The Home/School Partnership

When "healthy" relationships exist between the home and school, both teachers and parents value the expertise that each of them bring to the education process. When parents and teachers work together to build the foundation of a team, everybody benefits. As a parent, what can you do to contribute to your child's class or school, and what are some ways you can value and support the talents that the teacher brings to the classroom?

While here at Upper Room Christian School we strongly encourage parental involvement and support, let's first consider why a teacher might be a bit hesitant to tap the resources of a willing parent, or might have trouble thinking of a parent as a member of a team. A teacher might be wary of this "free service" if he has had a bad experience with parents in the past. Parents who force themselves on a teacher, who intrude on a teacher's personal life, or who work themselves into the classroom with a personal gripe or "agenda" are not likely to be regarded by a teacher as a valuable asset.

Let the teacher and school administration know that you want to help out on in the classroom, and let them know how you might be able to help. You might even volunteer to be the editor of a student-produced class newsletter, so all parents can stay informed about classroom activities.

You and other parents can support your child's teacher in a variety of ways -- by chaperoning field trips, preparing specialized materials for students, helping with lunch coverage, or even creating learning centers which focus on a certain topic or theme. You can generate a survey form on which parents (at an open house, in a school newsletter, or a school's Internet site like this one) can indicate their willingness to share a talent, some information, a service, or a product with the school. If you have the time and energy, you might develop and coordinate a pool of parents who can help out in a variety of ways. You may even be able to find a grant that would pay to put together a dependable parent-support network.

Help your child's teacher put his or her best skills to work in the classroom. By assisting with various non-teaching functions, you can give the teacher more time to be creative in the classroom. Every teacher wants a teammate who can do that!

Grace and Peace,

Ed

Be not Conformed, Be Transformed!

Rom 12:2 says, "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God". This is part of the mandate of True Godly Education!

Webster defines conformed as an intransitive verb: to be similar or identical also to be in agreement or harmony. To be obedient or compliant. To act in accordance with prevailing standards or customs.

Webster defines transformed as an intransitive verb: to change.

So then there are two very different educational systems in the world today one teaching us how to CONFORM with the world system based on selfishness and carnality and the other teaching us how to be TRANSFORMED into the image and likeness of God.

It is therefore impossible for a secular public school system to teach true biblical transformation as the carnal and spiritual are at enmity with each other. They have opposing goals! The are subject to different objectives.

Our children are not to be conformed to this worlds ideology but they are to be conformed to the image of God! Rom 8:29 says, " For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers".

What is your child's educational system conforming them to? All education shapes the mind and helps formulate our opinions and beliefs. First our children's minds need to be transformed, changed from their Adamic identity to their identity in Christ! Then they should be taught to be conformed into His image and likeness.
Rom 8:5
For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.
Rom 8:6
For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
Rom 8:7
Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.

Grace and Peace,

Ed

If your on Long Island and you're looking for a Christian PreK-12 school call us at 631-242-5359.

Love Yourself Correctly!

This post actually came to me in an e-mail that I subscribe to. It was written by Bill Gothard. Bill was born November 2, 1934, Bill is the third of six children born to William and Carmen Gothard. His father was the general manager of an engineering firm and later served with various ministries, including Gideons International, where he was the executive director.

When Bill was in the 5th grade, God brought him to an understanding of his need for a personal Savior through the ministry of Child Evangelism Fellowship. Shortly after accepting Jesus as his Savior, he and his family joined a Biblically based church and grew in their appreciation for the authority of God’s Word.

At the age of 15, Bill dedicated his life to helping teenagers and their parents make wise decisions. In order to give his complete attention to this, he has postponed marriage.
In 1964, at the age of 30, Bill was ordained and commissioned for youth work.
Bill Gothard received his B.A. (1957) and M.A. (1961) degrees from Wheaton College and, a Ph.D. (2004) degree from Louisiana Baptist University.

As I was reading I thought of how this topic ties in with the bullying and peer pressure that many of our young people go through. With today's expectation and pressure for perfection many young people are left broken as they try to meet an unrealistic expectation! Here's the article, enjoy!

Even though she was a former Miss America, she hated some of her physical features. The problem was that they were not features she could change. They were part of God’s design when He created her and formed her in her mother’s womb.

David declared, “My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them” (Psalm 139:15–16).

