October 24, 2016     Visit Our Website      
Committed To Campus Security And Your Child's Safety
Written by PCA Mom Deanna Parker
 
Do you want to know how much PCA loves our staff and children?  So much that we want to make certain we are the best at building culture, character, academics and also safety. Yes, safety!
Thanks to the generous gift of a few PCA parents, our school has contracted with Safe Havens International - a passionate and highly credentialed, non-profit campus safety organization. Analysts from Safe Havens came to visit PCA last week equipped with powerful tools for the health and well being of our children and staff.  
Safe Havens International will use their expertise to create for PCA a sustainable program of safety management and preparedness, focusing not just on obvious security but all avenues of it including response and recovery. More to come on those results soon. 
In the meantime, as we all strive for community-based positive change, we want to mention how blessed we are to have such wonderful, involved parents amenable to proactive approaches for sustainable growth of this school and its leaders that are born from the seeds we plant today!  Thank you to Mr. Zubia, all PCA staff and parents for your commitment to the school. 

Proverbs 11:14 "Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety." 

5th Graders Create Historical Letters
Written by PCA Mom Christie Romine

I love it when I find myself excited about a class project. Yes, I said that... Mrs. Lamar's latest history assignment required the students to personalize their history lesson on the Post-Civil War Reconstruction Era. Each of the students were ask to research a specific people group and write a historical letter from the viewpoint of the character they created. This writing process inspired the students not just to memorize the historical facts, but to actually relate to someone living in such a tumultuous time in our nations history.  Another piece of this project required the students to think of creative ways to age the writing paper for their letter.  One student used a crumpled brown paper bag with burned edging, and another used damp tea bags to discolor the paper, giving aged appearance to their writing piece. Mrs. Lamar relishes this part of the children's learning because she, "loves seeing the children express what they've learned. They are able to discover, learn, and make it their own!"  Mrs. Lamar said, she too "learns so much from the details provided by the personal research the children put into their letters."  Lindsey Knight really enjoyed, "using old world language and pretending to live in a different time period."  Lindsey wrote from the vantage point of Ida B. Wells, "a freed slave who campaigned against the lynching of freed slaves."
4th Graders Explore Rich Natural Resources Used By Native Americans
Written by PCA Mom Cassy Andrus

Our 4th Graders enhanced their learning of the Native American Unit currently being taught in History classes by visiting the Caw Caw Interpretive Center in Ravenel last week. The Caw Caw Center is a part of our Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission and offers over 6.3 miles of hiking trails. The students learned about the land's natural resources, which the Indian tribes used to survive in their day to day lives. Our guide would point out objects used by the Indians that a millennial child wouldn't give a second thought. Items such as moss for bedding, plant fiber for ropes, partridge berries and muscadine grapes for eating. "I learned you can use the inside of a deer hoof for making a fish hook," remarked student Lydia Renau. "It was important for the Indians to use different parts of animals for different things."  Students were also given hands on opportunities to perform pioneer tasks such as weaving rope and starting a fire with only a stick, rope and a plank. This rich experience gave students a greater appreciation of how hard life was not too long ago. 

2nd Graders Present Reader's Theatre
Written by PCA Mom Carrie Horne

On Tuesday, October 18th, Mrs. Kelly Rhodes' Second Grade Class performed a Readers Theater recitation entitled "Dragons and Giants" before an audience of family members. Mrs. Rhodes praised her students for their poise and expressions of key words in their presentations. She says this is a unique and valuable learning experience. "Reader's Theater is a meaningful way for children to heighten their fluency skills. They love to entertain! Reader's Theater is entertaining with only words, therefore they are challenged to read with accuracy and prosody (rhythm/intonation) to capture the audience's attention."  The 2nd graders certainly did keep their audience engaged! Families delighted in seeing these little orators in-the-making. 
Thank You For Supporting PCA's
2-Day Food Drive
 
Our PCA family was incredibly generous in donating non-perishable food items to provide relief for victims of Hurricane Matthew. Over two days, we collected more than  800 items! Your donations were distributed to food pantries in Mt. Pleasant, Summerville, North Charleston and West Ashley to help local families who are experiencing hunger. Thank you for your generosity and support! 
You're Invited To PCA's Thanksgiving Chapel 

We invite all PCA parents, grandparents and friends to join us for a very special evening! We are praising God for His faithfulness during our Thanksgiving Chapel on Thursday, November 10th at 6 pm in the ECBC Worship Center.
All Lower School students will be performing along with the Middle School Choir, Middle School Band, High School Choir, and our PCA Praise Band.   We hope you will make plans to join us for this joyful event.

Psalm 95:1 - "Oh come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation!"
Annual Thanksgiving Blessing Of Our Facilities Team 
Written by PTF
Co-President Margaret O'Hanley

One of our many PCA traditions is the annual Blessing Bags for our Maintenance Staff! Each year at Thanksgiving Chapel, we present these hard working and dedicated members of our school with gift bags teeming with gift cards which are generously donated by our adoring families. Last year, each of our 8 maintenance staff members received almost $350 in gift cards!  This is a voluntary donation, and any amount or number of cards is appreciated. Walmart cards, gas cards, grocery store cards and Visa cards are popular choices for the blessing bags.

