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Palmetto Christian Academy
THE EAGLE EDITION
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Senior Seminar: The Capstone Of A PCA Education
Written by Selina Zubia
PCA does many things to set itself apart from other schools in the area. One, in particular, is the Senior Thesis class that every senior student is required to take. There are two sections of the course: honors and college preparatory. Each student is required to write a research paper based on a topic of his or her choice. Jacob Graudin, a PCA graduate, was hired this year to teach both courses. I asked Mr. Graudin to share his vision for the course. His thoughts are outlined in the bullet points below.
* Senior Seminar is about shaping our students to have both the writing and research skills for college and the workforce, and to attain a comprehensive sense of what work lies ahead of them. Furthermore, this class is intended to cast a larger vision of truth, goodness, and beauty as Christian vocation.
* This opportunity is deeply important because it reveals to students why they've been engaged in the educational process of their previous thirteen years of schooling. Furthermore, it puts them in a position of sustained inquiry, a practice all too rare in our contemporary society, as obsessed as it is with rapid response and easy answers.
* These students are learning how to ask good questions, how to argue well, and how to wonder. Even more, they are learning how to know, which is a basic skill that we tend to take for granted, but is so often never taught. On a more rudimentary level, they are learning how to research and how to write in a manner appropriate for college.
* This prepares them for periods of extended independent inquiry, wherein they will be the main ones responsible for directing their time and their work. It is familiarizing them with the research and writing skills they will need to put into regular practice in college. Finally, in a more general, teleological bent, this class is revealing to them the purpose of our Christian life, which is to be disciples of Jesus and ministers of his reconciliation in all things.
Read what our students have to say about Senior Seminar
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PCA Wins Six Awards In Coastal Carolina Fair Youth Art Show!
A big congratulations to our many talented artists for being recognized for their beautiful artwork! This year, PCA is going home with 6 awards in the highly competitive Youth Art Show at Coastal Carolina Fair, along with 2 place ribbons in the Creative Arts show. Each of the entries will be displayed at our Thanksgiving chapel on November 10th. Here's a list of the students who won awards in their age groups:
Callie Pagenkopf, grade 2, "One Determined Kitty", 3rd place
Parker Ussery, grade 5, "Topsy Turvy", 3rd place
Colin Johnson, grade 7, "Surrounded", 2nd place
Grace Nims, grade 8, "In Flight", 3rd place
Anne Gregory Horton, grade 9, "Eyes of the Tiger", 2nd place
Aspyn Dorsett, grade 10, "Going for the Crown", 2nd place
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Painting As Prayer
Written by PCA Art Teacher
Nicole Seitz
In October, the second graders worked on our annual "adopt-an-animal" art project in which the students choose a cat or dog waiting for adoption at the Charleston Animal Society, paint the animal's portrait, and begin praying for the pet and its forever family. Each week, we see which animals have found homes and which are still waiting. As of today, there is only one dog the students selected still awaiting a home. The students understand that as soon as an animal is adopted out of the facility, another takes its place, but this act of empathy for God's creatures makes a lasting impact. Aside from prayer, this observational drawing challenge hones their artistic skills. Second-grader Callie Pagenkopf, won a 3rd place ribbon in the Coastal Carolina Fair's Youth Art Contest with her watercolor portrait of a cat named Chewy, "One Determined Kitty."
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Freaky Wednesday:
Student Becomes Principal For The Day!
Written by Selina Zubia
Do you remember that Disney movie, Freaky Friday, where a teen magically trades places with her mother? That's kind of what happened at PCA on Wednesday only it was a fourth grader who traded places with an elementary principal!
In September, the PCA Athletic Booster Club sponsored a golf tournament and a silent auction. Of all the items up for bid, there was one in particular that Emily Romfo had her eye on... Lower School Principal for a Day. It wasn't magic of a mysterious kind that made Emily's desire a reality; it was the magic of a parent's generosity.
On Wednesday, November 2nd, even before 8 am, Emily Romfo began preparing for her busy schedule as Lower School principal alongside Mrs. Wendy Putnam.
Miss Romfo's day began with Lower School Chapel, then with visiting the 3rd grade classes to let them know what they could look forward to as 4th graders. "The students had so many questions. They couldn't believe how many tests we take!" Emily commented.
