January 3, 2019
Dear PCA Families,

Welcome back! It was so nice to see the students again after Christmas vacation. I hope your family had an enjoyable and restful holiday season.
During the Christmas season, our Fine Arts Director, Carroll Stevens, and fifteen PCA students, alumni, family, and staff traveled to Austria with the "Voices of New England." During their travels, the group joined in the celebration of the 200th anniversary of the song "Silent Night" and also had the privilege of singing with Elisabeth von Trapp, the grand-daughter of the Georg and Maria von Trapp who were portrayed in The Sound of Music. Pictured above is the group being accompanied by Elisabeth (playing the guitar in the center). Gretyl Macalaster, a member of the travel group, created a blog which chronicled the group's experiences during the trip. CLICK HERE to read her beautifully-written synopsis. Stay tuned for more information about a possible travel opportunity to Rome in 2020!

I pray that your family and you will have a good weekend.

Warmly in Christ,
Dr. John Engstrom
Head of School
Substitute Lunch Delivery from 11:45-12:45 pm on Fridays during the month of January and possibly February

Administrative Volunteer on Wednesdays or Thursdays for approximately 2 hours.

Please contact Jodi Karnes (ext. 119) if you are available to help with these needs.
Preferred Re-enrollment for current families will open in 2 weeks. Seats and Variable Tuition are offered to current PCA students first, then will open to the public. Variable Tuition applications are open now (must re-apply each year). LEARN MORE about Variable Tuition and State Scholarships. Save your child's seat for next year during Preferred Re-Enrollment and save $100 per child.
Please contact Elizabeth Nanda (ext. 142) with questions or if you're able to volunteer.
Auction Volunteers Needed
Whether you have a lot or a little time available, we have a volunteer opportunity just right for you!
  • Procurement (ongoing throughout the year)
  • Data Entry (ongoing throughout the year)
  • Set-Up (week of March 11-15)
  • Breakfast Set-Up (March 13-15)
  • Silent Auction Staff (March 15-16)
  • Registration/check-out (March 16)
  • Display Crew (heaving lifting required) March 16
  • Clean-Up Crew March 16
Donations Requested
The Auction Committee welcomes your donations:
  • Restaurant gift certificates
  • Sporting event or theatre tickets
  • Services (e.g. landscaping, auto detailing)
  • Vacation home or time-share
  • Teaching a craft or hobby
Gain Awareness for Your Organization
while supporting PCA Families!
Our Annual Auction is attended by over 400 local business owners, families, and community leaders from the greater Seacoast NH area. Join Legacy Sponsors like Cutter Family Properties today and get noticed!  CLICK HERE for more information.
Tomorrow!
Friday, January 4 at 8:20 am
Main Gym
Parents are welcome to attend the Lower School's Spelling Bee. The top spellers from each class will compete for a chance to represent PCA at the State Spelling Bee to be held in Concord, NH on Saturday, February 23, 2019. Contact Jennifer Maley with questions.
Kindergarten Open House
Tuesday, January 8 at 3:30 pm
Bring a friend or share the news: Our January 8 Open House will give a peek at the big transition into kindergarten. Learn more and REGISTER HERE.
Tuesday, January 8 at 6:00 pm
Back of Lower School Lobby
Early adolescence is a wonderful time of growing up, but it can prove to be difficult when there is limited understanding of what is taking place developmentally. Dr. Connie Lawrence welcomes all parents of fifth and sixth grade students to join her for a time of discussing brain changes, multiple needs, and expectations your child and you will be facing in the months ahead.
Wednesday, January 9 from 3-4:30 pm in the lobby of Troiano Hall
Join us for some fellowship and refreshments with Sharon as we celebrate the publication of her new book! Copies of her book will be available for purchase, and you may also bring your own copy for her to sign. A Sweet Selah bonus: Sharon is graciously donating $5 to PCA for every book purchased at this event! Thank you, Sharon!
Thursday, January 10
from 3:40-5:00 pm in Miller Room
