August 2013 Soaring Newsletter

S aring
A newsletter for friends, staff, and parents of Summit Christian Academy
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August 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
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
Academics3-7
Athletics8-9
Fine Arts
9-10
International, Watch11-12
D.O.G.S., Carnival
Health & Volunteers13
Upcoming Events
14
2013-14 Academic Enhancements called
Game-Changers by SCA Academic Dean
When students enter the school on
August 14, they will be walking the same
hallways they might have walked last year.
However, the administrative team has been
working throughout the summer to enhance
the academic curriculum and offerings.
The Writers’ Corner
Students in grades 9-12 will have
the opportunity to have their writing
assignments peer-reviewed. The coffee
house style writing center will be open
before and after school, and during life
prep hours. The Writers’ Corner is
modeled after university writing centers.
“Peer reviewers will be upper classmen
who have been exclusively selected for their
writing abilities. They have been trained at
a local college alongside college students
who are dedicated to being outstanding
peer tutors,” shared Elementary Principal
and Academic Dean Kimberlee Gill.
Naviance College and Career Software
SCA recently purchased a program
called Naviance, a college and career
readiness platform that helps connect
academic achievement to post-secondary
goals. Its comprehensive college and
career planning solutions optimize
student success, enhance school counselor
productivity, and track results for school
and district administrators. The program
will be utilized to help students in grades
7-12 identify the universities they want to
attend and then connect them with the
courses needed and the application process
for the colleges and universities. It will go
beyond the basics and truly drill down to
what it takes to get into these schools.
“This program is a game-changer for
SCA,” shared Gill. “The top private
schools in the area offer this program. We
have students interviewing with Ivy League
level colleges and this program will help
them take the courses necessary to apply to
these universities.”
Increase in Courses Utilizing Digital Books
Eleven secondary courses will utilize
digital textbooks. Environmental science,
biology, math electives, pre-algebra through
algebra II, accounting, all high school
Spanish, and U.S. history textbooks will be
downloaded to students’ iPads.
Addition of Elementary Vice Principal
Mrs. Charissa Sanders has been
appointed to the role of elementary
vice principal. Mrs. Sanders has been
an elementary teacher at SCA for seven
years and has proven leadership as she
spearheaded the faculty’s 2008-2009
strategic plan. “She understands the SCA
core values, is committed to our school,
and loves (our) students,” commented
Head of School Linda Harrelson.
Addition of Resource Services Program
for Grades 2-12
SCA is adding Academic Strategies
to the Resource Services program,
allowing students to have another layer of
accountability with a resource teacher. It
also provides a partner to help check their
planner, be in close contact with teachers
and parents, and a weekly meeting with the
student to review academic skills necessary
to have success.
Early Education Adds SMART Board
Pre-K classes will utilize a SMART
Board for teaching this year. “I am so
excited about having a SMART Board
for our students,” shared Early Education
Director Mrs. Sheri Wayman. “Our Pre-K
classes will be utilizing it to enhance the
learning environment and for the Spanish
curriculum. It is interactive and will
make classroom learning so fun for our
students.”
We are excited about all that God has in
store for SCA this year. We look forward
to seeing you August 14!
Page 2 Soaring
The SCA Spiritual Walk
God’s Unlimited Power
A casual look at Aliya Finch, a 5th grade student
at Summit Christian Academy, suggests that
she is like all little girls her age. And while her
painted toes, stylish sandals, and coordinated outfit
reveal her flare for fashion, they do not hint at her
industriousness, tenacity, creativity, or her heart.
Aliya’s sweet, unassuming presence disarms and
attracts, and those who meet her are easily taken
with her.
Ask Aliya what she enjoys doing, and she
would say that dancing and acting are high on her
list. In fact with a little prodding, she might share
about how she has shone in both arenas. Aliya, a
dance student at Wynn Twins School of Dance in
Raytown, won 3rd place for Best Solo Performance
in Jazz for the Primary Division at the 2013 Dance
America National Competition in Chicago. But
more impressive is her acting debut in Unlimited, a
major motion picture that is inspired by the life of
Aliya’s grandfather, Dr. Harold Finch. Dr. Finch
was also executive producer of the film, which
stars veteran screen actor and former Senator Fred
Thompson as Dr. Finch.
“The movie is about God’s unlimited power, that
we shouldn’t give up on Him,” commented Aliya.
“It is a Christian movie, about Grandpa—a little,”
she said.
Dr. Finch, a previous member of the SCA
Board of Education and superstar in his own right,
grew up during the Great Depression. However,
his life challenges did not thwart the significant
contributions he has made in several arenas,
including science and business. Dr. Finch believes
that “God gives individuals challenges and each
his own dreams. Each (person) has his own story
to tell.” He said, “We have seen miracles that only
God could do” as production of the movie was
underway.
