Dear PCA Families and Friends,
What a joy-filled time of year it is here at PCA! A theme of compassionate community is a spirit of kindness and giving, and at PCA those parts of our school have been on full display. Yesterday, I glimpsed our Lower School students picking out Christmas presents for their families during our Annual Treasure Sale. Thank you to all of those who donated items, to our volunteers for setting-up and running it, and to our Junior High students who helped wrap these treasures! The idea of gift-giving and generosity brought to life was wonderful to behold. I also reflected last night on our students' outreaches to share the love and joy of Christ's coming through Operation Christmas Child, our "Voices" singing at local churches, and participation this coming weekend at Strawberry Banke. God has given us such a wonderful gift in His son, and it is so good to see our students giving to so many others: their own families, friends, and even strangers far away, all with joy and kindness.
|
|
Tonight is the first of our Christmas concerts. Please join us at 6:00 pm in the Main Gym as our Upper School and Junior High musicians lead us into the Christmas season in song, and next Tuesday for our Lower School concert! A special thank you to our music teachers for working tirelessly and joyfully with our students as they celebrate Christ's birth, and for our parents and grandparents who have encouraged their children to practice and play. And thank you to our volunteers for decorating the gym's stage and lobby with Christmas cheer--thank you especially to Cindy Tiemann and Valerie Griffin! You will see their decorating showcased on stage with our musicians tonight and next week. Thank you to all for these community building and fun events. I hope to see you there!
|
|
Finally, I encourage you to connect with Eli the Eagle. I'm happy to report that our mascot, Eli the Eagle, has received his first Christmas cards from many of you. He will be sending out a card of his own in return! Mail your own family's Christmas card/family photo to Eli before Wednesday, December 18 to receive his Christmas card in the mail! Cards can be sent to Eli the Eagle at 20 Seaborne Drive, Dover, NH 03820. Eli also asked me if he could get a PCA email account, just like our students. How could I refuse? So, Eli enters the digital age, and he is inviting you to send him your family Christmas card or family photo directly to him at his new email address:
Eli@pcaschool.org. I know Eli particularly loves this time of year, and he reflects on your cards and messages over the break, when campus is much quieter. Let's encourage Eli!
In this second week of advent, in which we reflect on Peace--the peace God gives us through His son--I pray you and your family would know and extend that peace. I hope to see you campus! May God bless you, each and all.
Together in Christ,
Mike Runey
Head of School
|
|
Congratulations to PCA senior, Griffin Hotz, for being awarded a scholarship from the VFW Scholarship Voice of America for the town of Lee, NH! He will now go on to the district and, if nominated from there, to the State level. His winning speech was on this year's theme, "What Makes America Great." Bravo, Griffin!
|
|
 |
Our Lower School library has a huge selection of Christmas picture books! Our students
(AND PARENTS!) are always welcome to come down to the library, browse our collection, and borrow books. Come stock-up on books for the upcoming Christmas vacation!
|
|
|
|
For those of you who prefer to read or watch online, you can get a free subscription to RightNow Media, compliments of PCA! RightNow Media is a helpful resource giving you instant access to over 10,000 great videos for students, kids, youth, families, pastors, and more.
|
|
|
|
|
Looking for a special, small and affordable gift for Christmas stockings? Consider supporting the Senior Class trip and purchase a PCA pin! They are currently marked down for Christmas: one for $3 and 2 for $5. You can purchase these pins from
Kim Cummings
(ext. 123) at the Upper School office or
Sue McKenney
(ext. 112) at the Lower School office.
|
|
|
|
Remember to clip and collect Box Tops over Christmas break so you can turn them in when we return to school in January. Thank you for your support of PCA!
|
|
|
|
|
SEMESTER and 7-WEEK Opportunities!
SEMESTER Students:
Now: Grades 4-6
Arriving Early January: Grades 9-11
7-WEEK Students:
Arriving December 28: Grades 6-8
Host families receive a stipend of $1,000 per month per student. Please contact
Elaina Russo (ext. 116) for more information.
|
|
|
|
Christmas Decoration Removal
Parent Volunteers: Saturday, December 28 from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
Lexia Dismissal Group Volunteers needed weekly from 2:30-3:15 pm
Substitute Lunch Volunteers needed from 11:45 am -12:45 pm
|
|
|
|
|
We are offering reduced pricing through January 17, 2020 for tables of 8 or 10 to our 25th Annual Auction.
