US history students who daily step into Mr. Dennis Buchmiller’s US history class were recently greeted by an atmosphere that was anything but routine. With tables turned on their sides, loud, strange music playing, lights low and air conditioning off for a stuffy atmosphere, Buchmiller greeted students in a serious, demanding voice, saying things like “Get over there! Down on the floor! Put down that backpack! No talking!”.

As students arrived he divided the class into two sections, telling boys to lay on the floor on one side of the room and girls to lay on the other with no talking allowed. They were packed close together to give them a cramped feeling. Though students at first felt confused and disoriented, they gradually clued in that their teacher was out of character for a reason, and that he was in fact “welcoming” them to a virtual slave ship—complete with cramped quarters, a hostile crew and a sense of not being in control of their surroundings.

He then proceeded to describe in great detail the conditions on a slave ship. “Before I knew what was going on my first thought was, ‘Did we do something wrong?’ But I remained silent and obeyed his commands,” said Jamielyn Cabral. Brianna Santos agreed, saying, “It was shocking to walk in the classroom having Mr. Buchmiller yell at us to not talk and to get down on the floor. I was very nervous and confused.”

Buchmiller has been using some very creative teaching methods in order to make history come alive for his students. “My purpose was to try to get the students to get a feel of what the initial shock must have been to these people (slaves) to have their world as they knew it to be so violently transformed in a moment’s time. There is no way to truly recreate that in a classroom but I was able to create some real discomfort for the students. They did not like what I was doing to them and I might have had a rebellion if I had pushed it much further,” he said.

The desired effect was achieved, as students felt the impact. Serena Aartman said, “It made me realize how utterly terrifying it would have been to be a slave on a slave ship, when you have no idea what’s going on.” After enduring just 10 minutes of this simulation, along with disturbing and disheartening descriptions of what the journey entailed for those who became sick or had to use the restroom, the students were more eager than usual to take their seats for the lecture. “This technique was very effective and really helped me think about how it might have been. I never really thought about it until that day,” said Amy Lambdin.

Buchmiller felt that the lesson was successful because of the questions the students were asking and what they wrote down about the experience. “They all said that as uncomfortable as they were for just the 10 minutes (and they all said it felt much longer) they simply couldn’t conceive how the slaves made it all the way to America. They had a new respect for the injustice done to the people from Africa,” he said.

Principal David Couchman, who visited the class to observe, was impressed with the impact the lesson had on the students. “Mr. Buchmiller really stepped outside of the box in order to make an impression. His goal was to give students a tiny sense of what it might have been like to be taken from their homes and shipped to a foreign land as a slave. It moved the students out of their comfort zones and forced them to deal with slavery on something other than just an information level. I thought the activity was extremely creative and effective. The students were very engaged in the follow-up lecture, asking questions as if it mattered to them. I think it really impacted the students,” he said.

 About 25 JECHS students gathered at the cross on the morning of September 23 to pray for their nation, families, school and peers.

“I am praying for our government, especially with everything that’s happening with the leaders that have been put into place. I know that God appoints leaders, but He also says to pray for them…that He would give them wisdom,” said student chaplain Ana Martinez.

“Prayer can affect a lot of things and if we have a lot of people to pray and have faith anything is possible,”said 10th grader  Makenna Cowden.

“At SYATP we prayed for our friends and our country. It helps our country because people are praying for our leadership and helping them make the right decisions,” said 9th grader Connor Landon. 

In a show of unity and support for the greater body of Christ some Elliot students joined hands with students on surrounding area public school campuses during “See You at the Pole”.

“There were five of us from Elliot at Lodi High. I went because I have friends there and was hoping that if I was there it would encourage them to show up and be out there with us. It’s cool to have a national day where we pray in public.”

– Sophomore Michael Callahan 

“Prayer is a really powerful thing and I think if you have enough people praying big things can happen. I thought it was cool at Galt High when everyone started singing Lean On Me. Praying openly in front of a public school didn’t feel too weird because there were a lot of us there. It felt actually kind of normal, which is a good thing.” Senior Sam Towne

 If you ask Jana Flaig-Brummett how she earned the credentialsfor being “number one” for a day at JECHS she will tell you the truth: “I bought my way into the job.”

Flaig-Brummett placed the winning bid on the “Principal for a Day” live auction item at the Denim, Diamonds, and Dreams  fund raiser last April, and started planning immediately.

