By: Plymouth Christian Academy|Date: Jan 27, 2021|Tags: Eagle News
Dear PCA Family,
Any of you who have set a major goal in life have experienced the challenge of staying on track and persevering until completion. The author of the book of Hebrews compares life’s journey to running a race. When I was a young girl, I have to admit that long-distance running was not my favorite. I preferred a sprint to a marathon any day! However, I’ve learned that the Christian life is one of endurance and discipline, and we must train like long-distance runners. Hebrews 12:1b-2 says, “…let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, (2) looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.”
I read a quote recently that reminded me of this Scripture; “Nothing great was ever done without much enduring.” 2020 was undoubtedly a test of our endurance. When the pandemic impacted our world, our homes, and our schools, many of our plans flew out the window and the enduring truths on which we relied, were the training and discipline we gleaned from the Word of God. Trusting in God and His protection and character is paramount in the race He marked out for us. Psalm 125:1-2 says, “Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved, but abides forever. (2) As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds His people, from this time forth and forevermore.” What a blessing to know that those who trust God cannot be shaken! The song, The Blessing, by Kari Jobe, comforted me in this most recent leg of this Christian race as I was reminded that He is for us and with us and is behind and before us. Regardless of what is happening to us, He always surrounds us and encourages us not to grow weary or lose heart.
The author of Hebrews also reminds us to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus while running this race called life. Runners know how important it is to keep their eyes on the goal and not look down at their feet to keep it all in perspective. We must keep our heads up and never lose sight of where we’re headed. We stumble when we’re looking down because we fail to see what’s coming. As we press on in this new year, I encourage you to look up and never take your eyes off Him! He has called you and marked out a race for you and gifted you with unique qualities to live out your life purpose.
”And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:6
Educating for Eternity,
Mrs. Caryn Huntsman, Superintendent
ALL SCHOOL NEWS
Welcome to PCA’s newest Kindergarten teacher,
Mrs. Breanne Klemm!
Announcing Our New Kindergarten Class
PCA has a new Kindergarten class! Kindergarten Round Up on January 14 was full of excitement as our newest students explored “Oh the Places You’ll Go!” The students were greeted by their teacher, Mrs. Breanne Klemm, who is not only a former Kindergarten assistant at PCA, but a PCA alumni! We still have a few spots available for new students, so help us spread the word!
Welcome to PCA’s newest Kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Breanne Klemm. Mrs. Klemm is a PCA Class of 2011 alumni, and has also served as a Kindergarten Assistant and lunchroom supervisor at PCA. She and her husband have three children, two of whom are already PCA students. She is a graduate of Olivet Nazarene University with a concentration in education and child development. We are thrilled to have her at PCA!
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. Contact Laura Imlach for details: laura.imlach@plymouthchristian.org or 734-459-3505 x3156.
Reveal a 1-day bonus every Wednesday in the month of January. Check out the SCRIPS RaiseRight™ mobile app to reveal your bonus savings. This week focuses on big earnings for the big game!
HONORING REV. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR
“I have a dream.” Whenever these words are spoken, we think about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr and remember his influential life as a civil rights leader.
As a school, we take this day off to remember and honor the legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr and to focus our minds and hearts on the continuing issue of civil rights in our country. We have been spending time educating our elementary students on what it means to be a good “upstander” with a beloved chapel speaker, Mrs. Marnise Roberts. “Miss Marnise”, as lovingly referred to by our students, has spent the last 20 years training our young people on how to live out God’s purpose in their lives. She is a passionate and Godly speaker who continues to provide practical and biblical ways for students to step out, speak up and stand up for each other! The dictionary defines an upstander as “a person who speaks or acts in support of an individual or cause, particularly someone who intervenes on behalf of a person being attacked or bullied.” In our chapels, Miss Marnise points out that although being a “bystander” may offer some support, being an “upstander” is something we all can and should do as His children.
