October 2013 Soaring Newsletter.indd

S aring
A newsletter for friends, staff, and parents of Summit Christian Academy
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October 2013
The mission of Summit Christian Academy is to inspire students to achieve their God-given potential
through excellent academics and Christian training in a compassionate environment.
Contact Us:
Summit Christian
Academy
Administration,
Preschool & Secondary:
1500 SW Jefferson
Lee’s Summit MO 64081
816.525.1480
In Their Own Words
For the 2013-14 school year, we will be featuring stories each month in SOARING written by SCA parents
about their experiences and impressions of SCA. If you would like to submit something for the “In Their
Own Words” section, we would love to hear from you. Please e-mail [email protected].
By Dr. Susan Lake, parent of two
SCA elementary students
Elementary:
1450 SW Jefferson
Lee’s Summit MO 64081
816.524.0185
Linda Harrelson, Head of School
Sarah Coats, Dir. of Development
Emir Esparza, Secondary Principal
Donna Eames, College & Career
Advisor
Judy Schmidt, Jr. High Advisor
Kimberlee Gill, Elementary
Principal & K-12 Academic Dean
Charissa Sanders, Elementary
Vice Principal
Sheri Wayman, Early Ed. Director
Kathy Tharp, International
Program Director
Like us on
summit-christian-academy.org
Inside Soaring:
A Note From Your
Head of School
3
Spiritual2
Academics4-6
Athletics7
Fine Arts, Alumni
8
Y.E.S!, Carnival,
Red Friday
9
This & That10-11
Upcoming Events
12
O
ur family just started its
second year at SCA. Our
daughters, now in 6th and
4th grades, blossomed immediately in
the environment at SCA. They were
welcomed to SCA last year, by their
teachers with open arms…literally. Hugs
and pats on the back were given without
hesitation. I immediately noticed a
school-wide presence of smiles from
everyone! The front office staff, teachers,
and administration—they were all so
happy and excited to see the children.
The exuberance was not limited to them.
I noticed that my children got up every
morning excited for school and got in my
car at the end of the day bubbling to tell
me what had happened. I was almost
overwhelmed by the positive, joyful
approach to education that was embraced
by this school.
My children were immediately
challenged academically. They were
pushed to believe that they could achieve
ANTHING! I will admit to rough nights
with homework and grades that were
shocking to receive at times, but they were
always given the tools to improve. They
never felt that they were being pushed
beyond what they could accomplish, but
they knew that they would not be able
to breeze through. The faculty in this
school simply won’t allow it. They refuse
to allow a child to fall to his/her lowest
level of effort; they demand excellence
and do so with kindness, support, and
encouragement.
The greatest impact for me personally,
though, is being in the school at the
beginning or end of any given school
day. They start and end each day with
prayer. I still find myself a tad emotional
if I happen to be present during either
of these times. Without a doubt, in
the past year my children have been an
amazing example to my husband and
me with their increased comfort and
fluency with outward prayer. I learned
by watching throughout the school year
that each problem or praise was met with
prayer and thoughtful discussion. Any
issues were contemplated and discussed
and handled with a biblical and spiritual
approach that is also a realistic touch
that connects with each child. Praise for
success is given freely and yet gracefully
coupled with gratitude for the source
of the success. I was unaware that
meaningful prayer was something that
could and should be taught and now
completely understand the power of
learning such a skill. I will forever be
grateful to SCA for this gift.
Page 2 Soaring
The SCA Spiritual Walk
Opportunity to Unite in Prayer
Every Friday after morning
At the secondary level, parents
This is a great opportunity to
drop-off, parents and grandparents and grandparents meet every
unite and petition the Lord for the
are invited to meet in the
Wednesday from 1:50-2:50 p.m. in needs of our students, families,
elementary library for prayer.
the secondary conference room.
teachers, and school.
Unlimited Movie Premiere
The movie Unlimited will premiere in the Kansas City area October 11. SCA has purchased tickets to
some of the showings. If you are interested in taking your family and friends to see this amazing movie,
please e-mail [email protected] with the date/time and number of tickets you wish to purchase.
