January 23, 2017      Visit Our Website      
Inspiring Scientific Curiosity In Students Through STEM Technology

It's a small but powerful STEM device which was introduced to our 8th graders last week during an engaging, hands-on science lab. Vernier LabQuest is a data collection device that makes it easy to collect, analyze, and interpret scientific data from experiments. 
8th Grader Gabe Moser was clearly impressed, "I feel it brought the 21st century into the classroom and allowed me to be interactive with the measurements so that I could see the cause and effect behind the data."
According to science teacher Thomas Warburton, the equipment is very useful in demonstrating  to students how experiments relate to learned textbook material, and how data is being collected in many college laboratory courses.
Here's how it works:  An interface translates information from the sensor to graphing software on a computer or handheld device. The result is real-time graphing of scientific phenomena.  Once students understand what the motion detector does, for example, they can develop questions about velocity and acceleration and then use the detectors to find the answers, analyze a lot of data efficiently, and use their data and graphs to communicate their results. That's exactly what our 8th grade students did during their lab time last week.
And this technology is being used throughout many of our PCA high school science courses as well, preparing our students for the collegiate level. 
" Many state colleges and universities have incorporated the Vernier hardware and software technologies onto their campuses", says Mr. Warburton. "Providing the 8th-12th grade science students at PCA with this technology, we introduce early the confidence and critical reasoning skills necessary in utilizing the devices and interpreting the data. It inspires scientific curiosity in students in a practical approach."

Military Opportunities Information Meeting
 
Please join us for our Military Opportunities Information Meeting on Monday, January 30th, at  7 pm in Room B219 .   All students in grades 5-11 are invited to attend. Mr. Steve Featherstone (PCA math teacher, West Point graduate, and District 1 liaison for West Point) and a panel of military professionals will share information on:
  • Appointment and admission to US Service Academies including West Point, the Naval Academy, the Air Force Academy, the Merchant Marine Academy, and the Coast Guard Academy
  • ROTC Scholarships
  • The Citadel
  • Military Careers
  • Women in the Military 
RSVPs are not necessary, but if you plan to attend, please email Sally Pascutti at spascutti@palmettochristianacademy.org to help us prepare sufficient materials.
Kindergarten Students Explore The Life Of Dr. King.. And Learn How They Can Make A Difference Too!
Written by Kindergarten Teacher Caroline Graham

This week, my students ("the birds") and I used multiple texts, a short film clip, and even an interactive game, to study the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. We enjoyed good discussions about the inequalities that he faced simply because of the color of his skin, and then used that as a springboard to talk about the Lord's strong (and equal!) love for people of all races. Just as Dr. King fought for freedom, we also read the true story of Ron McNair (Ron's Big Mission by Corinne Naden). When Ron was nine-years-old, he fought for his local library in Lake City, South Carolina, to extend book privileges to individuals of all races. Ron's mission continued to expand, and culminated with his being a member on the crew of the Challenger space shuttle. 1 Timothy 4:12 was a perfect verse for the birds and I to talk about in light of Ron's Big Mission, because they are not too young to set an example for the Believers in speech, in conduct, in life, in love, in faith, and in purity. Each of them then wrote about a way that they can make a difference on Earth right now as five- and six-year-olds. They are not too young to take a stand for Christ and to fight for what is right!


25th Anniversary Celebration Day In January: Praise And Prayer

It's our 25th Anniversary year and we want to continue the celebration! We are asking that every one of our students wear his or her 25th Anniversary T-shirt this Wednesday, January 25th.

During this milestone anniversary year, we are praising God for his faithfulness to PCA and its mission. This Wednesday, all upper and lower school students will be focusing on praise and prayer specifically for our 25th Anniversary. Some classrooms will create a list of 25 things to pray about over the next 25 days while others will  list 25 praises and offer a prayer of thanksgiving to the Lord for all that He has blessed us with. 

We invite you as part of the PCA family to join us in prayer on Wednesday from your home, your workplace, wherever you may be at a time that is convenient for you. We invite you to consider the following as we cover all things with prayer and ask for God's blessing on our school:
  • Our Headmaster Mr. Zubia: Pray for his leadership as he casts a vision for the future and grows the heart of this ministry.
  • Our Facilities Campaign: Pray for the continued support of our families and for how you may want to participate in building a legacy as we are nearing the successful completion of our Phase I goal of the new Student Life Center.
  • Our Teachers: Pray for continued wisdom as they bless our children by teaching them a love for Christ and academics.
  • Our Students: Pray for the hearts of these young men and women and that they stand firm for Christ, reflecting the image of God and serving others.
  • Christian Education: Pray that we build the truth of God's word into the hearts and minds of our students. 
"Pray continually,  give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."  1 Thessalonians 5:17-18
Celebrating Our Dedicated and Inspiring Teachers!

What's that old saying? "Reading, Writing and Arithmetic.. put them together they make me sick?"

Well our awesome PCA teachers DO NOT make us sick! In fact, we devote an entire week to show them our appreciation for educating and loving our children! This year, February 6-10 will be a week of celebration and honor for all of our dedicated teachers.

PTF and Upper School Encouragement have some great perks planned, but we need your help!

