Friday, January 29, 2021
Dear PCA Families, Faculty & Staff, Alumni, Grandparents, and Friends,

Thank you to all of those who supported last Saturday's All School Open House! We welcomed a total of 20 families to our event and we are encouraged to see such strong interest in our school! Much of that interest is due to your good word. Thank you. Please pray for these families as they begin making decisions for schooling in the 2021-22 school year.

Re-enrollment is also well under way and moving quickly. We are seeing enrollment renewals at the quickest pace in anyone's recent memory. Already, some of our grades are half full (see graphic to the right). With two weeks remaining in preferred re-enrollment, we want to make sure you have every opportunity to return before we open enrollment to the 74 and growing applications--again, ahead of last year at this time. See the re-enrollment link below to get your seat reserved for next year!

As your family looks to the future, our aim is to give you a vision of what is to come as part of the PCA community. The Head of School gives an annual update to best reach our community of nearly 2000 students, parents, staff, and faculty. You can watch PCA's 2021 State of the School, through our 9-part playlist, which you can access HERE.
Do we have a show for you! PCA's Fine Arts program has done it again, telling great stories through talented students across multiple mediums. LAST CHANCE: Be sure to join us on campus (or from an off-site location) tomorrow for our annual Black Box Theatre production! Admission is by reservation only, and there are still a few seats available!

Streaming tickets will also be available for audiences to view in their "home theatres." Read what the director and cast members are saying about this exciting new format HERE.

HEALTH HIGHLIGHTS
At last night's Community Health Update (which you can view HERE), we covered the last three weeks and the successful return to campus and completion of the semester. Considering the spread after Christmas, our collective adherence to protocols minimized the impact. Over 85% of our Lower School students are on campus, and 55% of our Upper School students are on campus, our teams are playing, and our artists are performing.

Looking to the next three weeks, we are maintaining current protocols. Key metrics we are looking at to change protocols are mortality rates, hospital capacity, positive test rates in our area compared to other areas (for children 0-9 and 10-19), and overall transmission rates. When these markers closely align with the mid-and late-October 2020 picture, we will consider moving to different protocols overall. We are always making minor adjustments to maximize both health and a positive learning environment and managing tradeoffs. The principals will keep you informed of those changes by parts of the school, as the situation in each area varies.

Please note the most recent data below:

  • 2,696 additional health screening submitted within the past week (46,929 to date)

  • 11 additional people answered "Yes" to possible symptoms in the past week

  • 1 additional person answered "Yes" to travel outside New England in the past week

  • 5 additional answers of "Yes" to potential or confirmed exposure to COVID in the past week

  • 6 positive COVID tests reported in the past week in the PCA community (41 known to date)
IMPORTANT LEGISLATION
The NH Education committee will be holding hearings on Education Freedom Accounts (HB20) this coming Tuesday, 2 February, at 1:15 PM.

What can you do to get involved? There are at 7 ways, 3 of them new!

  1. NEW: Watch this 10 minute interview between Mike Runey and Dee Jurius, a former NH State Representative from Belknap County currently with the Josiah Bartlett Center for Public Policy.
  2. Check the Bill Status and read HB 20
  3. Get Basic Info and Q & A: Education Freedom Coalition (website with short video)
  4. Understand how the already existing state funds would move (video)
  5. NEW: Register your position on the bill HERE . As you click through the site: you are a member of the public, representing yourself, and you can state whether you support the bill or not, and if you wish to speak. I encourage you to make your family's position known.
  6. NEW: Communicate to the NH education committee (contact information)
  7. Tell your friends and other NH families like yours!
HOPE HIGHLIGHTS 

There is so much to be thankful for, and together we are seeing many things change in our children's lives for the better. Yet, many of us are still facing real challenges. Some of these are related to COVD, directly or secondarily. Others are simply part of life: growing up/older; navigating challenging relationships, coming alongside loved ones who are struggling, tensions at work. Life seems to be a real mix of good and bad.

I have spoken to several families in the last few weeks and have heard in their stories this same mix. Know we are praying for you, we care about you, and we at PCA seek to be a place in addition to your churches and other community relationships where you children and grandchildren have a healthy, nurturing, challenging, and fun environment to grow-up in. We also hope and endeavor to enable you to connect as you desire, too. That is our prayer to God.

A few closing thoughts from Philippians (which the faculty is reading through):

"I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God on Christ Jesus (3:14)...our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ (3:20)...therefore, my brothers whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord (4:1)."

Perhaps it's not fair to 'chop-up' the Scripture, but Paul is communicating the reality of life as well as the hope we have in Christ and together. May you likewise be encouraged.

