November 30, 2015  |  Visit Our Website
School News & Events                             
We invite you to join us for our upcoming PCA Christmas Celebrations.
Our Lower School Christmas Chapel will be held next Wednesday, December 9th at 9 am. 
The Upper School Christmas Concert takes place next Thursday, December 10th at 6:30 pm. Both events will be held in the ECBC Worship Center.  We hope you will join us during this glorious season as we celebrate the birth of Christ. 
Answering God's Call Leads To Mission Trip To Honduras   
Written by PCA Mom Cassy Andrus
It's a blank canvas.  It's an unwritten story.  In Amy Adkins case, it was an open heart.  The 4th grade teacher from Palmetto Christian Academy was attending one of her Bible studies when she knew the Holy Spirit was calling her to go on a mission trip.  Adkins is a veteran to the missions field, having mainly gone to Europe with her husband to help with athletic and English camps.  However, this beckoning was a little out of her comfort zone.  This time God whispered to go to South America and without her husband.  It was Adkins first "all-girl" mission trip.  "It was unusual for me. It was good for me to do it.  It made me more dependent on Him." 
Adkins attends St. Peter's Church along with 12 other spirit-filled women that were challenged by their Pastor's wife, Reese Johnston, to plan a "retreat" for the workers of the LAMB Institute. Located in the poverty-stricken area of Flor de Campo in Honduras's capital city of Tegucigalpa, the LAMB Institute is a Christ-centered, multifaceted ministry that cares for those suffering from extreme poverty, abuse and exploitation.  Founded in 1999 by missionary Suzy McCall, LAMB operates an elementary school, a youth outreach program, and a microcredit program for small businesses.  That's not all. Its clear McCall not only has a heart for the children of Honduras, but courage as well. LAMB also has a children's home and a safe house for victims of human trafficking. It's abundantly clear why McCall reached out to her friends back in Charleston for help in planning a retreat for the LAMB workers in need of much deserved respite.
The ladies planned the trip for 2 months before arriving in Honduras. Adkins' team would use their talents to lead the children and the staff in learning more about God's love through a series of teachings to playing games, creating crafts and handing out lots of candy to some very grateful children.  "God takes our individual gifts and uses them for His work," Adkins comments.  "Everyone was united and encouraging," she speaks of her fellow missionaries. 
Adkins smiles when she admits her gift was helping with the logistics of the trip, but recalls a precious moment when the talents of painting translated to a beautiful memory of a 10-year-old girl named Yarely.  Yarely, a child from the LAMB Institute was to be adopted by Brad and Misty Tapscott, a couple in Adkins' church. However, Yarely lost her life to a brain tumor and went home to heaven in September of this year.  Misty also made this journey to Honduras, the first since Yarley's funeral.  She and the team had a chance to visit the burial site of Yarley, which is set upon a mountain and has been captured with a rainbow in the backdrop.  It was this peaceful scene that was painted by the staff and the children of the LAMB Institute.  Offering them a way to remember Yarely.  "They took a tragic situation and used it for His glory," recollects Adkins.
By the end of the trip, the group had been able to care for the people at LAMB just as McCall was hoping.  "They were thankful for the love and encouragement.  They felt fed and revived," mentions Adkins. 
Sometimes you begin your adventure with small steps. One thought could lead to a written story. One brush stroke full of color could create a masterpiece.  For Amy Adkins, it was one whisper to her open heart that changed lives for all of eternity.  
PCA Art Teacher Edits Book for Flood Relief  
Faith In Action 
When PCA art teacher Nicole Seitz' brother-in-law's home flooded last month, they lost nearly everything. Seeing the statewide devastation, Seitz reached out to her author friends to contribute a water-themed story, essay or poem to an anthology with all proceeds going toward water-disaster relief. On November 17th, 
When You Pass Through Waters: Words of Hope and Healing from Your Favorite Authors was released. 
Contributing Authors include: Lisa Wingate, Karen White, Bret Lott, Cassandra King, Marjory Wentworth, Jolina Petersheim, Denise Hildreth Jones, Signe Pike, Michael Bassett, Fred Bassett, Eva Marie Everson, Batt Humphreys, Nicole Seitz, Julie Cantrell, Shellie Rushing Tomlinson, Dianne Miley, Dorothy McFalls, and Sarah Loudin Thomas. Seitz' artwork is on the cover. 
Visit www.waterbooks.net for more information on the project as well as upcoming events. A launch party will be held on Friday evening, December 11th at Blue Bicycle Books in downtown Charleston.
Get Your 2016 PCA Artwork Calendar Today!
The high school art class of 2014-15 created a beautiful calendar for the 2016 year. Throughout the calendar, you will find twelve gorgeous watercolor Charleston landscapes. The picture on your right is the featured artwork for the month of August.
See Art Teacher Nicole Seitz in the art room for copies while they last. A suggested donation of $15 per calendar goes directly to PCA Fine Arts.
The Annual Book Fair Is Coming To PCA!
Get a jump start on your Christmas shopping, foster a love for reading, and support our school... 
all at the same time!
Join us for the annual
PCA Book Fair from Tuesday, December 8th to Thursday, December 10th from 7:30 am to 3:30 pm in the ECBC library.  
Every dollar spent at the fair equals two scholastic dollars for us to purchase books for the school library!  Wow!  We will have "Wish Lists" for each teacher posted, so you can help build our classroom libraries, too.  If you cannot make it to the Book Fair, you can shop online by clicking here.
You can start shopping online now! All books ordered online will be shipped to PCA before Christmas break. They will be bagged with your child's name and will be ready to go home for the holidays.  

