Holmesburg Christian Academy

The paw print December, 2017 Linda C. Lewis

Volume 5, Number 4 Head of School

My Dear Children,

I see you are beginning to prepare for my birthday again. I saw a preschool Mom came in to help decorated the classroom

and grandparents decorated the gym with a tree and wreaths. The voices of the little ones in Kindergarten, first and second

have been practicing for weeks for their Christmas pageant. I see all the preparations and excitement. I’m with you

every day and everywhere; while you are at school, when you return home and while you are shopping for presents, I am

with you. I see how busy you are preparing for my birthday celebration.

I remember that night I was born. It was quiet and a big star shinned over the stable where my mother Mary gave birth to

me. She held me in her arms, wondering about all that had happen and all that was to come. That was over 2,000 years

ago and some people still care about that special night and how my coming changed the course of history. Some people

still celebrate my journey, from my Father’s home in heaven. He loves you so much that He gave me as ransom for your

soul. He wants you in heaven with Him someday too.

Every year I watch you prepare for my party. Sometimes it seems like I’m not really wanted at the party. Perhaps I make

you uncomfortable. There are Christmas trees and decorations everywhere and you have lots of presents under your tree.

Yet, you walk by the bell ringer collecting for those less fortunate and you throw away the appeal letters to feed starving

children. There is always lots of food, cake, cookies and candy at your party. Yet, you pretend you don’t see the

homeless woman on the corner or the man looking through the trash can for some scraps to eat. You go and visit the man

in the red suit and tell stories about him. Yet, you don’t talk about me very much. You may visit me and talk about me on

Sunday mornings and Christmas Eve, but hurry off because you have so much to do before the celebration begins. At my

party you stretch out your arms and hug one another and tell them you love them. Yet, you don’t tell me you love me.

With all the worldly distractions I feel like a stranger at my own birthday party.

In the Gospel of Luke 14:12-24, I told the parable about a great banquet being prepared in heaven. My dear children, the

invitations have been extended but, many will be too busy to attend. I have invited that hungry woman, that homeless

man and those starving children. I stand waiting, with my arms stretched out, to welcome you to that great banquet. Will

you accept my invitation?

Love,

Jesus

Merry Christmas and Wishes for a Blessed New Year

Linda Lewis

Prayer Requests

• PRAISE BE TO GOD FOR THE GIFT OF HIS SON, JESUS CHRIST

• THE UPCOMING K-2ND GRADE PROGRAM

• THE BEGINNING OF BASKETBALL SEASON. MAY OUR PLAYERS REFLECT THE LOVE OF CHRIST; MAY IT BE A SAFE SEASON.

• SCHOOL FAMILIES GOING THROUGH DIFFICULT TRIALS

• WISDOM, AND TIME MANAGEMENT AS WE MOVE INTO THE REACCREDITATION PROCESS

• THE VALLETTO AND ALTOMARI FAMILY UPON THE PASSING OF THOMAS VALLETTO, SR. FATHER OF MRS. ANGELA ALTOMARI AND MR.

THOMAS VALLETTO, JR,. FATHER-IN-LAW OF MRS. JOY VALLETTO AND GRANDFATHER OF ERNEST (8TH), VINCENT (6TH) AND DOMINIC (K)

LOOKING AHEAD

JANUARY 3 – CLASSES RESUME

JANUARY 4 – SCHOOL PICTURE RETAKES AND TEAM PICTURES

JANUARY 11 AND 12 – MIDDLE SCHOOL REVIEW DAYS

JANUARY 15 – NO SCHOOL- MARTIN LUTHER KING DAY

JANUARY 16 -18 - MIDDLE SCHOOL MID-TERMS (EARLY DISMISSAL 6TH – 8TH GRADE)

