Dear PCA Families,
On Friday, February 15
th
, the Lower School said goodbye to eight international students from South Korea, who participated in a 7-week cultural immersion program at PCA. These students have been attending classes since we returned from Christmas break, working alongside PCA students in homeroom classes, as well as attending an English Language class, led by PCA teacher Joanna Hornbeck.
|
|
This is the 3
rd
year of hosting students from South Korea; PCA has partnered with the Harvest Academy to allow students in Grades 4-8 an opportunity to experience American education through PCA’s COME Program – Cultural Opportunity to Master English. For many of the international students who join the COME program, this is their first time to visit the United States. Students stay in the homes of PCA families, where they get to experience the typical routines, family outings, and culinary choices of our full-time families.
Though the experience can be challenging, each year students return to South Korea with new friends and wonderful memories to share. One international student shared this note with Joanna Hornbeck before leaving last week: “When I first came at [
sic
] PCA, I was really nervous and worried…but after I met you, I could be a little bit more relaxed. Thank you for all your help and kindness.”
We already look forward to partnering with our friends for another year of the COME Program very soon!
I pray that your family and you will have a safe, restful Winter Vacation next week!
Blessings,
Carrie Abood, Ed.D.
Lower School Principal
|
|
Congratulations to AJ Chase (senior) for being named the
NH Sportspage
“Player of the Week!” Each week, five top basketball players from different schools throughout New Hampshire are nominated for a chance to be named Player of the Week and a chance to win an Adrenaline t-shirt and Buffalo Wild Wings gift certificate. Teammates, classmates, friends, and faculty rallied around AJ and voted for him last week. As one student stated, “Voting for AJ was easy. He is such a godly person and such an amazing player! Everyone loves him!” This year, AJ leads PCA’s Varsity Boys Team in points, averaging 17.3 per game and is second on the team in rebounds with 7.5 per game. He is also second on the team with 41 assists so far this season and second on the team in steals. Athletic Director Derek Summers described AJ as “an all-around stand-out player for us this season.” We couldn’t agree more! Great job, AJ!
|
|
PCA Competes at Robotics State Championship
Congratulations, to David Brackett (senior), Bryson Lund (junior), and to Krish Kothimbakam (junior) for representing PCA in the Vex NH/VT Robotics State Championship last weekend! The team competed in the
Turning Point VRC Game, winning 4 of the rounds and placing 21st out of 40 after 8 qualification matches.
A special thank you to PCA faculty member, Jeffrey Lapointe
(PCA Class of 2010)
, for his commitment to our STEM program and for leading our Robotics students to the State Championship! Go, Eagles!
|
|
 |
Class of 2030 Class Gift
Thank you to the families of our first graders for their class gift which will be up for bid at our Annual Auction next month!
FIND OUT what it is!
|
|
|
|
CLICK HERE for all of our latest auction updates including how to register to bid, how to donate items, and more!
|
|
|
|
|
Annual Auction Volunteers Needed
Whether you have a lot or a little time available, we have a volunteer opportunity just right for you!
CLICK HEREto see how you can help!
|
|
|
|
Admission to our event is complimentary. You may wish to purchase tickets to our delicious catered breakfast which are
now on sale!
- $20/person
- $140/ table for 8
- $180/ table for 10
|
|
|
|
|
Tonight!
Thursday, February 21 at 6:30 pm
PCA's Voices will be singing at a rehearsal of the Seacoast Men of Harmony (barbershop music group) at the McConnell Center (32 Saint Thomas St. in Dover, NH). At 8:30 pm, the group will move to
La Festa Brick & Brew where they will be singing informally for the patrons there. Come enjoy the music! Contact
Carroll Stevens with questions.
|
|
|
|
Tomorrow!
Grades K-5 Deadline:
Friday, February 22 at 4:00 pm
All grades 6-12 and other entries are due by
Monday, March 4 at 3:30 pm. Winter Vacation is the perfect time to work on your art masterpiece(s)!
CLICK HERE for more information and for a printable Submission Form.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Now through Sunday, March 3
We need more readers to reach our Read-a-Thon goal of 350,000 minutes. As of last week, we are at 109,570 minutes, but we still have two weeks to go. PCA's adults such as grandparents, parents, faculty, and staff are encouraged to join in this year's Read-a-Thon too! Together we can reach our school goal of 350,000 minutes!