Through the lens of Scripture, it is our goal to teach, reteach and reinforce what it means to be a young upstander for Christ. Upstanders don’t have to be someone with bold personalities or a lot of self-confidence. A good upstander can be someone who shows empathy for someone who is being targeted. A good upstander is someone who interrupts bullying behaviors or offers support to someone experiencing an injustice. Some upstanders can assertively tell a bullying student to stop their behavior simply by saying, “We don’t do that here.” Other upstanders can report the incident to a trusted adult or teacher or listen without judgement, offering positive encouragement. Miss Marnise encourages all students to learn to be upstanders by developing biblical skills that can be applied in all kinds of situations. Miss Marnise’s chapel videos will be available next week as a support to the families of PCA.
Mrs. “Miss Marnise” Roberts
PCA Chapel Speaker, 20 years
Co-founder and managing partner of Roberts & Limbrick Enterprises, LLC, a Michigan-based, educational-services consulting company, established in 1999.
Let’s get to know Miss Marnise a little bit more. Marnise Roberts is co-founder and managing partner of Roberts & Limbrick Enterprises, LLC, a Michigan-based, educational-services consulting company, established in 1999. Miss Marnise®️ offers motivational speaking on a variety of education and character subjects, and provides practical consulting and training in areas such as professional development, team building and parenting. Her first book, Friendly Not Friends–How to Do the Hard Work of Parenting & Still Make Your Home Fun, earned third place in The Christian Writers Award spring 2014 contest (Parenting category) sponsored by Xulon Press.
An alumna of the University of Michigan-Flint, Miss Marnise earned her bachelor’s degree in social work. Early in her career, she worked as a top advertising sales executive for Davis Broadcasting Incorporated in Columbus, Georgia. In 1994, Miss Marnise founded and directed God’s Christian Women (GCW), Incorporated. This Philadelphia-based 501(c)(3) organization, whose purpose was to establish a faith-based community of women, held spiritual retreats and other gatherings to bring women together. Under her leadership, GCW grew over seven years to bless more than 250 women on three continents, annually. Miss Marnise is a proud Silver Soror (25+ year member), Life Member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated – Delta Psi Omega Chapter. Always an active member of her community, she has served on the strategic-planning committee for the State of Michigan PTA and led boards of directors for both a childcare center and a condominium association.
Miss Marnise is a “connector” who has a passion for making a difference in the lives of others, especially young people. Her purpose is to leave everyone she encounters in a better place than when she met them. She is called to teach, and is actively engaged in the development of countless youth and children.
We are privileged to have Miss Marnise as part of the spiritual formation team at Plymouth Christian. She is a strong proponent of the importance of family. She and her husband, Byron, will have been married for 30 years as of October 2020. Byron is the founder of Listen to Byron, a provider of voiceover services, specializing in the e-learning sector; deputy chief of staff at the University of Michigan’s College of Engineering; and co-founder of Roberts & Limbrick Enterprises, LLC. She and Byron are the proud parents of:
· Winston, a fifth and sixth-grade math teacher and fifth-grade level chair with KIPP BOLD Academy in Newark, New Jersey; a 2018 graduate of the Relay Graduate School of Education; a 2014 Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Morehouse College; and former intern with both Google and AMC Networks;
· Shelbey, a morning news anchor with WMBD-TV in Central Illinois; a 2015 Honors graduate of the University of Michigan; and two-time former Google intern; and
· Greer, the school operations manager with KIPP Soul Academy in Atlanta, Georgia; a 2018 graduate of Tsinghua University in Beijing, China; a 2017 School of Business salutatorian graduate of Howard University; and former intern with both Boeing and Johnson & Johnson.
All three Roberts children attended PCA. Currently, Marnise and Byron, both natives of Flint, Michigan, reside in Canton, Michigan. They serve actively as members of Second Baptist Church of Ann Arbor, where she is director of Christian education.
CELEBRATING MLK JR. DAY
We want our students to be good upstanders for Jesus, to dream big and fulfill God’s purpose for their lives. There are many ways that your family can reflect on and celebrate the legacy of Dr. King.
