June 30, 2016 - Guardian Christian Academy

June 30, 2016
Guardian Christian Academy
Thank You, Lord
May The Fourth
of July be a day
of celebration, a
day in which we
recognize and
give thanks to
the Lord for the
freedoms
we
enjoy today..
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To take advantage of the lower registration fee
for the 2016-2017 school year. Tomorrow, July
1, it goes up to $225. Every penny counts!
Basketball Camps are
Here!
July 11-14, rising grades 1-5
July 18-21, rising grades 6-12
8:30am—12:30 pm
Coach Dillon is waiting for you!
Throughout the summer, families of our community continue to be interested in Guardian Christian Academy and what we have to offer. Like
last year, we will hold a summer Open House, scheduled this year for
July 12. Like last year it will be a Daytime Floating Open House; families are welcome to drop in anytime from 9:00 am-4:00 pm.
As you meet parents who are considering
their options or who are concerned about their
child’s education and learning environment,
let them know about GCA. Suggest they call
for a tour, attend our Open House on July
12, or do both!
Summer Camps Continue
This summer cheer, soccer, baseball, and
volleyball camps are already a thing of the
past. However, there’s much more fun to
be had! Coach Dillon continues to head
the basketball camps and Mrs. Cominsky
the music enrichment camp, “Legend at
Camp Garner Creek”. Camps on the horizon are:
Tuesday & Wednesday
July 26-27, 3:30-5:30
July 11-14
July 18-21
July 25-29
Aug. 15-19
Be sure to take advantage of this opportunity to pick up
gently used clothes for school use - timed prior to
the tax-free weekend - to help you access
your needs beforehand. The Clothes
Swap is held in the GCA foyer.
R* = Rising, Going into
Good times continue!
Cash purchases only
For questions call the Front Desk
Curriculum Fees are due by
August 1. To make it more convenient for
you, the book fee has been put on your
FACTS account. If you have paid the book
fee already, your FACTS balance will show that it is paid.
Likewise any payment for books submitted to the school will
be marked as having been taken care of.
Basketball, R* 1st-5th
Basketball, R* 6th-12th
Music Enrichment, R* 1st-6th
“Joy Story”, NBC Bible Camp at GCA
R* K-6th Grades; Free registration
Updated Immunization Records
This is the time to be sure the school has a copy
of your updated immunization records. Rising
6th graders must also have a T-dap and a copy
of it on file prior to the first day of school.
Guardian Christian Academy
6851 Courthouse Road  Chesterfield, VA 23832
804-715-3210  www.GCAKids.com
www.facebook.com/GuardianChristianAcademy
Equipping students to become
Christian leaders who impact
the culture for Christ
June 30, 2016
Guardian Christian Academy
Year-End Marked by Worship Time for K-2nd
The last day of school is always a momentous occasion for many reasons, but primarily because it marks the end of one season
and the movement into the next. In the Old
Testament, the Israelite people would usually celebrate important moments by erecting and sacrificing
on an altar. This action would serve two vital purposes. The first
is to give glory to God, and the second is to remind everyone of
the mighty work that God has done in that place.
This year, the kindergarten through second grade division
wanted to celebrate in a similar manner. In some of the final
moments of the 2015-2016 school year, they gathered together
to stop for a few moments and corporately commemorate what
God had done over the course of the year. They then had the
opportunity to worship together, an act of remembrance and
thanksgiving to the One who made the whole year possible.
Through songs of praise led by a teacher and some worship
leaders from the community, they joyfully reflected all the glory
back to God for a year well done. Without Him, it would not
have been possible. They had begun the school year with
prayer for what was to come. What better way to end than with
a celebration of that answered prayer?
“G-C-A” Cheer Camp!
GCA offered its second cheer camp June 20-23. The Royal Knight’s
cheer team, coaches and helpers hosted twenty-one enthusiastic
campers.
The girls were in constant motion as they warmed-up, learned motions,
practiced cheers, tried some tumbling, built stunts, and even played
some team-building games. Each morning camp opened with a morning devotion during which the campers were encouraged and even
challenged to lead through service, to work on spiritual, as well as
physical, conditioning, and to apply the stunting strategies they learned
in their daily lives as they “build up people”.
Camp was scheduled to end with a performance for friends and family,
giving the girls a chance to share and showcase what they learned.
Just as the parents began to enter the electricity in the area went out;
the girls were able to do a couple basis cheers though without the
stunts. They did an awesome job and parents were glad to see the
group work as a team even if it was not the full program.
By all measures, camp was a huge SUCCESS!!
Contact the Front Desk to Register
June 30, 2015
Guardian Christian Academy
Are We a Match?
