Dear Parents,

As we look back on this school year, it has been a very good year in many ways.  We are deeply grateful for the support we receive: prayer support, volunteer support, and also financial support.  We wanted to report to you on the results of the Annual Appeal and Fun Run, and how the funds will be used.

In response to the Annual Appeal, the school received in excess of $400,000.  To further augment enhancements, proceeds from the Fun Run fundraiser of $42,000 were added.  This is a staggering amount of financial gifts and we are truly grateful!  You already learned that we are directing Fun Run funds to Haiti to drill a well for the orphanage in Gonaives, Haiti.  In addition we are providing school supplies for their school.  The remainder of the Fun Run money is being directed to CDS fine arts.

Of the Annual Appeal gifts, we have designated over $62,000 for more rapid reduction of High School debt.  At this point we are ahead of our payment schedule.  Scholarships and endowments will receive over $66,000.  This will be a tremendous blessing to families with financial need as financial assistance directly defrays the cost of tuition. 

The remainder of the funds is being applied to an array of projects for use of the entire school community.  The fine arts department will receive over $30,000.  This will be used for “wish list” requests in art, music, and drama such as display systems, standing easels, more instruments, musical computer software programs, and the annual band trip.  The media centers have purchased new library software that will enable more effective management of library resources.  Also for use of the entire school, two 14-passenger buses were purchased, with the assistance of a gift from the Parents’ Association.  These buses will be used for school field trips for students at all grade levels and also will be used by athletic teams. 

Enhancements for the Lower School include a software assessment program that will enable us to better evaluate student educational needs in the early school years and begin interventions in a timely manner.  In addition, we have purchased new classroom furniture for students in several rooms.  Also a smart board has been ordered which will enable us to use more creativity and technology in teaching.  Other funds were used to furnish the new resource room which was provided by last year’s Annual Appeal. The resource room will enable us to even better serve the learning needs of all our K-5th grade students.

The Middle School will be seeing some exciting enhancements as well.  Several smart boards have been ordered and teachers will receive training on their effective use.  As in the Lower School, smart boards will enable better integration of creativity and technology within the classroom.  In addition, some new tables for student use have been provided.  We are also hoping to replace the boardwalk behind the Wilcox building over the summer.

For the High School, funds were donated to provide a much needed storage unit.  Despite the new high school building being only three years old, we have already been looking for that additional storage space. 

Not one of the items or projects listed will be funded by tuition dollars! Because of the Parents Association gift, the Fun Run proceeds, and the Annual Appeal, we are able to enhance and add in ways that will benefit the overall educational program for your child.

One of our most important goals and biggest challenges at CDS is assuring that we keep education affordable to our Christian families, and assuring that our students have the resources they need for an excellent educational experience. Because we are committed to living within our resources, we move ahead with new initiatives only when we are able to do so in a fiscally responsible way. God has affirmed this prudence with His provision.

We are blessed to be allowed use of Lower School and Middle School facilities at no cost to the school, and also blessed to receive direct financial support from Christ Covenant Church and Carmel Baptist church.  These sources of support are extremely helpful in holding down the cost of this excellent education.

Thank you for your faithful support that blesses so many, and enables us to come alongside parents in the discipling of your youngsters.  It is a privilege to be a part of Covenant Day School.

With gratitude,

Märni Halvorson, Ed.D.
Head of School

ROOM MOTHERS

WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE A ROOM MOTHER NEXT YEAR?  We are in the process of preparing for next school year and would like to know if you would consider being a room mother. 

If you are interested, please respond to Sue Todd at sunsetnc@bellsouth.net or leave a note in the Room Mother’s box in the LS office.  Please include your name, phone number, grade(s) of your child(ren) for next year, and whether you would like to be a Room Mother or Assistant Room Mother. 

Thank you for considering this opportunity to become involved in your child’s class.

TO THE COVENANT DAY ROOM MOTHERS AND ASSISTANTS:  We truly appreciate the moms who have served as coordinators, room mothers and assistants this school year.  The school, teachers and students couldn’t do without you!  Thank you for your love, joy and diligence!

Dear CDS Family,

Thank you so much for your generous support of our most recent Haiti Clothing Drive.  During our two-week collection, we gathered FIFTEEN large bags of clothing, underwear, and croc-style shoes for the orphans in Haiti.  At last count, we had more than 150 pairs of shoes!!!  The bags will be heading for Miami next week to be combined with another drive and will be shipped to Haiti by the end of the month!  

