April 3, 2017      Visit Our Website      
2017-2018 School Calendar Released

Palmetto Christian Academy's instructional calendar has been approved for the upcoming 2017-2018 school year.  Since the calendar is subject to change during the course of the school year, please make sure to check our website on a regular basis as it will contain any updates.  You may download a copy of the calendar by clicking the link below or you'll find it here on our website.

View 2017-2018 School Calendar  
Register Now For Summer Camps!

Get your children moving this summer and engage their minds with PCA Summer Camps! PCA will be offering several camps this year... from athletics to arts to fun-filled preschool camps! Click the link below to learn more about dates and details for all of our camp offerings. Invite your friends.. simply tell them to go to our website and search for the Summer Camps 2017 tab under "Quicklinks".  
Important Note: You will need to contact the coach or teacher listed as camp organizer to register and for payment information.

Senior Seminar: The Capstone Of A PCA Education

Throughout the school year, our senior class has been working diligently on the monumental task known as Senior Seminar.
Students are now in the midst of delivering their speeches to present their conclusions after months of research and inquiry.
Each thesis must  reflect critical thinking skills, in-depth research, excellence in presentation style, and an ability to communicate effectively both from a manuscript and in a give-and-take exchange. Students must argue well as they present their topic of choice. The subject matter is weighty. Topics range from "The Prosperity Gospel" to "Mental Illness and the Church" to "The Problem of Idealized Femininity".  This extended level of research and defending a thesis orally will provide excellent training for upcoming college and life experiences.
Senior Spotlight: Our Class of 2017

These students have lived, learned and grown with us here at PCA. We are so proud of our senior class and its accomplishments. As we near the end of the school year, we want to highlight each member of our Class of 2017 over the next several weeks in a feature called "Senior Spotlight". Let's celebrate together what God has in store for their future.
Danielle Beaufort : 
Senior Spotlight

At what grade level did you start at Palmetto Christian Academy? I came to PCA in 2015 for my junior year. I enrolled in PCA after moving from Orangeburg, South Carolina. 
 
Are you involved in extracurricular activities? If so, what are they and have you received awards in these activities? I am involved in many extracurricular activities to include the Palmetto Christian Academy's Varsity Girls' tennis team, United States Tennis Association, and the Volvo Car Open (formerly Family Circle Cup) ball crew just to name a few. I was inducted into the National Honor Society at my former school, received the Region 3 MVP award for tennis in 2014, was nominated for and attended National Youth Leadership Forum for Medicine in 2016 (Emory University), is a member of the National Society of High School Scholars, and received honorable mention for the 2016 All Lowcountry tennis team. 
 
What are your plans after graduation? I have been accepted into Claflin University, South Carolina State University, Benedict College, Alabama A&M University, and Huntingdon College. I am currently being recruited by several colleges to play tennis in the fall of 2017 but have not committed thus far. I am praying and asking God to direct my path on the college that is best for me. 

How has PCA made a difference in, or impacted your life? Do you feel that Palmetto Christian Academy has prepared  you for life after graduation? My  teachers have truly made a significant impact on my life. Not only do they teach the word of God, but it is evident that they genuinely care about each student. I thank God for the teachers that have been placed in my educational path while at PCA. I will never forget them.
Drew Brown: 
Senior Spotlight

At what grade level did you start at Palmetto Christian Academy? I started at PCA in 6th grade.
 
Are you involved in extracurricular activities? If so, what are they and have you received awards in these activities? I have played Varsity baseball since 8th grade and football in 9th, 11th, and 12th grades. I have also served on the PCA worship team doing sound and audio visual. Last summer, I worked at Camp McCall in Sunset, SC as a staffer and will be working there again this summer.  

What are your plans after graduation? I plan to attend The Citadel. My career goal is to serve in the FBI or on a law enforcement SWAT team. 
 
If your college or university has released scholarship recipients, have you received scholarship money?  I have received the SC Life Scholarship and The Citadel Class of 1992 scholarship.
 
How has PCA made a difference in, or impacted your life? Do you feel that Palmetto Christian Academy has prepared you for life after graduation? PCA has impacted my life by giving me a close bond with my classmates and has also helped me to see Christ in all subject areas.  I also feel the school has given me valuable skills through sports and academics in teamwork and time management.
Danielle Quinn:
Senior Spotlight

At what grade level did you start at Palmetto Christian Academy? I started PCA in 6th grade.

