Message from the Superintendent
The 2009-2010 school year has begun! We must put our whole hearts, souls, AND MINDS into the learning activities of this school year – ONE DAY AT A TIME. We have 180 opportunities during this academic year to excel as learners – all of us – students, staff, and parents alike! I am so glad that you have chosen to read this message on our newly-revamped website! You need to understand a bit more about the history of our school and God’s faithfulness throughout the many years of our existence.
In 1948, a couple staff members gathered with a little over a dozen students for the first day of school at Des Moines Christian School! None of us was there, but we MUST all appreciate the pioneers who went before us! We must be thankful to the parents, students, and staffs who kept plugging away day-in and day-out for these past 61 years! The school could have been engulfed in blazes on more than one occasion, BUT GOD redeemed the school for His glory! We owe such a debt of gratitude to leaders and God for their faithfulness through all generations of Des Moines Christian! We live in difficult economic, political, and social times, and the current parents and guardians of Des Moines Christian students have been faithful to make the financial sacrifices for their children.
DMC wants to do our best to give parents and students and financial supporters a remarkable return for their investments! First and foremost, the staff – including and especially myself – should be modeling attempts at excellence. Christ told us to “be perfect.” God calls us to “be holy,” because God is holy. To attempt anything less is an affront to a perfect, holy, and righteous God! As I have stated in the past, let’s make this school year a year in which we hold each other accountable for rigorous expectations and exceptional effort!
We want all of our students to reach to and beyond their perceived abilities. You will be hearing a lot more about all of us staff members, students, and parents DOING OUR VERY BEST in all of our endeavors! God expects nothing less! Not every student is going to earn straight-A’s. Not every school performer will earn Division I’s. Not every art, science, writing, or spelling contest participant will win a blue ribbon. BUT ALL OF US CAN STRIVE TO DO OUR VERY BEST!
As I am wont to do, I would like to state reasons for the existence of Des Moines Christian. Parents desire a partnership of the home, school, and church in reinforcing the truth of the Bible and the character of Jesus Christ! Parents desire a safe, orderly environment which has high expectations for academic achievement and spiritual growth. We hope all in the school community are also firmly committed to our mission: “Equipping the next generation to think, discern, and act through biblically-directed, Christ-centered education. That mission truly should guide all of our work together at Des Moines Christian.
Let’s call out to God! Empower us this school year with your Holy Spirit! Cause us to follow Your leading! Help us to seek Your will, Your ways, and Your work! May the meditations of our hearts, the thoughts of our minds, and the utterances of our mouths be acceptable in Your sight, oh great Lord and Redeemer, during the 2009-2010 academic year at YOUR school, Lord – Des Moines Christian School! To God be all praise and honor and glory! Amen! Amen!! And amen!!!!
In Christ
Dr. Bob Stouffer, Superintendent
Des Moines Christian School
