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Meet our Principals- Kimberly Baumbach, Paradise Elementary
Meet our Principals- Kimberly Baumbach, Paradise Elementary 3870 2012 Ken Miller

Sometimes the Best Lessons Don’t Go According to Plan

Kimberly Baumbach had everything ready.

A bottle with vinegar. A balloon filled with baking soda. A classroom of students eager to see a simple science experiment demonstrate how carbon dioxide can inflate a balloon.

She carefully stretched the balloon over the bottle and waited for the reaction.

Instead of slowly filling with air, the balloon suddenly ripped wide open.
In an instant, baking soda and vinegar sprayed across the classroom.

For one silent moment, everyone simply stared.

Then the room erupted in laughter.

“It was definitely not the science experiment I had planned,” Kimberly recalled. “But it became one of those moments none of us ever forgot.”
After cleaning up the mess, the class tried the experiment again. This time, everything worked exactly as the textbook promised. Ironically, it was the successful demonstration that students barely remembered. The unexpected one became the lesson they talked about long afterward.
For Kimberly, that’s one of the beautiful realities of education. Some of the most meaningful learning happens in the moments you could never have planned.

Now, as Teaching Principal at Paradise Adventist Elementary, Kimberly brings that same perspective into every school day.
With 26 years in education, she still lights up when students discover something new for themselves. She believes learning should spark curiosity, encourage creativity, and help children see the gifts God has placed within them. “One of my favorite parts of teaching is watching students experience the joy of learning,” she said. “Just as important is helping them discover ways to serve others, show kindness, and reflect Jesus in their everyday lives.”

That philosophy extends well beyond academics. At Paradise Adventist Elementary, Kimberly hopes every student experiences a school where faith, kindness, respect, curiosity, and a love of learning grow together. She believes each child has been uniquely created by God with purpose and incredible potential, and every day offers a new opportunity to help students discover both.

Outside the classroom, Kimberly enjoys hiking, backpacking, reading, and spending time with her family. She and her husband, Chris, recently celebrated 26 years of marriage. Their two sons continue to make them proud—Jackson is entering his senior year of high school, while Nicolaus is beginning his senior year of college.

As a new school year begins, Kimberly is looking forward to partnering with students, families, faculty, and staff as they build a Christ-centered community where learning is joyful, relationships are meaningful, and every child is encouraged to grow academically, spiritually, and personally.

And if another science experiment decides to erupt unexpectedly? She’ll probably laugh right along with the students. After all, some of the best lessons have a way of surprising everyone.

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Meet our New Principals: Jennifer Cooper from Lodi Academy
Meet our New Principals: Jennifer Cooper from Lodi Academy 4000 2250 Ken Miller

Coming Home: A Familiar Face with a Heart for Students

Some places never really leave your heart.

For Lodi Academy’s new principal, Jennifer Cooper, this isn’t just a new job—it’s a homecoming. A Lodi Academy graduate from kindergarten through twelfth grade, she now returns to lead the school that first nurtured her love of learning and her faith.

Her journey has taken her from teaching in multi-grade elementary classrooms to special education, college courses, and eventually high school math. After nine years teaching at Lodi Academy and a season focused on family, she has come back in a new role—one she sees as part of God’s plan.

What excites her most isn’t a building or a title. It’s the students. “We have the best students,” she says. “They’re smart, talented, full of potential, and they inspire me every day.” She believes school should spark curiosity, build confidence, and help every child discover the gifts God has placed within them. Academic excellence matters, but so do character, leadership, friendships, and a growing relationship with Jesus.

As the mother of five, she understands what parents hope for when they send their children to school. She wants every family to know that Lodi Academy is a place where students are known, encouraged, challenged, and loved.
One of her greatest joys is hearing from former students years later seeing them thriving in their careers, families, and faith.

That’s the kind of impact she hopes every Lodi Academy student experiences.
For her, Lodi Academy has always been more than a school. It’s home. And she’s excited to welcome a new generation of families into a community where students can grow, belong, and discover the purpose God has for their lives.

