The Reason for the Season
Principal’s Message:
Hello ECA families,
Amongst the twinkling Christmas lights , Christmas carols, and hopeful wish lists, it’s nice to step back and remember the reason for the season.
It is a joy to see the children in our school growing up with a heart for Jesus. One of the steps along that journey is the “but why” stage. I’m sure all of you remember hearing your child say those words after the second or third explanation. I’m so glad we have a chance to share with your family the joy of the reason for the season. “But why” isn’t needed. The miracle of Jesus’ birth and the gift that was given to us all will be something we ponder for all of eternity.
Thank You Families for Your Incredible Generosity!
Last Friday, ECA students went to Target and purchased presents for all of the children at Jasper Mountain Care Center. I had a couple of parents and employees at Target ask me about our school and what we were doing. It is only through your generosity that our school and your children could be a blessing to the community. Thank you again!
Christmas Program this Wednesday!
Our annual Christmas program will be this Wednesday. Thank you to the many families who have already called our office and reserved seating for your family groups. If you still have not done that, please call tomorrow between the hours of 11:30 and 4:00. It is important to have family groups (with close chairs) spaced out. Please remember that your child will be sitting with you during the program.
Here are some questions you might have:
When should I arrive? Plan on arriving between 6:30 and 6:45. Our hope is that we can start our program right at 7:00. Getting there a little early allows for bathrooms and allowing for parking and seating in arranged groups.
What does my child need to wear? Students in grades K-4 need to wear church attire with Christmas colors if possible. 5-8 need to wear black & white with Christmas colors that accessorize the basic outfit.
How long will the program last? Our program should last a little over an hour. It is important that children stay for the whole program.
What about taking photos and video? We will try to arrange groups so parents can get up to take photos and record any videos. Please be considerate of other groups and remember spacing if possible.
Are there any Covid rules we need to remember? Masks are required while indoors for everyone ages 5 and older.. Even students who are performing / singing will need to wear masks.
Will my child be sitting with us at all times during the program? For the most part yes. We will have very little “staging areas” so students will need to be in family groups when they are not performing.
What about parking? There is limited parking at the school. There is overflow parking at the Pleasant Hill SDA Church right next to the school.
Other Happenings This Week
This week is our last week before Christmas vacation. We plan on practicing for our Christmas program on Tuesday and Wednesday from 9-11 each morning. On Thursday, classrooms are planning homeroom Christmas parties for part of the day.
What about after school this week?
We will be having our after-school program all this week. On Thursday, our outdoor project will be making Christmas wreaths. Mrs. Thorp has supplies to make about 20 wreaths. She would love to send home Christmas wreaths with many families. Remember, there is only a $5 per family charge for those who have not signed up for the month. If you would like to sign up, please call the office between 11:30 and 4:00.
Do You Need a New, Local Artist-Created Mask?
We still have some masks left. If you are wishiing to replenish any masks, Claire Hart, a member of our Pleasant Hill SDA Church has worked with a local artist to create high quality masks. She has donated all supplies and the artist has donated her beautiful craftsmanship and talents to benefit your family if you are looking for new masks. She has asked that masks are sold at $8 per mask and ALL proceeds go to ECA’s worthy student tuition fund. Take a look at the attached pdf for a better glimpse of the masks.
Are You Still Needing a Christmas Tree at Home?
Jeff and Bobbie Hendrickson, owners of the Hendrickson’s Christmas Tree Farm in Cottage Grove have been helping our 8th grade class with fundraising for their class trip in May. Eighth grade students have been working at their farm on Sundays since Thanksgiving. Through their generosity, the 8th grade class has raised over $2000 dollars. Thank you again to the Hendrickson family. If you are still needing a tree, they have a variety of trees (flocked trees too) and Christmas decorations.
What About Cold Symptoms? Does My Child Need to Stay Home? Is it Covid?
There are some new changes to quarantine guidelines that are a little more relaxed. Oregon is putting those new guidelines into updated resources. When those updates are complete, I will share links. Our school follows guidelines posted and updated by the Oregon Health Authority. By following the link below, you can find more information that the school uses. Pay special attention to pages 4,5 and 7,8.
Cold vs. Covid - What are the Symptoms?
Staying Covid Safe
With classes and children back in session, it is important for us all to do our part to keep our campus clean and safe. Despite our best practices, students still may be exposed to the Covid virus in the community. Our school has access to the Oregon K-12 Screening Testing Program. This program provides screening to students. Click on the link below to find out more about how ECA can help your family if you find yourself in this situation.
Oregon K-12 Student Screening Testing Program FAQ
Our school can also provide diagnostic testing. Here is the link for more information.
After-School Schedules for this Week
Thank you for calling the school the previous week to let the office know which days your child will be attending after-school. If you have not already called to let us know about this week, please call the office after 11:30 so teachers can plan.
This week:
Monday - Photography / Yearbook
Tuesday - Lego Robotics
Wednesday - Library Day
Thursday - Outdoor Learning.
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I hope this new week is filled with daily reminders of God’s blessings.
Announcements & Upcoming Events
Tuesday - Christmas program practice 9-11:00.
Wednesday - Christmas program practice 9-11:00. Evening program starts at 7:00.
Thursday - last day of school before Christmas vacation.
Monday, January 3, 2022 - classed resume.