Many local employers are matching their employees time with funds for schools. Does your company offer
a small grant to schools in exchange for your volunteer hours? Do they match donations? If so let us
know! We have been able to purchase computer equipment, art supplies, and other much needed equipment around GCA from such matching funds. Volunteer today and your school might be getting paid for it!
Do you have a laptop that needs to be put to good use? You might have an updated one at home and don't know what to
do with the other one, or know of a business that would donate their gently used but very functional laptops to GCA. While
we do not have the funds to rebuild computers, our students would greatly benefit from the donation of a gently used laptop.
Tax receipts are given for donations.
June 14 was a special event for the 5th graders. Families and friends celebrated as they transitioned from elementary to middle school, honoring
their efforts and accomplishments. SGA (Student Government Association) welcomed the fifth graders into middle school on behalf of all secondary students. The traditional candle lighting ceremony marked the passage.
Both Mrs. Diocedo and Pastor Sharon Little, Small Group Pastor of Southside Nazarene Church, focused their thoughts, encouragement, and message on Luke 2:52. Mrs. Smith led the candle lighting ceremony and Mrs.
Robinson prayed for the students as they begin this next chapter in their
lives. Afterwards families enjoyed “Kodak moments” in the Chapel, light
refreshments, and visiting with each other.
We have every confidence that these rising 6th grade students will represent themselves, the school, and the Lord very well.
In the June 10 edition of “The Shout Out” we
congratulated the students who had June birthdays. Although the singing of the song “Happy
Birthday” will need to wait until September, we
wish all our students with July birthdays a very
special day. They are:
Chloe Holley
Alex Alexander
Reagan Blankenship
Madeleine Nevel
Rylan Johnson
Luke Francis
Ellie Taylor
Zoie Wagner
Jon Hunt
Tia Branson
Jack Luck
July 1
July 5
July 9
July 12
July 20
July 20
July 25
July 26
July 28
July 28
July 30
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

http://www.boxtops4education.com/earn/
participating-products
June 30, 2016
Guardian Christian Academy
The end of the school year was both busy and exciting for the secondary students at GCA. The academic year cumulated with second semester
exams. High school juniors and sophomores were presented their class rings at the special high school chapel service. They were then treated
to lunch out at Olive Garden to celebrate the occasion. Seventh grade students welcomed the fifth graders to middle school at the Bridging
Ceremony. Eighth grade students celebrated the end of middle school with a special “field day” at Busch Gardens – a growing tradition at GCA.
The secondary end-of-year cookout ended a special day of class competitive events as the elementary students enjoyed their Hawaiian Day.
Probably the most exciting, however, was the high school mission trip to New York City.
On June 9, ten high school students and four faculty chaperones boarded an Amtrak train headed to
New York City. Upon arrival, most experienced their first Uber ride (a ride which began a series of
nerve challenging rides for Coach Dillon – GCA’s experienced Driver’s Education instructor) navigating
the traffic of the city on way to the New York School of Urban Ministry in Queens. By early evening,
after having settled into rooms, the group met for orientation with the NYSUM staff. After dinner, they
joined others in a time of worship and training for the homeless outreach they would do while in the city.
That night the group ministered to a portion of the population who live on the streets of the city each
and every day, by handing out water, food, hygiene kits, blankets, and water to those in need. There
were also many opportunities to engage in genuine conversations with the people, hearing their stories and sharing
the love of Christ through word, action, and prayer. Opportunities to minister to the homeless occurred again on
Friday evening, and at the request of our students, one last time on Monday.
Friday and Saturday were marked by participation in a missions outreach in Brooklyn known as City Fest. On Friday, the group joined other NYSUM participants and workers to prepare for the upcoming block party. They visited
with pastors from the hosting church and joined in handing out flyers advertising the event. Students and chaperones chose their area of service for the day by being assigned to children’s ministry, food service, greeting and
prayer group, or basketball outreach. Each group spent time together preparing supplies and training for Saturday.
On Saturday, the group served at City Fest from morning through evening. Students and chaperones filled a variety
of roles on Saturday, all of which involved interacting with local children and adults. Some dressed as clowns – others played organized games and enjoyed sidewalk chalk drawing with young children. Many served at the face
painting station, and still others created balloon animals, hats, and swords that brought smiles and laughter to many.
Others served free food and drinks with one student even manning one of the grills that kept the hot dogs coming for
over 8 hours. Others served as referees for a series of basketball competitions and enjoyed opportunities to join in
the play with children and teens from the city. Finally, others volunteered specifically to greet and talk with people,
praying for and with them as opportunities arose. The Lord blessed the event with sunshine on a day that called for
heavy rains, and the students and chaperones alike rejoiced as they responded to the many opportunities to serve.
