But when the chief priests and the teachers of the law saw the wonderful things he did
and the children shouting in the temple courts, “Hosanna to the Son of David,”
they were indignant. “Do you hear what these children are saying?” they asked him.
“Yes,” replied Jesus, “have you never read, ‘From the lips of children and infants
you, Lord, have called forth your praise?”
Matthew 21:15-16
As Jesus entered Jerusalem the week we call Passion Week, prior to His crucifixion, there were many religious leaders (Pharisees and Sadducees) who were “indignant” that children would be singing praises to Him. They were jealous of Him and it angered them that the children would honor Jesus over them.
In Matthew 21, Jesus references a passage of Scripture from Psalm 8:2. It reads, “Through the praise of children and infants you (God) have established a stronghold against your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger.” The first time I read this verse I was blown away by the fact that God would “establish a stronghold against His enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger'' through the praise of children and infants. But in the context of Jesus entering Jerusalem, it makes sense that God would use children to sing the praises of His Son in order to silence His foes who were the religious rulers.
In the eyes of God, children are a treasure and parents are to “bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.” (Ephesians 6:4) In partnership with the home, VCA exists to work with you as parents to do just that. Thank you for entrusting your children to us in this partnership role. The school is, however, the extension of the home and not the replacement.
Shepherding His Lambs,
David Funk
Superintendent, VCA
Research on Energy Drinks and Youth: I recently came across an article (see link below) on the impact of energy drinks and youth that was very alarming. The article states that “those who consumed energy drinks — which are intended to boost energy through the use of caffeine or other stimulants — were shown to have a higher risk of mental health issues, including attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts.” Parents, I encourage you to monitor your students' intake of these beverages. I don’t think the potential upside is worth the risks.
THANK YOU to everyone who contributed to the food drive this week during our Spirit Week at both campuses. There are over 70 families in NW Indiana that will benefit from this outpouring of support. Hebrews 6:10
PASTOR APPRECIATION MONTH: Officially, the month of October is “Pastor Appreciation Month,” but at VCA we want to show our appreciation to our area pastors by inviting them to lunch at either or both campuses. Parents and students, please reach out to your local pastor (youth, children’s or adult pastors) and invite them to eat lunch with you during the month of February. The ministry of VCA is a three-way partnership with the school, home and local church. “A cord of three strands is not easily broken…” Ecclesiastes 4:12(b)
HIGH SCHOOL HOMECOMING DANCE, Saturday, February 10, 7:00 - 10:00 pm, at the North Campus. Tickets are $10 each through Friday, February 9, in the school office or $20 at the door. Dress approval is required by Monday, February 5. VCA students inviting a guest that does not attend VCA must have a completed guest form on file in the office prior to February 10.
KNOW A FAMILY THAT MAY BE INTERESTED IN VCA? VCA is looking for “ambassadors” to help promote the school to our community with mission-aligned families you may know through your church, neighborhood or places of employment, etc. As a first step, please Invite them to join us at our New Family Preview Night on Tuesday, February 13. South Campus preview will be from 5:30-7:00 pm (RSVP at 548-8803) and North Campus preview will be from 7:00-8:30 pm (RSVP at 548-2701). Come and meet the administration, teachers, review curriculum and tour our campuses! If you would be willing to share a brief personal story regarding your experience at VCA that would motivate others to consider the school, please let us know. Thank you!
2024-2025 RE-ENROLLMENT: Re-Enrollment for the 2024-2025 school year will begin on Monday, February 12, 2024. For three weeks in February, existing VCA families have the opportunity to re-enroll before we open enrollment to the public on March 4. If you know that you want your child(ren) to attend VCA for the 2024-2025 school year, please do not delay in re-enrolling in February. Because your child attended during the 2023-2024 school year does not guarantee enrollment for the 2024-2025 school year if you did not take advantage of the early re-enrollment period. We are receiving many calls and inquiries already from prospective new families. Openings will fill up quickly. Re-enrollment will be completed through your Sycamore account. Please contact one of the school offices if you are unable to log in to your Sycamore account.
SOUTH CAMPUS FAMILIES: Please remember to have your students wear tennis shoes on Tuesday and Wednesday for PE class!
NO SCHOOL, Monday, February 19, in observance of President’s Day
SPRING PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES, Friday, March 1, no school PreK-12