School News & Events
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| Join Us For Our Campaign Kick-off Tomorrow Night! |
| Senior Seminar: The Capstone Of A PCA Education |
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Written by PCA Mom Anita Christman
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Senior Shefali Emmanuel
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Over the last few days, well-dressed PCA seniors have been spotted pacing nervously in the Annex. A whole year of research and preparation came to an end last week as students presented their Senior theses.
"It feels weird that we're spending a whole year on this," says senior Tristan Lonneman,
"and it will be finished in 15 minutes."
At the beginning of senior year, each student chooses a topic to research throughout the year. A mentor offers help and advice as students investigate their topic. At the end of the year, seniors submit a research paper and deliver a speech presenting their conclusions.
Kelly Cooper, who teaches the Senior Seminar class, says the goal of the class is to teach students to be independent learners who can research and analyze a topic and present it effectively.
"We want them to approach something that seems like a huge task and narrow their scope. Just like you eat an elephant one bite at a time, you approach senior seminar one slide and one page at a time."
Senior Anne Newman agrees,
"I have a problem with procrastination, but Ms. Cooper laid it out for us, explaining how to research and giving us deadlines for research."
Ms. Cooper says another goal of the class is that each project will benefit the PCA or Mt. Pleasant communities.
"I think the students have chosen topics that are directly beneficial, especially from a spiritual perspective, to the larger PCA community."
Senior Erika Connelly, who studied a biblical view of beauty, partnered with the PCA 9th grade girls' PE class.
"I worked out with them at Planet Fitness, taught them ab workouts, and built a relationship with them, so I could talk to them about my topic. They came to Ms. Cooper's class, and I talked to them about body image, how to prevent having a negative body image, and what you can do when you're looking at media, to discern what's true and not."
Other students researched technology addiction, short-term mission trips, organ donation, and DUI legislation.
"The seniors are taking problems or opportunities that face many of their peers and presenting them with practical solutions," says Ms. Cooper.
All the students agreed that the intensive research, writing, and presentation will help them as they enter college next year.
"100% of the responsibility is on the student," says Ms. Cooper.
"We want to teach them to do this again in college, to prepare them for the college level. We want it to be a confidence builder."
The students' advice to rising seniors - pick a topic you are passionate about or one that has special meaning for you.
"I was going to do another topic," says Anne,
"but Ms. Cooper mentioned binge eating. It interested me because I have a friend who was hospitalized for an eating disorder. Nobody knew about her eating disorder until she was hospitalized, so I thought knowing the symptoms would be a good thing."
Tristan chose the case for Intelligent Design.
"My junior research paper was on global warming. I found that most of the evidence was opinionated, not based on fact. I thought that taking it further and studying the scientific evidence for Intelligent Design would be interesting. I studied a lot about how life is possible on earth."
"You're working on that topic for a whole year," Erika says, "but I loved my topic. It was so applicable. Ephesians 2:10 says we are God's masterpiece. I like how it tied into the topic. Out of all creation, we are the thing He loves the most. That's why we're beautiful.
I never really thought of it like that before."
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Senior Kevin Iriart along with his seminar mentor Coach Matt Manning and subject matter expert Coach Chris Kuzdale
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| A Passover Feast For Our 5th Grade Students |
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Written by PCA Mom Cassy Andrus
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The PCA 5th Grade class took part in the Jewish ritual feast known as the Seder meal last Friday. Lead by teacher, Mrs. Rozanne Lamar, the students marked the beginning of the Messianic Passover through the retelling of the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt. Students were educated on the Seder customs of storytelling, drinking four cups of grape juice, eating matza, partaking of symbolic foods placed on the Passover Seder Plate, and of celebration.
Students began the ceremony with the Nerot, or lighting of the candles, while their heads were covered. Mrs. Lamar continued to instruct and educate as the children began the ritualistic order of the Seder. The young boys and girls took turns recapping the story and reading from the Book of Exodus. Several students moved to the front of the class wearing masks representing each of the ten plagues of Egypt.
The tables were set with plates and candles, as the students were instructed to dip Karpas, or parsley, into salt water representing the tears of the Jewish slaves and the harshness of their bondage. And so forth, the meal continued with special foods, each with their own special meanings. Students and volunteers enjoyed Charoset, an apple, nut mixture representing mortar used by the slaves and symbolizing their labor. Also enjoyed was Z'roa, roasted lamb, representing the blood of the lamb placed upon the doorpost.
"The food and drink all had a purpose," commented Lilly Corley. Corley continued, "The grape juice was interesting to me because each cup had a purpose." The traditional four cups of grape juice (or wine) are to remember the four promises God gave to Moses. Brooks Jones recalls there is also a fifth cup, one the students didn't drink, called the Cup of Elijah. "Jesus didn't drink one of the cups, because He said He was going to drink it in Heaven with God." This being the promise of our Lord's return!
