WHAT'S GOING ON AT CHRISTIAN

Great District News!

August 19, 2020

Dear CUSSD Parents,

As your students begin their school year today, I’d like to share some exciting news about our District. We have just been informed that San Diego County has approved all three of our Christian Elementary School waivers to return to school! The elementary schools will officially transition to in-person classes Monday, August 24th. We are grateful for the opportunity God has provided for us as a District to serve our students and families by opening our doors again. We were the first school to be approved in San Diego County!

We have been watching the case rates in San Diego County, and based on the current timeline, Christian Junior and Senior High will be permitted to open on Tuesday, September 1, 2020. Our leadership and facilities teams are committed to having the entire campus prepared in alignment with our posted Safe Re-Opening Plan by the first day of school on campus. You can find the plan on our website.

We look forward to seeing all our students back on campus soon. Thank you for your continued support and prayer throughout this process.

Dr. David Jeremiah
President
Christian Unified Schools

Susan Lanz

August 18, 2020

CAMPUS
CJHS/CHS

TITLE
Principal

CAMPUS PHONE
(619) 201-8800

ROLES/SUBJECTS TAUGHT
Principal

LIFE VERSE
Isaiah 41:10-“Be strong for I am with you; be not afraid for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will life you up with my righteous right hand.”

WHY DO YOU CHOOSE TO WORK FOR CHRISTIAN UNIFIED?
Christian Unified Schools are a very special place to work because of the people that have been called here. Our staff loves the Lord and each has a true calling to work here working in their gifting. We have developed an incredibly supportive community around our students and families that allows them to take risks during a critical time in life, and develop strong foundational relationships as they consider their future path. God in everything here and I love that about our school!

INTERESTING FACTS
I come from a large family and have 2 wonderful kids (Madison and Grason) and 1 son-in-law. (Kyle). I am an ultra runner and love running in the mountains, most sports, sailing, gardening and just being outdoors. I also love to go on adventures and try new things. I love challenges, people, and figuring out better ways of doing regular things-so I have the perfect job!

HOMETOWN
Greenville, PA

EDUCATION
BS Business Administration, Financial Management; Masters in Education

EXPERIENCE
Principal- 7 years, Vice Principal- 1 year, JH/HS Teacher: Math, Business and English-9 years.

WHAT YEAR DID YOU BEGIN TEACHING AT CHRISTIAN UNIFIED?
2017

Kathy Lloyd

August 18, 2020

Campus:
CHS

Title:
ASL

Phone:
619-201-8800

Roles/Subjects Taught:
American Sign Language

Life Verse:
Prov 3:5-6–Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.

Why do you work for Christian Unified?
It is such a joy watching young souls and minds grow into the young adults God has created them to be. I love to see my students learn, succeed, and flourish. I also love ASL and Jesus. Teaching at CHS is where I can do what I love teaching who I love to serve the One I love.

Interesting facts:
I have been to Ethiopia for 3 summers on mission trips to teach English.
Austria is so amazing and I would love to do a mission trip or move to Salzburg one day.
I am a lifetime student.I enjoy taking classes, reading and writing.
I hope one day to write a book.

Hometown:
Carlsbad, California

Education:
BA in Deaf Studies, MS in School Counseling, Certified school counselor and interpreter

Experience (Years Teaching):
This is my first year teaching. I have been an interpreter for the past eight years.

Years at CUSSD:
This is my first year at CUSSD

Juli McKinley

August 17, 2020

Campus:
CHS

Title:
Math

Phone:
619-201-8800

Roles/Subjects Taught:
Geometry and Honors Geometry

Life Verse:
John 16:33 1 Cor 2:9 Proverbs 31:25

Why do you work for Christian Unified?
I love kids (they are a big deal to Jesus) and I love school.

Interesting facts:
Called to teach after my children started in Christian School
Although originally from SoCal, I partly grew up in Arkansas.
My favorite vacation is to raft the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon!

Hometown:
Santee, CA

Education:
BA

Experience (Years Teaching):
3 years

Years at CUSSD:
3 years

Heather Murphy

August 16, 2020

CAMPUS
CES East

TITLE
Teacher

ROLES/SUBJECTS TAUGHT
English I; English I Honors, ESL IV

LIFE VERSE
James 4:8 “come near to God and He will come near to you.”

WHY DO YOU CHOOSE TO WORK FOR CHRISTIAN UNIFIED?
I have a passion for teaching God’s truth in all areas of education. It is a great privilege to teach at a Christian school where we can help raise up the future leaders of God’s kingdom.

INTERESTING FACTS
I was a missionary for 14 years in Kenya, East Africa. Living, serving, and teaching at a boarding school called Rift Valley Academy. RVA is the world’s largest school for missionary children.

