Remembering Our Mission
Principal’s Message:
Hello ECA families,
So many times the most important things often get lost in the details. As parents, we’ve all experienced that moment when we share our thoughts in what we feel are clear words, but then are met with blank looks.
When asked about the most important commandment, Jesus responded, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.” Matthew 22:36-40.
Those words are at the heart of our mission statement as we seek ways to help students and families love God, value learning, and serve others.
MAP Testing This Week
This week, students in grades K-8 will be completing the second of our school’s three-part standardized testing program. Students will be taking three tests: Reading, Language Expression, and Math. You can help your child do their best by helping them get plenty of rest, start the day with a good breakfast, and reminding them to do their best.
Teachers will be testing from about 9:00 - 11:00 each morning. Homework will be minimized this week so students are able to focus on that second part of our mission statement: value learning.
Winter Fundraiser Continues
Two weeks ago, your child brought home a packet with information about our winter fundraiser with territorialseed.com. This fundraiser will continue for the next three weeks. Seed packets that sell for $3-$4 can help us in a big way. We receive 45% of all purchases. If you have garden beds, flower beds, or have families or friends who routinely buy seeds for the upcoming spring, this is a great way to support our school.
Raised funds will go towards our Worthy Student Fund. If you would like to be a part of this mission, any checks for seed packets need to be made out to Emerald Christian Academy. The school will order the seeds and they will be delivered during the last week of February. To receive this financial aid, we can only order seeds from the school order form. You can find the available seed packets by following the following link: Seed Packets Order Form
Wearing Masks at ECA Indoors
Last week, ECA had challenges as Covid and sickness to staff and students became an issue. As school gets under way again, please help us stay open by supporting our teachers as we remind everyone that masks need to be worn over mouths and noses while indoors. Continued staffing challenges this week will impact office hours and availability. Thank you for your patience and understanding.
LINK Planning for Covid-19 Scenarios in Schools
CLICK FOR TEST TO STAY PROTOCOLS
Oregon K-12 Student Screening Testing Program FAQ
Do You Know a Family Who Could Be Needing Support for Covid During This Time?
The Eugene 7th Day Adventist Church has created care packages for families who are needing some Covid care.
Are you in need of a “great reset” during these challenging times?
The Pleasant Hill SDA Church will be hosting a series of meetings beginning this Friday evening.
Do You Need a New, Local Artist-Created Mask? Are the generic masks not fitting well?
If your child has been having a difficult time wearing masks, the school has masks that have nose pieces sewn into them. They are the masks that were donated earlier in the year. We still have some masks left. If you are wishing 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.
Important Events Happening This Month
ASB SKI TRIP
ASB is planning a skiing/snowboarding outing to Hoodoo Ski Resort in two weeks on February 11. We are finalizing details and will have packets available by the end of the week. Lift ticket $25 / Rentals $30 per person. This activity will be reserved for students and their families in grades 5-8. We are looking into swimming lessons for students in grades K-4 for later in Spring. With Covid and staffing shortages, Willamalane has not finalized dates and availability for school groups. We will keep working on it and share information as soon as we know more.
BLOOD DRIVE
Our Kindergarten class is sponsoring a blood drive later in February. As we get a date approved, we will be sharing this information with school families, churches, and the Pleasant Hill community. Red Cross is hoping for 100 donors! If you have ever given blood or considered sharing the gift of life with others, this is a great way to practice our mission statement of serving others in February.
Report Cards for the 2nd Quarter
ECA does not have formal P/T conferences for the second quarter. Teachers will be passing out report cards in sealed envelopes when you drop off or pick up your child later this week. If you would like your report card mailed, please call the office to make those arrangements.
After-School Schedules for this Week
This week:
Monday - Photography
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
Monday - Thursday, Jan. 31-Feb. 3, Winter MAP Testing
Friday, February 4 - The Great Reset Series begins at the Pleasant Hill SDA Church
Friday, February 11 - ASB Ski Day for grades 5-8. 1/2 Day Friday for K-4