Of course, with a promise such as this, it is only fitting the Seder draws to a close with the Hallel, or an offering of praise. Several students joined hands in a circle and began to dance the Hora, an expression of joy among the Jewish people, as others clapped and sang. "The Hora was my favorite part of the Seder. I liked the dancing because it was fast, and a circle dance, and I could spring everywhere," smiles Corley.
A special thanks to Mrs. Lamar who personally prepares most all the food and drink, who brings to life the Seder ceremony with ritualism and symbolism, and who loves our children enough to teach them culture and the insurmountable love of our Heavenly Father, Yeshua!
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| Join Us For Family Chapel And Meet Our New Head of School |
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Written by PCA Bible Teacher Jason Suddeth
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PCA has two reasons to celebrate chapel on Wednesday, April 6th.
The first is that we will have our 2nd Family Chapel of the year beginning
8:05 am in the Worship Center.
This past November we brought together our kindergarten through 12th grade families to celebrate God's goodness and blessing. Our first family chapel was designed to bring us together as one PCA family. We want to fill the sanctuary again to look forward to the good things God is going to do in the future at PCA.
That brings us to our 2nd reason to celebrate.
Our new Head of School, JD Zubia, and his wife Selina will be with us in family chapel on April 6th. Mr. Zubia will introduce himself to the PCA family, and we will also play a few "get to know PCA" games with Mr. Zubia to introduce ourselves. It should be a great opportunity to come together and celebrate God's past and future blessing at PCA.
Following chapel, PCA will host a Meet the Head of School Coffee in the annex at
9:15 am. We invite all parents of preschool through 12th grade students to come by and get to know Mr. Zubia personally. Even if you cannot make it to chapel, please feel free to stop by and introduce yourself.
Let's all come together and welcome Mr. Zubia to the PCA family!
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Congratulations to PCA 9th Grader Reed Elkin for a recent major accomplishment! Reed completed his Board of Review and advanced to the rank of Eagle Scout on March 15th.
Reed says scouting has been a major influence in his transition from follower to leader. "It's helped me see I could benefit not just myself but others by being prepared."
His Eagle project consists of an outdoor worship area for his church, Christ St. Paul. The project includes a stone semicircular seating wall and firepit, a large timber cross, benches, landscaping material and lighting, and refurbished picnic tables.
It's meant to be an inviting outside area for everyone at his church to enjoy including women's ministry, youth groups, and visiting mission groups.
Reed chose the project as a way to give back to people who have meant so much to him over the years.
"I know my church has done a lot for me, and I thought it'd be great to make some improvements that would be nice to have."
Reed's official Court of Honor ceremony will take place on
May 1st
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We are proud of you Reed!
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| 1st Graders Visit Historic Sites In Downtown Charleston |
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Written by PCA 1st Grade Teacher Donna Cumbee
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Our first graders enjoyed a beautiful day in downtown Charleston visiting the Nathaniel Russell House and the Rhett Aiken House. They learned how life was different for children in the 1800's. They also had a chance to play with some of the toys and games that children had at that time. They toured the houses and saw the difference in houses then as compared to our houses now. One of the interesting things they learned was that the children didn't eat with their parents, they ate in their rooms.
Our first graders also went on a scavenger hunt at the Rhett Aiken House. They found clues throughout the house and worked together with a partner to finish the hunt. They saw interesting art work from the 1800's and the stables where the horses and the carriages were kept. The tour guides were very impressed with the questions and how well behaved our students were. After the tour, everyone enjoyed a picnic at the park.
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| Order Your April Lunches Starting This Wednesday! |
Get a jump start on lunch ordering for April.
We know you want to enjoy your Easter Break without thinking about a school to-do list, so for your convenience, lunch ordering for the month of April will open this Wednesday morning, March 23rd.
Order this week, then relax and enjoy the break!!!
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| 3rd Quarter Report Cards Released This Week |
Hard to believe how quickly the school year is passing!
The third quarter of the school year wrapped up on Friday, March 18th.
Parents, you will be able to access report cards for your students through Renweb, beginning this
Thursday, March 24th.
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| Get Connected - Like Us On Facebook |
Have you seen us on Facebook? Get the latest news... see what's happening inside the school...
and enjoy pictures of everyday events here at PCA.
Like us on Facebook today! Click the Facebook icon to your right to get started now.
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Eagle Athletics
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| What's Happening In The Wide World Of PCA Sports! |
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Written by Athletic Director Dale Hoover
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CHEER:
PCA has great things in store for the cheer program next year! Please look below for information pertaining to your child's grade.