Showtimes have just been announced by the theatres. In addition, we have changed the venue for the
Friday, October 11, showings from the AMC Independence Theatre to the Dickinson Eastglen 16 Theatre in
Lee’s Summit. SCA still has tickets available for the following showings:
•AMC Independence, Saturday, October 12, at 4:30 p.m.
•AMC Town Center, Saturday, October 12, at 5:30 p.m.
Elementary Chapel - The
Breastplate of Righteousness
See You at the Pole
We have had a fantastic beginning to our elementary chapels!
The month of September was spent focusing on how we can be
“prepared to stand” by wearing the belt of truth.
In October, the focus will shift to the next piece of the armor
of God, the breastplate of righteousness. The breastplate is
vitally important in guarding our heart from the evil around
us. When Jesus Christ died on the cross, his righteousness was
credited to those who believe in Him. Once we accept His
righteousness, we are given the breastplate of righteousness to
protect and cover us.
To partner with us, you may wish to use some of our family
activity ideas in October:
1. Watch a sunrise and discuss the importance of starting each
day with the shining light of God’s righteousness.
2. With dress-up clothes, emphasize the idea that we can be
“clothed in righteousness.”
3. Around the dinner table, share a testimony of a time when
God’s righteousness guided your way to the right choice or
action.
SCA students, teachers, and administrators
gathered together at the flagpole September 25
for the annual “See You at the Pole” event.
The group prayed for our school, their friends
and teachers, and our nation.
Soaring
Page 3
Academics
SCA Students Named National Merit
Semifinalist and Commended Scholar
Senior Samuel Holland
was named a National Merit
Semifinalist and senior Ashley
Thompson was named a
Commended Scholar by the
National Merit Scholarship
Corporation.
National Merit Semifinalists
score in the top 1% of the 1.66
million students who take the Preliminary SAT/
National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/
NMSQT) each year. Commended scholars are in
the top 3% of the 1.66 million students who take the
PSAT/NMSQT.
In addition to being named National Merit
Semifinalist, Samuel is also one of only 781 students
nationwide to achieve a perfect ACT score of 36!
Samuel is the son of Wayne and Marlene Holland.
He is on the varsity cross country team, is in high
school band, and is a member of the worship team.
Ashley Thompson is the daughter of David and
Kimberlee Thompson. She is in the concert chorale
and Jr/Sr ensemble, on the varsity soccer team, is
leader of SCA’s Global Connect
organization, and president of
Student Government.
“We are very proud of our
scholars,” shared Academic Dean
Kimberlee Gill. “It is exciting to
have two of our students score in
the top 1% and 3% of students
across the country. We are a
small school, but have such a rigorous academic
program that our students are prepared to not only
compete and succeed here, but also at the collegiate
level.”
The National Merit® Scholarship Program
is an academic competition for recognition and
scholarships that began in 1955. High school
students enter the National Merit® Scholarship
Program by taking the Preliminary SAT/National
Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/
NMSQT®)—a test which serves as an initial
screen of approximately 1.5 million entrants each
year—and by meeting published program entry/
participation requirements.
Message From Your Head of School
It is a pleasure for me to review each month one of our six SCA Core Values. Our value of
Cultivating Community is key to who we were when we were founded in 1989 and is true of
who we are today as well. The Cultivating Community value states, “We recognize that the SCA
community extends beyond the walls of our school. Coming from diverse backgrounds, we unify
around a simple statement of faith that binds us together. We acknowledge the responsibility of
the parent, the role of the church, and the authority of the Holy Spirit in training students.”
We recognize that our community extends well beyond our students and families. Grandparents of SCA
students have long been great supporters of their grandchildren and the programs SCA offers. The Golden Eagles
Grandparent Support Organization has been key to maintaining and supplementing the library and other resource
materials that are available to students.
Before SCA was founded in 1989, a group of parents met and consulted with a number of pastors in the
community. From our earliest years, the relationships we have with pastors have been very important. It is our
desire to work together with you and your churches in reinforcing high moral values and the Christian lifestyle,
while providing an excellent academic experience. We recognize that we must work together to prepare children
spiritually, morally, socially, and academically for their adult lives.