HOMETOWN
San Diego

EDUCATION
BA in History/Social Science and Credential through Point Loma Nazarene University

EXPERIENCE
Since August 2001

WHAT YEAR DID YOU BEGIN TEACHING AT CHRISTIAN UNIFIED?
2019

Rian Molumby

August 16, 2020

Campus:
CJHS/CHS

Title:
History Department Chair

Phone:
619-201-8800

Roles/Subjects Taught:
Teacher / Department Head / World History / US History / AP US History

Life Verse:
Galatians 5:16 “But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.”

Why do you work for Christian Unified?
I love educating people, both academically and spiritually. Theology is my first love, but History brings its own unique focus on God’s story through humanity, and I believe both are necessary to self-reflect. First, I believe that my job as an educator is to educate students on the rich history of our great nation and highlight the brokenness that we as a people have experienced, as we illuminate why the highlights and lowlights have occurred. Secondly, I believe that teaching students skills in reading, writing, and articulating is paramount and serves all students from all interest levels and fields. Finally, I am not interested in merely shaping minds, but also shaping hearts as history can challenge us personally and spiritually to see our own opportunities to improve and honor God in all we do, both personally and collectively. Therefore, I desire to faithfully inspire students to love reading, especially theological truths, and to see God’s hand in all circumstances.

Interesting facts:
I married my high-school sweetheart.
I have three daughters.
My entire life I disliked running and reading, but in the last few years, I cannot get enough of both.
I’ve been to South America and Canada multiple times, but never off the Western Hemisphere.

Hometown:
Alpine, CA

Education:
B.A. from Christian Heritage College, M.Ed. from Concordia University

Experience (Years Teaching):
since 2005

Years at CUSSD:
since 2007

Zoar Parada

August 15, 2020

Campus:
CJHS/CHS

Title:
Spanish Teacher

Phone:
619-201-8800

Roles/Subjects Taught:
Spanish II & Honors Spanish IV

Life Verse:
Matthew 5: 14-16: You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot e hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Why do you work for Christian Unified?
I teach because the Lord has called me to use my story and testimony to reach and hopefully inspire our youth to be a light in a world of darkness.

Interesting facts:
I was invited to play for the Mexican Women’s Soccer National Team

Hometown:
San Diego

Education:
Chico State University

Experience (Years Teaching):
Since August 2015

Years at CUSSD:
Since August 2018

Back to School Message from Mrs. Lanz

August 15, 2020

Dear Christian Jr/Sr High Parents,

Welcome Back! We’re excited to start the school year and welcome you and your students to our CHS/CJHS Community. Our teachers have been back on campus this week, setting up their online and regular classrooms, and are excited for the start of school on Wednesday, August 19th, You’ll see details below on what the first week of school looks like. For the next two weeks in addition to academics, we will focus on community and relationship building with students and teachers. We know that as we look forward, this foundation in our community will be important when we do come back on campus. Our staff has been working this week on building on the Distance Learning Program we implemented in the spring, with some improvements including more consistency in workload and assignments across departments and increased support and individualization for your students.

Attached you will see some important information about next week:

Book pick up will take place Monday and Tuesday, August 17 and 18th. Please plan to arrive at the time listed on the attached schedule (the reverse side of the News and Notes document). If this time does not work for you, please email Rose.vanhouten@christianunified.org to arrange an alternate time. You have been assigned times to avoid large groups. Please plan to wear a mask and wait outside the library when you arrive.

Junior High Virtual Welcome will be held on Monday, August 17th. An email will be sent to students and parents on Monday with a link. Students will learn the basics tricks and tips to have a successful start online at CJHS.

High School Mobile Learning Orientation on Tuesday, August 18th. An email will be sent to parents and students on Tuesday with the link. High School students will be welcomed and introduced to the basics of online learning at CHS.

First Day of classes will be on Wednesday, August 19th at 7:40 AM online. We will follow the attached 8-Bell schedule so please print it out to support your student in attending the live online classes on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Your student will need to be dressed for school, have access to a device with internet access, and a desk or other quiet area set aside for school hours. Teachers will be online with your students for synchronous learning for at least 30 minutes of each class. (If your student needs a device or internet access please contact amy.worley@christianunified.org).

Patriot Connect will be held on Thursday, August 20th from 9:00-11:00 AM online (Grades 7-12). The purpose of this event is to provide an opportunity for students to connect with our staff and other students with similar interests. Students will receive information on how to attend this event in their Bible classes on the first day of school. This does not replace our annual Patriot Games, which will be scheduled when we return to campus.

As we partner together in this rapidly changing situation, you can count on regular communication and updates. I know how important it is to you to have the information you need to support your student. Thank you for your patience and support as we walk through this time together in our CHS/CJHS community, and trust in Christ’s timing for our school re-opening. See you at book pick up!