When we reject our design, we also reject our Designer. Self-rejection is often caused by comparing our unchangeable characteristics to those of others. Paul warned, “… But they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise” (II Corinthians 10:12).

In order to love ourselves correctly, we must be able to accept and thank God for our unchangeable features. These include our parents, birth order, brothers and sisters, nationality, ethnic origin, time in history, basic physical features, mental capabilities, and length of life. David’s response to the Creator was: “I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well” (Psalm 139:14).

If we reject the way God designed us, we will tend to ridicule and reject God’s design of others. As I have counseled teenagers over the years, many have acknowledged that they felt awkward and embarrassed about some of their physical features. In order to divert attention away from themselves, they would mock someone else’s appearance. What a hurtful action toward God and others!

We cannot fully love others without first learning to accept the way God has made us.
Isaiah described the relationship between God and man when he said, “But now, O LORD, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand” (Isaiah 64:8). Each pot is different, but each one is carefully designed, shaped, and molded for specific uses in His household. “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10).
Rather than seeking to change the unique outward characteristics that God predetermined for us, we should seek to have our inner man transformed into the image of Christ through the renewing of our minds and the development of His character in our lives.

We can take a big step toward loving our neighbor by first thanking God for the way He designed us. If we have rejected any aspects of His design, let’s sincerely thank Him for them and begin to look for the ways that He intends to use them to benefit our inward character and accomplish His purposes in our lives. Then, let’s choose to view others as the masterpieces that God made them to be.

Through Christ our Lord,
Bill Gothard http://billgothard.com/bill/

Grace and Peace,
Ed

What if it Christian Education was FREE?

What if Christian education was free – no tuition charges, no fees, nothing! Would you then send your child to a Christian school? “Sure I’d send my child to a Christian school for free, are you kidding?” Well then, you have to ask yourself the next logical question… at what point is it too much to send your child to a Christian school? Where do you as parents draw the line for sending them or not sending them? One thousand? Four thousand? Eight thousand dollars?

Contact any Christian school in your area and find out why thousands of families have already figured out where to draw the line for their children’s future.

Christian school graduates go to college or they go right into the workplace. But what is really remarkable is that 100% of them study apologetics, learn how to defend their faith, and learn how to serve others. Where are you going to draw the line?

"Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life: but teach them thy sons, and thy sons’ sons; Specially the day that thou stoodest before the LORD thy God in Horeb, when the LORD said unto me, Gather me the people together, and I will make them hear my words, that they may learn to fear me all the days that they shall live upon the earth, and that they may teach their children."
The Holy Bible : King James Version. Deut. 4:9-10.

Matt 16:26
For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

Mark 8:36
For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?

Grace and Peace,

Ed

http://www.urilife.net.realfoodforlife/

A Quote from President Ronald Regan

"Above all, let us remember the mountain of strength that offers the greatest hope and inspiration for all. I believe with all my heart that standing up for America means standing up for the God who has so blessed our land.

We need God's help to guide our nation through stormy seas. But we can't expect Him to protect America in a crisis if we just leave Him over on the shelf in our day-to-day living. There's a lovely old hymn which says: When morning lights the eastern skies, O Lord Thy mercy show, on Thee alone our hope relies, let us Thy kindness know.

Trusting in Him, believing in each other, working together, we will rebuild America -- the land of our dreams and mankind's last great hope."— Ronald Reagan, November 16, 1982

While this quote is 27 years old, it still rings true today. The answer to man's problems. The answer to man's questions. The answer for the United States of America and the answer for Christian Education is "on Thee alone our hope relies, let us Thy kindness know."

May God Bless America!

Grace and Peace,

Ed

http://www.lifemywalkwithgod.blogspot.com/

What is a Christian education?

Although the term Christian education does not occur in the Bible, the Bible speaks of the moral and spiritual instruction of believers in general and of children in particular. It places a high value upon knowledge, both of God and of His works. It describes the moral and spiritual fruits of this knowledge and defines its ultimate purpose.

From the moment a child is born, certain forces are at work influencing his development. As his inherited powers and tendencies surface and interact with his environment and his will, he takes on the characteristics of his adulthood. Human growth, however, does not end with physical maturity. Some faculties of the personality are capable of expansion and refinement into old age. Education, whether of child or adult, is the directing of this total ongoing process of development toward specific objectives.