“The announcement in the live auction description said, “How would you like to be in charge for the day?” And I said, “Man, that is me—I want that,” and it was either that or the 18-pound box of cherries,” said Flaig-Brummett.

She brought a day of delightful diversions to students and staff alike with her first official act at the helm being to bring two dozen donuts for the staff and then pray over them at their morning devotions.

Flaig-Brummett, who had fun with her day in power, moved to Lodi from Hollywood with her family five years ago so her son could attend Jim Elliot, never realizing that such a move would include this special opportunity for a brief  “rise to power”. Summarizing her true motive for filling the role for the day she said, “It’s a win-win situation. The school gets the funds and I get the opportunity to bless the students and the staff with a day that’s fulled with fun and surprises. It is also my hope that other parents will be challenged to jump in, get involved, and bid on the live auction items at next year’s fund raiser, because this is an investment in our kids.”

Here are some highlights of “Principal” Flaig-Brummett’s agenda:

• a prize for each student in every first period class who found a golden ticket under his or her seat
• students allowed to text and finger joust for the last five minutes of second period
• In ‘n Out Burger delivered to campus for lunch
• declaration of a free dress/no homework Friday of that week
• a special rally with a surprise presentation choreographed by  Flaig-Brummett and performed by teachers
• an itunes gift card awarded to Jill Libhart for the best “kiss up” line to a teacher (included below):

To Mr. Tackett: (aka “best teacher ever”) You are so super awesome. I love having your class two times a day. Did you get the get well card I made for you? I’m so glad you’re feeling better. You’re back today to brighten up our day. If there were an award for teacher of the week, you’d get it every single time. 

Students responses from the day were overwhelmingly positive!

“It was amazing because it was fun all day. It was like hardly a school day. Do it again!” – Christian Canepa

“Thank you. You’re awesome!” – Eric Schmidt 

Who will be next year’s Principal for the day? Come bid on it at the annual Spring Auction!

The Robotics Team is sponsoring a fun evening with illusionist John Drebinger Jr. on Saturday, November 14, in the JECHS gym at 7 pm.

Come enjoy the “magic” and a delicious dessert for only $5. All proceeds will benefit the Robotic Israel Trip. Invite your friends. Mr. Drebinger is a great entertainer and is donating his time. Tickets may be purchased in advance in the school office or at the door.

If you can’t come but would still like to donate to the Robotics Team, you can do so by bringing your donation to the school office or making a contribution securely on line through PayPal here.

 After six years as the Robotics team advisor and upper level sciences teacher Tom Bray will be taking the trip of a lifetime as he leads close to 30 members of Team 1662, aka “Raptor Force”, to an international robotics competition in Israel in March 2010. This invitation is one that Bray takes personally.

 “It’s something I believe the Lord’s been putting together for quite a while and now I have kids who are ready to do it. This is my whole goal: that they will come back with an understanding of Israel’s place in our past, present and future. Every time they hear ‘the Sea of Gallilee’, they will be able to picture it. Their experience will help our country make the right decisions with regard to Israel,” he says.

When Elliot competed in Atlanta last year the Israeli General Consul, who was there to visit with the Israeli teams, inquired about the Israeli flag displayed alongside the American flag on the JECHS robot. After explaining that this was his way of showing honor and respect for Israel, Bray received another visit—this one from Brigadier General Asaf Agmon from the Israel Air Force Center, who invited Elliot to compete in Tel Aviv in 2010.

“Our Bible says that if we bless Israel we’ll be blessed; if we curse Israel we will be cursed. And many do not realize that as Christians  we’re grafted into the nation of Israel.  I have students who ask me why I have a Jewish flag in my classroom. I tell them, ‘See that flag there? That’s the American flag. That’s my earthly flag. When I die that will be on my casket. See that flag? That’s the Israeli flag—that’s my eternal flag. That’s the nation I will always belong to for all eternity,’ ” says Bray.

In contact with the Israeli general and government, Bray and his team are putting in the many hours of hard work that a trip like this requires. Once there, they will not only compete against Israeli and other international  robotics teams but will also be visiting Jerusalem, sightseeing, helping locals and being ambassadors for JECHS and the Lord Jesus Christ.

“It’s an amazing opportunity to go to the Holy Land and walk on the ground that our Savior Jesus Christ walked upon. It also gives us a chance to evangelize and be disciples. This trip isn’t just about competing; it’s also about glorifying God,” says Bray. 