Since the beginning of this school year, I and our director of development Sarah Coats have been visiting with
the pastors of some of our covenant churches. These meetings have a two-fold purpose of getting to know the
churches that are in agreement with our philosophy and mission and to answer questions that pastors may have
about our program. These meetings have gone extremely well. Pastors have been welcoming, receptive, interested,
and encouraging. They see the need and value of Christian education and are supportive of our efforts. While
it will take several years to visit with each of our 150 covenant churches, we look forward to these meetings and
hearing the hearts of our pastors.
Linda Harrelson
Page 4 Soaring
Academics
STEWARDS Study the Human Brain
As part of a unit study on the brain, students
who participate in the STEWARDS program had
the opportunity to get up close and personal with a
human brain this week.
“The differences between a healthy brain and one
affected by Alzheimer’s are clear,” said Dr. Todd
Fristo, family physician and SCA dad of three. Dr.
Fristo directed students’ attention to observe the
hippocampus of a brain that had been donated
to KU Medical Center for scientific study. Dr.
Fristo was able to borrow the brain for this special
educational purpose.
After watching Dr. Fristo’s PowerPoint
presentation on the brain, students were able to
carefully survey different portions of the brain.
“It feels different from what I expected,” said SCA
5th grader Jacob Dean.
“Studying the brain has been a perfect and
exciting way to start our year of enrichment,” said
Ms. Corinne Smeda, director of the STEWARDS
program. “This unit helped us lay the foundation of
2013 Student Council
Representatives
By September 16, students and teachers had
learned the identities of the 2013-14 elementary
and secondary student council representatives.
Candidates for student council spent one
week petitioning their classmates and presenting
their platforms for leadership. Classrooms and
hallways were lightly clad with posters that
identified this student or that one as the best
person for the job of class representative. At the
end, a clean campaign was enjoyed by all.
Congratulations to this year’s newly elected
student council representatives!
Fourth grade: Addison Collins, Brennan
Ferguson, Kathryn Kudrin, Gunner Pace, and
Elizabeth Walden.
Fifth grade: Michaela Bailey, Shayla DeMeire,
Katie Heard, Griffin Kliewer, and Ryan Wagy.
Sixth grade: Tirzah DeMeire, Sam Epsy,
Hannah Helms, Sammi Lucht, and Riley Painter.
Freshmen: Adam Lucht and Erica Thompson
Sophomore: Carolyn Herrera and Micah Ruiz
Esparza
Junior: Grace Gronberg and Andrew DeShon
Senior: Grace Yoon
learning about how we learn. Dr. Fristo provided a
rare opportunity to see and hold a human brain, a
memorable moment that will keep the excitement of
learning ignited in our students’ minds,” added Mrs.
Smeda.
It’s Book Fair Time!
October 7-11, 8:15 a.m.-4 p.m., Elementary Library
October 2-22, online shopping at http://bookfairs.
scholastic.com/homepage/summitchristianacademy
Book fair time is quickly approaching! The book
fair will be open in the elementary building October
7-11, but you may shop online October 2-22. Be sure
to visit http://bookfairs.scholastic.com/homepage/
summitchristianacademy to shop and watch us meet
our goal of $10,000 in sales. Meeting our goal will
help us purchase books for teachers’ classrooms and
the library, as well as technology for the school.
Volunteers are always a blessing at the book fair!
Since Mrs. Beasley is out caring for her mother
who was seriously injured in an accident, a Sign-Up
Genius form has been created and was sent home last
week. If you are available to help and need access
to the Sign-Up Genius form, please contact Carol
Lewis for the link. Volunteers are needed for setup on Friday, October 4, for four different shifts on
Monday-Thursday, and for Grandparents’ Day. Amy
Chapman will be filling in for Mrs. Beasley if she is
unable to be here.
Soaring
Page 5
Academics
SCA Welcomed Willie Aikens
Retired
Major League
Baseball first
baseman
Willie Aikens
was invited to
speak to Mrs.
Verna Green’s
6th grade class.
Willie Mays Aikens, one of
baseball’s top hitters, played for
the Kansas City Royals from 1979
to 1983. Aikens’ performance in
the 1980 World Series with the
Royals made him the first player
in World Series history to hit
two home runs in the same game
twice during the World Series.
However, the legend’s struggle
with drugs and alcohol led to
jail time, and in 1984, the Royals
traded Aikens to the Toronto Blue
Jays, where he played until 1985.
