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Eagle News February 8-12, 2021

By: Dan Hammar|Date: Feb 7, 2021|Tags: Eagle News

EagleNewsletterBanner1-8-2021

heart in the snow

Eagle News February 8-12, 2021

The Dear PCA Family,
The parenting journey is a joyous and yet challenging passage filled with its share of pure bliss, unforeseen obstacles and sharp corners. When it comes to the enormous responsibility of the physical care of children, there’s definitely a steep learning curve. But as parents, the realization that we are also responsible to oversee the spiritual care of our children, is a sobering but worthy assignment. At Plymouth Christian, we believe that of all the assignments parents receive in life, choosing the right school is a critical one. Thank you for entrusting your child to us as we partner together to fulfill our mission to educate students from a biblical worldview and equip them for a lifetime of learning, leadership and service. As you share our mission with other families, encourage them to ask themselves an important question: Which school’s mission do I want at work in my child’s life?
The mission at Plymouth Christian was founded on the timeless truths of God’s Word and in partnership with parents. For 44 years, the school has purposed to come alongside parents in their God-given assignments to address the meaning and purpose of life using Scripture as the standard of truth. A school’s mission can have tremendous influence on the hearts and minds of young people. In short, it contains the vision of what they desire their students to become as influencers in today’s culture. Do schools exist to share knowledge and impart information? Yes, but they also seek to impress a worldview upon the hearts and minds of young people and influence their choices and living actions.
At Plymouth Christian, our ultimate purpose and mission as a school is to educate students from a biblical worldview and help them understand the truth about the world God created and their place in it. As a school, there is no greater purpose than challenging students to discover their God-given purpose, equipping them to be the hands and feet of Jesus Christ in this world. In partnership with parents, our school exists to be an extension of what parents are seeking to accomplish in the lives of their children. The educational atmosphere at Plymouth Christian is supported by teachers who not only deliver a rigorous academic curriculum through the lens of Scripture, but openly model God’s central place in their lives.
We are here to assist you along the way and count it a privilege to educate your young people. We are praying for you as you pour out God’s love, grace and peace on your children.
“Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant 5 or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful;[b] 6 it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. 7 Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” I Corinthians 13:4-7
Educating for Eternity,
Mrs. Caryn Huntsman, Superintendent

ALL SCHOOL NEWS

Men’s Prayer Breakfast

Coffee cup and coffee beans on table
“For where two or three come together in my name, there I am among them.” (Matthew 18:20).
Our purpose is to gather together in order to encourage one another in Christlikeness, challenge one another to be faithful in our responsibilities as men, and to intercede for our families and our school. Please join us on Fridays; iHop Restaurant Conference Room (Sheldon Road between Warren & Ford) …. 7:30-8:30am; 2/26, 3/19, 4/16, 5/14, 6/4

Songs for the New World

AVAILABLE FRIDAY & SATURDAY 2/5-2/6

PCA Theatre is proud to present Jason Robert Brown’s inspirational musical, Songs for a New World. In a world where we often feel hopeless, drained, and alone, Brown’s musical reminds us that even in the hopelessness we are children of God and “this world will be fine.”
Featuring: Kayla Allen, Rachel Brugger, Isaac Cantrell, Rob Parsons, Rachel Paulin, Sarah Reinhart, & Lexi Spiroff
Productions are available via Video on Demand. No live performances due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. All safety precautions are adhered to for cast and crew members.
All video & audio recording will be conducted by Leah Rigby & Megan Sinclair with proper licensing from MTI.
Ticket holders will receive details for viewing via email. Purchase tickets here: https:// www.showtix4u.com/event-details/44778

All That Jazz!

It may be wintry here in Michigan, but the jazz band is dreaming of somewhere tropical! We hope you enjoy Coconut Champagne by Denis DiBlasio.

Health & Safety

Daily Health Screening
When determining when to keep your sick child at home and when to return, please refer to the Wayne County screening tool at the right. Click HERE to download this document that you should refer to daily.
Please be sure to place your vehicle I.D. sticker on lower corner of the driver’s side windshield (outer).

