November 9, 2015  |  Visit Our Website
School News & Events                             
You're Invited To PCA's Thanksgiving Chapel Tomorrow Night
We invite all PCA parents to join us for a very special evening, as we praise God for His faithfulness during Thanksgiving Chapel on Tuesday, November 10th at 6 pm in the ECBC Worship Center.
All Lower School students will be performing along with the Middle School Choir, Middle School Band, High School Choir, and our PCA Worship Band. 
We hope you will make plans to join us for this joyful event!
Christ In The Marketplace Career Inquiry Day  
How can you find Christ's calling in the marketplace?
What does it take to be successful in your career so that you can fulfill God's purposes for your future?
This Wednesday our students in Grades 8-12 will hear from dynamic speakers from a variety of professions as they share their work experiences and their commitment to pursue Christ in all things.

The schedule for Grades 8-12 this day will be:
8:00-11:15    First 4 academic periods (remain the same as scheduled; no chapel)
11:15-11:30  Lunch/snack in 4th period classroom
11:35-11:55  Speaker #1
12:00-12:20  Speaker #2
12:25-12:45  Speaker #3
12:45            Dismiss
High School Juniors Depart For British Lit/College Tour
PCA Students enjoy last year's College Tour
This week from Wednesday, November 11th through Friday, November 13th, 
our High School Juniors will participate in PCA's Annual British Lit/College Tour.
Campus visits will include a stop at Anderson University, Clemson University, and Furman University. 
Students will also see a British play at Anderson 
and attend Clemson's Fellowship of Christian Athletes worship service.
The College Tour will expose students to a variety of colleges... large and small, public and independent, professional and liberal arts, and Christian and secular.
We Can't Wait To See Our Alumni! 
Faculty members Kelly Cooper and Sally Pascutti
Calling all PCA Alumni!
You are invited to join us for an Alumni Dinner on Thursday, November 12th
at 7 pm at  
Monterrey's Restaurant in Central, South Carolina.
Dinner is on PCA!
We can't wait to reconnect with our PCA graduates.  Be sure to spread the word!
Lower School Computer Lab Improving Technology Skills
Written by PCA Mom Cassy Andrus
Our world today is ever changing and increasingly dominated by technology.  
It's evident by that little computer you have in your back pocket or purse right now.  Or how about that infamous YouTube video of an infant not knowing to actually turn the pages of a magazine placed in front of her, but rather she "touches" the pages, frustrated the image doesn't instantly change. 
In this season of Thanksgiving, we should be counting our blessings to have Lower School Technology Coordinator, Gina Winz, leading the charge of PCA's Integrated Curriculum using computers to complement traditional subject areas.  A native of Las Vegas, Nevada, Winz arrived to PCA in 2012 and built the Lower School Computer Program from the ground up.  "It's still not perfect, but the kids are so patient... so gracious."         
Mrs. Adkins' 4th grade class sat quietly at their computer stations being tested on their keyboarding skills for speed and accuracy.  This is one of Corban Kassinger's favorite things to do in Computer Lab.  "Typing Pal is a great way to practice how fast you are typing," 10-year-old Kassinger admits to enjoying the personal challenge.  "It's fun!  It helps me with my hand-eye coordination because I play sports."  That's pretty savvy of Kassinger to realize there is more than one benefit to brushing up on your computer skills. 
In fact, there are many advantages of learning computer technology at the elementary school level.  Obviously, access to information is a large factor.  "I notice in today's society, everything we need is at our fingertips...everything is a right now," Winz adds.  She continues by stating sometimes the students don't know how to get where they need to go.  Therefore, Winz teaches proper research techniques in order for the students to find their correct Internet destination. Fourth grader, Liam Eller, echoes it's importance, "I can look up things for school, like, history, science or medicine."
Teaching computer technology at an early age can also help create a learning environment in which students are more confident, creative and productive.  "I totally agree it can build a student's confidence," nods Winz.  "It can be intimidating to push buttons.  But I tell them not to be afraid to explore."  Winz teaches her students about the "Forgiveness Button".  This is the "undo" or "back" button, but she stresses to the kids there is almost nothing that can't be fixed. 
As Mrs. Adkins' class finished their lesson for the day, some students had time to play games.  "I want parents to know there is a purpose behind the games," stresses Winz.  For instance, Kassinger goes to ABCya.com and clicks on "Lightbot", a program that teaches the beginnings of computer coding.  Although the software may change throughout the years, coding is a constant.  Looks like Kassinger and his fellow classmates are on the right path to success that is being helped paved by Ms. Winz one keystroke at a time.
Flu Mist Vaccine Consent Forms Due This Wednesday
PCA will be offering a voluntary flu vaccine on Tuesday, November 17th. 
PCA is partnering with Unity Health and Wellness, LLC to provide the nasal mist vaccine to students in Preschool through Grade 12. 
If you would like for your child to receive the nasal mist flu vaccine, you must complete the consent form and return it to the school no later than this Wednesday, November 11th.
Audiences Loved Our Middle School Play! 
"The Hundred Dresses", performed by our Middle School Drama Department, was a big hit with audiences over the weekend.  Friday night's performance and Saturday's matinee were both sold out!
Our cast of actors, along with those students involved in sound, lighting, and props did a marvelous job.
Thank you to everyone who attended and supported the cast and crew.
A huge thank you to Middle School Drama teacher Jenni Brown for her hard work and dedication in bringing this play to life!
Booster Club Offers Student Scholarship for Spring 2016!
The Booster Club is thrilled to announce a partial scholarship for current PCA students in grades 6th -12th for the 2016 Spring Semester.
The Booster Club believes that the teamwork, determination and persistence fostered through participation in athletics will benefit PCA students now and in their future endeavors. It is the goal of the Booster Club to foster a well balanced student-athlete.
The applications are available online under the Admissions tab, then under Financial Assistance or by clicking here.

