The Chronicle - September 2018

The

Chronicle YMEDACA NAITSIRHC NOTGNIXEL •ELCINORHC EHT • 8102 REBMETPES

THE SEPTEMBER 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 BOARD MEMBER PROFILE - 5 Lori Graham

Dear LCA Families and Friends, Welcome to the September edition of “The Chronicle!" I hope you and your children have settled into the fall semester.

Our school has been busy since the start of the school year with classroom activities, chapel programs, retreats, student government elections, sporting events, all-state try-outs, MAPS testing, Grandparent’s Day celebrations, and now spirit week.

Just as our teachers and students have been focused and working hard with the start of the school year, so has our board and its committees. In this edition of “The Chronicle,” you will receive an update on how each board committee has kicked off the new school year. As a reminder, our board committee meeting dates are listed on the LCA website.

One topic, which comes up in many committees’ conversations, is how do we keep our kids safe in the culture in which we live. Children today are faced with so many challenges including social media and non-healthy habits such as vaping. Our school security officer, Eddie Hart, has provided us with some resources, which we hope will be informative and helpful to your family.

Each edition of “The Chronicle” will provide us with an opportunity to introduce you to members of our LCA family. In this edition, you will learn more about Lori Graham, our Vice Chair and our security officer, Eddie Hart. In addition, you will meet our preschool and 6th Grade Academy teaching teams.

I hope your family can join us on Friday night at “The Bash” as we celebrate Homecoming and Senior Night. The forecast looks good, so come out and enjoy some good food, fellowship and football.

TEACHER PROFILES - 6 Preschool 6th Grade Academy

SENIOR STAFF PROFILE - 11 Eddie Hart

LCA HAPPENINGS - 14 Photos from September events

#LCAin5 - 17

PICTURED ON THE COVER Teachers and staff at the Immanuel Campus wore pink during a campus wide "Pink Out" to show support for those in the LCA family who are battling cancer.

The third graders celebrated being children of the Most High King with a royal tea party.

Clifton Iler

THE CHRONICLE

- 2 -

SEPTEMBER 2018

Updates from the September board meeting held on Monday, September 24.

Audit Report Each year, an independent auditor conducts an audit of the school’s financial statements. On Monday night, MCM CPAs & Advisors presented their findings. Their audit concluded that LCA’s 2017-18 financial statements are presented fairly in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.

Advancement Terri Morrical, the advancement chair, provided the board with an update on her committee’s work.

She shared that the administration has adopted a three-member team approach to handling advancement and development tasks for the 2018-2019 school year. Terry Johnson will focus on development while Lesley Sizemore-Hardin will focus on advancement, fundraising, and special event programs. Mark Sisk will provide support to both Terry and Lesley in their areas. Terri also reported that her committee decided to consolidate the annual fund dinner and Bluegrass Jamfest. The school will host one celebratory event in the spring 2019 in conjunction with LCA's 30th Anniversary. Terri also provided an update on the Peppermints & Pearls event which benefits the “Celebrate Teachers” yearend gift. She encouraged everyone to attend.

Athletics During a prior board meeting, the board discussed what the role of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) should be at LCA. Bill Whitaker, our athletics chair, discussed his research of FCA's role and history with our school as well as the processes and personnel the school already has in place to provide services and resources similar to what FCA provides. His research found that our student athletes receive spiritual support and encouragement on a daily basis through Bible instruction, chapel programming, team devotion time, and the athletics chaplain. In addition, he discovered that LCA has a large Young Life program, which includes many student athletes. Bill concluded that given all the resources and programming our school already provides, it is understandable that FCA's role is different at LCA from public schools.

Education Lori Graham, the education chair, presented an updated on the process by which the high school weights honors courses for students who transferred prior to August 4, 2018.

THE CHRONICLE

- 3 -

SEPTEMBER 2018

BOARD REPORT

Facilities The facilities chair, Steven Potts, provided the board with an overview of the Rose Campus’ structural needs. The board discussed the importance of budgeting and planning for repairs and replacements to our building and its equipment.

Finance During the finance report, our Director of Finance, John Morgan, presented the school’s year-to-date financials. He also presented a revision to the school’s spending policy, requiring additional levels of approval. The revision was approved and adopted.

Long Range Planning Last week, the long range planning committee met to review and discuss topics such as teacher compensation, operational costs, demographics of the school’s families, and advancement efforts.

Dave Harris, the chairperson, discussed the theme of the committee’s strategic plan and shared how the LRP and Advancement committees would work together over the course of the school year.

Personnel Lee Tompkins, personnel chair, reported the high school employed a new English teacher, Ravin Fields.

Policy This ad hoc committee, chaired by Jeff Gehring, is reviewing all policies which affect the school’s culture. The group is comprised of board members, educators, and other parents. The committee will evaluate the policies and submit recommendations for changes, as appropriate.

