Our Mission
Equipping students with an excellent,
biblically-directed, Christ-centered
education.
Our Vision
Students will become servant leaders who think critically, discern spiritually, and act biblically.
Our Cor e Values
• Christ-centered
• Student-focused
• Wise stewardship of all resources
• Serving those inside and outside the
body of Christ
• Striving toward excellence in all
endeavors
school boar d
Mr. Matt Mayse, President
Mr. Randy Stromley, Vice President
Ms. Cheryl Minor, Treasurer
Mr. Tim Hall, Secretary
Mr. Dave Bruxvoort
Mr. Brad Krehlik
Mr. John Leusink
Mr. Steve Mathson
Mr. Jim Plagge
Mr. David Swanson
Mr. Glenn Vos, Superintendent
des moines
christian school
2014 Annual
progress report
Education by The Book
Equipping students for life through
Christ-centered education.
13007 Douglas Parkway
Urbandale, Iowa 50323
515-252-2480
www.DMCS.org
Our School
Academic Program
Des Moines Christian School, EE-12, is independently accredited in the state of Iowa with rigorous standards through the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI). To maintain this accreditation, DMC is held accountable for ten standards, some of which include written curriculum, Biblical integration, fi nancial practices, and Board governance. In addition to Christian school accreditation, DMC is licensed through DHS for Early Education and holds Special Accreditation status with the State of Iowa for Grades 7-11. Special Accreditation for our Secondary program ensures we off er courses necessary for college entrance and have 80% or more of our seniors accepted to a four-year college or university.
Biblical Worldview
Worldview education is the foundation of a successful Christian school program. “The children we are working with are not just those who need an education so they can get a job; they are those who are headed for eternity.” (Jeff Meyers, Summit Ministries). At DMC, we take this call seriously and immerse our students in opportunities to live out their faith through godly relationships, ministry hours, mission trips, and classroom discussion. We seek to partner with parents to create servant leaders who think critically, discern spiritually, and act biblically.
Student Support Programs
Des Moines Christian off ers a Talented and Gifted program (TAG), as well as a resource program for students in Grades K-12. Eligibility criteria are based on Iowa Assessment results and teacher referral.
Extra-Curricular Opportunities
Des Moines Christian seeks to promote the development of the whole person through a variety of programs and activities. Opportunities to participate outside the classroom give our students a chance to explore the many gifts and talents from God. Our membership in the West Central Activities Conference allows students to compete in sports, fi ne arts, and academic competitions. These extra-curricular opportunities are designed to help students develop Christian friendships, learn social interaction, develop leadership abilities, and glorify Christ. Des Moines Christian School claimed the title of 2013-2014 Conference Champions in girls volleyball, girls and boys basketball, boys golf, girls track, and the academic bowl.
Find more information about our elementary or secondary programs at dmcs.org.
Our Staff
Teacher Quality
Des Moines Christian remains committed to hiring qualifi ed, experienced employees who are committed to an excellent, Christ-centered, academically challenging education.
Full-and Part-Time Employees = 119 Teaching Staff = 60
Includes teachers, library media specialist, and counselor
Teacher Qualifi cations Teacher Experience
Number of teachers (EE-12) 60 0-4 years 28% % with bachelor’s degree 100% 5-9 years 34% % with Master’s degree 22% 10-14 years 8%
Our Students
DMCS Enrollment Early Education 71 Elementary 451 Secondary 344 Total 866 Graduation Rate 100%Student Assessments
College Entrance Scores
Most colleges and universities require the American College Testing Program (ACT) as a determinant of future scholastic success. A composite score of 20 or higher on the 36-point scale for the test indicates probable success in college.
91% of the graduating class of 2014 took the ACT; of those 49% had a composite score of 25 or higher.
83% had a composite score of 20 or higher. One was a National Merit Semi-Finalist.
One was a National Merit Commended Student.
ACT comparative data is listed below.
DMC DMC State of IA 2013 2014 2014 ACT Composite 23.9 24.5 22.0 English 24.0 25.5 21.5 Math 22.5 23.1 21.4 Reading 25.3 25.4 22.5 Science 23.2 23.8 22.2
50% of the graduating class of 2014 took one or more college classes. 60% took one or more AP classes.
29% took both college and AP classes.
Iowa Assessments
Iowa Assessments (formerly ITBS and ITED) were administered to students in Grades 3-11 in the spring of 2014. Results are used:
• to measure student growth • assess academic programs • guide professional development
Iowa Assessment Subtest Grade % Profi cient or Higher % Advanced Reading 3 - 6 88.0% 35.9% Reading 7 - 11 89.0% 32.1% Mathematics 3 - 6 89.6% 32.9% Mathematics 7 - 11 87.8% 23.3% Science 3 - 6 93.9% 35.5% Science 7 - 11 90.3% 24.3% Classifi ed Staff = 54
Includes teacher associates, nurse, offi ce employees, bus drivers, custodial staff , and food service staff
Administration = 7
Includes superintendent, principals, early education program director, early education offi ce manager, curriculum director, and director of fi nance and human resources
District Goals
Long Range Academic Goals for Reading, Math, and Science
The long-range academic goal for Des Moines Christian School is to increase the number of students profi cient or above in reading, math, and science.
