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PCA Offers New Marine Biology Class For High School
Written by PCA Mom Anita Christman
Plankton salad may not be on a normal Lowcountry menu, but it will be served up to PCA 11th graders in a new class this year.
Upper school science teacher, Julie Pickering, asked PCA to offer a Marine Biology class to juniors.
"I wanted to do it because we are a coastal community," says Ms. Pickering.
"I think it's important to understand where they live.They should understand their marshes, why we flood, why the Wando River is the Wando River. We'll study sea turtles. We will utilize the environment around us."
Ms. Pickering is finishing her Ph.D. in Marine Biology from the University of South Florida. She eventually wants to work in research conservation.
She is excited about the opportunity for students to learn more about the ocean in weekly labs and on field trips.
"We have labs where we dissect shark, fish, and sea stars," she says.
"They will build a sea floor out of cardboard. They will do water quality studies and learn fish identifications."
Students enjoy the hands-on learning in her class.
"I'm fascinated about the deep ocean because we don't know what's down there,"
says Kaila Stoneworth.
"I like learning about the ocean and the animals," says Claire Shelbourne.
"It's nice to have another science option."
Brad Chaney is looking forward to the field trips.
"There's one in March where we're taking a boat trip to one of the islands. I've always loved being on the water. I think we're doing a little bit of fishing and examining plants and animals on the island."
The students will also go to a local beach and have an oceanography work shop.
"They will study the health of the dunes, the height of the dunes, and conduct beach erosion studies," says Ms. Pickering.
She has also planned a field trip to the ACE Basin research center at Edisto.
"We'll do a plankton trawl, look at the plankton under the microscope and identify them. Then they're going to eat them in a plankton salad."
Because it's the first year for the Marine Biology elective, Ms. Pickering says she is building the class, and there may be more surprises ahead for students.
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To Squash Or Not To Squash
Written by Selina Zubia
What do you do when you see a cockroach? Some people run away and scream (like me) while others run toward and squash. Mrs. Rhodes' 2nd grade class is in the group that runs toward...to touch. I'm not crazy! I witnessed this unsettling phenomenon first hand.
Lower School Principal Dr. Rick Martin told me that Mrs. Rhodes had her pet Madagascar hissing cockroaches on display in her classroom. Of course, I had to go see if he was pulling my leg. He wasn't. The question now was, why?
Back in the day, Mrs. Rhodes and her husband were missionaries in Africa and became used to being surrounded by larger insects than those found in the States. Perhaps for sentimental reasons, Mr. Rhodes ordered some of the hissing roaches from Madagascar for his wife to keep as pets. That definitely trumps flowers!
In true teacher fashion, Mrs. Rhodes incorporates the roaches into various facets of her instruction. The students learn about the actual insect and its habitat and life cycle in science class, weigh them and keep data in math class, as well as use them for inspiration in writing class. And the kids LOVE them!
I do have to say that they are beautiful in a yucky sort of way. The one I cautiously approached was 2-3 inches in length and looked like an expensive rubber insect. Its antennas were feathery and graceful and its legs were black and shiny. The brown coloring on its back was a dark, chocolaty caramel. It was really pretty! All was good until I got the courage to quickly touch it and it hissed at me. I unexpectedly regressed to my El Paso roots and yelled, "Ay Chihuahua!" Blame it on the roaches.
Nathanial Elsey told me not to be afraid as there was already one on the loose in the room but they "don't bite or fly." Woohoo!
I learned many interesting facts from the students. Alex Corley and Langston Moore let me know that the roaches eat dry dog and cat food and drink water from a wet cotton ball. From a more scientific perspective, Rylan Mayer shared her knowledge that the roaches shed their exoskeletons about six times before reaching adulthood. Unlike the more common roach that lays eggs within an ootheca, Madagascar hissing roaches carry the eggs within their bodies until they hatch which Emorie Ray compared to a live birth. Whereas German roaches have a life cycle of 100 days, Gavin Phelps let me know that hissing roaches can live up to five years in captivity. That bit of information led Rylan to pipe in that the babies do go up for foster care and adoption. Christmas is right around the corner so if anyone is interested, contact Mrs. Rhodes and she'll hook you up! Feel free to schedule a time to check out the Madagascar hissing roaches in their habitat as they hang out in their decked-out tiki hut.