Our host parents and guardians of our international students are welcome to join us at our monthly meeting. These gatherings are led by our International Student Adviser,  Sandra Croft, and will provide support and networking opportunities for our hosting families. Meetings will be held on the first Thursday of each month.
Friday, January 11 at 8:20 am
Main Gym
Parents are welcome to attend the Lower School's Geography Bee. The top ten contenders from grades 4-8 will be competing for a chance to represent PCA at the NH State Geography Bee which will be held on Friday, March 29, 2019. Contact Jennnifer Maley with questions. CLICK HERE for Geography Bee study help.
Saturday, January 12 from 6:00-9:00 pm
Troiano Hall
All Upper School students are welcome to join us for our annual Silver Bell Dance. Visitors are welcome to attend but will need to fill out a visitor's form prior to the event (available in office). Cost is $10 at the door. Contact our Dean of Women, Sarah Carri (ext. 128), with questions. NOTE: Back-up snow date will be Saturday, January 19.
Free Parent Workshop
Monday, January 14 at 6:30 pm
Troiano Hall
Join us for a special parent session with Dr. Peg Dawson. Dr. Dawson, co-author of the book Smart but Scattered, will share three strategies to help children acquire the skills they need to be successful. CLICK HERE to learn more or RSVP. We would like to make this opportunity available to all parents in the community. Stop by the LS receptionist desk or Upper School Main Office to pick-up a flyer.
Attention:
Upper School and Junior High students!
Monday, January 14 through
Wednesday, January 16
This spring's musical will be "Mary Poppins." Show dates are Thursday, May 23 through Saturday, May 25. Sign-ups are now posted in the PCA libraries. CLICK HERE for audition information. Please contact Christopher Ouellette with questions.
Friday, January 18 at 8:20 am
Main Gym
Families are welcome to join us in the Main Gym to recognize our Lower School students for their Quarter 2 academic achievements. Contact  Sue McKenney (ext. 112) with questions.
Early Bird Special Ends Soon!
Saturday, January 19
Admission to our event is complimentary. You may wish to purchase tickets to our delicious catered breakfast which are now on sale!
  • $120/table for 8
  • $160/table for 10
For more information, please contact Elizabeth Nanda (ext. 142).
Saturday, January 26 at 7:00 am
in Runey Hall: Board Room (2nd floor)
All dads are invited to a time of fellowship and prayer each month. The meetings will be held in the Board Room of Runey Hall on a Saturday morning.  CLICK HERE for the 2018-19 meeting dates. Contact  Anders Lund with questions.
All PCA Parents Welcome to Attend
Thursday, January 31 at 6:30 pm
Troiano Hall
Laurie Warnock, NH Education Coordinator from Northern New England Poison Center, is coming to address our parents about the latest fad being marketed to today's youth: vaping and the use of electronic nicotine devices. She will provide statistics surrounding this growing trend as well as facts about the chemicals found in these products, along with the dangers and harm to the brain and body caused by using these products. Please contact  Kim Cummings (ext. 123) with questions.
Attention Upper School Parents!
Recognition Add Deadline:
Friday, February 1
Whether your son or daughter is a senior or a freshman, a recognition ad is always a great idea to tell your child that you are proud of and love him or her. CLICK HERE for examples of ads which other PCA parents have placed. ORDER FORM
Below is a list of deadlines for your student's yearbook pictures:

Recognition Ads- Friday, February 1
Senior Portraits- Friday, February 8
Quotes & Bio- Monday, February 25

Contact  Thomas Dacey with questions.
EVENING SESSION!
Thursday, February 7 at 6:00 pm
Miller Room in Runey Hall
All parents are welcome to join Dr. Connie Lawrence for her next LIFE Series lecture where she will be discussing "Self-Management." Prior LIFE Series attendance is not necessary in order to attend this session. MORE INFO.
Save the Date!
Friday, February 15 at 7:00 pm
Saturday, February 16 at 2:00 & 7:00 pm
Three Black Box Productions will entertain you and provide food for thought this season! Admissions is $12/adults and $10/students for the two evening shows and $10/adults and $8/students for the Saturday matinee.
Employment Opportunities
For a list of all of our current employment opportunities, CLICK HERE.
Portsmouth Christian Academy | 603.742.3617 | pcaschool.org