All interested candidates must apply by December 1, 2015.
Scholarships will be awarded December 7, 2015.


Questions? Contact Lisa Shimakonis, Director of Admissions, at [email protected].
Preschool Parents: Join Us For Kindergarten Open House
Calling all PK4 Parents 
and Friends of PCA...  
You are invited to attend a PCA Kindergarten Open House on Wednesday, November 18th
It will begin with Preschool Chapel which starts at 9:10 am in the ECBC Worship Center.
You will have a chance to hear from one of our Kindergarten teachers and see what K5 is all about at PCA. We will also tour the Kindergarten wing and visit a classroom. It will be a great way to gain more information about our Kindergarten program. 
We will have Starbucks and everyone is invited, so please share the date and invite friends and neighbors. 
For additional information, please email Lisa Shimakonis at 
Mark Your Calendars For Used Uniform Sale
Written by PTF Co-Chair Margaret O'Hanley
Lost and Found is overflowing but it won't be for long! Come rescue your sweatshirts, PE clothes, shoes and lunchboxes before 
you have to buy them back from us at our Used Uniform Sale! 
All items from Lost and Found will be cleared out and added to our inventory for the PCA sale or donated to charity THIS FRIDAY.   

With the cooler weather approaching, many of you have asked for sweatshirts or PE clothes for your growing children, so we are having a Used Uniform Sale on Wednesday, November 18th from 2 to 3:30 pm. We will bring in the sweats and PE clothes mainly and not the full inventory for this quick sale. 
Nothing will be over $5 and all proceeds will go to bless our lovely teachers. Please contact us at [email protected]
with questions or if you can help with the sale.
Kindergarten Students Visit West Farm Corn Maze
This past Friday, all three Kindergarten classes were finally able to visit the West Farm Corn Maze in Moncks Corner. The classes had originally been scheduled for the field trip in October, but 
the trip was rained out.
It was a delightful day for our precious Kindergarten students! They enjoyed a hayride, decorated pumpkins, saw livestock and loved feeding the goats, had a science lesson about corn and corn products, and explored a corn maze!
Here's what several of the students had to say about 
their fascinating field trip:

"My favorite thing was painting pumpkins... I learned to not stick my hands into the fence with the goats." --Addyson

"My favorite thing was going on the hayride... I learned to not be loud because the cows will run away." --Langston

"My favorite thing was going on the corn maze...I learned that corn is in M&M's, crayons, medicine, and toothpaste!" --Coco

