I have been a teacher at RCS since 2002.  Also, I am a proud alumnus of the school (Class of 1992).  I  teach a variety of classes in the junior high.  My schedule includes the following: 6th-8th grade Language Arts, 7th grade Computers, 6th grade Math, and 6th-8th grade Boys' P.E.    I'm also the 8th grade class's advisor.  This keeps me involved with fundraising activities, a "See You at the Pole" assemby, and graduation preparations.  Other special projects are worked on in my class.  These include a speech and spelling competition, the 8th grade play,  newspaper headlines, and science/history/career/state reports.   

      Randolph Chrisian School has been such a blessing for me.  Early in my childhood, the school  instilled in me biblical truths and knowledge that will last an eternity.  Now, I am trying to help the next generaton in the same way.  I hope to teach them not only knowledge of different subject matters, but also about God's grace and presence in every area of life.  Since we are all sinful and in need of Jesus to save, it is right and good to be talking about these things on a daily basis.  One of my parents' best moves has been sending me to RCS.  One of the neatest things to happen in my life has been coming back to teach at RCS. 

      My e-mail address-------------   rickhoffman15@yahoo.com

           Journal entries for the 2008/2009 year:  

      I am also a big Milwaukee Brewers fan.  I have been hoping for the playoffs for a while now.  Can they finally get there this year?  Will CC and Sheets make the difference?  Can they redeem themselves against the hated Cubs?  Hopefully, this will be a season that will end in October with a playoff run and a world's championship!!!!(Aug. 2008) 

      Well, can you believe it?  The Brewers actually made the playoffs by beating the evil empire known as the Cubs!  Even though they couldn't advance far in these playoffs, I thoroughly enjoyed the last weeks of the season and post-season. RCS even had a Brewers day which featured kids in Brewers/blue gear, popcorn at break, and kickball at recess.Great season, Brewers!(Oct. 2008)

      The Christmas feeling is in the air.  Decorations are up.  Christmas trees are everywhere, and the lights tell of the time of season.  Christmas is a beautiful time in the neighborhood, but it is also a time for reflection.  In class devotion time, the 8th graders and I have been reading and discussing many Psalms that deal with God's grace to man.  What a perfect time of year to remember our own imperfect nature and how God has overcome sin and death for us.  By sending Jesus into the world, we have a hope and a future in heaven.  By faith through grace, our sins have been paid; our debt has been cleared.  Like the old hymn says, "Now wash me and I shall be whiter than snow."  Thanks and praise be to God.  May we all strive to live a life void of sin, filled with thanks and gratitude to God. (Nov./Dec. 2008)  

     The junior high students visited the Beaver Dam Library with Miss Schouten and me on Jan. 8 (6th/7th) and Jan. 9 (8th) to conduct research on science/ history/ career reports.  The students took a tour of the library upon their arrival.  The librarians were extremely helpful and knowledgeable.  They were eager to show students the ins and outs of this "big" library.  Pat, one of the librarians that we meet each year, was very complimentary towards our school.  To paraphrase, she said that our group was very respectful and hard-working.  She also said that our school was one of the last schools in the area to do a library visit.  Why?  I'm not sure.  I think it is a great way to keep kids involved with a huge educational service that can help them throughout their lives.  Overall, it was an educational morning followed by a trip to Culver's.  What could be better? (Jan. 2009)   

  The Wisconsin Christian Schools Basketball Tournament of 2009 has been completed, and Randolph Christian School is champion once again.  The RCS boys' team and the RCS girls' team won the championships at CWC on Saturday afternoon in front of big crowds.  Congratulations to coaches, players, and parents for a great tourney that included much effort,  excitement, tension, and relief.  As usual, Spirit Week led up to the tournament.  From Monday through Thursday, students dressed in different attire to match the day( Blaze Orange/Hunting Day, Inside Out/ Crazy Hair Day,  Beach and Candy Day, and Black/White/Red Day).  On Thursday,  a Pep Rally fired up the kids.  Finally, on Friday and Saturday, RCS played their hearts out and won all their games on way to a championship. To God be the glory for health, talents, and a group of schools that continues to try to put faith matters first. (Feb. 2009)