Together with you in Christ,
Mike Runey
Head of School
New Hampshire Partners in Education proudly presents the Rock Star Award to Portsmouth Christian Academy's very own Bruce Sayre and his wife, Jen. Bruce played key roles in the success of PCA students and staff returning to campus last fall. The amount of time and care he eagerly shared amid the COVID pandemic made, and continues to make, PCA a safe environment. Thank you, Bruce and Jen, for your sacrifice and service to PCA!
The Lower School and Daphne Corso have a wonderful idea for costumes that they need for our upcoming chapel presentation. Daphne has the materials and a very simple design that we need one of our volunteers to make-- 20 items to be exact! If you have your sewing machine pulled out already or need a reason to pull it out, we would love to have your sewing skills! Please contact Daphne Corso (ext. 127) if you can help.
Construction Begins Tomorrow!
Thank you to those of you who have reached out so enthusiastically about our potential outdoor ice-skating rink here at PCA! We will be making this happen Saturday, January 30th (tomorrow!) Please join us at 10:00 am to lend a hand!

Email Summer Heath if you can assist.
Please join us on our PCA Volunteer Facebook Page to stay informed on current opportunities. 
Thank you, Friday Guys & Gals, for your hard work this Friday!
 
Sign up HERE to join our next Friday Guys & Gals on February 12th. Whether you can Volunteer just once or every other Friday, we would love to have you on campus! Come in for the day or a couple hours. Lunch will be served!
Better Together Blog
We hope that you are as excited as we are to see how PCA continues to carry out its mission, preparing young men and women to step up as Christ-centered leaders in college and beyond! Hear from Caroline Brown on the value PCA had in shaping her to embark on her studies in college and as a student leader.
***URGENT REQUEST***
This week, we had two employees who were almost struck while directing traffic by adult drivers who were texting while on their phones. Please make sure to obey New Hampshire's hands-free law regarding cell phones. Please contact Gene Watson (ext. 154) with questions or concerns. READ HERE to learn more about New Hampshire's hands-free driving laws.
Beginning Monday, February 8
Garrison School is scheduled to re-open its campus to their grades K-4 students on February 8. Please allow a few extra minutes to arrive at PCA due to the anticipated, additional traffic on Garrison Road and Back River Road. Let's be good, gracious neighbors, particularly as Garrison's youngest students get back into the swing of things.
INVITATION TO BID
PCA is conducting a competitive bid process for a Lower School Drainage & Site Improvement Project. Bids will open on Wednesday, March 10 at 2:00 pm; a pre-bid conference will be held on Wednesday, February 17 at 9:00 am. CLICK HERE for more info.
If you plan on visiting our campus, to help save time, you may complete your Visitor Health Screening earlier that day by scanning the QR code above or you may complete online HERE.
REMINDER: Sale Ends Tonight!
Hurry! Tonight is the last chance to save $5 per yearbook. ORDER HERE.
Preferred Re-Enrollment Savings of
$100 Ends on Wednesday, February 10
Re-enrollment and Variable Tuition applications are open for current PCA families. Apply to FAST if not a Scholarship family; apply through FACTS for NH State Scholarships. Learn more about NH State Scholarships in the “Additional Resources” section of the Variable Tuition page.
Parents of PCA 8th Grade Students
Tuesday, February 3 from 8:30-9:15 am
In less than 5 months, your 8th grade student will be a high schooler! Please join Lower School Principal, Dr. Carrie Abood, and Upper School Principal, Jordan Heckelmann, for a time of coffee and fellowship together in Troiano Hall. No RSVP is necessary.
Parents of PCA 2nd Grade Students
Wednesday, February 3
from 8:20-9:00 am
Please join our Lower School Principal, Dr. Carrie Abood, for a time of coffee, tea, and conversation in the back of the Lower School Lobby! No RSVP is necessary. Please feel free to park in the parking lot and enter the Main Lobby during Arrival that morning. We look forward to seeing you then!
What is Read-a-thon? A month-long reading celebration & challenge
 
When is it? Monday, February 1 through Sunday, February 28th
 
Who can participate? EVERYONE: all students, families, faculty & staff

How do we participate?

READ, READ, READ!
  • What counts? Paper books, e- books, audio books, reading homework, online news & articles
  • What does not count? Social media, reading e-mails, reading music

TRACK YOUR MINUTES
  • Optional: you can use this calendar to help you keep track at home!

SUBMIT your weekly total minutes EACH FRIDAY online using THIS FORM

LOG ON to Microsoft TEAMS (Library Team) once a week for a fun participation challenge to earn extra points!

PRIZES will go to younger students for reaching weekly goals (K-2, 200 min; 3-5, 300) and we will have overall prizes at the end for the top readers in each class! 

Please contact Rachel Tolley with questions.
Wednesday, February 3 at 6:30 pm
Main Gym (Doors open at 6:00 pm)
Our postponed Upper School Christmas Concert will take place next week! Seating is limited to no more than 2 to 3 people per student. Others are welcome to watch using the link below (feed will become live on evening of February 3). Please plan to use our livestreaming option if you have any symptoms or suspected exposure to Covid-19. 

To save time at the door on February 3, you may complete health screening online HERE that day or by using our QR code (located in the All-School Announcement section of this bulleting).