NEWS YOU CAN USE!

Shop with SCRIP and Save
SCRIP is a fund-raising tool for schools, but PCA is unique in that we apply any rebates you earn directly against your tuition account. It’s a great way to fundraise for your own tuition account! Simply sign up with SCRIP using our school enrollment code.
Don’t forget to shop gift cards that double the love by giving back to your tuition reduction! From chocolates to flowers and dinner for two, earn up to 25% and find something perfect for all your loved ones. Contact Laura Imlach for details: laura.imlach@plymouthchristian.org or 734-459-3505 x3156.

ACCREDITATION set for FEBRUARY 2022

Plymouth Christian is accredited by both ACSI and Cognia. Accreditation is a voluntary method of quality assurance developed more than 100 years ago by American universities and secondary schools. Today, to demonstrate educational quality, accreditation is used by education providers of all types from traditional schools to distance learning providers to tutoring centers serving all ages of students from toddlers to adults. Accreditation engages the school community in meeting high quality standards, implementing a continuous improvement process, and engaging in quality assurance through internal and external review. Accredited schools demand rigor, use data to make in-formed decisions, and approach the documentation of results with discipline. Accredited schools invite external scrutiny and welcome the constructive feedback of peers.
What are the benefits of accreditation?
  • A distinctive mark of quality recognized internationally, that affords external recognition of the school’s commitment to quality Standards based on educational research and best practice.
  • Clear and intuitive processes for school improvement that are grounded in best practices from the education and business fields.
  • A framework and support system to help meet and exceed local, state, national, and appropriate international requirements.
  • Professional development opportunities such as service on review teams, annual conferences, and state workshops on all aspects of school improvement.
Students are the ultimate beneficiaries of the accreditation process. When the entire school is aligned and focused on a shared vision for student learning, students win. They benefit from the enhanced focus on student performance and from greater articulation and coordination as they move from one level of schooling to another.
Despite this unique and challenging year, God has chosen to bless us and we are thriving for His glory. We encourage you to join as we unite to pray for our school as we seek to retain our accreditation status.

TUITION UPDATE

It’s February! This historically has been our “Re-Enrollment” month and families would be inundated with email reminders to fill out their 60-second enrollment and pay their $100 deposit to keep their spot for the next school year. As much as we tried to make it as easy as possible for our families and office staff, it really was a pain in the neck. With Continuous Enrollment, your child’s spot is secure! The tuition rates for 2021-22 have been approved by the Board of Regents and Board of Trustees. For the second year in a row, tuition is the same for grades preschool through 6th grade. For grades 7-12, there was a 3% increase for tuition (or $340/student). We continue to thank the Lord for His faithfulness in provision for our families! Remember, current families are eligible for Variable Tuition by filling out the Variable Tuition application (found in your FACTS account or on our website) before April 17, 2021. Tuition agreements for 2021-22 will be sent the first week of April. If you have questions about variable tuition, or would like to change your tuition payment plan for the 2021-22 school year, please be sure to contact the Tuition Office (Laura Imlach): laura.imlach@plymouthchristian.org or 734-459-3505 x 3156.

ELEMENTARY NEWS

February is Black History Month

“You must never be fearful
about what you are doing when it is right.”
These are the famous words of Rosa Parks, a woman who believed in her heart that what she did would impact generations to come. She did not just refuse to give up her seat for her own benefit, but to begin a movement. She believed in living her life as a model to others.
This month at PCA, our students in 3rd grade are learning about some of the amazing heroes that have modeled bravery, strength, courage, and steadfastness. Students are studying the lives of Ruby Bridges, Thurgood Marshall, Katherine Johnson, Sojourner Truth, Jesse Owens, Harriet Tubman, and more! Together, Mrs. Paul’s class will create an African American Heroes Quilt that will be displayed outside her classroom to highlight these amazing individuals who made it their life’s call to truly help make liberty and justice be for all. Stay tuned next week to see the finished quilt!

