Teachers & Staff

My name is Dana Clark, and I work alongside Del Dykstra as a co-administrator. I also provide academic support for grades 5-12. I taught math in junior high for a number of years before switching to academic support after earning my Master’s degree in school counseling from WSU. I moved here from Pennsylvania, where my family still resides, and have grown to love Washington.  I love hanging out with and teaching kids. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with friends, playing piano, playing games, and reading.  

I grew up in Zillah, Washington. I went to Sunnyside Christian and had a great experience.  The teachers were always caring and made learning fun.  Now that I am teaching here, I love being able to share the love of Christ that was shown to me when I went to school here. I like seeing the kids grow throughout the year and seeing the improvements they make on things that were harder for them at the beginning of the year.  I love being able  to encourage kids and watch them learn and interact with each other.

When I am not teaching I love to work outside with flowers. Picking and arranging flowers is my favorite thing to do. I love to read a good book, watch movies, and take walks.  I also love to go to Michigan to visit my extended family.

My favorite Bible verse is Psalm 91:4. “He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.”

This (2023-2024) is my 37th year of teaching 3rd grade at SCS!! For many years now, my class list has included at least one child of a former student! This year I have 8! What a blessing to see the heritage of Christian education being passed along through the generations. God continues to be faithful! 

I love teaching and learning from 8- and 9-year-olds! Their curiosity, knowledge, and understanding are growing by leaps and bounds. I continue to be blessed and challenged each day in the process of learning together about God and His world, and making connections about our opportunities and responsibilities as God’s people. 

My students have told me that I have “lots of favorites.” (It’s hard to narrow them down to just a few!) I love opportunities to play the piano, whether it be at church to help lead worship or at home by myself. The Pacific Coast is one of my favorite destinations to marvel at God’s creation and to relax and get refreshed. Books are certainly towards the top of my favorites list! I have lots of books at home and in my classroom, and sharing a good book with the students during story time is one of my favorite parts of the day! After a busy week, I love to unwind with a crafting project, a card or board game, or a favorite crime drama. 

I am grateful for Sunnyside Christian School and the people and experiences that have been a part of the past 36 years! And, I am looking forward to seeing what Year 37 has in store. It is a privilege and a blessing to be a part of the SCS family!

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”                Philippians 4:4-8

• Third Grade Classroom Links