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Palmetto Christian Academy
THE EAGLE EDITION
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PCA Names Top Two Graduates of 2017
Written by Guidance Counselor Sally Pascutti
PCA is proud to announce Danielle Quinn as our 2017 Valedictorian and Hannah McGrew as our 2017 Salutatorian. Both young women have blessed PCA with their academic, spiritual, and social leadership throughout their time here.
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Valedictorian:
Danielle Quinn
Valedictorian Danielle Quinn will attend Clemson University where she will major in History and Secondary Education. As a deep and critical thinker, Danielle looks forward to two academic communities for which she has been selected-the Calhoun Honors College and the Lyceum Fellows Program. At Clemson, she will receive the Palmetto Fellows Scholarship, a Clemson University Merit Scholarship, and PCA's inaugural Headmaster's Scholarship.
As evidence of her reputation among faculty and peers, Danielle earned the West Point Leadership Award, PCA's Who's Who Character Award, and proved her leadership in NHS, on athletic teams, and through community service and tutoring. Danielle's extraordinary mixture of humility and accomplishment, her positive attitude, and her gentle spirit will have a lasting impact on PCA, and for that, we are thankful!
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Salutatorian:
Hannah McGrew
Salutatorian Hannah McGrew will attend Clemson University where she has earned the Palmetto Fellows Scholarship and the Palmetto PACT Scholarship. Professionally, she will study for a career in healthcare, and she plans to major in Biology to achieve that goal. Hannah's engagement with other students spanned ages and activities including volleyball, soccer, National Honor Society, AP Classes, and tutoring; her selection for the Who's Who character award reflects the value Hannah added to PCA through her involvement. PCA is appreciative of the beautiful spirit of friendship that Hannah encouraged, and our school community will benefit from her investment for years to come.
Palmetto Christian Academy's Commencement Exercises will take place on Friday, May 26th at 6 pm in the Worship Center. Congratulations to the Class of 2017! May the peace of Christ be with you all!
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High School Uniform Fitting Event: Saturday, July 8th
Your student can see and try on the new school uniform pieces to find the perfect fit! Join us on Saturday, July 8th from 12 pm to 6 pm as we welcome Dennis uniform representatives to our school. Determine your student's size, purchase the items online, and the uniforms will be delivered directly to your door! More details coming soon on what is required for daily and chapel wear plus how to order your items online.
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PCA Admissions News: Enrollment 2017-2018
90% of our current students have re-enrolled for next year!
We anticipate reaching capacity in some grade levels soon, as enrollment and interest has been very high so far.
Please share with your friends and neighbors that may have an interest in PCA to call and schedule a tour this summer, or contact Director of Admissions Lisa Shimakonis at lisas@palmettochristianacademy.org.
We are so excited about the new year!
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5th Graders Experience "Finally Fun Machines" With High Touch/High Tech Science Day
Finally there's a fun way to use machines to better understand force and motion. It's called
"Finally Fun Machines"! On Friday, Mrs. Moser's 5th grade classes were thoroughly enjoying this hands-on High Touch/High Tech science experiment. To begin, they explored simple machines such as inclined planes, wedges, screws, pulleys, and levers. Then they put simple machines together to construct a crane, which is a complex machine. By attaching the crane to their desk, the students will experiment with how force affects motion. They can feel the difference in force as they use the cranes to lift objects with different masses. But the students say the most exciting part of this experiment is using gravity to drive cars down an inclined "highway" to measure speed and direction. What
a great time of fun and learning!
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4th Graders Compete In Annual Spelling Bee
Written by PCA Mom Cassy Andrus
The 5th Annual PCA Fourth Grade Spelling Bee took place this morning. Each of the 4th grade teachers had 5 students represent their classrooms. The total of 15 students participating had to first go through a series of mini-spelling bees and accrue top scores prior to earning a seat on stage today for the final contest. Spelling scholars had to recall the rules of the English language to remain standing. The final battle came down to contestants, Cate Lynn Creech and Peter Graf. Several rounds were needed to determine the champion which eventually was awarded to Creech. To make the competition even more thrilling, there was also a battle round for third place between Addison Hewitt and Gavin Wease. Wease would grab the honors, making the top three finishers all students of Mrs. Sorenson's class. Congratulations to all of the contestants. Job well done!
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2
nd Graders Create Several Biomes, Sweet Biomes
Written by Selina Zubia
B
iome (bahy-ohm) - a complex biotic community characterized by distinctive plant and animal species and maintained under the climatic conditions of the region.
The second graders are closing out the school year in science by studying the habitats and environments of plant and animal populations. Biomes! Each child chose one habitat (
ocean, grassland, rain forest, woodland forest, tundra, swamp, or desert
) to study and then created a model.