JANUARY 23 -27 - OPEN HOUSE

JANUARY 24 – M.S. REPORT CARDS MAILED

JANUARY 25– REPORT CARDS DISTRIBUTED

JANUARY 26 – 11:30 DISMISSAL – STAFF DEVELOPMENT

JANUARY 26 – 5TH GRADE PARENT VISITATION TO MIDDLE SCHOOL – 6:45-8:00

JANUARY 26 – OPTIONAL REPORT CARD CONFERENCES

Student of the Month

NOVEMBER

KINDERGARTEN- DOMINIC ALTOMARI 1ST GRADE – JOEL SHONIBARE

2ND GRADE – EMMA TUSTIN 3RD GRADE – JA’LISA HAYES

4TH GRADE – ASHLIN ANDERSON 5TH GRADE – ASIYA BOWMAN

6TH GRADE – LAKAYLA STEVENS 7TH – PAIGE KINZEY

8TH –– TYLER MCCLAIN

INDOOR RECESS

With the onset of winter, indoor recess will become more frequent. In order to provide our

students with a safe and relaxing time prior to the start of school and during their lunch, we are

asking that you send with your child an activity book that will help occupy their time. We have

games and puzzles, but students are encouraged to bring in a reading book, coloring book,

activity book and crayons, or an inexpensive (non-electronic game) such as travel Yatzee, travel

boggle, etc. Travel games are a good idea since they don’t take up too much room in a book

bag. Young children may want to bring in a small toy to occupy their time. We cannot be

responsible for lost or misplaced items, so please do not send expensive items. In the event the

temperature is above 40 degrees we will have outdoor recess. Please dress your child

accordingly.

WINTER DRESS FOR GIRLS

Reminder: Winter dress is not permitted on Chapel Day when regular uniforms must be worn.

As we enter this winter season, it is important that children come prepared for outside recess.

Students will go outside on cold, crisp and sunny days, if temperature is above 40. Please put

name on all garments so we can easily return them if they are misplaced.

Only HCA sweatshirts and HCA Spiritwear are to be worn with their uniforms. Uniform

notices will be issued for non-compliance.

LIVE NATIVITY

You are invited to come to a live nativity which is being held at the Lambie Funeral Home on Saturday, December 16th from 4:00-6:00 PM at Rhawn Street and Rowland Avenue, which is not far from school. Our Praise Team and Middle School Choir will sing from 4:00-4:30 PM. There will be animals (a goat, sheep, cow, donkey and possibly a camel). We would love to see you there. Popcorn will be served and a snack bag will be given to each child who attends.

CHRISTMAS BREAK

December 22nd – Christmas Break Begins

All PS - 8th grade will close at 11:30AM.

No PM Extended Care

January 3rd – All Classes Resume

SNOW CLOSINGS

We are approaching the season of ice and snow. Just a few reminders to keep you prepared and informed. Our

school may not be closed when Public and Parochial school are closed. It is important to listen to KYW-3, visit

CBSphilly.com/schools or their website www.kywschools.com . Parents may also call the KYW News Radio

School Closing Line at 215-925-1060 to find out instantly if school is closed. The name of our school will be

scrolled across the bottom of the TV screen during Eyewitness News on channel stations CBS 3 and CW Philly

57. You may sign up for text alert at CBSphilly.com. This information will also be posted on the homepage of

the schools website @ www.holmesburgbca.com. Be aware that it is possible, to have a delayed opening or

early dismissal. Should an early dismissal be necessary, we will post this information on Facebook, on our

website and notify you by email if we have your email address. Call the office and notify Bev Watson of any

changes in your email or phone number.

Extended Care and Full Day Preschool WILL NOT remain open on days we close early because of snow.

Make alternative plans now before the first snow.

Toy and Gift Drive for

Whosoever Gospel Mission

From now until December 15th H.C.A. will be collecting new, unwrapped toys and gifts for children and young people

ages 0-18 years (main gifts and stocking-stuffers). The items will be donated to the Whosoever Gospel Mission. Each

year, homeless dads living at the Mission are offered the opportunity to select gifts for their children. This is often the

first step to reconnecting to their family. You are invited to view firsthand the joy this brings by visiting

whosoevergospel.org. View the photos from previous toy giveaways. Will you help us; help others, while teaching our

children to focus on others this Christmas season?

December Extended Care Schedule

Tuition Reminder

H. C. A. operates on a budget that is 92% tuition based. Our teachers and staff depend on you

to pay your tuition on time so they may receive their paychecks. Tuition payments are due on

the 1st of the month, unless you have made special arrangements with the Financial Secretary,

Mrs. Kelly. Payments received after the due date is subject to a $35 late fee. Please make

sure you are up to date with you payments prior to the Christmas break. Delinquent accounts

beyond four weeks will prevent your child from returning to school on January 3rd .

