for their "Bag of Bones" assignment; and fifth graders did Zoom scavenger hunts and a virtual trip to a New York aquarium. Another big hit was First Grade Teacher Mrs. Katie Ragsdale's use of the online resource, Scholastic, which offers science and social studies lessons with comprehension activities and independent computer works.

"School was definitely in motion!" said Marci Belval, pointing to the various middle school hands-on science experiments her sixth grade son, Nolan, did during distance learning including one on forces and motion and another on surface tension. 

​For instance, Laura Wagener's seventh grade son, Logan, measured the speed of a skateboard as he adjusted the incline of an angle, put different types of nails into water to see how they oxidized over time and built a paper airplane, which was then modified over several trials to help it fly further. 

Jennifer Rieser, whose family is new to Twin Oaks, enjoyed watching her third and fifth graders work together during their co-curricular classes, particularly PE, their favorite activity. "We would go for a long walk and/or run or the kids would ride their bikes and we complete the exercises Coach Kate assigned for the day," said Rieser. "Some were easy and some were pretty hard! The 'Deck of Cards' was a great workout our family will complete together many times into the future!"

Jennifer also appreciated that Twin Oaks went forward with the service day on May 1. “We went to my grandma’s house and decorated her driveway with chalk art and scripture,” said Rieser. “She had not been able to leave her house or be with anyone so us being there that morning while she watched from her garage was so uplifting to her.”

In loving students from afar, TOCS teachers diligently commemorated special events with yard signs, drive-by visits to their students’ homes and hand-written notes delivered by mail. One of the more memorable moments was the drive through parade on April 30, when students had the opportunity to visit with friends from a distance and wave at their teachers while various Joy FM melodies rang across the parking lot. Students also received gift bags filled with reminders of God’s goodness as they exited the parade.

Though graduation ceremonies for Kindergarten and eighth grade students could not be celebrated in person, teachers worked hard to compile videos to share with those families, capturing pieces of what would take place on stage.  Kindergarten students were each visited by their teacher to receive a yard sign, personalized balloon and diploma while a graduation parade took place for the eighth grade students. 

To keep the community connected during this time a part, the Twin Oaks advancement team created the hashtag campaign, "#TOCStogether, A Community Connected by Christ,” so families could share what they are doing at home during distance learning. Each student at Twin Oaks received a #tocsTOGETHER t-shirt delivered directly to their home by a TOCS staff or faculty member.

Brewer moved the last day of school up one week with the following week deemed a “makeup week" in an effort to offer students more time to complete assignments. The Learning Center Teacher Mrs. Laura Quinn made herself available via Zoom for students who needed additional assistance with math, reading and writing.

“We lamented the fact that we could not be together in our school community,” added Brewer. “One of the reasons this season was so hard for students is because an authentic classroom experience is driven through conversations and shared engagement. While we saw some of the advantages that online instruction provided, what is efficient is not always what is best. We are eager to have our students back in the classroom, as this time revealed how relationships are the key to meaningful learning.” 

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​By Amanda Compton

A small act of love goes a long way in times like these.

Just ask Rebecca Fox, mom of three Twin Oaks students who, due to the Coronavirus pandemic, had completely forgotten about her youngest child's upcoming Promise Child Week, a special week in Kindergarten when students are reminded of their unique value in the eyes of God and the friends and family He has placed in their lives.

"It's kind of like being the star student but we focus on the fact that they are God's promise, a covenant child!" said TOCS Kindergarten Teacher Miss Ashley Prosser. "It's a fun time for us to get to know each friend a little deeper and make them feel loved!" 

Rather than forgoing this part of the school year, Prosser decided to continue to love her "promise students" by making colorful front yard signs that highlight how special they are to her, their classmates and the Twin Oaks community at large. 

When she saw the sign in her front yard, Fox said, "It brought tears to my eyes because Clayton was so sad about not being at school. You should’ve seen the smile on his face when he saw his sign!”