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Tomorrow Is The Deadline For Operation St. Croix: Will You Help?
We have a unique and powerful opportunity to provide much needed help to hurricane victims in St. Croix. PCA preschool teacher and swim coach Patty Biggerstaff has been working with her daughter, Megan Miner, who lives and works in St. Croix, to organize a relief effort for those impacted by the recent hurricanes. Megan has shared with her parents the devastation and tremendous need of those on the island.
Through Operation St. Croix, we are asking for your help to donate enough of the items from the list below to fill a tractor-trailer with supplies.
Please note: the deadline is now tomorrow, Tuesday, October 3rd to drop off items. We apologize for the change in date. The tractor trailer must leave early Wednesday morning in order to make it to the shipping site. You may drop off items in the trailers designated in the parking lot at East Cooper Baptist Church. Please prayerfully consider how you may help in this time of need.
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PCA Presents:
SCREENAGERS Growing Up In The Digital Age
Written by Academic Counselor Sally Pascutti
Screen time. It is one of the most challenging parenting and personal issues facing families. In an effort to open discussion and provide resources on managing our digital lives, PCA is pleased to invite you to a showing of the documentary film Screenagers.
The film includes perspectives from both children and parents, addressing themes of struggles over social media, video games, academics, differing vulnerability for boys and girls, and internet addiction. Authors and brain scientists explore the impact of screen technology and offer proven solutions that empower kids to best navigate the digital world.
PCA will explore the challenge of technology use at three events, beginning on Friday, October 6th with an Upper School Chapel on the topic of "Ways Your iPhone is Changing You" led by ECBC High School Pastor Van Barnhill. This will be followed by a Screenagers showing during PCA Upper School Chapel on Friday, October 13th. (Parents are invited to attend.) Students will discuss the film in Bible classes the following week. Finally, we'll offer an evening screening of the documentary for parents and students on Tuesday, October 17th at 7 p.m. in ECBC Room B219.
Prior to the documentary screening, we encourage you to visit the Screenagers webpage at www.screenagersmovie.com
where you'll find resources including research and parenting apps. Please take a moment to watch the trailer below, then join us for the special screening on October 17th.
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Get Prepared For The PSAT: Testing Date Is
October 11th
Students in Grades 8-11 will take the PSAT
on Wednesday morning, October 11th at PCA.
The PSAT is the Preliminary SAT, a standardized test used in college admissions. PCA will administer two versions:
PSAT
8/9 (a grade-leveled version for 8th and 9th grades) and
PSAT
/NMSQT (10th and 11th grades).
While PSAT scores are not reported to colleges, a serious approach toward the test will produce the most reliable data on a student's academic strengths and weaknesses. Students may also link their PSAT results to Khan Academy to receive a personalized SAT study program. The more accurate the PSAT scores are, the more effective the SAT test prep program will be.
On the day of testing, students should bring:
- two sharpened #2 pencils and an eraser
- a valid email address (you will receive an email when your PSAT scores are ready to view).
- full, legal name and full address
Here are some valuable resources to help your student prepare:
View a PSAT/NMSQT student guide with practice questions
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Join Us For All The Fun Of Homecoming 2017!
Get ready to celebrate Homecoming 2017 at Palmetto Christian Academy! We have a week filled with fun and memorable activities for our students on October 2nd - 6th! Here's a look at the Homecoming week festivities:
Dress Days:
Please click on the link below to find out the dress for the day for Grades 6-12. You'll notice each day of the week has a theme, but each grade will enjoy its own unique twist. We can't wait to see the creativity of our students and which class shows the most school spirit!