Are you involved in extracurricular activities? If so, what are they and have you received awards in these activities?  I am  Captain of the Varsity Girls' Tennis Team, a member of the Varsity Girls Basketball team, served as NHS President and Secretary, Spanish Club Co-President, PCA tour guide, and a writer for the PCA Eagle Edition newsletter.

What are your plans after graduation? I will be attending Clemson University and Clemson Calhoun Honors College for a double major in History and Secondary Education.
 
If your college or university has released scholarship recipients, have you received scholarship money? Palmetto Fellows State Scholarship and Clemson Scholars.

How has PCA made a difference in, or impacted your life? Do you feel that Palmetto Christian Academy has prepared  you for life after graduation? PCA has taught me how to love others, love learning and most importantly love Jesus. All these are things that have helped prepare me for my future outside of PCA. 
Allan Sloan: 
Senior Spotlight

At what grade level did you start at Palmetto Christian Academy? I started PCA in 1st grade.
 
Are you involved in extracurricular activities? If so, what are they and have you received awards in these activities? I played Varsity Football in 10th-12th grades, and Varsity Basketball in 10th grade. I am also a member of the National Honor Society.
 
What are your plans after graduation? I will attend Furman University. I plan to study English and History and possibly teach after college.
 
If your college or university has released scholarship recipients, have you received scholarship money?  South Carolina Palmetto Fellows Scholarship and Bell Tower Merit Scholarship from Furman.
 
How has PCA made a difference in, or impacted your life? Do you feel that Palmetto Christian Academy has prepared  you for life after graduation? PCA's liberal arts, critical thinking and college level writing have prepared me for college and my career.
Interested In A Career In Healthcare? Consider The SCRUBS Program At Roper St. Francis Hospital 
Written by Selina Zubia

Two PCA high school students, Katie Keenan and Emma Patrick, recently explored their interest in the healthcare industry thanks to a mentoring program at Roper St. Francis. Here's what the girls had to say about their experience.
  
Katie Keenan - In her own words:  
The Roper Hospital SCRUBS Mentoring Program is a one-on-one program designed for students interested or considering careers in healthcare. The program provides students with an observational role and helps them gain a firsthand experience in a variety of the hospital's departments. It is also a good way to learn whether healthcare is the right path.
 
I heard about the program from my older sister who is currently in college for nursing and has always had an interest in healthcare as well. I wanted to get involved to see if healthcare was something that interested me and was the path I would also like to take. I knew the program would provide me with the right knowledge and experience in order for me to make my decision, and it also showed me which departments I would want to take part in down the road.
 
Not only did I learn which medical departments I like and dislike, but I learned throughout the SCRUBS program that even at a young age you are able to establish a reputation that can help your future. Even though I was not an actual employee at the hospital, I was shadowing employees and working hands on with patients; ready and eager for anything that happened. In this role, I realized the need to set a positive example. The connections and relationships I made with staff and patients can help down the road and can  even lead to possible internships and future job opportunities after college.

New Headmaster For The Day!
Written by PCA Mom Cassy Andrus

You may have heard there was a new sheriff in town last Friday. Walking the hallways with great purpose and pride was the new Headmaster of PCA, Mr. Tanner Wurzel.  Well.. Headmaster for just the day. Also, Mr. Wurzel is kind of young for the job, being only a 1st grader. The honor of being "Headmaster for the Day" was bestowed to Wurzel when his family won the auction item during the PCA golf tournament this past Fall.
Our current PCA Headmaster, JD Zubia, announced he would be relinquishing his duties to Wurzel during last week's lower school chapel. Wurzel presented a strong campaign promise which captured the interests of students in the audience. "All I had to say was, 'Blessed are the children because they will have cookies!' That's from the Book of Chef Bob." Wurzel didn't stop there. The day before he officially began his new job, he announced over the school's intercom that all lower school students could wear jeans and a PCA t-shirt.

Wurzel showed up to his first (and only) day on the job donning a colorful plaid shirt and bow tie looking the part of man in charge.  And as the saying goes, great minds think alike, Mr. Zubia greeted Tanner in the same shirt and bow tie. With a day full of activities planned, the most important task on Wurzel's agenda was to make good on his campaign promise. "I delivered cookies with Mr. Zubia. 750 cookies handed out to everyone in school."  Afterwards, Wurzel and Zubia would share a snack in his office, eat lunch together in the cafeteria and visit with students during their PE classes.
          