ACSI Math Olympics Competition, Grades 3 – 8

The ACSI (Association of Christian Schools International) Math Olympics event is here again! This event provides every student, in grades 3-8, the opportunity to showcase their math skills with both accuracy and speed. Our students can glorify God through their abilities beyond the classroom in this fun math event. At this event, students’ math abilities are stimulated and their achievements are recognized.
Over the next few weeks, Math Olympics Warm-Up Tests will be given as practice competitions to help students familiarize themselves with these timed tests. All students are required to participate and are encouraged to do their very best! The top three students (per grade level; 3rd-8th) scoring the highest in the area of computation, and the top three students scoring the highest in the reasoning category, will advance onto the National ACSI Testing Day, Wednesday, March 10th. The Math Olympics event takes place right here at Plymouth Christian.
The Final Math Olympics event, for qualifying students, is a series of timed tests that are given in a series of rounds. Each student competes against other schools in our district in his or her grade and category. The areas of competition include arithmetic computation and mathematical reasoning. Students in Grades 3–8 from ACSI member schools may participate. The two categories are:
  • Arithmetic Computation: Paper/pencil computational problems such as fundamental operations.
  • Mathematical Reasoning: Paper/pencil problems that are more difficult than the daily mathematical assignments of the student’s grade level, such as story problems, patterns, and puzzles. Problems involve more than one operation and/or concept and may require a high level of reasoning.
Adjudication & Awards
Rosette ribbons are awarded to the top five places in each grade level and category. The 1st place student in each grade level and category with a score of 85% or higher is awarded an Olympic-style medallion.
GO TEAM PCA MATH OLYMPIANS!
Join us for a virtual Coffee and Conversation with Elementary Principal, Ryan Batson via Zoom. We have missed our PCA families and want to connect with you. Please join us for a virtual time of prayer and connection.

Mrs. Garcia’s 2nd Grade Sundials

Begindergarten – 2/8*
Topic: Virtual Coffee & Conversation BGN
Time: Feb 8, 2021 01:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 736 2644 3784
Passcode: dXiC0S
2nd Grade – 2/8
Topic: 2nd Grade – Coffee and Conversation
Time: Feb 8, 2021 09:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 775 5448 5516
Passcode: GUtt9y
AM 3 Year Old – 2/11*
Topic: Virtual Coffee & Conversation 3 PK AM Class
Time: Feb 11, 2021 09:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 744 6955 8507
Passcode: 5T4qa1
PPM 4 Year Old – 2/10*
Topic: Virtual Coffee & Conversation 4 PK PM Class
Time: Feb 10, 2021 01:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 768 6024 9127
Passcode: PP3CAH
PM 3 Year Old – 2/12
Topic: Virtual Coffee & Conversation 3 PK PM Class
Time: Feb 12, 2021 01:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 720 7473 6603
Passcode: 0XgXmM
AM 4 Year Old – 2/9*
Topic: Coffee & Conversation 4 PK AM Class
Time: Feb 9, 2021 09:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 714 0118 4762
Passcode: 0Xj9yn

Hula Hoops

and Personal Space

~A Message from our Social Work Staff
In a day when we are very aware of making efforts to stay six feet a part from each other, we, as a school, are taking a proactive approach as it relates to personal space.
This is a very difficult subject to convey to our lower elementary students who want to hug their friends, hold hands with their friends and, ideally, wrestle around with their friends. Our social work staff had an opportunity to meet with our Begindergarten class this week to educate them on this very subject. These sweet students were read a book called Harrison P. Spader- Personal Space Invader. It is a story about a hippo, Harrison, who loves life and loves his friends. He wants to talk closely, shake hands way too long, and, of course, hug his friends. After many calls from the school to his parents, Harrison’s parents talk with him about the idea of personal space. This is an eye opening concept to Harrison. Once he starts keeping personal space in mind when interacting with his friends, he stops getting in trouble at school and stops scaring his friends. It was the perfect interactive book to read to this class. The Begindergarten students were also engaged in a hula hoop activity that allowed them to have a visual of how large someone’s personal bubble is. It was a fun and interactive way to teach our students a very important concept.
~By Melissa McCreedy
World Language
6th grader Kaley Craig made this beautiful mural for the World Languages room. She handmade the skirt out of tissue paper flowers and braided yarn for the hair.
Kaley took on this project to be a blessing to PCA and we are so grateful for her heart and talent! She is a gift to us!