Important note: This year, lower school students (Grades K-5) will participate in two dress days!
Tuesday is Superhero Day! Dress as your favorite superhero. Friday is Gold & Blue Day! Wear a PCA Spirit Shirt or PE shirt.
Pep Rally:
Let's get fired up for our Homecoming Game! Students in grades K-12 will meet in the gym for an all school pep rally on Friday, October 6th at 2:20 pm. Parents are welcome to join us!
Homecoming Game:
The PCA Eagles take on Charleston Math and Science on Friday, October 6th at the Park West Field. Kickoff is 7:30 pm. Let's pack the stands!
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Order Your PCA Yearbook Today!
Don't miss your chance to have your very own yearbook! Your student can keep the wonderful memories of the school year alive with a Palmetto Christian Academy yearbook. Full of incredible pictures and details of everything PCA, your student will enjoy pouring over the pages and remembering special events. You can purchase your yearbook for $25 and personalize it at an additional cost.
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Emma Patrick, Peyton Emerson
and Isabelle Nash |
Spanish Club Selects New Officers For The School Year
Written by Spanish Teacher Mitzi Loudin
Spanish Club is off to an amazing start!! Our new officers are Peyton Emerson - President, Emma Patrick - Treasurer, Isabelle Nash -Secretary, and James Miles - Public Relations. The officers shared some fantastic ideas on how to improve Spanish Club this year. They have organized an "Intro to Spanish Club" event called "Boo-rita" in which interested students will enjoy a burrito while learning about the Spanish Club. The "Boo-rita" event will be held on October 5th during lunch in B224 and is open to 9th - 12th grade Spanish Class students and online Spanish students. Burritos will be served to the first 30 students so arrive on time!! Felicitaciones to our new Spanish Club officers!!!
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It's National Take Your Parents To Lunch Day!
Attention parents of kindergartners through 4th Grade!
PCA is excited to celebrate National Take Your Parent to Lunch Day! If you have a child in grades K-4th, please join your child during his or her regularly scheduled lunch period on Wednesday, October 11th. You may order your child's lunch ahead with October lunches or pack it as usual.
Parents are asked to arrive 10-15 minutes prior to your child's lunch period. You are invited to visit our complimentary salad bar and be waiting with your lunch at your child's regular lunch table when he or she arrives in the cafeteria.
We hope you enjoy lunch and fellowship with your child and each other!
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A Generation Seeking Him: See You At The Pole
Written by PCA Mom Cassy Andrus
A student-initiated, global movement graced the campus of PCA last Wednesday. Students, families and staff gathered before the start of school around the hoisted American and Christian Flags to participate in a movement that was started 25 years ago known as See You At The Pole (SYATP). Peers from upper and lower schools were led in prayer and worship by PCA high schoolers. Our youth bowed their heads and spoke out loud prayers for our nation and its leaders as well as our beloved school.
Following the SYATP ceremony, students from lower school marched into chapel to learn more about the blessings of our country. Music teacher, Pamela Hall, flashed iconic symbols of American freedom while teaching our youngest how special they are to our Lord Jesus Christ.
"Do you think Jesus thinks you are important to Him," questioned Hall as she pointed to the full chapel.
"He said 'Let the children come to me'.. Jesus wants me (an adult) to act like you, worship like you, love like you. Yes! You are important to Him!" Hall ended the chapel by handing out American Flags and orchestrating to the crowd as a patriotic anthem was blared in the worship center. No doubt everyone left chapel feeling proud to be an American and a child of God. But, we here at PCA have another blessing we must not take for granted. For we gathered for SYATP around not only the American Flag above us, but also the Christian Flag. Allowing our students the privilege of not only uttering our Lord's name around a flagpole, but freely within the walls of our school.
