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Monday, December 19, 2011

School Choice

The Wall Street Journal called this past year "The Year of School Choice." More than ever, we are seeing state governments pass legislation that allows you to take greater control of your children's education; providing parents with funds and opportunity to provide a better education.

At its heart, school choice is a revolutionary concept that places control into your and your students' hands. It does this by allowing parents to be consumers, so to speak—making schools accountable primarily to families. The idea is that since your tax dollars fund the school systems, you should have greater control over how your child's allotted educational funds are spent—that is, choosing where your children go to school.

As the year comes to an end and we look forward to 2012, please join me in praying for our schools and their staffs, and for the election of political leaders who will embrace the concept of school choice because they put the needs of the children first.


Grace and Peace,
Ed

Friday, December 16, 2011

FAFSA Filling Info

This past week Saint Josephs sent a Financial Aid Representative to talk to the seniors about how to fill out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), so that students can effectively apply for Federal Aid. Students were given information from how to apply for their Personal Identification Number (PIN),to the different types of grants that may be available them.


A special thanks to Saint Josephs and Gordan Rowe for a very productive morning.

For more information about FAFSA, TAP or any other Federally Funded Grants you can also visit College.gov.

Remember if you are a senior and plan to attend college in the Fall 2012 you need to file a FAFSA form after January 1,2012.

Thank you
Gina Yodice
College/Career Counselor
(631) 242-5359 ext 222
Gyodice@urcs.org

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Christmas Chapel 2011

We had an awesome Christmas Chapel last Friday! There was great anointed singing, a powerful slide show, anointed dance and an inspiring Christmas Message given by our Principal, Dr. Gregory Eck! We had over 400 people in attendance and everyone went home feeling inspired, refreshed and thankful to God for all that He's doing at Upper Room Christian School.

The Bible says that, "unless the Lord builds the house we labor in vain" and we are in awe of what god has done, what He is doing and where He is taking us in the future! With the addition of over 15 new International students this year God is truly giving us the opportunity to reach the world with the Gospel of Jesus Christ while producing able ministers able to meet the needs of their community in spirit, soul and body!

We wish you a Merry and Blessed Christmas and a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year!

Grace and Peace,
Ed

Monday, December 12, 2011

Our Location

Located on beautiful Long Island, New York, Upper Room Christian School is just minutes from gorgeous beaches, beautiful parks, AND all of the culture, excitement and wonder of New York City! Our location makes it a great place for students to learn. While located on 5 acres in upscale Dix Hills it is close enough to Manhattan, Massachusetts, Connecticut and New Jersey where some of the Country’s finest Colleges and Universities are located. Our school is surrounded by museums, libraries, historic landmarks, farms, stadiums, and more!


We experience all four seasons! It’s approx. 0-40 in the Winter (Dec. Jan. Feb.), 45-70 in the Spring (Mar. Apr. May), 75- 100 in the Summer (June July Aug.) and 30-60 in the Fall (Sept. Oct. Nov.).

We are located in the heart of Long Island about 7 miles from the South Shore (Atlantic Ocean) and 13 miles from the North Shore. About 100 miles West of Montauk Point and 50 miles East of NYC. A mile south of the Long Island Expressway exit 51s and one mile north of the Southern State Parkway exit 39n.

Friday, December 9, 2011

Anthony Passalacqua a Long Island Hero

                                 click here---->    Long Island Heros

The link above will take you to a Fios feature called Long Island Heros done by Journalist Mike Stevens. It features Anthony Passalacqua the son of our Varsity Baseball Head Coach Tony Passalacqua. The Passalacquas are building on their love and expertise regarding baseball and have started the first Long Island Baseball Showcase that features young talented baseball players from all over Long Island.

Scouts from several Division One Colleges as well as scouts from Major League Baseball came to the field at Upper Room Christian School to watch 25 players who came by invitation to show off their skills and talent. This was the first showcase of it's kind on long Island and was very profitable for those in attendance.

Coach Tony is not only a great father and coach but he is also a great History teacher and serves on the missions board at Smithtown Gospel Assembly where he is a member. His son Anthony, a graduate of Erskine College and former professional baseball player for the Modena Team in Italy, helps out at our program from time to time.

Grace and peace,
Ed

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Hands on Projects

Teachers at Upper Room Christian School supplement our student's textbook learning with "hands on" projects that foster critical thinking and creativity in our students. In today's photo you can see a sample from Ms. Holmes 8th grade Bible Class. These were centerpieces made for the Thanksgiving Holiday and while they are gorgeous they also tell a story of what the aspects of Thanksgiving mean to each student.

Critical thinking and Creativity are skills that are needed in effective problem solving. It requires the application of knowledge in new ways to solve new problems or create a different way of looking at a concept. Critical Thinking and Creativity are at the core of entrepreneurialism and is a much sought after skill in the business world!

I'm sure these centerpieces were the talk of the evening in our families' homes this Thanksgiving and were a great conversation piece around their holiday table!

Grace and Peace,
Ed

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

College Friday


This school year Upper Room Christian School has instituted "College Friday". The guidance department has been working with many colleges to create a one on one atmosphere for the students at Upper Room to be able to sit and speak with college representatives from various colleges. This has created a great buzz within the community here at Upper Room.