After visiting with 3rd grade, Miss Romfo read the book In November to each kindergarten class. "I had the book memorized by the time I finished!" Emily exclaimed. She also listened to the students recite Psalm 100 remembering when she too had memorized the Psalm as a kindergartner to recite at Thanksgiving chapel.
Like any professional, the highlight of Miss Romfo's day was lunch. Mrs. Putnam took Emily, along with two of her friends, to Moe's. From what I understand it was supposed to be a working lunch, but I seriously doubt it! Whenever four women get together there's more fun and laughter than there is discussing the day's schedule.
The rest of the day was comprised of classroom walk-throughs, releasing kindergarten students, and meeting with Mr. Zubia. "I felt so in charge!" Miss Romfo said about her day. Being in charge is also what she likes about being principal. Regarding her plans for the future, "I would like to teach at PCA, but I really want to live on Lake Keowee. Maybe I'll have to teach at a school there."
Emily would like to thank her parents and Mrs. Putnam for this unforgettable experience.
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Discovering Dewees: 3rd Graders Explore The Unspoiled Island
Written by PCA Mom
Elizabeth Lewis
The third graders had a wonderful time exploring Dewees Island last week. The trip started with a fun ferry ride over to the island. Our guide took us to the nature center, where she told the students about the different types of ecosystems found on the island. The students learned about animals and plants found in the marsh, beach, and maritime forest. They were able to view and touch several different types of turtles. Then we explored the island, first stopping at the marsh. Everyone was given a periwinkle snail to gently hold and observe. The students sang quietly to the snails to coax them out of their shells. It even worked for a few of them! Next we had a scavenger hunt on the beach. Students found different types of shells, sand dollars, seaweed, and crabs. Each student was allowed to take home one non-living treasure from the beach to remember their fun trip to Dewees Island.
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Join Us For An Evening Of Giving Thanks At 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!"
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Thanksgiving Blessing Of Our Facilities Team
One of our many PCA traditions is the annual Blessing Bags for our Maintenance Staff! Each year at Thanksgiving Chapel, we present these dedicated members of our school with gift cards which are generously donated by our families. 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. You may send any number of cards in any amount.
Please bring in your cards by tomorrow, Tuesday, November 8th so that our PTF volunteers can sort and create beautiful gift bags for our facilities staff.
Thank you in advance for helping us bless our Maintenance staff!
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Food, Fun, and Hoops... It's The BBQ Basketball Kickoff!!!
Mark your calendars for this incredible event! We would love to see you at the Annual BBQ Basketball Kick-off on Thursday, November 17th starting at 5:30 pm. Be sure to reserve your spot by clicking here and purchasing your tickets today! Details on ticket prices above.
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Support Our Athletes: Join Us For Booster Club Meeting This Wednesday!
The Booster Club believes that the teamwork, determination, and persistence fostered through participation on the athletic fields will benefit PCA students now and in their future endeavors. We're asking you to support our student athletes by supporting our Booster Club. The next meeting will take place this
Wednesday, November 9th at 6:30 pm in the ECBC Library. The meeting is open to current members and anyone who wants to join. We hope to see you there!
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PCA Guidance Presents "How To Make Middle School And High School Count"
A meaningful education requires a thoughtful plan. What does your student need to do now to be prepared for middle and high school?
If you are the parent of a 5th - 8th Grade student, please join us in the Annex on Thursday, November 17th from 7:45 to 8:45 am to learn more about
"How to Make Middle School and High School Count" for your child.
Guidance Counselor Sally Pascutti will be presenting an informal, brief presentation regarding middle and high
school academic tracks.
Please join us for a great morning of information and insight!
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Preschool Parents:
You're Invited To Our Kindergarten Open House!
You are invited to attend Kindergarten Open House on
Wednesday, November 16th.
It begins with Preschool Chapel starting at 9:10 am in the ECBC Worship Center
.
You will hear from one of our Kindergarten teachers and see what K5 is all about. Tour the Kindergarten wing, visit a classroom, and discover why PCA offers an exceptional education.
We're excited to share our Kindergarten program with all Preschool parents at PCA or from any other school, so please invite your friends and neighbors!
For additional information, contact Lisa Shimakonis at
lisas@palmettochristianacademy.org.
