|
|
Passion for God, Compassion for People April 6, 2010
|
Treasure in Jars of Clay
This is third in a series exploring education at Nashua Christian Academy. This month's focus is NCA's High School.
 "But we have this
treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and
not from us. We are hard-pressed on
every side, but not crushed; perplexed; but not in despair; persecuted; but not
abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed" - 2 Cor. 4:7-10
It is no accident that the marketing and advertising industry
targets the 14-18 year old population as one of their most significant demographics. This segment of the population is part of
what is known as "the echo generation," as they are the children of "baby
boomers." In fact, as David Foot and
Daniel Stoffman explain their book, Boom, Bust and Echo, teen culture is in
boom mode because the U.S.
now has 76 million teenagers; more than at any time since the boomers
themselves were young. Teens exist in a wired, networked, window-to-the-world,
global village that is all around them," assert Foot and Stoffman, "and
teachers and parents need to accept and understand that the advertisements, the
i-pods, the laptops and the 5000 channel universe ... are not going away."
Today's high school students stand directly in the path of
this blitz.
Can a student achieve significant educational
milestones, and - while navigating four
years of high school - also live, learn,
and grow daily in their Christian faith?
Is high school a time when Christian parents can or should step back and
pray that what their kids were taught at home and church is sufficiently
entrenched to be recalled and relied upon when tough decisions come along? What is the comparative value and
distinctiveness of Nashua Christian High
School for
students and their parents?
"In high school powerful relationships are built,
and
the value of friendship is significant,
so it's very important to
be surrounded by people that build you up."
"Teens seek authenticity," says NCA High School Principal
Dan Kerwin. They recognize it, they
value it, and they can tell in an instant when it's not there. It's one of the most important qualities we
look for in our teachers. In addition to
a love for teaching, our teachers are mentors and role models in their daily
life and walk of faith. They are
committed, and have hearts to connect with students. As the saying goes, "They won't care what you
know until they know that you care."
Read more...
|
|
Did You Want to Argue The Point?
|
Interested in debating the finer points of an issue? Do you like the logical progression in a courtroom proceeding? is The Great Debaters one of your favorite movies?
Well you might be just who we are looking for. NCA is
launching a debate team for the 2010 - 2011 school year and we are looking for advisers, coaches and other interested individuals.
Contact Dan Kerwin for more information.
|
|
Re-Registration Increases by 44%
|
Taking advantage of priority registration (and the lowered fees) many families re-registered for the upcoming 2010-2011 school year by the March 12 deadline increasing enrollment by 44% over this time last year.
Enrollment is still open for all grades but some grades are filling up fast and it is anticipated that a few grades will be wait-listed shortly.
Registration cost now through June 1st will be $200 for the 1st child and $100 each for every additional child.
After June 1st the
registration fee is $300 for the 1st child and
each additional child is $150.
Remember your child is not registered for next
year until we have received three items:
1. The
Re-registration
Form
2.The Tuition
Preference
Form
3. The
Registration
Fee.
Click here to download the forms.
|
|
Please Pray
|
Remember these members of the NCA family in
your prayers.
If you know of other alumni or friends of NCA that are
active military please email their names so we can pray for them too.
AIDEN BASHORS dad - Currently in the Army National Guard stationed in Iraq.
| |
|
On the Launching Pad
to Jr. High: Fifth Grade Enjoys Step-Up
Day
One of the
rights of passage at NCA is "Step-Up Day," when the fifth grade class is
escorted by Jr. High Principal Mr. Burger up to the third floor to get a taste
of what will come their way in the fall when they transition into Jr. High.
About a
month ago, at this year's Step-Up Day, the fifth graders shadowed the sixth
grade class, answering questions, showing them around, and reminding them that
their days of wearing navy blue are numbered.
The day ended on a sweet note, with everyone enjoying a cake which read,
"Welcome to Jr. High NCA Fifth Grade!"
|
|
|
Wacky Wednesday - Career Day a Big Hit
 March is a long month. Just ask any teacher, or student.
So in the Elementary school Wacky Wednesday's are a fun break to the busy week. This year many students got on their favorite outfits for Career Day as well as Bible Character day, Green day, Clash Day and new this year, Red Nose Day.