Annual Reading Improvement Goals Reading Goal for 2013-2014
Using matched cohort data, Des Moines Christian School will increase the number of students profi cient or above on the Reading subtest of the Iowa Assessments in Grades 3-6 and 7-11 by May 2014. The percent profi cient or above in 2013 was 92.5 and 89.6% respectively.
Report –Des Moines Christian did not meet the goal of increasing the number of students profi cient or above. The percent profi cient using matched cohort data in 2014 was 88% and 89% respectively.
Reading Goal for 2014-2015
Using matched cohort data, Des Moines Christian School will increase the percent profi cient or above on the reading subtest of the Iowa Assessments in Grades 3-6 and Grades 7-11 by May 2015. The percent profi cient or above in 2014 was 88% and 89%, respectively.
Annual Mathematics Improvement Goals Mathematics Goal for 2012-2013
Using matched cohort data, Des Moines Christian School will increase the number of students profi cient or above on the Mathematics subtest of the Iowa Assessments in Grades 3-6 and 7-11 by May 2014. The percent profi cient or above in 2013 was 90.7% and 86.3% respectively.
Report – Des Moines Christian School met the goal of increasing the number of students profi cient or above in Grades 7-11. The percent profi cient or above using matched cohort data in 2014 was 87.8%. Grades 3-6 did not meet the goal. Percent profi cient or above in 2014 was 89.6%.
Mathematics Goal for 2014-2015
Using matched cohort data, Des Moines Christian School will increase the percent profi cient or above on the Mathematics subtest of the Iowa Assessments in Grades 3-6 and Grades 7-11 by May 2015. The percent profi cient or above in 2014 was 89.6% and 87.8%, respectively.
Annual Science Improvement Goals Science Goal for 2013-2014
Using matched cohort data, Des Moines Christian School will increase the number of students profi cient or above on the Science subtest of the Iowa Assessments in Grades 3-11 by May 2014. The percent profi cient or above in 2013 was 91%.
Report – Des Moines Christian School met the goal of increasing the number of students profi cient or above. The percent profi cient or above using matched cohort data in 2014 was 92%.
Science Goal for 2014-2015
Using matched cohort data, Des Moines Christian School will increase the number of students profi cient or above on the Science subtest of the Iowa Assessments in Grades 3-11 by May 2015. The percent profi cient or above in 2014 was 92%.
Additional Progress Monitoring Tools:
• Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills (DIBELS) • Curriculum Based Measurement for Math (CBMs) • curriculum aligned classroom assessments
Professional Development Goals for 2014-2015
Des Moines Christian School follows the Iowa Professional Development Model to provide staff training centered on content, instruction, and assessment. Based on assessment results and a desire to see increased student achievement in all areas, professional development for the year is focused on increasing student engagement. The action plan to increase student engagement includes:
• Professional Learning Communities who design targeted interventions for struggling and advanced learners, hone instructional strategies, and discuss research-based professional practices.
• Professional development during staff meetings and inservice days centered on research-based instructional strategies for hands-on
Science instruction, Reading skills across the curriculum, and Technology integration.
• Training new teachers in integration of a Biblical worldview into all subject areas.
• Participation in the ACSI NEXUS Live conference.
Our Community
Association Members
Upon enrollment at Des Moines Christian School, each parent becomes an Association member who can provide valuable input to the leadership of DMC as well as vote for school board members. Full-time DMC staff members are also Association members. Parents are encouraged to attend Association meetings twice yearly. The Association represents 27 diff erent communities and families from over 103 local churches.
Volunteer Involvement
Volunteers assist learning in numerous ways through tutoring, laboratory instruction, guest speakers, fi eld trip sponsors, home room/grade level parents, classroom support, offi ce help, special events organizers, fund raisers, and much more. Typically, 250-350 volunteers help the school in some way during the year.
Parent support also comes through Parent Teacher Fellowship (PTF), ABC (Athletic Booster Club), and Fine Arts Boosters (FAB).
school boar d
The Board of Directors of Des Moines Christian School is committed to a philosophy of service to God through the education of children. The objective of this philosophy is to help each child develop into a mature Christian and a contributing member of society.
The Board believes that this objective can best be met through a school program that supports and works with the home and church to develop the spiritual, intellectual, physical, civic, social, and aesthetic abilities of children.
The Board of Directors realizes that an eff ective Christian school program must be based on the truth of God’s Word, the Bible, and be directed toward common needs of all children. Since all children are created in the image of God, the Board believes that the educational program of DMCS should help all children develop their unique abilities and thus be prepared to fulfi ll God’s plan for their lives. Superintendent
Mr. Glenn Vos (515) 252-2480
Junior High and High School Principal Jahna Duda
(515) 252-2490 Elementary School Principal Karla Lowe (515) 252-2485
Early Education Department Director Monni Chittenden (515) 252-2482
DMCS is accredited by the Association of Christian Schools International and the
Iowa Department of Education.
facebook.com/DesMoinesChristianSchool @DMCS_Updates