 A busy time is upon us at RCS.  The junior high students have recently completed research papers that cover science(8th), history(7th), and career(6th) topics.  Now they are getting ready to present their information to a panel of judges next week.  Students use large boards to display different items, data, charts, and pictures that match their research.  They also are preparing to give a three to five minute summary of the chosen topic.  Usually, 6th grade classes are quite nervous in doing this part of the project.  Yet, by the time 8th grade comes around, students are much more confident in their abilities.  The 8th grade class will be performing a play, as well, next week.  Much practice time has been invested into the production of it so far, and much more practice time is still needed.  Overall, as a Christian school, we try to not only teach about different skills in the development of a student, but also to the spiritual.  RCS teaches wisdom by simply letting kids know that gifts and talents are not their own, but rather tools to use to give back glory to their creator.   (March 2009)                              

  I hope that everyone enjoyed Easter Break.  What a nice time to not only refresh for the rest of the school year, but also to celebrate our faith in our Savior!  With only about seven weeks of school left, many events are upon us.  From the auction and track meets to class trips and graduation, many special moments and memories will be made, we trust....... The 7th graders and I just finished reading The Hiding Place.  This is a novel that has gone along with a unit on WWII.  In it, Corrie Ten Boom and her family show remarkable faith in God and country by trying to follow God's law first and foremost during the German takeover of Holland.  Now, even though we live in a land of freedom, the United States seems to becoming less and less concerned about God's reign, will, and complete role over us and all creation. Being in a Christian school allows teachers to talk openly about truth and our reliance on him for anything and everything; also, Christian schools shape and mold students worldviews into one that hopefully teaches them to think biblically.(April 2009)                         

  Another year has come and gone.  For another year, I feel very fortunate to have been a part of this school.  RCS has allowed students and teachers to be a part of a Christian atmosphere.  Although RCS is imperfect and sinful like every other school, our school's mission, in my opinion, meets kids' needs to grow spirtitually.  The need for a Savior, the importance to seek God's wisdom in all sorts of situations, and the biblical principles taught are more important in our world now than ever before.  Here's hoping that more and more families see the need for a school like ours in the future so that young peoples' minds and lives can be transformed for good and His kingdom. (May 2009)

    Well, the summer is well into July now.  School will be here before you know it, or so they say.  So far this summer, I have been mainly mowing lawns, playing in two softball leagues, and watching plenty of Brewers baseball. For a couple of afternoons, I helped my dad bale some hay.  I also received a concussion while playing shortstop at the CWC church tournament, which slowed me down for a little while..... My parents and my brother's family recently went to St. Louis for a family trip.  While in St. Louis, we visited The Arch, Grant's Farm, and the St. Louis Zoo.....  In the coming weeks the teachers at RCS will be preparing for another school year.  Hopefully, RCS will have another great year. Can you believe that 2010 is right around the corner?  It seems like 2000 wasn't so long ago. (June/July 2009)

     School is almost here.  RCS teachers have been preparing for the beginning of school for a while now.  I have a few new ideas and strategies for my classes.  Hopefully, what has been planned will work in the classroom.  Overall, I am looking forward to having a new homeroom class, although last year's class was enjoyable too. Also, I'm eager to meet and teach the new students in the 5th and 6th grades. (August 2009) 

      The school year is in full swing now.  Eighth graders are getting used to the idea of being the top dogs at school.  I have to say that they are a pretty nice bunch of kids.  All, count em', six of them have done a nice job in our unity groups.  Unity groups were started about three years ago by Ms. LeMahieu and Mrs. Geleynse.  These groups are formed of various students throughout RCS, with usually one student from each grade.  Most unity groups have nine kids.  About once a week, each unity group meets in a designated classroom.  Different projects are worked on together during this time, but mainly this time focuses on prayer.  The eighth graders and seventh graders lead these sessions for about ten minutes.  Teachers help and advise occasionally, but usually only if needed.  It is neat to see the relationships that form among students in the same unity group.....  Also, it is a busy month with student activities.  Open House, Lock-In, and See You at the Pole occur towards the end of the month.  Many students, parents, and grandparents tour the school and classrooms during Open House.  This year it occurs on Thursday, Sept. 17, at 6:30.  Lock-In occurs the following night.  This is a junior high night filled with games, food, singing, and activities designed to challenge our kids to grow closer with God.  Finally, SYAP occurs the following Wed. on Sept. 23.  This prayer meeting meets before school at 7:40.  See You at the Pole started a number of years ago with just a small group of students meeting outside by their public school's flagpole.  Now, thousands participate around the world in this event yearly.  All are welcomed and encouraged to come (donuts, coffee, and juice are served afterwards).   Prayers are given primarily for our school, families, churches, and country........Finally, the Brewers aren't going to make it to the playoffs this year.  Here's hoping that they will next year. (September  2009)