Mark your calendars now for these upcoming

dates…

December 18 - ALL PS - 8th grade extended

care will close at 4:45 pm.

December 22 - 11:30 Dismissal for all

students PS - 8th grade. Half day PS will

dismiss at 11:15 AM.

PTF HOT LUNCH

Our PTF Pizza Lunch for the month of December will be on December 13th.

THANKSGIVING FEAST

This annual HCA tradition is a blessing to our school family. It is always a pleasure to see friends, co-workers and

students who will be forever a part of our school family. A special THANK YOU is extended to PTF for providing the

funds that made our feast possible, and to all our parents who helped by cooking, serving and cleaning up. Lastly, we

would be remised if we did not thank Mrs. Kelly who organizes, shops for and oversees the entire day. God has blessed

us with a wonderful school family; you are appreciated and loved.

Mrs. Lewis

CHRISTMAS SHOP Our Christmas Shop will be held on December 6TH – 8TH for all students during the school day. The children enjoy shopping for their

families. Your help is needed for setting up and breaking down and helping the children shop. If you can come help for any amount

of time, please let us know; Thank You!

CHRISTMAS SHOP SCHEDULE

DECEMBER 6TH, 7TH AND 8TH

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 6TH

8:45-9:25AM PS CLASS #1

9:35-10:20AM PS CLASS #2

10:30 – 11:15AM 4TH GRADE

LUNCH FOR PTF VOLUNTEERS

12:50 – 1:20PM 6TH GRADE W/MR. HARTWICK

1:30 – 2:00PM KINDERGARTEN

2:10 – 2:40PM 1ST GRADE

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7TH

8:45 – 9:25AM 2ND GRADE

9:30 – 10:15PM 5TH GRADE

10:30 – 11:15AM 3RD GRADE

LUNCH FOR PTF VOLUNTEERS

12:10 – 12:40PM 7TH GRADE WMRS. DAKA

12:55 – 1:25PM 8TH GRADE W/MR. WRIGHT

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8TH

9:00 – 10:00 AM OPEN TIME FOR ANYONE ABSENT

HONOR ROLL

HIGH HONORS

3RD GRADE

ASKIA FERRELL

KIMBERLY DASILVA

EMILIA DELVA-ALONZO

JA’LISA HAYES

LUKE MURPHY

DEVON STEWART

ALVIN TRAN

MARGARET WILLIS

4TH GRADE

ASHLIN ANDERSON

KERIS BLACKMON

SYLVIA DEXTER

BRIANNA GARCIA

SOPHIA KILBRIDE

DYLAN MCCLAIN

ANIYA RIVERA

VIRGINIA SAYEGH

JORDAN SMITH

EDWIN THOMAS

REBECCA TORRES

5TH GRADE

ASIYA BOWMAN

JADA DRUMMOND

ERIN FAULK

VICKY TRAN

6TH GRADE

VINCENT ALTOMARI

CHRISTIAN MCCLAIN

MICHAEL ROSS

7TH GRADE

REBECCA DAKA

TAMILIA FRANCIS

PAIGE KINZEY

JADE RODRIGUEZ

8TH GRADE

ERNEST ALTOMARI

JASMINE HATHAWAY

TYLER MCCLAIN

HONORS

3RD GRADE

GREGORY BOULWARE

ARYANA MCNAIR

ELIANA PERRIN

4TH GRADE

JOHN KING

5TH GRADE

MADALYNE BEYER

HAILEY BROW

ERIC BROWN

SERENITY DAVIS

CADENCE GARGES

JAMES NEWCOMER

GEMMA RICHARDSON

6TH GRADE

NICHOLAS DAVIDO

LAKAYLA STEVENS

7TH GRADE

REWMONE BROOKS

JOSEPH GRASSO

WILLIAM LEWIS

JOHN REGIS

CHRISTIAN LOPEZ

TIMOTHY THORPE

8TH GRADE

ALYCIA BRICKHOUSE

CHRISTIAN DUDLEY

LUKE SLAWTER

ANGEL WRIGHT