In addition to the introduction of the "College Friday" experience. We are have two additional College/Career events. One in February, which be our faculty informational event, and April 3rd will be our Career Fair. Please check this blog regularly for more details regarding both these informational days.

Gina Yodice
(631) 242 - 5359 ext 222
Gyodice@urcs.org

Monday, December 5, 2011

Academic Program

Students here at Upper Room Christian School have the advantage of taking College level courses while they are still in High School! We partner with St. John's University in offering classes like Astronomy, Physics, Calculus, Statistics, Foundations in Education and several other College level courses for College Credit!

We also have an extensive IEP Special Education program for students who have learning disabilities. Our students can receive Resource Room, Testing Modifications, Speech, ESL and Occupational Therapy as well as Psychological Services through the Half Hollow School District provided right here on our premises if they are in need and are eligible.

We use a Developmental Approach to education and believe that each child is a unique individual with individual needs and abilities and we try to match our programs with the needs of our current student population. We even have a partnership with BOCES Wilson Tech where our students can receive a certificate of completion in one of twenty two vocations offered through this extensive program.

Our goal is to help each child to reach their God given potential and enable them to be successful, productive, compassionate adults ready to meet life's challenges with excellence and grace!

Grace and Peace,
Ed

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Athletics

We have a very competitive Athletic Program at Upper Room Christian School. This year we have Boys Varsity Soccer, Boys JV Basketball, Girls Varsity Basketball, Boys Varsity Basketball, Varsity Co-Ed Track, Boys Varsity Baseball and 1st grade-12th grade Co-Ed Tae Quon Do.
We compete in several leagues as well as participate in various tournaments throughout the East Coast. God has blessed us with a beautiful regulation sized gym (pictured above) as well as a beautiful regulation sized Baseball field. We are looking forward to building a Soccer/Softball Field on our spacious property as well.

Athletics help to build Character in students as well as giving them the opportunity to channel their energy and effort into something fun and productive while giving many of them additional opportunities for scholarships for higher learning!

2 Timothy 2:5 says,"Similarly, if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victor's crown unless he competes according to the rules." (NIV)

Grace and Peace,
Ed

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Hector Mejias' Jersey Number Retired

Last Friday we had a special Chapel Service. As a part of the service we retired Hector Mejias' number 27 in honor of his outstanding baseball career here at Upper Room Christian School. Hector is now a Junior at NCAA Division 1 Grambling University in Louisiana! He is a starting first or third baseman and  is attending Grambling on a full scholarship from Upper Room! Hector came to us as an I-20 International student from the Dominican Republic and graduated Upper Room three years ago.

After the ceremony our Head Varsity Baseball Coach Passalaqua (shown above with Hector) shared an inspiring message with our students about the importance of Character, Integrity and Diligence in everything that we do! He emphasised that not only was Hector a great student as well as a great athlete but he is also a great Man of God. He tries to live his life in a way that is pleasing to the Lord and helpful to those around him. He also volunteered here at Upper Room Christian World Center whenever he got the chance.

We are thankful that God has sent us such wonderful students and staff and we pray that we continue to strive as a school for His best!

Grace and Peace,
Ed

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Wilson Tech BOCES

A Wilson Tech guidance couselor was available to talk with both parents and students this Monday during the Parent Teachers Conference. We had a great response and have already started in motion the Fall 2012 registration process.

Students who have district aproval can gleen from one of Techs 38 programs. Each curriculum is designed to create a hands -on learning experience that facilitate both career and/or college readiness. In the past Upper Room Chritian School Alumni have recieved training in fields such as Automotive Technology, Cosmotology, Culinary Arts, Early Childhood Education, Fashion Merchandising/Design, Nurse Assisting, Video Production and others. Many students have went on to receive post secondary education, and others have been able to go directly into their career choice.

Another perk of enrollment at Tech is that you can recieve FREE Sat pep, a FREE college prep course and students can take one college course a semester fully paid for by Tech.

If you are interested in seeing if Tech is an option for you or your child please contact Ms Yodice in the Guidance office @ (631) 242-5359.

Grace and Peace,
Ed

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Donations

In this picture Mr. Paul Sanders Soodoo (on the right) is presenting Upper Room Christian School with a check for $1,000 that he received from Mr. and Mrs. Marakovits of Manhattan. Mr. Soodoo is the CEO of  Ascend Worldwide/Ascend Tickets and he has been helping the school as a Director of Development. The money was raised for the school's "Change for Change" program and the proceeds were given to "Mercy House" who will feed over a thousand needy families this Thanksgiving season.

The picture was taken in our computer lab where we just received a anonymous donation of 15 brand new computers and monitors. Our school relies on generous donations from our alumni, parents, business' and friends of the school and those funds are used for technology, scholarships for needy students, our athletic programs, our music and art programs or, as shown above, so we can give to others!

Thank you Mr. Soodoo for all of your hard work for the school. Thank you Mr. and Mrs. Marakovits for your generous offering to "Change for Change" and "Mercy House". Thank you to our anonymous donor for the new computers. And thanks to everyone that shares in the vision and mission of our school to train up young men and women for Christ to be a blessing to their comunity and to grow together in spirit, soul and body!

Grace and Peace,
Ed

Monday, November 21, 2011

Technology Training

Today is teacher in service training day! We will be spending our entire day working on our school's technology plan and systems. The logo above is from our new school data management program called RenWeb. It is a state of the art system of data management and communications program accessible from any computer, tablet or web enabled smart phone with Internet access.