You can also help by volunteering for the Book Fair. Sign up for a brief time slot and help make this year's event a huge success.


Thank you all in advance for supporting our school! We look forward to seeing you next week!
National Honor Society Inducts New Members














Congratulations to our 2015 National Honor Society Inductees!
Our newest members were inducted just prior to our Thanksgiving break into this premier organization which recognizes outstanding high school students across the nation.  NHS honors those students who have demonstrated excellence in the areas of scholarship, leadership, service, and character. 
Congratulations to the following inductees:   
Sam Biggerstaff, Peyton Emerson, Katie Keenan, Andrew Lindenmeyer, Grant Lonneman, Shelby Muirhead, Emma Patrick, Michael Pernell, Jackson Shogren, Anissa Watson, Reeves McAlhany, Ethan McGaha, Ashley Grace Putnam, Eric Salem, Allan Sloan, Carter Tappan, Tanner Tappan, Cole Treece, and Tristan Lonneman.
Our new members joined current members for a picture following the induction ceremony.  
Chapter membership not only recognizes students for their accomplishments, but challenges them to develop further through active involvement in school activities and community service. 
Celebrate The Season With PCA's Middle School Choir
PCA's Middle School Choir students are preparing for a busy season of singing this year.  You'll enjoy hearing the talented voices of our Middle School Choir throughout December.
Mark your calendars for the upcoming Christmas performances that you won't want to miss!

Thursday, December 3rd:  7th & 8th Grade Choir go to Y102.5 to sing on air!
Thursday, December 10th: PCA Christmas Concert at 6:30 p.m.
Monday, December 14th:  6th Grade Choir sing at Summit Place on Daniel Island
Monday, December 21st:  Listen to the 7th & 8th Choir sing at 5 pm on radio station Y102.5
Spreading Thanksgiving Cheer At Assisted Living Facility
Written by PCA Mom Cassy Andrus
Just prior to our Thanksgiving Break, 
the PCA 5th grade class performed an encore presentation of the very popular rendition of 
"The Frost is on the Pumpkin" to the residents 
of the assisted living facility, the Savannah House.  Dressed in their country charm of flannel and blue jeans, the students also recited passages from Colossians, followed by fun songs such as "Mr. Turkey" and "Over the River and Through the Woods". 
In the audience were 5th grade teacher Rozanne Lamar's mother and dozens of other smiling faces.  
After the performance, the class passed out hand-made cards as they mingled with the residents.  What a blessing to have our younger and older generations share a moment with song and a smile!
PCA Families Exceed Operation Christmas Child Goal
Realizing the power of a simple gift, our Lower School families participated in Operation Christmas Child providing shoeboxes full of items to bless 
children around the world and to share the love of Christ. We exceeded our goal of 149 boxes (representing 1 from each Lower School family) having collected over 160 boxes!  What a joy to be able to share the Good News of Great Joy in this tangible way with children around the world! 
Thank you to all of our families who took part in Operation Christmas Child!
Preschool Press - The Power Of A Simple Gift











Touching Lives Through Operation Christmas Child
Our smallest students also wanted to reach out to others and show that giving small gifts that can have a huge impact on a child in need.  PCA Preschoolers collected a total of 39 shoeboxes to bless children around the world! Thank you to our Preschool families for your generosity!
3rd Graders Learn The History Of Native American Cultures
November is designated as Native American Heritage month.
Mrs. Bahadur's 3rd Grade class recently discovered the rich ancestry and traditions of Native Americans
through dynamic class study and a fascinating group project.  The class explored the culture of several different Native American tribes, and created detailed representations of the land, clothing, and homes of these tribes. The students learned that the Cherokee built wattle and daub houses by weaving wood and vines into a frame, then coating the frame with plaster.  After researching the Cherokee, Edisto, and Catawba tribes, our 3rd graders have a much deeper understanding of the significant contributions and diverse cultures of early Native Americans.
New Items Featured In Spirit Store!
Looking for fun Christmas gifts?  We have just what you need!  
We are thrilled to announce that the PCA Booster Club Spirit Store has added two new items.
Lounge around with plenty of school spirit this Christmas in 
a pair of Flannel PJ Pants complete with the PCA logo.
Adult sizes are $35 and are available in small, medium, large, and x-large.
Preteen sizes are $30 and are available in small, medium, and large.
Youth sizes are $30 and are available in small and medium only.

