January 27, 2012

January 27, 2012

In the first book of his famous Chronicles of Narnia, C.S. Lewis writes, "For what you see and hear depends a good deal on where you are standing: it also depends on what sort of person you are." Embedded in the diagnosis of why Uncle Andrew couldn't hear the animals speak is Lewis' keen insight into the power of perspective. So much of what we "see" is dependent upon our vantage point and the surrounding context. Similarly, our own personal experiences, attitudes, and emotions distort and re-figure all that we observe. This was brought to mind as an 8th grader raced out to the bus last Friday, announcing his cresting of the year's midway point in exclamation, "Mr. Culp, it's all downhill from here!" One of the joys of spending my days with middle schoolers is the excitement of the immediate. In that moment, the journey up the mountain of learning had been accomplished, and January through June was nothing more than a breezy jaunt down the backside. Perspective is powerful.

Indeed, I join in the celebration of a fantastic first half of the year. We've instructed one another, investigated together, grown contagiously curious and challenged what was "known." Both student and teacher have assessed, retaught, collaborated and grown. In many ways our communal experience has echoed the spirit of rigor in that it has been hard but satisfying. With this behind us, I join that student at our year's midway mark and celebrate our school. But may I offer a slightly different forecast for the remainder of the year? While his comment about the downhill coast was undoubtedly in jest, my neck is craning upward. We embark upon the third and fourth quarters in the midst of academic and developmental crescendo. Daily our momentum grows, and while the challenge ahead looms large, we embrace the uphill climb with the battle cry from Lewis' final book in the series, shouting "Onwards and Upwards, Onwards and Upwards!"

Thank you for your blessings and support throughout the first half of the year, and may the Lord be honored in our worshipful work over the final two quarters. Onwards and Upwards, Onwards and Upwards!

5th grade MAD: Just a reminder! TOMORROW, Saturday, January 28, we want to have as many 5th grade families as possible come out to the Hammering 4 Habitat event at the Paterson Museum (2 Market Street, Paterson). Bring the whole family! There will be activities for all ages, snacks, and a chance to tour the museum. Join us anytime between 9am and 12pm. We have our class 2x4 decorated and ready to be added to a wall that will be used to build a new home for a family. We also will be handing in our class donation so that Habitat can continue in their ministry and mission to

provide affordable housing. Check out www.patersonhabitat.org for more information, or email Mrs. Braunius at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

PTO Prayer Time: Join us monthly to pray for the students, families & staff of ECMS. Fridays, 2/24, 3/16, 4/20 and 5/18, from 8:15 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. If you have any questions, you may contact Joy Vincent at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

School Supplies: It's that time of year when many of our students need to replenish their supplies of pens, pencils, tissues, notebook paper, etc. Please check with your child and see what he/she needs.

TRIP News: TRIP Sales this week were from 113 families and totaled $38,885. TRIP credit was $1578 and proceeds totaled $390. TRIP Schedule: Monday orders will be accepted in any school office by 9 a.m. on Jan. 30 and Feb. 6, 13 and 27. The TRIP Store is open on Friday mornings from 8:00 – noon. NEW! A "Maternity" gift card for the Mom–to-be, good at Destination Maternity, Pea in a Pod, and Motherhood. 6% TRIP credit. NEW Voucher Participants! E'Lan Hair & Nail Spa, 128 Westwood Ave., Westwood, NJ, 201-664-0972 (Najiye Elia Mardini). 15% TRIP credit. Full Service Salon - Hair & Nails, Eyebrows, Facials. Go to www.elanhair.com. EMILY PHOTOGRAPHY - $50 TRIP credit/collection order! Natural and Artistic Photography for children and families. Emily Wilson, 280 Warburton Ave, Hawthorne, NJ 07506. 973-907-4935. DISCONTINUED Voucher: Salon Eliya in Ridgewood. 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.

SPORTS BOOSTERS NEWS:

Thanks to all who attended and supported the 3rd Annual Beefsteak Dinner for EC Athletic Boosters. It was a great evening of good food, fellowship, and fundraising!!

EC Sportswear is in stock and available! Men's and Women's Shell Jackets ($50), Polo‐style Navy Golf Shirts ($30), Zip-up Hoodies ($35), T-Shirts ($15). To purchase, please contact Beverly Albies, EC Foundation Office (Upstairs in the blue house behind the high school) or call 973-427-9294 x 208.

FOUNDATION OFFICE NEWS:

Denim & Diamonds Auction Gala,
Thursday, April 19! At this time, it is critical that we have your help with donations! We need items for our guests to go crazy over...please help us get ready for a bidding frenzy! Some suggestions are: Restaurant Gift Certificates, Use of Vacation Home, Sports Equipment/Tickets/Golf outings, Outdoor Items, Electronic Items. Is there a business you shop at often? Please ask if they would consider a donation to EC's auction. If you can help with a donation, please contact EC's Foundation Office at 973-427-9294. Tickets will go on sale the beginning of March.

Did you receive any large gift baskets over the holidays? The Auction Committee needs several large baskets - please drop off in any school office or at the TRIP Store with a tag or note "For Auction" by January 27 if possible. Large baskets only! Our first basket session is Friday, February 3. If you would like to help put baskets together, please contact Beverly in EC's Foundation Office at 973-427-9294.