After a full day of playing Headmaster of PCA, Wurzel gained greater appreciation for the job. "I think the hardest part (of being a headmaster) is all the walking around school and printing out papers."  When asked if Tanner had any advice for Mr. Zubia he said, "I would say, keep doing the same thing and work hard.  I think he is doing an amazing job."  Encouraging words from PCA's youngest headmaster.

Understanding What Your Child Sees And Hears In Today's Culture

How is your child influenced by pop culture, technology, and the media? You can gain valuable insight into what your child might be seeing and hearing in today's culture by reading The Culture Translator. You may remember Mr. Zubia sending an all school email back in January sharing this free parenting resource. He encourages upper school parents to subscribe to the Culture Translator and use it to better understand the challenges facing our kids. If you are the parent of a lower school child, please know that it's never too early to start reading this! Take a look at a recent issue of The Culture Translator by clicking the link below. If you like what you read, sign up for this free weekly newsletter here.
Join Us For Grandparents Day On April 28th

We cordially invite you to join us for Grandparents Day on Friday, April 28th from 9:30 - 11:30 am as we honor all grandparents, families, and friends of Kindergarten through 5th Grade students. The day will begin with a special program in the ECBC Worship Center at 9:30 am. Immediately following this program, you are invited to join us in our classrooms and to enjoy student artwork featured in the Junior Palmetto Art Show.
This is an early release day for Lower School students. Upper School will operate on a regular schedule.
Big Savings At The Spirit Store Spring Sale!

Mark your calendar to get some great Eagle gear at the best prices of the season! The Booster Club is sponsoring a Spirit Store Spring Sale on 
Friday, April 21st from 1 pm to 3 pm. You'll find all discontinued t-shirts for only $5 as well as Tervis tumblers on sale too. Be sure to join us and support your PCA Eagles!!!
Kindergartners Explore Marine Touch Tank 
Written by Kindergarten Teacher Caroline Graham

Kindergarten classes enjoyed another fun "in-house" field trip with "Mr. Matt" from Charleston Recreation Department's Environmental Education program. This field trip's theme hit extra close to our Lowcountry home, as we learned all about marine life. Students enjoyed interactive dialogues about (and held!) various types of shells, waters, crabs, and baby shrimp!
To finish our time together, the students so enjoyed the hands-on touch-tank set-up in the classroom. What a fun day! 

Favorite lessons and takeaways from the kindergarteners included:
Maddie: "Sharks have many teeth underneath them. 30 or maybe 50."

Isaac: "Whenever marsh creatures are in regular freshwater, they walk around."

Sammy: "The moon snail drills a hole in the clam shell to eat it."

Millie: "Moon snails can eat moon snails."

Salley: "The coral can suck up water and shoot it out!"

Abby: "Egg sacs of whelks can have 50 in them." 

Wyatt: "I liked holding the hermit crabs in their shells!"

Ross: "It was fun holding the big snail in its shell!"

Lily: "I liked holding the baby shrimp!"

Ryan: "My favorite thing was getting to touch the shark mouth."

Nadya: "I liked holding the baby shrimp!" 

Madelyn: "Holding the clam was my favorite part!"

It's March "Math-ness" And Meteorology! Wow!
Written by PCA Mom Leah Chadwick

On Friday, March 31st, Mrs. Wilson's kindergarten class had a very busy and fun day!  The morning started with March Math-ness.  Parents were invited to join in and visit the math centers. Each center had a different math game or project. The students had to complete all tasks in order to earn a reward. They had to build towers out of toothpicks and marshmallows, measure volume in different size and shaped containers, and figure out how many grocery items they could fit in a bag.  
After March Math-ness, the excitement continued. Mrs. Orth and Ms. Graham's classes joined in for the next portion of the morning. Channel 4 Meteorologist, Emily Gracey, came in to talk to the children about high and low pressure conditions, thunderstorms, hurricanes, and weather safety. She had a cute video for the kids to see, then she read them the book Harriett the Hurricane. The children had lots of great weather questions, and they were eager to hear all that she had to share.  It was an exciting morning to be in Kindergarten!