SECONDARY NEWS

High School Robotics meetings are as follows:

  • All team virtual meeting-Every Monday from 6-7 pm.
  • Business/Safety Team Meetings-Every Monday from 7-7:30 and every Friday from 7-7:30 pm.
  • Mechanical Team-Blended (virtual and in-person by registration)-Every T,TR, and FR from 6-8 pm.
  • Software Team-Blended (virtual and in-person by registration)- Tuesdays are virtual and Thursdays are blended from 6-8 pm.

Spiritual Formation

We are halfway through our four-part study on prayer. In the video, students were challenged to take two minutes to meditate on 1 Peter 5:7. It was an awesome opportunity to silence ourselves and rest in God’s care for us as we strive to realign ourselves with His will. Next week, our third topic is titled “Stomach and Soul,” which helps us to seek after God as our Provider of EVERYTHING while realizing that
God ≠ google. He knows exactly what we need. Please continue to pray as our students grow in their Spiritual Life Groups.
Congratulations to the Class of 2021 on their college acceptances!  Please pray for these Seniors as they seek God’s will and guidance in their future college and career paths.
Alessandra Barker:  Hope College and St. Mary’s College
Francesca Barker:   Hope College and Western Michigan University
Ariela Boboc:  Alma College, Azusa Pacific University, Bethel University and Concordia University (Ann Arbor)
Rachel Brugger:  Adrian College and Grace College
Emily Cameron: Calvin University, Concordia University (Ann Arbor), Grand Valley State University, Hope College, Oakland University, University of Michigan (Ann Arbor) and University of Michigan (Dearborn)
Robert Dotson:  Calvin University, Grand Valley State University, Hope College, and Michigan State University
Seth Elliot:  Central Michigan University, Ferris State University and Oakland Community College
Gabriel Emilio:  Michigan State University and Western Michigan University
Nathan Etnyre: Calvin University, Cedarville University, Cornerstone University, Hope College, John Carroll University, Kalamazoo College, Trine University, University of Michigan (Ann Arbor) and Xavier University
Jeevan Magnan:  Michigan State University, Michigan Tech University, Oakland University, University of New Mexico, and Western Michigan University
Collin McInerney:  Oakland Community College (Farmington Hills) and Schoolcraft College
Nicole Reinhart:  Grand Canyon University, Grand Valley State University and Liberty University
Sarah Reinhart:  Grand Canyon University and Liberty University
Evan Schalte:  Schoolcraft College
Nicholas Scott:  Calvin University
Christian Southerland:  Michigan State University
Alexa Spiroff:  Butler University and Western Michigan University
Sydney Tuggle:  Grand Valley State University, Oakland University, Eastern Michigan University, Western Michigan University, and Michigan State University
Jacob Weertz: Grand Valley State University and Schoolcraft College
Madeline White:  Grand Canyon University, Palm Beach Atlantic University and Schoolcraft College
Carly Wildasin:  Olivet Nazarene University

