Christmas Blessing–Thanking Our Faculty & Staff

Requested by Friday, December 13th

Each December, we come together as a school community to show our appreciation for the incredible teachers and staff at Covenant Christian Academy through the Christmas Blessing collection. This annual tradition is a monetary collection from families, which is then equally divided among faculty and staff in the form of gift cards.

Over the years, we’ve found that this method ensures every individual at Covenant feels truly valued for their dedication and hard work. From classroom teachers to those working behind the scenes, everyone plays an essential role in creating the exceptional school experience our children enjoy.

We invite all families to participate by making a monetary donation, helping us express our gratitude and love to those who make a difference at CCA. Thank you for being part of this meaningful tradition! Click here to contribute. 

All-School Christmas Chapel

Friday, December 20th | 8:15 am | PAAC

Join us next Friday, December 20th at 8:15am in the Performing Arts and Athletics Center for our all-school Christmas Chapel. Each opportunity we have to gather as a community, unified by the grace and mercy of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, is a powerful time together.  

We look forward to worshipping with you all on Friday morning and, as we move through this Advent season, may each of you be filled with the awe and wonder of Immanuel… God with us. 

Save the Date for CCA’s International Festival! 

Friday, January 31st | 6:00 pm | PAAC

We look forward to hosting CCA’s largest celebration of its community’s many cultures and traditions! Join us for an evening of food, fun, and celebration in the PAAC from 6:00–8:00 pm.

The International Festival is an evening where families represent their heritage and culture by sharing food, drinks, art, music, decorations, etc. We will line the PAAC with tables from different countries and have an open house atmosphere where you can walk around and sample various foods, talk with parents and students, and learn about the many cultures that make up our incredible CCA community.

If you want to be part of a table and provide food to share, click here. If you have any questions or ideas, please contact the Global Community Council Student Prefect Davi Silva at davi.silva.2025@ccamail.org. 

A Moment of Reflection: CCA Students Commemorate Pearl Harbor

CCA students raised the flag to half-staff last Friday in honor of the bravery and sacrifice of the men and women who were affected by the attack on Pearl Harbor, including military personnel, civilians, and families.

To begin the ceremony, fifth grader Sabrina shared: “On December 7, 1941, the Imperial Japanese Navy launched a surprise aerial attack on the U.S. Naval Base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. The attack destroyed or damaged numerous American warships and aircraft. Over 2,400 American servicemen were killed. This attack effectively pulled the United States into World War II. Afterwards, the US declared war against Japan.”

You can view a video of the ceremony on our Facebook page.

International Student Program Host Family Informational Dinner

Thursday, January 9th | 6:00 pm | CCA Cafeteria

Covenant is relaunching the International Student Program for the 2025-2026 school year. Historically, CCA has had a robust International Student Program, drawing nearly 20 students at its peak. One of the hallmarks of the program was our host families who helped to create a home away from home. 

Whether you would consider hosting international students in the future or simply want to learn more about what the experience entails, we invite you to join us at our upcoming International Student Program (ISP) Host Family Informational Dinner on Thursday, January 9th at 6:00 pm in the CCA Cafeteria. This catered event will feature presentations from School Leadership, testimonies from host families and students, and insights from experts in the international educational market.  

RSVP by Friday, January 3rd. 

Questions about the ISP Host Family Informational Dinner can be directed to Ryan Patrie, Director of Admissions at ryan.patrie@ccamail.org. 

Thank you in advance for partnering with us as we relaunch Covenant’s International Student Program! 

All-School Red & Green Dress Down Day

Friday, December 20th

CCA will celebrate an all-school dress down day on the last day of school before Christmas break. Students are welcome to wear anything red and green. Festive accessories are encouraged and jeans are fine too.  

Project Bethlehem

Thank you to everyone who contributed gift cards and gifts to our three families at Lazarus House. Thank you to members of the Parent Connection and our parent community who spent Monday morning sorting, wrapping, and delivering these blessings to these families.

Team Tyler Bake Sale

Friday, January 10th | 3:00 pm | PAAC

The eighth-grade class is hosting a bake sale in the PAAC after school and throughout the Varsity Basketball home games on Friday, January 10th.

All money raised from the bake sale and concessions will support the Jade A. Williamson and Tyler Luiz Simões Memorial Scholarship Fund. 

Attention Business Owners – Covenant Business Directory – Coming Spring 2025!