Prosser said she is also asking promise students to share some of their favorite things on Google Classroom and has mailed each student a post card letting them know how much she misses seeing them face to face. “I hope they feel loved from afar and that I get to be the reason for a Kindergarten smile!” added Prosser.

Fox went on to say how grateful she is not only for Miss Prosser, but also for all of her children’s teachers including Second Grade Teacher Miss Corbin Shelton and Fifth Grade Teacher Mrs. Sarah Renken, who is serving as the interim for Mrs. Hillary Donnelley while she is on maternity leave.
​
“I knew my kids were getting an education that was anchored in Christ but, through these virtual classrooms, I am seeing first-hand how their teachers foster their tender hearts and always point them to Christ in every subject of school,” noted Fox. “We are blessed by their love for our kids, but mostly for their love of the Lord which spills over into our kids’ lives on a daily basis.”
 
Please share your stories of how your students are being blessed by our teachers using the hashtag #TOCSteachers! To join the TOCS Facebook page, click here. Follow TOCS on Instagram @twinoakscs.
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By Amanda Compton

Our lives have changed drastically over the past couple weeks. The COVID-19 pandemic has us isolated from friends and family, leaving us scrambling to figure out how to do life without leaving our homes. After all, our students still need to learn, bills still have to get paid and spiritual nourishment during this most uncertain time is a must. 

In an effort to encourage the schoolwide community to persevere by stirring "one another to love and good works," (Hebrews 10:24), unveiled this week was the new hashtag campaign, "#TOCStogether, A Community Connected by Christ."

"We created #TOCStogether as a way for our community to stay connected even when we're physically a part," said TOCS Director of Admissions and Advancement Rachel Stain. "My hope is that families and staff will use this hashtag to show what they're doing at home during this time. I love seeing the creativity of our community coming out in new ways right now. Hopefully what one person shares will encourage many others!"

TOCS teachers are keeping students engaged through Google Classroom where they post daily videos, devotions and assignments for core subjects. The Physical Education Teacher Kate McCann published body weight exercises for students to do at home. Lessons for Spanish, music and art are also being posted.

Stain went on to note that she was impressed with how the Twin Oaks school and church community rallied to stay connected over Spring Break by forming social media groups, where families encourage and pray for one another, and utilizing Facebook Live and other online streaming sources to continue worship and the study of God's word together.

"In spite of the fact that we cannot convene together, we are committed to standing together as a community through this time," said TOCS Head of School Kendall Brewer. 

Please share your stories of at home learning on Facebook and Instagram using #TOCStogether. To join the TOCS Facebook page, click here. Follow TOCS on Instagram @twinoakscs.
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​​Twin Oaks Christian School, a ministry of Twin Oaks Presbyterian Church

By Amanda Compton

​Middle School students tested their geographical prowess at Twin Oaks Christian School's first-ever National Geographic GeoBee held earlier this month in Mr. Wildermuth's classroom.

​In the preliminary round, students answered seven multiple choice questions about geography, ancient and world civilizations, cultures and physical features. The two students with the highest scores in Grades 6-8 went on to compete publicly to become Twin Oaks' first GeoBee winner.

"Geography provides a key context for the events of history," said Assistant Head of School and Middle School History Teacher Mr. Eric Wildermuth. "Knowing what a place is like and where it is in the world helps you understand why things have happened the way they have. In a larger sense, I think it is good to see that the world is more expansive than any of us has experienced." 

Wildermuth noted the mix of excitement and fear among his students when he announced that there was going to be a GeoBee. "I was happy to see that a few of the students who expressed fear about competing in a public Bee made the final round!" said Wildermuth. "I am hopeful to expand it to all eligible grades (Grade 4-8) next year."

The winners are:

• Third Place - Hamilton Striker, 6th Grade
• Second Place - Logan Wagener, 6th Grade
• First Place - Jonah Gregory, 7th Grade

Gregory also won the all-school Spelling Bee and will compete at McKendree University this spring. "It felt really good to win the GeoBee after just winning the Spelling Bee," said Gregory. "I actually couldn't believe it ... that I won two competitions in a row! It is very exciting!"