We are also working on our social networking sites and the integration of those sites with our Web Page and
RenWeb. With daily advances taking place in technology it is important for schools to keep pace with the trends and utilize all of the new technological advances to their greatest benefit!

Our students are living in a day where technological advances are literally changing the world we live in and how we do business. Schools must enable their students to take advantage of these changes and to optimize their use now and in the future.

Grace and Peace,
Ed

Friday, November 18, 2011

Community Service

Community Service is a large part of what we teach and empower here at Upper Room Christian School. Today for example our Senior Class will be preparing over 500 shopping bags of fresh groceries for needy families this Thanksgiving season. The school itself raised over $1,200 and brought in several bags of non-perishables and we add that to over $10,000 worth of food that was donated by Upper Room Christian World Center and food that was donated by local pantries.

Over 500 families will receive a Turkey and all the fixins ready to be prepared as well as over 300 hot meals that will be distributed to the home bound Thanksgiving morning. Our students work for about 4 hours today and many even come back tomorrow to help with the distribution of the food.

We will do it all again for Christmas! As our students serve their community they practice their Christianity in real and meaningful ways and can witness the love of Jesus in meeting the needs of others. Christ did not come to be served but to serve and we here at URCS endeavor to live out of that principal.

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Timmy the Tooth!


Today we had a visit from Timmy the tooth! The people from Island Orthodontics were here today doing a presentation for our K-5 students on the importance of daily brushing and good oral hygiene. Dr Efraim Zak and some of his staff did a wonderful job of keeping our children engaged, entertained and amused as they learned the benefits of good oral hygiene.

Dr. Efraim and Island Orthodontics also blessed the school with a "goodie bag" for each child and a voucher for $1,500 toward orthodontic work that will be given to a lucky participant at our Chinese Auction/Talent Show held in May. You can find out more about this wonderful program for your school or visit Dr. Zak at Island Orthodontics or at Smiles for Kids !

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Christian World View

What is a worldview? A worldview is the framework of understanding by which one relates to the world around him. It has been defined as a "lens through which one views the world." A worldview, whether one realizes it our not, forms the basis of our core beliefs and values. It is the grid by which we sift each and every item of new knowledge we encounter and thus, it influences us in profound but often subtle ways. We are often not consciously aware of how our worldview affects our thinking processes. We encounter all types of information and situations which we must process in the course of our daily lives. How we comprehend these situations and respond to them is all reflected in our worldview. Our worldview is closely related to our core values and what we believe in, what we place our faith in. It is the faith system upon which we build our lives. Every decision one makes will ultimately "bow" to one's worldview.


Everyone has a worldview whether they realize it or not. All people live by some sort of faith—be it in money, science, themselves (often referred to as self-reliant American individualism), or government. Each of these is fleeting and can change in a very short time. Money gets lost, scientific theories rise and fall, people make mistakes of judgment, governments barely get anything right and are often corrupt and controlled by special interests. Surely, a valid worldview must be based on something much more permanent, much more solid than a theory or the flimsy foundation of current philosophical thinking.

Every worldview has to answer THREE major questions:

1 - What is the highest good and ULTIMATE reality?

2 -What is wrong with the world?

3 - What is the prescription for putting it right?

As an example, a modern secular worldview of the Occupy Wall Street crowd might answer those questions like this: The highest good is my own happiness; The world problem is my lack of money and my huge college loans; The solution is the government redistribution of wealth.

An atheist scientist might answer those questions like this: The highest good is science; The problem is lack of knowledge; The solution is more education.

Does anyone think that any amount of education is going to solve the problems of humanity like wars, robberies, murders and rapes? We have never been more educated than now and the 20th century has produced more murders and senseless killing that all of the prior centuries combined. Our increased knowledge has only led to better and more efficient means of killing! Human nature has not changed with increased education and never will. The problem clearly lies with something other than a lack of education.

Each worldview has problem and challenges that it needs to defend, and a coherent and defensible worldview needs to be consistent.

Jesus had a biblical worldview. He viewed the world as being created by an omnipotent Creator God who was the Ultimate Reality; hence, the universe consisted of God and everything he created, including the spiritual world of angels and demons. The problem with the world was mankind's sin and he was the antidote. Reconciliation with the Creator God and a changed heart for each person was the answer.

A non-biblical worldview is typically very self-centered, as exemplified above. It typically begins with the notion that I AM AT THE CENTER OF THE UNIVERSE and that I am the highest good and my happiness is the ultimate reality. This is, in fact, the BIG LIE foisted upon this generation and just about every other generation in modern times. It is constantly reinforced by the culture, by our own selfish natures (which denies our own guilt) and by commercial advertising. It is all about ME!!

What a coincidence that the Bible says our three worst enemies are "the world, the flesh (our selfish venial natures) and the devil." If I am the center of the universe and my happiness is the highest good, then all of my decisions in life are based on that LIE! How I live my life is reflected in that core belief, which is how a worldview operates. It controls our thinking without us realizing it. It is fundamental to how we live and how we view the world around us. Does the world exist for my good pleasure or for God's good pleasure? You had better get that one right because there is going to be a final grade!

"Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them, may be compared to a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and yet it did not fall, for it had been founded on the rock. Everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act on them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. The rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and it fell—and great was its fall. When Jesus had finished these words, the crowds were amazed at His teaching; for He was teaching them as one having authority, and not as their scribes." Matthew 7:24-29

Today's blog was an excerpt from Reflections from Dan, a publication of the Historical Bible Society, copywrite 2011 by Daniel P. Buttafuoco.

What is your world view? At Upper Room Christian School our world view, our prospective, our point of reference is the world as being created by an omnipotent Creator God who was the Ultimate Reality; hence, the universe consisted of God and everything he created, including the spiritual world of angels and demons. The problem with the world was mankind's sin and he was the antidote. Reconciliation with the Creator God and a changed heart for each person was the answer.

Grace and Peace,
Ed

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Look alike day!

Each year Upper Room Christian School celebrates "Senior Week". Senior week is filled with fun activities that create great memories for the students and the staff! In today's picture we see four senior girls on "look alike day". While they may look like sisters, and while they are spiritual sisters, they are from very different backgrounds and neighborhoods.

Senior week also has activities like our senior trip, senior banquet, senior luncheon and other activities that change each year at the Seniors request. We are planning a possible senior trip this year to Washington DC to explore the Christian foundation that our country was built on. This will be a three day - two night trip by bus from the school to Washington DC and back.

Our seniors have always "set the tone" for the school and their input and involvement is critical in maintaining school spirit as well as their ability to leave behind a legacy after they are gone. We always invite them back to events like our up coming Midnight Madness where our present varsity basketball team will challenge a team made up of our alumni from years past.

Grace and Peace,
Ed

Monday, November 14, 2011

Welcome!

Graduate Oscar Martinez and Security Officer Mrs. Gregg are greeting each other at our main office entrance. All visitors are asked to sign in and receive a visitor's pass. They are also advised that Upper Room Christian School is a NYS Safe School Zone and as such anyone's cars, bags or personel items can be inspected if the school deems it necessary. We also maitain over 25 closed circuit TV's that monitor our halls and exits 24/7.

You can also see our AED sign denoting the locations of our two Automatic External Difibulators. Safety and Security is a primary concern here at Upper Room and while we take it very seriously you can see by the photo that we do it with grace and peace!

Visitors are welcomed with a smile and we go out of our way to accomodate both families from the school as well as community members that may be passing through for business or information. We thank God for His wisdom and protection and we rejoice that we have not had one major incident of violence resulting in an injury or further reporting to NYS in 30 years! We can truly say that we have one of the safest schools on Long Island.

Grace and Peace,
Ed

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Curriculum

At Upper Room Christian School we endeavor to identify, locate and use the best curriculum possible for our students. We believe in using the best secular curriculum taught by Christian teachers using a Christian World View. Each year our teachers review and research for the best books and materials to use. We are a New York State regent school so it is important that all of our students do well on both their regent exams and their SAT's.

We select curriculum from all of the major publishers and upgrade all of our books at least every 5 years so that their condition is acceptable and their content is relevant. We are also looking into using either Kindles or Nooks for our High School Students next year!

And of course the Bible is the cornerstone book here at Upper Room Christian School and we read and study it every day!

Grace and Peace,
Ed

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Effective Public Speaking

Each year our students get several opportunities to share the Gospel in one of our weekly chapel services. Students minister in music, pray and share the Word of God in front of 200-300 people each week. This is a great time for them to overcome the fear that most people have of public speaking while enhancing their ability to share their faith with others.

Today's picture is of Jose Coleman a graduate of Upper Room Christian School as he shares the testimony of his conversion and as he encourages the audience to give their lives to Christ and to put their faith and trust in Him.

Effective public speaking is a valuable skill and enhances our student's ability to communicate powerfully without fear. Usually the students are so elated after their time of sharing that it no longer becomes an obstacle for them and they become more and more confident each time they speak.

Grace and Peace,
Ed

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Election Day

Today is election day! Here at Upper Room Christian School our students study our democracy and how it works. They study our history and how our voting rights evolved to where they are today. Not only do they study how democracy works but they practice it with several school votes and debates.

Our students debate and vote on issues that directly effect the school. We are so blessed to live in a country where the people have the power to effect policy by voting each year. Freedom is the founding principal behind our Constitution and voting is an important part of exercising and maintaining our freedom.

Freedom is also a foundational principal in the Gospel. The Bible says that, "it was for freedom that Christ has set us free...". The Bible says that we were once slaves to sin but the birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ has broken sin's hold on us and it's power over us!

Thank God for freedom!
Ed

Monday, November 7, 2011

Uniforms

Here at Upper Room Christian School we have a uniform dress code. We feel that this allows students to focus on what really matters in school and that is learning. It takes the guess work out of wondering what to wear to school each day while also eliminating the feeling of having to "keep up with the Jones'". While we have a uniform dress code there are several variations that allow our students some individual expression.

Basically as the student progresses they have more and more options of colors and styles all within the framework of our maroon and grey palette.We also include several "dress down" and "dress up" days throughout the year for fund raisers and special events.

In the spring and summer we relax the dress code a bit allowing the students to wear "Upper Room" polo shirts instead of the white shirt and tie. We usually allow our middle school and high school students to dress up or down for field trips outside of the school depending on the type of venue or event they're going to.

