Family

Upper Room Christian School is like an extended family. Here we learn not only how to read and write but how to get along and take care of each other. There is a very strong connection between the staff and families being served by the school.

Many of our graduates come back to chapels, games and events throughout the year. They stay in touch via the phone, e-mail and Facebook. We believe that God has brought each of us here to be together and learn about ourselves, our world and most importantly our God. We do it in an atmosphere of mutual respect and care.

In this photo 10th grader BJ is giving us the thumbs up when he was asked how do you like Upper Room. He came to us this year from a local public school where he was failing. He is now on the honor roll! As you can see, he's quite happy and back on the right track!

Grace and peace,
Ed

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

Know your Children!

About 15 years ago, a series of questions for parents to ask their sons and daughters was developed. Then, parents were to design practical projects for their children based on the needs that were discovered. Recently, one of the parents who carried out this exercise more than 15 years ago asked his son and daughters, “Do you remember those questions I asked you and the projects we did?” They enthusiastically responded that they did remember and that these interactions with their dad were cherished memories. Here are the types of questions that were asked:

Who is your best friend? What qualities do you admire in him or her? Does this friendship tend to build you up or pull you down?

What do you want to do with your life? Whom do you want to be like? What skills do you want to develop? Do you wonder what God’s will is for your life?

What fears do you experience? (Fear of the future? Failure? Rejection? Abandonment? Past failures being revealed?)

What books have influenced you the most? How did they influence you? Have you ever thought about writing a book? What topic could you write about?

What things in our family discourage you? (Clutter? Conflicts with siblings? Tension between parents? Unfinished house repairs? Lack of space? Rules?)

What changes would you like to see in me? (More time spent with family? Less time watching television or on the Internet? Not getting upset or angry? Greater spiritual leadership?)

What do you enjoy doing in your free time? (Sports? Reading? Projects? Time with friends?)

What hurts have you experienced from others? (Friends? Family? Neighbors?)

What things about yourself or your past would you like to change?

If you could ask God any question, what would you ask Him?

Setting aside an afternoon or weekend to spend with each child and going over these and other questions would make a profound impact upon your children and you. The better you know the members of your flock, the better equipped you will be to shepherd them. Why not look at your calendar right now and designate a time that you could begin this project.

Grace and Peace,

Ed

http://www.urcwc.org/