Keeping you up to date!

ELCA eNewsletter • August 2019

Welcome Back! The 2019-2020 school year is underway and we are excited to welcome you and your student to ELCA. Our theme and focus for the year is UNDIVIDED. As we discussed on Back to School Day, our purpose in Kingdom Education is to equip our students to live a unified life. We sincerely desire that they will not separate the sacred and the secular but would live a life that is unified around a biblically based worldview.

I am a product of Christian education and as I reflect back on my own personal experiences I recognize the investment my parents made in my worldview. While I did not always appreciate it at the time, it shaped my understanding of the Creator God and formed the foundation of my system of belief. In particular, it grounded me in the absolute authority of God’s Word so that now as an adult, I am able to process life through that lens. I am certain that I complained to my parents about certain aspects of my experience, but 25 years later, I am able to see with great clarity the reality of their investment. I say that to encourage you in the investment you are making in your children.

Our goal is to partner with you in the formation of their faith. One of our core distinctives is that every one of our teachers is a follower of Jesus Christ and is equipped to share their faith and integrate it into the academic content. We see that as our strongest value proposition to you as a parent. As we enter into this partnership this year, we would ask you to consider doing a few things for us. First, please pray for our school and our staff members as you have the opportunity. Pray that God will give them wisdom to clearly articulate the gospel each day. Pray that they will build lesson plans that form the faith of your child and strengthen their worldview. Pray for unity amongst our students that brings glory to God. Also, please share with us how we can be in prayer for you. We recognize the burden of parenting in a challenging culture and we will be praying that God will work in the life of your student.

This is my 21 ^st year at ELCA and I am truly excited to see what God will accomplish. If you see me around campus, please stop and introduce yourself if we have never met. Let me know how I can assist your family in the process of Kingdom Education. Thank you for this investment in the life of your student!

Chuck Gilliam, ELCA Head of School

ELCA is pleased to have been named the Best Private High School in Henry County, as reported by Niche.com, for the 2nd year in a row!

‌ ‌ SPREAD THE WORD...

Isn't it great to be an ELCA Charger? Share the news and if you enjoy our monthly newsletter, why not forward it to your friends who may be looking to place their child in Kingdom Education? Current families can earn up to $500 tuition credit for EACH new student referred.

New Student Referral Program INFO

You KNOW you want to stay informed...

Keep it Current!

Maintain your correct contact information in FACTS such as email addresses, emergency contacts and those who are authorized to pick up your child. Send updates to Mrs. Vicki.

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Texts and voicemails with important or emergency information from ELCA will originate from the number

770 282-4957

We advise you to add this number to your contacts so that you will recognize messages coming from the ELCA communications office.

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Many times the answer is on the website...

elcaonline.org

elcaonline.org/apps/pages/calendar

elcaonline.org/apps/pages/news

2019-2020 School Calendar

or feel free to direct questions to contact@eagleslanding.org .

COMING SOON!

PARENTING ON PURPOSE

The mission of Eagle's Landing Christian Academy centers around assisting parents in involving their children in a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. As part of this effort, Eagle's Landing First Baptist Church and Eagle's Landing Christian Academy are pleased to welcome Dr. Tedd Tripp on September 13 and 14 for an event you don't want to miss.

Tedd is known around the world for his best-selling child rearing books and as a presenter of biblical principles and practical advice.

Mark your calendars for this engaging experience. The meetings will take place on Friday evening and Saturday morning. More info to come.

Introducing The Support Network

The facts are staggering about how mental health affects children and teens. The National Institute of Mental Health states that 1 in 5 children ages 13-18 have, or will develop, a serious mental illness. Additionally, suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death in youth ages 10-24 years old.

ELCA is taking action by creating “The Support Network.” These include faculty, staff, and administrators who advocate and provide emotional and spiritual support for our student body. They strive to help students manage stress and improve their overall physical and emotional well-being through nurturing relationships. The Support Network at ELCA is comprised of the following people:

Richard Allen

Holly Capp

Luisa Duren

Martha Fairley

Chuck Gilliam

Jacob Hearn

Anna Ivey

Rick Jones

Grace Lee

Susan Loach

Derrick Mason

Robert Riddick

Rachel Williams

Angie Yancey

This initiative represents a school-wide commitment to improve mental health recognition and to provide beneficial resources in supporting students who are experiencing stress, anxiety, depression, or eating disorders. We are excited to discover more ways to impact our students in 2019-2020 to ensure their positive well-being.

Learn more at https://www.elcaonline.org/apps/pages/counseling .

