About Us

Dear PCA Family,

SHINE Brighter in 2021!

God has placed His light in us, and we will let it SHINE brighter! With our hearts and with our lives, we will shine BRIGHTER!

Plymouth Christian Academy views service as a chance to be the hands and feet of Jesus to those in need. One goal of our school is to instill in students a heart to serve. This service will benefit our community and ourselves in that it brings us closer to God and helps define the character and commitment within our school community.

In light of this goal, PCA is pleased to serve our school and community in this year’s Project SHINE event! It’s a celebration of giving. Although it may look a little different this year, we are enthusiastic about this event, and we are incredibly thankful for the opportunity to serve our community.

I Peter 4:8-11 says, “Above all, love each other deeply because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides so that in all things, God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.”

Stay tuned for more Project SHINE 2021 details and pray with us as we focus on serving others, May 17-20! “But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.” Joshua 24:15

Educating for Eternity,

Mrs. Caryn Huntsman, Superintendent

Accreditation with ACSI involves the entire school community in a vigorous, holistic process of organizational appraisal and improvement that engages every school constituent. ACSI’s internationally recognized accreditation program is designed to assist our school in obtaining widely recognized dual accreditation status with Cognia. Please pray for our accreditation Subcommittee Chairs and Team Members as they work to lead us in this endeavor.

We already have 147 applications for next year and we get more everyday.  Please continue to pray with us as we talk to families, give tours and send out information about what the Lord is doing at PCA.  It is exciting to see God’s hand of blessing on our school!  Continue to tell your friends, neighbors and co-workers about the Christ-centered, biblically-based education your child receives at PCA.  You make a difference in growing our school for God’s glory!

Continuous Enrollment (AKA Does my student have a spot next year??)

“It’s March and I haven’t gotten my re-enrollment form!  I don’t want to lose my spot.  Help!!!”  This is a common text or phone message we have heard in the last week.  There is a big sigh of relief when we tell them Continuous Enrollment has GUARANTEED your spot for next year! Even with all the applications rolling in, your spot is secure.  If your plans have changed, you must fill out an Intent to Withdraw form before April 30, 2021, or you will be responsible for 10% of tuition.  We love our students and we want to see each one cross the stage at the end of their Senior Year to receive their PCA diploma!  Once an Eagle, Always an Eagle is more than a catchy slogan — it is a relationship we hope lasts a lifetime because PCA is family! Please connect with Leanne Windle (leanne.windle@plymouthchristian.org or 734-459-3505×3190) if you have any questions.

We at PCA are blessed to have so many amazing families who are a part of our school community. Every so often, we would like to take a moment and spotlight one of these families. This month, we would like to tell you about the Moore family: Rob, Heidi, Eric, Adam and Emily. This is a family who is fully invested in our mission and our community.

Heidi is now in her 20th year of teaching our precious children here at PCA. She started here in 2001 as a 2nd grade teacher. Through the years, she taught 4th grade and is now teaching 6th grade. Her sweet, positive, and warm spirit is a blessing to everyone who knows her. She has a God-given gift of being able to connect with her students and journey with them as they transition from elementary to middle school.  Heidi’s husband, Rob, has served in many capacities at PCA.  He helps coach the High School Cross Country team, Coaches Varsity Golf, and currently, is our Varsity Bowling Coach. When asked about when his interest in bowling started, Rob remarked that he first started bowling competitively with a middle school Temple Baptist Church league.  We so appreciate Rob’s commitment and dedication to our school and to our students.

Rob and Heidi have three children. Eric graduated from PCA last year and is now a student at Moody Bible College in Illinois. Adam is in 10th grade here at PCA and has been very active in cross country and bowling. Emily is in 8th grade and is serving on the Middle School Student Council as class Secretary.  Serving is a value of the Moore children and a value that they credit with learning here at PCA.

This is a family who takes on many voluntary activities and does it with grace and a willing spirit.  Heidi shared that “Our calling right now in our life is our children and PCA.”  We so appreciate this wonderful family and are thankful for all they give. They are a true reflection of God’s light. Glory be to God!

“For where two or three come together in my name, there I am among them.” (Matthew 18:20).

Please join us on Fridays; iHop Restaurant Conference Room (Sheldon Road between Warren & Ford), 7:30-8:30am. Dates: 3/19, 4/16, 5/14, 6/4

Kroger Community Rewards

Are you a Kroger shopper? Did you know you can name PCA as the recipient for Kroger Community Awards, earning money for our school each time you shop?