Contact Carroll Stevens with questions.
Thursday, February 4 and
Friday, February 5
The Lower School library is hosting a Used Book Sale for-students-only next month to help kick-off our Read-a-Thon. All books will be $0.25. Be sure to send your child in with $1 or so if you would like him or her to purchase some books to read. Please contact Gina Henker with questions.
Monday, February 8
As a reminder, school will not be in session for our preschool students on February 8. This will be a virtual Parent-Teacher Conference Day for parents of our preschoolers. Please contact Harlee Tuttle (ext. 113) with questions.
Remember Your LS and US Valentine!
Order Deadline: Monday, February 8
The Junior High Student Council is now selling their annual lollipop and chocolate kisses for Valentine's Day. Write a special message and send something sweet to your child (or grandchild!). Delivery will be on Friday, February 12-- high school students can receive them too!

Print out an order form HERE. Please make sure that PCA receives your paper order no later than Monday, February 8 (mail to 20 Seaborne Drive, Dover, NH 03820). Contact Daphne Corso (ext. 127) with questions.
Monday, February 8 through
Friday, February 12
Upper School students should brush-up on their Urdu, Chinese, and Spanish, because they are going to need it soon! This year's International Week will give students a chance to savor the flavors from different countries and test their geography knowledge. The highlight of the week will be our chapel held on Wednesday, February 10, led by Carolyn Hutton and several of our international students. Please contact Kathy Towle with questions.
Attention Parents of Seniors!
Submission Deadline:
Thursday, February 11
If you are looking for a creative way to tell your student, "I love you, and I'm proud of you!" our Yearbook Recognition Ad is a perfect way! CLICK HERE for examples of ads which other PCA parents have placed. For pricing and how to create your ad online CLICK HERE. Contact Moriah Mazzochi with questions.
ATTENTION PARENTS OF 8th Graders!
RECOGNITION AD DEADLINE:
Thursday, February 11
Each year, as our 8th grade students close-out their time at the Lower School, parents and guardians are given the opportunity to spotlight their child and make the yearbook even more special for them. A yearbook recognition ad is a loving tribute to your student. MORE INFO on how to create and order your child's ad. Please contact Moriah Mozzachi with questions.
Friday, February 19 from 4:00-6:00 pm
Attention, Upper School students! We are happy to announce that we will be holding an outdoor "Winter Carnival" for you! This will be an awesome way to safely spend time together before the Winter Vacation. Stay tuned for more info! Please contact Kathy Towle with questions.
February 20 through February 28
The PCA campus will be closed during the last week of February for Winter Vacation. Enjoy this special time off with your family!
College Board is hosting virtual events for high school students to connect directly with college admissions representatives and take action on the most important steps for college. This is intended for high school juniors and sophomores. The dates are based on the region of schools you wish to explore:

  • West/Southwest: Sat, February 6
  • Southeast: Tue, February 23
  • Northeast: Sun, March 7
  • Midwest: Thur, March11

CLICK HERE for more information and to register.
Submission Deadline:
Friday, March 5 at 4:00 pm
All PCA students, parents, grandparents, employees, and alumni are welcome to submit an art piece for this year's Annual Auction Juried Art Contest! Our art contest raises thousands of dollars each year for our Variable Tuition program. CLICK HERE to download a registration form. Please contact Susie Stevens with questions.
Thursday, March 11 at 6:30 pm
This is a presentation by the Center for College Planning (NH) that will be offered here at PCA. This session is intended to educate the student and family about the college admission process. Students and parents of juniors and sophomores are strongly encouraged to attend. READ MORE.
Thursday, March 18 at 6:30 pm
If you have a student heading off to college as a freshman for Fall 2021, this presentation is for you! We encourage you to bring your student's award packages with you. Components of the financial aid award package, including federal student loans, grants, and scholarships will be discussed along with how to analyze what your student was offered. Sample award letters will be provided if you have not received an award letter yet. Contact Tara Hatfield (ext. 153) with questions.
Order Deadline: Sunday, March 21
Don't miss the opportunity to purchase this important keepsake of your child's school year! Order your child's copy for $35 HERE. Please contact Daphne Corso (ext. 127) with questions.
PCA's Annual Auction is our premier fundraising event attended by over 400 business owners, families, and community leaders from the greater Seacoast NH area. In its 26th year, the March 20, 2021 event will feature hundreds of high quality items including gift certificates, sports memorabilia, unique experiences and more. Your sponsorship makes it possible to underwrite expenses and ensure the highest possible benefit will go to families who otherwise could not afford PCA.

Happening in just 7 weeks!
Saturday, March 20, 2021
Be sure to mark your calendar and join us during this year's Annual Auction. Similar to last year, our Annual Auction will be held online again; it will not be an academic day, and students will not be on campus. LEARN MORE about the event including how to donate, how to bid, and more. 

Please contact Elizabeth Nanda with questions.
Employment Opportunities
For a list of all of our current employment opportunities or to download an application, CLICK HERE.
Portsmouth Christian Academy | 603.742.3617 | pcaschool.org