August 28th, 2015            Welcome Back!
Dear Families and Friends of ODCA,
What a wonderful beginning we have had this week! Lots of smiles, a few separation tears (children and parents) and the halls have been filled with life and love once again! The Lord has blessed ODCA with more than 20 new families joining us and there have been visitors every day this week to find out more about joining the ODCA student body. Although we have viewed this as a year of rebuilding, there are so many good things already happening at ODCA and lots of exciting things to come. We thank you for trusting the school and choosing us to partner with you to educate your child in academics and knowledge of the Lord this year.
 
We have chosen a Bible verse this year for the school family that we feel exemplifies how we want to grow and keep the Lord at the center of all we do. The verse for 2015-16 is:
 
"May the God who gives endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ." Romans 15:5-6
 
As we join together in harmony to seek the Lord and build ODCA into the best school it can be, He will provide the endurance and encouragement we need to put Christ first in all we do and bring glory to God. Let's work together to make ODCA a beacon shining forth the light of peace and hope of Christ to all who come to know us this year.

Blessings,
Meg McHale, Principal
ATHLETIC    NEWS!
Dear Parents,
My name is Barak Parsons, I am the new Physical Education teacher and Athletic Director. I am very excited about this year and all that it entails. The soccer season is right around the corner and I am looking forward to the beginning of the season. I am currently looking for someone interested in coaching the girl's team. They are an outstanding group of young athletes and excited about the soccer season ahead. Please contact me at bparsons@opendoorchristianacademy.com or at 215-542-9795 if you are interested in coaching.  
Barak Parsons, Athletic Director
September 8th                           Soccer Practice begins
PIAA FORMS...
Just a reminder that any student participating in ODCA sports must have a current PIAA form on file.  There is a $75.00 sports fee due at the start of each sports season.  If you pay on Smart Tuition you can look in the Shopping Cart Area; there is a section for Add Charges.  You will see a Sports Fee Item for each season.  You can select the Sports Fee - Soccer and pay your fee right from your Smart Account.  Just click which sport you want to pay for and then complete the payment process.  Or you may send in a check payable to Open Door Christian Academy for $75.00
Monthly Christian Character
Each month of the 2015-2016 school year, we will be focusing on one of the Fruits of the Spirit in order to grow in knowledge and wisdom of what the Lord desires for and in us. Each month will also have a Bible verse about that fruit of the Spirit. Chapel speakers will be informed of the verse so they can support it in their message.   At the end of the month, teachers will identify students who are role models of that trait or students who have displayed a heart's desire to grow in that quality. Those students will be recognized at a monthly chapel. You may want to share memorization of this verse as a family or talk about the meaning with your child.   The fruit of the Spirit trait for the month of September is LOVE and the verse for the month is:
 
"Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth" 1 John 3:18
Brown Bag Forum
We will be having a quarterly open forum with the Principal Meg McHale. Although she is available for appointment to meet with you regarding any concerns or questions you may have, we would also like to have a scheduled time where you can meet and be kept up to date with what is happening at ODCA. We will try to vary the times to have one day and one evening one each quarter for your convenience. The first forum will be a brown bag lunch forum that will be held in the school library on Tuesday, September 29th at 12:00 noon. Plan ahead and we will keep you posted as the date gets closer. 
Safety Committee
We would like to establish a safety committee that would meet on a monthly basis. The objective of this committee would be to evaluate the overall safety of the school based on the PA state standards for schools. We would then establish safety procedures, identify areas that need to be addressed immediately and develop long range goals. All parents are invited to be a part of this vital committee and especially those that have background knowledge to contribute. If you are willing and interested to be a part of the committee, please email Principal Meg McHale with your name and the times you would are available for a meeting so we can set up the first meeting in September. mmchale@opendoorchristianacademy.com
 
OTHER DATES TO REMEMBER
 
September 4 and 7th                No School Labor Day weekend
September 8                            ODPA parents meeting
September 8                            Soccer Practice begins
September 10                          SCHOOL PICTURE DAY!
September 14                          ODPA parent meeting
September 15                          Back to School Night
September 25                          "At home" school day