It’s easy and no cost to you. Simply go to www.kroger.com, and sign in with your Frequent Shopper card number. Then, under “my account,” select Community Rewards, and choose Plymouth Christian Academy (organization # PJ183). Thank you for your support!

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.

We Are Counting On YOU!

Cell Phones Usage in Pickup/Drop Off Lines and on our school lot

In an effort to keep our students safe in our parking lot, we want to continue reminding drivers that PCA prohibits the use of a hand-held cell phones/devices while driving in our school parking lots.

Following our traffic patterns and observing the school’s 10 mph speed limit is critical to everyone’s safety. Additionally, we try to maintain a positive relationship with our neighbors and refrain from turning around on their streets or in their driveways. We are depending on you to make the pick-up/drop-off of our students safe. Thank you very much for your cooperation in this matter.

Please also remember to place your PCA stickers on the bottom driver’s side corner of the windshield. Mrs. Erwin, PCA Security Officer

Just a reminder that, under our new Continuous Enrollment program, your child’s enrollment for next year is guaranteed!  Please see the information for Continuous Enrollment below.  If your plans have changed, you must fill out an Intent to Withdraw form before April 30, 2021, or you will be responsible for 10% of tuition.

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. 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.

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.  The form is found on our website under Parent Resources (other forms).

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 734-459-3505×3190)

Our 6th Grade Safety Team is serving our Elementary students and helping to keep our campus running smoothly and safely. Ever since the school year began in August, these students have been arriving to school early and staying late each day taking care of various tasks. They are busy raising and lowering the flags, opening the doors as students arrive and leave campus, escorting young students between buildings and to After-School Care, monitoring the campus, ensuring laptop carts are in good working order and ready for classrooms and much more! Being a 6th grade safety is an important job and these students take this responsibility very seriously! 6th Grader, Addison Collins says she enjoys being a safety because she enjoys helping people. We are so thankful for these students serving day in and day out, and the joy they show on their faces when doing this great service to the Lord and our PCA school community. Thank you for your service, 6th grade students! We are so proud of you!

Wyatt Batson, Ellyana Blume, Gabriel Bookout, Brenden Brodhagen, Vianne Buchler, Addison Collins, Kaley Craig, Carter Dattilio, Jaidyn Edwards, Kara Grenoble, Maddie Gust, Katelyn Hock, Charis Imlach, Analiese Janda, Henry Jessee, Laila Kirby, Lucas Kurtycz, Maddie McGregor, Gabby Moore ,Carly Nimmo ,Simon Racho ,Grant Ramseyer, Emma Rybkin, Reagan Schils, Alexandria Shelton, Rosalie Sieloff

PCA’s Math Olympics Team faced off against several schools in our district in our annual ACSI Math Olympics Event. After four rounds of testing, student test scores were sent off to the official scoring station at Rockford Christian. Officials will tabulate scores and results will be sent mid-April.

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.

All awards and certificates will be given out during various awards assemblies at the end of the year. Great job, PCA!

March Is Reading Month!

Mrs. Manning’s 5th graders completed their Mystery Book Boxes this week and presented their projects to one another in class. After reading a mystery book of their choice, students decorated boxes with the story elements and some creative flair!

Each student put a few items inside their boxes to symbolize a scene from their story, just like the clues needed to solve a mystery.

Be sure to check out this awesome work in the library over the next few weeks!

Hands-On Heart Dissection; Middle School Science

Dissecting a heart is a hands on experience allowing students to improve on laboratory skills. Seeing the actual organ and the differences between the right and left sides of the heart corresponds to the principle of form following function.

The muscle on the right side is smaller because it only pumps to the lungs. While the left side is much thicker because it is responsible for getting blood to the entire body. The students also trace the flow of blood through the heart, using lab tools and seeing the valves that prevent the back flow of blood. Science involves more than a textbook we prove what we have learned from the book in the lab.

Mrs. Hope, PCA Middle School Science Teacher

Calling all Juniors!

Have you registered for a spring ACT test yet? PCA is a national test center for the ACT. We will be hosting the ACT on April 17 (March 12 registration deadline) and June 12 (May 7 registration deadline). interested in taking the ACT need to register online at www.act.org and request PCA as your testing location.