Walking by the classes on Red Nose Day it became obvious that the teachers were having as much fun as the students. Each Red Nose was purchased for a $1 donation to benefit Mission of Hope in Haiti. Over $356 was raised in this effort.
|
|
Terrific Response From Advertising
 Busy, busy, busy is an accurate description of the administration at NCA these days.
The final in a series of postcards was mailed last week to Christian families in the greater Nashua area, and it is having the desired effect with many new inquires, tours and shadow opportunities scheduled.
Additionally the administration is working with upgraded customized database software to keep track of all the details of the interested families.
There are still a few postcards available to hand out to friends at the main entrance of NCA.
|
|
|
Missions Trip Updates
UKRAINE
The second mission trip this
year is coming up shortly. During the April vacation a team of students will go to Ukraine to work with Ukrainian orphans and gypsy
children. NCA students have been to this region near the city
of Uzhgorod many times over the past few years. One of the unique aspects
of this ministry is the "buddy program" which will partner NCA students
with an orphan for a more personal connection. We believe that this
friendship will produce a spark in the hearts of all, infusing the youth
of Ukraine with a new sense of hope, love, and unity for the years to
come.
The Team will pray and serve
during special programs, minister to children and adults in area orphanages
and gypsy camps, and reach out to homeless families and children in
the city of Uzhgorod.
Again, we are asking for your
prayerful support of this program as we prepare to go to serve in one
of the most destitute parts of Ukraine and while we are there.
If you would like to support this team financially, you may send a tax-deductible
donation to: Nashua Christian Academy, 8 Franklin Street, Nashua,
NH 03064. Please make your check payable to Nashua Christian
Academy and leave the Memo field blank. Attach a note to the
check stating it is for the Ukraine Missions Trip. Any support
received beyond the direct cost of the trip will go to the mission in
Ukraine.
|
|
Hear Karen Luttik in concert!
 Our intrepid Recorder, Clarinet and Saxophone, teacher Karen Luttik is performing in Nashua on April 11th. This is an excellent opportunity to hear Mrs. Luttik play clarinet in a quartet with violin, cello, and piano.
My
Father's Words: Let the Houses be the Witnesses. Quartet
for the End of Time by Olivier Messiaen
on Sunday,
April 11, 3pm at the Unitarian
Universalist Church of Nashua, 58 Lowell Street, Nashua
Suggested fee: Students $3, Seniors $12, Adults $15 If you would like more information visit here.
|
|
|
What is God doing at NCA?
It is a question that He answers most every day.
There are many stories about what God is doing/has done in the lives
of NCA students, faculty and staff as they develop a passion for God
and compassion for people. In fact, YOU may have a story about
how God has used NCA in your life. We would love to hear your stories
and share them through this blog. Like this one.
_____________________________________
Cochabamba pushed its way into my heart
The trip to Bolivia this February was so
much more than I could have expected! Each day was full of deep
emotions and new experiences.
One of our devotional themes was that in our trip, God wanted to work
both through us and in us. I calmed and fed a crying baby, painted the
fingernails of homeless children, refurbished a building at Camp
Kewiña, and planned a Bible day camp for children in a local school. In
all of this, Cochabamba pushed its way into my heart. The beauty of
the city and the surrounding mountains contrasted so intensely with the
extreme poverty of the people. I felt God's love for his children and
understood how the simplicity of serving, of loving the unloved, touches
his heart.
I thank God for the opportunity I had to fall in love with Bolivia
and hope that those who follow us from NCA will be as moved as I was.
- Cookie Brienen, Senior
_____________________________________
Perhaps a teacher encouraged you in your spiritual journey... or
another NCA staff member demonstrated how to live passionately for God
in an apathetic world... maybe you've seen a marked change in your
child's attitude/behavior... perhaps your experience on a mission trip
transformed your heart toward others... or you've observed a pupil
showing compassion to another student... whatever your story, we'd like
to hear it from you.
Visit the What's God Doing? page on the NCA website. Share your story of what God is doing at NCA and be an encouragement to others.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