“This is the first time a
professional athlete has come to
our class for show-and-tell,” said
Mrs. Green. Sixth grader Clayton
Leighty asked Aikens, a long-time
family friend, to share with the
class.
For Aikens, sharing with
students about his experiences
as a major league baseball player
included much of his experiences
off the field. Poor choices and
drug abuse led to heartaches and a
20-year prison sentence for him.
“I made some bad decisions in
my life,” said Aikens. “You have
to know that every decision leads
to consequences. Now is the time
to decide to make good choices,”
said Aikens.
“It’s hard to hear about his life
before,” said Betsy Keilers, mother
of Leighty and Aikens’ friend.
“I just know the man he is now,
and he’s a good man and a good
husband and father.” Keilers
and Aikens met at a Kansas City
Royals event for former Royals
players in 2009.
Aikens shared with the class
that while serving his 20-year
sentence, he changed his life.
“While in prison, I read my
Bible and recommitted my life to
Jesus Christ. I hung around men
who were doing the right things,”
said Aikens. “I’ve been clean for
more than 20 years. That’s longer
than you (students) have been
alive. It’s never too early to decide
to do what’s right,” Aikens said.
Willie Aikens with Mrs. Green’s 6th grade class: from left to right, Lily
Mansfield, Paige Weiskirch, Faith Gunn, Hannah Helms, Torrance Bagunu,
Clayton Leighty, Sam Espey, Cameron Croteau, Anthony Lint, Noah Ruiz
Esparza, Rylee Lunn, Jo Marie Scire, Gage Brown, Irie Kudrin, Sam Jones,
Olivia Starke, Jonathan Stepp, Avery Lake, and Mrs. Verna Green.
SnapChat Might Not Be Too Snappy for your Student
SnapChat is a photo messaging application
developed by Stanford University students. Using
the app, users can take photos, record videos, add
text and drawings, and send them to a controlled list
of recipients. The sent photographs and videos are
known as "Snaps." Users set a time limit on how
long recipients can view their Snaps, ranging from
10 seconds to as little as 1 second. Then, pictures
will be hidden from the recipient's device and deleted
from SnapChat server.
“I would strongly suggest that parents not permit
their students to use this website and app because
it is very difficult to monitor,” commented SCA
technology director Dan Cockrell. “We are very
intentional in instructing students about how to be
responsible citizens on the Internet. And this app
could be used in ways that undermine these efforts.”
When embarrassing posts are made on Facebook,
the poster has a small window within which to
erase the post before it is seen or recorded by others.
However, materials sent using the SnapChat app
self-destruct only after being viewed. Thus, by
definition, these materials are indeed seen by others.
“The only way to ensure that embarrassing or
harmful material is not distributed is not to distribute
it,” said Mr. Cockrell.
The IT department at SCA has set blocks to
prevent students from accessing this app at school.
“SnapChat continues to add new servers that I am
monitoring in order to block access during school
hours,” said Mr. Cockrell.
Page 6
Soaring
Academics
Students Travel to UCLA and Stanford
SCA 8th grade student Connor
Healy and 9th grade student
Lindsey Wall traveled to UCLA
and Stanford for the People to
People Leadership Ambassador
program.
“I attended
seminars about
how to be an
effective student
leader and a
well-rounded
student,” Healy
shared. “When
I first got to
UCLA, I didn’t
know anyone. But by the end, we
were all like best friends,” added
Healy.
“I went to the technology
leadership program at Stanford
and we visited several tech
industry businesses,” said Wall.
“My favorite place was Zynga,
a leading videogame apps
company,”
offered Wall.
“It was also
fun to visit
Facebook and
Adobe. We
were able to
test an app that
has not yet
been released.”
The People to People
Leadership Ambassador Program
provides unique, hands-on
educational experiences to
help prepare students to be
leaders in an ever-evolving
world. Middle and high school
students from around the world
participate in a one to two
week summer adventure that
includes a community service
focus. Students exchange ideas
about how to address community
problems and strategize about
how to make a difference.
Wall’s community service
program focused on the future of
education and what could be done
to improve education in America.
