The Chronicle - December 2018

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The

Chronicle YMEDACA NAITSIRHC NOTGNIXEL •ELCINORHC EHT • 8102 REBMECED

THE DECEMBER ISSUE

Lexington Christian Academy (859) 422-5700 www.lexingtonchristian.org


A Message From Mr. Cliff Iler Chair, Board of Directors

IN THIS ISSUE BOARD REPORT - 3 FAITH, SERVICE, - 4 EXCELLENCE TEACHER PROFILES - 5

1st Grade 8th Grade (Specials)

Dear LCA Families and Friends, “And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.’ Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.’ When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.’ So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.”

ALUMNI PROFILE - 8

Stacy Pieratt BOARD MEMBER PROFILE - 9

Tina Navis SENIOR STAFF PROFILE - 10

John Morgan LCA HAPPENINGS - 11 #LCAIN5 - 14

PICTURED ON THE COVER The LCA Chorus presented "The Joy of Christmas" in two amazing shows on December 6 & 7.

As we focus on the Christmas message and the wonder it conveys, let us give praise to God for the precious gift He gave. All of us at Lexington Christian Academy, the board of directors, administrators, staff and teachers want to wish your family a very Merry Christmas. May the New Year bring joy, peace, and happiness to you and your family.

Clifton Iler

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DECEMBER 2018

The elementary band performed during the LCA Instrumental Music Program's Christmas Concert on December 13.


Updates from the December board meeting held on Monday, December 17, 2018.

Advancement Terri Morrical, our advancement committee chairperson, provided an update on the school’s upcoming annual celebration, “Faith, Service and Excellence - Celebrating 30 Years of Christ-Centered Education with Special Guest, Tim Tebow.” Donations received at the event will support the following areas: educational enhancements, technology infrastructure, and facility renovations. The event will be held on January 19 at Immanuel Baptist Church. Tickets are currently on sale. For more information on VIP packages and sponsorship information, please contact Terry Johnson at tjohnson@lexingtonchristian.org.

Education The education committee would like to thank all the families who participated in the school calendar survey. The committee used these results as they compiled their recommendation for the 2019-2020 calendar. The board approved the committee’s recommendation. "Major dates" for 2019-20 can be found below:

2019-20 Calendar August 7 - First Day for Teachers August 14 - First Day of School for Students (TK-12th Grade) August 15 - First Day of School for Preschool Students (Tu/Th Programs & M-F Programs) August 16 - First Day of School for Preschool Students (MWF Programs) September 2 - Labor Day Holiday (No School – Offices Closed) October 3-4 - Fall Break (No School) October 9 - Early Dismissal Day November 5 - Election Day (No School – Offices Closed) November 11-12 - No School (Kentucky Baptist State Convention at IBC) November 25-29 - Thanksgiving Break (No School) (Offices Closed Nov 28-29) December 23-January 3 - Christmas Break (No School) (Offices Closed Dec. 24, 25, 31 and Jan. 1) January 6 - Students & Teachers Return January 20 - Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday (No School – Offices Closed) February 17 - Presidents’ Day Holiday (No School – Offices Closed) February 19 - Early Dismissal Day March 30-April 3 - Spring Break (No School) April 10 - Good Friday Holiday (No School – Offices Closed) May 22 - Last Day of School May 25 - Memorial Day Holiday (Offices Closed) May 27 - Last Day for Teachers THE CHRONICLE

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DECEMBER 2018


BOARD REPORT

Education (continued) In addition to presenting the 2019-2020 calendar, Lori Graham, our education chair shared a recommendation to change the waiver requirements for advanced 8th grade classes in our junior high. (The committee did not present changes to the waivers pertaining to advanced 7th grade classes.) The 8th grade advanced class waiver changes include: 8th Grade Advanced English - If a student wants to move from 7th Advanced English to 8th Advanced English, the student must have an 86% in 7th Advanced English in order to be eligible for the waiver. 8th Grade Advanced History - To automatically qualify for 8th Grade Advanced History, the student must have a 92% in both Geography and English. If a 7th Grade English student wants to submit a waiver in order to seek admittance to 8th Grade Advanced History, he or she must have a 90% in both Geography and 7th Grade English. If the student seeking the waiver takes 7th Grade Advanced English, he or she must have a 90% in Geography and 86% in 7th Grade Advanced English. 8th Grade Advanced Science - If a student wants to move from 7th Grade Advanced Science to 8th Grade Advanced Science, the student must have an 86% in 7th Grade Advanced Science in order to be eligible for the waiver. The approved changes will go into effect for the spring semester and beyond.