Unlimited loosely parallels Dr. Finch’s life and tells
the story of a young man who makes an incredible
scientific discovery and finds himself in a very
unusual circumstance. Dr. Finch suggested that this
movie and his life come into focus through Matthew
19:26: “But Jesus looked at them and said, “With
man this is impossible, but with God all things
are possible.” Unlimited is an appealing story that
creatively balances drama and action, with very
limited violence. Dr. Finch said, “This is God’s
message, really. It is purposeful, to draw the lost and
to create discussion.” Tickets are available to see the
movie, which can be used as an evangelistic tool for
churches and groups. Unlimited premieres October
11, 2013, and can be viewed at AMC theaters
around the metro area. SCA has tickets for sale
for the Friday and Saturday matinees. Contact the
Development Department at 816.525.1480.
Although Aliya is Dr. Finch’s granddaughter,
she was afforded no favors in landing her role.
Because she wanted to be in Unlimited, Aliya took
the initiative and auditioned for the part of the lead
orphan in the film. She competed with several other
girls, but established herself as the top choice with
the independent casting director.
Aliya also impressed the film’s director, Nathan
Frankowski, who said “Her stage presence,
confidence, and facial expressions really set her
apart.” Fred Thompson added, “To see Aliya, who
has the largest nonspeaking part in the film, it was
hard not to tear up. ”
Mark Finch, Aliya’s dad, partly credits her
theatrical talent to her training in dance. He
suggested that Aliya’s ability to sit through the long
hours of taping while maintaining an engaged and
attentive posture came from her personal work ethic
and determination.
“It was cool to be on the set with other actors and
actresses,” said Aliya. “I had fun and I want to do
more Christian movies that tell about God. It is
really inspiring for others,” commented Aliya. Her
role in Unlimited has garnered for Aliya several leads
for other opportunities to work in the field.
We are so proud of Aliya and Dr. Finch for their
accomplishments in Unlimited and congratulate them
for this wonderful testament to the Lord’s unlimited
power. We are excited about the film’s release and
look forward to all that the Lord will do through this
project to glorify Himself.
Soaring
Page 3
Academics
New Elementary Principal and Vice Principal
After an exhaustive search for
an elementary principal, the SCA
Board of Education announced
that it had identified a person
familiar to the school to serve as
elementary school principal. In
fact, Kimberlee Gill is more than
familiar to Summit Christian
Academy. Last year, Mrs. Gill was appointed
academic dean and previously served as elementary
principal for eight years. “As we expanded our search,
the Lord made it evident to all that we needed to fill
this leadership role from within our school and in a
way that best serves the needs of students,” said Head
of School, Linda Harrelson.
Mrs. Gill’s service to SCA positioned her as
the strongest candidate. As a seasoned instructor
and leader, Mrs. Gill has focused her expertise to
strengthen SCA’s academic foundation and support
teachers in their exercise of best practice instruction.
Her efforts have expanded SCA’s college preparatory
curriculum and further enhanced the PS-12th grade
academic base. Additionally, Mrs.
Gill’s influence can be witnessed
in the development and growth
of the STEWARDS program,
the Resource program, and the
Virtuosity! program.
In order to optimally support
Mrs. Gill in her dual posts as
elementary principal and academic dean, Mrs.
Charissa Sanders has been appointed to the role of
vice principal. Mrs. Sanders has been an elementary
teacher at SCA for seven years and has proven
leadership as she spearheaded the faculty’s 2008-2009
strategic plan. “She understands the SCA core values,
is committed to our school, and loves (our) students,”
commented Harrelson.
“The Board of Education, the administrative team,
and the teachers on the principal search committee are
confident that this powerhouse team of Gill/Sanders
is a win/win for SCA and for our students,” added
Harrelson.
Message From Your Head of School
Summit Christian Academy has six Core Values that make us who we are as a school.
The first is to be Christ-centered, placing the highest priority on “educating the whole
student, spiritually, emotionally, mentally, socially, and physically.” To accomplish this
most important goal, the Bible and the wealth of wisdom it offers is the center of the
entire curriculum.
SCA’s 2013-14 theme is “Prepared to Stand,” based on Ephesians 6:13, which tells us
to, “Put on the full 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.” Unfortunately, we
don’t have to look far to find evil in today’s world. I know that preparing your students
to stand firm in the face of evil is a priority for you, as well as for SCA. Our goal is to work closely with
you and your church to raise up godly young people who will faithfully serve the Lord and influence their
community. Trusting in, relying on, and teaching the Word of the Lord is the only way we can do that.
Please know that we take our responsibility to you and your children very seriously and will do everything
we can to help your students know Christ personally and grow in His grace and knowledge. Helping them
learn the importance of putting on the full armor of God will be a priority this year. We will encourage
them and pray that each day they will rely upon the Lord by putting on the belt of truth, the breastplate
of righteousness, and the shoes of the gospel. We pray that they will take up the shield of faith in order to
extinguish the flaming darts of the evil one and take up the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit.
Only then will they be able to stand firm against evil. Only then will they be able to effectively serve the
Lord and influence their world for Christ.
Each year when the faculty and staff meet together for the first time, we set aside time to pray for
your children. It is a special time for us to lift them and one another up in prayer, asking God’s hand of
protection and blessing on us all as we seek to walk in His ways.
I encourage you to join the board, administration, faculty, and staff this year as we pray Ephesians 6 over
your children. May we work together to train, encourage, and strengthen these precious young people, fully
equipping them to “stand firm.”
