Remembering on this Memorial Day
At ECA, our vision is that school families Love God, Value Learning, and Serve Others.
Hello ECA family,
Students in grades 7&8 had a chance to see several memorials in Washington D.C. this past Spring break. Not only did we reflect on the names and memories of those who are honored, but we took a moment to show thanks for their sacrifices. Each year, Memorial Day reminds me of this famous quote, "All gave some; some gave All." This quote is attributed to the Korean War veteran Mr. Howard William Osterkamp, who served in the Army from 1951 to 1953, during which he experienced heavy combat in Korea with his unit, the C Company, 5th Regimental Combat Team. It is only right that we show our appreciation and thanks to the many soldiers who faithfully defended our many freedoms and allow us to enjoy our freedom and liberty today.
And when we use the words sacrifice and thanks, it is only right that we remember the sacrifice that Jesus made for all of us.
“So Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.” - Hebrews 9:28
Parents of Students in Grades 5-8 / Music Sabbath Performance June 1
We are so blessed to be supported by six constituent churches in our community. Throughout the year, we try to support our community and the churches in different ways. One way that happens is with children sharing music. On Saturday, June 1, the students in grades 5-8 will help put on the church program at the Springfield SDA Church. Students in grades 5-6 will be performing two songs. Students in grades 7-8 will be performing two songs. There are a few other ways we will get students involved with the program.
What do you need to know? Plan on supporting one of our local churches by having your child attend this service and join their classmates. The church service in the main sanctuary usually begins at 11:00. Students should plan to arrive at 10:30.
What should you wear? Plan on clothes similar to our Christmas program.
Why should my child attend? For our school, this is an opportunity to say thank you to the church members who support our school in so many ways. Our area churches help our school budget by supplementing over $140,000. That keeps tuition costs down for you. It is also a great way to put our mission statement into practice: At ECA, our hope is that students love God, Value learning, and Serve Others! This will also give the students a little extra practice before our scheduled Spring Music Progam at the ECA gym on Tuesday, June 4.
Where is the Springfield SDA Church?
1630 N. 12th St (corner of 12th & Olympic)
Springfield, OR 97477-2601
541-746-8263
Looking Ahead to 24/25 in Grades 1-2.
Last week, Mrs. Hager shared news with her 1st & 2nd grade classroom that she will not be returning next year. Mrs. Hager and her family will be moving to Washington and teaching a 1st & 2nd grade classroom at Rogers Adventist School in College Place, Washington. As a school family, we will miss her and we wish her all the best. She has been an important part of our school family for 23 years and we know she will be a wonderful addition to the staff at her new school. What does that mean for ECA? Let me share some details about how teachers are hired in the OR Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.
Our school is starting down a path that has a few steps. In the past 50 years, our school has had only two teachers in this 1st & 2nd grade position. Only through prayerful and deliberate action do we move through these steps. We do not take these steps lightly. These steps will ultimately lead to a teacher that will be an outstanding addition to our school staff. Here is what will happen next:
1) Full-time teaching staff at our schools must be certified teachers with college degrees in education. Additionally, they must be members of the SDA church. A teaching position has been posted on an Oregon Conference web site and a larger NAD (North America Division) web site with information about our school and the teaching position.
2) Resumes are submitted to the local OR conference. Our Associate Superintendent works with the school’s administration to screen applicants. Resumes and references are checked. Applicants that rise to the top of the list are contacted and conversations with the local school principal and associate superintendent are held.
3) Part of this process involves a series of standardized questions that are used to ascertain the qualifications and skills the teacher may have for the opening. These questions offer objective answers that can help compare qualifications of candidates. It is also a chance for candidates to ask questions about our school. When a candidate has reached this level, an invitation to come and see the school, staff, and community is arranged.
4) Our school board works with the superintendent and principal to meet with candidates that come and visit. Again, through a series of standardized questions, the board and administration strive to find a teacher who loves Jesus, children, and has a passion for Christian education. This last step often involves more than one candidate.
5) The final step, after a board decision, is to offer a position to a candidate.
ECA Reading Party
This Wednesday, students in grade k-7 (8th grade is gone on their class trip) will be participating in a reading party. Students who have reached yearly classroom goals will be invited to be part of the special day. If students have not made the necessary progress to join in the party, there will be modified classes at school for the day. A note will be going home tomorrow, Tuesday, June 27 to let you know if your child will be part of the reading party. Students will be leaving school in the afternoon for fun, food, and games at a local park. Students will return before 3:30.
There may be some students who have reached classroom reading points in the year, but their accuracy has not reached the necessary level for the party. These students will still be recognized with an AR trophy at our awards assembly on the last day of the month.
Tuesday, June 4 - ECA Spring Music Program
ECA will be having their spring music program at the ECA gym on Tuesday evening. Students in grades K-8 should plan on being at school at 6:30 with our program ready to begin at 7:00. Dress attire for the program will go home later this week.
Thursday, June 6 - ECA Kindergarten Recognition
ECA will hold their annual Kindergarten recognition program on June 6. This morning program will follow with a short reception for students and families in the homeroom classroom. This will be the last day of school for kindergarten students for the 2024 school year. For students in grades 1-8, there will still be one more week of school.
Hot Lunch Program
The updated menu for each month is posted at the beginning of every month on the school website. Here is the menu for the full month of May.
Please place all orders for each week before Monday morning at 8:45.
Simply type your child’s first & last name.
Select the option that fits the order for the week.
Choose your payment method.
Click Submit.
Prices for meals:
students in grades K-2 - $5,
students in grades 3-8 - $6.
Just a reminder… our hot lunch menu is posted on our website.
http://www.emeraldchristian.com
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