The instructions were to create a model showing at least two animals and one plant characteristic of the biome selected. Accompanying the model was to be a reflection page describing some of the important facts about the habitat selected. To gather the information, students used nonfiction books and a National Geographic link for reference.
This project is an example of how PCA students integrate creativity and technology into their lessons beginning in the early grades. In addition, Mrs. Welch's and Mrs. Rhodes' students took notes in their journals while Mrs. Sweeney's students put together a nonfiction booklet highlighting various habitats from around the world. Watch out parents! Your kids may have you sharpen your biome knowledge too!
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Bringing Bible Characters To Life
Written by Selina Zubia
If you saw a handful of students walking around in ancient garb last week, they weren't unveiling a new fashion trend, they were from Mrs. Bahadur's third grade class which was culminating a study of Old and New Testament personalities.
Each student had to select one Bible character and bring him/her to life before their peers and parents. Whether it was Moses, Samson, Ruth, David, or one of the disciples, the students shared important aspects of the selected character's life and the impact that person had on the lives of others.
Through this study, the students learned valuable life lessons about God's faithfulness and love and effectively communicated what they discovered. They took the assignment seriously and did a great job channeling their inner actor. Way to go!
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Let's Chat: A Conversation Between Ages
From learning multiplication tables to presenting a senior thesis, PCA students share similar experiences throughout the years. We thought it would be interesting to pair our students.. a senior with a 1st or 2nd grader.. to discuss how each one has been challenged, and discover what each one loves most about Palmetto Christian Academy. What we learned made us extremely proud of how well we are fulfilling our mission. And the kids, as you'll see, just bring us such joy! It's the first in a four part series of "Let's Chat: A Conversation Between Ages".
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| Senior Matthew Bartlett and 2nd Grader Ross McMillan |
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Diving And Ducking To Be Dodgeball Champs!
The Annual PCA Dodgeball Tournament was a huge success last Thursday night! More than 100 students participated in the festivities sponsored by the Athletic Booster Club. Thanks to you, we raised more than $2500 in support of PCA Athletics. A special thanks to all of the incredible volunteers who helped make this fun night possible!
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Kickin' Around With The Headmaster
Written by Selina Zubia
Who was that big guy playing kickball with Mrs. Sorensen's fourth grade class? Was it a giant student? No.. it was Mr. Zubia!
Because the class was disappointed about not having Field Day, they wrote a petition to Mr. Zubia to see what could be done. Somehow, they got Mr. Zubia to agree to play them in a game of kickball.
Mr. Zubia joined the class on Wednesday morning for a quick game out on the playground. Conveniently, he was on the winning team. Could Mr. Zubia have threatened to hold the students back if they didn't win? No...he was just lucky!
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It's Time To Revisit Our PCA Eagles SmugMug Page!
If you haven't checked out our PCA Eagles SmugMug page in a while, you may want to give it a look.
We've uploaded new photos from the Varsity Girls and Boys Soccer teams along with Track team pictures, and even several from this year's Junior/Senior Prom.
A huge thank you to Sharon Basha for her amazing photography skills and her commitment to PCA Athletics! We are grateful for the pictures!!!
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Important End Of School Year Reminders
As the school year comes to a close, please make sure to turn in the following by Thursday, May 25th:
- All textbooks
- Library books and fines
- Locks
- Lunch fees
- Athletic uniforms
Your student's report card cannot be released if any of these items are outstanding or if there
are balances due.
Lost and Found: Please be sure to check the lost and found located near the cafeteria and also upstairs in the main hallway before the last day of school. All items that remain will be donated to either the Lowcountry Orphan Relief or the PCA used uniform sale.
Medication in office: If your child has medication that is kept in the PCA office, please pick it up by Thursday, May 25th. All medication will be discarded after Friday, May 26th.
Thank you for your cooperation!
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Summer Reading Lists Now Available On PCA Website
Be sure to check the website to keep your student up to date with the 2017 lists for Summer Reading. You'll find the required reading for rising 2nd-12th graders. Just look under the "Parents" tab, then Student & Parent Resources, and you'll find the reading lists and assignments on the right side of the page. Or click here to be directed to that page.
Please be sure to carefully read the instructions for projects, journal work or essays as assigned by grade level.
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Check Our Website For Summer Math Packets
Be sure to check the PCA website for Summer Math Packets for your students to complete. You'll find packets for rising 5th through 12th graders.
Just look under the "Parents" tab, then Student & Parent Resources, and you'll find the math packets just below the summer reading lists. Or
click here to be directed to that page.
Students are expected to return the completed packets to their math teachers on the first day of the new school year.
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Spring Exam Schedule
Here's a look at the final exam schedule for Grades 8-11. The first exam of each day will begin at 8 am. The second exam will begin at 9:35 am. Exams should be wrapped up by 11:05 am. Students only need to attend during the times of their exams.
