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--Psalm
42: 1
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One autumn morning in 1997, a group of moms gathered at the home of
Jane Adams in Durham, North Carolina to consider whether or not local
homeschooling families felt a need for supplemental classes for their
children. Some of these women were seasoned homeschoolers with a clear
vision of what they would find helpful. Others were more tentative,
newer to this educational venue and speculating on what would enable
them to homeschool with confidence. All agreed that a learning center
for young students would be a welcome addition to classes already
available to homeschoolers in the Triangle area.
The group met again a few weeks later to think more specifically
about curriculum. By morning's end, all were excited about a science-based,
unit studies approach that would offer young students a rich sampling
of science topics within the context of Christian faith. The interdisciplinary
format would include read-aloud literature, music, poetry, Scripture,
and picture studies relating to the science topics at hand. Classes
would be as hands-on and engaging as possible to whet an appetite
for lifelong learning. Before leaving, six moms agreed to participate
on a steering committee to explore the possibility of forming a
learning center to offer such classes to homeschooled students.
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Jane Adams, Tita Arky, Nikki Bojanski, Debbie Cusick, Kim Echstenkamper,
and Cameryn Smith met faithfully around Jane's dining room table to
pray for direction and to address the logistics that might bring Deerstream
Learning Center into existence. Tita secured Grace Church as a likely
meeting place, and by spring of '98, only two things remained to make
Deerstream a viable educational entity-the formation of a corporation
and nonprofit status. A big decision loomed. Would any of the steering
committee members be able to continue on as members of a board to
oversee this process, hire teachers, put curricula in place, and enroll
students? The time commitment would be huge; these busy moms had already
given numerous hours. Jane and Nikki agreed to be the nucleus of a
Board of Trustees and so the decision was made to press on.
With many thanks to the former steering committee members, the
two trustees along with a kind and knowledgeable attorney whizzed
through the process of incorporation. Applying for nonprofit status
was considerably more daunting. With pages and pages to read carefully
and fill out, Jane and Nikki were joined after some time by Tom
Bojanski who took pity and knew better how to navigate the IRS forms.
Encouraged by the example of Nikki's husband, Rick Adams decided
that he, too, would offer his support and so the trustees of Deerstream
Learning Center became four strong. With the added help of Debbie
Cusick, plans went forward as teachers were hired and curriculum
specifics hammered out. It was an exciting time of diligent prayer
and delight in God's leading.
Sure enough, Grace Church in Chapel Hill opened its doors to Deerstream
students in September, 1998. Fourteen kindergarteners and first
graders were taught by two pioneering teachers, one of whom, Mrs.
Lilianne Smith, has been with Deerstream from the begining. Friendships
were formed and life enlarged as students and educators came together
twice weekly to learn and marvel at the workings of God's world.
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The following September, 1999, Deerstream expanded to offer English
and science classes to seventh and eighth grade homeschoolers whose
parents welcomed the help in teaching writing and offering labs. The
trustees hoped to make classes available also for third, fourth, fifth
and sixth graders over the coming years as space and resources allowed.
Gradually, once-a-week science classes were added to the elementary
division, and, with a move to the more numerous classrooms of the
Chapel Hill Bible Church, a second day of humanities study was offered
for all Deerstream elementary students. |
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In the early years, while still at Grace Church, the learning center
continued to be directed by the volunteer efforts of trustees. A milestone
occurred in January of 2001 with the hiring of Deerstream's first
Executive Director. Mrs. Amy Chauncey ably and inspiringly oversaw
the growth of the organization along with the move to the Chapel Hill
Bible Church. At times teacher as well as director, she continues
to oversee the smooth running of the organization
while offering support to Deerstream teachers, students and families.
Deerstream is still governed by a Board of Trustees whose members
fellowship at various churches. Numerous individuals over the years
have generously donated their time and talents as board members of
Deerstream. Jane Adams, a current trustee was part of the original steering committee. |
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Currently Deerstream Learning Center employs fifteen teachers and
serves over one hundred students, K-8, from Durham, Orange, Alamance, Granville, Wake and Chatham
counties.
It is a delight to revisit the history of Deerstream, now twelve
years old-a lovely testimony to God's faithfulness and provision
in bringing about this learning center to aid the efforts of homeschooling
parents.
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