We have been blessed for over 25 years with great students and families that have been a part of Fort Myers Christian School (FMCS). We are looking for alumni that can help us with this information page and we are always looking for praise report news on our former students. If you can help us, feel free to contact us.

Jan 27, 2009
School history made: For the first time, your chapel offerings are helping support a former FMCS graduate who is on the mission field – Mr. Nolan Tarantino. THANK YOU! Check out the video at http://whereintheworldarethetarantinos.com/downloads/fmcs.mov

September 2008
Matt Caldwell, class of 1995, is running for the District 27 senate seat for the state of Florida. You can visit his website at http://www.votecaldwell.org/ “I

September, 2006
Congratulations to class of 2005, Kelsie Krohn and 2006, Lane Joslin who made the homecoming court at ECS this year!

September, 2006
Congratulations to Courtney Creamer, Class of 2003, Cape Coral Breeze Female Athlete of the Week, volleyball for Ida Baker High School

 June, 2006
Congratulations those alumni selected as salutatorian or valedictorian of their graduating high school classes: Barbara Fischer (SFCA), Ryan Kelly (SFCA) and Arianne Williams (Ft. Myers High School)

Class of 1986
The official reunion website link is http://www.fmcsclassof86.com/ (Thank-you Frank Wanicka)

November, 2005
Ty Turner, Class of 2002, voted Homecoming King at ECS!

October 2005
Congratulations to two of our 2005 graduates: Kelsie Krohn was selected for the Homecoming Court at ECS. Trey Yeatter has been voted freshman Class President at North Fort Myers High!

September 2005
Our prayers go out to 2001 graduate, Aimee Dube, who is serving the Lord on the mission field in Quito, Ecuador! She is helping in a school office and working with children.

August 2005
Andrew Richter, Class of 2001, has entered the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

August 15, 2005:
I have been married 16 years. I live in Mobile, Alabama now. My husband is a full time Associate Pastor/Minister of Music of a church of about 800. We love it. I am doing exactly what I put in the yearbook. I am a real estate Paralegal. How often does that happen?
I just wanted to say Hello. I hope all is well. My son who is in the 9th grade this year is going to a christian private school. I told him that I would not trade my expierence for the world.
Have a great year. God Bless!

Former student Stacy Kilgore (Hilyer)

►Eighth grade Mexico Missions Trip: due to the current violence in Juarez, Mexico, the location of the trip has been moved for the first time since 1991. information on the 2010 Missions Trip to Corpus Christi, Texas. Dates are March 31 – April 6, 2010.

Team roster 2010 trip

Missions Trip fact sheet

Important Dates

►Kingdom Assignment – begins February 1st each year! In 2009, the school received an award from the founders, Denny and Leesa Bellesi.  Students and families raising money for our financial aide program in a unique way – over $46,000 in 5 years! Read about this project and the award by clicking this link – The Kingdom Assignment

►Community Service is a requirement for our 6th, 7th and 8th graders. During the first semester of the 08-09 school year, you would have seen our students serving in churches, at the Sanibel Coastal Clean-Up, Edison-Ford Estates, animal shelters, bell ringers for the Salvation Army, tutoring other students, soup kitchens, Harry Chapin Food Bank, homeless shelter, babysitting, Boy Scouts, helping an injured Veteran, wrapping presents, and helping organizations that provide Christmas gifts for the needy. 

►Mission 25:40 – our award winning outreach program was recognized by the Association of Christian Schools International (ASCI) as an Exemplary Program! Mission 25:40

►Salvation Army Can Food Drive – FMCS has been the number one K-8 and Private school in Lee County the last two years – 2501 in 2006; 4506 in 2007.  NEW: FMCS was once again the number one private elementary school in Lee County!

►Africa Well Project: In conjunction with Pastor Dave Richards of Kidztown, we helped raise money to build a well in Africa for those needing water – click here

►Operation Christmas Child: over the last five years, FMCS families have contributed over 1500 Christmas shoeboxes around the world thru Samaritans Purse. In June of 06, Jacob Edwards (a fifth grader at FMCS) was surprised to receive a letter from a child from India. Here is what was said in the letter:

May 2007

Good friend,

Hello, My name is Jaison from india. I am 14 years old. Thank-you very much for your lovely Christmas gifts through Samaritans Purse. Thanks for your love and sacrifice towards me. I would love to be your friend if you wish it would be for me a great joy and pride to become your friend. Please write me in detail about you.

