December 9, 2011

December 9, 2011

A Message from Mrs. Sandra Bottge, Principal:

Traditions often play an important part of our Christmas celebration. One of my family's traditions is avoiding the crowds on Black Friday and putting up our Christmas decorations. This year, my teenage son decided it was time to give up his toy nativity scene and get a new, grown up one to display in his bedroom. We set out on a hunt for a reasonably priced nativity scene. Every store we entered had a variety of Christmas trees, Santas and inflatable decorations but no nativity scenes. We couldn't find Jesus anywhere.

As we drove home I was disappointed not only because I couldn't find what I was looking for but also because Jesus doesn't seem to be a part of the world's Christmas anymore. A secular Christmas has as much meaning as unwrapping a beautiful package only to find an empty box. I'm so thankful that the presence of Jesus is evident at Eastern Christian. What a blessing it is to share with our children the joy of Christmas and the fulfillment of God's promise to provide a

Savior. Listening to the students sing "Go Tell it on the Mountain" with all their heart and soul in chapel this week was a wonderful reminder that we need to share the good new of Jesus with others who will have an empty Christmas if they don't know Him.

School Stuff

**School Calendar Change: All Eastern Christian Schools will be open 1/2 day for students on Friday, January 20, 2012 to make up one day lost to the October snow storm. This will allow for 3 snow days going into the winter months of the year and will add one day to the first semester. Please note that the Stay 'n Play and After School Programs will not be held on January 20. Thank you.

Coffee with the Principal: There will be no Coffee with the Principal this month.

Become A Host Family: Eastern Christian School is currently seeking host families for our Winter American Experience program. Many of the students that come to our program have never heard the gospel. This would be a great opportunity for global missions right in your own home. You will be able to learn more about another culture and be able to share the gospel. The dates are January 7th to February 1st, 2012. You can either call James at 973.427.6244 or email him @ This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

PTO News:

• PTO Meeting: Thank you to all those who came out to the PTO meeting on Wednesday.
• Snack Day Volunteers: PTO is looking for extra bakers for Wednesday Snack Day. If you are able to help out, please email or call Audrey Kuiken at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 201-891-1499. Thank you.
• Holiday Shoppe is coming to the elementary school next week. Look for more information in your child's Friday Folder.
• Christmas Gift: There is still time to donate if you would like to. Please see reminder in your child's Friday folder. Thank you.

TRIP Update: TRIP sales for Mon. Dec. 5 & the Dec. 2 TRIP store were from 193 families and totaled $90,753. Tuition credit was $3953 and proceeds were $994. TRIP Schedule: Monday orders will be accepted in any school office by 9am on the following dates: Dec. 12. LAST order day for 2011! PLEASE make sure your order is handed in to the school office by 9am! That is the only way to insure that you will receive what you ordered. The TRIP Store is open Friday mornings from 8:00 – noon. Dec. 16 will be the LAST TRIP Store for 2011! Remember – this time of year we run out of many of the stores at the TRIP Store. The best way to insure you will get what you want is to place an order on Monday morning by 9am! TRIP is One Stop Shopping Plus you earn credit towards your tuition! There are many gift cards to choose from. This is your last chance to purchase the TRIP gift cards you need for Christmas. PLAN AHEAD: Make sure you order enough food store gift cards to get you through the 2 week Christmas break! NEW! A "Maternity" gift card for the Mom –to-be. It is good in Destination Maternity, Pea in a Pod, and Motherhood. 6% TRIP credit. CHANGE: Joanne Fabrics is now a $25 gift card instead of $20. Remember: Help us help you! Check your order carefully when you receive it! If there is a problem, call the TRIP office (973-427-9294 ext 210) and leave a message. Thank you for returning any extra gift cards you may have been given! Questions? Call Faye at the TRIP office- 973-427-9294 ext. 210.

News from EC's Foundation Office:

• Denim & Diamonds Auction Gala – If you receive any large gift baskets over the holidays – at home or at work; please consider saving them for EC's Auction. They can be dropped off in any school or in the TRIP Store. Large baskets only! Thank you.

Sports Boosters News:

• Sports Boosters 3rd Annual Beefsteak Dinner on Wednesday, January 25, 2012. Student athletes are currently selling tickets - tickets are $55 each or $500 for a table of 10. An auction will take place after dinner. At this time we are collecting auction items such as tickets to sporting events, sports apparel and sports memorabilia. We need your help - please call EC's Foundation Office at 973-427-9294 for more information.
• Eastern Christian Athletic Department is now using RSchool for all scheduling. Highschoolsports.net is no longer usable for Eastern Christian. Please use the following for all athletic information: www.northjerseyic.org.

Live Nativity: Covenant Christian Reformed Church invites you to our Live Nativity at 4 and 7 p.m. on Saturday, December 17 at 400 North Haledon Ave, North Haledon. Join us for KNOWING THE REASON, a contemporary Christmas story with the true meaning of Christmas. Come see the animals that shared the stable with baby Jesus. Following the performance, children will have an opportunity to visit with the animals! There is no admission, bring your family and friends! For more information, please contact Karen in the church office at 973-427-1418.