​Gregory took the qualifying test for the regional GeoBee competition and will know whether he made the cut to move forward on March 2.

"The GeoBee was a great way to encourage students to take an interest in geography and be excited for those students who may be better at geography than spelling," added Wildermuth. "I hope that students get a larger picture of the world and begin to understand where God has placed them."

​Twin Oaks Christian School, a ministry of Twin Oaks Presbyterian Church

This week we saw princesses, the entire Toy Story cast, the Seven Dwarfs, Elvis, Alice in Wonderland and even members of the 1980s rock band band, Kiss. 

Spirit Week 2020 brought out the adults' inner child and highlighted students' creativity, not to mention their resourcefulness when it came to concocting costumes that resemble their favorite characters. ​It also offered students and teachers an opportunity to engage in a little friendly competition -- all for the coveted pizza party! 

Each class earned points for classroom participation. Additional points went to classes with students who won first, second or third place in the daily all-school costume competition. 
​
This year's Spirit Week dress-up days were:

• Games Day (dress up as a character from a favorite board, card or video game)
• Disney+ Day (dress up as any character on the streaming service Disney+)
• Pajama Day
• ​60s, 70s and 80s Day

Coming out on top with 426 points was the sixth grade class, who had TWO first place daily costume wins this week. Charlie Kruse won on Monday for his costume from the board game, Operation. And the entire class took first place on Tuesday for dressing up as the Toy Story cast. Not far behind were seventh and eighth grade with 399 points and fourth grade with 384 points.

Head of School Ms. Kendall Brewer announced sixth grade as the pizza party winner on Thursday afternoon at the Spirit Week Pep Rally, where students played games and families enjoyed a choreographed danced by the Twin Oaks staff and faculty to the Jackson Five's "ABC."

​Thank you to all of the parents, teachers and staff who made this Spirit Week a great one!

​Twin Oaks Christian School, a ministry of Twin Oaks Presbyterian Church

Mr. Matt Pannkuk, TOCS Chaplain and Middle School Coordinator
Photo Credit: Mrs. Anne Marie Ter Maat

​By Amanda Compton

Twin Oaks Christian School Chaplain and Middle School Coordinator Mr. Matt Pannkuk is one of 30 school teachers selected worldwide to attend the third annual Bible Instruction Symposium in Washington, D.C., on February 12-14.

Hosted by Christian Schools International, the Symposium is an exclusive professional development opportunity where selected Christian school teachers learn how to advance and improve Bible instruction for their students. Attendees will also get specialized tours of the Museum of the Bible, which opened in 2017 and presents a new way of understanding the cultural and historical importance of God's word. 

"I hope to learn ways to make the Bible come alive through more creative and innovative projects and then share those with our teachers as we continue our good practice at Twin Oaks of ensuring Bible class is a priority and not merely 'tacked on' to the core classes," said Pannkuk. "We want our students to be just as learned Bible readers as they are readers of novels, writers of paragraphs and conductors of science experiments."

To qualify for admittance, Pannkuk had to submit an application as well as an essay on Bible instruction expounding upon his philosophical approach on teaching the Bible to his students and on the subjects he believes to be most important.

This conference is unique in that it is built towards teaching the Bible in a classroom setting. While there are a variety of professional development opportunities in other areas like STEM or Language Arts, Pannkuk pointed out, Bible instruction has often been neglected.

"I currently have to take good teaching ideas for other subjects and try to translate those to Bible class," said Pannkuk, adding, "It'll be nice to learn ways to teach that are tailored to the Bible itself from experts who have extensive teaching backgrounds."

The event's keynote speaker is Rebecca McLaughlin, author of Confronting Christianity: 12 Hard Questions for the World's Largest Religion, who holds a Ph.D. in English literature and an M.Div equivalent from Oak Hill Theological College in London. She is also a contributing author for a variety of media outlets such as The Gospel Coalition, ​Christianity Today and Desiring God. 

