When I was young I was fascinated by ant farms - ants scurrying up and down the tunnels, always busy, always on task. Yet, I wondered, what is the purpose of the activity, all the movement, all the tunnel building? I haven't seen an ant farm for probably 40 years, but this past semester at Denver Christian High School seems to resemble one of those ant farms.
New has been a key theme this semester; a new superintendent, new teachers, new courses, a new look for the high school. But
on-going has also been a theme; over ninety years of Christian education in south Denver, support that spans several generations, a veteran teaching staff, and a sound academic reputation. However, the 2007-08 school year may eventually be seen as crucial in DCS's long history, for much of the busyness has been a combination of blending new with the old as well as fine tuning and expanding some innovative educational experiences introduced over the past several years.
Juan B. Botero, DCS's new marketing director, has been working hard to improve the looks of the high school campus and to capitalize on DCS's rich history to appeal to new audiences. Photos of alumni and past athletic triumphs have been gracefully displayed for all to see. At the same time, he has been encouraging staff and administration to be more willing to share and talk about what Denver Christian has done for so many years and continues to do not only for its students, but also for the community. A good example is the "Westside Buddies" program now in its second year. This year, over 50 DCS sophomores, juniors and seniors have been matched with first and second graders from low income, mostly Hispanic families. These young children, from the Westside Learning Center, are transported to DCS every other week for tutoring and mentoring.
In the classroom too, DCS has been experimenting with several non-traditional learning experiences. Historically, DCS has felt an obligation to educate ALL the children of its constituents and thus has an excellent support services department to assist students who struggle with DCS's challenging curriculum. Yet, over the past three years seminar-style courses have been added to allow a smaller teacher-to-student ratio and to encourage increased dialogue, better reading and writing, and cooperative learning. These classes, open to students with a variety of abilities and interests, intend to help students integrate a variety of skills as well as to shape character and values. Also, a number of teachers in a variety of disciplines are increasing utilizing interactive web sites to complement traditional classroom experiences.
Ironically, in an era when some schools are being forced to reduce art and music in order to add math and science courses, the music and art programs at DCS are flourishing. As the fall semester comes to a close, over half of all high school students have already participated in a play or in a band or choral concert. In the all-state choir competition in October, six DCS students made the grade, the highest number of all-state singers per capita of any school in the state. Just three weeks ago over 350 DCS students attended the play "The Diary of Anne Frank" downtown. The symphonic band is returning to Disneyland for a performance this spring and the entire system is already gearing up for the semi-annual fine arts event, "Art in the Park." And if this is not enough, the annual "Mr. Crusader Beauty Pageant" will be held in February.
Over the years, DCS has always cherished its religious tradition. Athletic uniforms often simply say "Christian" over the numbers. In sports, in extra-curricular activities, and in the classroom, the integration of faith and life is paramount at DCS. Thus, DCS teaches Bible courses, hold chapels and sponsors service days. These efforts have been augmented recently by mission trips. Spanish teacher Steve Fortna will take a dozen students to Nicaragua over spring break and plans for a trip in Africa in 2008 are even being discussed. In addition to the weekly chapel program, a program called "Options" is now in its third year. Every other week, students have a variety of "Options" such as Praise and Worship, Tough Questions, Christians and War and many, many others to choose and to attend. Although attendance is voluntary, this program has become extremely popular with students and is well attended.
Christmas break begins soon, signaling a break from all the activity, planning, talking, discussing. Christmas is a time for Christians to celebrate Christ's birth, the event that gives meaning to all of DCS's efforts.