An Extra Blessing
At ECA, our vision is that school families Love God, Value Learning, and Serve Others.
November 6, 2022
Hello ECA families,
Like many of you, I woke up this morning pleasantly surprised to have an extra hour in my day. There aren’t too many times we get “extra” added at no charge. One of my favorite instances was about five years ago. Needing a little extra cash, I stopped by the ATM machine at my bank. After pushing in an $80 withdrawal, I reached down to take the cash as it came out. Upon closer examination, I counted five $20 bills. Slightly confused, I checked my receipt and it clearly stated $80 withdrawal. I recounted my bills and there was clearly $100.
When I went into the bank to explain what had happened, they too were equally confused. They didn’t know what to do with the extra $20. The cashier talked with a manager and I’m guessing someone came to look at the ATM machine. It feels good to get extra things.
This past Monday I had another surprise when I came to school. In front of the library was an outdoor umbrella open with a note inside explaining that parents had gotten together to purchase this for me during the rainy season that we are now just starting. I just want to thank all of you for that thoughtful deed. As teachers, we are blessed by the “extra” ways our ECA school families enrich our school. I wish you all a week filled with many “extra” blessings.
“The Lord bless thee, and keep thee:The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee:The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace. - Numbers 6:24-26
Makeup Parent/Teacher Conferences
Hello parents, it was so nice to meet with many of your last week for P/T conferences. If you were unable to make the conference last week, please reach out to your homeroom teacher to arrange a conference time. You can reach homeroom teachers using their email links in the staff page on the school website.
No Hot Lunch Tomorrow, Monday, November 7.
As the 8th grade class clears up the schedule for Monday hot lunches, we will share that information with you.
Plan Now to Attend our Annual ECA Thanksgiving Potluck Meal
On November 18 ECA will be having their monthly 1/2 Day Friday. In November, this will be happening on the third Friday since November 11 is Veterans’ Day. On the 18th, we open our school up to school families, church members, and our school community. More details will be going home later, but plan on joining us for a school community gathering in November.
After-School Tutor Position and Music Position Availability at ECA
ECA is looking to fill a position for an after-school tutor/helper with our after-school program. This position would be from 3:00 - 5:00 M-Th. There is also flexibility for adding extra hours as a teacher’s aide. As a part-time worker for the school, you would be compensated with an hourly pay. You would work with our CORE Full-Time teachers to help students in reading, math, and writing. You could also help out with after-school programs. If this sounds like an adventure you would like more information about, please call the office or send an email to principal@emeraldchristianacademy.com. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who has the flexibility to work with a great team of teachers receive financial compensation that help offset the costs of tuition.
Additionally, ECA is still searching to fill our open music teacher position. If you are aware of any music lesson instructors that might be interested in part-time work with transportation expenses covered in the paid position, please call the office. Any information provided will be followed up by the school. We have short-term teachers in place, but our goal is to have a long-term plan in place. Music has always been an important part of our school and we look forward to seeing God’s plan as we trust in his plan for this year.
Grades 3-6 Music Field Trip to the Hult Center
Students in grades 3-6 will be going to the Hult Center on Tuesday, November 15. Parking is very limited, so we will be taking the bus for this mid-day field trip. The program begins at 12:30 so we will be leaving around 11:30. Students in grades 3-6 will be eating at school earlier on that day. Students should wear their ECA school shirt if they have them. If you have not yet purchased an ECA shirt, you can call the office to arrange a purchase. Shirt sales support our Worthy Student Program. There is no additional charge for this music program.
Upcoming AG Program at ECA
We are excited to be offering an after-school agriculture program for students at ECA beginning in December. Not only will the program be after school, but it will also involve each classroom having one monthly 1/2 day dedicated to time spent working outside with Wyatt. Our hope is to grow and develop this program to help students see the value in working in nature, develop financial management skills, and enjoy interacting with our community. There will be different stages that will happen as we start this program. Wyatt Johnston will start working on deer-proof fencing, irrigation, and clearings. One of the first stages will be the completion of a donated greenhouse kit. We currently have a foundation set for the 8x20 greenhouse kit. If you have any experience or interest in working on this one-two day project, please consider calling the school. Additionally, if you would like to help out in any of this initial work, please call the office.
Do you know of a tractor with post hole digger attachment?
As we work to put up our deer-proof fencing, we will have a lot of holes to dig. If you or someone you know has a tractor or powered post hole digger and would be willing to help or share the equipment, please reach out to our school office. We are looking forward to seeing our school grow and look forward to seeing God’s blessing to our school and community with this new program.
Christian Counseling Available - Free Resources:
The NAD (North American Division of SDA) has recently shared new resources for children and teens that offer a safe and anonymous place to talk or text. Here is a news release from the NAD.
We’re excited to announce the launch of www.aruggedjourney.org our newest NAD site providing free online mentoring for guys. A Rugged Journey joins www.gorgeous2god.org (for young women) which has grown in its scope and ministry since its beginning in 2017.
These sites, along with their counterparts on social media, provide free help to our teens/young adults in a space they can ask questions without judgment or fear. The questions are answered by a team of dedicated Seventh-day Adventists at AIM on the campus of Andrews University.
In addition to the confidential Q & A, positive content is provided through videos, posts, etc.
www.gorgeous2god.org/ FB: gorgeous2god/ IG: @gorgeous2god
www.aruggedjourney.org/ FB: aruggedjourney/ IG: @aruggedjourney
Announcements & Upcoming Events
Friday, November 11 - No SCHOOL - Veterans Day. We will have our 1/2 day Friday on November 18.
Tuesday, November 15 - Grades 3-6 Field Trip to the Hult Center
Friday, November 18 - ECA’s annual Thanksgiving School Community Potluck and Meal
"The Lord will give strength to His people; The Lord will bless His people with Peace.” - Psalm 29:11