The purpose of Christian education is the directing of the process of human development toward God's objective for man: godliness of character and action. It bends its efforts to the end "that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works" (II Tim. 3:17).

This goal of godliness presupposes the experience of regeneration. As education in general begins with physical birth, Christian education proper begins with spiritual rebirth, when the life of God is communicated to the soul. To say that Christian education proper begins with the new birth is not, however, to say that it is pointless before regeneration. The student can be provided with necessary awarenesses of God and responses to His Word so that when the Holy Spirit brings conviction of sin he will readily and with full understanding accept Christ as his Saviour. Timothy from childhood knew "the holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus" (II Tim. 3:15). To make children and even unregenerated adults "wise unto salvation" is no less a legitimate function of Christian education today.

Growth in godliness proceeds step by step from regeneration toward full maturity "in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ" (II Pet. 1:5-8). This growth, like regeneration, is made possible by divine grace (Titus 2:11-13). It results from the emulation of Christ, who, as "the express image" of "the Majesty on high" (Heb. 1:3), is the visible manifestation of the divine nature that God has ordained for man's imitation. As regenerated man continues to occupy his mind with the truth of God revealed in Christ, he is "changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord" (II Cor. 3:18). His full conformity to the image of God in Christ--his Christ-likeness--is the goal of Christian education (Rom. 8:29). This goal is pursued with the recognition that its complete realization awaits the full view of Christ in the life to come, when "we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is" (I John 3:2).

Christians have a Biblical mandate to educate in their homes and in their churches. In order to reinforce the educational ministries of these institutions or to protect their ministries from secular interference, Christian parents or church members, acting either individually or in concert, may elect to form a Christian school. In doing so, they are acting from religious conviction. To deny them their choice of means in carrying out the Biblical mandate of Christian education is to deny them the exercise of their religious convictions.

It follows that the education of children is the prerogative not of the state but of the parents or church members. Furthermore, it is evident that allowing the state to dictate the standards and procedures of Christian education jeopardizes the ability of parents and of church members to carry out their responsibility to God for the education of their children. The subjection of the Christian school to the control of the state or of any other secular agency is, in effect, the subjection of the Christian homes and churches to secular domination. It is rightly regarded as vicious, for secular control (even that which may appear benign) is incompatible with the aims of a spiritual ministry.

The work of the Christian school is an extension of the Christian educational ministries of the Christian home and the church. Its purpose, therefore, is the development of the student in the image of God. This purpose determines both the content and the means of instruction.

This selection is an excerpt from Christian Education: Its Mandate and Mission

Grace and Peace,

Ed

http://www.lifemywalkwithgod.blogspot.com/

Children Owning Their Education

No matter how exciting our lessons, how well-planned or executed, no matter how innovative or hands-on, how scholarly or inspired—reality is that children remember best what they themselves "produce." I remember teaching my 8th grade Science class physics by having them conceptualize, and produce a model for an amusement park ride we called "Volcano". We even had a class trip to Great Adventure in New Jersey on Physics Day where we put some of our theories to the test.

Both teachers and students appreciate colorful, well-designed curriculum with high interest and appropriate expectations. However, the lesson that is teacher-produced has a short-term effect and very little staying value in the mind (let alone the heart) of the child. On the other hand, the lesson that engages the student and requires his response achieves a longer-term effect. The degree to which the student is engaged determines the total impact on his life and heart.

All Christian education aims to form character and scholarship worthy of Christ. Our curriculum places the burden of learning upon the student, challenging his reason, causing him to research and relate, and thus impacting his life through the formation of Christian character. As a result, the student is able to articulate the subject out of his own thinking.

A recent visitor to one of our school's presentations asked students who had just presented a series of orations and other presentations why they didn’t appear nervous before such a large group. The students replied nearly in unison, “Because we’ve been doing this since kindergarten!” Their quick response verified their experience in a curriculum that impacts character thus producing leaders. The most obvious mark of the leader is the ability to speak confidently, even persuasively, and out of his own conviction before others. This should be the ultimate curriculum test: resulting in a student who has the character and skill to fulfill the great commission—discipling the nations for Christ.

Grace and Peace,
Ed

How is a Christian school like a hothouse for plants?

This Thursday Spring begins! Educating children is like growing young plants. They both need basic nutrition, rich soil free of contaminants, clear air and sunshine. Like young plants, children are not yet ready to put into an environment that is hostile or unhealthy – they need protection at young ages.