Linda Harrelson
Page 4 Soaring
Academics
Writing Lab Opened for High School Students
by Belle Schooley
Most of us like to study at coffee shops because
of the peaceful, calming environment. SCA is
proud to announce the opening of a writing lab
that has a “coffee shop” atmosphere. The name of
the center is Writers’ Corner and it is located in a
room off of the library in the secondary building.
The purpose of the Writers’ Corner is to teach
students to be better writers, not simply to correct
students’ papers for them. Students will not want
to miss out on the opportunity to have trained peer
support in their writing because it is free and coffee
can be purchased. The writing will be discussed
in a nonjudgmental atmosphere. All teachers who
have students who visit the Writers’ Corner will
be notified of the extra effort put in to receive peer
tutoring for the best paper possible.
Writers’ Corner will be open before and after
school and during some life prep hours. Student
appointments are preferred, but walk-ins are
welcome. At the Writers’ Corner, there will be
opportunity for one-on-one writing support from
student peer tutors with teacher supervision.
Appointments can be made by contacting Dr. Tom
Reedy at [email protected].
“For God is not the author of confusion, but
of peace” (I Corinthians 14:33). The theme verse
chosen by the fellow writers is to remind students
of God’s provision of peace because writing can
oftentimes bring great confusion and stress.
We hope your visit with us will give you a sense
of peace over your paper’s content!
See you at the Writers’ Corner!
Counting the Hours
By nature, SCA students are true servants of Christ. Not only do we see their hearts at work during
our service week, but we also are blessed continually by stories of their self-directed volunteering at
church and within the community.
Because service is an intrinsic value already borne within our students, we have never felt it necessary
to mandate a minimum number of service hours. Yet, we do want to help students track and organize
service hours in order to adequately fill out applications when the time
comes. As such, we have now opened an area on Sycamore for use by
secondary students.
On your student’s profile, above and slightly to the left of the picture,
is a series of small squares with symbols. Click on the square showing a
handprint and you will see a template that allows the logging of service
hours. Each year, students can simply input their service hours along with
a brief description. This log can then be printed during the senior year
and used to support the college application process. All SCA service days
should be logged as 7 hours of community service. Special note should be
taken to document any leadership within the service.
Should you have any questions about how to secure or log volunteer
hours, do not hesitate to contact your secondary advisors: Mrs. Schmidt for
grades 7 and 8 and Mrs. Eames for grades 9-12.
Soaring
Page 5
Academics
Summer Experience Focuses Horizon
While observing dolphins
at play at a beach in Florida as
a middle school student, SCA
student Belle Schooley developed
a love for Marine Biology. She
was assured of this interest after
taking a biology class at school.
Belle, now a junior at SCA, began
to search for opportunities that
would satisfy the desire to expand
her knowledge in this field.
Belle’s exploration found an
extraordinary internship program
at Shedd Aquarium in Chicago.
Shedd Aquarium, founded by
John G. Shedd, plays host to more
than 32,500 animals from around
the world. It is a nonprofit
institution dedicated to caring
for a vast array of species, as well
as educating both the curious
observer and the newfangled
researcher. Shedd offers several
learning opportunities for high
school students to investigate
the lives and habitats of nearly
1,500 species of water animals.
For Belle, this was the ideal
environment to satiate her
appetite for Marine Biology.
After an extensive interview
process that included a trip to
Chicago, Shedd invited Belle to
participate in the High School
Lake Ecology program. While
it was not the Marine Biology
experience she had hoped
for, Belle decided to take the
opportunity.
“The Lake Ecology program
was not even on my radar,”
Belle said. “It was an honor to
be considered to be part of the
program and I felt it would give
me experience in the exploration
of aquatic life.” Shedd Aquarium
only invites students from Illinois
or an adjacent state to participate
in their programs. Belle was the
only student from Missouri.
The High School Lake Ecology
(HSLE) program proved to be a
wonderful experience for Belle.
She and 15 other students, along
with Shedd Aquarium staff,
kayaked through sea caves and
explored the ecology of the Great
Lakes region in the Apostle
Islands.
“It was the most fun,” said
Belle. “We hiked, saw beautiful
sunsets, and star-gazed. It was a
great outdoor experience.”
Belle’s week-long visit to
the Apostle Islands included a
focused research project. The
students were divided into teams
and immersed themselves in an
investigation of one aspect of lake
ecology. Belle and her team chose
to study plankton.
“We studied plankton
at various depths. We are
working on summarizing our
findings and will present our
project at a banquet (at Shedd)
in August,” said Belle.
The experience at Shedd
Aquarium’s HSLE program
helped Belle learn about herself
and uncovered an interest in a
very unexpected educational
path.
“Belle was taking a path
toward Marine Biology, but
that path took a magnificent,
breathtaking detour to Lake
Ecology,” shared Belle’s mother
Kari Schooley. “This trip has
made a big impact on Belle.”
“As a result of my opportunity
and experiences at the Apostle
Islands, my interest has shifted
from the aquatic sciences to Parks
and Forestry,” shared Belle. “My
experience was nothing like I
expected. It was life-changing
and really helped me to grow.”
Belle will concentrate her
college search on schools with
Parks and Forestry as a degree
option.