Do you need a bag to carry
your Eagle wear?  We've 
got you covered with this
new navy duffle bag with
PCA embroidered logo. It's 
a nice, sturdy bag ready to
travel wherever you go! 
Purchase your Eagle Duffle
Bag for $35 from our Spirit Store.

These items will be available for order on the PCA Online Spirit Store beginning this Wednesday, December 2nd.  
Or, shop our Spirit Store this Friday, December 4th.  We'll be open from 2 pm to 6 pm in the PCA hallway. 
Spirit Night At Chick-fil-A On December 8th
Eat chicken. Raise Moo-lah for PCA!
Join us on Tuesday, December 8th for 
PCA Spirit Night at 
Chick-fil-A!
Where? Chick-fil-A at 1024 Johnnie Dodds Blvd. in Mount Pleasant
When? Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner! Chick-fil-A has graciously offered to run the promotion all day.

In order for our school to receive the proceeds, you must tell the cashier before you order that you are with PCA.
The class with the highest participation in Grades K-5 will receive a nugget platter.  To qualify for the platter, write the names of your children and their homeroom teachers on the receipt and drop it in the box on the Chick-fil-A counter labeled PCA.
Deadline Is Tomorrow For Booster Club Student Scholarship
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. 
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].
Exam Schedule For Grades 8-12
Here's a look at the exam schedule for our 8th-12th Grade students.
Exams will take place from 8 am to 11:05 am each day. 
Please note that you will 
not need to order lunches for students in Grades 8-12 on exam days.

Monday, December 14th:
1A (8:00-9:30) and 2A (9:35-11:05)         
Tuesday, December 15th:
1B and 2B                               
Wednesday, December 16th:                   
3B and 4B 
Thursday, December 17th:                       
3A and 4A                            
Friday, December 18th:                            
Make-up exam day      
  
** Students in 8th-12th grades do NOT need to come to school on Friday UNLESS making up a missed exam.
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                                        
Basketball Season Kicks Off With Home Games
JV Boys Team
The Eagles kicked off the basketball season with home games on Friday, November 20th against Orangeburg Prep.
Here's a look at the results:
Our Varsity Boys team kept it close but lost 37-48.
It was a high scoring game for Matthew Fitts who led with 19 points.
Chase Garber added another 7, and Jackson Shogren tacked on   6 more points on the scoreboard.

Our Varsity Girls team played a tough game but fell 46-64. Lindsay Ellington had 15 points for the Lady Eagles, with both Mackenzie Patrick and Lauren Pernell adding 10 each.

It was a great start to the season for our JV Boys team who beat Orangeburg Prep 46-21. Thomas Michel scored 18 points to lead our team to a win.

The JV Girls game came down to the wire, but the Lady Eagles couldn't quite get the upper hand and lost 20-25.

Be sure to come out and cheer on the Eagles tomorrow, Tuesday, December 1st at Calhoun.  JV games begin at 4 pm.  Varsity games begin at 6 pm.
Trident Basketball Schedule Released December 2nd
Trident Basketball Game Schedules will be posted this Wednesday, December 2nd for all teams participating in the league.
You can find your child's schedule by checking the Trident Basketball website at 
Go PCA!!!
Booster Club Meeting This Wednesday
Be sure to join us this Wednesday, December 2nd at 6:30 pm for our Athletic Booster Club Meeting.
We'll meet in the ECBC library.
On the agenda... basketball concessions and the annual Dodgeball tournament.
Come share your thoughts and be a part of the future of 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

Basketball Concessions - Click here

Basketball Admissions - 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 29 & 30 - Asheville Literary Field Trip
  • December 2nd - Athletic Booster Club Meeting
  • December 8-10 - PCA Book Fair
  • December 8 - Spirit Night at Chick-fil-A
  • December 9 - Lower School Christmas Chapel
  • December 10 - Upper School Christmas Concert
  • December 11 - Last Day of Preschool (Christmas break)
  • December 14-17 - High School Exams
  • December 15 - Anticipated PSAT results available
Palmetto Christian Academy | | [email protected] | 361 Egypt Road
Mount Pleasant, SC 29466