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A Community’s Thank You to Two Faithful Educators
A Community’s Thank You to Two Faithful Educators 6675 4450 Ken Miller

By Abigail Francisco

Students, parents, alumni, church members, coworkers, and friends gathered at Orangevale Seventh-day Adventist School to honor two educators who have shaped generations of students: Principal and 7th/8th-grade teacher Brad Davis, after 33 years of service, and 3rd/4th-grade teacher Shelley Kramer, after 21 years.

For two teachers who faithfully invested in the lives of students for decades, a simple farewell was never going to be enough. Home and School Coordinator Amapola Francisco organized a retirement celebration on Sabbath afternoon, May 16, creating an opportunity for the school community to express its gratitude and celebrate their lasting impact.

Francisco said, “While I didn’t know exactly how every detail of the program would come together, I approached the planning with a lot of prayer, faith, and a shared desire to celebrate them well. In the end, the evening reflected the lasting impact they have had on our school community and gave us the opportunity to show them just how deeply they are appreciated and loved.”

The sanctuary was filled with families, former students, coworkers, and friends as tributes, memories, speeches, and photo presentations celebrated the influence Davis and Kramer have had on countless lives through Adventist education.

Kramer reflected on the afternoon, saying, “The retirement program was a beautiful celebration. The heartfelt tributes from students, parents, and coworkers meant more than words can express. It has been an incredible blessing and privilege to spend my career teaching in such a caring and supportive community. While retirement is bittersweet, I will always be grateful for the relationships, memories, and experiences that have made this journey so meaningful.”

One of the afternoon’s most moving tributes was a surprise reunion of the 5th-8th-grade Girls Chorus. During his many years at Orangevale, Davis directed the choir, and as the current chorus performed, alumni quietly rose from the audience and joined them on stage. A few former Boys Chorus members also participated, creating a musical thank-you that united former and current students in honor of his years of ministry through music.

Davis said, “I was overwhelmed by the kindness and tributes shared by others, especially former students. The songs the Girls Chorus sang, including so many former Girls Chorus members, really touched my heart.”

Featured in Northern Lights, July 23, 2026
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Damon Washington Installed at Grand Advent
Damon Washington Installed at Grand Advent 640 428 Ken Miller

On June 20, 2026, Grand Advent Church in Oakland welcomed Pastor Damon Washington as its new lead pastor during a special installation Sabbath surrounded by family, friends, and members from both his former congregations and his new church family.

The celebration brought together members from Pittsburg and Oakland Immanuel Temple Seventh-day Adventist Churches, where Washington and his wife, Jeanice Warden-Washington, served for four and a half years. While leaving those congregations was difficult, the Washingtons trusted that God was leading them to a new chapter of ministry. Reflecting on the transition, Washington shared, “They are the salt of the earth and the light of the world, but the Lord called us to a different part of His vineyard.”

As Washington begins this new assignment, he looks forward to partnering with the Holy Spirit and church members as they live out Grand Advent’s mission to love, worship, and serve. “I am in awe of the workings of God,” Washington said. “I was ordained at Grand Advent, and now I will serve as its lead pastor. I am honored and blessed to be chosen to lead this great congregation.”

As Grand Advent enters this new season of ministry, the congregation and its new pastor look ahead with faith, united in their commitment to share Christ’s love and see lives transformed through Jesus.

Featured in Northern Lights, July 23, 2026
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Growing Through Hands-On Learning
Growing Through Hands-On Learning 4000 2250 Ken Miller

By Lisa Thompson

At Crescent City Adventist School, hands-on learning is an important part of the classroom experience. From science lessons to caring for God’s creation, students are encouraged to learn by doing. As principal, I have the privilege of watching students discover, explore, and grow through experiences like our annual duckling project.

A few years ago, I bought a small incubator for the classroom, thinking it would be a fun project for the students. It has become something we all look forward to every year.

We begin by placing the eggs inside and then we wait. Around day 5 and again on day 11, we “candle” them—holding a bright light up to the shell so we can see what is happening inside. The students gather around to look. At first, we see tiny veins forming, and later, small movements. It never gets old watching their excitement as they realize something is growing inside.

With duck eggs, we count down 28 days to hatch day. Along the way, we talk about how the incubator provides the warmth and conditions a mother duck would naturally provide. When the first cracks appear and the ducklings begin to hatch, the classroom fills with excitement.