“It’s funny how life gives you
the path you need to take, even if
it isn’t the path you start out on,”
Belle said.
SCA is proud of Belle’s
accomplishment and thrilled
about all that she was able to
learn this summer. This is only
the beginning of her adventure,
but we trust that it will continue
to be an exciting one.
Page 6
Soaring
Academics
Welcome New Faculty and Staff
We are excited to introduce SCA’s newest faculty
and staff. As you can tell from the brief bios below,
God continues to bless us with highly qualified
and capable teachers and staff. Please join us in
welcoming the following:
Aaron Bruening will teach upper
level math and physics classes. He
has a bachelor’s and a master’s degree
in math and has twelve years of math
teaching experience. He and his
family attend St. Matthew Lutheran.
Dane Cockrell
will teach 7th and 10th grade Bible
classes. He has a bachelor’s degree
in biblical studies. He has been a
youth pastor at Country Meadows
Baptist Church for four years and
a very popular speaker at our
chapel services. He is the son of SCA Director of
Technology Dan Cockrell. He and his wife attend
Country Meadows Baptist.
Charissa Cumberland will work in the elementary
office on Mondays and Fridays. She has a B.S. in
Secretarial Administration from Pensacola Christian
College. Charissa and husband Paul have four boys
at SCA. They attend Abundant Life Baptist Church.
Chantele Ferguson joins the
Development Department as
Communications and Community
Relations Assistant. She has a
master’s. in educational school
and counseling psychology from
University of Missouri-Columbia
and a bachelor’s. in psychology from
Xavier University. She and husband Brandon have
five children at SCA. They attend Summit Woods
Baptist Church.
Julie Madsen will teach two
preschool full-day classes. She has
a bachelor’s degree in elementary
and early childhood education from
Graceland University. She has taught
kindergarten for three years and is
excited about teaching in the early
education program. She and her husband have two
children at SCA and attend Abundant Life Baptist
Church.
Natasha Mankin will teach two
preschool full-day classes. She has a
bachelor’s degree in Christian school
teaching and a master’s in elementary
education. She has experience
working with children in a number
of previous positions. She and her
husband attend James River Assembly of God in
Springfield and are moving here to plant a church.
Doreen Mendenhall will teach
secondary English. She has a
bachelor’s degree in English and a
master’s degree in special education.
She comes with 16 years of teaching
experience. She and her family
moved to the Kansas City area this
summer from Georgia. She and her husband Randy
have two children at SCA.
Jessica Niehues will teach 4th8th grade Spanish. She has both a
bachelor’s and a master’s degree in
Spanish. For three years, she has
been a Spanish professor at Emporia
State University. She sought out SCA
as she wanted to move to the Kansas
City area to be closer to her home church–Glory
Bible Fellowship International Church.
Jennie Schueller will teach 4th grade.
Mrs. Schueller has a bachelor’s degree
in education and a master’s degree in
educational technology. She has two
years of teaching experience. Mrs.
Schueller and her family are moving
from Warrensburg where they attend
New Life Assembly of God in Oak Grove.
Mike Scott will teach Business at the
secondary level. He has a bachelor’s
in organizational communication,
with minors in media and
psychology from Missouri State
University. He brings experience
from several areas, including IT,
programming, marketing, sales,
media, management, training, public speaking, and
public relations. His wife is a substitute teacher at
SCA and they have one son who attends SCA. He
and his family attend Abundant Life Baptist Church.
Soaring
Academics
Corrine Smeda will head our
STEWARDS program. She has a
bachelor’s degree in elementary and
special education and a master’s
degree in child development/early
childhood education. She has twelve
years of teaching experience and is
moving here from Columbia, Missouri, where she
attended Grace Bible Church.
Austin Strange will teach secondary
PE and some business classes. He has
a bachelor’s degree in sports science
and a MAED in secondary business.
He and his wife attend Abundant Life
Baptist Church.
Page 7
Brian Thayer will teach secondary
Bible. He has two bachelor’s
degrees, one in history and one in
religious studies. He will complete
his master’s degree in leadership
studies in December. He and his
wife attend Eagle Creek Church.
Kara Totzke will teach a 3-day
full-day Pre-K class and serve as
elementary athletic director. She
has a bachelor’s degree in P.E. Kara
is an alumnus who attended SCA
from elementary school. She and
her husband have just moved back to
the Kansas City area from Springfield where they
attended James River Assembly of God.
Alumni Spotlight – Caleb Pace, Medical School Bound
Alumnus Caleb
Pace will leave
the KC area
soon to attend
medical school
in Chicago, a
direction he felt
led to, but which
did not come easy.
“When I started high school at
SCA, I had no idea what I wanted
to do as a career,” Caleb shared. “I
have always been pretty balanced
in what I was good at academically
and on one occasion when we took
a standardized test to see what we
were interested in, my score put
me right in the middle, meaning I
was interested in anything. It was
frustrating not knowing what I was
"meant to be." I always wanted
to seek God's guidance in my life,
but I'm a very practical person and
need doors very obviously open or
shut for me to know what I should
do, and it seemed all the doors were
wide open. Many people said I
should do something in engineering
to build upon my strong math
skills. But I never felt that I'd like
to do that day in and day out for
the rest of my life.”