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Open Invitation To Moms In Prayer
What if you could change the world -- not just for today but for generations to come? The PCA chapter of Moms in Prayer International gathers women together to pray for our children, our staff and our school. Join us every Monday morning at 8 am in the Worship Center. This is a powerful ministry. We would love to have you be a part of it! Contact Jennifer Davidson at jdavidson2001@icloud.com with any questions.
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Vote For Mount Pleasant Magazine's "Best of 2018"!
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, 2016 and again in 2017. Let's make it four years in a row!
Please take just a few minutes to cast your vote for "Best of 2018".
We greatly appreciate your support!!!
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Reminder To Order October Lunches
Remember to order October lunches for your student!
Chef Bob has the October menu online and ready for ordering.
Simply go to RenWeb to purchase hot lunches for your student.
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PCA's New Varsity Boys Basketball Coach Focuses On Excellence, Both On And Off The Court
Written by PCA Mom Jennifer Davidson
Ask John Harris what led him to PCA to head-up the boys basketball program and his answer might surprise you;
"God. Honestly, that was it. He told me to go, so that was the end of the discussion."
Coach Harris' career-path began long ago, with a childhood passion for the game of basketball. Throughout his youth, he played AAU in middle and high school for the Atlanta Celtics and Georgia Stars, respectively. His stand-out performances led to a scholarship offer from Furman University, but he turned it down,"waiting for something 'bigger", as Coach Harris recalls his thoughts at the time. When that 'something bigger' didn't materialize, he played one year of Junior College Basketball and supplemented his time working various jobs that left him feeling unsatisfied and seeking. As Coach Harris describes it, "I was working jobs I disliked and felt like there had to be more to life than this." Soon after, a longtime friend and Strength Coach at Augusta Christian asked Harris if he was interested in coaching JV basketball. Coach Harris recalls, "I knew if I took the coaching job, I would have to quit my regular job because of the conflicting hours. I prayed on it for several days and God said "go!" I was nervous and scared but that is where my coaching career began."
Coach Harris says it was the perfect fit. "l loved coaching the JV team at Augusta Christian and after our season, I helped with the Varsity Team and coached AAU simultaneously. I really found my passion during that time, training, coaching, and mentoring."
For the next 2 years, Harris was the Assistant Varsity Coach and started building a basketball training business. During this time, and out of the blue, the head coach of Augusta Christian suddenly resigned and Harris was asked to step-into the head coaching position of the Varsity Program. Harris exclaims, "I couldn't believe it. I couldn't believe the head coach resigned, but I was also excited for the opportunity. We had a great group of players and coaches my first year and God blessed us with an incredible season and state championship my first year as head coach. To God be the glory", says Coach Harris when describing this exciting season for his players and team.
During this time, I also found my beautiful wife and bonus daughter. We became one on September 13, 2014.
God closed the chapter of his career in Augusta in 2015, as Harris' basketball training business was growing and players seeking to hone their skills flocked to train with him, some traveling from great distances to learn his methods. Over the next couple of years, Coach Harris' reputation as a stellar basketball coach, trainer and mentor grew, and as Harris describes, so did his spiritual growth. "Then, in God's timing, He opened the door to coach at PCA. My family and I are grateful and honored to be here and we believe basketball is a small piece of the overall puzzle of why He chose us to be here right now."
When asked to share his goals for the upcoming PCA basketball season, Coach Harris earnestly says, "My goals this year are for the school and community to see less of us and more of Jesus in our basketball program. I want the program to be a program of excellence, where we put others wants and needs before our own; a program of brotherhood and servanthood. My vision is to be certain every player accepts Jesus as their Lord and Savior and becomes a better young man spirituality, academically, socially, and on the court. I see PCA as a potential national-powerhouse-program, but when we get there, we will be mindful and ever so careful to give God the glory for any successes we have achieved."
I could not resist asking Coach Harris a few get-to know-you-better questions. Here are his
answers:
Favorite college team: UNC Tarheels (and I could not agree with him more!)