Event tickets

make great

Christmas gifts!

Presenting Sponsors

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DECEMBER 2018


Meet our wonderful 1st grade teachers. Sharon McKenney, 1st Grade Teacher "The advice I would give to families is don’t put a label on your child. Children grow into and out of behavior patterns. Negative labels can be passed on from year to year and make it impossible for a child to grow to his or her full potential." Education: Bachelor's in Elementary Education Teaching Experience: 13 years at LCA

Lydia Messinger, 1st Grade Teacher "Having taught for the school for 25 years, there are a lot of wonderful memories. I have met so many precious children and families that I will never forget. I always tell the kids that once they are one of my babies, they will always be one of my babies. I have to say though that my favorite memories have been watching my own three children enter these doors and grow up here." Education: Bachelor's and Master's Degrees in Elementary Education Teaching Experience: 25 years at LCA

Melissa Washing, 1st Grade Teacher "Something that many people might not know about me is that I love to sing! I have been singing since I was a little girl and love serving and leading worship in my church. When I was in Israel with some LCA faculty and staff, a few of us got the chance to sing in St. Anne’s Church. This church stands on the spot believed to be where the parents of Mary lived. The acoustics were remarkable!" Education: Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education Teaching Experience: 23 years at LCA

Susan Williams, 1st Grade Teacher "Something fun no one knows about me is that I love living on the farm. I enjoy feeding my cows and watching the new baby calves explore the world around them." Education: Bachelor's and Master's Degrees in Elementary Education Teaching Experience: 18 years (5 years at LCA)

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DECEMBER 2018


Get to know these members of our 8th grade teaching team. Pete Akatsa, Boys PE Teacher "Something fun that not everyone knows about me is that I've climbed Mt. Kenya (the highest mountain in Kenya and the second highest mountain in Africa)." Education: Bachelor's of Science Degree and 12 Hours on a Master's Degree Teaching Experience: 30 years (20 years at LCA)

Kerry Cayse, Art Teacher "I love teaching at LCA because this is such a fun age in which to interact. We can carry on conversations, joke around, and I can get to know them on a more personal level. I also love to see how proud they are of themselves when they make something incredible in art class!" Education: Bachelor's Degree and a nearly complete Master's Degree in Art Education Teaching Experience: 10 years (all at LCA)

Micha Gehring, Drama Teacher "Something fun that no one knows about me is that I can write backwards, in cursive and in print. I can write pages and pages, and it looks like a foreign language until you hold it up to a mirror to read!" Education: Bachelor's Degree in Music Performance and a Master's Degree in Music Education Teaching Experience: 15 years (first year at LCA)

David B. Gentry, Technology Teacher "My favorite LCA memories are of hearing the kids talk about Jesus and being Christians." Education: Air Force (Ret.) Teaching Experience: 3 years (2 years at LCA)

Jenna Gudalis, Girls PE Teacher "One of my favorite LCA memories is that I got the opportunity to teach one of my four kids, my son, Bennett." Education: Bachelor's Degree in Physical Education Teaching Experience: 6 years (4 years at LCA)

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DECEMBER 2018


Get to know these members of our 8th grade teaching team. Tia Matthews, Digital Literacy, Financial Literacy, and Design & Modeling Teacher "Something that no one knows about me is that I have a degree in Interior Design. I was one semester from graduating and wanted to change my major to Education. My parents said, "No! You have to finish this degree, and then you can go back and do something else if that is what you want." Education: Bachelor's Degrees in Interior Design and Education and a Master's Degree in Library Science Teaching Experience: 11 years (2 years at LCA)

Mary Kay Phillips, Spanish Teacher "The advice that I would give to LCA families is to make time for your kids. Put down the cellphones. Check out the video games your kids play, the movies they watch, and the music they listen to. Go to church together. Make memories! You only have them under your roof for a very short time." Education: Bachelor's Degrees in Business Administration and Elementary Education and a Master's Degree in Instructional Media for Educators Teaching Experience: 28 years (3 1/2 at LCA)

