Head of School August 2022 Update

For those of us who work over the summer, the first few days of summer break give us a little time to catch our breath. However, it’s too quiet in the school buildings. We look forward to the start of school, when the classrooms, hallways, and fields are full of students and staff. 

Spiritual Theme

This school year, we will be focusing our hearts and minds on Psalm 145:13b, “The Lord is trustworthy in all he promises and faithful in all he does” (NIV). When the administrators met to plan for the coming school year, we shared promises that resonated with us. Here are some of the verses that we talked about:

• Joshua 1:9–“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
• Romans 8:28–“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” 
• Isaiah 41:10–“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
• 2 Corinthians 12:9–“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”

We are grateful for the support of families and churches as we partner together to raise up people of faith, vision and influence for God’s glory. Would you join us in observing our spiritual theme, Promise Keeper? Twice a month, we’ll post devotions on God’s promises, shared by pastors connected with Eastern Christian and available on our Facebook page. May you be encouraged in your own walk as we reflect together and explore God’s many promises to his people. 

Growth

We are looking forward to another year of strong enrollment. We are delighted to provide more students with access to an excellent Christian education. Our staff is growing. We have added a number of new staff over the summer and look forward to welcoming more for the fall. I continue to be amazed at the professional preparation and faith commitment of our new colleagues. We will officially welcome new staff at our opening in-service and through social media. We still have a few openings for the fall and beyond. As always, word of mouth is our most powerful recruitment tool for both staff and students. Do you know anyone who might like to join us at EC? 

Facilities

We have been busy with the facility upgrades taking place this summer. In Midland Park, the work on the nature playground has begun. The gym sound system has been updated and the floor is being refinished. In Wyckoff, furniture for the commons space has been installed, and the much-needed repaving of the outdoor basketball courts has been completed. In North Haledon, the auditorium received audio upgrades, including wireless mics and a new sound mixer; and the field work continues, with an expected completion date in late fall.  

Program

We continue our commitment to excellence in our programming. The Horizons Program, which serves our accelerated learners, will be extended to fourth, fifth and sixth grades this year. Eagles Cafe will be providing in-house prepared food services for all students. At the high school, we are looking forward to intensive academic advising through the Academic and College Counseling Office, increased opportunities for student life and leadership through the Deans’ Office, and enhancements in our Athletic Department, including the addition of an athletic trainer. 

Looking Ahead: Accreditation

We will be beginning our re-accreditation process in the fall. The 2022-2023 school year is our self-study year. Eastern Christian School has been accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSA-CESS) for decades. MSA-CESS is a widely known and respected accreditation body. In this accreditation cycle, we will be pursuing a joint accreditation with Christian Schools International (CSI). CSI’s standards have an embedded Christian worldview and we will have a visiting team of other Christian school educators. We are pleased to have the opportunity to be jointly endorsed by both MSA-CESS and CSI.

I hope you enjoy the last few weeks of summer. I look forward to seeing everyone in person on August 25!

Sincerely,

Dr. Ruth Kuder

By: Ruth Kuder

Ruth Kuder is the Executive Director & Head of School of Eastern Christian School

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