Favorite Pro Team: Lakers
Favorite hobbies: I love going to the movies, playing monopoly/UNO, going for a walk with my beautiful wife and family. I love anything family oriented.
Favorite scripture: Philippians 4:13. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Anyone who wants outstanding skill development training can train with Coach Harris on the weekdays or weekends. He provides skill development training year round and can be reached at johnharrisbasketball@gmail.com or www.jharrisbasketball.com.
Currently, the PCA pre-season workouts are on Monday, Tuesday, and Friday from 3:30-5:35. Coach Harris holds study hall for an hour and then workout for an hour. In Coach Harris' opinion. PCA's games are won in the off-season. He shared, "We are working on getting bigger, faster, and stronger, as well as building a brotherhood and becoming mentally stronger. I must say, the guys are working hard, coming together as a unit, and are getting better. I'm pleased with their progress thus far."
Coach Harris and his family wanted to say thank you to the PCA Family for all the love and support for his family during their transition. "You all have really showered us with love and made us feel at home. We are so grateful for each of you. From the bottom of my heart, thank you!"
Coach Harris, the PCA family says thank you back, and we can't wait to see what God has in store for this season too - both on and off the court.
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Another Win For The Middle School Football Team!
The Middle School football team remained undefeated with a 24-6 win over Northwood Academy in 11 man action on Thursday. Touchdowns were scored by Jake Neuman (67 yard reception from Alex Frampton), Jamison Howard (fumble recovery in the end zone), and Colson Gunn (10 yard run). The Eagles converted all three 2-point tries on scoring plays by Alex Frampton (2 - pass from Jack Davidson, 2 yard run) and Cole Carson (2 yard run). The team will travel to Pinewood on Thursday, October 5th to take on the Panthers. Kickoff is 6 pm.
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Varsity Volleyball Team Celebrates Two Big Wins This Week
The Lady Eagles' Varsity team defeated Robert E. Lee 3-1 and Carolina Academy 3-2 last week. They are now 7-3 overall on the season and 4-2 in the region. The Varsity Girls also participated in the Wilson Hall Baron Bash this past Saturday. They finished 3rd in pool play beating Heathwood Hall along the way, and qualifying for the Gold Bracket.
Meanwhile, The JV Volleyball team lost two tough matches last week to Robert E Lee and Carolina Academy.
The Varsity and JV teams travel to Robert E. Lee tomorrow, Tuesday, October 3rd with matches beginning at 5 pm.
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Middle School Volleyball Teams Going Strong!
The 6th grade volleyball team (BLUE TEAM) defeated First Baptist Tuesday and beat Porter Gaud on Wednesday to remain unbeaten this year. They are now 5-0 on the season! The girls will play again at 5:30 pm on Wednesday, October 4th.
The 7th grade team (GOLD TEAM) lost their first match of the year to Northwood Academy in 3 sets on Thursday but bounced back with a victory against Goose Creek in the second game of a double header. They are now 3-1 on the season. The Gold Team will be playing again today, Monday, October 2nd at the Arthur Christopher Recreation Center downtown. The match begins at 5:30 pm.
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Varsity Girls Golf Team Sets New School Records
The Varsity Girls Golf team lost to Ashley Hall last Thursday but set two new school records. The team set a new record for lowest team score and Erin Wayman set a new record for lowest individual score. Erin finished tied for 3rd overall with a score of 46. Her teammate, Ava Romfo, was right behind her with a new personal record score of 48.
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Equestrian Team Is Riding High
PCA's Equestrian Team traveled to Brooklet, Georgia for Evermore Farms Hunt Seat Classic. Top rides included: Katie Keenan who placed 5th in Varsity Open 2'6" over Fences as well as 5th in the Varsity Open Flat out of a very competitive group. Chase Benefield placed 6th in Future Novice on the Flat division while Jordan Benfield placed 6th in the Future Beginner on the flat division. Overall, the PCA team finished in 4th place.
Congratulations team!!!
