Van Dam started teaching at the school after he graduated from Dordt College in 2004.

Sioux Center Christian School was founded in 1905. According to the school's website, the school has 509 students in grades K-8 for the 2017-18 school year.

In a statement, the school said it removed Van Dam from the school immediately after hearing the initial complaint and terminated him on Oct. 19. The case, the school said, is now "in the hands of our criminal justice system and we trust that justice will be served.

"Though the number of charges do not necessarily reflect the number of students, we are grieved again as we hear the extent of the charges," the school said in the statement. "We’ve wept, now it’s time to weep again. We’ve prayed, now we need to continue praying. We’ve brought our anger and fears to the Lord, and now we need to lay those feelings again at His feet."

The school also encouraged students and their parents to contact authorities if they have more information regarding Van Dam.

"If this news especially hurts because you have suffered or are suffering abuse, we encourage you to bring it out of the realm of secrecy, so that it loses its powerful grip on you. We encourage you to talk to a professional Christian counselor," the statement said.

The school said it is providing "daily support and guidance to students as needed through their teachers and professional counselors." A group session for parents with All Things New Therapy Services was scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at the school. Another session for parents and 5-8 grade students is scheduled for Nov. 15.

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