PCA Preschool families please bring cards to the PCAP office from
November 1st - November 8th.

Lower school families please send cards in to your classroom teacher from  November 1st - November 8th .

Upper School families please bring cards to the PCA Front Desk Kiosk 
from November 1st - November 8th.

You may send any number of cards in any amount. Thank you in advance for helping us bless our Maintenance staff!
Tomorrow Is Our 25th Anniversary Celebration Day For October! 

It's a milestone anniversary here at PCA and we are celebrating all year! Tomorrow, October 25th is a PCA 25th Anniversary Celebration Day! So what does this mean for your child? We're asking all students to wear their 25th Anniversary t-shirts and jeans.  
Or, if your child is feeling creative and wants to tap into the future... your student can dress as he or she will look in 25 years! We can't wait to see our "aging" students!
Remember, dress code does still apply. For example, k haki or gray shorts, or jeans, are acceptable with the 25th Anniversary t-shirts, but no athletic shorts are allowed (with the exception of Lower School students who are allowed to wear PCA PE shorts if they have PE).  Also, no pajamas or leggings/tights as pants are permitted. Otherwise, get creative!!!

We're excited to be celebrating this milestone anniversary all year with our families!
All School Pep Rally This Friday! 

We're rocking our school spirit! Students in Grades K-12 will enjoy an exciting Pep Rally this Friday, October 28th at 2:20 pm in the PCA Gym. PCA's Mini-Cheer squad will be performing, and we'll be recognizing our senior athletes from all fall sports!
Parents are invited to attend. So 
let's go Fighting Eagles... make some noise!!!
Spirit Store Offers New Dri-fit Basketball T-shirt
 
Have you seen the new Eagles
dri-fit basketball shirt? Cool and comfortable, it's the perfect 
t-shirt to wear for spirit days or to cheer on your Eagles!
You can order these fantastic new shirts from our Online Spirit Store. 
Youth sizes - small to xlarge for $15 each.
Adult sizes - small to 2XL for 
$20 each.

Also, with the temperatures turning cooler, it may be time to start thinking about warmer outerwear.
Our PCA  Spirit Store is completely stocked and ready for fall with both hooded and crew neck PCA sweatshirts. Check out all the great items just waiting for you to order! 

PCA High School Fall Dance

Palmetto Christian Academy students in Grades 9-12 are invited to enjoy a beautiful autumn evening of dancing and fall treats! 
Our Fall Dance will take place on Saturday, October 29th from 8 to 11 pm at 1512 Mariner Place Drive in Mount Pleasant.
The cost is $10 per ticket. Tickets may be purchased online on our website or by  clicking here.  
Important note: Any student who wishes to bring a non-PCA student guest must complete the Guest Form and return it to Mrs. Katie Jacobs.
Questions? Contact Mrs. Jacobs at kjacobs@palmettochristianacademy.org.
Fall Festival At East Cooper Baptist Church
 
Join us for a fabulous evening of fun at ECBC's annual Fall Festival! Enjoy Trunk or Treating, music, costume contests for various ages, animal 
balloons and inflatables!
Plus, you'll find plenty of delicious food to round out the fun. Come with candy, decorate your car's trunk, and celebrate the fall with the ECBC/PCA family!

Vote for Mount Pleasant Magazine  "Best of 2017"!

It's your chance to show your love for PCA!  Palmetto Christian Academy was thrilled to receive the honor of "Best Private School" in Mount Pleasant Magazine's "Best of Mount Pleasant" editions in 2015 and again in 2016. Let's make it three years in a row!
Please take just a few minutes to cast your vote for "Best of 2017".
We greatly appreciate your support!!!

Click here for this year's online ballot!
Eagle Athletic News
Varsity Volleyball Team Finishes 3rd In The State!!!

The PCA Varsity Volleyball team defeated region opponent Williamsburg 3-0 last Monday.  A large crowd attended the final home game for our 4 seniors Caroline Seabrook, Ashley Brown, Hannah McGrew and Mackenzie Patrick.  With the win, the Lady Eagles secured a second place finish in the region at 6-2 and earned a #2 seed in the state championship tournament which started last  Friday. The team was amazing in the state tourney! PCA defeated St. Andrew's in two sets (25-16, 25-9) in the first game. The girls lost the second round match to Spartanburg Christian in two sets (12-25, 11-25) but rebounded to win their next game over Trinity-Byrnes in two sets (25-16, 25-21). With this win, PCA qualified for the  Saturday matches and drew Thomas Heyward in the quarterfinals. In the  Saturday morning session, the Lady Eagles lost the first set (22-25) but rallied to win the next two (25-21, 25-20) to advance to a Final Four rematch with Spartanburg Christian. Despite a valiant effort, the girls fell just short of making the Finals, losing in two sets (11-25, 12-25).  
A huge thank you to the large contingent of PCA fans who were on hand to witness the girls 3rd place finish at state!  