   October is here.  It sure feels that way, doesn't it.  Speech practice has been a focal point this month.  Our local speech night is on Tuesday, Oct. 27, at RCS. The junior high students will be  performing monologues, dialogues, choral readings, etc... The students are very excited to perform, in general.  Many are nervous about performing in front of people, especially adults.  Yet, for the most part, kids really want to do well......The Brewers recently signed Trevor Hoffman to another one year contract(with an option).  My optimism is high for the Brewers next year, and this recent move of signing Hoffman(no relation) adds to the excitement. (October 2009)  

     I'm writing my monthly update tonight in between parent/teacher conferences.  Everything has gone rather well, thus far.  It is always good to communicate with parents about their kid(s).  It is also nice to get to know parents.  Some I have rarely talked too.  Others I have just seen in the hallways here and there.  Many times the conversation is all about what needs to be done to improve grades.  Sometimes it is just about attitude and effort.  Every once in a while a basketball discussion gets going, and I'm close to bringing out the clipboard marking X's and O's.  Overall, I am very impressed with RCS parents and the devotion to their kids.  It takes a lot of time, energy, and money to support an RCS student. Sometimes I'm not sure how in the world they can make it work. Their commitment to a Christian education is truly incredible. (Nov. 2009)   

    December is here.  Although the weather has been unseasonably warm in November, we're sure to see that end soon.  I am writing this entry on my birthday, December 2.  The kids have sung "Happy Birthday" to me, and many have extended birthday greetings and cheer.  Orlen and Rochelle Braunschweig brought in a 3 foot sub, with all the trimmings from Subway, for lunch.  Cathy Braunschweig also made a special dessert for the staff and me. Chris Scheuers made a delicious dessert, as well, for our great lunch.  The 8th graders and I were very thankful, with the emphasis on the "full" part........  Merry Christmas to all.  (December 2009)

   Basketball has been a passion of mine for about 30 years, roughly my entire life.  I remember playing it, or nerf basketball I should say, for hours at a time when I was young.  Some of the best moments were when I had a friend over and we would play against each other, or at times on the same team.  We would pretend that we were playing against an imaginary opponent, and many times we would be the Harlem Globetrotters.  Crazy passes and dunks would be common.  I also played many games for the Randolph Boys' Club.  In 7th grade, I believe we played over 80 games with the Boys' Club and RCS.  I enjoyed it, even the practices.  In high school, I played for the Waupun Christian Crusaders.  As a sophomore, we played at the State Tournament in Milwaukee.  As a junior, we won conference.  As a senior, we won the Great Iowa Shoot-out and a Christmas Tournament in Cambria. Thankfully, I was a member of some talented teams.  In college, I played at Trinity Christian College in Palos Heights, IL.  I was very thankful to be able to continue to play after high school and enjoy those four years. After playing, I coached basketball for six years.  Even though I haven't coached in the last four years, there is a special spot in my life for the sport. Overall, I felt and continue to feel that God has been very good to me, not only with basketball but obviously with everything he has planned for me.  Now, as I see RCS students playing and practicing the sport, I can't help but think back to my playing and coaching days. I hope that students are thankful for our school and the opportunities they enjoy. (Jan./Feb., 2010)  