Almost every job requires some form of dress code so we are preparing our students for that as well as promoting our unity and equality by wearing our uniform with pride and dignity. At the end of the year we offer "Best Dressed" awards to those students that consistently demonstrated how to wear the uniform. As you can see from the picture above of one of our former High School classes that we have a great looking group of students and staff here at Upper Room Christian School!

Grace and Peace,
Ed

Friday, November 4, 2011

Art

Art is an important subject here at Upper Room Christian School! Students get art twice a week from 1st Grade through High School. They learn art history as well as technique. Our students have won several local art awards through the years and do all of the design and layout work for our annual yearbook. Featured above was our cover from last year.

Several students have even gone on in College to major in art, design, graphic arts and layouts. Some have even received scholarships to Universities like the Fashion Institute of Technology and the New York Institute of Technology.

Art is another form of communication like music or speech. Throughout the ages man has left behind the art of his day and we have all learned and been enriched by it. In fact, God is the first artist as seen through His marvelous creation and we were created in His image and in His likeness!

Grace and Peace,
Ed

Thursday, November 3, 2011

Student Council Advisor

Upper Room Christian School is pleased to announce that the Senior Council Advisor for this year will be Ms. Holmes. Ms. Holmes has been a middle school teacher for us for 5 years now and this year's senior class was her first eighth grade class here at Upper Room. Ms Holmes does the eighth grade homeroom as well as teaching middle school social studies and bible devotions.

The senior council does all of the fundraising and planning for the senior events like the senior banquet, senior trip and senior week. The senior council also plans our two pep rallies and homecomings. They basically help inspire and infuse school spirit and our strong sense of family by planning and administrating our major school events, athletic events and activities.

We are so blessed to have a woman like Ms. Holmes to oversee the student council as she brings her administrative talent her spiritual insight and gifting and her great work ethic to everything she puts her hand to. She truly loves the students and is committed to giving them the best High School experience possible and help them leave a legacy behind them for the classes to come!

Grace and Peace,
Ed

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Midnight Madness

We're getting ready for Upper Room Christian School's "Midnight Madness" coming up on Friday November 25, 2011. Midnight Madness starts at 9pm after the Friday night youth service and goes until midnight. Our boys Varsity Basketball Team plays against our Alumni. It is always a fun night and as you can see from the picture it is always packed with fans.

We are celebrating our 31st year of quality Christian Education here on Long Island, NY and we love having evenings like this where the alumni come back to the school to be honored and to give our varsity team a run for their money! The night is also filled with fun contests, trivia, memories and activities and as always the cafe is open for all kinds of snacks, drinks and goodies.

Midnight Madness is a night where we reflect as a school on our past, present and our future. We believe that our best is yet to come as we press on for excellence in spirit, soul and body and as we continue to provide a place where Christian boys and girls can come and learn in an environment where everyone is accepted and loved and Jesus is Lord!

Monday, October 31, 2011

Music Performance

At Upper Room Christian School we have a robust music program as well plenty of opportunity for our students to perform. We have a Chapel service once a week, several shows and even opportunities outside of the school.

Our band and choir minister for the holidays at senior citizen centers as well as hospitals and we love to be able to bless those that can't come out for a show or service. Our teachers teach our students how to perform and minister as well as teaching them  how to be excellent on their instrument or in their vocals. We teach music theory and composition.

Our band and choir has been featured on MSG Varsity and our students have also competed in the NYSMA competitions. Mr. Holder and Ms. Flynn do a great job each year of replacing students that graduate with incoming students and maintain a viable band and choir from year to year. Some students go on to major in music in College and some have even received substantial scholarships to schools like Boston College, Berkley and Five Towns.
Grace and Peace,
Ed

Friday, October 28, 2011

Picture Day

Today is picture day! Upper Room Christian School uses "Lifetouch" as our photographers for our picture days. We have three per year. The first is for the whole school's ID's and yearbook photos. The second is in November and is just for our seniors. And the third is in April where we do spring shots out of uniform.

Each year our students publish a yearbook and we include their random shots which are taken throughout the year as well as the professional shots taken by Lifetouch. These photos serve as cherished keepsakes of their years here at Upper Room and are a source of memories, laughs and even tears for years to come. I usually look at the yearbooks once a year and it brings back fond memories of the years and students gone by and is a source of encouragement for years to come.

Grace and Peace,
Ed

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Trips

This is a picture of last year's publications class on their trip to Pulse Magazine. Each year we take the students on several educational trips to enhance their learning experience and give them a first hand look at their topic of study.

Yesterday our international students went with several other seniors, advisers, staff and chaperons to NYC to see the Statue of Liberty and to take a walking tour of lower Manhattan and the financial district. They went by luxury bus from the school to the ferry that took them to the Statue of Liberty where the students were able to climb up the spiral staircase before it closes for renovations next month.

Today our digital imaging class is in Manhattan at the Jacob Javits center for the largest Photography Exposition in the world! There they will meet manufacturers, professional photographers and journalists while attending several mini classes on photography and layout design.

Trips are an important part of a student's learning and we here at Upper Room Christian School are fortunate to have so many wonderful resources within a few miles of the school!

Grace and Peace,
Ed

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Unity

One of the best things about Upper Room Christian School is that there is no barriers of race or color. God teaches us in His Word that we are all family through the blood sacrifice of Jesus Christ! Here at the school we have students from all nationalities studying, eating and playing together.