The family, church and the school are the child’s best growing environment, just like the hot house is to young plants.

When the roots are deep enough, the trunk strong enough, and the foliage is plentiful, the plant can go into a new world and thrive. So, too, is the child who is grounded in God’s Word and teaching.

The Psalmist describes the blessed man: “He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.”

It's enrollment time for most Christian Schools and Upper Room is no exception. Our first open house has ended with about 30 applications being submitted. We have one more open house next week. And as in Spring "the early bird gets the worm"! If you are in the Suffolk County area we invite you call and stop in for a tour and interview with our Principal.

Upper Room Christian School is proud to begin another year's enrollment of students. we will be graduating 43 students this year and have openings for about 65 students total. As a father of four grown daughters I have seen the virtue in Christian Education. My daughters have ministered before thousands and say that their children are going to go to Christian School.

Deut 11:19
And ye shall teach them your children, speaking of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.

Grace and Peace,

Ed

http://www.discoverchristianschools.com/

Raising Our Children For Christ

All of us have heard at one time or another familiar words, “you can’t take it with you” or “you came into this world with nothing, and you’ll leave with nothing” or how about this one, “I’ve never seen a Brinks truck following a hearse.” We laugh or at least smile at these statements, but as Christ followers we know that all our earthly treasures will be left behind when the Lord calls us home.

Some time ago though I heard a very insightful and profound statement that indicated that we can indeed take something to heaven with us. . . Our children! When I thought further about that statement I realized that parents have the supreme opportunity (and responsibility) of leading their children into a relationship with Jesus Christ, ensuring that they will have the promise of eternal life.

Upper Room Christian School is a place where the opportunity of accepting Christ as Savior is not only given to students, but is a foundational value that is central to the mission of a Christian school education. Through godly teachers and a curriculum that integrates the truth of scripture, the Christian school serves not only as a place where students are educated to be totally devoted disciples, but they are given the opportunity to make that all important decision of beginning their spiritual journey by accepting through faith, Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

Upper Room believes that “we can’t take it with us” but, parents can (in a manner of speaking) take their children to heaven with them. It’s a core value - it’s part of the Christian education fabric. Why would Christian parents want their children anywhere else?

Prov 22:6 says, "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it." Eph 6:4 says, "ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord."
The Holy Bible : King James Version 1611 Authorized Version.

Grace and Peace,

Ed

Upper Room Christian School

722 Deer Park Road

Dix Hills, NY 11746

631-242-5359

Rjonodde@aol.com

Children are God's Heritage

The King James Bible uses the word "children" over 1,500 times! God is concerned with our children! The Bible says, " Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth. Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate." The Holy Bible : King James Version Ps 127:3-5.

Isaac was the son of promise, yet God instructed Abraham to place him on the altar. When Abraham took the knife to kill Isaac, he was demonstrating complete trust in God by not withholding even his beloved son from the Lord. (See Genesis 22:1–18.) In a similar way, God wants every father and mother to hold back nothing from Him, including their children.

Historians agree that John Wesley was one of the eighteenth century’s most influential religious leaders in England and colonial America. When he was asked what had influenced his dedication to God, John explained that as a boy he was almost killed in a house fire. Following this event, his mother impressed upon him the fact that God had an important work for him to do and had spared his life as “a brand plucked from the burning fire” for this very purpose. It is this sense of spiritual duty, affirmed and blessed by parents, that God wants every child to have.

Parents should instill in their children a desire to serve the Lord and then send them out with blessings to do it. There is no greater joy than to see the blessing and anointing that God has placed on your children be used to bless others and bring glory to God! We must remember that most of the exploits recorded in the Bible were done by people under 30. In fact, many were under 20 years old! That doesn't leave the over 30 crowd out! We are to add our wisdom and experience to their energy and vision to together fulfill the purpose and plan of God for our generation.