"My favorite things were the corn maze and painting the pumpkins. I learned that popcorn kernels have more water than normal corn (kernels)." --Tanner
Eagles In The News
Mack Poston - 8th Grade
Congratulations to Mack Poston for being selected to the Limestone College Middle School Honor Band Clinic!
Mack is only the third PCA band student to be given this opportunity.  The 8th grade clarinet player will travel to Limestone College on November 19th -21st for the honor band clinic.  
Mack says he is very grateful for the experience. "I appreciate Mr. Doll giving me an opportunity to grow and test my abilities outside the classroom." 
Middle School Band Director 
Mike Doll is one of the directors 
of the two Limestone honorbands. He has been leading a group there for the past seven years.   
Early Release Day This Wednesday
We want to remind you that Wednesday, November 11th 
is an Early Release Day for our students. 
Grades K-4th will dismiss at 11:30 am.
Grades 5-7th will dismiss at 11:45 am.
Grades 8-12th will participate in Christ In The Marketplace and will dismiss at 12:45 pm.
We hope you enjoy your day!

Get Connected - Like Us On Facebook
Have you seen us on Facebook?  Get the latest news... see what's happening inside the school... 
and enjoy pictures of everyday events here at PCA.
Like us on Facebook today!  Click the Facebook icon to your right to get started now.
Eagle Athletics                                        
Varsity Girls Tennis Team Celebrate Season

The Varsity Girls Tennis team celebrated with an end of season party last night.
The girls team qualified for the playoffs but lost in the 1st round to Trinity Byrnes who ended up being the 2A State Runner-up.
Overall the team was 6-9 for the season.  They faced some tough competition including 3A State Runner-up Ashley Hall and Porter Gaud.  The team did enjoy a big win over top competitor Pinewood Prep.
The Varsity Team is comprised of 21 girls from Grades 6th - 11th.
Coach Dewey Caulder says he is proud of the team and looks forward to a bright future ahead. "The girls worked as hard as any group I've ever had starting with summer challenges.  Having everyone back next year and planning to work even harder from now to the next school year begins, I feel confident we will have an even more successful season."
Important Trident Basketball Update
Trident Registration has now officially wrapped up and teams have been formed.  Coaches will be receiving their rosters and practice times by tomorrow.  All registered players should be contacted sometime this week with practice times and locations.
The Trident League does not produce a schedule until the week of Thanksgiving.  However, games normally start around the first week of December.  
You can visit www.tridentbasketball.com for more information on the league and important updates throughout the season.
Annual Basketball BBQ Kickoff Is A Success!
The Annual Basketball BBQ Kickoff was held last Thursday night and the evening was a huge success.  The 2015/16 boys and girls JV and Varsity teams were introduced following their pre-game drills.  After the introductions, the players were split into two teams and faced off in a 10 minute scrimmage.  Thomas Michel scored the first points of the season and several others scored on the way to an 11-8 victory for the blue team.  During the "challenge" section, fans purchased tickets and challenged the player(s) of their choice to any of several different games (P-I-G, 2 on 2, 5 on 5, free throws, etc).  With MC Dewey Caulder on the mic, we brought in $7500 in pledges. 

Also included during the festivities were two videos.  The first video highlighted the teams' proposed service project - the Leah Strong campaign to raise awareness of pediatric cancer.  The second video highlighted three recent PCA graduates as they are now competing in college.  Haley Hester, Chris DeMarco and Corey Caulder presented words of encouragement to current and future PCA athletes while describing how PCA prepared them for success at the college level - academically and athletically.

Thank you to everyone who attended for supporting PCA Athletics!
Sign Up To Volunteer - School, Sports and More!!!
We Need Your Help... Concessions, Lunches and Spirit Store
Take a minute to see where you can volunteer your time and sign up online in one quick and easy step!

Lunch Volunteers - Click here

Spirit Store - Click here

K-2nd Grade Breakroom - Click here

3rd-7th Grade Breakroom - Click here

Fine Arts Breakroom - Click here

PCA Office Administration Breakroom - Click here
Important Dates to Remember
  • November 10 - Thanksgiving Chapel
  • November 11 - Early Release Day
  • November 11 - Christ In The Marketplace (reminder - 12:45 release for Grades 8th - 12th)
  • November 11-13 - College Tour
  • November 19 - FCA Breakfast
  • November 20 - 2nd Quarter Progress Reports
  • November 23-27 - Thanksgiving Break
  • November 29 & 30 - Asheville Literary Field Trip
Palmetto Christian Academy | | [email protected] | 361 Egypt Road
Mount Pleasant, SC 29466