Doug Buhr—engineer, former board member, friend of Tom Bray and the founder of robotics at Jim Elliot had a passion for Israel, often reminding others to pray for the peace of Jerusalem.

With the anniversary of his death three years ago approaching, the significance of this trip holds special meaning.

Bray recalls, “Normally what Doug would say to me when I’d get these ideas and con him into going along with me was, ‘Bray—what did you get me into this time?’ Not on this one. He would cry because he and I had talked about this, and he would see it as an opportunity for our students to experience Israel.”

Six years ago when a robotics website had inspired Bray to start a similar program for Elliot, he told Buhr about it. He recalls the conversation that ensued between them:

Doug asked, “What’s stopping you?” I said, “$6,000.” He asked,  “When are you going to need it?” I told him, “In three weeks.” He said, “Oh, three weeks. I can do that.”

And for the next two and a half years Buhr would write many more $6,000 checks.

“He funded the team. He went with us to Atlanta. He thought this was the best thing going—even when the robot got loose and tore up the room. That’s why our robot is known as the Buhr-bot,” explains Bray. 

Perhaps you are as excited as Doug Buhr was about the opportunity that JECHS has with robotics.  There are many ways you can assist the Robotics team on their way to Israel.  Please consider helping or telling someone you know who would like to help about the needs listed:

• engineers for the second and third weeks of January for brainstorming
• small metal lathe
• $1850 per student
• someone to make the team flag
• two solder irons
• pallet scale
• a good chain break
• donation of sodas for us to sell with pizza lunches (fund-raiser), and for us to drink
• chest style tool boxes 

The staff at Jim Elliot is continually improving their skills through ongoing training and pursuing graduate degrees.  Congratulations to the following faculty members who have received degrees and training this year!

Dottie Henry

In May 2009 Dottie Henry received her Master of  Education in educational administration from Grand Canyon University.  She has her California teaching credential, but wanted to hone her professional skills as she moved into the position of vice principal. “As I developed new competencies I gained confidence in myself and my ability to benefit JECHS,” she says. 

Michael Tackett

Mike Tackett earned his Masters of Secondary Education from Grand Canyon University in May 2009. He began the program in October 2007, the same week his son was born. “This was a rewarding but grueling process. I jumped for joy when my advisor reported to me that I had no more classes,” he says. 

Dennis Buchmiller

Dennis Buchmiller attended a week long training session at Sacramento State. He worked with fellow colleagues on best teaching practices and new resources available for teaching. “We discussed the best use of class time so students are prepared for all the material on their AP tests,” he says.

Allen Worcester (Class of ‘08) was recognized for outstanding academic accomplishments by being named to the President’s List at LeTourneau University for the Spring2009 semester.  The Presidents List recognizes students who have achieved a perfect 4.0 (“A”) grade point average for the semester.  LeTourneau University Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Robert W. Hudson said being named to the Presidents List is a significant academic achievement and honor. “The rigorous curriculum and high academic standards here are highly respected throughout our country and beyond,” Hudson said. “Le Tourneau University is well-known for its quality education.  To obtain a perfect grade point average for academic performance is, indeed most commendable.”

Stephanie Cline Jenks (‘05) after completing her studies and obtaining honor roll status at Delta College, she  has been accepted to the nursing program at Stanislaus State University.

Anna Newby  (‘05) is preparing for her senior recital at Crown College in Minnesota where she will receive her Bachelors Degree as a music major with a piano  emphasis in December. She has been on the Deans list during this past year.

Do you have any news on our JECHS alumni?  We would love to hear from you!

 

Dear Jim Elliot Parents,

Grandparents’ Day is a cherished Jim Elliot Christian tradition that takes place annually at our school. This year it will be on Tuesday, November 24, 2009.  Our student’s grandparents and other special relatives or family friends are invited to be our special guests and to share the morning with your child here on the Jim Elliot Christian High School campus from 9am – 12noon.

The day will begin with a special presentation in the Temple Baptist Church Worship Center (located on the campus) at 9am.  The students will join us for a special chapel service created just for our grandparents immediately following the presentation.  This year we are adding something new to our program – a time to enjoy sharing a meal with the grandparents and our students & staff in the campus gym for lunch.  The day will conclude at 12noon

This will be a beautiful way to usher in the Thanksgiving holiday!

Invitations to this special event were sent out last week to all the grandparents addresses we have on file.  If your child needs an extra invitiation, they are available in the school office.  Please feel free to call your relatives with a personal invitation as well.  We ask that those planning to attend would RSVP by leaving a voice mail message at 209-518-4016  or email at blambdin@jechs.com.