Lower School:
*Tuesday, Februrary 7- spread some classroom cheer by bringing a flower for a classroom bouquet.
*Thursday, February 9 - spread some love by bringing a card or token from your child specifically
*Don't forget your "Specials" teachers!  (Pam Hall, Gina Wintz, Lori Tuck, Nicole Seitz, Mary Gearhart, Cynthia Huston, Shelley Kaiser, and Sandra Pabst)

PTF needs Deliverers, Arrangers, Preparers, Chefs and Suppliers to make our Teacher Appreciation Week a success. Please sign up below to be part of the fun!!!
Join The Circle Of Life: Purchase Your Tickets For Disney's The Lion King!

Experience the beautiful artistry and the unforgettable music of Disney's The Lion King! The award-winning musical will soon come to life as Palmetto Christian Academy's Middle School Drama Team presents this story of love and redemption on stage next month.
This is a production that you don't want to miss! You have two performances to choose from: February 10th at 7 pm or February 11th at 2 pm. Tickets are $5 each. Both performances will take place in the ECBC Worship Center.

PCA Open House: Invite Your Friends On January 26th 
 
Prospective families will take a personal tour of our campus with a current PCA student. They can explore classrooms, meet our faculty and coaches, and learn more about who we are and what we believe. It's a wonderful opportunity to take a look inside our school while classes are in session.
 
Our Open House event takes place on Thursday, January 26th at 9 am. 
Please share this event with anyone you know that may have an interest in finding out more about Palmetto Christian Academy!  Open House is open to both prospective parents and students,  from Preschool through High School.
Important: Priority Reenrollment Ends January 31st

Priority Reenrollment is underway with 9 days to go! The discounted rates will continue through
January 31st at the rate of $300 for K-12 and $150 for Preschool. Rates will convert back to $350 and $175, respectively, on February 1st.

Scholarships and Financial Aid:  There are a variety of scholarships from Arts to Athletics. We encourage you to consider applying for these scholarships and/or financial aid. As you plan ahead, many scholarships require a teacher, mentor, or coach recommendation, so the earlier you start the process, the better your chance for completing this information on time.  
Click here for the financial aid and scholarships application. The due date for scholarships is April 30, 2017, but please begin completing and submitting this information now, along with your reenrollment form and fee.  
Any questions or concerns, contact the Admissions Office at admissions@palmettochristianacademy.org or Lisa Shimakonis at 843-881-9967 x2081.
Will You Please Help In The Cafeteria? 

We have only a few people signed up to volunteer in the lunchroom in the months of January and February. We are in serious need of your help! 
Please take a moment to sign up  to help Chef Bob and his amazing staff in serving our students. We very much appreciate you sharing just a few hours of your time.
There are plenty of openings so you can work it into your schedule with ease!
We guarantee that you'll enjoy seeing our students' smiling faces!


Volunteer to help in the cafeteria
Eagle Athletic News
Varsity Boys Basketball: Week In Review

In the highest scoring game ever by a Palmetto Christian Academy team, our Eagles defeated Williamsburg Academy last Friday 89-63. 
Cole Silvester was the top scorer for PCA with 23 points, followed by  Maliek Brown with 20,  Robert Gregg and Thomas Michel with 11 each, and Will Lewis with 9 points.  PCA's record is now 7-8 overall, 3-0 in region.

Earlier in the week, our Eagles took on Thomas Sumter Academy and enjoyed a 57-41 win over the Generals. In Tuesday night's game, Cole  Silvester led the Eagles with 14 points,  Maliek Brown had 12,  Grayson Silvester added another 12, and R obert Gregg put 10 points on the board.
Varsity Girls Basketball: Week In Review

In Friday night's home game, the Lady Eagles enjoyed a convincing 55-25 win over Williamsburg Academy. Top individual scorers were: Lauren Pernell with 16 points,
Maddie Davidson with 8, Parker Emerson, Lindsey Ellington, and Peyton Emerson with 6 points each, and Mackenzie Patrick with 5 points.  The Lady Eagles' record is now 11-5 overall, 2-1 in region.

Earlier in the week, the Lady Eagles traveled to Thomas Sumter Academy and lost a heartbreaker of a game with a final score of 34-35.  Lindsey Ellington was the top scorer with 14 points, followed by  Maddie Davidson with 10, and Peyton Emerson and Lauren Pernell with 4 points each.
JV Teams Win Big Against Williamsburg Academy!

PCA's JV Girls beat Williamsburg 43-8 in front of a home crowd on Friday night.  Olivia Horne was the lead scorer for the Lady Eagles with 14 points,  Caroline Hansen followed with 7, and Bailey Kaiser added 5 points.

PCA's JV Boys also enjoyed a victory with a 20 point plus win over the Williamsburg Stallions. Great job Eagles!
Yes, I Will Help With Home Basketball Games! 

We're asking for your help to provide the best quality experience for our fans and guests at PCA Home Basketball Games. Will you take just a minute to sign up and volunteer for either gate and admissions or concessions during the season? We very much appreciate your time and willingness to serve! 


Important Dates To Remember
  • January 26 - FCA Breakfast
  • January 26 - PCA Open House
  • January 30 - Military Opportunities Information Meeting
  • February 6-10 - Teacher Appreciation Week
  • February 8 - 3rd Quarter Progress Reports
  • February 9 - FCA Breakfast
  • February 10-11 - Middle School Play: The Lion King 
  • February 15 - Early Release Day
  • February 16-17 - Winter Break - No School
  • February 20 - President's Day - No School
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