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Date November 22, 2024| Issue #16


TCAS Calendar



  • Nov 24-Dec 1: Thanksgiving Holiday break
  • Dec 2: School resumes
  • Dec 10: Camp Mivoden Promo
  • Dec 12-15: Journey to Bethlehem
  • Dec 19: Christmas Program
  • Dec 22-Jan 5: Christmas Holiday



TCAS Announcements

  • If you have pictures from any TCAS events, here is a link for you to upload those pictures if you would be willing. LINK
  • Remember TCAS families have received a free access to RightNow Media. If you are unable to log in, please contact the school.
  • The November theme for Friendzy is "You First." The goal is to consider the needs of others before one's own needs. This is based on Philippians 2:2-5.

Here is a recommendation video series from RightNow Media for this Thanksgiving season.


Gratitude Is Not Thanksgiving by Jason Turner



Description

The only appropriate response to the faithfulness and goodness of God is Gratitude.


In this study, Pastor Jason Turner will convey a biblical understanding of the necessity for authentic gratitude in the life of a faithful follower of Jesus. Jason will explore how we express it to God and communicate it to those through whom God works to bring about His good and perfect will for our lives. Gratitude is a worshipful disposition toward a good and gracious God. Jason will explore four main characteristics of what gratitude is not in moving us to understanding that gratitude is something that Christ Followers should model in their everyday life.

Click here for Jason Turner

Principal's Message


As we enter this season of gratitude, I’d like to share a personal story from a Thanksgiving I’ll never forget.


It was a Thursday afternoon during my time as a student missionary in Magdalena, Bolivia. My supervisor Allen and I were elbow-deep in grease, performing the 75-hour service on the Bolivian Adventist Cessna 182 mission plane pictured above. My thoughts began to wander as I worked, and a wave of homesickness washed over me. I started imagining what my family might be doing back home.

Suddenly, a realization struck. I blurted out, “Allen! I think today is Thanksgiving!”


“No, it’s not,” he replied skeptically.


“But it’s the fourth Thursday of November. It has to be Thanksgiving!” I insisted.


Allen dropped his tools, wiped his greasy hands, and said, “Let’s check the old encyclopedia I’ve got in the house.”


Sure enough, the encyclopedia confirmed it—Thanksgiving had snuck up on us. Allen turned to me and said, “We need to celebrate. Let’s tell my wife, finish up our work, and do something special.”


Later that evening, we gathered around a humble Thanksgiving table. Instead of the traditional vegetarian loaf, mashed potatoes, or cranberry sauce, we had homemade pizza and yogurt. As unconventional as it was, that simple meal held profound meaning for me.


Reflecting on that day, I realize how easy it is to let the busyness of life distract us from moments of gratitude. In the middle of a foreign land, far from family and familiar traditions, I learned that Thanksgiving isn’t about the menu or the setting. It’s about taking time to recognize the blessings in our lives and celebrating them with those around us.


At Tri-City Adventist School, we are blessed with a wonderful community of students, families, and staff who reflect God’s love daily. As we celebrate Thanksgiving this year, let’s remember that gratitude doesn’t depend on perfect circumstances or elaborate plans. It comes from recognizing the gifts God has given us—whether big or small, expected or surprising.


This Thanksgiving, I encourage you to pause, even amidst the busyness of life, to count your blessings whether it’s a feast with loved ones or a simple meal shared with a friend, God’s goodness surrounds us.


On behalf of the TCAS family, I wish you a Thanksgiving filled with gratitude, joy, and meaningful moments with those you cherish. May we always remember the words of 1 Thessalonians 5:18:

“Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”


Happy Thanksgiving!

Mr. Norton


Mr. Norton and Ai wrote the above article.

TCAS Topics

TCAS in Action

TCAS Veterans Program November 11th

TCAS Education News

Last week, we examined the importance of attendance on learning. This week's focus is on reading.


There she did it again! I was so frustrated I could barely stand it. She couldn’t keep getting away with it! At eight years old, I didn’t see the point of school—let alone reading. First grade had been a struggle, and I was on the verge of flunking. My disinterest was plain, and I stubbornly resisted every attempt to convince me otherwise. But my mother was a crafty woman, and, fortunately for me, she was wise. She knew I loved adventure stories, so she developed a clever plan to trick me into reading. In the evenings, she would sit down and read to me. But just when the hero was in mortal danger or on the brink of a thrilling discovery, she’d stop. “Oh, I’m so tired,” close her eyes and lay the closed book on her lap. Or she’d say, “I have something I need to do.” Then, she’d put the book down and walk away, leaving me stranded in the middle of the story.


Unable to bear the suspense, I would grab the book, determined to find out what happened next. I’d struggle through the pages, piecing the words together, just to save the hero in my imagination. That’s how my mother tricked me into reading—and it worked. Today, I’m a self-proclaimed reading addict, all thanks to her persistence and creativity.


Reading isn’t just a subject taught in school; it’s the foundation of all learning. Research consistently shows that students who struggle with reading by third grade are far more likely to face academic challenges throughout their education. According to the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), third-grade reading proficiency is a strong predictor of high school graduation rates and career success.



Why Reading is Essential

Learning to read unlocks doors to countless opportunities, helping students:

  • Build a Foundation for Learning: Reading fluency supports comprehension in subjects like math, science, and history.
  • Develop Critical Thinking: Stories and texts encourage analysis, reasoning, and problem-solving.
  • Enhance Communication Skills: Reading exposes children to new vocabulary and improves their writing and speaking abilities.
  • Strengthen Empathy and Imagination: Stories allow children to experience perspectives and situations beyond their own.
  • Increase Lifelong Opportunities: Proficient readers are more likely to excel in their careers and pursue advanced education.


How Parents Can Encourage Reading

Parents play a crucial role in helping their children develop a love for reading. Here are some tips to support your child’s reading journey:

  • Read Aloud Together
  • Choose books your child enjoys, whether it’s adventures, mysteries, or animal stories. 
  • Reading aloud creates positive associations with books and stimulates curiosity.
  • Make It Fun and Interactive
  • Use voices for characters, ask questions about the story, or let your child guess what happens next.
  • Get your child a library card and take trips to the library.
  • Create a Reading Routine
  • Dedicate a specific time each day for reading, whether it’s before bed or after school.
  • Consistency builds a habit.
  • Turn off the TV. Stop the digital game. Remove the cell phone
  • Surround Them with Books
  • Keep books in places your child frequents—bedrooms, living rooms, or even the car. 
  • Make them easily accessible.
  • Be a Reading Role Model
  • Let your child see you reading. 
  • Share your excitement about a great book or article you’ve enjoyed.
  • Celebrate Progress
  • Recognize your child’s efforts and achievements in reading, no matter how small.
  • Positive reinforcement encourages persistence.
  • Encourage Curiosity
  • Let your child choose books about topics they’re interested in, whether it’s dinosaurs, space, or superheroes.
  • Partner with Teachers
  • Work with your child’s teacher to identify their reading level and find resources to support their growth.


As a parent, you hold the key to unlocking your child’s love for reading. Whether it’s through creative strategies like my mother’s “cliffhanger” approach or simply reading together daily, you can inspire a passion for books that lasts a lifetime. As my father would say to me, "Cry now or cry later."


At Tri-City Adventist School, we’re here to partner with you on this journey. Together, we can ensure that every student becomes a confident, curious, and enthusiastic reader who’s ready to thrive in school and beyond.


The above article was co-written by Mr. Norton and Ai.