We also are asking every family to be a part of this special day by providing a part of our luncheon.  Here is the list of what we are asking our students to bring based on your last name. (if you have more than one student you still only need to provide one item)

If your child’s last name begins with the letters -

A thru K —> please bring a main dish (ideas: chicken, lasagne, casseroles, sandwich trays etc..)

L thru P —> please bring a side dish (ideas: salad with dressing, potatoes, rice, vegetable dish etc..)

R  thru Z —> please bring a dessert (ideas:  cake, pies, cookies, brownies etc…)

Please put your food in a disposable container and  drop off your food to the school office on the morning of November 24th.  We need everyone to participate so we can bless our grandparents.  We are also looking for parents to help on the day of the event. Please contact Beth Lambdin at the contact information above if you are available to participate.

To give you a an idea of how wonderful this day is here is a slide show from last year!

The  cross country team hosted the  5^th Eagle Invitational on Saturday, October 24 at JECHS. Elliot  students helped and organized many parts of the day: front gate parking and safety,  team registration and welcome, starting line, course monitors, direction, finish line assistance with congratulating athletes, and passing out awards. 

Twenty-nine teams participated, among them: Lodi High, Bear Creek, Edison, St. Mary’s, Ceasar Chavez, Lincoln High School, Ripon, Linden and Galt 

Some of the top results for JECHS cross country runners:

9^th grade boys – 13^rd place to Colton Simpson

10^th grade boys -18^th place Alexander Lappas

10^th grade boys – 19^th place Michael Callahan

 

Visiting coaches had positive things to say about our student helpers:

 “I can’t believe how many of your kids were helpful with directions and crowd control, one of the best meets I have been to”

“Your kids at the gate (Justin Santos, Tyler Hale, Brandon Wilkerson, and Colten Passey) were doing a great job of making this a safe race by communicating to people that cars just can’t be on the course.”

“The girls, Emily Copeland, Bethany Fleming, and Kenna Kenamura, were very helpful and responsible.  It’s always nice to be greeted by someone who cares and isn’t just doing things because they have to.”

“Your boys (Kevin Shull, Ken Talbert and a few others) who were course monitors with the flags did a great job of keeping a safe course and making sure the runners knew where they were going”

Hosting these type of athletic events are great opportunities to not only excell athletically but to teach leadership skills to our students, as well as providing a way to serve the Lord as we serve others in our community. We are blessed to have coaches like Jon Hathorn who give of their time and talent to make it happen.

Juniors in U.S. History are getting just a small taste of what it felt like for a freed slave from the South trying to live life in the North of 1850-1860.

Mr. Dennis Buchmiller has called upon the staff to help drive home the full effect of the lesson, which is an 8-day project requiring students to carry “Freedom papers” with them at all times. If at any time—on or off campus and during the week or weekend—they are asked to produce their Freedom paper and cannot, it is reported to Buchmiller and 5% is deducted from their project grade. Losing the papers is cause for failing the assignment.

“It’s kind of frustrating. I couldn’t imagine keeping one paper every second of my life, especially when that paper determines your life—not just a grade,” said Stephanie Crawford.

Buchmiller hopes that this will give students a real sense of what it felt to be a “free” person of color before the Civil War. “That paper certifies them to be a ‘free person of color…and entitled to be respected accordingly in person and property at all times and places…’ That being said, it only happens if they have the papers on them to prove this,” he said.

The lesson has reached beyond the students, providing a lesson for teachers in what it felt like to be a Northerner after 1850 when the Fugitive Slave Law compelled you to actively participate in the practice of slavery. Buchmiller reminded staff that what finally pushed Northerners over the edge and made them willing to fight the Civil War was their forced participation in this practice. “Every time I ask a student for their papers…I twinge inside a little bit and hope they can produce them. I can see how a Northerner who was opposed to slavery would want to be free from being forced by law to promote such an intrusive practice,” said yearbook teacher, Miss Sallee.

Students have been stunned by how active teachers have been in challenging them for their papers. “It gets very annoying having to pull my paper out all the time. I usually get asked for it by teachers twice a period. It’s made me realize that even though Blacks had freedom, they really weren’t all that free,” said Serena Aartman.

                                                                Gabby Hausauer, Jamie Cabral, Bri Santos, Serena Aartman, Christian Canepa