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PCA Team Meets Prospective Families At First Grade Fair
Last Thursday evening, the Tri-County Admissions Council sponsored a First Grade Fair at the Charleston County Library.
PCA is an active member of "TAC" and the First Grade Fair is an annual event in Charleston county.
Each year, TAC invites prospective Preschool and Kindergarten parents in the metro Charleston area to this event.
The First Grade Fair offers parents an opportunity to see and visit many area schools in one evening.
Admissions directors, teachers and faculty are all available to provide information and answer questions.
This year's event was attended by Donna Cumbee, 1st grade teacher, and Lisa Shimakonis, Director of Admissions.
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Voting Deadline November 8th:
Please vote for Mount Pleasant Magazine
"Best of 2017"!
It's your chance
to show your love for PCA! But you better hurry... voting closes on Tuesday, November 8th!!!
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!
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Varsity Football
Team Wraps Up Season With Playoff Game
Our Varsity Eagles finished a great 2016 season and earned a playoff position for the first time
in 3 years
. We are so proud of our team!
The Eagles traveled to Dillon, SC to take on Dillon Christian Academy, a well poised, first seed team that is predicted to win state this year.
Our Eagles were defeated but played to the whistle for a solid, hard fought game. Final score was 62-19 and the Eagles finished the season 4 - 6.
Our Varsity team will greatly miss our 7 graduating seniors: Corbett Ciali, Matthew Bartlett, Eric Salem, Drew Brown, Ethan McGaha, Allan Sloan and Chase Adam.
Head Coach Matt Manning is proud of what this team has accomplished.
"This was a really exciting year, winning four games and going to the playoffs. Seeing these guys develop over the last couple years and seeing that hard work payoff was real exciting to watch. I'm sad to see these seniors leave but looking forward to seeing the underclassmen build on the foundation that the seniors have laid."
Highlights of our year end stats include:
Tackles:
Eric Salem - 57.5
Corbett Ciali - 43
Drew Brown - 39
Matthew Bartlett - 27
Rushing:
DA'Von Stuckey - 183 carries / 1290 yds
Hampton Denny - 56 carries / 506 yds
Receiving:
Eric Salem - 15 catches/263 yds
Hampton Denny - 19 catches/189 yds
Scoring:
DA'Von Stuckey - 108 points (18 rushing TD)
Hampton Denny - 66 points (8 rushing TD, 3 receiving TD)
PAT:
Ethan McGaha - 33 points (24/32 PAT)
Passing:
Chad Shimakonis - 67/100 for 762 yds.
We thank our players and parents for the commitment they have demonstrated to our program, and for how well they represented PCA throughout the season. Go Eagles!!!
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Middle School Football Team Beats Pinewood Prep
The Middle School football team defeated Pinewood Prep in an 11-man game
last Thursday
by a score of 30-14. With the win, the Eagles finished the season 7-1.
Leading the rushing attack for PCA was Xavier Kent (7th) who totaled 116 yards and scored one touchdown. His output was complemented by that of quarterback Max Hulen (8th) who completed 4 of 5 passes for 115 yards and added 63 yards rushing (2pt conversion). Connor Rourk (8th) added to the offensive onslaught completing a TD pass for 25 yards to Wyatt Shogren while rushing for 76 yards, scoring 1 TD, and catching 2 passes for 44 yards. Joe Buceti (8th) added 2 catches for 38 yards while Malachi Ancrum (8th) added 33 yards receiving and a rushing TD. Loy Stewart (8th) completed the scoring by rushing for a 2 point conversion.
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Middle School Golf Team Wins 1st Place In East Cooper League!
The PCA Middle School Golf team entered the Fall 2016 season with the motto, "Champions in the Classroom, Champions in the Community, Champions on the Course." Congratulations to our team for winning 1st Place for the season in the East Cooper Middle School Golf League and 1st Place for the Season ending tournament! The regular season rosters included 7 players and 5 scores counted in each match. The season ending tournament consisted of our tournament team: Austin Scott, Alex Stephens, Andrew Propes, Drew Ashworth and Ryan Propes. These players maintained the Top 5 lowest averages for our team.
The schools in the East Cooper Middle School Golf League include PCA, Cario, Laing, Christ Our King and Daniel Island. As the winning team, PCA golfers represented our school with integrity and skill. It was an amazing season!
