Covenant Parent Connection Meeting

Friday, November 22nd | 8:15 am | CCA Cafeteria

Parents, please join us for the Covenant Parent Connection meeting to learn how you can support upcoming activities and events. Stay for our first Covenant Commentary of the year, which will take place at the end of the meeting.

For questions about Covenant Parent Connection, please contact Andrea Bergstrom, Grammar School Principal, at andrea.bergstrom@ccamail.org.

Covenant Commentaries: Anxiety and Our Children

Friday, November 22nd | 8:45 am | CCA Cafeteria

Our first Covenant Commentary of the school year, “Anxiety and Our Children” will be held on Friday, November 22nd during the Covenant Parent Connection meeting at 8:45 am. 

Sarah Libby, LMHC will be presenting this brief talk in hopes to empower parents to better understand, explain, and approach anxious patterns in their children. Parents will leave with a few basic, practical strategies they can implement at home and several resources to dive deeper for further learning and support. 

Sarah Libby is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Visiting College Instructor, and Certified Clinical Supervisor and runs her own private practice in Danvers. Sarah has provided professional development for our faculty and is mom to two USLR students!

This session will be recorded for those who cannot attend.

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.

All-School Picture Retake Day

Tuesday, November 12th

Retake day is for new students and staff members, transfer students, anyone who may have missed the initial picture day or is unhappy with their original picture, and the two-day PreSchool students. If a student would like the retake photo to replace the original photo, please have the student return the original picture package to the photographer on picture day. The package will be replaced at no additional cost.

Student Makers Market

We had lots of wonderful feedback for the Student Makers Market!  As a result, we plan to host it in the Spring. A separate form will be sent out in the New Year to sign your child up for a table.  So let the crafting begin!!!  Start building that inventory!

For more information, feel free to contact fifth grade teacher Mrs. Amy Prichard at amy.prichard@ccamail.org.

Let’s Treat Our Faculty and Staff with Lunch!

Wednesday, November 13th

Thank you to everyone who has signed up to help provide our faculty and staff with a delicious Chili luncheon, on Wednesday, November 13th, as an appreciation for all their hard work. 

We’re still looking for 2 volunteers to help set up from 8:00–9:30 am and 2 volunteers to help clean up from 2:00–3:00 pm. If you feel you can help in this way, please sign up here.  

Support Covenant with Christianbook’s Giveback Program!

Covenant is excited to announce a partnership with Christianbook’s Giveback program—a simple and automatic way for you to support your local church or organization (that’s us!), every time you shop, at no cost to you!

Here’s how it works:

1. Link your Christianbook account to benefit Covenant.
   • Click here
   • Enter Organization ID: IYEPJO
2. Shop at Christianbook.com for your favorite books, gifts, and more.
3. Christianbook will automatically donate 4% of your merchandise total to Covenant!

It’s an easy way to make a difference while you shop. Start supporting today, and thank you for being part of our community!

Questions about the Christianbook Giveback program can be directed to Rita Detwiler: rita.detwiler@ccamail.org. 

Family Volunteer Day

Saturday, November 23, 2024 | 9:00 am–1:00 pm | CCA

Family Volunteer Day is a global day of service that celebrates the power of families who work together to support their communities and neighborhoods. 2024 will be CCA’s inaugural year to participate, so save the date and bring the family. Some of the projects will include:

• Courtyard Beautification
• Compost Containment
• Bench and Riser Building
• Old Furniture and Garbage Removal
• Replacing Filters, Lights, and Ceiling Tiles
• Painting
• Installing Shelves and Hooks
• Fine Arts Costume and Library Book Sorting

All skill levels welcome, with a few projects needing expertise in carpentry, construction, electrical, landscaping, and plumbing.

USLR students will receive House points for participation.

Register by November 14th to receive a Family Volunteer Day t-shirt! 

If you cannot make it on November 23rd but would still like to contribute, please consider donating a Home Depot gift card to be used for supplies. 

To sign up for Family Volunteer Day, contact Chief Advancement Officer, Nicole Williams: nicole.williams@ccamail.org. 