- Calling all rising K5-5th grade girls who are interested in cheerleading! PCA will be having a mini cheerteam during the 2016/2017 school year. The mini cheer team will be cheering at one JV and one Varsity football game. If your daughter is interested please email Joy Markwart at [email protected]
- All rising 6th - 12th girls interested in cheering on the JV or Varsity squad should plan to attend an organizational meeting today, Monday, March 21, in rooms B218/219 at 6 pm. Information about tryouts and summer camp will be discussed in this meeting.
We have a very good coaching staff assembled and they are eager to get to work!
B-TEAM BASEBALL:
B-team Baseball is here! With the long awaited addition of B-team baseball comes the growing pains of starting a new program. Our boys are playing hard and have held their own against established squads from First Baptist, Porter Gaud and Colleton Prep in early season losses so far. Coach Mike Basha, the assistant coaches and the 15 boys on the team are working hard to make this season a building block for future baseball success at PCA. They will seek to get their first win with a contest at the Wando South field (corner of Whipple and Mathis Ferry) on Thursday at 6 pm. Come cheer on your Eagles before leaving town for spring break!
VARSITY BASEBALL:
The Varsity Baseball team split their games last week losing to the Lowcountry Wildcats 14-3
on Tuesday and defeating Ridge Christian 15-5
on Friday. The boys will look to improve on their 2-1 record this week with a home game versus Garrett Academy
on Wednesday at
6:00 pm. Please come out to support the Eagles at Collins Park
on Wednesday!
BOYS GOLF:
The boys golf team finished 2nd Tuesday in a region match with Porter Gaud, Pinewood and First Baptist. Junior Ethan Willis finished 2nd individually with a round of 78 while Austin Scott, Andrew Propes, Alex Stephens and William Stewart all played well and helped secure the runner up position as a team. The golf team will be in competition again this coming Thursday against Pinewood at Pine Forest Country Club.
Ethan Willis has been chosen to represent SCISA in the first ever SouthEastern Commission of Independent Schools golf tournament on
April 11 at Callaway Gardens Mountain View course in Georgia. Ethan and 4 other top golfers from SCISA will take on all-star teams from Georgia, Mississippi and Alabama. Congrats Ethan!
BOYS SOCCER:
The boys soccer team posted a 3-1 comeback victory over First Baptist
on Monday behind goals from Grant Lonneman, Chad Shimakonis and Tristan Lonneman. In one of the best soccer matches in PCA history, the boys demonstrated composure and patience to overcome an early 1-0 deficit. Coaches Chris Shimakonis and Kyle Lonneman were extremely pleased with the effort put forth. Unfortunately, the boys had to play another game
Tuesday night without the benefit of a rest day in between. While they fought hard against Northwood, the quick turnaround was too difficult and they lost 3-0. The boys will take to the pitch again this week with a
Thursday afternoon contest at Cathedral. Kickoff is scheduled for
5 pm.
GIRLS SOCCER:
Coach Lindsey Zito's crew took to the pitch twice last week. The girls played well against First Baptist
on Monday before falling 5-2 to the more experienced squad. Mackenzie Patrick scored both goals as the girls played much better in the second half after falling behind 5-0 at halftime. As was the case with the boys, the girls then had a short turnaround playing again
on Tuesday against Northwood. Although they were coming back on short rest, the girls played with great determination before falling 6-2.
TRACK:
In the first meet of the season, Lauren Pernell qualified for state in 3 events (100 hurdles/400 hurdles/High Jump) and barely missed qualifying in a 4th (Long Jump). Catherine Cave qualified for state in 2 events (400m/High Jump) and narrowly missed qualifying in Long Jump while Libby Ashworth and Caroline Seabrook qualified in Triple Jump and Discus respectively.
Kara Ashworth, Parker Carson, Olivia Seitz and Brad Chaney are also very close to qualifying for state and will make another attempt as the track team will be in action again this Wednesday at Porter Gaud.
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| Sign Up To Volunteer - School, Sports and More!!! |
We Need Your Help... Concessions, Lunches and Spirit Store
Take a minute to see where you can volunteer your time and sign up online in one quick and easy step!
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Important Dates to Remember
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- March 21 - JV and Varsity Cheer Meeting
- March 21-24 - Terra Nova Testing
- March 22 - Campaign Kick-off Event!
- March 22 - Spring Sports Pictures
- March 24 - FCA Breakfast
- March 25 - Good Friday - NO SCHOOL
- March 28 - April 1 - Easter Break
- April 4 - School Resumes
- April 7 - FCA Breakfast
- April 15 - Grandparents Day
- April 15 - Spring Prom
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Palmetto Christian Academy | |
[email protected] | 361 Egypt Road
Mount Pleasant, SC 29466
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