Sunday and Monday were set aside for fellowship and touring the city. Students and chaperones managed
to master navigating the subway system as they made their way about the city. Sunday began with a morning service at Hillsong Church, where the message centered around the topic of compassion tied into the
Beatitudes – a message that resounded with the student’s experiences with the NYSUM organization. The
rest of the days included lunch at Time Square, upfront seating for a Blue Man Group performance, and
visits to the September 11th Memorial and museum, Battery Park, Rockefeller Center, and Central Park plus lots of sightseeing, shopping, walking, and eating. New York style pizza, the crepe truck in Central
Park, local fruit markets, ice cream trucks, and the Mexican food truck located near the NYSUM facility
were among the many favorites.
June 30, 2015
Guardian Christian Academy
The students from GCA represented themselves, their families, their school, and most importantly, the Lord, well. They demonstrated the willingness and ability to step out of their personal comfort zones, give abundantly, put others before self, build relationships, and show the love of
Christ to others, both in times of ministry and those of group fellowship. The trip was a resounding success in every way. Before returning home
on Tuesday, the students voted unanimously that the NYSUM trip needed to be one that became a tradition for high school students at GCA.
The return, however, was not the end. On the remaining school days, several high school students chose on their own to gather just before the
start of their day for a time of morning devotion and prayer. Like is so often the case, a mission trip affected not only those who were served, but
also those who stepped up to serve. Students were impacted spiritually through their time in New York. The NYSUM trip was truly an opportunity for growth in faith, character, knowledge, and relationship with both God and
people.
.
On Wednesday, June 1, our fourth-grade students traveled to
the Virginia Aquarium and Museum Science in Virginia Beach, Virginia. There they watched a film that explored God’s great creations in the Galapagos Islands, touched stingrays and horseshoe crabs, and wandered among sharks. In exploring the different exhibits, they were able to bring to life the many things they had studied in their unit on oceanography. There were salt water and fresh
water with which to compare density, jellyfish to observe gliding along with colored tentacles, and camouflaged flounder to try to
find. Large model whales loomed above them, while
quail and turtles scurried at their feet as they wandered the corridors and pathways at the aquarium.
Before they left they were able to watch the otters
frolic in the water and come up to them for a closer
look. It truly fostered a sense of awe and wonder at
the marvelous creations of our almighty God.
June 30, 2016
Guardian Christian Academy
The Physical Fitness Test includes five activities that measure muscular strength/endurance, cardio-respiratory endurance, speed,
agility, and flexibility: Curl-ups (or partial curl-ups), shuttle run, endurance run/walk, pull-ups (or right angle push-ups or flexedarm hang), and V-sit reach (or sit and reach). This is conducted with students in the fall and in the spring so they can monitor their
progress. The Presidential Physical Fitness Award is given to those who score above the 85 th percentile on all five activities. The
National Physical Fitness Award is given to those scoring above the 50 th percentile on all five.
Congratulations to those who received the Presidential Physical Fitness Award!
Zakai White
Allie Ford
Sarah Young
Megan James
Luke Rager
Gabrielle Stuckey
Tyler Ritz
Kristina Johnson
Jaeda Worsham
Angela Ritchie
Sydney Repak
Savannah Smith
Congratulations also to those who received the National Physical Fitness Award!
Abby Bennett
Sheyenne Smith
Makaela Worsham
Essence Davis
Axle Dodson
Sam Mitchell
Kincer Pond
Kalia Hailstock
Kendall Mason
Shreeya Patel
Ashton Ritz
Noah Sprenkle
Gigi Davis
Sasha Garzon
Deeya Patel
Nathaniel Gansham
Jonathan Hunt
Cameron Lindo
Topsy Samuelson
Sam Sears
Abigail Daly
James Ebert
Jacob Howard
Aryanna Chinn
Jessica Dodson
Zoie Wagner
Joshua Caish
Janelle Destin
Danielle Richardson
Sophia Routh
James Sprenkle
Autumn Widener
Tatyana Cooper
David Geurin
Mariam Hunt
Abby Johnson
Jonathan Kerr
Tamera O’Neal-Dowdy
Charlie Sprenkle
Jack Young
Trevor Caish
Noor Shah
We are so proud of you!
