Class Picture Retake Day

Wednesday, December 11th

All grades, PK-Grade 12, will need to have their class photos retaken due to circumstances beyond our control. Geskus Studios, our photography partner, will be on campus on Wednesday, December 11th to retake the photos.

Please note that only class photos will be taken during the upcoming photo session. No individual portraits will be taken. Geskus will ensure that the class photos are high-quality and will work diligently to have them returned to us as quickly as possible.

Thank you for your understanding!

Commentary 1 (November 22nd):

Anxiety and Our Children – Sarah Libby

Video recording now available. Click here. (password: Commentary)

We would like to thank CCA Parent and LMHC, Sarah Libby for presenting our first Covenant Commentary of the school year. Sarah shared a brief talk on “Anxiety and Our Children” in hopes of empowering parents to better understand, explain, and approach anxious patterns in their children. She left attendees with a few basic, practical strategies to implement at home and several resources to dive deeper for further learning and support. 

If you have questions about Covenant Commentaries or would like to suggest topics for future Commentaries, please contact Nicole Wise Williams, Chief Advancement Officer, at nicole.williams@ccamail.org.

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, a sign up form will be shared next week. If you have any questions or ideas, please contact the Global Community Council Student Prefect Davi Silva at davi.silva.2025@ccamail.org. 

Family Volunteer Day 

CCA’s first Family Volunteer Day on November 24th was a huge success! This day was not only a blessing to our school, saving us thousands of dollars in labor costs, but more importantly, an opportunity to grow closer as a community and as families! See photos from the day here.

Following are several project highlights from the day:

• Purged and re-organized cluttered and disorganized spaces throughout the school.
• Demolished and began renovations on a former tenant space to be repurposed for school use.
• Landscaped the pond.
• Weeded and tidied three courtyards.
• Sorted and reclaimed 22 large blue crates worth of books for our GS library and donated hundreds of books.
• Completed major plumbing, carpentry, and painting projects and general facilities maintenance tasks.

Thanks again to the more than 70 volunteers who gave of their time, effort, generosity, and servant-heartedness. Your participation exemplifies the spirit of partnership that makes Covenant such a special place, and it was a joy to see and experience families working side by side, living out the call to serve others, and modeling Christ’s love in action. Through your example of service, you are sowing seeds of faith, compassion, and generosity in the next generation!

USLR students had the chance to earn House Points for participating in Family Volunteer Day and King House earned the most points!

The next Family Volunteer Day is scheduled for Saturday, April 12th. More details will be provided closer to the date.

Giving Tuesday

Thank you to all of our partners who donated to CCA as part of our 2024 Giving Tuesday campaign! Through your generosity, we raised more than $16,000 for Covenant initiatives.  

This day of global generosity, which seeks to empower people to give to the causes and organizations dearest to them, launched CCA’s annual giving campaign to the Covenant Fund. 

With your prayer and partnership, we seek to reach our ’24-’25 Covenant Fund goal of $300,000 to replace a significant portion of the parking lot, replace our interior lighting with LED, install a playground shade, and make program investments in Science and Fine Arts. 

Why Give to the Covenant Fund? 

Each year, we make investments in our programs and campus, which are not included in the cost of tuition. These are funded by the generosity of our community through our Covenant Fund. (Click here for more information on the Covenant Fund.) In the past, the Covenant Fund helped to replace each Grammar School classroom SmartBoard, develop the PAAC courtyard, purchase and install the playground, upgrade campus safety and security, and double the size of the cafeteria, in addition to other needs. Giving to the Covenant Fund is an invitation for each of us to take part in Covenant’s mission, helping ensure that future generations experience the rich, transformative education CCA provides.  

Click the video below to hear and see why Covenant is so special and unique!

How to Partner:

Each and every contribution to the Covenant Fund strengthens our school’s mission. All donations received by December 31st are tax deductible for the 2024 tax year. 

To give now: click here. 

Let’s celebrate the privilege of stewarding the gifts God has given us. Together, we will continue shaping lives for His glory and preparing students for lives of leadership and faithful service in their families, churches, and today’s global community.

Thank you for the blessing of your support and involvement. We’re excited to see how God will work through our community! 

Christmas Gathering and Gift Wrapping Party! 

Monday, December 9th | 8:15 am | CCA Cafe

You are invited to join the Covenant Parent Connection on Monday, December 9th for a Christmas Gathering and Bethlehem Project Wrapping Party. Join us for a full morning (8:15-10:00ish) of wrapping and enjoying one another’s company. There will be coffee, tea, and breakfast treats! Don’t forget to bring your own scissors! We also are looking for one or two volunteers to deliver the gifts to House of Hope of in Lowell.

Indicate your interest in celebrating and wrapping here: 

Parent Connection Christmas Gathering and Wrapping Party

Lazarus House Project Bethlehem–Spreading Christmas Cheer

Donations due: Friday, December 6th

Join us in spreading holiday joy and making a difference for families in need this Christmas season. Your generosity will help bring hope and comfort to those who need it most.

Click here to sign up. Thank you for being part of this heartwarming project!

Make Christmas Shopping Easier & Earn Money for CCA!

Orders due: Friday, December 6th

Last call for RaiseRight gift card orders!  

For every gift card purchased, CCA receives earnings of up to 20%. This is a great way to support the school while shopping for the things you already need and love! Click here for more info. Use CCA’s enrollment code: 36DL642E14L92

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. 

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!

Sibling Applications

Due: Tuesday, December 10th

If you have a 3- or 4-year-old child who you plan to enroll in Covenant’s program next year, we strongly encourage you to apply by Tuesday, December 10th.

Questions? Please contact our Director of Admissions, Ryan Patrie, at ryan.patrie@ccamail.org or 978-535-7100 x511.

Mid-Year Aftercare Enrollment

Enrollment is open for mid-year Aftercare registrations.

Click here for more info.

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

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 

Christmas Concerts

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

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

Christmas is quickly approaching, and we wanted to be sure you have the most up-to-date information regarding our annual student Christmas concerts. 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 are thrilled to announce that they 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!

Congratulations to Mrs. Ashley: New England Regional Irish Dance Champion!

Our own CCA school nurse, Mrs. Ashley, is a competitive Irish dancer, and recently won the New England Regional Adult Championship!  She has been passionate about Irish dance since childhood, and invites you to join in the fun at the McGonagle School of Irish Dance.  Beginner classes for both kids and adults are available in Wakefield, MA and Nashua, NH. 

Visit www.mcgonagleschool.com for more details, or contact Mrs. Ashley.

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. 

Exciting News: 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

New Christmas Music Release

Available Friday, December 6th

Cozy Christmas by CCA Moms Liz Singleton and Shelby Patterson
Featuring:
✨ “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”
✨ “In The Bleak Midwinter”

Available this Friday, December 6th on your favorite music platforms:

• Spotify
• YouTube
• Apple Music
• Amazon Music & Alexa

Get ready for a cozy soundtrack to enjoy this holiday season!