Then Caleb took a life science
course at SCA, which he says
changed his life forever.
“I learned in this course how
science is the process by which I
could explain why almost anything
works the way it does,” said Caleb.
“I had more fun in my life science
course than I have ever had in any
other course.
After graduating from SCA,
Caleb studied at Missouri State
University in the Biomedical
Sciences Department majoring
in cell and molecular biology
and minoring in chemistry. The
courses he took were very focused
on medicine, the human body,
and microorganisms that affect it.
He enjoyed them so much that he
decided to pursue the medical field.
Through SCA’s strong college
preparatory curriculum, Caleb
graduated with 27 college credits
through courses taken at SCA as
well as some he did independently
at Longview Community College.
He believes the education he
received at SCA prepared him for
success, as he scored a 31 on the
ACT college entrance exam. This
score helped him receive numerous
scholarships including Missouri
Bright Flight and MSU’s Board of
Governor’s scholarships.
“It was great to have a solid
Christian base at SCA before
attending a secular university,”
shared Caleb. “I was equipped
with strong arguments to defend
Christianity through courses like
Apologetics, but also through the
faculty who taught me so much.”
Caleb will study Podiatry at
Rosalind Franklin University at the
Scholl College of Podiatry and will
graduate with a DPM (Doctor of
Podiatric Medicine). After medical
school and residency, he hopes to
work in the KC area.
“I would love to work with
a group of podiatrists I have
shadowed the past year. I know I
want to work in a private practice
rather than for a hospital,” said
Caleb. “There's quite a bit that can
change in the next 4-7 years so I'm
just going to try to follow God's
leading in my life.”
We ask that you join us in
praying for Caleb these next few
years as God uses him during
medical school and then in the
medical field.
Page 8
Soaring
Athletics
New Soccer Coaches Announced
Amber Siemsen has been
named head coach of the varsity
girls soccer team.
“Coach Siemsen has been
an incredible asset to SCA in
many areas and already has a
wonderful rapport with students.
We are excited about her serving
as the coach of the girls soccer
team,” said Athletic Director Jake Kates.
Siemsen, fondly known as “Coach Ammo” by
those who knew her early on as an aggressive player,
is an SCA alumnus and former college athlete who
played both soccer and basketball at HannibalLaGrange University on scholarship. Siemsen’s
athleticism and work ethic were observed during
her high school tenure at SCA where she competed
in both soccer and basketball. As an SCA student,
Siemsen also served as a coach to the elementary
basketball team.
“I am looking forward to the soccer season
this spring as our high school continues to grow,”
commented Siemsen. “I see a lot of potential in all
of the girls, returning and new. I am excited about
Football Team Hosted
Golf Tournament
The Eagles football team hosted a golf
tournament in July to benefit the varsity
football program. The weekend golf warriors
came with their “A” game to Shamrock Hills
Golf Course. A few were recognized for their
game on the greens, including Matt Shrum
for longest drive and Clark Stratton for closest
to pin. Team Salvatore won 1st place in the
tournament.
“We had a great turnout this year. It was
nice to see fathers and sons out on the greens,”
said Head Football Coach Dalton Vann. “We
really enjoy hosting this event. Golfers of all
skill levels participated and had a great time,”
added Vann.
The tournament concluded with a banquet
dinner provided by Salvatore’s Garozzos. All
proceeds benefited the SCA Eagles varsity
football team.
“We will hold all future tournaments on
the third weekend in July. It’s a good time
for this event and people can build it into
their summer schedules,” said Vann.
our conditioning during the off-season and can’t wait
to see what God has in store for us both on and off
the field this year.”
Dane Cockrell has been
named the head coach of the
boys varsity soccer team.
Cockrell, who recently joined
the SCA school community,
graduated from Southwest
Baptist University with a
bachelor’s degree in biblical
studies. Cockrell has been youth
pastor at Country Meadows Baptist Church and a
very popular guest speaker at SCA chapel services.
Cockrell played soccer at both the high school and
collegiate levels. In addition to his coaching duties,
Cockrell will teach Bible courses in the secondary
school.
“I’m excited about the leadership and soccer
knowledge that Coach Cockrell brings to the
program,” said Athletic Director Jake Kates.
“Cockrell is a fierce competitor and a great mentor
for young athletes,” added Kates.
Girls Golf Team Added to Varsity
Athletics in Fall 2013
The newly formed golf team is open to girls in grades
9-12 and will be coached by Tom and Alicia Blumer. The
Blumers have three daughters who attend SCA and Alicia
served on the Board of Education for the past six years.
Tom Blumer, an experienced golfer, will be the main
coach for the team. Before pursuing a career in investment
business after college, Blumer worked as an assistant golf
professional and was able to glean much from his father, a
golf instructor in Columbia, Missouri.
“I have been around the game of golf in some capacity for
over 40 years,” said Blumer. “I have learned a tremendous
amount over the years from my father about the game of
golf and specifically the golf swing,” added Blumer.
“We are very pleased to offer an all girls team this year,”
commented Athletic Director Jake Kates.