Partner with Covenant for an exclusive opportunity to showcase your amazing business, service, and talent in our new CCA Community Business Directory! This directory will be available in print and digital formats for sale in the spring to all CCA families, staff, and community members connected to our school, providing a direct line to potential customers eager to support other Covenant families and vetted businesses.

Our goal for the directory is to foster CCA connections, strengthen our shared sense of community, and support the dreams and livelihoods of those in our community. By listing in our directory, you’re investing in a network of support that benefits everyone. You’ll:

• Gain visibility with a large, engaged audience.
• Strengthen your ties with the school community.
• Support valuable school programs and initiatives.

Interested in purchasing ad space? Click here for details regarding listing and ad placement levels. 

Space is limited, and reservations for the directory will begin next week. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to connect with the families in our community!

Questions about the directory can be directed to Nicole Wise Williams, Chief Advancement Officer, at nicole.williams@ccamail.org or Erin Sheppard, Director of Marketing and Communications, at erin.sheppard@ccamail.org.

We expect this directory to sell out, so pre-sale orders will begin in January.

Thank you for supporting building a stronger school community through local connections!

Pickup/ Drop-off Haiku

On approach Pine Street

Inhale-hold.  Exhale.  No cell.

patient, vigilant

Yes, this is a Safety Reminder!  

A parent from a school on our shared property was spoken to today due to repeated complaints of excessive speed. Who is not guilty of over-driving from time to time (lest I be casting stones)? 

Additionally, two members of our community have been struck in minor off campus fender-benders within days of each other. Please reflect on the young, sometimes unpredictable, people who populate our grounds during the day and drive at a speed that allows for an abrupt stop to avoid the tragedy of what could be if a little person were to dash in front of your bumper. Thank you.

Questions about campus safety can be directed to Josh Ulrich, Director of Campus Security at joshua.ulrich@ccamail.org 

Mid-Year Aftercare Enrollment

Enrollment is open for mid-year Aftercare registrations. Currently enrolled students do not need to re-enroll, but do need to terminate enrollment if not continuing through the rest of the year. Click here for more info.

Questions can be directed to Aftercare Director, Sage Paik: sage.paik@ccamail.org

Sixth-Graders Build 3-D Models of Plant and Animal Cells

Along with our study of living things, students designed and assembled a 3-D cell model to display the cell organelles and their respective functions. Students chose either a plant cell or an animal cell and represented the organelles using all sorts of supplies. From clay, paint, and jello to styrofoam, candy and beads, they made some incredible creations!

PreK’s First Christmas Chapel

This year’s Pre-Kindergarten classes hosted CCA’s first-ever, family-included Christmas Chapel experience on Friday, December 6th. This event allowed PreK families to worship, retell the Christmas story, and engage in an activity followed by a picnic-style lunch in the classrooms. What a special time it was to celebrate the birth of baby Jesus with our PK families. Thank you to all those who came out to join us in honoring our Lord and Savior.

USLR Christmas Spirit Dress Down Days

Wednesday, December 18th: Classy Christmas: Still a chapel day with chapel dress expectations, but a good day to wear our Christmas best.

Thursday, December 19th: Christmas Sweater Day: From nice to tacky, we want to see Christmas sweaters. (Pants should be regular Thursday pants – jeans, khakis, etc.)

Friday, December 20th: Red and Green Day: Dress in Red and Green. Festive accessories are welcomed, appropriate PJ’s are allowed (jeans are fine too).

Winter “Night of Fire” – For USLR Students and Families

Thursday, December 19th | 8:30 pm | Cafeteria Courtyard

Join us for a cozy, festive evening on Thursday, Dec 19th at 8:30pm, immediately following the USLR Christmas concert! Weather permitting, we’ll gather around a warm fire to enjoy hot chocolate, gingerbread, and plenty of holiday cheer. Don’t miss this fun, family-friendly tradition to keep the season bright!

Questions about the Night of Fire can be directed to USLR Principal, Matt Offner: matthew.offner@ccamail.org 

Classical Roots Weekly Blog: December Garden Advice 

Click here to read this week’s blog post, December Garden Advice, and to subscribe to the Classical Roots Substack. Download the Substack app to be able to comment and ask questions. Help us spread the word by sharing this link with your friends. 

If you are interested in learning more about this program or getting involved, please contact Alex Miller at alex.miller@ccamail.org.