Giving Tuesday

As we each prepare our hearts and households for a season of expressing gratitude for God’s love and faithfulness, Covenant is encouraging students, families, and members of our community to consider stewarding their God-given gifts of time, talent, and treasure – leading up to and on Tuesday December 3rd and beyond – to reflect His love and advance His Kingdom.

Why Give on Giving Tuesday? 

Your support reaches further than you might imagine:

• Scholarships and Financial Aid
• Enrichment and Resources
• Campus Improvements

How to Participate:

Whether through prayer, your time, or a financial gift of any amount to the Covenant Fund, each and every contribution strengthens our school’s mission. The Covenant Fund goal for 2024-2025 is $300,000, which if reached, will be used for school-wide eco-friendly upgrades and parking lot and playground improvements, among other program and facilities needs.

To read more, click here. To give now, click here! 

Pneumonia

Pneumonia is an infection (caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi), where the air sacs of the lungs become inflamed and fill with fluid or mucus. Pneumonia in itself is not contagious, but the organisms that cause infection are transmissible. Typically the body fights these germs that enter the body before they infect the lungs, but sometimes the germs overwhelm the immune system and cause a more serious infection. Symptoms can range from mild to severe, and may include productive cough with phlegm, chest pain with coughing or breathing, shortness of breath, fever, and fatigue. Pneumonia can be diagnosed by a doctor upon exam, which may include listening to the lungs, pulse oximetry, and a chest x-ray. Treatments often include medications such as antibiotics, inhalers, and cough medicine.

Over the past few weeks, we have been hearing an increasing number of students with intense coughing. Unfortunately, we have also been notified of several diagnosed cases of pneumonia as well. With the winter season around the corner, it’s important to protect yourself and your family against illness. Remember to practice good hand hygiene by washing hands frequently or using hand sanitizer. Consider eating a healthy diet, drinking adequate water, and getting enough sleep to help keep your immune system strong.

At CCA, we continue to take measures in helping prevent the spread of disease, including air filtration and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces. If your student has ongoing or severe symptoms of cough or fever, please consult their physician. For additional information about pneumonia, click this link from the CDC, or consult your family physician.

Grammar School Family Roller Skating Social

Tuesday, November 19th | 5:00 pm | Roller World, Saugus

Lace-up your skates and join us for an evening of fun and laughter as we glide around the rink together! All Grammar School students and family members are invited to join us for roller skating and available concessions for dinner at our Roller Skating Social at Roller World in Saugus on Tuesday, November 19th from 5:00–6:45pm! 

$10 per person (skating or non-skating, includes skate rentals or bring your own skates)

Limited space available. Click here to reserve your tickets today. 

Questions about the Roller Skating Social can be directed to Andrea Bergstrom: andrea.bergstrom@ccamail.org. 

Operation Christmas Child: A Simple Gift with a Big Impact

Boxes due: Wednesday, November 20th

We are once again excited to provide you with an opportunity to participate in the Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child initiative this holiday season. This is a wonderful way to share the love of Christ with children living in poverty around the world—many of whom may receive their very first Christmas gift through your generosity.

Here’s how you can get involved:

• Fill a Shoebox: A shoebox filled with small necessities and gifts can make a world of difference to a child in need. We encourage you to use sturdy plastic shoeboxes for durability, though we will provide a cardboard box for each GS Family available upon request. (Durable plastic boxes are especially valued by recipients, so we encourage their use where possible.) For packing suggestions, click here. 
• Return by Nov. 20th: All filled shoeboxes must be returned to school by Wednesday, November 20th at 8:00 AM. Due to delivery deadlines, late boxes may not be accepted.
• Attach a Label: Be sure to use the included label to mark your shoebox before returning it.
• Shipping Fee: We suggest a $10.00 shipping fee per shoebox, which helps cover the costs of getting these gifts to children in need. Please include a check made out to Samaritan’s Purse inside the shoebox. (One check can cover multiple boxes.)

Although this time of year can be filled with charitable requests, we believe hands-on service initiatives like Operation Christmas Child help our students better understand poverty, privilege, and compassion for others.

