The Lighthouse-October 17,2008

Headmaster's Corner

 

Friends,

 

One measure of the value of a South Shore Christian Academy education is how SSCA students fare after they graduate and step up to the next rung on the education ladder--college and university. 

 

At South Shore Christian Academy, we strive mightily to prepare our students academically, socially and spiritually for the challenges of higher education.

 

Recently, I was in touch with Julia Marley, '08. She is a first year student at Smith College. I thought you would be interested in reading about her initial impressions of college life at Smith. Below is her letter to me.

 

Sincerely,

Ted Chamberlain

 

 

"Dear Dr. Chamberlain,

 

I think I have much more work to do here (than at SSCA) but I have more time to do it. 

 

My schedule is unique in that I only have one class on both Mondays and Tuesdays, so I sort of have a four-day weekend to do my work. There can be A LOT of reading. My first paper was a success. I had a fairly good argument, but was very confused when I wrote it, so I took it to the writing center here (I can't believe everyone doesn't use it, it's such an amazing resource) and a writing counselor gave me some really good advice on how to make it clearer. I got an A and was very happy.

 

Sometimes I get confused in my astronomy class. It takes a lot of imagination from me because I'm not science-oriented. I understand the ideas we go over, it's just hard to wrap my mind around the lab reports sometimes. But the teachers are very helpful.

 

Spanish is so much fun; I'm understanding my teachers (one teaches the class and the other leads the discussion sessions) and feeling more confident about my grammar. I definitely want to continue with it, and maybe minor in it.

 

Basically, I think the most important thing is knowing how to manage your time. So many girls stay up until 3 in the morning to finish their work because they procrastinate all the time. I definitely plan to stay well-rested because I can't think creatively when I'm exhausted. Also, you have to choose classes and activities carefully so you don't overload yourself. I have a really good set of classes that's balancing well so far (my poetry workshop is the one I didn't mention. I have a fabulous teacher).

 

I feel very comfortable and prepared here.

 

It's just about putting your nose to the grindstone and not worrying about your performance beyond that.

 

All the best,

Julia"

 

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Campus News

 

Harvest Festival Party

On Saturday, November 1st the Prefect Council is sponsoring a Harvest Festival Party for grades 7-12 at the SSCA gym from 7:00-10:00 p.m.  There will be games, competitions, food and prizes.  Please plan to attend.

 

Athletics

Soccer Playoffs are on the Horizon!

SSCVT's Boys Varsity Soccer team has secured their place in the playoffs this year.

SSCVT's Girls Varsity Soccer will need one more victory to earn a place in the playoffs.  Coach Atwater is hopeful that today's game will get them there!

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Volunteers Needed:

SSCA is in need of a JV boys basketball coach for grades 7-9.  Contact John Atwater at jatwater@southshorechristian.org.

 

Also, this year, we will need to raise additional money for our sports programs.  Our Varsity soccer coach, Allen McCall, works for an organization that supplies Gillette stadium with volunteer workers.  In return, wages are donated to the volunteers' place of employment. 

 

Volunteers are needed at games such as the Patriots, the Revolution and at concerts. SSCA would like to take part in this program--would you be willing to volunteer?

 

In order for SSCA to be an approved organization, potential volunteers must go through a brief orientation process.  The orientation meeting will be held on Tuesday, October 21st at 7 p.m. in the SSCA Reception Room for those interested in helping the school out in this way.

 

Please contact Doreen Callahan at dcallahan@southshorechristian.org if you plan to attend.

 


NHS Clothing Drive

The National Honor Society is sponsoring a clothing drive for men, women, and children starting Monday, October 20th.  All donations should be in new or good used condition and will be given to the Big Brothers Big Sisters Foundation.  The following items are requested: coats, jackets, cold weather accessories, jeans, shoes, sneakers (must come in pairs), shirts, t-shirts, sweatshirts, sweaters, etc.  The last day for donations will be Friday, October 24.  Clothing should be delivered in bags to either the Main Office or the Senior Room.