• Listen to and discuss one of MLK’s speeches. There are many clips available including his most famous “I Have A Dream Speech” along with dozens of MLK Jr.’s speeches at https://learnoutloud.com/
• Calvin University hosts weekly virtual chapel and worship services with Michelle Loyd Paige, Calvin’s Diversity and Inclusion Director.
•There are a few Martin Luther King Day related movies you could watch as a family such as “Our Friend, Martin”. This film is an animated children’s educational film about Martin Luther King Jr and the civil rights movement.
• You can also take MLK virtual tours at the following: https://www.nps.gov/mlkm/index.htm; The National Museum of African History & Culture, https://nmaahc.si.edu/, including a free virtual concert & celebration from 4:0pm-5:30pm this Monday.
Our students face decisions and dilemmas on a daily basis and it is our prayer that we can better prepare them to be Christ-like upstanders in challenging times.
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.
Social Work Support At PCA
Social Work support at PCA has been expanded this year due to the growing need of this type of intervention with our students. This pandemic has brought much uncertainty and anxiety to our world and consequently to our school. Our student’s spiritual, emotional, mental, social and physical well-being is of utmost importance to us here at PCA. We have two Masters level Social Workers on staff. Sheree Askew has been working at PCA for over five years. Her help and support with our students and staff has been invaluable. She continues to provide education to our staff, supportive counseling to our students and available to assist families as needed. Missy McCreedy has been brought on this year to work with Sheree in the Social Work Department and has had the opportunity to work in several of the elementary classrooms providing educational and supportive presentations on how to handle our worries. The students were given practical ideas on how to handle worries that overwhelm them and some tangible activities to support them.
Calm Box: Have your child get a box and give them the supplies to decorate it. This will help the child take ownership of and show individuality in his/her box. Then have your child collect things that fit in the box that provide him/her with comfort. See the picture below. When your child is feeling worry or anxiety, he/she can sit and explore the comforting things in this box. One child that was seen, felt worry on the way to school so she had her box on her lap during the drive to school and played with the things she collected in her box. This seemed to relieve her worry and redirect her for an easier transition into the school day.
Worry-time: Children will often let worry about certain things take over their day. We encourage the child to schedule designated “Worry Time” with their parents. This allotted time would only take approximately ten minutes in the evening. It would serve as time for the child and parent to identify the worries that he/she felt during the day. If the child brings up the worry outside of Worry Time, the adults around the child would encourage him/her to save those concerns for Worry Time in the evening. This would allow the child to not focus on that worry during the day and give permission to have fun and enjoy the day to its fullest.
Breathing Techniques: Learning how to take deep breaths and taking time will serve as a valuable coping skill for children who feel overwhelmed or worry. Breathing in and out on the count of three is a technique that is easy to remember and at their disposal.
As a school, we are thankful to have Social Workers on staff who are available to care for our precious students. We are blessed that God continues to provide.
SECONDARY NEWS
Homecoming and Spirit Week are extremely valuable events at PCA and crucial for building relationships and community. Because they are so important, it is our goal to not have to cancel them, but due to the current restrictions, they will not be able to take place in February. It is our goal to create a similar experience in the spring when we will hopefully be able to do more together.
Trips are focal points for each year at PCA. Trips are used to further the learning process, provide outlets for our students and staff to serve our community, offer opportunities for lasting memories, and for so much more. Unfortunately, many of our trips have had to be cancelled or postponed this year. Administration will continue to monitor the viability of each trip as we strive to determine how to serve the community. The Senior trip for this year is still being decided upon, but the administration has come to the conclusion that the Washington D.C. trip (for the class of 2022 and 2023) will not be able to take place this year.
ADMISSIONS
The Admissions Department is excited to WELCOME 30 NEW STUDENTS starting PCA on January 19th! We are so blessed to partner with these new families to provide high quality academic instruction with a biblical worldview.
Noah White is a Senior who came from Canton High School. Online learning was not how he wanted to finish high school so he made a very brave jump to start a new school his senior year. (Side note: we had three new seniors come this year!).
Morgan Harris is a Sophomore who came from another Christian school in the area. She grew up in Christian schools, but in her freshman year, she realized she needed more community and decided to come to PCA.
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!