Alyse Treesh, French Teacher "My favorite LCA memory was a surprise baby shower one of my French classes threw for me during my first year of teaching here. I have always felt so loved by students and families alike, but that was such a special and unexpected outpouring of love. I’ll never forget it!" Education: Bachelor's Degree in French and Master’s Degrees in French and Francophone Literature and Teaching World Language Teaching Experience: 7 years (3 at LCA)

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DECEMBER 2018


Stacy Pieratt (Class of 1997)

What was it like being one of the first students of The Academy, which later merged with Lexington Christian School to form LCA? I remember growing up feeling so proud to be a part of the “founding” years of LCA. I started kindergarten at The Academy when there were only two grades. The goal of the school at the time was add a class each year, and that’s what they did! My teachers were Ms. McSpaden and Ms. Leaf. We made real life green eggs and ham, and when my father would forget to pick me up I got to do it all over again with the afternoon class. My mom was on the board, and I remember being surrounded by families working so hard, planting all those seeds, creating a place that I am equally as proud to send my own three sons (Hayes, Finn and Asher) to.

Stacy, with her brother Lee, at The Academy.

What are some of your favorite memories from your time at LCA? I wish I could share all of my school memories with you. They are the feel good, forever memories painted by each and every teacher, friend, principal, and parent. For those of you who may not know, after we outgrew Christ Church on the corner of Harrodsburg Road we moved down the road to the Hoover House. It was a big, old, wonderful house where we got to have our school! Our art room was in the attic and taught by the sweetest, most creative woman Miss Grider (later to be Mrs. Judy). In 2nd grade, Mr. Woods hung upside down off of the side of his desk to demonstrate a sloth. Our playground had a raised four square board that was perfect for spiking your three opponents. It was a big deal when The Academy

merged with Lexington Christian School. First, no more uniforms (for a while at least)! Getting to enter high school at the brand new facility that Southland Christian Church had built felt like going to a real school for the first time. Tell us about your life after LCA. After graduating from LCA in 1997, I entered a world scary and bright. Thankfully, I had a rock. A rock that was God, parents who brought me to the rock and a school that taught me to forever trust and lean on the rock. I earned a Bachelor's Degree in Art Administration from The University of Kentucky and immediately started working for my parents. We have a business where we design and import home accessories and artificial florals. My job description and title is always tricky as we all wear a lot of hats in our business. My husband, Tyson, joined us a year ago after teaching middle school art for 15 years. I am so blessed to work and be with my family every day. What's it like having your children attend LCA? When we sent our youngest to preschool at LCA we started hoping and praying that our big boys would be able to attend. Two years later, all three boys were at LCA and at the same campus! Walking down the halls and feeling again, but now as a parent, the overwhelming love our teachers pour into our children – every day. Words are not big enough to explain the strength of our teachers’ love and their pure dedication and our gratitude for them. They make our school what it is – just like it always has been.

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DECEMBER 2018


Tina Navis is beginning her sixth year on the LCA Board of Directors, where she serves as Treasurer and Chair of the Finance Committee. What are some things you would like others to know about you and your family? I’m a Lexington native and graduated from Tates Creek High School and the University of Kentucky. My husband Scott and I met while working as co-ops at Lexmark and married in 1995. We have four children who have graduated or are attending LCA - Taylor (2014), Jonathan (2017), Michael (2020) and Benjamin (2024) Pictured left: Tina's children and husband, Scott.

Why did you accept an offer to serve on LCA's Board of Directors? As a child, I would always go with my dad, who was an Army veteran, to vote since his precinct was housed at my elementary school. He instilled in me that if I didn’t take advantage of the privilege of voicing my opinion in an election, then I had no right to complain if my environment wasn’t everything I wanted it to be. Since I had a full-time job that required me to be in the office during the day, I felt like I was not actively participating in my children’s education. I asked about getting more involved, and was invited to join the Athletics Committee. I didn’t fully understand the role of the board at LCA when I joined, and was even more shocked when a board member later asked if I had ever considered serving on the board. It’s definitely an overwhelming responsibility, but I know that it was God’s calling to serve, and without His divine plan I would not be a part of this team. What professional expertise and skills are you most excited to share with the LCA Board? I have a Bachelor's of Business Administration in Decision Science and Information Systems with an accounting foundation. I’m currently a Senior College Business Analyst in the College of Agriculture, Food & Environment with more than 25 years of experience in budgeting, accounting, and banking at Lexmark, Procter & Gamble, PNC and UK. I never hesitate to ask questions during our meetings - just ask my fellow board members! I’ve returned to the Finance Chair role this year, and I’m extremely grateful for the leadership from our Finance Director John Morgan and his team in the Central Business Office.