LEGO Robotics • After-School

Grades 4 through 7

Classes begin on Tuesday, September 3
Each class is limited to 8 students

Elementary Library

Class times:

3:30 - 4:30, Grades 5-7

4:40 - 5:40, 4th grade

Questions? Contact the class instructor, Georgia Clark at robugsclass@gmail.com

MORE INFO REGISTER NOW

Duke TIP

ELCA freshman, Nicholas Lemons took his first online course with the DukeTip program this summer! This seven-week Crime and Punishment in America course proved to be a great introduction to law. This summer, Nicholas was given an opportunity to job shadow with members of the Fulton County Solicitors Office. Nick was elated about the cases, judges and the people he met.

The Duke University Talent Identification Program is a nonprofit organization that supports academically talented students in grades four through twelve. We offer above-grade-level testing, enrichment resources, year-round learning options, residential summer programs, online courses, and original research to supplement what students receive in school.

Great job, Nicholas!

Teen Leadership Conference

Peter Simmons (sophomore), Miles Norwood (sophomore), Cassidi Austin (sophomore) and Jordan Smalls (senior) attended Jack and Jill of America, Inc.’s 63rd Annual Southeastern Regional Teen Leadership Conference in Miami, FL.

The conference theme “They Hate to See Us at Our Best, Which is Why We Never Rest” emphasized a commitment to persistence, determination, and excellence. Over the course of four days, they participated in plenary sessions, community service projects, sports activities, a talent/step show and a formal gala celebrating graduating seniors in the organization. They truly enjoyed the conference and all the opportunities to network, lead, uplift, inspire, and motivate each other for their continued success.

Jack and Jill of America, Inc., is a membership organization of mothers with children ages 2–19, dedicated to nurturing future African American leaders by strengthening children through leadership development, volunteer service, philanthropic giving and civic duty.

Middle School Moments

ELCA middle school students have had a terrific first week of school! Our amazing 6 ^th , 7 ^th , and 8 ^th grade teachers delivered a variety of interactive learning activities to establish classroom procedures and expectations as we kick off the year. Be sure to ask your middle schooler about the highlights of the week!

Remaining Middle School Curriculum Nights:

7 ^th grade - Tuesday, 8/13 @ 7 p.m. in the Chapel

6 ^th grade - Tuesday, 8/20 @ 7 p.m. in the Chapel

Click on the relevant link below to register your student.

The Wilds Camp – Brevard, NC (grades 7 & 8) – September 17-20, 2019 – cost = $235/student

6th grade – Creation Museum & Ark Encounter – April 1-3, 2020 – cost = $450/person

7th grade – Holy Land Experience, Orlando, FL – February 12-14, 2020 – cost = $425/person

8th grade – Washington, DC- March 31-April 3, 2020 – This trip is facilitated by Joshua Expeditions. All payments are made through their online system. On the JE website, use expedition number V169 to register for the ELCA 8th grade trips. You may contact ELCA’s World Impact Trip Coordinator, Holly Capp, with questions: holly.capp@eagleslanding.org

Eagle’s Landing Christian Academy continually seeks to refine its instructional programs and resources. As a result, ELCA remains steadfastly committed to building today what will support our students’ tomorrows. To this end, we are excited to announce the initial launch of our new Collaboratory for middle and high school students. This space will be a student-centric space that advances the mission of Christ-centered academic excellence at Eagle’s Landing Christian Academy.

This innovative learning space will provide opportunities to strengthen the 21st century informational, social, and creative problem-solving skills of ELCA students. In its initial phase, the Collaboratory will leverage mobile technology, interactive whiteboard technology, and wireless screensharing to concurrently support independent learning, small group work, and cooperative work by teachers and students across all curricular areas. Moreover, it will create opportunities for ELCA students to innovate and collaborate with local and global learners through highly relevant, active learning experiences.

The Collaboratory will support instructional technology capable of reaching students both on and off campus, including 24-7 access to the GALILEO (GeorgiA LIbrary Learning Online) online library. This subscription-only information portal contains over 100 databases indexing thousands of periodicals and scholarly journals. Over 10,000 journal titles are provided in full-text. Other resources include encyclopedias, business directories, and government publications.

Many may be wondering what happened to the books previously housed in the MS/HS Library. The majority have been relocated to the elementary library and distributed to various teachers, where they may be accessed as needed.

Please stop by and see the initial phase of the new Collaboratory. Although there is still much planning and work to do, the final phase of this state-of-the-art instructional space promises to advance the ongoing commitment of ELCA to the student-centered learning of your children.

Code2Life Camp Highlights

ELCA’s 3 ^rd Annual Code2Life Summer Coding Camp was a hit! Students in grades 4 – 9 learned to code in JavaScript and created games and scenes that they shared on their phones with family and friends. The camp ended with a pizza party and refreshing visit from the Kona Ice Truck! See you next year!