Many thanks to Coach Tom Orth and Coach David Malone for leading our incredible team. Many thanks to all of the middle school players who practiced throughout the season! We are growing an exciting golf program focused on excellence! Thank you Dale Hoover for your support! Go Eagles!!!
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Boys Basketball Tryouts This Week!
There will be a tryout for all Middle School and Varsity football players interested in playing JV or Varsity basketball this Wednesday
, November 9th
from
3:15 - 4:45 pm and Thursday, November 10th from 3:15 - 5:15 pm. Please
sign up your son for both days if he is interested in trying out.
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Middle School Volleyball - 8th Grade Team
Written by PCA Mom Cassy Andrus
The future for PCA Volleyball looks bright! All three Middle School teams had enough success to make the post-season Tournament and earn a chance to be crowned Division Champions.
The season began in July and not without its challenges. With over 30 girls wanting to play and only 2 committed volunteer coaches, the number of hopefuls was exciting, but overwhelming. With a player cap of 13 for each team, another volunteer coach was needed. Thankfully, new PCA parents Joe and Robin Fishburne stepped up to the coaching challenge and a third team was fielded.
"Joe and I absolutely love sports. When we heard that PCA needed coaches, we didn't hesitate to volunteer. We work well as a couple coaching volleyball. We also felt that the best way to meet new people at PCA was to jump feet first into coaching,"
remarks Robin Fishburne.
Naming the teams GOLD for the 8th/7th grade team, BLUE for the 7th grade team and EAGLES for the 6th grade team, the coaches began to prepare. Lead by veteran Middle School Volleyball coach Margaret O'Hanley, players learned fundamental skills as she showed them the joy of playing on a team and the importance of sportsmanship. "We are called to stand out as believers, and that was a goal of mine at the beginning of the season. So, our go-to cheer on the court was from II Timothy, which encouraged us to "stir up the inner power of Christ so we do not have to be afraid", states O'Hanley. All 3 teams took to the team motto so well, they slapped it on a t-shirt.
O'Hanley lead the GOLD team with only two 8th graders, the rest being in 7th grade. Ending the regular season in 4th place, the GOLD team entered the post-season tourney as the underdogs. Although the GOLD team looked more polished with plays involving 3 touches (bump, set, spike), the scrappy undefeated Summerville Christian team won the post-season match. "We progressed from just hoping to get the ball over the net to having practiced a 3 hit attack," O'Hanley explains. The GOLD team ended their successful season 7-3 overall.
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Middle School Volleyball - 7th Grade Team
Written by PCA Mom Cassy Andrus
The 7th grade BLUE team ran the board during the regular season remaining undefeated. Any sports enthusiast can tell you that isn't an easy task. Something has to click on a team other than having the skills to play the game. It's called an "untouchable" or "chemistry". It can't be found on a statistician's score sheet. Coach Robin explains, "What made us unique was our "mojo"! We had a chant that would bring the girls to another level of play. The girls loved this special chant." This particular war cry was successful for the crew as they were ranked #1 for the post-season tournament defeating Charleston Science & Math in the first round. In the finals, the BLUE team would meet powerhouse Orange Grove Middle School. PCA dug deep to come from behind to win the first set. In the second and third set, the BLUE team's mojo would still be represented on the court, but Orange Grove's tough overhand serves would end PCA's streak. The BLUE team would end their season 10-1 and carry home two trophies: one for being the division's runner-up in the tourney, and another for being the champion of the regular season. Not bad for a team that almost didn't happen.
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Middle School Volleyball - 6th Grade Team
Written by PCA Mom Cassy Andrus
Over on the 6th Grade EAGLE Team, experience was lacking but the natural athleticism of the squad kept them competitive in the Lowcountry Volleyball League. Many of the players had never played volleyball before. It was a foundation built on the basics. Knowing fundamental volleyball served the team well, finishing 3rd in the league, and it gave a chance to meet rival Ashley Hall in the first round of the tournament. Coached by Cassy Andrus, the team won the second set and fought courageously in the third set. Being down 10 points, the EAGLES would fall short by 2 points, losing 14-16. It was an impressive display of mental toughness and a willingness to compete. The EAGLE team closed the season with a record of 7-4.
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Important Dates To Remember
- 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
- November 21-25 - Thanksgiving Break - No School
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