Why would you encourage families to send their children to LCA?

What advice would you give to current LCA

There is something for everyone at LCA. As a mother of four, each of my children are distinctly different. LCA has provided them many opportunities to succeed in academics, athletics, fine arts and, character development. The greatest thing LCA provides to children is the needed spiritual foundation for surviving in a world full of sin. I’m grateful for the lifelong friendships we’ve made, and the Christ-like mentors of coaches, teachers and administrators that have partnered with my children to strengthen their walk with God.

Pray for peace, unity and God’s discernment for our school community. The world has so much darkness and division these days, and I know it is Satan trying to create cracks in the foundation of our faith. Let us be examples to one another of God’s profound love and grace. “For even the Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve others and to give His life as a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:28

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families?

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DECEMBER 2018


John Morgan, Director of Finance

Tell us about yourself and your family. What are some things you would like others to know about you? My wife of 25 years, Michelle, and I are blessed with two adult children, Zachary and Cristina, and one adorable twenty month old grandson, Mason Wayne. Michelle and I chose to relocate to Kentucky more than 20 years ago by way of Orlando, Florida and Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. After visiting the area, we decided this is where we wanted to raise our kids. We live on a farm just outside of Berea that is now home to several rescue horses, a few chickens, the occasional cow herd and lots of wildlife. Tell us about your role at LCA. The Lord called me to LCA in January of 2018. As Director of Finance and HR, I serve as LCA's Chief Financial Officer supported by a talented and dedicated team of professionals each with strong connections and love for LCA. Together, we are responsible for HR, accounting, finance, student billing, purchasing, accounts payable, budgeting, insurance, audit and lunch operations. Currently, I am working collaboratively with school leaders, the finance committee and the LCA Board of Directors to prepare the budget for the upcoming school year. Why are you proud to work at LCA? LCA's students make me proud to serve here. As a relative newcomer, I have been moved by how genuinely kind, respectful, and articulate our students are. It is my joy each day experiencing these fine children interacting with friends, teachers, and staff in such a loving place where our Lord is at the heart of it all.

If asked, why would you encourage families to send their children to LCA? I would strongly encourage families who want their children to live, love, and learn in a loving Christ-centered environment to consider LCA.

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DECEMBER 2018


To view many more pictures from LCA's happenings, be sure to follow us on social media. @ LexingtonChristianAcademy

@LCAKYEagles

These students and teachers participated in No Shave November and helped raise nearly $4,000 for Dance Blue.

@lca_ky_eagles

This group of high school students spent a Saturday morning at Booker T. Washington Elementary helping students with their science fair boards.

7th Grade Science Fair Winners (pictured above left) 1st - Kathryn Sandford; 2nd - Jenna Johnson; 3rd - Lily Harper; 4th - Emma Clare Doepke; 5th - Adam Krinock 8th Grade Science Fair Winners (pictured above right) 1st - Davis Sargent; 2nd - Logan Bryant 3rd - Eli Green; 4th - Sarah Keck; 5th Both Mony (not pictured) LCA’s First Lego League Robotic Teams competed at UK on Dec. 8. and brought home several honors.


These are a few of our favorite things: Learning how Christmas is celebrated in other countries. Christmas crafts. Shopping for Good Samaritan Christmas presents. Christmas socials. Ringing the Salvation Army Bell. Ugly Christmas sweaters. Christmas concerts.


We had nearly 200 attendees at our second Donuts with Dads at the Immanuel Campus! Besides the donuts, children enjoyed story time and coloring and also signed a banner for our Head of School, Mark Sisk. A special thanks to our guest speaker, Scott Nickell from Southland Christian Church and to the LCA Young Conservatives Club for serving. Photos below: A huge thank you to everyone who wore gray to show their support for our Head of School, Mark Sisk, as he underwent surgery to remove a brain tumor. We were thrilled when he returned to attend chapels the following week.


#LCAin5 Follow LCA on Instagram @lca_ky_eagles Each week, we share five photos that capture the week at LCA. Check out some of these recent #LCAin5 photos.

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter too! @LexingtonChristianAcademy

@LCAKYEagles


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