We hope to have pictures very soon of the kids when the clothes and shoes are delivered.  Please continue to pray for the folks in Haiti, particularly those ministering in the Christian schools, orphanages, medical clinics, and churches affiliated with El Shaddai Ministries.  We do hope to have another update this summer, including a possible trip or two during the 08-09 school year!!!

Scott Dillon
High School Principal
Covenant Day School

Field Day Help Needed This Wednesday

Field Day –Wednesday, May 7th – Volunteers are needed to help with Water Station and Clean-Up.  If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Kim Grey at 704-708-6128.

Congratulations Mrs Kelly

Our very own Mrs. Kelly has co-authored the most recent edition of the Latin textbook series, Ecce Romani, published by Pearson.  We’re so proud of you, Mrs. Kelly!  As a result of this, Covenant Day School will receive new Latin materials at no cost.

“Do you have friends or family members that have thought about transitioning to Christian education, but have not actually made the move yet?  Perhaps they are still searching for the right fit for their family? 

Covenant Day has a few openings for the fall in selected grades, including Kindergarten.  We would love to meet with folks who are thinking about making a change! 

They may call the main number at 704-847-2385 to talk to someone in Admissions who would be happy to chat with them about Covenant Day.”

Save the Date!
CDS – Family Fiesta Bingo Night
This Friday, May 9th

6:00-8:00 pm
Middle School Gym

Booster Club's Tee Shirt Design Winner is....

Christian Smith, class of 2011. 

The Booster Club and the Art Department thank our students who submitted entries in this year’s T-shirt design contest.  Christian’s great-looking design will be available in the Booster Club’s apparel offering in the fall!  Thank you, Christian.

On your mark, get set.....CONSIGN!!!!!

The annual CDS consignment sale is coming soon.

 LS gymnasium from 7:30-9:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 29. 

Get those outgrown goodies ready!    This is an opportunity to sell your gently worn uniform items for up to 50% of retail.  Start your back to school shopping for next year, at a fraction of retail prices.  

CASSEROLE SALE- Urgent...
We're Running Low on Chow! Sign Up to Bring a Casserole!

When: Friday, May 9 during morning carpool
7:30 am --- until all is gone!

Where: A-building lunchroom (off the LS gym)

Why: To raise funds for CDS!
(Also because it’s yummy and it helps teach good table manners!)

This Monday evening, May 5th  at 7pm in the Worship Center, the 5th Grade Band, Intermediate Band and The CDS Concert Band invite you to enjoy their Spring Concert. Selections will include up-beat numbers and also more introspective pieces.  Come share in the musical gifts being developed in our students!

CDS Womens Soccer Wins Another MAC Tournament Championship Title by beating First Assembly in Double Overtime

The CDS Womens Varsity Soccer Team added another championship trophy to its illustrious mantle by winning a hard fought game with First Assembly in front of a large crowd at Warner Park on Friday night. Mackenzie Weigel scored for the Lions to make the game 1-0 going into the second half. With eight minutes to go in regulation, First Assembly's Laura Wilson scored on a close shot that eluded Lions Goal Keeper Mary Stewart Bullard. In the second overtime, Sara Stiles rifiled a shot from 20 yards out to give the Lions the victory and the 2008 MAC Tournament Championship.

Captains, Liz Joyce, Crystal Miller, and Emily Bullard raise the MAC Touranment championship trophy for yet another year.

CDS Baseball Falls in Last Inning in MAC Tournament Championship Game

The CDS Varsity Baseball team completed their best baseball stretch in their short history last week. The Lions entered the MAC Tournament as the #6 seed (of 8 schools). After an upset victory over Northside Christian on Tuesday, the Lions went on to defeat First Assembly by the score of 12-2, on a sun filled Thursday afternoon. In Friday championship game, the opponent was Metrolina Christian on a picture perfect day for baseball. The Lions never trailed in the game, and led 6-4 going into the final inning. Metrolina banged out three hits and collected three runs to score three runs in the bottom half and win the 2008 Tournament Title. A heartbreaker for sure. But more importantly, the Lions baseball program is garnering more respect by every pitch.

Tyler Andrews, beats the throw to score another run for the Lions in a game played earlier this year at beautiful Warner Park.