“I believe golf is a great game to develop confidence
and character in competition,” said Blumer. “Our number
one goal for the year will be to improve skills while having
fun. Some of our girls have never played golf. The goal for
them will be to learn to play and be comfortable on the golf
course.”
Soaring
Page 9
Athletics / Fine Arts
SCA Students Compete at AAU Junior Olympics
Freshman Carlie Queen competed in the AAU
Junior Olympic Games in Detroit July 26-August
3 and won Gold in the High Jump Event. Queen
cleared a height of 5’6”, earning her the title of
National Champion in the High Jump Event for the
sixth year in a row, a feat few ever reach.
“This is an incredible accomplishment our
student-athlete has achieved,” commented Athletic
Director Jake Kates.
Queen (pictured right) also competed in the Pole
Vault winning the Silver medal after clearing 10’6”–
a foot higher than her PR. Queen claimed Silver in
this event at the Olympic Games last year as well.
The AAU is dedicated to the promotion and
development of amateur sports. Founded in 1888, it
is the largest nonprofit volunteer sports organization
with 500,000 participants and 50,000 volunteers.
Seventh grader Lenetta Lee and freshman
Carmen Fanning also competed at the Games. Lee
placed 47 out of 87 in the 100 meter with a time of
13.73, 18 out of 78 in the Long Jump with a leap
of 4.14 m, and 13 out of 54 in the 4x100 relay with
a time of 53.29. Fanning
placed 40 out of 55 in the
800 meter event with a
new PR time of 2:41 and
52 out of 60 in the 1500
meter event with a time of
5:59, a new PR time for
her in this event as well.
“Our girls did an
awesome job at the
games,” said Coach
Queen. “They worked
hard to represent their
team, state, and region at
the national level. Only
the top five athletes from
each region earn the right
to compete at this level
for their age and gender
group. We are very proud of their accomplishments
and look forward to the upcoming track and field
season at SCA.”
Experience Virtuosity!
In 2011, SCA piloted the Virtuosity! program that
celebrates and emphasizes excellence in the arts.
Through private lessons, occasional short-term
classes, and authentic performance opportunities,
students are encouraged to develop their talents and
use them to glorify our Lord. Students are expected
to uphold the highest standards to both refine their
skills and appropriately evaluate the arts.
Lessons are available before, during, and after
school. Lesson availability depends upon teacher
hours, rooms available, and student schedule.
Students are assigned on a first-come, first-served
basis, and lessons taken during school hours will be
subject to principal approval. Space is limited. Wait
lists will be established once lesson slots are filled.
All music students participate in two recitals
each school year and receive a Virtuosity! t-shirt.
Students must provide their own instrument for athome practice.
Virtuosity! Library
The Virtuosity! department is seeking donations of
used method books and other repertoire for piano,
strings, voice, guitar, band instruments, etc., that
you may have left over from past lessons. We are
building a library of teaching materials for teachers
and students.
If you have items to donate, please contact
Jennifer Pinkston by email or bring items to the
elementary office clearly marked with her name.
In addition, Virtuosity! teacher and SCA band
director Dennis McClanahan is piloting a new
pre-band program with 3rd and 4th graders in
mind. He has located a smaller-size flute (Jflute)
and clarinet (clarineo) that will give this age group
a head start in learning a band instrument. He will
start with private lessons with one student on flute
and one on clarinet. Depending on the interest
shown, we may be able to expand this offering!
Below are a couple of websites to get an idea of the
instrument and its potential for lessons:
http://www.nuvo-instrumental.com/index.php?route=nuvo/aboutnuvo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hglRcQiYadk&feature=related
For more information, contact Virtuosity!
Director Jennifer Pinkston for more information at
[email protected].
Page 10
Soaring
Fine Arts
Fall Musical Auditions
Secondary Auditions
Students need to sign up for
auditions (either Monday, August
19, or Tuesday, August 20), which
will run from 3-5:30 p.m. in Mrs.
Lucht’s room. Please bring a list
of scheduling conflicts (including
sports schedules, weekly conflicts, and
vacations).
Students will need to prepare
a selection (maximum of one
minute) from a Broadway
musical; you may bring CD
accompaniment, ask our provided
accompanist to play for you, or
sing a cappella (not preferred).
Your audition will also involve a
cold read and may involve some
choreography work. Please dress
accordingly and wear shoes in
which you can dance (no sandals).
Callback list will be posted
Wednesday morning outside Mrs.
Lucht’s room. Callbacks will take
place Thursday, August 22, from
3-5:30 p.m.
We highly recommend
watching the 1944 film version
starring Judy Garland in order
to familiarize yourself with the
musical, though there are some
differences.
Elementary Auditions
We are pleased to announce
that for the first time, auditions
for the secondary musical will
be open to elementary students
in grades 4-6! Auditions will be
held for a small number of chorus
roles on Monday, August 26, from
3:30-5 p.m. in Mrs. Lucht’s room.
Students who wish to audition
should first get their parents’
permission, and then sign up on
the bulletin board outside Mrs.
Bounds’s room. No previous
theatre experience is required.