When asked what he is most looking forward to during this time in Washington, D.C., Pannkuk said, "Definitely the Bible Museum! Since CSI partnered with the the Bible Museum for this conference, we get special access to the museum and specialized tours. I look forward to seeing how the various exhibits make the Bible come alive in the hearts and minds of those who experience them!"

​Twin Oaks Christian School, a ministry of Twin Oaks Presbyterian Church

By Amanda Compton
Photo Credit: Miss Ashley Prosser

Twin Oaks Christian School instituted a new morning routine this semester aimed at calming and readying students' minds for learning, building community and thanking the Lord for the land He has called us to steward according to His truths.

Each morning at 8:30, Head of School Ms. Kendall Brewer greets students over the intercom by asking them to rise for the Pledge of Allegiance. This is followed by birthday and school announcements as well as a brief devotion from the book, Thoughts to Make your Heart Sing by Sally Lloyd Jones, and then a concluding prayer.

"My hope is to build school-wide community and create a routine at the start of the school day that is both positive and reflective," noted Brewer, adding, "This also gives me an opportunity to connect with the students as a new head of school." 

To encourage a sense of responsibility among students, Brewer will periodically visit a classroom where students help lead the Pledge of Allegiance and observe as she shares the daily devotion and leads the school community in prayer. On occasion, Brewer will even invite moms and staff members to join in on the fun.

"I felt honored that Ms. Brewer included me and the other PIE moms in this new morning routine," said Partners In Education President Laura Perry and parent of three Twin Oaks students, who helped lead the Pledge of Allegiance during a PIE Committee meeting with Ms. Brewer.. "I'm excited that my kids will have the memories of coming together with their school friends and teachers to show respect to our country in this way."

Perry went on to say that she appreciates how the Twin Oaks staff and faculty seek to point students to Christ in even the little things. "I think the new morning routine accomplishes this wonderfully!" she said. "When I heard that Ms. Brewer had incorporated the pledge into the morning announcements it took me back to my own childhood!"

On Wednesdays, Assistant Head of School Mr. Eric Wildermuth takes the mic for what has been deemed, "Wildermuth Wednesdays." After the pledge, Mr. Wildermuth kicks his announcements off with the unique National Day such as "National Noodle Ring Day" and "National Men Cook Dinner Day," which often prompts laughter among the students. He then shares a section from the Heidelberg Catechism, along with its applicability to everyday life.

Fourth Grade Teacher Mrs. Amy Warren uses this time to instill in her students a reverence for God and how this deep adoration is beautifully exemplified through prayer and placing one's hand over the heart for the Pledge of Allegiance.

"I absolutely love that our administrators implemented the pledge and prayer at the start of the school day!" added Warren. "It has brought so much structure to my class. When Ms. Brewer comes on over the intercom my students immediately get silent and stand for the pledge. It has been such a blessing to my class."

​Twin Oaks Christian School, a ministry of Twin Oaks Presbyterian Church

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​By Amanda Compton

With September 11 comes a variety of emotions. And for those who witnessed the shocking events unfold 18 years ago, it is difficult to put into words what happened and why, not to mention the irreversible impact this attack had on America, especially when speaking to a classroom full of inquisitive second graders.

"Every year on September 11 I struggle with what to do with my students," said Second Grade Teacher Miss Corbin Shelton. "I was in second grade when these attacks took place, so I know what a difficult balance it is to accurately depict the emotions of that day."

Shelton said she could tell some of her students had had wonderful conversations with their parents and came to class ready to talk about historical events, while others had no idea. After fielding a slew of questions, she undoubtedly knew this was something that needed to be covered in class.

After having a safe and honest discussion about a few heroes of 9/11, Shelton. "We then put a name with heroic actions and second graders became the illustrators of a beautiful book - The Day Heroes Were Made."
​ 
Second graders are also reading the book September 12, which is a beautiful message of reassuring hope in the midst of evil and tragedy.  

"It felt like a hard balance because I didn't want to invoke fear or scare them, I didn't want to depress them, but I certainly did not want to downplay the tragedies of that day in our history," noted Shelton. "So I decided I wanted to be the one who reminded them of the heroes and the hope that September 11 brought."