Grace and Peace,

Ed

Upper Room Christian School's ACSI Membership

Our Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) Posting

Upper Room Christian School
722 Deer Park Rd, Dix Hills, NY 11746-6221

Phone: (631) 242-5359

Fax: (631) 242-0448

geck892999@hotmail.com

http://www.urcwc.org/

Statistics

ACSI Membership Term: 1984-2008

Early Ed Enrollment: 12

Elementary Enrollment: 135

Middle School Enrollment: 58

High School Enrollment: 133

Total Enrollment: 338

Grade Levels: EE-12

Founded: 1981

I-20 Foreign Student Approved School

Affiliation: Nondenominational

Registered: New York State Board of Regents

Leadership Staff

Pastor Samuel Hashim - Administrator

Pastor Gregory Eck - Principal

Pastor Ed Dono - Assistant Principal

Wisdom

I don’t know a single Christian parent today who does not want their child to obtain wisdom.
Usually, we rely on youth pastors, church events, and maybe the influence of a few Christian music artists to help our kids learn about God. But, when we stop to think about it, we know this is not all of the training they require – the challenges are too great.

The Bible is clear that the fear and knowledge of God are the keys to obtaining wisdom in this life. As parents, it is our responsibility to make sure our children are exposed early and often to truths about God, His nature, His love, His holiness, and His plan for our lives. A great way to start your child early on his or her path to wisdom is to get enrolled in your local Christian school.

I believe that while the public education system touts the importance of Knowledge it is void of true Wisdom. Knowledge, simply put, is the acquisition of facts, beliefs and systems. Wisdom, however, is the application of that knowledge. For example, I know there is a time and purpose for everything....this is knowledge. I know what time it is.....this is wisdom. There is a time to work and a time to play....knowledge. If I am working when I should be playing I lack the wisdom to be DOING what is right. Knowing is not enough and in fact Knowledge without Wisdom can be dangerous!

I have personally watched thousands of children and young adults in both the public and Christian school systems. I went through and also taught in the NYS public school system in Brooklyn, NY. I taught in St. Anthony's on Long Island and now teach and administrate for Upper Room Christian School in Dix Hills, NY. The difference in a school that both acknowledges and honors Jesus is absolutely incredible! Perfect....no...better...without a doubt! Students are raised to be responsible citizens and to prefer others rather than themselves. To be like Christ. To follow Him all the days of their lives.

Daniel 1:3-4 And the king spake unto Ashpenaz the master of his eunuchs, that he should bring certain of the children of Israel, and of the king’s seed, and of the princes; Children in whom was no blemish, but well favoured, and skilful in all wisdom, and cunning in knowledge, and understanding science, and such as had ability in them to stand in the king’s palace, and whom they might teach the learning and the tongue of the Chaldeans.

Daniel 1:6-7 Now among these were of the children of Judah, Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah: Unto whom the prince of the eunuchs gave names: for he gave unto Daniel the name of Belteshazzar; and to Hananiah, of Shadrach; and to Mishael, of Meshach; and to Azariah, of Abednego.

Daniel 1:17-20 As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams. Now at the end of the days that the king had said he should bring them in, then the prince of the eunuchs brought them in before Nebuchadnezzar. And the king communed with them; and among them all was found none like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah: therefore stood they before the king. And in all matters of wisdom and understanding, that the king enquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers that were in all his realm.

Our children are a blessing to us and to this world from God. Let's not let the world system give them"new names"! Let's invest in their spiritual growth 24/7 and watch what God will do with them!

Scriptures taken from The Holy Bible : King James Version. 1995 (electronic ed. of the 1769 edition of the 1611 Authorized Version.) Bellingham WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc. If you'd like to receive 25% off Logos Bible Software write me at Rjonodde@aol.com

Grace and Peace,

Ed

http://www.urcwc.com/

Remember

Throughout the Old Testament, the Israelites were challenged to remember; to remember God’s faithfulness to them throughout various times in their history, and the ways in which He saw them through difficult and even terrifying times. The consequence of not remembering was often either judgment or misfortune.

This challenge still applies to us today. Remembering how God has been faithful to His people throughout history, and throughout our own lives, is a critical aspect of growing in our walk with God and experiencing His blessing.

If we want to ensure that our children have a solid foundation on which to build their lives, it must start with simply, remembering, who God was, is, and always will be. A Christian school is an excellent way to ensure that your children are being taught to remember God on a daily basis.

At Upper Room Christian School we have age appropriate Bible Devotions each morning and an inspiring Chapel Service each Friday Afternoon. Our teachers are constantly teaching according to the New York Standards but with a Christian World View in accordance with 2 Tim 2:2 which says, "And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also."

Grace and Peace,

Ed

http://www.urcwc.org/

PS. If you would like to receive a 25% discount on the Logos Bible Software I use, e-mail me at Rjonodde@aol.com.