LEARN MORE
.
|
|
|
Saturday, February 23 at 6:00 pm
Congratulations, again, to our Eagles for securing a spot on the upcoming
Granite State Challenge! Last November, PCA competed against 43 other schools and is now among the top 16 schools in the GSC competition. Be sure to watch NHPBS this Saturday evening as PCA challenges Manchester Central in our first official round of the competition! Go, Eagles!
|
|
|
|
Tuesday, March 5 at 1:00 pm
Legislative Office Building Room 202
The continued public hearing for
HB 632 will be held next month. HB 632 is a bill which was recently introduced that would repeal the current education tax credit. Twenty-one PCA students have benefited from this credit since it was introduced in 2015.
READ MORE. Please contact
Kelly Belmonte (ext. 109) with questions.
|
|
|
|
|
Thursday, March 7 at 6:00 pm
Know someone whose child would benefit from the PCA experience? Invite your friends and colleagues to our Lower School Open House for an evening of interactive STEAM exploration and to learn more about PCA's preschool through grade 8! The evening will include a campus tour, casual conversation with faculty, and hands-on STEAM activities.
MORE INFO
|
|
|
|
Last Coffee House of School Year!
March 8 from 7-9:00 pm
Troiano Hall
All Upper School students are invited to attend our final Coffee House of the school year. Come enjoy a relaxing evening of entertainment, refreshments, and coffee. General Admission for students is $5 and $3 for performers. This event is intended for our Upper School students and faculty/staff only. Contact
Kim Cummings
(ext. 123) with questions.
|
|
|
|
|
Sunday, March 10
Daylight Savings begins which means that it will stay lighter later! Remember to move your clocks forward an hour.
|
|
|
|
Monday, March 11 from 6:00-8:00 pm
Main Gym
All winter athletes and their families are welcome to join us to celebrate the 2018-19 winter track and basketball seasons. Cost is $5/person at the doors. Dress attire:
Upper School school-day dress code; Junior High athletes may wear Upper School dress code as well. Contact
Erin Knipher (ext. 115) with questions.
|
|
|
|
|
Thursday, March 14 at 6:30 pm
Runey Hall: Miller Room
Juniors and their parents are strongly encouraged to attend our College Information Night for Juniors. Topics will include the college admission process, questions to ask on college tours, college essay pointers, and the basics of financial aid. Contact
Colleen Geller (ext. 120) with questions.
|
|
|
|
Saturday, March 16, 8:00 am to noon
Main Gym
We hope that you will join us at this year's Annual Auction! School is in session from 8:00 am to noon that day, and bus service will be available to our regular bus riders. For an easy-to-read guide to all of the Auction's events,
CLICK HERE
.
|
|
|
|
|
Save the Date!
Monday, March 18
All Upper School athletic spring sports (track, softball, baseball, and tennis) will have tryouts beginning on March 18. Stay tuned for tryout times and locations. Please contact
Derek Summers with questions.
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, March 20 from 2:00-6:30 pm
Troiano Hall
Please consider donating blood during this month's Blood Drive. With each donation, the American Red Cross is able to save 3 lives!
LEARN MORE
|
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, March 20 from 3:30-5:30 pm
The Dover Chamber Education Committee will be hosting a "Bridge to Our Future" event to give high school students (particularly juniors and seniors) the opportunity to network and explore careers in a variety of industries, engage with future employers, and contribute to the future workforce. To register, visit
dovernh.org/bridge or call 603.742.2218
|
|
|
|
Thursday, March 21 from 6:00-8:00 pm
Troiano Hall
The Senior Class welcomes you to a night of performances by PCA student entertainers. Troiano Hall doors will open at 5:45 pm with a dinner and performances beginning at 6:30 pm. You may purchase tickets ahead of time from the Upper School and Lower School reception desks for $10. Checks should be made payable to PCA. Contact
Kim Cummings (ext. 123) with questions.
|
|
|
|
|
Friday, March 29
Troiano Hall
One of our favorite activities during the cold winter months is our annual Luau Lunch where the Upper School students will be treated to a grilled hamburger or hot dog lunch, along with chips, salad, drink, and dessert. All Upper School students are encouraged to wear jeans and Hawaiian shirts. Please contact
Sarah Carri (ext. 122) with questions.
|
|
|
|
Contest Ends on Monday, April 8
You can help us win a free library visit with children's author,
Jan Brett! The school or library which has the most parents, teachers, friends, or supporters who enter the contest will win a free visit during the upcoming school year.
CLICK HERE TO ENTER.
|
|
|
|
|
|
For a list of all of our current employment opportunities,
CLICK HERE.
|
|
Portsmouth Christian Academy | 603.742.3617 | pcaschool.org
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