Varsity Football:
Tough Loss On The Road

The Varsity Football team traveled to Ridgeland on Friday to take on the Thomas Heyward Rebels. Playing their first game in three weeks due to an off week and complications from Hurricane Matthew, the Eagles shook off some early rust to keep the game close at halftime, only down 20-14 behind two first half TD's from Davon Stuckey.  They almost took the lead late in the half but a pass into the end zone was picked off to end the scoring threat. In the second half, the Eagles suffered from some untimely penalties and couldn't quite get the momentum necessary to complete the comeback. The Eagles tried to cut into a 14 point lead with a good drive late in the game but were stopped 1/2 yard short of the goal on a fourth down play, leaving the score 28-14 in favor of Thomas Heyward.  Davon Stuckey concluded the game with 28 rushes for 148 yards and Chad Shimakonis added 10/13 passing for 68 yards in the losing effort. 
PCA takes on Dorchester Academy at Park West field this Friday with a 7:30 pm kickoff.  Please make plans to attend as we will honor our 7 senior football players along with seniors from our cross-country, girls tennis and girls golf teams at halftime.  This game will determine our final seeding for the upcoming playoffs and we need a large crowd to cheer on the Eagles!  Everyone wearing a PCA Spirit Store shirt or PCA jersey will get in for FREE! 
Middle School Football Team Beats Pinewood Prep

The Middle School Football team defeated AAA Pinewood Prep in an 11 man game on Thursday night with a final score of 36-28.  
Max Hulen, Connor Rourk and Cole Carson each scored a touchdown for the Eagles while Malachi Ancrum made his way into the end zone twice for PCA. Chase Collins, Connor Rourk and Xavier Kent each added to our final score with successful two-point conversions.
The Eagles moved to 5-1 on the season with games remaining against Clarendon Hall (this Thursday - Away) and Pinewood Prep (Home @ Danny Jones field on 11/3). 
PCA Cross Country Runners Set Personal Records In Region Meet

The PCA Cross Country team competed in the Region meet in Sumter this past  Wednesday .  Several new personal records were set as a couple of Eagle runners placed in the top 10.  Senior Matthew Basha finished 3rd overall for the boys with a time of  19:01 .  Joining him in the top 15 were Ben Salem (24:09 - 12th) and Davis Johnson (24:12 - 13th).  Rounding out the boys scoring finishers were Mitchell Walters (26:23 - 16th) and Mack Poston (27:31 - 18th). On the girls side, Ella Banks finished 7th overall with a time of  23:17  and Anna Terry finished in 25:58, good for 13th place.
The Eagles will be attending the State Championships at Heathwood Hall this  coming Saturday, October 29th.  The girls team starts at  10:10 am  and the boys team will begin at  10:50 am .
Varsity Girls Tennis Team Competes In State Tournament

The PCA Girls' Tennis team qualified for the State Championship Tournament and drew a first round match-up with Spartanburg Day.  The girls played some very close matches but unfortunately fell to the Lady Griffins 7-2 at the Casey Tennis Center this past Tuesday. Danielle Beaufort and Katelyn Howard won their singles matches as the Eagles concluded another successful season. So proud of our Lady Eagles!!!
Middle School Golf Team Fighting To Defend League Championship

The Middle School Golf Team notched a victory in the East Cooper Middle School Golf League this past  Tuesday , defeating Cario by 1 stroke and increasing their League lead by 35 strokes for the season with two matches to go.  The Medalist for the day was PCA's Austin Scott with a 9-hole total of 36.  Other members contributing to the win were Alex Stephens, Andrew Propes, Drew Ashworth, Ryan Propes, Miles Haight and John Michael Jenkins.  The boys will be on the course again this  coming Monday at Rivertowne Country Club. On Tuesday, the team will play its final match  of the season where they will look to defend last year's league championship!
Varsity/JV Girls Basketball Interest Meeting Set For October 25th 

Calling all girls interested in playing Varsity or JV Basketball for the Eagles!
The Girls' Basketball Informational meeting has been rescheduled due to conflicts with state championship events. The Girls Basketball Interest Meeting will take place tomorrow, Tuesday, October 25th in room B218 at 6:45 pm.  Parents and players are asked to attend. The tryout date will be announced and information will be provided about the upcoming season.
Important Dates To Remember
  • October 25 - 25th Anniversary Celebration Day
  • October 27 - Lower School Parent/Teacher Conferences - No School for Lower School students only
  • October 27 - FCA Breakfast
  • October 28 - Pep Rally
  • November 10 - FCA Breakfast
  • November 10 - Thanksgiving Chapel
  • November 16 - 2nd Quarter Progress Reports
  • November 16 - Kindergarten Open House
  • November 18 - National Honor Society Induction
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