Students should come prepared
to participate in a cold read (a
reading of a specific part in front
of the directors). Students will
also be taught a song and possibly
a dance and should wear clothes
and shoes appropriate for these
activities (no sandals).
Rehearsals for elementary
students will start on August 29
and will be up to four days a week
(Monday, Tuesday, Thursday,
Friday) from 3:30-5 p.m. until
November, then rehearsals will
go later. Students who make the
cast will be needed for rehearsal
all weekdays and Saturdays from
November 1-16. Performances
are November 14-16.
To be considered, students must
bring to auditions a list of any
scheduling conflicts for Aug. 29Nov. 16 including weekends. No
student will be cast without this
list signed by a parent.
There is a participation fee of
up to $65 for all students who
participate in the cast.
We are so excited to invite
SCA’s younger actors and
actresses to join us for Meet Me
in St. Louis! If you have any
questions regarding the acting
audition or rehearsal schedule,
please e-mail Mrs. Stam at
[email protected]. If you
have a question regarding the
vocal portion of the audition,
please contact Mrs. Lucht at
[email protected].
SCA Choir students to return
to Carnegie Hall in New York
Worship Team
Auditions
The SCA choirs have once again been invited to
sing at Carnegie Hall in New York City through MidAmerica Productions. The students will join a mass
chorus consisting of singers from all over the country
to perform Vivaldi's "Gloria" at a performance in
Carnegie Hall on May 24, 2014.
Any student enrolled in high school choir or concert
chorale is eligible to participate in this once-in-alifetime opportunity. (There will be an informational
meeting for all interested students and parents at a date
to be announced.)
Are you an experienced musician and
interested in helping lead worship? If so,
both the Jr. High and Sr. High worship teams
are looking for students to serve in this way.
Auditions will be held through the first
week of school.
To schedule an audition, please contact
Mrs. Ross at [email protected].
Soaring
Page 11
This & That
International Program Needs You
The International Program is looking for host
families for students interested in attending SCA.
Hosting an international student is an exciting
adventure and has many benefits including:
• The opportunity to share God’s love right in your
own home, impacting a student’s life for eternity
• Learning firsthand about another culture
• Sharing American culture and family life
As a host family, you open your heart and home
to an international student, provide room and board,
and invite the student to become part of your family.
In a loving family environment, you share everyday
life with the student and help them adjust to the
American lifestyle, culture, and language.
As a host family, you
will have the full support
of the International
Program Director,
including a host family
orientation with essential
tools and information
to help you through
the process. Please
prayerfully consider this
opportunity to invest in a
student’s life.
Contact International Program Director Kathy
Tharp at [email protected] or 816.525.1480.
Student Opportunity to Gain Experience with Language Learners
SCA students now have an opportunity to be trained to work with language learners in the English for
Academic Purposes class that all international students take. There are worldwide opportunities in
business, education, and ministry for those who are culturally sensitive and understand the perspective
and values of other cultures. If you are interested in learning more about being a Cadet Language
Teacher, please see Mr. Anthony Mickelson or Mrs. Kathy Tharp.
Watch D.o.g.s. Plans Event for August 29 with special
guest speaker Carey Casey
Watch D.O.G.S. (Dads of Great Students) is the
safe school initiative of the National Center for
Fathering that involves fathers and father figures
in order to provide positive male role models for
students and enhance school security.
The school partners with fathers to spend a half,
whole, or even multiple days a year engaging with
their child and their child's peers. During the day,
dads monitor the car line; assist in the classroom
as needed with things like Bible verses, homework,
flashcards, and spelling; and enjoy lunch and recess
with their child! They also monitor the lunchroom
and walk the building perimeter to ensure student safety.
The best part is Dad gets to be a hero to his child for the day! Every child looks forward to the day his/
her dad, grandpa, or uncle is the “D.O.G.”! So, if you want to volunteer in the Watch D.O.G.S. program,
please sign up at one of the back-to-school or open house events.
Interested dads and their children can attend the D.O.G.S. Information/Orientation night on August 29 at
6 p.m. Enjoy a free pizza dinner while learning more about the Watch D.O.G.S. program with guest speaker
and National Center for Fathering CEO Carey Casey.
Page 12
Soaring
This & That
Fall Carnival
The school carnival
is a fellowship event for
students, families, and
friends. The past few
years, it has also been a
fundraising event, raising
money toward specific
goals such as SMART
Boards and playground
improvements.
Parent volunteers are
needed to make this fun
event possible. Here are three ways you can get
involved right now:
1. Join the Carnival Committee—Many of the
carnival committee members, including cochairs Tiffany Everson and Robin Wagy, have
committed to serve until their children move on
to junior high. With this commitment nearing
an end, there is a growing need for K-3 parents to
keep the carnival going. By joining this year, you
can learn the process and be ready to serve as a
committee leader in 2015.
No particular skills are required – just a heart
for serving SCA and providing a fun event for
students. For more information, e-mail Tiffany
Everson at [email protected].
2. Volunteer During the Event—Hundreds of
parent and teen volunteers are needed each year
to make the carnival possible. To volunteer for
this year’s carnival:
•Go to www.signupgenius.com
•Click “Find a Sign Up”
•Search using the e-mail [email protected]
•Click “SCA 2013 Carnival Volunteer Sign Up”
•Choose your volunteer time slots
•Click “Submit & Sign Up”
Forms with specific volunteer assignments will
be sent home the week prior to the carnival.