 

Boxtops for Education

Boxtops for Education is a program which enables participating companies to make donations to specific schools. SSCA takes part in this program by asking families to collect the small "Boxtops for Education" emblems on many common grocery product packages. These little squares are found on many products that you probably already use.  Please clip them and send them into school throughout the year with your child. The Parent Fellowship council will send the emblems in for redemption. Incentives are given to the Lower School classes who collect the most so please write your child's grade on each donation sheet or envelope. There is a collection box in the Lower School hallway.

 

Right now Boxtops is running a special promotion: for every 30 boxtops we send in they will match with 30 bonus boxtops.  It would be great if everyone could send in all the boxtops they have by October 17 in order for us to submit them to Boxtops by the end of October. We have already filled up 30 sheets.  This is a great opportunity to raise extra money for SSCA.

 

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Crafters Needed!!

SSCA's Parent Fellowship Committee will be holding its second annual Christmas craft fair on Saturday, November 22, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The cost to rent a table at the fair is $30.00. Reserve today--space is limited! Please contact Rose Conroy at 781-297-3778 if you're interested in renting a craft table or would like to donate a craft for sale at the fair.

Important Reminders

Important Edline Announcement

In our ongoing effort to provide quality services to our parents, South Shore Christian Academy has implemented the use of Edline. Edline is a secure, web-based system designed to provide real-time access to information specific to your child.  Once you have activated your account, you can use Edline to view important details for each of your child's classes.

 

Upper school teachers use Edline to post their weekly lesson plans, class syllabus, and post grades on a weekly basis. Lower school teachers use Edline to post a weekly class newsletter.  Some teachers may also be posting their class syllabus, lesson plans, and important news and announcements.

 

As of this week there are still a number of parents who have not activated their Edline parent accounts.  It is imperative that you do so.  Next semester, the only way for a parent or student to view their progress report is through Edline. You will be able to access the progress reports by loggin on to Edline at www.edline.net, using your log in information, and clicking on the "Semester One Progress Report" folder.

 

You will need an activation code to get started.  Mrs. Stiles is currently still assisting parents in this activation process.  If you would like to schedule a five minute appointment with Mrs. Stiles to get all of your accounts activated, or to get your activation code sent home, simply e-mail her at jstiles@southshorechristian.org.

 

Lost and Found

There are several articles of clothing in the Lost and Found. A table has been set up for these items outside Mr. Bielawa's office at the bottom of the stairs. Any unclaimed articles will soon be donated to a local charity.  If you are missing something, please check out the lost and found table as soon as possible.

 

Lunch Order Forms Available Online

Lunch menus/order forms are now available on the school website.  Please print, complete, and turn in the order forms with payment by the 15th of the prior month.

 

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Honeywell Alert

If you have changed any of your contact information including cell phone or work phone, please contact Lisa Pineo at lpineo@southshorechristian.org.  This information needs to be updated.  We have received numerous phone calls from non-SSCA individuals who receive our messages on their cell phones.

 

Parent/Teacher Conferences

Parent/teacher conferences will be held on Wednesday, October 29th from 1:00-3:00 p.m. and on Thursday, October 30th from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Conferences are by appointment only and parents are strongly encouraged to attend. Please call the main office to schedule appointments.

 

Progress Reports

Progress reports will be posted on Edline for grades PreK through grade 6 on October 24th.  Students in grades 7-12 receives a paper copy, which will be mailed on Monday, October 27th.  All progress reports will be posted only on Edline second semester.

 

 

Calendar

 

10/24           Progress Reports posted on-line

10/25           ACT (not at SSCA)

10/29         Early Dismissal @11:38; Parent-Teacher Conferences

10/30          Parent-Teacher Conferences 6-8 p.m.

11/1           Alumni Soccer Game at SSCA; SAT I/II (not at SSCA)

                   Harvest Party 7 p.m.- 10 p.m.

11/5            NHS Induction Ceremony 9:30 a.m.

11/6            NHS Clean-up Project

11/7            Picture Re-take Day

11/8           Open House 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

11/11         Veteran's Day - No School

11/12          ACSI Spelling Bee, grades 5-8

11/15-16     ACSI Soccer Tournament

 

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South Shore Christian Academy | 45 Broad St., Weymouth, MA 02188 | Tel: (781) 331-4340 | Fax: (781) 331-9956