Chr istmas decorations are probably packed away at your home, but we hope that Christmas is not. Medievals celebrated Christmas for twelve continual days each with its own significance, often commemorating important events that surrounded the birth of Christ. Today, January 5th marks the twelfth and culminating day and is also known as Epiphany eve. Tomorrow highlights Epiphany, an important day for Christian believers.

The Greek word Epiphany literally means "revelation" or "sudden unveiling" or "manifestation". It celebrates the day when wise men from the East were guided by a miraculous star to a stable in Bethlehem. Those three magi were the first to encounter God revealing himself, in human form, to the world beyond Judea. God presented to them Jesus, the light of the whole world, made flesh. Imagine those three wise men, encountering the very glory of God on earth! Let us sendeavor to remember and celebrate Epiphany as the good news unveiled to the world around us. "For in the city of David, a savior was born." Luke 2:10-11
Mrs. Marshall, Principal
TEXT ALERT
If you did not receive a text/email this morning concerning the snow day, please contact
Megan Billinger to make sure we have your correct phone number/email.  
REPORT CARDS
Second quarter report cards are posted in the parent portal.
CHAPEL
Join us tomorrow for Chapel at 8:15 A.M.
Mr. Mike Burch will be speaking. 
Parent cafe immediately following at 8:45 A.M.

MATCHING GIFT CAMPAIGN
Thank you to all who participated in the 2016 Matching Gift Campaign. May the LORD replenish your resources. Your generosity was overwhelming.

We received a total of $168,615.82 in contributions that will be doubled to $337,231.64 through matching funds!

As previously noted, the funds will be used to complete the playground project, to provide seed money for expansion to the west, and other needs as designated by the board. This is the third year in a row that the original matching gift offer has been exceeded and yet matched in full.
PLAYGROUND UPDATE


As weather permits, the playground will be completed to include a swing set, a rotating climbing tower, a Gaga ball pit, permitter fencing, three picnic tables, a permanent covering over the tables, some bench seating, and a storage shed for P.E. and other equipment.
2017-2018 SCHOOL YEAR PREVIEW 
Thursday, January 12
7:00 P.M. - 8:30 P.M.

This meeting offers an overview of the upcoming  2017-2018 Arma Dei Academy school year and news about the academy's growth and development.

Classrooms will be open for touring.
Workshop on Parent & Student Portals, Volunteering, and Library. 
Please arrange for childcare.
GUITARS NEEDED
The 7th and 8th grade music classes will be studying guitar this semester.  We would love your donated or loaned guitars! 
Nine guitars are needed starting January 10. 
If your 7th/8th grade student owns a guitar, please have them bring it on Thursdays starting January 12.

If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Ross.
UPCOMING DATES
Martin Luther King, Jr Day
January 16
No School 
Dads Valentine Breakfast
February 10

President's Day
February 20
No School 
3rd Quarter Field  Trips
March 3 		 Parent Teacher Conferences
March 10
No School 		 Spring Break
March 27 - 31
No School 

LOGOWEAR ORDER
The next logowear order will take place February 1 - 10.

NOTES FROM THE ARMA DEI BOARD
We enter 2017 with great anticipation.  The board is very pleased to announce that Mr.  Stephen Taylor has been hired as the new Head of School effective July 1, 2017.
 Mr. Taylor will speak to us via a video at the Preview Night next Thursday, January 12.  

  
Additionally, Mr. Taylor, his wife Emily, and their two children will be on site in February. 
Please mark your calendar to hear him speak at chapel on Friday morning February 24.