“We were grouped into teams
and each team focused on
something different. One team
identified problems in education,
another worked on developing
solutions, and other teams took a
solution and planned how it could
be applied,” said Wall.
Connor Healy decided to
investigate and look for ways to
help eliminate human trafficking
industry.
“I decided at UCLA that
I wanted to do something on
human trafficking,” said Healy.
“I first learned about the problem
from my ski instructor whose
daughter has a foundation to
address this problem. Highway
70 here in the Kansas City area
is a corridor and hub for human
trafficking,” shared Healy. “It’s
in our back yard. I am planning
to have a dodge ball event to
raise awareness and money for
a foundation that works against
human trafficking,” said Healy.
Students are invited to
participate in the Leadership
Ambassador Program after being
nominated by a teacher. As
alumni of the program, students
can participate in additional
leadership adventures.
“I plan to do the Leadership
Ambassador program again. I
made some good friends,” said
Wall. “Next year, I want to do the
International Diplomacy focus.
I’m really interested in politics
and this will be a great way to
explore government and national
and international politics,” said
Wall.
Healy commented that he,
too, would participate in the
Leadership Ambassador program
again.
“Next time, I would like
to participate in the Movie
Production focus. Directing
movies is an interest of mine and
going to New York for this would
be a great experience,” Healy said.
American Government Class has a Date with History
This semester the American Government class was blessed with a special opportunity. George
Washington's personal copy of the Acts of Congress, complete with his notes on the required duties
of the President, was on loan to the Truman Presidential library for just ten days. SCA was granted
a scholarship that enabled the entire Government class to view this $9.4 million treasure. The class
also visited several online resources and videos related to this document, Washington's terms in
office, and the 1789 and 1792 Presidential elections.
Soaring
Page 7
Athletics
Cross Country
The cross country team is in full force this season with three meets completed
and ten varsity runners. In addition to the varsity runners, three junior high
girls are running on the team this year and are doing great! Pictured (left) is
senior Tim Nitz who joins seven other seniors on the cross country team.
Football
Soccer
The varsity football team defeated Sherwood
High School in their first conference game.
The team is 1 and 4 on the season. Freshman
RB/LB James Bailey (right) picks up some
yards on Sherwood High School at the home
game on September 21. The team defeated the
Sherwood Marksmen 20-7. The victory over
Sherwood was the first varsity football win in
SCA history, since 2013 is the first year the
football team is competing at the varsity level.
On Tuesday, September 24,
the SCA soccer team defeated
Maranatha Academy with a final
score of 4-0. Eddie Banks started
off with a goal in the first half,
and then the score went up by 2
with a penalty kick from Michael
Lint.
“Late in the game, the ball
bounced off a Maranatha
defender into our goal, scoring
a point for SCA. We ended the
game with a goal on a beautiful
free kick by Josiah Vigliano,”
said Coach Dane Cockrell. “We
played the best game we’ve played
all year and it showed.”
Volleyball
The varsity volleyball team is 2 and 0 in conference play and
recently defeated Barstow. Pictured here are senior Madi Miller
and sophomore Keeli Shearer going up to block a Barstow hit.
Homecoming ‘13
You are invited to be part of the first varsity football homecoming game and court coronation
on Friday, October 11, at 7 p.m. The team will play Maranatha Christian Academy at Memorial
Stadium in Harrisonville. During half-time, SCA will crown Homecoming King and Queen. This
is a great event for the entire family! Cost is $4 for adults and $2 for SCA students. SCA alumni are
free! Following the game, join us for the homecoming bonfire on the campus of SCA.
Directions to Memorial Stadium: Take 291 S into Harrisonville, turn left on Commercial Street,
and proceed through one stoplight. At the second stoplight, take a left on 7 Hwy./Mechanic Street
and travel east on 7 Hwy/Mechanic Street. Three blocks past the 4-way stop (near the square), turn
right on Eastwood. The stadium is two blocks south.
Page 8
Soaring
Fine Arts
SCA Theatre Presents Meet Me in St. Louis
The SCA Theatre Department will be performing the
beloved musical Meet Me in St. Louis November 14-16 on
the SCA Stage in the Elementary Commons.
Join the Smith family at the 1904 World’s Fair and see
how their love and respect for each other is tempered with
the genuine humor that can only be generated by such a
special family.