For more information, e-mail Robin Wagy at
[email protected].
3. Donate Items for Auction or Raffle—Do you
have a product or service you would like to
donate for auction or raffle at this year’s carnival?
Possible donations include:
•Goods or services your business provides
•Tickets to concerts, sporting events, or plays
•Unused timeshares
•Gift cards
•Sports or other memorabilia
To donate items, e-mail Tarissa Helms at
[email protected]
Save the Date - September 28
Spiritual Warriors After Transformation (S.W.A.T.)
A conference for fathers of 5th-8th grade boys with Emir A. Ruiz Esparza
Mission: To encourage and equip fathers to take a leadership role in the
spiritual formation of their sons.
Vision: To see fathers confident in raising a generation of godly men.
Soaring
Page 13
This & That
Health Care Check-up
Immunizations:
Before the first
day of school, every
new student entering
SCA must present
records showing that
all immunizations are
current. If your child is entering
preschool, kindergarten, or is
new to SCA, please bring your
current immunization record to
the school office before the first
day of school.
Reminder to Preschoolers: Age
appropriate pneumococcal
conjugate vaccine (PCV) is now
required for children attending
preschool.
Reminder to 8th graders: A Tdap
booster is required at the 8th
grade level.
Reminder to 9th-12th graders:
You may be in need of a Tdap
booster, so check with your
physician.
Please bring in an updated
immunization record, by the
first day of school, to indicate
that you have received these
immunizations if they apply to
you.
Medication Check-in:
SCA will adhere to the
following procedures
recommended by the Missouri
State Health Department when
dispensing medication:
•All prescription medication
must be in the original
container and labeled
with the child’s name,
physician’s name, and written
instructions.
•All medication must be
checked in at the school
office by a parent/guardian.
Students may NOT be in
possession of prescription or
over-the-counter medication
while on school grounds
without administrative
approval.
Parents, please plan to spend
a few minutes filling out and
signing an Authorization
to Administer Prescription
Medication or Over the Counter
Medication Form when you
check in your child’s medication
at the school office. The
health clerk will not administer
medication to your child
without a signed consent form
on record. Thank you for your
cooperation.
Medical Care Plans:
It is our desire to provide
SCA students with the highest
level of care and safety during
the school day. If your child
suffers from a chronic or severe
medical condition (asthma,
nut allergies, diabetes, seizure
disorder, etc.), a Medical Care
Plan must be on file for your
student. Medical Care Plan
forms are available on Sycamore
or at the health office. Your
child’s doctor will need to fill
out and sign the form. Please
return to the school office once
complete.
The Medical Care Plan
will be kept on file in the
health office and copies will
be distributed to your child’s
teachers and coaches. This will
ensure that all school personnel
have a record of the Medical
Care Instructions in the event
that your child needs immediate
assistance for a known medical
condition.
FREE LUNCH!
Now that I have your attention.... we need YOU to make our lunchroom successful!
Volunteers are needed to help serve student lunches. Your service time would only be for an hour
and half each time you serve, but priceless to our lunchroom staff! Bonus - your lunch is on us! It is a
perfect way to see your child during their "social" time of the day!
Please contact Marlo Knapp at [email protected] to schedule your time or you can call or text
her at 816-560-3388. You can serve as little as one day a month or more; your preferences will be taken
into consideration! Volunteers are needed in both the elementary and secondary kitchens. Reserve
your spot now!
1500 SW Jefferson
Lee’s Summit MO 64081
Upcoming Events
Aug 8
Aug 9
Aug 12
Aug 13
Aug 14
Aug 15
Aug 21
Aug 22
Aug 27
Aug 28
Aug 30
New Family Welcome Aboard Party
Secondary Open House Make-up Day
Popsicles on the Playground
K-6 Back-to-School Open House
K-6 New Family Back-to-School Meeting
Early Education Open House
Secondary Back-to-School Meeting
International Host Parent Meeting
K-12 First Day of School (Half Day)
First Day of 3-Day & 5-Day PS/PK
(Early Release for Full-Day Classes)
First Day for PS 2-Day Classes
HS Sports Pictures
PIE Night & Swap and Shop
Secondary/PS Pictures
Elementary/PK Pictures
Blue Crew Day - Secondary Pep Rally
HALF DAY (Early Release for Full-Day
PS/PK Classes)
Sept 2
NO SCHOOL (Labor Day)
Sept 7
Fall Carnival
Sept 13
Elementary Red Friday
Preschool/PreK/Kindergarten
“Meet Me at the Movies”
Sept 17
Jr/Sr College Information Night
Sept 18
HS Yearbook Pictures
Elementary Sports Pictures
All School Make-up Pictures
Sept 19-20 NO SCHOOL
(Parent-Teacher Conferences)
Sept 24
Morning with Mom Event
Sept 25
See You at the Pole
Secondary Blue Crew Day
Sept 28
SWAT Conference for Fathers
of 5th-8th grade boys