God has given us a genuine love and care for each other and has broken down the walls of separation based on color, nationality or culture. We accept and embrace our diversity and see it as a tremendous advantage as we become a global community that is represented right here in our school.

It's fun to watch students from Spain communicating with students from China communicating with students from Jamaica and all of the other countries represented here. The Bible says, "Behold how good and pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity....there the Lord commands the blessing"! Our students are learning how to function in a global community and loving it!!

Grace and Peace,
Ed

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Space

Looking at this picture reminded me of all of the space we have for our students here at Upper Room Christian School! Not only do we have a state of the art regulation baseball field and parking for hundreds of cars but we also have other ample play spaces like the one shown in today's picture.

The students love coming out for gym or for recess and the teachers love to use the grounds for science lessons and other learning experiences like time capsules, rocket demonstrations and even a visit from a professional race car driver!

We are blessed to be on several acres of land that is easy to get to yet rural enough to be safe from the hustle and bustle of city life. All this and just 45 miles from NYC! Speaking of which the high school trip to the city is Wednesday and they are looking forward to seeing the Statue of Liberty up close and personal as well as a walking tour of lower Manhattan and the financial district.

Grace and Peace,
Ed

Friday, October 21, 2011

Fire Prevention

A fire prevention/fire safety class was held for our elementary department by our very own volunteer fireman and 5th grade teacher Mr.Reiersen! The students loved his demonstration and learned how to help prevent house fires and what to do if they are in a house fire.

Mr. Reiersen's Sayville Fire Department also supplied each student with a coloring book to help re-enforce the lesson learned. Students learn by what they see and also by what they hear but they learn the most by what they do so a hands on class like the one Mr. Reiersen did is the best way for them to learn this important and potentially life saving lesson.

Grace and Peace,
Ed

Thursday, October 20, 2011

Security

While Upper Room Christian School is one of the safest schools on Long Island we are glad to have staff like Mrs. Rielly keeping our hallways clear and safe. The kids love her and nothing escapes her watchful eyes. We also have Mrs. Gregg and 24 closed circuit digital camera's recording 24/7.

Our students come from good homes in over 14 different school districts and they come to be in a safe and loving environment where they don't have to be worried about drugs, gangs or violence. We are large enough to provide our students with all of the athletic and social opportunities of a bigger school yet small enough to give personalized attention where no one "slips between the cracks".

We also have a closed campus. Students arrive at 8am and leave at 3pm. We provide advanced placement and college level courses as well as several electives for our Juniors and Seniors so their day is full. We have our hot lunch program catered so the students don't have to leave and we don't have to be concerned with them getting back to school safely.

Grace and Peace,
Ed

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Chess

Chess has always had a place at Upper Room Christian School. Several years ago we even had a formal club that competed throughout Long Island through the United States Chess Federation and all of our players played timed games by the USCF rulebook.

We've played at St. Joseph's, Adelphi and Hoefstra Universities. But it seems that the place we like to play the most is in the lunchroom. During any lunch period you can see boards set up and students playing as they eat their lunch.

Chess is an excellent game as well as an excellent teaching tool. It requires critical thinking and concentration. There is no luck involved at all. Students learn the all important skill of asking "what if" throughout the game. They see cause and effect. They concentrate deeply and are not taught to make a good move but taught to make the best move. That's why it's called, "The Game of Kings".

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Diversity

One of the things that makes Upper Room Christian School great is its diversity. Not only do we have I-20 students from all over the world, we also have sudents in grades K-12. While we seperate the Elementary, Middle and High Schools for most of the day, students still see each other in the halls as we change classes, have electives and at our weekly chapel services.

The students develop such a bond between each other! The High School students love opportunities to become Teachers Assistants for the lower grades and actually help the younger  students with their studies. The younger students look up to their older counterparts and love to say hello in the hall or cheer for their teams during their games.

The diversity in age also gives the school more of a "family" feel. Students that don't have older or younger siblings now feel like they do and we all feel part of a big extended family. The school becomes more of a learning community that models Christian family life and we live, learn and grow together in love, respect and appreciation of each other!

Grace and Peace,
Ed

Monday, October 17, 2011

Dialogue

Part of the reason that there is such an interest by other countries to come to America to study is because of our teaching style. This is an eleventh grade American History class being taught by Mr. Anthony Passalacqua. Mr. Passalacqua has a Master's degree in education with an emphasis in History. In classes like this, the need to discuss and reason is critical. The real need in education today is the need to foster critical thinking skills so that we can learn how to take bits of information and use them together to solve problems and find better ways of doing things.
Students are taught how to reason....how to think critically....and how to communicate their thoughts in conversation as well as on paper. Coach Pass (also our Varsity Baseball Headcoach) has several debates each year as well as several elections that give opportunity to the students to both understand historically what factors have shaped our history and also the chance to see how it works in action through these simulated debates and elections.
Critical thinking is the reason that other countries are desiring an American education and here at Upper Room Christian School that is what we put the highest educational emphasis on.
Grace and Peace,
Ed

Friday, October 14, 2011

We know how to party!

Each year we have our gala senior banquet at the beautiful Venetian Shores Catering Hall in Lindenhurst. It's right off the water so the sunsets are gorgeous and the breeze is wonderful. It has a gazebo for taking outdoor shots and overlooks the Great South Bay.