Rehearsals are underway now and tickets will be
available starting October 11.
Secondary Choir
Hosts Concert
The Secondary Choir will host a choir concert at 7
p.m. on Thursday, October 24, in the High School
gym. It will include all secondary choirs. Please plan
to join us for this exciting and entertaining evening.
Alumni Spotlight – Jacqueline Tally
SCA Graduate Releases Song on iTunes to Impact Lives Across the Globe
SCA is proud
to recognize
2010 alumnus
Jacqueline
Tally who is
impacting the
world through
her music.
A couple of weeks ago, she had
the opportunity to release an EP
on iTunes entitled “Weightless
Hearts.”
“It has been a blessing to receive
so much support, and to see this
project come to life,” Tally said.
“The Lord has really brought
everything full circle, and it has
been an incredible journey.”
She is using the power of music
to impact lives, not only here at
home, but around the globe. Half
the profits from the EP on iTunes
will go to support a small village in
Kamuli, Uganda, where she spent
time teaching last summer.
Tally reflects on her time at SCA
by saying, “SCA prepared me most
in the area of spiritual growth.”
She comments that SCA helped her
know “where I stood in my faith”
and recognize that “others would
worship differently than I do.”
Tally talked about the college
credits she earned at SCA. “It’s
really nice to have those things
taken care of before stepping onto a
university campus.” She moved on
to thank SCA theatre director Emily
Stam and SCA choral director
Trissa Lucht for their support and
for giving her confidence. “Having
teachers who took an interest in
me really inspired me to grow in
ways that I probably wouldn’t have
otherwise.” She also added that
being involved in Wayne Stam’s
summer SPLAT trips greatly
influenced her life. “Living each
day as an adventure is something
that I have tried to do since my time
at SCA.” The opportunity to serve
others on SPLAT trips developed a
desire to help others in Tally.
Tally believed she would get a
degree in music when she graduated
from SCA, but “our plans rarely
work out the way we imagine
they will!” Tally will graduate
from John Brown University with
a degree in Family and Human
Services with a minor in music.
She is engaged to alumnus Nate
Mace. Until the Lord leads them
elsewhere, Jacqueline and Nate will
live in Northwest Arkansas where
she will intern with the Arkansas
Department of Human Services.
“I am incredibly blessed to
have had a wonderful high school
experience. SCA gave me the
foundation that has helped me
transition through the ups and
downs of college.”
Soaring
Page 9
This & That
Y.E.S! Fitness Opportunities
The weather is
changing and it will soon
be harder to get outdoors
for exercise. Y.E.S!
comes to SCA every
week to provide fitness
programs!
Mr. Ryan Evans is
coaching this year,
so students have the
opportunity to work out
with their teacher.
Y.E.S! is also hosting
a walking program on
campus to help students
get ready for the annual
Eagle Egg 5K.
Y.E.S! believes
exercise should be
FUN and encouraging
and has developed
workouts that every
youth will enjoy. The
Energy Phase focuses
on cardio, coordination,
spatial awareness,
and teamwork. For
athletes wanting to
compete at top form,
Y.E.S! offers several
advanced opportunities
including team training,
buddy training, oneon-one training and
Power Phase. Learn
explosive speed,
increase endurance, and
gain important injury
prevention techniques to
make this season the best
ever!
Exciting changes
happened at Y.E.S! this
summer as they moved
closer to campus, now
located just off Douglas
Road at 12 NE Skyline
Drive. Their new
building is bigger and
the space is more open,
so they can offer the
best programs in a great
facility. Y.E.S! has added
a developmental weight
lifting program, which
is strictly supervised
by coaches who have
competed at the highest
levels and know proper
technique and form.
Finally, for busy
junior high and high
school students, we
offer a P.E. credit to
help them complete
all requirements for
graduation.
For more information
about Y.E.S! on campus
or at our location, please
contact Stephanie KaneParrish at 816-547-5581
or ask Coach Evans for
details.
Y.E.S! Mission: “To help
our youth develop skills for
lifelong habits necessary
to promote and achieve
optimum health. We will
be part of the solution to
bettering their life, and
we will accomplish this
through collaboration and
by creating an exciting,
fun, and energy experience
for the youth who join the
club.”