►Weekly Chapel Offerings:

Two children sponsored thru Latin American Childcare

88.7 WAY-FM – Christian hit radio’s ministry to SW Florida (FM 88.7)

Missionaries – former FMCS employees Betty Baxter (Paraguay), Alumni Nolan Tarantino (Belgium)

As part of our commitment to the strongest academic program possible, we endeavor to utilize the best curriculum available. When possible, Christian publishers are used, but in some cases other types of curriculum are better in development and quality.  The following list gives the publishers of the texts for our classes:

Middle School Curriculum – Grades 6-8 (subject to change)
 

*Electives include yearbook, drama, computer, teacher aide, study hall, Photoshop, chorus and art.
* Each middle school student is required to have a New International Version (NIV) Bible.

More program highlights:

Curriculum Textbooks
 

Sports
Fort Myers Christian School (FMCS) offers a variety of team and individual sports for boys and girls in grades 5-8 and competes in the Suncoast Junior High League. FMCS teams have won a combined 26 league championships! For the latest practice times and games, call the sports hot-line at 939-1163.

In the fall, boys may play soccer and girls may participate in volleyball. In the winter, basketball and cheerleading are available for both boys and girls. In the spring, we offer golf, girls soccer, boys volleyball and elementary track. Sports are determined by the Suncoast Junior High League. Participation of our students is determined by academic eligibility.

Summer Sports Camps 2010
We are looking forward to a great summer and a chance for your 4th-8th grade son or daughter to improve thir skills in volleyball and basketball. REMEMBER: Those who fail to prepare, prepare to fail! Click for bochure sports camps 10

After-school Activities
Aside from sports, students have the opportunity after school to be involved in a variety of activities: aftercare, Brain Brigade science club, Paint Misbehavin art class, Knights of Light Chess Club, and the new Creative Arts Academy at First Assembly.

National Junior Honor Society (NJHS)
The Ezra Chapter at Fort Myers Christian School began in 1985 with Ezra 7:10 being the keystone verse: “for Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the Lord and to do it…”. Chapter officers are elected at the beginning of each school year. All members are expected to uphold high standards of scholarship, service, leadership, character, and citizenship. In 2009, new inductees included: 8th graders: Brett Billman, Holly Branthoover, Taylor Derums, David Faux, Carlye Fulton, Karina Rivera, Megan Morrow, Robert Rose, Brooke Schafe, Anna Rosenblatt, Sarah Mathis, Austin Johnson, Julie Wagner and Tucker Zahorian. The NJHS sponsor is middle school language arts teacher, Mrs. Jennifer Crouch. 2009-2010 NJHS Officers – President: Carlye Fulton,Vice-President: Brooke Schafe, Treasurer: Megan Morrow, Secretary: Robin Mitchell, and sponsor: Mrs. Jennifer Crouch.

Students in NJHS are also involved every Wednesday in Leadership Academy. They get the opportunity to be involved in leadership opportunities and listen and learn from area leaders.

Prerequisite conditions for selection to the National Junior Honor Society:
1) According to the NJHS constitution, only those students who have attended the school the equivalent of one semester may be considered for membership.
2) Membership is open to qualified second semester seventh graders and students in eighth grade.
3) The scholarship requirement set by the National Council is based on a student’s cumulative grade point average (3.50 or higher) and is assessed on a semester basis.
4) The leadership requirement includes roles both in school and in the community, provided they can be verified.
5) The service requirement includes contributions made to the school, classmates, and community as well as the student’s attitude toward service.
6) Students who demonstrate citizenship understand the importance of civic involvement, have a high regard for freedom, justice and democracy, and participate in organizations committed to the betterment of society.
7) Students who exemplify good character demonstrate respect, responsibility, trustworthiness, fairness, caring, and citizenship.
8) Discipline and dismissal: Continuing membership in the chapter is based on students maintaining the standard under which they were admitted as members; therefore, quarter grades will be evaluated and considered as part of the chapter adviser’s review of the standing of members. Attendance at regular meetings and chapter activities will also be monitored. When a member falls below the standards by which the member was selected, the adviser informs the member in writing of the nature of the violation, a time period for improvement is given, and consequences of non-improvement are outlined. In the case of flagrant violation of school rules or civil law, a warning is not required for dismissal, but a Faculty Council hearing will be held. The chapter will notify the member of the action being contemplated, the reason for the action, and the date and time of the hearing. The opportunity for the member to respond either in writing or orally will be provided.