Generation of Technology

The rapid technological advances of the last generation have been breathtaking, promising new levels of connectivity, creativity and possibility. But we’re discovering that our shiny screened devices increasingly command our attention and affection. And it’s not just smartphones, of course. It’s entertainment media of every stripe. In 2015, Common Sense Media released its quinquennial (once every five years) study of young people’s media habits.Tune in next week for more!
Navigating with a Spiritual Perspective
Once upon a generation ago, parents might reasonably have expected to shield their kids from more troublesome elements of the broader culture. Not so much these days. Whether it’s smartphones or satellite channels, social media or Fortnite, hidden apps or the number of challenges that technology creates seems to be multiplying faster than we can keep up.
As Christian parents, how are we to respond to the pace of technological change? How do we help guide our children’s choices and habits in this realm, both practically and from a spiritual point of view? The Plugged In Parent’s Guide to Today’s Technology is designed to equip you to face these challenges. We want to give you concrete tools to help you navigate this ever- shifting realm, in terms of what’s out there, why it’s important and how you might respond. And as culture shifts and changes, this document will too, as we add new information, content and links to ensure that you have what you need to engage this critically important issue. So let’s dive in, beginning with laying a brief spiritual foundation for thinking about these issues. Stay tuned for more next week!
Plymouth Christian Academy Honor Roll Students
Congratulations to our
first semester High Honor and Honor Roll students!
Word Honor Roll as text in chalk on blackboard_ Education school concept

ADMISSIONS

We are receiving approximately 8 applications per week and we are thrilled! That is what we have been averaging since January 1st and it doesn’t seem to be slowing down!  Only God could be bringing these families to PCA! Enrollment is on the rise even though we have been limited in how we can do our tours, as well as not being able to do shadow days for potential students, or even doing an in-person Open House, due to our Covid protocols.  And God is using YOU to bring families to our school!  Thank you for your referrals and telling your friends and family about the difference PCA makes in partnering with parents for a Christ-centered, biblically-based education.  Please continue to give us great reviews on Niche, Private School Review, Great Schools, and our website.  If you would be willing to give a testimony on the impact of PCA for your family, please let me know!  We would love to highlight you in our social media platforms.  As always, we are seeking the Lord every step of the way!  We know it is true:  “Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain…” Psalm 127:1.
Careful research has been done to make sure we are meeting all the safety protocols and staying within enrollment boundaries, which means we are FULL in 4-year preschool, Begindergarten, 2nd, 6th, and 10th grades. Our third section of kindergarten has now opened with a few remaining openings. We are preparing for the 2021-22 school year and looking to EXPAND some elementary grades into three sections to accommodate families longing for a Bible-based education, as well as adding more options for middle and high school grades. We are looking forward to the day when we can have an open campus and fellowship together so you can greet these new families! In the meantime, keep those referrals coming and have your friends apply soon for next year! We are already receiving applications weekly (sometimes daily) so spots will fill up quickly!
Continuous Enrollment News
With enrollment on the rise at Plymouth Christian Academy, we are either at or near waitlists in many of our grades. Placement in next year’s class is an increasingly sought-after spot. Throughout PCA’s history, more than 85% of students annually enroll for the following year. We love our students and are proud to see such strong retention year after year.
Our desire is to make our re-enrollment process even simpler for PCA families and that’s why we are launching “Continuous Enrollment.” We’ve thrown out the February re-enrollment process altogether, including the $100 deposit that was required to hold your spot! This simple Continuous Enrollment process is known as the “Once An Eagle, Always An Eagle” model. With continuous enrollment you will guarantee your child’s classroom seat from now until they walk across the graduation stage.
Beginning November 20, 2020, our “Once an Eagle, Always an Eagle” model begins, which means your family will remain at Plymouth Christian unless you notify us otherwise. Our families will never have to think about re-enrollment at PCA again! Instead, we can all have confidence that our Eagles will always be Eagles!
Q: How does Continuous Enrollment work?
A: You will be part of the PCA community unless you tell us otherwise, and your child’s spot in their class will be secure until graduation.
Q: What if things change for our family?
A: You will have until April 30th to fill out the Intent to Withdraw form, simply notifying the school and face absolutely no penalty.
Q: Are there any deadlines to be aware of?
A: Families will be responsible for 10% of tuition after the April 30th deadline. For major life changes/unique circumstances resulting in withdrawal after the deadline, Superintendent and Regent Board approval is required to waive the 10% tuition fee.
We work hard to plan and prepare for students to return each year and we want to invest these tuition dollars wisely so we can provide the quality Christ-centered education you have come to know and love at PCA. We know you’ll appreciate the simple process Continuous Enrollment provides.
For questions about Continuous Enrollment, please connect with Leanne Windle (leanne.windle@plymouthchristian.org or 734-459-3505 x3190)
Mrs. Leanne Windle, Admissions Director