Summer Reading Book Fair - May 10

The Summer Reading Book Fair is here!  It's this Wednesday, May 7th, through Saturday, May 10th.  Tell all your local family and friends to shop at the Arboretum Barnes and Noble on those days!  The CDS library media center will benefit with a percentage of the sale!  Be sure to mention that you are supporting CDS or present the voucher on the book fair flyer before you check out!  The CDS summer reading lists will be available at the book fair along with recommendations from some of the CDS family for parents' reading suggestions, mother's day gifts, and graduation gifts. Also, selections from the CDS Art Fest will be displayed.  Check out some special prizes that will be awarded during the following events:

CDS Violins on Wednesday from 2:45-3:45
Lower school storytelling on Thursday from 3:30-4:30
Middle school scavenger hunt on Friday from 3:30-5:00
High school coffee house on Saturday night 8:00pm until 10:00pm

Senior Sportlight

CDS Senior Soccer Player, Jamie Grey, helps young soccer hopefuls fine tune their craft at the Charlotte Eagles Soccer Clinic hosted by CDS Womens Soccer Team.

Have a senior to recognize? Please Email action photo and short text.

Tournament Week

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Prepackaged School Supplies for Sale: Parents, please look for information to come home on Monday, May 12, about purchasing prepackaged school supplies for the 2008 school year.  All orders will be placed online ... you can place your order and then come to orientation in August with everything set for you.  More details to follow ...

Covenant Day School is accepting applications for full-time teaching positions for 2008-2009 in the following areas:

Physical Education
Math, Middle School
Chemistry, High School
Part-time positions are available in:
Art, Lower School
Computers, Middle School

Applications are available on the school website, www.covenantday.org.  Completed applications should be submitted to Mrs. Jane Courtright, executive administrative assistant, 800 Fullwood Ln., Matthews, NC 28105.

Christ Covenant Church has an immediate opening for a qualified individual as Media Production Coordinator. The primary responsibilities for the successful candidate will be in maintaining the Church website, electronic distribution of the weekly church newsletter, working with Communications Consultant regarding various aspects of information flow, editing and proofreading items for publication, and bringing a consistent look and feel to all publications produced at Christ Covenant Church.

Skills include strong organizational abilities, detail oriented, the ability to work well and handle many projects concurrently with minimal supervision; strong computer skills, good communications skills in interacting with all kinds of people; being teachable and willing to learn. Qualifications include a personal commitment to Jesus Christ. 

Please send a current resume and references to Margie Johnston at mjohnston@christcovenant.org or contact her at 704-814-1007.

Summer Camp Registration is Now Open!  Ridge Haven, a Christian camp and conference center in the mountains of Western North Carolina near Brevard, is now accepting registrations for their summer camps. 

The week-long camps are offered throughout the summer and are open for students entering 3rd through 12th grade.  Visit the Ridge Haven website at www.ridgehaven.org for more information and to register online, or call Debbie Ertel at 704-849-9640.  Discounts are available for early registration.  Grab some friends and register today!

CDS Ambassadors (formerly Host Families)

Help welcome a new family to CDS!

Think back to your first year at CDS…  Do you remember all of those questions you had and didn't know who to ask?  You can help by becoming an ambassador to a new family at CDS.

We are looking for people who have the gift of hospitality and would be willing to:

• Be matched with one or two new CDS families.
• Meet with your new families during the summer for dinner or dessert (at a restaurant, in your home, at a park, be creative!).  Welcome them and help answer any questions they may have.
• Schedule a “play date” (at the pool, at a park, at your home, it’s up to you!) for your new students and a couple of other students in their grade.
• Attend the new family social with your new CDS family the week before school starts.
• Follow up with your new CDS family during the year with a periodic phone call.

Sign Up Today>>

Hanson Church, completed his first kids' Triathlon on Saturday. He swam 100 yds, biked 1.4 miles, and ran .7 mile in a little over 22 minutes. He finished 11th out of 36 under 8 boys, but was the first 6 year old to come across the finish line! He's pictured here with his Dad after the race. (credit: Peggy Church)

We think that a photo helps to tell or complete a story. 

However, we are sensitive to parents and students that do not wish for their photos to be displayed

on the CDS ENEWS site. 

 If you see a photo that you would like to have removed, please email us at  hwelty2@yahoo.com and we will gladly remove it.

Have an announcement or photos to publish, send them to:

Deanna Overcarsh

dovercarsh@covenantday.org

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Have a Praise? Comment?  Please send your notes to hwelty2@yahoo.com

Sorry, we can not post all of the letters we receive.

(editors: l-r - Dr.Marni Halvorson, Head of School, Mrs. Lisa Barlow, Admissions and Marketing Director, Mrs. Jane Courtright, Exec Admin Asst. & Office Mgr.)