Carnival Raises Funds for
Playground Equipment
Students and families beat the 100 degree heat for the Beach
Bash carnival. Families enjoyed a stilt-walking flame-eater, dunk
tank, cake walk, and face painting, all while raising money for
new playground and archery equipment.
Stilt and juggling talent Eric Fellows (left) from Creative
Carnivals and Events entertained students at the SCA Beach Bash
Carnival.
SCA Celebrates Red Friday
The halls and classrooms in the elementary building were
filled with yellow and red on September 13, as students
celebrated the first Kansas City Chiefs home game of the
season with Red Friday. Students ended the day with a
pep assembly where the first varsity football team was
introduced.
Joshua Madsen and Ellie McFarland (right) joined their
3rd grade class in celebrating Red Friday.
Page 10
Soaring
This & That
International Bonfire, An Opportunity to Connect
Over 100 teachers, host families, buddies, international
students, and Global Connect members attended a fun,
get-acquainted night at the home of Jerry and Kathy
Tharp. Students participated in a scavenger hunt on the
Tharp’s acreage, filled up on hotdogs and S’mores, and
enjoyed a bonfire and hayride. It was a great evening of
fellowship for everyone who attended.
Senior and Global Connect President Ashley
Thompson (center) poses for a photo with international
students Zewen Zhen (left) and Austin Kim (right).
Student Cadets for EAP Classes
For the first time at SCA, we have student cadets
for Chinese and EAP (English for Academic
Purpose) classes. These cadets are working
alongside the teachers to assist students in language
learning.
Badminton/Ping Pong Tournament
On Thursday, October 17, Global Connect
will be hosting the second annual Ping Pong and
Badminton Tournament. You won’t want to miss
this event filled with pizza and friendly competition!
Sign up information will be available soon!
Meet Me at the Movies
Kiddos dressed in pj’s, the air filled with the scent of buttery popcorn, and candy and other treats in
abundance made for a fun Meet Me at the Movies event on September 13. This annual event is hosted by
the Early Education Department for preschool through kindergarten students. Students had a great time as
they snuggled in with family and friends to watch The Seventh Brother. And no one could resist Mrs. Gill as
she led a Jesus-filled version of the Hokey Pokey!
Grandparents’ Day
Grandparents’ Day is Friday, October 11! Secondary choir students,
band students, and all elementary students are preparing to “wow” their
grandparents with a musical production directed by Mrs. Angela Bounds,
Mrs. Trissa Lucht, and Mr. Dennis McClanahan. Grandparents will also
be able to enjoy time in the classroom with their grandchildren after the
performance. In recognition of this special day, students are to wear dress
code apparel with tops in "school colors" of blues (any shade) black, white,
and silver/gray. Pictured here are Charles and Melba, grandparents of
Brennan, Bryce, Brielle and Breilly Ferguson.
Morning with Moms
Elementary and Early Education students enjoyed a light breakfast
with their moms in the elementary gymnasium last week. Just before the
start of the school day, moms and students were treated to donuts, juice,
and a few minutes of conversation. It was exactly what everyone needed
to kick off another great day at SCA!
Pictured is SCA mom Ulysia Castleberry with her kindergarten
student Ava enjoying donuts at Morning with Moms.
Soaring
Page 11
This & That
Support Needed for Educational Enhancement Fund
S
T
For the past
six years, SCA
M MI
has asked area
U
businesses,
school families,
T
grandparents,
IA
A
N
AC
and alumni
to support the
Educational
Enhancement Fund. The funds
raised from this initiative go to
support the gap in the budget,
which is the difference between
the cost of tuition and the true
amount it takes to educate each
student. SCA utilizes the funds
to support the faculty directly
through raises and benefits. The
funds also supports educational
and extracurricular programs,
as well as tuition assistance. We
S
E
D
RI
MY
CH
have an aggressive goal of
$200,000 to meet the gap in
the budget for the 2013-14
school year.
Members of the Board of
Education have been asked
to give to the Educational
Enhancement Fund and now
we would like to ask our
parents to give. With $200,000
needed this year, we ask that
you prayerfully consider giving.
Donations are tax deductible and
make a huge difference for SCA.