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Varsity Girls Tennis Team Remains Undefeated In Region
The Varsity Girls Tennis team beat defending region champ Carolina Academy on Tuesday by a score of 5-4 to remain unbeaten in region play. The Lady Eagles followed that win with a 7-2 victory against Williamsburg on Thursday. The girls are in action again today, Monday, October 2nd as they travel to Bishopville to take on Robert E Lee Academy.
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PCA's Cheer Squad Competes In Cobra Cheer Classic
Written by PCA Board Member and Mom Laura Broach
You may recognize some of these smiling faces if you have ever attended a PCA football game. But behind each of these sweet smiles is also a fierce competitor! This weekend, our PCA Competition Cheer Squad, led by Coach Amber Meteraud and assisted by Coach Amy Welch, traveled to Summerville to compete in the 2017 Cobra Cheer Classic. The event was hosted by Cane Bay High School, and included more than 14 squads from all over the state. The day was packed with high-energy routines, nail-biting stunts, and off-the-charts school spirit! One thing is for sure, our girls represented our school well! They have a lot to be proud of, and gave it their ALL! It was also neat to see the large number of parents, fans (big and small!), and supporters that turned out for the day. The next competition is just a few weeks away, and we can't wait to see the squad take the mat again! Go Eagles!
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Mini Cheer Squad Performs At Middle School Game
They may be tiny, but their cheer is mighty! That's right, our Mini Cheer Squad is bringing even more school spirit to our sidelines. The squad made its debut this past Thursday at the Middle School football game. You can also catch them as they perform in this Friday's Pep Rally in the PCA Gym at 2 pm and the Homecoming Game at Park West Field starting at 7:30 pm. We are so excited to have 30 girls from kindergarten through 5th grades participating on this year's Mini Cheer Squad. A special thank you to Kim Calderon and Leah Chadwick for serving as coaches. They are doing a fantastic job! Also, a shout out to Varsity Cheerleader Madison Broach, who you see pictured with two of our Mini Cheer Squad members, for giving her time as assistant coach.
Go Little Eagles!!!
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Cross Country Team Members Set New Personal Records
While most of the Cross Country team was attending the ECBC Middle School retreat, Gage Kennington and Dalton Welch competed in the Lowcountry Invitational on John's Island Saturday. Both boys set new personal records as they represented PCA against 293 other runners. The team will be on the course again tomorrow, Tuesday, October 3rd as they travel to Columbia for the Highlander Invitational.
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JV Swim Team Wins Big In Meet!
The PCA JV Swim Team attended a JV meet this past Thursday against eight teams from across the Lowcountry. PCA won 1st Place Overall on the boys side with the girls finishing in 2nd place. Katie Grace Vandergrift won female high points for the meet, and Will Vandergrift won high point male points for the meet. Standout races were seen by Regan Baker with her first State Qualifying Time and a fast race by Evan Nelson in freestyle. Most every JV swimmer had personal best swims. It was an exciting meet for sure. Coach Patty Biggerstaff commented, "These are some of the fastest JV swimmers we have ever had at PCA. We are excited to see them continue to train and race for PCA in the years to come."
The last regular season meet, hosted by Northwoods Academy, is this Saturday, October 7th at the Carnes Crossing Pool in Summerville.
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Middle School Golf Team Representing PCA Well!
The Middle School Golf team played in a league match at Rivertowne Country Club last Wednesday. Ryan Propes had the low round for the Eagles, shooting a 38 for 9 holes. The next league match is scheduled for tomorrow, Tuesday, October 3rd at Wild Dunes.
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Important Dates To Remember
- October 11- PSAT Testing
- October 11 - End of 1st Quarter
- October 12 - FCA Breakfast
- October 19 & 20 - Fall Break/NO SCHOOL
- October 25 - Make Up Picture Day
- October 25 - Booster Club Meeting
- October 26 - FCA Breakfast
- October 26 - Lower School Parent/Teacher Conferences - No School For Lower School Only (Grades K-5)
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