The earlier you register for the test, the more likely you will get your first choice of testing center. See Mrs. Zambeck if you have questions.,

Next Steps in the PCA Journey!

Sixth Grade Parent Meeting about Middle School and the Eighth Grade Parent Meeting about High School at PCA will be recorded and sent out next week! Look for an email from Mrs. Zambeck with a link to the recorded meetings and information about scheduling classes for the 2021-22 school year.

Tuesday, March 16; Sixth Grade Meet and Greet the Middle School during the school day.

Scheduling for the 2021-22 school year has begun! Information about selecting classes was distributed by Mrs. Zambeck in English classes this week. Students are asked to complete the worksheet and turn in to Mrs. Zambeck by Monday, March 22nd. Don’t forget to submit them in your student portal also! In the student portal, select “Course Requests” on the top toolbar. On the next page, click on the link “Secondary Course Selection 2021-22”. Select your 8 class choices (2 elective choices for middle school students), then don’t forget to hit “submit” at the bottom of the page. That deadline is March 22nd also. Please contact Mrs. Zambeck with any questions!

PCA high school robotics participated in a virtual event around the NASA Perseverance landing on Mars.  Invited by Senator Gary Peters, the panel included one student from each NASA-sponsored team, NASA experts, and business leaders/engineers involved in aerospace and was live-streamed as a public event. PCA robotics became a NASA-sponsored team this year and is looking forward to working with them.

Congratulations to high school robotics team member, Nolan Chubb, as a FIRST Robotics Dean’s List Nominee. Nominees are chosen by the team mentors.

Software in-person meetings next week: T, TR

Mechanical in-person meeting next week: T, TR, Friday

Business team meeting next week: To be announced

If you would like to attend virtually, please email a request to the team mentor.

We are proud of our PCA Cheer Team! The girls took second place at the All Conference MIAC meet at Whitmore Lake.

Our seniors are:

Rachel Brugger, Rachel Paulin, and Kayla Allen

Apple’s iOS 12 Parental Controls // Tech Review

Apple may be one of the most profitable companies in the world, but are the parental controls they’ve built into iOS 12 any good?

In the latest version of its mobile operating system for iPhones and iPads, Apple has created more baked-in controls for parents than ever before. While not necessarily a replacement for standalone filtering and/or monitoring software such as Net Nanny, or Covenant Eyes, Apple’s Family Sharing and Screen Time features in iOS 12 provide a substantial number of options for parents looking to help keep their kids safe when using phones and tablets.

To help you get a handle on all the features available to you and your family right out of the box, Plugged In associate editor Kristin Smith dug into iOS 12’s new parental control features in order to provide a helpful hands-on walkthrough for parents whose kids use Apple devices or who are considering whether or not now is the time to allow their child to have a phone or a tablet.

VidAngel’s Netflix and Amazon Prime Filtering // Tech Review

For some, movie and TV filtering is the white whale of the family entertainment business—an elusive tool that gives viewers the ability to watch otherwise good movies without the problematic content. VidAngel, a relatively new player in the game of entertainment filtering technology, is trying to buck the trend of fad filtering services that quickly fizzle. With the fate of their original business model hanging in the balance due to a court case brought against them by four of the major movie studios, VidAngel pivoted towards a new filtering frontier: your Netflix and Amazon Instant Video queue. In light of that, we wanted to show you a hands-on breakdown of how VidAngel’s new Netflix and Amazon Prime filtering service actually works in real life.

Video Game Controls and Filters

Video game use can be another potentially problematic issue for the average family. All those many, many different games sing out with their siren’s call, and the kids are pulled in like lonely sailors. There’s fun to be had, but what about all the nasty stuff that some of those games contain? Well, game reviews from Plugged In can certainly give you information that will be helpful in your game buying choices. But each of the major consoles also come with some parental controls designed to help Mom and Dad out, too.

Tune in next week for more!

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 click on the “Become A Fine Arts Patron TODAY!” button at the right to visit out website.

Thank you to the following Fine Arts Patrons:

Platinum Patron; Alicia Allen

Silver Patron; Lyndy McGregor, Gina and Brian Zsadney

Bronze Patron; Dwayne Barker, Robyn and John McHugh, Robert Dotson

Purple Patron; Rodney and Kara Corwin