Congratulations to the following students for their commitment and diligence not just for a short time
period but for their consistent dedication throughout all four quarters of the school year. We are proud
of the habits you are developing that will help you for a lifetime. Pictures of these groups of students are on the next page,
A Honor Roll All Year
Kaylis Lowry
Sam Mitchell
Brandon Rogers
Eden Keene
Blake Pearson
Zak McNelley
Preeyal Shah
Noah Sprenkle
Cameron Whitney
Noah Lantis
Corbin Rogers
Sam Sears
Sydney Repak
4 Marking Periods of A/B Honor Roll
Lana Aboulhosn
Luke Billings
Nadia Chinn
Chase George
Jenna Harris
Payton Murray
Banks Patterson
Kincer Pond
Emyrson Simmons
Daxton Thomas
Abby Bennett
Marinda Boone
Caden Kubitski
Aaron Lafon
Gabriel Marr
Moriah Robertson
Wyatt Schmidt
Sheyenne Smith
Makaela Worsham
Kalia Hailstock
Shreeya Patel
Gretchen Shearin
Cole Angelilli
Gigi Davis
Sasha Garzon
Kara Holley
Tori Hughes
Noah Lantis
Ashlyn Mason
Deeya Patel
Kayleigh Robinson
Carly Talley
Cameron Lindo
Topsy Samuelson
Alexis Washington
Sarah Young
Tony Benitez
James Ebert
Carl Walls
Jaeda Worsham
Aryanna Chinn
Ethan Kelley
Ashley Paxton
Jemma Sommer
Blake Stilson
Zoie Wagner
Perfect Attendance All Year
Daniel Smith
Peyton Woodward
Chloe Holley
Isagani Ingles
Laila Snead
Ashlyn Mason
Abigail Daly
Ashley Paxton
Seth Revere
June 30, 2016
Prior to the power point of the year’s
activities, recognitions, acknowledgements, and congratulations were given to
recognize those who - for the entire year
- achieved scholastic excellence, were
standouts in the areas of the arts , demonstrated leadership through the Safety
Patrol Program, or had perfect attendance. We are so pleased with the way
in which our elementary students are
using their God-given abilities.
Guardian Christian Academy
Monday, July 4:
 All GCA programs closed
Monday-Thursday, July 11-14:
 Basketball Camp (R1-5 grades), 8:30am-12:30pm
Tuesday, July 12:
 Daytime Open House, 9:00 am-4:00 pm
Monday-Thursday, July 18-21:
 Basketball Camp (R6-12 grades), 8:30am-12:30pm
Monday-Friday, July 25-29:
 Music Enrichment Camp, 8:30-12:00 M-Th, 8:30-2:00 F
 Music Enrichment Performance, 7:00pm on Friday
Tuesday & Wednesday, July 26-27:
 Clothing Swap, 3:30-5:30pm
Art: Aryanna Chinn, Jon Hunt, Stephanie Zuskin, Shreeya
Patel, Jaiydiyn Williams, Kaylis Lowry, Chloe Holley, Peyton Woodward
Safety Patrol
Computer: Ethan Kelley, Nyla Mitchell, Alexis Washington,
Corbin Rogers, Preeyal Shah, Chase George, Abby Wells,
Arya Patel, Jayden Thompson (not pictured)
A Honor Roll
Library: Landon Totty, Emily Harris, Topsy Samuelson,
Noah Lantis, Gretchen Shearin, Payton Murray, Gabriel Marr,
Ryleigh Catlin, Jacob Spencer
A/B Honor Roll
Music: Blake Stilson, Jon Hunt, Carly Talley, Kalia Hailstock, Daxton Thomas, Makaela Worsham, Evelyn Dorer,
Tony Benitez (not pictured), Aaron Harrison (not pictured)
To the Right: Safety Patrol, A Honor Roll, A/B Honor
Roll and Perfect Attendance. Names are listed on page 6.
Perfect Attendance
June 30, 2016
Guardian Christian Academy
On June 15th, students were in their respective blue and gold attire depending upon which team they
were on for Field Day. Half the students in each class were blue and half gold; there was healthy competition amongst their classmates. Adding a theme and connecting the academic and spiritual with the physical - plus changing some of the events - added interest to the day. Coach O’Neal selected the theme
“Around the World” with a central scripture: “As you go into all the world, proclaim the gospel to everyone. “ (Mark 16:15). Events featured were Kangaroo Sack Race (Australia), Sled Dogs (Antarctica), Spider Relay (South
America), 50 Yard Dash (Africa), Ninja Warrior (Asia), Skiing Challenge (Europe), and Football Throw (North America). All of
the students had a blast at each event. Ribbons were handed out in each classroom for their effort. And at the end of the
day, the GOLD TEAM won Field Day 2016. What an exciting day!
Thank you to the parents who came out to help with the events, be a support to the
time. We could not do it without you!
EA
L
MB
T
GO
GO
TEA
MG
OLD
!
students, all while having a good
!
UE