New for 2019-2020...

Home-schooled students are eligible to participate in the ELCA School of Fine Arts.

Do you know a family who home-schools who may be interested in fine arts at ELCA?

Current families who refer a new SOFA student can earn up to $100 tuition credit. (The student must register, be accepted, and attend. Referral earns a $10 credit per month from August through May on your tuition statement provided the student remains enrolled.)

You may send the names of your referrals to Fine Arts Director, Chuck Ekstedt .

CALLING ALL CREATIVE MINDS!

The Booster Club needs your help naming the ELCA Home Concession Stand.

Entries may be submitted to Mrs. Vickie at the receptionist's desk and must be received by Wednesday, August 14. The winner will receive a free shirt and $25 in Booster Bucks!

COMPLETE THIS FORM TO ENTER

K4-3 ^rd grade

Practice begins Saturday, August 10 ^{th @} 9:00AM

Check out the new, easily navigated Athletics pages on our website.

ATHLETICS PAGES

ATHLETICS CALENDAR

Meet our Newest Staff Members

Blakeley Bradley

2nd Grade

I graduated from ELCA and then went on to get my Bachelor’s Degree from Georgia State University. I have taught Pre-K and 2 ^nd grade.

I am excited to be at ELCA because I graduated from here in 2007. I am excited to be back at the school that helped prepare me for my future, not only academically but also spiritually.

I am married to Austin Bradley. We attend North Henry Baptist Church .

Dana Greenich

7th Grade - Math

This will be my first year teaching at ELCA and tenth year in education. I am originally from South Georgia. My undergraduate degree is from Valdosta State University and my graduate degree is from Lincoln Memorial University. My husband and I have been married for ten years and we have two daughters, Avery (4 ^th grade) and Anniston (1 ^st grade). We are active members at Salem Baptist Church. We are excited to be a part of the ELCA family and look forward to working alongside staff and parents to influence students for God’s kingdom.

Todd Harris

8th Grade - Math

My wife Kristen and I have been married for 13 years, and we have 3 children that attend ELCA. Gracey is in 7th grade, Cambrey is in 3rd grade, Paisley is in 1st grade. Also, for the past 13 years I have served as a firefighter and paramedic here in Henry County.

I have always had a passion to teach. When I first started working at ELCA as a coach, I knew that this was the place where God would have me use that passion.

In addition to teaching 8th grade math, I also serve as the head of the varsity soccer program and as an assistant coach in the volleyball program.

Amy Justice

I graduated from Eagle’s Landing High School in 1995 and graduated from Georgia Southern University in 2000 with a BS in Child Development.

I've been married for 12 years in September to Josh Justice and we have 3 children: Jaxen is 10 and going into 5 ^th grade, Carter is 8 and going into 3 ^rd grade, and Mary Faith is 2 years old.

I am so excited to be back in Christian education and to be able to talk about and spread the love and joy of Jesus!!

Emily Land

HS Bible

I have been teaching for seven years and I was a stay at home mom for six years. It was always my dream to be a teacher and coach basketball. God has been gracious enough to place me in this role and given me my dream job. I have been married for 13 years and have two children that attend ELCA. I met my husband in college where I played basketball at Reinhardt University. We’ve lived in Macon as well as the North Georgia mountains in Ellijay. God brought us to Mcdonough three years ago. I am extremely excited to be joining the ELCA family. I look forward to partnering with families and building relationships with students. I am thankful to the Lord for this opportunity for myself as well as my children to attend this amazing school.

Angela Lapsley

K4 Aide

This is my 1st year as a permanent parapro. I'm so excited to get to work alongside Mrs. Cindi Northrop in Pre-K 4. My husband Thadd and I celebrated our 20th wedding anniversary this July. Thadd works as the Director of Information Technology at ELCA and ELFBC. We have 5 children 4 boys and 1 girl, ages 18, 17, 16, 12 and 11. Our oldest graduated this past May from ELCA and our other 4 kids are attending ELCA in middle school and in high school. We attend church here at ELFBC. I teach a high school girls' Life Group and work as a student ministry leader at ELFBC. I have been blessed with many years of working with children and students, from preschool to high school, from little league to the "Kid Wrangler" in ELFBC's A Christmas Carol. I look forward to getting to know the children in our class and watching them grow and learn this school year.