Susan Lanz
Principal
Christian Jr/Sr High

Hayley Reese

August 14, 2020

NAME Hayley Reese CAMPUS CJHS/CHS TITLE Drama Teacher SUBJECTS TAUGHT Drama II; Drama I; 8th Grade Drama; On Your Own; Financial Peace LIFE VERSE Psalm 23 WHY DO YOU CHOOSE TO WORK FOR CHRISTIAN UNIFIED? God called me to CHS/CJHS in an amazing way. The safe and creative outlet that theater provides is incredibly special. I love the way theatre encourages us to put ourselves in another person's shoes and see what life is like from their point of view. It builds so much empathy for humankind, and our world needs that right now. I have always been passionate about building relationships with youth--a lot of who I am was first shaped by the mentors I had in my life when I was a teen. If I can be that person or create that space for a student, I'll know I am doing what I was meant to do. INTERESTING FACTS Hayley Reese is the director and drama teacher at Christian Jr/Sr High School in El Cajon, California. You may have seen her previous directing work for the CETA award-winning show, To See The Stars (2018), receiving Best Ensemble and 2nd overall in its category. In addition, she directed Beauty and the Beast (2020), EAT (It's Not About Food) (2019), It Happens Every Summer (2019), A Tree With Arms (2020), The Tale of Snow White (2019), The Great High School Whodunit (2020), Murder at the Malt Shop (2019), Paper or Plastic (2019), and Fairy Tale Courtroom (2018). An International Honor Thespian, Hayley’s foundational journey to directing began with 5+ years of acting on stage and 7+ years of costume design. She brings with her 8 years of dance experience, specializing in tap, hip hop, and musical theatre dance. She has continued her work as a dancer with 7 years of choreographing for various productions and dance groups in southern California and 2 years of teaching dance classes. She also dabbles in occasional voice over acting work in San Diego, California. Hayley is continually inspired by storytelling through the medium of theatre, as actor, audience member, and director. She believes wholeheartedly the power theatre has for actors and audience members to step into the shoes of another and build empathy for the complexity of humankind. Love and kindness to all! Fun Stuff: 1. Hayley Reese LOVES to travel. She's been to 16 countries so far across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and North America and can't wait to add to keep adding to her list! 2. She can solve a Rubik's cube! 3. She hate PB&Js, please never give her one. HOMETOWN San Diego EDUCATION Biola University - Bachelor's Degree in Rhetoric & Interpersonal Communication; Minor in Biblical Studies EXPERIENCE Since 2018 WHAT YEAR DID YOU BEGIN TEACHING AT CHRISTIAN UNIFIED? 2018

Davis Ransom

August 14, 2020

Campus: CJHS Title: English Phone: 619-201-8800 Roles/Subjects Taught: 7th Grade English and ESL English Life Verse: Psalm 23:4 "Yea though I walk through the valley of death I shall fear no evil, for the Lord is with me" Why do you work for Christian Unified? I teach because I love interacting with young people. They inspire me and challenge me to become the best version of myself possible. Interesting facts: I love Korean BBQ I love volleyball and played pro beach volleyball Hometown: Vienna, Virginia Education: Attended Orange Coast College, Irvine Valley College, San Diego State University, Cal State University, San Marcos, Western New Mexico University, Palomar College, Mira Costa College, San Diego Mesa College Experience (Years Teaching): 11 Years at CUSSD: First year!

August 12 Update

August 13, 2020

Dear CUSSD Parents, None of us could have imagined when the COVID-19 virus made its way to San Diego County earlier in the year, that the start of the new school year would be filled with questions of how we should conduct school. However, this has been and is our reality. We have been working tirelessly to keep up with the rapid and ever-changing guidance and regulations regarding how to open our school. This letter is the first of likely several “status updates” you will receive so we can ensure that everyone is kept informed. First, I want to communicate that we are praying earnestly for you and your family as we navigate these murky waters. We know this has been tough on you, so we are praying for God’s grace and peace in your situation. “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7). Second, Christian Unified Schools of San Diego (CUSSD) has filed a waiver on behalf of our elementary age students with the San Diego Public Health office to obtain an exemption to the current statewide mandate, which is requiring distance learning for all schools. The waiver is under current review and we should learn the official decision in the coming days. What does receiving a waiver mean? The elementary schools are currently scheduled to begin the school year online on August 18th, but as soon as CUSSD is granted this waiver, the elementary schools will be permitted to transition to in-person learning at school. We believe the waiver could happen very quickly, so please join us in praying and seeking the Lord’s favor in this pending matter so we can bring the younger students back to in-person school as soon as possible. Third, after speaking to several attorneys and several Christian school administrators, with much prayer and contemplation, CUSSD has joined with other Christian schools to file a lawsuit in the State of California to challenge Governor Newsom’s orders, guidance and directives regarding the current school restrictions. While this is unfamiliar territory for us, we know that we must fight for what is right for our students and families, who are very important to us. While the details of the lawsuit are confidential, our attorneys have communicated with us that there could be a ruling in early September. What does this mean for you and your children? It means we will begin the Jr High and High School year online August 19th. We know that this is not ideal, however, if we receive a successful ruling in this lawsuit, CUSSD would be entitled to resume in-person learning for all grades. While only the Lord knows the outcome of this lawsuit, we are praying that the court(s) will rule quickly and in our favor. We hope you will be in prayer over this important case. Lastly, we all need to remind ourselves that God is bigger than all the chaos, confusion and hard decisions that have come with this virus. We can be confident that God hears the cries of our hearts and will faithfully lead and guide. “The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles” (Psalm 34:17). Thank you for your prayers and for standing with us. Be on the lookout for campus-specific communications in the coming days. Blessings, Dr. David Jeremiah President, Christian Unified Schools