The National Elementary Honor Society
The NEHS was established in 2008 by the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) in cooperation with the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) to recognize elementary students in both public and non-public elementary schools for their outstanding academic achievement and demonstrated personal responsibility, to provide meaningful service to the school and community, and to develop essential leadership skills in the students of elementary schools.

Fort Myers Christian School applied for their charter and was granted acceptance in 2008 for the Josiah Chapter of the NEHS. The chapter is names after King Josiah first mentioned in 2 Kings 22: 1-2: Josiah was eight years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem thirty-one years. His mother’s name was Jedidah daughter of Adaiah; she was from Bozkath. He did what was right in the eyes of the LORD and walked in all the ways of his father David, not turning aside to the right or to the left. Even though he was young, he successfully lived a life that was right in the God’s eyes, was an example for others and a Godly leader. The purpose of this chapter shall be to recognize students for their outstanding academic achievement, spiritual growth and leadership, and demonstrated personal responsibility. Members will endeavor to provide meaningful service to the school and community, live a Christ-like example, and develop essential leadership skills within the students of Ft. Myers Christian School.

This chapter is one of the first to be granted here in Southwest Florida to a Christian school.This year’s first NEHS inductees were: 4th graders: Kelsi Bevington, Brennen Cole, Blair Colbert, Olivia Cook, Tyler Goguen, Jenna Iten, Jennifer Lavorgna, Austin O’Grosky, Sarah Swiersz, Michael Walch, Androse Watson, Parker Wunderlich; 5th graders: Elijah Benzon, Caroline Chester, Joshua Harriott, Joshua Harvey, Victoria Weller, Tyler Williams; 6th graders: Mallory Dillon, Celine Gulbronson, Zachary Liebetreu, Taylor Lowry, Robin Mitchell, Haley Morig and Amy Romstadt. The chapter sponsor is fifth grade teacher, Mrs. Robin Couch.

Click here for the NEHS Bylaws.

Each year, financial aid is available to help families meet the costs of tuition for their children. Applicants should request a Financial Assistance Packet.

NEW: The David Benton Scholarship Program has now been established at FMCS. The 1987 FMCS yearbook was dedicated to the memory of David M. Benton. David passed away during the summer before his junior year in high school. This is an excerpt from that yearbook: “He was a treasured gift to us and our school. He was a member of the National Honor Society, starter for the varsity basketball team, had a love for baseball, and scored very high in his academics. But of the many things for which he is remembered, his love for Jesus is the one thing he would want us to look back on the most. David was a very special person with an overwhelming love for God – and it showed! He will always be a precious memory in our hearts and will constantly be thought of for who he was – ‘a priceless child of God’. David was a student who tried to set a positive example in his life spiritually, academically and athletically – this is the type of student we are looking for at FMCS! (see the video, click here: The David Benton Scholarship Program at Ft. Myers Christian School)

Because assistance is based on need, we utilize the Family Financial Needs Assessment company to help with evaluation. There is a non-refundable fee required for this service. FFNA assists Christian schools with their tuition aid programs providing third party objectivity, confidentiality, proven methodology, and a responsive economical process. FFNA serves Christian families by encouraging Christian schools to provide Christian education for families that may not be able to afford it. FFNA will furnish confidential family financial need assessment. Website: http://www.ffna1.com

NOTE: Families seeking Financial Assistance cannot sign their Financial Agreement until their Financial Aid has been fully processed.

For further information, and the steps to follow to receive assistance, click here to print out the David Benton Scholarship Brochure.

For those of you new to our school and coming from the public school system, we encourage you to look into these two opportunities:

Florida Pride: Florida P.R.I.D.E. serves 23 counties including west and south Florida. The scholarships offer an educational opportunity to low-income families by providing children with educational scholarships so they can attend a private or public school of their choice. Under this program, disadvantaged students receive scholarships of up to $3950 to attend an eligible private school that best fits their educational needs. Scholarships are awarded to students who successfully complete the application process documenting eligibility. Go to: www.floridapride.org.

McKay Scholarships: The McKay Scholarship for Students with Disabilities expands statewide the school choice program originally created in 1999 as a pilot program. The scholarships are available for eligible students with disabilities to attend an eligible public or private school of their choice. For more information on eligibility go to: www.floridaschoolchoice.org