     March is here and with it comes warmer weather.  I'm still wearing the heavy coat outside at recess, but overall it is relatively warmer.............  Basketball is still going on in the high schools, although RCS basketball has concluded.  I was very pleased to see a former RCS student and basketball player play his last game of his career at Cambria on Tuesday night.  Sam Wiersma has had a tremendous year at Cambria-Friesland this year.  I didn't get to many of his games in his high school career, but I was at his last.  I talked with him after the game, and he was the same old Sam.  He always was very talkative and friendly.  I coached Sam for a year in grade school, and he was also a terrific player back then.  He had a great attitude and played hard.  I hope that good things await him in his life and the next...................  Congratulations go out to the Waupun Christian girls' basketball team for winning their regional finals.  Congratulations also go to the Randolph boys' basketball team for winning their sectional in Fort Atkinson.  Many former RCS students form parts of these teams.  Also, a congrats goes out to UW-Stevens Point men's team, as they have advanced to the Division III Final Four in Salem, Virginia.  Danny and Tyler Tillema are players on UWSP (March 2010) 

      Warm weather is upon us.  In fact, it feels more like early May than early April.  The lawns are getting long already................... The 8th grade play wrapped up last week.  The 8th graders performed All in Disguise twice last Thursday, once for the students at RCS(12:30) and the other for parents(7:30) after the Light Concert.  They all performed great!  There was much laughter in our gym that day.  The 8th graders appreciated the opportunity as well, I'm sure........  On Monday, March 29, our 8th grade class held a fundraiser at The Pizza Ranch in Waupun.  With parents and 7th grade helpers sharing in the work, the 8th graders made $775 that goes to three goals: paying for graduation expenses, going on a class trip, and giving a gift to the school.  Thanks to everyone who came to support the class..............It's April 8 and there is snow on the ground. The lawns don't look long.  Check that earlier comment. (April 2010)

    School is out and summer has begun.  My summer should be filled with some fun.  I'm traveling by plane for the first time.  I'll be heading to Lyndon, Washington, with Ken Geleynse in late June.  We'll be staying by his folks, as his sister is getting married there.  The plan includes doing some hiking, visiting Pastor Ron Vander Werff(Friesland Reformed) and seeing a Mariners game.       (June 2010) 

     Two big trips have been completed.  I had a great time with Ken and his relatives in Washington.  In summary, we hiked half-way up Mt. Baker(beautiful and scenic place), saw the Mariners shut-out the hated Cubs 2-0, and rode up Hurrican Ridge to see the Olympic Mountains.  Ken, his dad, and I also visited with Pastor Ron for about 30 minutes.  He keeps busy as a part-time senior pastor, and he's doing very well  My first plane trip also went smoothly and well, thankfully..........Just recently, I came home from a trip to Michigan with my parents and brother's family.  We went to Mackinac Island and had a great time biking, riding the horse carriage, playing mini golf, and swimming in the hotel's pool.........My summer class for teaching certification has been cancelled so I need to be looking for another class..........  I'm looking forward to another year at RCS.  I'm making plans to get my classes and supplies in order for the start of school.  It will be here before you know it. (July 2010) 

       The world that we live in is changing.  That has always been the case.  Yet, it seems like change has been happening at a faster rate.  Sorry, Obama, but this change I'm referring to is of spiritual and biblical truth.  Quite often at night, before I go to sleep, I watch FoxNews and/or CNN(along with SportsCenter).  Right away, I see the difference in idealogies and viewpoints of each network.  FoxNews is very traditional and conservative while CNN is much more liberal.  Needless to say, I watch FoxNews more than CNN.  However, the sad truth about each is that God's Word is often left out of a debate.  Whether arguing for or against a topic on abortion, gay marriage, or separation of church and state, the media is not quoting scripture to support a viewpoint.  Sadly, each is leaning on his/her own understanding.  "My right to" is a popular phrase I hear on these networks.  More and more, people are believing truth relies on one's own viewpoint.  Truth becomes relative this way.  "I can have an abortion because it is my right to do whatever with my body." False. "Gay marriage is ok because all people should have equal rights to marry." Wrong. " God's Word and prayer are not allowed in public schools because it is a student's right to now have Christianity forced upon them."  What a bunch of bologna. In a world filled with sin, our nation is falling away from God, our Maker, Sustainer, and Redeemer.  As hopefully redeemed sinners and teachers at RCS, we hope to teach our students that truth isn't relative and that a Christian worldview/ wisdom is more valuable than gold.  Truth is a constant.  Truth comes from God's Word.........(Aug. 2010)