Hi, we became an Eastside Christian School family when our son attended the preschool at age four. Since that time in 2001, he continues to develop into a fine student, our family has regularly participated in school events, and we have devoted our time as parent volunteers.

 

Fast forward to the day after Mother’s Day 2006: Before the school office was open, I left a message at school explaining our child’s absence that day. My neighbor was watching him while I went to the emergency room to meet my husband who had been taken by ambulance. Well, there was a sudden, unexpected death that day. Eastside Elementary principal Karen Fields came to the hospital; hers was the first familiar face I saw after it was confirmed that I was a widow. Volunteer coordinator Laura Neff met us in the hospital parking lot. That was the beginning of how God began to meet our needs in this difficult season.

 

Eastside School just wrapped their arms around my son and me and loved on us.  They coordinated meals for us – not an easy task given his many allergies. One school mom told everyone at school, “You’re not allowed to call her; her phones are ringing off the hook!” She cleaned my apartment and ran so many errands for me within the first few weeks. Computer teacher Suzanne Larson put together the Power point montage and took photos during the viewing and memorial service. Laura Neff coordinated many things for those events too: rounding up background music, guest books, refreshments, staffing program distributors and the refreshment table, framing my husband’s artwork, transporting flowers…. The school office handled financial gifts, two families did our laundry for several weeks, while another organized thank you notes. Many came through for us and some were even strangers to us. We have received so much love, prayers, and support from Eastside School.

 

People from Eastside School still bless us with rides to school or church when I’m ill or when my car’s in the shop, with handyman-type help, and with a break now and again.  These days, you can find me working at the school as support staff in several capacities: as a teacher’s aide, Volunteer Office aide, substitute teacher, and Benevon team member. I aim to be available to Eastside and flexible to serve where needed. Greater than a financial blessing from the Lord above the survivor’s benefit, I’m blessed to minister among the same community that has ministered so well to our family.

 

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Both of our children have attended Eastside since they were toddlers. Our experience in the preschool was amazing and we felt that, financially, we would make the sacrifice so they would be able to continue attending Eastside for elementary school. Our oldest daughter is in sixth grade this year and her feet are firmly planted with a Christian worldview.  She was very shy as a young child.  However she has become a strong, confident young lady, never afraid to speak out for what is right and true amongst her peers.  We have never regretted the investment we are making with our childrens' education.

 

As for an overview of the school, academically it is challenging and the teachers are unbelievably loving, consistent, and patient. There are small classroom sizes and the level of homework has not been overwhelming, leaving us some time for family and after school sports. The sports program is awesome for the boys and girls in 4th-6th grade with basketball and soccer championships in 2007.  Elective courses such as spanish, evangelism,and cooking are offered to all 4th-6th graders. Overall, we have been extremely happy with the school and can't wait to move on to the Jr. High/High School campus.

 

 

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It has been our great privilege and delight to be part of Eastside Christian Schools. We are thrilled with the level of education our children are receiving, the care, excellence and professionalism of the staff and the overall sense of teamwork and family that is evident all the way from Elementary to High School.

 

It has always been important for us as parents, to know that our children are known. Not only for what they do right (and sometimes wrong) but for who they are as individuals and that their God-given talents and abilities are nurtured and encouraged. Eastside Christian Schools have been that place for both of our third graders as well as Jr. Higher - and we are richer for it!

 

Mickeal and Leigh-Ann McCool
Pastor of Worship Arts, Eastside Christian Church

 

 

When I was two years old I was so excited to go to ¡°Mommy¡¯s big school¡±. I had fun, friends, and best of all my mommy was my teacher. I am now fourteen years old and in eighth grade. Every year since that first, I have looked forward to the next. I have always been well prepared.

 

To be completely honest with you though, you can find a good education at most schools pretty easily. Now Eastside, they have provided me with a broad out look on life and a good education, but they have also given me so much more. They have given me confidence in myself, and for not only me, but everyone, they provide the opportunities to participate in many activities as well as take on leadership roles.

 

The leaders here, whether staff or students, are people I look up to. They set amazing examples and are truly astounding people. I hold complete confidence in them that they will protect and love me.

Above all else though, they set my foundation firm in the Lord. They continually assist me in establishing my relationship with Him. I know him as my best friend and the one who will always stand by my side. I see that kind of relationship in the people here and they encourage me to strive for Him.

 

In my Bible classes they always say that people can look at you and see something different. That difference is God, but if they do not know that, they will ask and you will have the opportunity to tell them. I always listened, but I do not know that I ever really believed it. Then in seventh grade my outlook started to change, I started to really look at people¡¯s personalities and attitudes. It was around then that I saw the person who had that relationship. She really loves God and she was always happy, she had a glow to her and a constant smile, a real smile that made her eyes sparkle. She is the person who sets the example I want to follow. She puts God first and trusts Him with everything. That is the relationship I want with Him, one strong and continuous, just like hers.

 

I feel safe and secure here. I know that I am loved and cared about. I know that I will have the chance to impact someone else¡¯s life and lead them to the Lord because of the security I have within Him. When I graduate from Eastside¡¯s program and enter college, I will move on with the knowledge that the Lord, my Lord, is lifting me higher daily and behind me is a past to be proud of.

 

 

 

It is an honor and a privilege to teach at Eastside Christian Schools.  As a teacher, I find a great joy in inspiring children to reach their greatest potential academically, while weaving Biblical truths throughout the curriculum.  I want every child to love the Lord their God with all of their heart and mind.  I see every child as precious and unique with their own set of God-given talents and interests. I cherish the opportunity to challenge them to use their gifts and abilities to glorify God. 

 

My daughter has been a student at Eastside Christian Schools during her elementary, junior high, and high school years.  I was impressed by the educational excellence and spiritual emphasis she experienced there.  It was through this that I realized my desire to teach at Eastside Christian Schools.

 

Children need a firm foundation in God's Word to be responsive in this world but resist the temptations the world holds for those who have turned from God.  ECS provides experiences that equip our children to face a hurting world and to be the light in the darkness.  They are offered opportunities to show God's love and be compassionate servants of the Lord.  Thanks for allowing me to be a part of this ministry.

 

 

 

Dear Eastside,

From,
Lizzy Grant

 

 

We love Eastside Christian School because the entire staff treats each child as an individual, created uniquely by God.  Each child is taught and interacted with on an individual basis, whether it be in the classroom, lab, or on the playground.  Whether excelling in academics or struggling to stay caught up, we never fear that our children are bored or drowning.   Their talents are recognized and utilized to help them develop and grow.  Also, their areas of struggle are identified and the best methods are used to reach each child by drawing every drop of their potential to the forefront. 

 

Thank you, Eastside, for your academic excellence and your heartfelt love for each and every student.

 

The Osborn Family