Oskaloosa School for Christian Instruction To Honor Ruth De Bruin

Oskaloosa Christian School

On Friday, May 15, 2015, during the 7:00 p.m. eighth grade graduation, The Oskaloosa School for Christian Instruction (OSCI) will honor Kindergarten Teacher Ruth De Bruin for her 25 years of service to the school.

During the annual graduation ceremony, Years of Service awards are given to staff members at major anniversary years. In particular, Ruth De Bruin has distinguished herself as an outstanding educator during her tenure at OSCI.

Several staff members took time to offer their impressions of Mrs. De Bruin as a friend, colleague, educator, and leader in the Christian community.

Junior High Bible Instructor Royce Spoelstra said, “Ruth has a passion for teaching children and engaging them in God’s world. It has always been a joy to see Ruth in action, working to build the Kingdom of God.”

Tracy Klucas, the school’s Third Grade Teacher, stated, “There is no question that Ruth has the ability to challenge students academically, but, more importantly, she is able to help students connect what they know in their minds to experiencing the truth of God’s word in their hearts.”

Instrumental Music Director Angie Dawson was succinct: “One of the most caring ladies I have ever met.”

Former First Grade Teacher and Incoming Upper Grade Associate Leah Stam: “Ruth has been one of the most inspirational women in my life. She mentored me when I dropped into first grade from teaching eighth. It was in large part because of her promise to mentor and encourage me that I agreed to take the first grade position. (I was terrified! I had been teaching middle schoolers! She insisted that I would be able to teach first!) Not only that, but Ruth’s real-world, real-life, rural Iowa experiences joined us quickly as friends. Over the past seven or eight years, she has been co-worker, dear friend, and adopted mom to me. It was/is a joy to work with her, as we were always bouncing ideas off each other and trying to work together to come up with new ideas both in and out of the classroom. Ruth’s passion for and roots in true Christian education is something I will always respect and appreciate, and I can only hope that she will be able to share that passion with at least one of my children before she retires! All Christian school teachers should have her passion for discipling and serving our covenant children. I am tickled that this dear friend and co-worker is being honored—it is well deserved!!”

Mike Van Arkel, a parent and Board member said, “I knew the moment that when [Mrs. De Bruin] came to my house during the home visit with Mr. T. [a former principal] and the way [she] interacted with my daughter – I knew without a doubt this is what my daughter needed.”

Guidance Counselor Sheryl Hanthorn offered, “Ruth De Bruin is a dedicated and passionate Christian Educator. She is truly a teacher who cares about growing the whole child – Head, Heart, and Hands. How do we help each individual learn to the best of his or her ability? How do we help children grown in their relationship with God and others? How do we help children to live graciously, in actions and words, the knowledge that is growing in their heads and their hearts? Ruth De Bruin matches the curiosity of young children with inspiring and hands-on experiences that help kids fall in love with school and learning.”

Aimee Higgins, one of the Teacher Associates who serves alongside Mrs. De Bruin in the kindergarten classroom, stated, “Ruth has a sincere servant’s heart. She’s always looking for the good in others. And she never misses a teaching moment! Her passion to teach and train up children is beyond comparison! She is a blessing and joy to work with!”

Dr. Bob Stouffer, Interim Principal: “I started interacting with Ruth De Bruin well before I was hired as the Principal. She was on the search committee for my position. Understandably so. She is one of the go-to people in the Oskaloosa Christian community. She is well-known and well-respected by all. She has taught current OSCI parents AND their children. She has taught nearly every grade level. She has taught in the classroom, and she has taught music. She is an accomplished musician herself. In the dictionary, by the phrase, ‘life-long learner,’ is a photograph of Ruth De Bruin! She is CONSTANTLY striving to improve her teaching and programming for the benefit of students and families. Most importantly, Mrs. De Bruin is a very godly woman who hungers and thirst for change which will transform her into the likeness of Jesus Christ. I consider it a real privilege and joy to serve with Ruth during my 2 years as Interim Principal.”

The graduation ceremony will also honor the 50-year anniversary of the OSCI Class of 1965.