Rachel Massengale

K3 Aide

I’m excited to be a part of ELCA staff and to work in the preschool department. My name is Rachel Massengale and I have the privilege of working with your child this year in preschool. I have been married to my high school sweetheart for 25 years and we have 3 amazing kids. Two of my children attend ELCA. Philip is a Junior and Claire is a Freshman. My oldest daughter is a college graduate from Shorter University and is teaching her first year in north Georgia. We are members of Salem Baptist Church where my husband is on staff as the Recreation Minister. We have lived in McDonough for 5 years. I am looking forward to a great year with your child!

Rachel Minter

5th Grade

I have nine years of teaching experience including public, private, and home schooling. I have been married for 18 wonderful years to my best friend, Jason, and God has blessed us with six precious children. I have a passion for teaching the gospel of Jesus Christ through the beauty of His creation. The world God created reflects His character; in it we see order, creativity, wisdom, and truth. I want my students to become critical thinkers, articulate in speech, and filled with awe and wonder at the grace and kindness of our King Jesus even as they are learning the building blocks of arithmetic.

I am so excited to join the mission of Eagle’s Landing Christian Academy in coming alongside parents in raising the next generation of disciples of Jesus Christ for the glory of God.

Tonya Simpson

K3 Aide

Tonya Simpson has enjoyed serving ELCA PTF for the past 8 years and is ecstatic about joining the ELCA staff. She is an Atlanta native. She earned her bachelor’s degree at the University of South Carolina where she met her husband, Vincent.

Vincent currently teaches with Henry County Schools. They celebrated their 20 ^th anniversary this year. They have one son, Joshua, who is a 7th grader at ELCA. She loves spending time with her family, attending sporting events, and reading.

Alexandria Smith

Elementary Music/Art

Alexandria Smith is a Henry County native who loves her community. She has a passion for working with children of all ages. Alexandria has a desire for students to see their potential, think beyond what they feel, and explore their talents in diverse ways.

Alexandria graduated with a Bachelor of Music degree from Georgia State University. In middle school and high school, she was involved in All- State Chorus, All- State Sight- Reading Chorus, Honor Chorus, and the Georgia Governor’s Honors Program. In college, she was actively involved in the top performing choral group at her university, the GSU University Singers.

Alexandria has a special interest in helping children in hospitals (musically, relationally, or educationally), leading worship music at her church- First Baptist Church of Jonesboro, and writing music for children.

She has been married to her husband Russell for 2 years, and has one baby girl, Scarlett.

She is really looking forward to making music and art with ELCA students this year!

Mandy Pollock

has taken the new position of

Elementary Administrative Assistant

Instructional Coach Grades 3-5

It has been my privilege to be a classroom teacher for 23 years, with the last 7 years in 5th grade at ELCA. My family and I have been members of Eagle’s Landing First Baptist Church for 20 years. I have two children that attend ELCA- Courtney is in 9th grade and Drew is in 12th. This year, I am moving into a new role as elementary administrative assistant and instructional coach for grades 3-5. I am excited to work with Mr. Tucker and Mrs. Hearn to serve our teachers and families in the elementary school. My door is always open and I look forward to a great 2019-2020 school year!

Recent graduate, Jack Buckley (Class of 2019) was selected as a member of the National Football Foundation's 2019 Team of Distinction. His accomplishments on the field, in the classroom and in the community set him apart and demonstrated his ability to lead and provide a shining example for others to follow. Jack was one of only 82 high school scholar-athletes across the country (out of a pool of 3500) to receive this designation. The National Football Foundation has been honoring high school scholar-athletes since 1959 and he joins an elite fraternity.

Jack was also selected out of all the applicants to receive the Over=All Scholar Athlete Award which comes with a $3,000 scholarship. He attended an awards luncheon in May to accept his award.

Jack is currently attending the US Merchant Marine Academy.

Congratulations, Jack! We are proud of you for this outstanding achievement.

Congratulations to Esmat Hanano

Class of 2012

Esmat Hanano earned his law degree (Juris Doctor) from Georgie State University College of Law in June.

Congratulations, Esmat!

TO KEEP IN MIND...

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The BOX TOPS for EDUCATION process is easier than ever!

CHECK OUT THE CHANGES

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Have you updated your Publix account to link Eagle's Landing Christian Academy? So easy! Click below...

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Enroll in Kroger Community Rewards to support ELCA!

Calling All Writers and Editors!

ELCA needs volunteers.

If you would be willing to volunteer one or two days a week to help students improve their writing skills, please contact us. This opportunity is available to all ELCA parents, grandparents, and ELFBC members. Schedules include a two-hour block (11:30 am – 1:30 pm) including three 25 minute sessions with students. Lunch in ELCA’s cafeteria by SAGE is included during your scheduled block.

Kathryn Godwin: Kathryn.godwin@eagleslanding.org

Denise Martin: Denise.martin@eagleslanding.org