Inside the air-conditioners are cranked up because the DJ has his rig set up and the music is about to flow. The food is great and the service is excellent. All of the students arrive in formal wear and it is such a change seeing them like that when you are so used to them in their school uniforms.

The night starts off slow as the guests arrive and take pictures while enjoying the cocktail hour. Delicious fruity concoctions are poured over the hum of the blenders and everyone settles in for a great night. Once dinner is served the music kicks in and the dance floor begins to populate. The students come ready to celebrate the conclusion of 12 years of education and are looking forward to college.

At the end of the night we crown the homecoming King and Queen who were voted for by the student body weeks before. Time for a few more dances, coffee and cake and many students then continue with their after-party arrangements off site. It's a night to remember forever!

Grace and Peace,
Ed

Thursday, October 13, 2011

Lunchtime!

School is not just about learning how to read, write and do math. School is also about learning how to relate to people of different ages, backgrounds, social status, race and cultures. Here at Upper Room Christian School we put an emphasis on building strong relationships between the students and the staff. We are a family and the school has a family atmosphere.

At lunch students bring food from home, order hot lunch from our hot lunch program or just buy something from the vending machines. What's most important is that they relax and relate. The relationships forged here usually go on for years and in some cases, even for life.

Life is about our relationships. Our relationship with God. Our relationship with our family. Our relationship with our friends. And our relationship to our community. School needs to be a place where we can learn to better stregnthen and enrich these relationships because in reality....they are all that really matters!

Grace and Peace,
Ed

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

PSATs

Well, it's that time again! The first round of PSATs have begun. Our students and students from all over Long Island are in the Upper Room Christian School gym taking one of the most important tests they will ever take.

At Upper Room we take these exams very seriously and as a result have had many of our students accepted to top tier Colleges and Universities around the country and some with sizable scholarships! We have become a registered PSAT Administration site and do the exams here twice a year. Students come from other schools on Long Island to take the Fall exams especially if their high school's schedule is such that they are unable to take it in their home school.

It's nice to host these other students and nice to have guests in the house! It's also great to work for a place like Upper Room that has a vision not only for our students but for the community as well.
To God be the Glory!
Ed

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Soccer!!


Coach  ABRAHAM CHHAB has taken over as the Head Varsity Soccer Coach for Upper Room Christian School! These are his credentials:
Masters in sports science from the University of Montpellier
Former Member of the olympic camp squad of Los Angeles track team.
Research in sports science.
Former regional director of coaching and player development for Major League Soccer.
Highly and nationally certified by US soccer federation.
Holds the Brazilian Professional Soccer Coaching License from la confederacion brazilira de futbol professionel (CBF)-
Holds the French Professional Soccer Coaching License.
FIFA Certified

Coach Abraham has worked with many top notch soccer clubs, camps and clinics all over the world! We believe that God will use coach Abraham working with our students from around the world as they seek to improve their soccer knowledge and skills. We are glad to welcome him on staff here at Upper Room as we continue to press for excellence in Spirit, Soul and Body.

Monday, October 10, 2011

Columbus Day

No picture today! I couldn't find a suitable one. When I was a kid growing up in Bensonhurst Brooklyn the Italians decided to change the name of Columbus Day to Italian American Unity Day. They just decided to glom (my word...to take without asking) a holiday and call it theirs! Don't get me wrong....I'm an Italian American with grandparents from Italy but taking a holiday, changing it's name and then calling it yours.....Really!

However, this day reminds me of all of the immigrants that came the US looking for a better life for themselves and their families. My grandparents came through Ellis Island and settled in Brooklyn. They brought some of Italy over with them with their language, food and customs. I enjoy the culture to this day and like going into the Salumeria's (Italian Deli) and speaking the few words of Italian I know to the counter men.

Upper Room Christian School is fortunate to host almost 20 students from around the world! They come from China, Korea, Haiti, Jamaica, Dominican Republic Spain and others! They apply for an I20 Educational Visa, find a host home and study at our school from September till June. It is a great experience for them as well as for the school and host homes! Diversity is what makes America great, diversity is why I love New York so much diversity is a small snapshot of Heaven! E Pluribus Unim. Out of the many, one. The vision of God the Father, His Son Jesus, our American forefathers and Upper Room Christian School is that we would be one in Christ.....unity with diversity!
Happy Columbus Day!
Ed

Friday, October 7, 2011

Chapel

At Upper Room Christian School we have a chapel service once a week for two periods. It is a time for us to come together as a school to worship and hear from God together. Each week students rehearse that week's songs and we feature a different speaker or guest each week.

The past three weeks have been a series about wisdom presented by our Headmaster and one of the founders of the school Pastor Samuel Hashim. He discussed the importance that wisdom plays in life from both the scripture and from real life experiences. His goal was to put a new found hunger for wisdom and it's pursuit and how to use our time, talent and resources wisely to get their maximum benefit and purpose for our lives.

While chapel is for our students we also allow past students, graduates, neighbors, friends or relatives to come and be blessed by the worship and the teaching. Many students say that their lives were forever changed in one of these services and that things they learned or experienced in chapel have stayed with them throughout the years!

Grace and Peace,
Ed

Thursday, October 6, 2011

Change for Change

We are so excited to be back to school! Part of the excitement is the opportunity the school gives each student for community service. In the picture above URCS graduate Lauren Barnes (a senior at the time) is shown with sister Cathy Smith, a few of her children and a News 12 reporter at the Children of Hope mission in Wyandanch. Lauren was spearheading a mentoring program between the school and the mission.