In the Fall, we welcomed 170 new students, including 37 new high schoolers. I wanted to introduce you to two students who came from different educational backgrounds, but were seeking new experiences to finish their high school careers:
Noah White is a Senior who came from Canton High School. Online learning was not how he wanted to finish high school so he made a very brave jump to start a new school his senior year. (Side note: we had three new seniors come this year!).
Morgan Harris is a Sophomore who came from another Christian school in the area. She grew up in Christian schools, but in her freshman year, she realized she needed more community and decided to come to PCA.
Even though PCA hasn’t been able to do all the “extras” to the full extent that make it special (chapel, Spiritual Life Retreat, etc.), what has been a blessing to you as a new student?
Noah: “Coming from PCEP, obviously the size of schools is drastically different. What has really impacted me, though, has been praying before each class. It has been so comfortable to be in a Christ-honoring environment. I’ve also loved how the people here are so open and inviting. No one talked to each other at my old high school, but here everyone is talkative and wanting to get to know you as a person. I’ve enjoyed having Bible class, but also being able to be open with my faith in classes like Speech & Debate.”
Morgan: “It has been so easy to feel comfortable with my teachers at PCA. You can really feel the love and joy from everyone. I’ve loved my American Lit class not only because English is one of my favorite subjects, but because Mrs. Weber is such an amazing teacher.”
What advice would you give to students thinking about coming to PCA?
Noah: “Think about the kind of relationships you want to have in your life. Even with having to quarantine a bit, I’ve still made some great relationships with teachers and classmates that I didn’t have at my other school.”
Morgan: “I had a great experience at my K-8 Christian school and even the Christian school my freshman was fine, but PCA has provided a very comfortable place to learn and grow.”
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.
The athletic program applies 1 Corinthians 10:31 as our focus. “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” You may hear in our team huddle breakdowns, and social media hashtags as we celebrate success that whatever we do, we do #AllForHim.
With the MDHHS and Governor Whitmer’s latest orders, we wanted to provide clarity to families about what it means for PCA Athletic teams. We have also provided information on our current athletic fundraiser. Even if you do not have a winter athlete, we would greatly appreciate you taking the time to read the full e-mail.
· PCA Athletic teams will be able to practice at their scheduled times.
· Below you will see part of next week’s schedule for all teams.
· Athletes and coaches must wear masks at all times and we ask that athletes bring their own water bottles. “Water breaks” and short “mask breaks” can only be taken when they are over 6 feet away from all other participants.
· Parents will not be allowed in the building for any practice pickups or drop-offs. The coach will wait inside the triple door entrance with your student for pick up and drop off.
· Practices will be socially distanced at all times. Coaches have been informed of the requirements to comply with the current MDHHS orders.
· All games/contests, except for Varsity Bowling, have been canceled for the month of January. We anticipate further information in the coming days on any possible season extension. Fan information has not been decided for contests at this time.
Further updates will be given to you by your student’s coach and additional questions should be directed to coaches first.
Saturday 1/16:
· JV Boys Basketball- 8:00 am- 10:00 am (Butler Gymnasium)
· Freshman Boys Basketball- 8:00 am-10:00 am (Activity Center)
**The coaches will communicate practice schedules for the remainder of the week.
!! Important Fundraiser Information (For All Middle School and High School Athletes) !!
The Athletic Booster Board has been working extremely hard to provide all of our athletes with the best equipment, coolest uniforms, and top notch-facilities, which help create the best athletic experience for your child while at PCA. Additionally, the booster board has supported the athletic department with revenue shortfalls during Covid-19. Their outstanding support can only happen with help from you and fundraisers like this! Athletes were given fundraiser cards before Christmas Break. There was an expectation for athletes to sell at least ten cards by January 6th. The deadline has now been extended! There are many incentives for selling cards and app subscriptions. Please contact Matt Windle for any questions.
Reminder! 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!
OUR CURRENT GAME SCHEDULE IS ON HOLD PENDING UPDATED INFORMATION FROM THE GOVERNOR’S OFFICE AND THE MHSAA.
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.