Christmas Concerts

GS Concert: Wednesday, December 18th | 6:00 pm

USLR Concert: Thursday, December 19th | 6:30 pm

The CCA Music Department is busily preparing for these two events featuring our fantastic student musicians. Don’t miss this opportunity to share in the joy this season brings —the chance to be in the presence of the Most Holy God as He came to us on a perfect Christmas night— and a chance to see and hear our students perform some great works from classical, jazz, and popular repertoire. Click here for more information about arrival times, updated dress code, and rehearsals.

USLR Jazz Band and RS Choir at Providence Bruins Game

Friday, January 10th | 7:05 pm | Amica Mutual Pavilion, Providence, RI

The USLR Jazz Band and RS Choir will be performing at a Providence Bruins game on Friday, January 10th! The Jazz Band will be playing from Covenant’s personal section in the stands, while the Choir will perform right on the ice—it’s sure to be a night to remember!

This event was a beloved tradition for these ensembles a few years ago, and we are excited to bring it back. We invite all Covenant students, families, and friends to join us for this fun-filled evening of music, hockey, and school spirit.

Covenant students and families can take advantage of a special discounted ticket price of $22 per person. The link to purchase tickets is available on the event flyer. Don’t miss out on this exciting night—come show your support and enjoy the game with us!

Mr. Miller’s New Book is Now Available on Amazon!

Each year, Mr. Miller’s small Anglican church publishes a Christmas book that takes readers on a contemplative, devotional journey through the writings of a great author. Previous installments have highlighted John Donne and Irenaeus. This year, Mr. Miller prevailed upon the team at Trinity Books to indulge his interest in the medieval epic Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. The result is a book that invites you into a strange world of chivalry, blood, and temptation, ultimately arguing that Sir Gawain is a profoundly moral, profoundly theological, unexpectedly Christmassy book. The poem also features one of his favorite garden plants: the holly. Holly represented Christmas to medieval Christians because of its colors—the red berries stood for the blood of Christ, while the evergreen leaves represented the eternal life it won for us. Though holly still graces many of our tables at Christmas dinner, most of us have forgotten that richer symbolism.

Christmas with the Green Knight, is now for sale on Amazon. Profits will benefit the Anglican Relief and Development Fund. Pick it up as a gift for any contemplative types you know, and support a good cause along the way.

If you are interested in learning more about the book, please contact Alex Miller at alex.miller@ccamail.org. 

CCA Students Perform in The Nutcracker!

Saturday, December 14th | 12:00 & 4:00 pm | Lynn Auditorium, Lynn

CCA students Katalina S. (7th grade), Gianna S. (5th grade), Sabrina S. (2nd grade), and Lucy Z. (4th grade) will be performing in the Greater Salem Ballet Company’s production of The Nutcracker at the Lynn Auditorium on December 14th at 12:00 pm and 4:00 pm.

Come support our talented students as they bring this classic holiday story to life on stage. It’s sure to be a wonderful experience for all! 

Tickets can be purchased online: https://www.lynnauditorium.com

Or call the Lynn Auditorium box office directly and avoid paying online processing fees: 781-599-7469

Calvary Theater Presents: The Gospel According to Scrooge

December 13th-15th | Calvary Christian Church, 47 Grove Street, Lynnfield

Will the old miser Ebenezer Scrooge ever change? It would take a Christmas miracle! Calvary Christian Church invites you to this free, family-friendly theatrical production based on Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.” Let’s get into the Christmas spirit with this classic story of transformation and the true meaning of Christmas. Sing along with the beloved Christmas songs you know and love! 

• Friday, December 13th at 7:00pm
• Saturday, December 14th at 2:00pm & 7:00pm
• Sunday, December 15th at 6:00pm

Admission is FREE. Be sure to arrive early in order to get your preferred seating.

Click here for more information. 

Miles for Miracles: Running the Boston Marathon in Memory of Tyler Simões

CCA parent Mike Quail will be running the 2025 Boston Marathon in April in honor of our beloved Tyler Simões, who passed away in July at the age of 13 after valiantly fighting RAC2 (an autoimmune disease) for many years. Although losing Tyler has been a tragedy, we know that God can use tragedy for goodness. 

Can you help bring some light and love to this tragedy? Mike has teamed up with Boston Children’s Hospital’s Miles for Miracles to run the 26.2 miles in Tyler’s memory and to raise funds for the very best medical care, breakthrough research, and vital support services for sick kids and their families. He and Danielle, Tyler’s mom, would love for as many people as possible to donate to Miles for Miracles in Tyler’s memory, even if it’s just a dollar, to help the next child and family at Boston Children’s Hospital. 

Please click here to support Mike’s fundraiser on behalf of Tyler’s legacy.