Every single gift benefits SCA
and no gift is too small, except no
gift at all. Whether it is $5 or
$5,000, we rely on these funds to
fill the gap in the budget.
The theme for this year’s
Educational Enhancement Fund
is Prepared to Stand,
based on Ephesians 6:13:
“Therefore, put on the whole armor
of God, so that when the day of evil
comes, you may be able to stand your
ground, and after you have done
everything, to stand.”
If you have any questions
about the Educational
Enhancement Fund, contact
Director of Development Sarah
Coats at scoats@
sca-kc.org or
525.1480 x312.
Watch for
updates on
our progress
toward the goal
of $200,000!
Board Report
The SCA Board of Education met on Thursday,
September 26. David Drum presented a devotion
on excellence, citing a number of Scriptures. God
wants his people to excel in who they are and in
what they do. Values, priorities, and motives must
be the source of our pursuit of excellence.
Mrs. Harrelson reported on the QuickBooks/
FACTS conversion that the finance office continues
to process. It should be completed within a month.
Financial reports will provide much greater detail of
income and expenses for the various divisions and
programs that SCA has. Our annual audit/review
will start in October.
Sarah Coats reviewed her report. Discussion
centered on the percentage of SCA families who
donate to the Educational Enhancement Fund.
Sarah is hoping to increase that number this year,
pointing out that no gift is too small.
Mrs. Harrelson reported that the 2013/2014
enrollment reached 700 two weeks ago with the
enrollment of three new high school students.
The early education program has only one 2-day
opening. We have a number of administration and
faculty members who are working on accreditation
teams. This will be beneficial for us as we start work
on our own reaccreditation next year.
Mrs. Harrelson reported on the visits to pastors
of our covenant churches that she and Sarah Coats
are doing. The pastors have been most receptive,
interested, and encouraging.
A report on the five-year history of Camp Eagle
Summit was reviewed. CES Jr. was new this year
and went well. It will continue to grow, as parents
were very pleased with it.
Policy No. 1.005, Board of Education Election/
Selection, was updated with language from the ByLaws about the appointment of two board positions
that are filled by pastors.
Mrs. Gill gave a PowerPoint presentation on the
curriculum review process she leads faculty through
each year. Mrs. Harrelson pointed out that our
review is more comprehensive than any other school
we know of. It is extremely thorough and serves as
the basis of the excellent academic program we offer
students.
1500 SW Jefferson
Lee’s Summit MO 64081
Upcoming Events
Oct 7-11
Oct 10
Oct 11
Oct 12
Oct 17-18
Oct 17
Oct 21
Oct 24
Nov 4-7
Nov 7
Nov 8
Nov 12
Nov 21
Nov 25
Nov 26
Nov 26
Nov 27-29
Book Fair
Homecoming Pep Rally
No School PS/PreK
Grandparents’ Day (Early Release)
Chick-fil-A Spirit Event, Lee’s Summit
Unlimited Movie Release
Homecoming Football Game
Homecoming Dance
No School—Teacher In-service
Badminton/Ping Pong Tournament
Papa Murphy Pizza Spirit Event, Todd
George Location, 3-7 p.m.
High School Choir Concert
Elementary Food Drive
Band Concert (6th-12th)
No School—Teacher In-service
Culver’s Spirit Event, 5 p.m.
Evening of Worship at SCA, 7:30 p.m.
1st Grade Thanksgiving Program
PS-PK Thanksgiving Programs
JH/HS Blue Crew Day at Secondary
Thanksgiving Break
Special Care Plans
Reminder…if your child has a special
medical need, allergy, etc., please make
sure to stop by the Health Office and fill
out a Care Plan. We want to provide
the individualized care each child at
SCA needs. Please remember the Care Plan
needs to be resubmitted annually.
Flu Shots
Now is the time to provide protection from the
flu! Please make sure you and your children
receive their flu shots before it is too late!
Help Wanted - Bus Drivers Needed
SCA is in need of bus drivers who have their
CDL with passenger endorsement to transport
students to field trips and sporting events. If
you don’t have a CDL but are interested in
the position, please contact Rick McGregor at
[email protected] for more information and
a support staff application. The school will pay
for the necessary training.