Stephanie Richards

August 13, 2020

Campus: CJHS/CHS Title: ESL Phone: 619-201-8800 Roles/Subjects Taught: ESL Lab, ESL 2, ESL 3, ESL 4 Life Verse: Lamentations 3:21-25 Why do you work for Christian Unified? I love the unique opportunity I have to teach students from around the globe all in one classroom. I enjoy learning about my students' cultures and making connections with them as we come together to study the English language. Interesting facts: I trained and ran a half marathon and met my personal goal. I have traveled and visited five Asian countries and lived in China for four years. I have been white water rafting through the Grand Canyon Hometown: Scottsbluff, Nebraska Education: Grossmont Community College, San Diego Christian College, Azusa Pacific University Experience (Years Teaching): 5 Years at CUSSD: 1

Jesse Roach

August 13, 2020

CAMPUS CJHS/CHS TITLE Chemistry and Physics Teacher ROLES/SUBJECTS TAUGHT Chemistry, Honors Chemistry, Physics LIFE VERSE Romans 5:8 WHY DO YOU CHOOSE TO WORK FOR CHRISTIAN UNIFIED? God has given us an amazing world to inhabit. I love studying the complicated yet harmonious ways in which it works, and I consider it a great privilege to be able to share this joy with others through teaching. INTERESTING FACTS Former competitive gymnast, current gymnastics coach Previously worked in gene therapy research Avid reader of fantasy and science fiction HOMETOWN San Diego, CA EDUCATION MS & BS in Nanoengineering, UCSD EXPERIENCE Coaching since 2010, Teaching since 2019 WHAT YEAR DID YOU BEGIN TEACHING AT CHRISTIAN UNIFIED? 2019

Betsy Saffer

August 12, 2020

CAMPUS CJHS/CHS TITLE CJHS/CHS Math Teacher CAMPUS PHONE (619) 201-8800 SUBJECTS TAUGHT Algebra I LIFE VERSE Philippians 4:6-7 - "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." WHY DO YOU CHOOSE TO WORK FOR CHRISTIAN UNIFIED? I began working at the South Campus when it was Bonita Christian School. God led me there! I was fresh out of college, and the Lord had closed all the doors to public school. I am so thankful that He did. I have been beyond blessed to work in, and had my daughter go to school in, an environment surrounded by people that genuinely love the Lord! INTERESTING FACTS My family and I have been training Jiu Jitsu for 8 years...I love it! I love the challenge both physically and mentally. HOMETOWN San Diego EDUCATION B.A. Interdisciplinary Studies, CA Clear Credential, RICA & CLAD certified EXPERIENCE I began teaching in 2004 at the South Campus. In my career I have taught 6th (1 year), 4th (1/2 year), 5th (10 years), 2nd (1 year) and now I am in my 2nd year of teaching Junior High/High School Algebra 1. WHAT YEAR DID YOU BEGIN TEACHING AT CHRISTIAN UNIFIED? 2014, when Bonita Christian merged with Christian Unified.

Bill Smith

August 12, 2020

Campus: CHS Title: STEM - Intro to Engineering Phone: 619-201-8800 Roles/Subjects Taught: PLTW - Introduction to Engineering Design K-6 STEM Program After School Robotics Life Verse: Micah 6:8 Why do you work for Christian Unified? I teach because I have been called and equipped by God. Interesting facts: I served in the US Army from 1971-1974. I navigated a 40 foot sail boat from San Diego to Hawaii. I have climbed Mt. Whitney 10 times. I have lunch two times a year with a former CHS student who is a full professor at Rice University. Hometown: San Diego Education: Masters of Natural Science - Arizona State University Experience (Years Teaching): 20 Years at CUSSD: 18