For about two weeks, the ducklings become part of our classroom family. Each morning, while we clean their kiddie pool, students take turns holding them. They watch how quickly the ducklings grow, how their soft down changes, and how they respond to sound—especially at feeding time. They learn that caring for something small requires patience, attention, and responsibility.

When weather allows, we take the ducklings outside. Students love finding bugs, grass, and weeds for them to eat while observing how they explore—pecking, splashing, and staying close together.

When the ducklings leave school, they usually come home with me, though one year we shared them with families in the community. Even cleanup becomes part of learning as we use the wood shavings from their pool as mulch around the fruit trees we planted last year.

By the end of the project, students have learned far more than the science of hatching a duckling. They have experienced the joy of discovery, the responsibility of caring for another living thing, and the reminder that some of the most meaningful lessons happen when we slow down and pay attention to the world around us.

Featured in Northern Lights, July 23, 2026
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Dreaming Big Dreams
Dreaming Big Dreams 4000 2250 Ken Miller

By Linnea Elias

As part of Galt Adventist School’s annual Artists and Authors event, students reflected on God’s unique design for each person and considered how their talents and strengths could be used to serve others. Through artwork and reflective essays centered on the theme of shining God’s light, they explored ways they could make a difference in the world around them.

To put these ideas into practice and expose students to real-world careers, the class embarked on a job-shadowing experience. Thanks to the support of parent volunteers and drivers, students visited either the Galt Police Department or Galt Precision Automotive. Along the way, they sought answers to questions such as:
• What are the daily responsibilities in this occupation?
• What skills are used in this job?
• What training or education is required for this position?

Students at the automotive shop enjoyed learning basic vehicle maintenance from the owner’s fiancée, practicing how to check oil levels and tire pressure. At the police station, students eagerly questioned officers about the responsibilities of detectives, community service officers, and the remarkable multitasking skills required of a 911 dispatcher.

It was a blessing to participate in this meaningful experience and to watch students begin connecting their God-given gifts with future opportunities to serve others and shine God’s light in their communities.

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Serving Generations
Serving Generations 4000 2250 Ken Miller

The 2026 Northern California Conference Advantage Awards, held in April, recognized employees whose service reflects the mission and core values of the conference. The awards celebrate individuals marked by contagious kindness, a servant’s heart, passionate hard work, and mission-focused leadership.

Among those honored were two Lifetime Achievement recipients, recognized for decades of faithful ministry and lasting influence: Teacher Susan Alexander and Pastor Dave Osborne.

Susan Alexander: Shaping generations through education

For more than five decades, Susan Alexander devoted her life to Adventist education, impacting students, families, and colleagues. Beginning her denominational service in 1968, she served as a teacher, school nurse, church secretary, and mentor.

Affectionately known as “Mrs. A,” she taught in Yreka and later at Napa Christian Campus of Education from 1998 until her retirement in 2012. Even after retiring, she returned for a year of teaching and continued volunteering at Feather River Adventist School and Napa Christian Campus of Education, tutoring students and supporting teachers.

After 53 years of service, her legacy is seen in the many lives shaped through her care, faithfulness, and commitment to Christian education.

Dave Osborne: A pastor who led with truth and joy

Pastor Dave Osborne served in ministry for more than six decades, joining the Northern California Conference in 1993 after 30 years of pastoral, teaching, and chaplaincy service. He later served as North American Division ministry director and concluded his career as pastor of the Chico church, retiring in 2020.

Known for his ability to speak truth with warmth and humor, Osborne was deeply respected for building trust while guiding congregations through both growth and challenge. His leadership helped strengthen and unify churches throughout his ministry.

A close friend reflected, “He was always positive and energetic, rooted in a deep faith in God and infectious in his love of life.”

Featured in Northern Lights, June 25, 2026
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Leslie Bartsch New Associate Superintendent of Schools
Leslie Bartsch New Associate Superintendent of Schools 3875 2012 Ken Miller

Leslie Bartsch has accepted the position of Associate Superintendent of Schools for the Northern California Conference, bringing nearly three decades of experience in Adventist education.