We are also looking for two parents who would be willing to help deliver boxes to a nearby drop-off site on Thursday, November 21st or Friday, November 22nd. 

We hope you’ll consider participating in this meaningful initiative, and thank you for your generosity and heart for those in need. Let’s make this Christmas brighter for children around the world!

Questions about the Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child, or to volunteer your help, contact Grammar School Principal Andrea Bergstrom: andrea.bergstrom@ccamail.org. 

Logic School Laser Tag

Friday, November 15th | 6:00 pm | LaserMaxx (139 Endicott St, Danvers)

Last call to join us for an exciting night of fun and strategy at the Logic School Laser Tag Night! On Friday, November 15, 2024, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at LaserMaxx, get ready to battle it out in an epic laser tag showdown. Enjoy delicious pizza dinner. Don’t miss out on this action-packed evening—reserve your spot for just $30! 

Click here to register. 

Questions about Logic School Laser Tag can be directed to Mr. Ingersoll: caleb.ingersoll@ccamail.org. 

Advisory Conversation with Mr. Offner: Material Order and the Art of Noticing

Mr. Offner, USLR Principal, discussed with USLR students the importance of creating order and enjoying it rather than creating disorder and tolerating it. He shared a vision for what our school could and ought to be if we take care of our space and each other, and sought to instill in students the hope and the vocabulary needed to engage in conversations about creating and sustaining an orderly environment at school.

Wentworth Institute of Technology on 11/12

Emmanuel College on 11/15

Classical Roots Weekly Blog: November Garden Advice 

Click here to read this week’s blog post, November 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. 

LAST CALL: Square 1 Art Order Forms

Due: Friday, November 8th

Square 1 Art is a grammar school fundraiser that supports Covenant’s Fine Arts department. From ornaments, to coasters, to notebooks and more, you can find something for yourself or as a gift for someone else – personalized with your child’s artwork and signature!

Order forms are due by November 8th.

Questions about Square 1 Art orders can be directed to Lisa Coleman, Director of Fine Arts at lisa.coleman@ccamail.org.

Join us in welcoming Colleen Burns to our Grammar School team!

Colleen Burns joins us with twenty years of teaching experience. She fits right in on our second grade team and provides an outstanding experience for our students. Be sure to introduce yourself when you see her around campus. 

What will your role be here? Second Grade Classroom Teacher

Can you tell us a bit about your background and previous experience? I worked in the Beverly Public School System for 20 years; teaching 1 year in kindergarten, 7 years in first grade, 11 years in second grade

What drew you to join CCA? The public school setting has been rapidly changing and I needed a change. CCA’s God-centered, community-loving atmosphere is the change I had been praying for.

What are you most looking forward to this school year? I look forward to teaching in a new atmosphere with other Jesus-loving people!

Favorite food: I enjoy breakfast; I could eat it for every meal!

Favorite book: The One and Only Ivan 

Favorite Bible verse: Matthew 6:34 – “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

What are your hobbies or interests outside of work? I love to bake! I have a passion for baking gluten-free and dairy-free treats to share with friends and family.

Share a fun or unique fact about yourself: Before I became a mother, I trained for and entered a couple of fitness competitions. I won a few trophies and proved to myself that I was capable of doing hard things.

If you were to participate in the USLR Lip Sync Battle, which song would you sing? I would pick either “Let It Go” from the Frozen soundtrack or “How Far I’ll Go” from the Moana soundtrack.

If you were to participate in the GS Star Wars dress-down day, which character would you be? 

If I had to pick one character, I’d probably pick Padme

Is there anything you’d like to say to the community as you start your journey here? Thank you so much for all the warm welcomes from the staff and families. I feel truly blessed to be a part of the CCA community.

We are blessed to have you as part of our team, Colleen. 

Lion Heart Memorial Scholarship Recipient

CCA first-grader Joshua A. was selected as the first recipient of the “Lion Heart Memorial Scholarship” through the Authentic Karate Training Center in honor of Jade Williamson & Tyler Simoes! Joshua just started class this past week.