For one of our projects this year we are partnering with Cablevision's Charity Champions program to raise money to help feed those in need. We call it "Change for Change". Each student brings in loose change or an item of non-perishable food to be distributed to over 1,000 needy people from all over the Long Island area.

Surely the love of God has been shed abroad in our hearts and hallways and we have a great desire to reach out to our community with love and support. We are always looking for creative ways to help those in our communities that have a need.

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Aaron's Appendectomy

Today's picture is one of Aaron Mylott a graduate of Upper Room Christian School mixing sound for us in one of our weekly chapel services. It's great to have the students play such an important role in our weekly chapels from lights to sound from singing to playing an instrument to preaching. The students do it all and are trained in every area of interest.
Well last night Aaron was having some pain in his abdomen and at about 3:30 this morning he was rushed in for an appendectomy! With the age we're in he was facebooking jokes right up until when they rolled him into surgery and his last words were, "see you on the other side". Well I'm sure his Mom didn't go for the joke but i really do believe that in times of major distress and possible danger those that know their God have a grace and peace knowing that they are in His hand always and His love will always see them through.
I'm waiting for Aaron to get out of surgery soon and wonder what his first words out will be. He always had a great sense of humor!
Grace and Peace,
Ed

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

School Facebook Page

So today I opened an official Facebook page for the school and used our Logo for the page picture. Founded in Biblical principles in 1981 the school's foundation is in the Word of God as revealed through the Bible and the life, death and resurecction of Jesus Christ the Son of God.
Next we see the flame symbolizing the firery presence of God in the heart of each believer and as a young student, we are growing up in Christ in Spirit, Soul and Body with a commitment to the spririt in man and it's development, the importance of academic excellence and the importance of physical growth and health. All within a safe and caring enviornment where love, peace, grace and respect is the rule and it is present in our hearts and hallways!
Gotta put a "Facebook like" button on this blog!

Monday, October 3, 2011

7th Annual Hempstead Day

Upper Room Christian School was represented again at this year's annual Hempstead Day. The event is hosted by H.E.V.N. (Helping End Violence Now). There are resource tables for the community, free food and a basketball tournament. Several county legislators come out to show their support and the event features several guest speakers and a gospel concert.
Our varsity boys took second place for the tournament and a great time was had by all in attendance!

Grace and Peace,
Ed

Friday, August 26, 2011

Upper Room Christian School Appoints a New Athletic Director!

Coach Becky Terry Stevens has spent over 25 years in sports in various capacities including playing basketball and running track both at the High School and College level. She has been a coach, athletic trainer and official in various cities and states including Atlanta, Boston, Ohio, South Carolina and Michigan.

As a player, Becky was selected to compete on an American basketball team made up of 11 AAU players from New York and Florida. This was a European tour, competing against professional women's "clubs" overseas. They played in England, Denmark, Sweden, Stockholm and other cities and finished the competition winning with first place honors.


As a player, Becky trained extensively with Bob McKillop the 5 time New York State championship coach of the Long Island Lutheran High School boys basketball team. During the summers, Mrs. Stevens worked, as well as attended clinics with future NBA All Star Mark Jackson, future NBA player of the Champion Chicago Bulls Bill Wennington and future NBA hall of famer Chris Mullin.

At LuHi Becky was a High School All American in basketball, and a recipient of the "Who's Who" award for her sports and academic achievements. She was highly recruited at schools across the nation including Harvard, UCLA, and West Virginia but at the request of her parents (the only girl with six brothers), she decided to go to a Christian College that was within driving distance where she studied music ministry and played basketball while majoring in pre-med and minoring in psychology. However, due to her father's sudden illness, and his eventual passing away at the age of 45, she returned back to Long Island to be closer to her family and help out at home.


Coach Stevens continued her studies at Queens College studying physical therapy/sports medicine. Becky eventually went on to work as an athletic trainner at several colleges in New York and South Carolina, as well as worked in physical therapy in rehab facilities, specializing in spinal cord injuries, head, neurological and CVA injuries. This also included work with replacement surgery patients. For a time, Becky also worked with the personal trainer/scout for the NBA's Atlanta Hawks.

In 2009-2010 Coach Stevens became the girl's head basketball coach and track coach at Upper Room Christian School. She will continue those duties, in addition to assuming the role as the Athletic Director.


Becky's greatest asset was coming to Christ at an early age and maintaining a passionate relationship with her Lord! She has for many years served as a youth leader and counselor/teacher, praise and worship leader and choir member/director. She's proud to be married to her husband Mike Stevens for almost 25 years and adores their 5 children.

Coach Stevens enjoys not only teaching sports, but by serving others, helping to develop charecter in the players and believes in keeping the "I" out of TEAM. She calls this promotion to Athletic Director "...an honor and privilege", and looks forward to the future here at Upper Room.



Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Ren Web Installation

We are so excited to be launching our new school data/information base application, Ren Web. Ren Web will enable us to be in closer contact with our families by providing an intranet for our staff, students and parents. Parents can receive e-mail and or text message alerts concerning their child's grades assignments and behavior. Additions or changes to the school's calendar of events will be broadcast as well as any emergency or inclement weather announcements.

We "go live" tomorrow and we welcome all of the advantages that this new software will provide for our School!