Originally planning a career in law, Bartsch studied history and political science at La Sierra University. During her final year of college, a placement in a second-grade classroom shifted her trajectory. That experience clarified her calling to education, and after earning her teaching credential, she began teaching in Fontana in 1998.

Guided by a belief that every child can learn—and that students develop at different paces and in different ways—Bartsch has built her career around supporting student growth and helping schools create environments where learning can take root. She joined Chico Oaks Adventist School in 2008 and became principal in 2018. The school also holds deep personal significance, with three generations of her family attending, including her sons, Wyatt and Conner.

In her new role, Bartsch plans to draw on her classroom and administrative experience to support principals and teachers across the Northern California Conference. Her focus remains on strengthening schools and continuing to serve students through strong, mission-centered leadership.

Patty Osborne, NCC Vice President of Education, shared, “Leslie is the perfect fit for our conference. She has earned trust everywhere she has served—with her school families, her colleagues, and the principals who work alongside her. I couldn’t be more excited for our schools to have her support.”

Leslie and her husband, Rob, whom she met while attending Rio Lindo Adventist Academy, have been married for 29 years. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with family and friends

Featured in Northern Lights, June, 25 2026
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Rio Lindo Adventist Academy Students Perform on a World Stage
Rio Lindo Adventist Academy Students Perform on a World Stage 4000 2250 Ken Miller

By Whitney Weems

Recently, the Rio Lindo Adventist Academy Chorale joined participating choruses, soloists, and orchestra members in New York City for the world premiere of Psalmos, a newly commissioned Christian choral work by renowned composer and conductor Mark Hayes. The performance took place in Carnegie Hall’s Stern Auditorium, where students helped give voice to a new setting of seven psalms.

For Sophomore Uila Satui, the experience began with gratitude and school pride. “Going to Carnegie Hall was an experience I will never forget,” she said. “What an honor and privilege to represent our school on one of the most famous stages in the world.”

For Junior Maddy Gibson, the meaning of the performance was tied closely to the music itself. “Performing at Carnegie Hall was such an amazing once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” she said, “but getting to perform brand-new Christian music with the actual composer there conducting us made it even more special.”

Senior Carlyle Bernales remembered the artistic impact of the moment with clarity. Although he had performed with several choirs before, he said, “nothing compares to singing at Carnegie Hall.” Walking onto the stage and seeing the orchestra and Maestro Hayes nearby was “truly indescribable.”

For the Rio Lindo Chorale, the trip became a living picture of Adventist education at work: faith shaped through discipline, gifts strengthened through practice, and young people sent into the world with purpose. They discovered that ministry is not limited to a pulpit, classroom, chapel, or mission trip. It can be formed in the ordinary labor of rehearsal and carried into unexpected places through beauty, Scripture, and song.

Featured in Northern Lights, June 25, 2026
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Pathfinders Ride 6,000 Miles in Sierra Buttes Bike-a-Thon
Pathfinders Ride 6,000 Miles in Sierra Buttes Bike-a-Thon 3883 2145 Ken Miller

May 3, against the scenic backdrop of the Sierra Buttes, Northern California Pathfinders gathered for a full day of cycling, fellowship, and fundraising during this year’s conference bike-a-thon.

A total of 411 riders participated, collectively logging more than 6,000 miles in support of local Pathfinder clubs and youth ministries throughout the conference.

Riders of every skill level took part throughout the day, with some casually pedaling with friends while others challenged themselves to ride as many miles as possible. The day extended well beyond the riders themselves. More than 200 parents, leaders, volunteers, and club cooks filled the area with activity and support. A variety of food booths kept participants energized throughout the day, with favorites such as corn dogs, cotton candy, pupusas, and potato tacos.

Funds raised through the bike-a-thon help Pathfinder clubs continue programs that support spiritual growth, leadership development, outdoor education, and community service for young people across Northern California.

Eddie Heinrich, NCC Youth Ministries and Pathfinder Director, reflected on the success of the event, saying, “The weather cooperated and our Pathfinders, once again, showed they are unstoppable when they commit to a goal. I’m very proud of them.”

Featured in Northern Lights, May 21, 2026
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