PURCHASE HERE. You won't want to miss this event!
|
|
|
|
Donate to PCA every time you shop on Amazon through Amazon Smile! Although Amazon Smile does not work with the Amazon smart phone app, you can put items in your cart through the app and use the
Amazon Smile page check out
,
and PCA will still benefit!
|
|
|
|
|
|
Please No Parking 24 / 7 / 365
|
Each year, a handful of Auction donors pay top dollar to use one of our coveted reserved parking spots. Please do not park in these parking spots, even when it appears that no one is using it or even when the campus is closed. Our donors have purchased the privilege of parking in those spots at their leisure 24/ 7, 365 days per year. Please contact
Gene Watson with questions or concerns.
|
|
|
Now thru December 19
The Student Council is collecting new and gently used coats to deliver to children in need from the Dover area. If you have coats which are still in wearable condition which you are no longer using, please consider donating them during this year's Coat Drive. Please contact
Daphne Corso (ext. 127) with questions.
|
|
|
|
Tonight!
Junior High & Upper School:
Thursday, December 12 at 6:00 pm
Tuesday, December 17
Grades K-3 at 6:00 pm
Grades 4-5 at 7:00 pm
CLICK HERE
for more information, including dress attire and our pre-concert supper option.
|
|
|
|
|
Tomorrow!
FOOD ORDER DEADLINE:
Friday December 13
PCA is pleased to offer a supper option for our Lower School families in Troiano Hall at 5:00 pm on Tuesday, December 17 before the K-5 concert begins
|
|
|
|
Tomorrow!
DEADLINE TO APPLY:
Friday, December 13
6
th-12
th graders at PCA are eligible to enter Lands’ End’s “Starboard Scholarship” Contest which is based on Academic performance, interest in and aptitude for leadership, two essays, and a teacher reference/questionnaire. The $10,000 award can be used towards tuition in 2020-2021 and/or college tuition.
LEARN MORE
|
|
|
|
|
AFTERNOON SESSION
Monday, December 16, 2:00-3:00 pm
Upper School: Runey Hall (Miller Room)
MORNING SESSION
Tuesday, December 17, 8:30-9:30 am
Lower School Back Lobby
All PCA parents are welcome to join Mike Runey as he shares his thoughts about PCA and answers questions. Hope to see you there!
|
|
|
|
Saturday, December 21 at 7:00 am
Upper School: Runey Hall Board Room
All dads are invited to a time of fellowship and prayer each month during the school year. Join us this weekend for a special time together as we go into the Christmas season and into the New Year. Sons who have returned home from college for the Christmas break are welcome to attend too! Contact
Anders Lund with questions.
|
|
|
|
|
|
M
e
r
r
y
C
h
r
i
s
t
m
a
s
!
PCA will be closed for our Christmas break from December 21 through January 5. Classes will resume on Monday, January 6.
Enjoy this special time of year with your family!
|
|
|
Attention Grade 6-12!
Begin Thursday, January 9, 2020
This year's spring musical is "Guys and Dolls." Dates are Thursday, January 9 (Upper School) and Monday, January 13 (Junior High) with call-backs on Tuesday, January 14 (Upper School & Junior High). More information and sign-ups are posted in the Upper School and Lower School libraries.
|
|
|
|
Tuesday, January 14 at 3:30 pm
Spread the word! Our Kindergarten Open House features activities for children, a peek at learning at the primary level, and an introduction to our fabulous upcoming kindergarten teachers. Be sure to invite any preschool or kindergarten families you know who may be interested in a peek at PCA!
LEARN MORE.
|
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, January 15, 2020 at 6:30 pm
Parents of students interested in traveling to Peru during April Vacation 2021 are asked to join us in the Upper School Library. The trip is being chaperoned and arranged by David Miller and Joy Eisner as part of our World Language curriculum. Please contact
David Miller for meeting details if you are unable to attend.
|
|
|
|
Friday, January 17 at 9:00 am
Upper School: Troiano Hall
During our Teacher In-Service Day next month, parents are welcome to join us in Troiano Hall to hear
Lynn Lyons talk about anxiety. This will be a popular event open to our larger community, but PCA families will be able to register first.
CLICK HERE to register for this free workshop. Please contact
Sue McKenney (ext. 112) with questions.
|
|
|
|
|
Saturday, January 25 at 9 am
Invite your friends or come see for yourself! The All-School Open House is a chance for new families (and current families!) to see what PCA holds for each child’s next step! Whether you’re a current family looking to see what’s ahead at the next academic level or you know a friend who is considering PCA, the All-School Open House is a perfect opportunity to take a closer look.
LEARN MORE.
|
|
|
|
Submission Deadline:
Friday, March 6 at 3:30 pm
The upcoming Christmas vacation is a great time to begin working on an art piece for this year's Annual Auction Juried Art Contest!
LEARN MORE
|
|
|
|
|
Employment Opportunities
For a list of all of our current employment opportunities,
CLICK HERE.
|
|
|
|
Just 1 more coach needed:
JV Men's Basketball Coach
Thank you to those of you who will be assisting us with basketball season! There is one spot remaining which needs to be filled. If you or someone you know might be interested, please contact
Derek Summers.
|
|
|
|
Portsmouth Christian Academy | 603.742.3617 | pcaschool.org
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