EAGLE ATHLETICS

From our Athletic Director
With the latest MDHHS order, Winter Sports can start contact practice and competition starting Monday, February 8th. Coaches will be providing detailed information for their teams this weekend.”
Games This Week:   Note:  All games are subject to change at any time.
Monday, Feb. 8th
FR, JV & Varsity Boys Basketball at Pinckney HS / Away / 4:00, 5:30, & 7:00 pm
Varsity Boys Bowling at Summit Academy – Skore Lanes, 22255 Ecorse, Taylor / Away / 3:30 pm
Varsity Girls Basketball vs. Our Lady of the Lakes / Home / 6:00 pm
7th & 8th Boys Basketball at Oakland Christian / Away / 5:30 & 6:30 pm
5th/6th Boys Basketball at Oakland Christian / Away / 4:30 pm
Tuesday, Feb. 9th
FR, JV, & Varsity Boys Basketball vs. Oakland Christian / Home / 4:00, 5:30, & 7:00 pm
Varsity Girls Basketball at Oakland Christian / Away / 7:00 pm
Thursday, Feb. 11th
FR & JV Boys Basketball at Detroit Catholic Central (in Novi) / Away / 6:00 & 7:30 pm
7th & 8th Boys Basketball vs. Inter-City Baptist / Home / 5:30 & 6:30 pm
5th/6th Boys Basketball vs. Inter-City Baptist / Home 4:30 pm
Friday, Feb. 12th
Varsity Boys Basketball vs. Petersburg-Summerfield HS / Home / 8:00 pm
Varsity Girls Basketball vs. Detroit Country Day / Home / 6:30 pm
Varsity Boys Bowling vs. Notre Dame Prep – Super Bowl, 45100 Ford Rd, Canton / Home 3:00 pm
Executive Order 2020-180 specifies that athletes must wear a face covering for all sports practices and contests except for cross country and tennis. This includes all off-season training for baseball and softball as well. If you do not have a mask, you cannot participate. If you are involved in any of our sports and have questions, please contact your coach. Please note that spectators are still limited to two per player for all games at this time. All home games in the Butler Gymnasium will be live-streamed at NFHSnetwork.com.
Athletic Website & Schedule Alerts
Please follow our athletic website, www.plymouthchristianeagles.com, where you can view scores, schedules, articles and team/sport-specific updates. Enjoy keeping up on PCA sports! When you are on our PCA Eagles Home Page, be sure to sign up for VNN Alerts for your team. Click on ‘Sign Up For Alerts’ located just above the purple banner on the upper right side of our PCA Eagles home page or click on this link https://alerts.getvnn.com/#/profile/alerts. Remember to check your student’s online game schedule frequently as changes often occur during their season.
Physicals & Forms
If you have a student that is interested in participating in a PCA sport, he or she must have a current, MHSAA physical and our Sports Participation form on file in the Athletic Office BEFORE they can participate in tryouts, practices, or games. Forms are online at our school website HERE (scroll to the athletic tab), in the Secondary Office, and Athletic Office. A physical dated April 15, 2020 or after is considered a current physical and is good for the current school year until April 15, 2021. NOTE: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, if your student had a current physical for the 2019-20 school year, (dated 04-15-2019 or after) the MHSAA is allowing that physical to be valid for this school year. If this applies to your student, you must complete the 2020-21 MHSAA Sports Health Questionnaire and turn it into the Athletic Dept.
Athletic Team Practice/Game
If the practice or game is not taking place right after school (starting by 3:20pm), students must report to the Study Table room, or be meeting with their teacher, in order to remain on campus. Thank you for your help with this.

EAGLE FINE ARTS

FINE ARTS PATRON

Thank you so much to those of you who have responded with donations to the PCA Fine Arts Patron Program. Your support ensures that we can continue to provide quality fine arts programs to students at Plymouth Christian. It is not too late to donate! Please see the booster page on the PCA website for a donation form.

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