April 30 Deadline To Apply For Scholarships and Financial Aid

Please be sure to apply for Financial Aid and Scholarships by April 30, 2017. There are several scholarships available, in addition to financial assistance through FACTS.  All of this information is listed on our website under Admissions, under Financial Assistance, or click here to view.  If you have any questions, please email Lisa Shimakonis at lisas@palmettochristianacademy.org.
Student Bus Service Registration Now Open 

Registration is now underway for those who are interested in paying to participate in student transportation to and from school through Coastal Bus Line.  The bus service will begin on Monday, April 17th. If you have any questions, please contact Coastal Bus Line. You'll find the contact information along with details on pricing, routes, and how to register provided in the link below.

Eagle Athletic News
Track Team Sets Two New School Records!

PCA's Track team was impressive during Saturday's  meet at Bishop England. The team did extremely well with several new personal records and two new school records! The girls team finished 8th out of 17 teams and beat teams from Fort Dorchester, Hanahan, Ashley Hall, Northwood, Cane Bay, Landrum, Stall, Military Magnet and Goose Creek high schools. The boys team was at about half strength but still had several strong individual performances. 
Here's a look at Top 10 Performances:  
Lauren Pernell - 3rd in the Long Jump, 3rd in High Jump, 5th in 400 hurdles 
Catherine Cave - 6th in 400 hurdles, 6th in High Jump 
Olivia Seitz - 8th in High Jump
Libby Ashworth - 4th in Triple Jump.
Kara Ashworth - 8th in Triple Jump, 8th in Long Jump
Cole Silvester - 3rd in the Long Jump  

New School Records:
Cole Silvester - Long Jump - New record by 6.5"
Lauren Pernell - Long Jump - New record by 8.5"
                        
New Personal Records were set by  Kara Ashworth,  Charlee Olson, Carol ine Seabrook,  Catherine Sweatt, L auren Pernell,  Cole Silvester,  Grayson Silvester, 
Brad Chaney,  Dalton Welch, and  Gage Kennington. Way to go Eagles!!!
Varsity Boys Golf Team Remains Top In The Region Despite Loss

The Varsity Boys Golf team shot its lowest score of the season last Tuesday, but it just wasn't enough against Porter Gaud. The final score ended with PCA at 158 and Porter Gaud at 152. It's the first loss of the season for this talented team who boasts an overall 19-1 team record.
Here are the individual results from last Tuesday's match:
1) Ethan Willis Overall Medalist 34 (-2)
2) Austin Scott 37
3) Andrew Propes 43
4) Alex Stephens 44
5) Joe Buceti 55

Our Varsity Golf team will travel to Calhoun Academy for its next match on Tuesday, April 4th at 3:30 pm. 
Varsity Boys Soccer Team Celebrates Win

The Varsity Boys Soccer team enjoyed a 2-0 win against Cathedral Academy last Friday night. PCA's goals were scored by Grant Lonneman and Chad Shimakonis.
The Eagles' next game will be a home match against Calhoun Academy on Friday, April 7th at 5 pm.
Varsity Girls Soccer Team Suffers Tough Loss

Our Lady Eagles played a tough match against St. Andrews last Friday but ended up with a 1-0 loss. The lone goal came on a penalty kick with just 3 minutes left in the game. 
PCA's Hannah McGrew had 10 saves.
The Varsity Girls' Soccer team plays its next match tonight, April 3rd at First Baptist beginning at 5 pm.
Varsity Baseball Team Plays A Double Header At Calhoun

Our Varsity Baseball team traveled to Calhoun for a double header last Thursday night. It was a tough evening for our Eagles as they lost the first game 15-0 and the second game 13-0.
PCA hosts Thomas Sumter at Park West Field tonight, April 3rd starting at 5 pm.
Bantam Baseball Team Faces Porter Gaud In Double Header

It was a battle of two equally matched opponents as PCA's Bantam Baseball team took on the Porter Gaud Cyclones last Tuesday evening. Although the Eagles rallied in the final inning of game one, it just wasn't enough to take the Cyclones. PCA lost game one 10-8. The second game ended in an 8-8 tie.
The Bantam Baseball team plays its final game of the season on Tuesday, April 4th at St. John's Christian at 6 pm. 
Important Dates To Remember
  • April 6 - FCA Breakfast
  • April 10-14 - Easter Break
  • April 19 - Booster Club Meeting
  • April 20 - FCA Breakfast
  • April 21 - Spring Prom
  • April 23-29 - 8th Grade Washington D.C. Trip
  • April 28 - Grandparents Day
  • April 28 - 4th Quarter Progress Report
  • April 28 - Student Shadow Day (Admissions)
  • May 3-5 - 5th Grade Williamsburg Trip
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