Tuesday, May 23 - 1B and 2B
Wednesday, May 24 - 3A and 4A
Thursday, May 25 - 3B and 4B
Friday, May 26 - Make up exam day
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Final Day Of School: Early Release Day!
Just a friendly reminder that Thursday, May 25th will be an Early Release Day.
Grades K-4 will be dismissed at 11:30 am. Grades 5-7 will be dismissed at 11:45 am. Grades 8-11 will be dismissed at 11:05 am upon completion of final exams.
Lower School Close of School Program for Grades K-5 will take place on Thursday, May 25th at 9 am in the Worship Center.
Lower School students will be awarded Character Traits in their classrooms at a time set by each individual teacher.
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Congratulations To Our Box Top For Education Winners!
A huge thank you to everyone who cut out Box Tops all year! The Box Tops for Education program is a simple way we can earn cash for our school.
Our winners for this year's competition are:
1st place Upper School - Mrs. Olson
1st place Lower School - Mrs. Welch
2nd place - Mrs. Cumbee
These three classes raised more than $360 just this quarter through Box Tops! PTF and our teachers thank you!
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Donate Your Gently Used Uniforms
Please bring your child's unneeded or too small (and clean!) uniforms to donate to our Used Uniform Sale this summer. There will be a bin beside the PCA desk from now until the sale. The Used Uniform Sale will be in late summer and no item will be over $5. What a deal!! More information to follow in an email this summer.
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Join Us For Vacation Bible School At ECBC!
Grab your telescopes and head to our clubhouse observatory where endless discoveries await! At VBS, kids will search the skies and God's Word to uncover God's truth etched in His handiwork. They will discover that the God who created everything there is.. the knowable and the unknowable.. has created them to be in relationship with Him! VBS starts on Monday with Family Night at 6:30 pm, then continues Tuesday-Friday from 9 am-12:15 pm.
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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.
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Shimakonis Named Varsity Football Head Coach For 2017 Season
PCA Athletics is excited to announce that Chris Shimakonis will return as the Varsity Eagles Head Football Coach for the 2017 season.
"It's a blessing to be able to spend time with your sons this summer and fall. I've received a lot of encouragement, which is exactly what I expected from the PCA Family," says Coach Shimakonis.
"I got involved in coaching when my sons were 6 years old. I quickly learned that sports is a great framework to encourage and walk alongside these guys as they and their friends grow. Sports teaches many life lessons, football especially, so I don't take the responsibility lightly.
We are at a very important intersection as PCA Facilities and Athletics take the next step. It's exciting and it's also vital that we take advantage of this opportunity. When I say "we", I'm referring to anyone who does or has worn PCA Eagles colors. Doesn't matter if you children are in preschool or high school. Our sons have attended PCA since kindergarten. We were "All In" long before Dabo. We believe in its message, its purpose and its partnership with parents. Lisa and I saw an unbelievable transformation in both our boys from playing football. Doing hard things takes us out of our comfort zones.
Here's what I need. I need participation this year in Varsity Football. Give our staff the chance to train, teach and walk alongside your son. I get it. If your son isn't physically ready for action on Friday night, we won't put them out there. But I need them training with us this summer, doing 7v7 touch football and being part of the team. Call me at 843-324-8035 or cshimakonis@att.net if you want to talk."
Chris served as the Eagles Varsity Head Coach in 2014, Middle School Head Coach from 2010-2013 and Varsity Assistant Coach from 2009-2017.
Congratulations to Coach Shimakonis! We look forward to cheering on our PCA Eagles on Friday nights!
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JV/Varsity Girls Tennis Interest Meeting
Calling all rising
6th-12th grade girls interested in playing JV or Varsity tennis in the fall. We are holding an
informational meeting on
Wednesday, May 24th at 3:15 pm in Room B
219. Parents and students are invited to attend.
Questions? Contact Dewey Caulder at 843-300-7419 or
dpcaulder@bellsouth.net.
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Middle School Football Interest Meeting
Who's ready for some football?!!! If the answer is yes, then please join us for a Middle School Football interest meeting on
Wednesday, May 24th at 3:15 pm in Room B214.
This meeting is for rising 6th-8th grade boys and their parents.
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Complete Athletic Physicals For Fall Sports Now
If your child plans to participate in Fall Sports at PCA, his or her athletic physical forms are due prior to participating in the first practice for that sport.
Forms may be found in the PCA office or on the PCA website
. Physicals must be renewed each year and a current physical must be on file in the PCA office.
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Important Dates To Remember
- May 19-23 - Senior Trip
- May 25 - Last Day of School - Early Release Day
- May 26 - Class of 2017 Graduation
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