Reno Gazette-Journal from Reno, Nevada • Page 47

LEARNING CURVE TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2007 RENO EDUCATION Christian school opens another campus on Oddie Boulevard EXCEL CHRISTIAN SCHOOL ADDRESS: 2285 Oddie Blvd. PHONE: 356-9995 ON THE WEB: www.excelchristian school.com. AxLr fss Am i I- vSSv if Til IIIIMMIIlillllllljllliinil.llllll' BY TRACY S. JACOBS SPECIAL TO SPARKS TODAY Excel Christian School, founded by Bonnie Krupa, opened in 2003 with just a few students. On December 22, 2006, the K-12 school split into two campuses and now has a site at 2285 Oddie Blvd.

for middle and high school students. "We needed more room to grow," said Lisa Cross, an Excel teacher. "We were pretty much maxed out where we were before." The student body at the middle and high school numbers 75, but now can expand to 160. Cross said it won't take long for those available spots to fill up. "People that come here want to have God involved in their children's education," she said.

"They want their children to be able to shine in a smaller environment and they want get in trouble, but they are under less pressure than their public school counterparts so problems occur less often, Cross said. "We address troubles and help (students) get redirected," she said. Chapel services, along with classes that focus on Christian values, also are a big part of the curriculum at the school and one of the reasons the school is growing, "God's truths," Cross said. "We give them the truths here of what the Bible says and what God says." And the school's move to its new Oddie location, which has a 560-seat auditorium, means another addition to the curriculum and another reason for parents to consider Excel, she said. "We're hoping to have a fine arts department," Cross said.

"That's something we're really, actively pursuing." everything here except for a football team," said Kelle Sharp, a junior at Excel. "I'm involved in that and 1 enjoy it a lot." Sharp attended public schools in the past and said her experience at Excel has been much better. "It's a lot more friendly we're like on big family," Sharp said. "In a bigger school or class (teachers) can't really focus on your problems. The teachers here focus more on you so you achieve more and a do a lot better.

1 love it." Kids at Excel occasionally ANDY BARRONRENO GAZETTE-JOURNAL Excel Christian School students in Ashley Fettings' math class work quietly on their studies. The school recently moved into its second campus on Oddie Boulevard. The school's curriculum includes chapel services. their children to excel in athletics." The school offers an athletic program that includes basketball, volleyball, track and field, cross country, a skiing and snowboarding program and cheerleading. "We have just about iM 1.UI if i A IS i er 4V PERM -issfmi i i Barbara Kraritch, Manager CONTINUING EDUCATION CLASSES To sign up for a class or for more information, call the community education department at 353-5730 or visit them online at washoe.kl 2.nv.uscommunityed index.php.

Spanish Language and Culture for Families Advanced Parents, you and your children in first through eighth grades can take this Spanish language and culture class together and then practice what you've learned at home. We'll hold two classes simultaneously in two separate classrooms at Wooster High School. One class is an introductory Spanish class for parents and children and the other is an advanced class for those who know Spanish and want to practice and learn more vocabulary and conversational skills. This is a unique opportunity to participate in a fun learning experience with your child. Age appropriate materials will be provided.

Instructor: Northern Nevada International Center. Special instructions: Register for the advanced class only if your family has experience with Spanish. If you are unsure, please call 784-751 5 for evaluation. Fee: $180 Special instructions: The $180 registration fee covers one parent and one child. For registration of an additional child, please call 353-5780.

When: 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays Feb. 13 to April 1 9 (no class March 1 3 and 1 5, 20 and 22) Where: Wooster High School, 1331 E. Plumb Lane Empower Me! This class is all about you. It is time to explore the buried treasures you have within.

Discover your passions, your values and what you brings you true fulfillment. You will have the opportunity to create a life mapping collage to give you insight to live life the way you want to. This class is designed to give new perspective and powerful information to enhance relationships, decision-making skills and any changes you are facing. Instructor: Erin Zundel, Life Coach Fee: $69 Requirements: Adults 1 8 years and older When: 6:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesdays Feb.

21 to March 7 Location: Damonte Ranch High School, 10500 Rio Wrangler Parkway, Reno. From 395 South take the Damonte Ranch Parkway exit. Turn east onto Damonte Ranch Parkway. Turn left onto Steamboat Parkway. Turn right onto Rio Wrangler Parkway.

Our building's new, but we're experienced local bankers ready to serve you better. In fact, El Dorado Savings Bank has been providing personal, friendly and efficient service to our Nevada customers since 1992. Now, we're pleased to serve you in our new Sparks branch. Come in and experience El Dorado Savings Bank's friendly customer service AND see why we've been voted "The Best Bank" in many of the communities we serve. SIMPLY FREE Checking FREE Senior Checking with Interest FREE Direct Payroll Deposit Checking FREE VISA Check Card FREE Internet Banking with Check Images FREE Online Bill Payment FREE Telephone Banking Interest Checking Business Checking Investors Money Market Checking Purchase Refinance Loans Home Construction Loans Owner-Builder Loans Fixed Adjustable Home Equity Line of Credit Loans Friendly, Personal Service at No Extra Charge 33 ATMs at El Dorado Branches Consistently Awarded the Highest 5 Star Rating by Bauer Financial Reports as One of the Safest and Strongest Banks in the U.S.

Since 1993 Erka Conzales-Sencion A i ll Kim McCoy in El Dorado Savings Bank 5235 Vista Blvd I Introductory 3 Month CD II ft' i dll ftfeWiii i llliV Marvin Dunn North Ife 530 Annual Percentage Yield $10,000 Minimum Deposit. APY effective as of date of publication; subject to change. Penalty for early withdrawal. This APY available at Sparks branch only. Serving our local communities since 1957 jenny Clark Nominate your school's standout students, teachers mm mm 5235 Vista Blvd, Sparks, NV 626-9600 www.eldoradosavings.com Se habla espanol Know of a standout student, teacher or volunteer at your school who shines all the time? Send us your choice for a regular feature appearing in Sparks Today issues.

E-mail nominations to Alison Bath, abathrgj.com, call 788-6335 or send them to Sparks Today co Reno Gazette-Journal, P.O. Box 22000, Reno, NV 89502. Member FDIC tr LENDER.