Student Life Rachel Harper, the committee chair, shared the school is currently evaluating the dress code for our 6th-12th grade students. Since the start of school, concerns have been voiced regarding the compliance and enforcement of dress code standards as it pertains to skirts and shorts. The principals emailed families reminding them of the current policy and importance of compliance to dress code standards.

The committee will continue to work with the administration and student groups and, if appropriate, submit a recommendation for a change to dress code standards. Dr. Harper also presented a recommendation for a new study abroad trip to France and Spain. The trip was approved.

THE CHRONICLE

- 4 -

SEPTEMBER 2018

Lori Graham is beginning her fourth year on the LCA Board of Directors, where she is Vice-Chair. She has served as chair of the Education Committee, member of the Nominating Committee as well as the Personnel Committee.

What are some things you would like others to know about you and your family?

My family has been a part of LCA for the past twelve years. I just started my 26th year of teaching at Clays Mill Elementary, with experience teaching kindergarten through third grade. I have my Master's in reading and language arts and am also National Board certified in those two subjects. My husband, Rex, and I have two children. Brennan is a junior at LCA and enjoys participating in STLP, the academic team and going on the Global Next Leadership trips. Julianne is an eighth grader at LCA and enjoys allstar cheerleading and working with children, especially at church. Rex and I enjoy watching our kids as they participate in their extra-curricular activities, but also like to spend quality time as a family.

Why did you accept an offer to serve on LCA's Board of Directors?

I accepted the offer to serve as a board member because I wanted to help in whatever way God had planned. Being a board member was not on my radar, but at the time, three different people mentioned it to me. I decided to accept and see what I could do that would help the school.

What have you been most proud of since joining the board?

I’m most proud of our teachers. As I’ve learned more about them, I have learned they are truly partnering with families in our school. They show our kids what God looks like in everyday situations. They show love, compassion, patience and give correction in a Christ-like manner. All while encouraging our kids to achieve at the highest levels possible.

What professional expertise and skills are you most excited to share with the LCA Board?

I think that since I am a teacher I can be helpful when communicating with the administration and teachers about curriculum and best practices in the classroom.

What advice would you give to current LCA families?

Always be thankful that LCA exists for your children and strive to protect it. This is God’s school. The administration, teachers and staff, as well as board members are always trying to seek His guidance as we make decisions.

THE CHRONICLE

- 5 -

SEPTEMBER 2018

Get to know our wonderful preschool staff.

Lisa Antle, Preschool Teacher "I love teaching at LCA because I love what I do. I love watching the children learn. I love the look on their faces when they try to do something for the first time. I love getting to know them and hugging them each day. I love hearing their stories and getting to know the families. I love helping parents with things that come up in the school year. I love preschool."

Education: Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education Teaching Experience: 29 years (22 years at LCA)

Jennifer Biliter, Preschool Teacher "Something funny no one knows about me is that I cried every day in preschool because I wanted my mom!"

Education: Bachelor's and Master's Degrees in Elementary Education Teaching Experience: 20 years at LCA (3 years teaching preschool)

Kathy Burroughs, Preschool Teacher "My favorite LCA memory was when Leslie Wainscott called me while I was on vacation (2013) to let me know there was a class available for me to teach preschool!"

Education: Bachelor's Degree in Interior Design Teaching Experience: 15 years teaching preschool (7 years at LCA)

Brandi Carroll, Preschool Assistant "My advice to LCA families is that my daughter, at three years old had severe attachment issues.

Have faith in your child's teacher and listen to their recommendations. They know from experience what is best. Have patience. LCA is a wonderful place to learn!"

Education: Bachelor's Degree in Nursing Teaching Experience: First year at LCA

Janet Connors, Preschool Assistant "My favorite LCA memory is singing with the preschoolers at chapel every week."

Education: Bachelor's Degree in Management Science and a Master's Degree in Arts Administration Teaching Experience: Fourth year teaching preschool (2 years at LCA)

THE CHRONICLE

- 6 -

SEPTEMBER 2018

TEACHER PROFILE - PRESCHOOL Andrea Durr, Preschool Assistant "I love teaching at LCA because I love watching the excitement that preschoolers have about learning new things and how proud they are when they have conquered a challenge they may have thought was 'too hard.' I love knowing I am helping in their growth and development. But most of all I love the hugs!"

Education: Bachelor's Degree in Merchandising/Marketing Teaching Experience: 8 years as BSF children's leader; 12 years at LCA

Lisa Harris, Preschool Assistant "One fun fact that no one knows about me is that I love to do Word Jumbles, Sudoku, and The NY Times Crossword Puzzles."

Education: Bachelor's Degree in Public and Corporation Communications, JD Degree of Law Teaching Experience: 12 years as substitute teacher (2 years at LCA)

Melissa Huff, Preschool Assistant "My favorite LCA memory was when my son was a 1st grader, and he liked to talk a lot! His teacher told him God made him special and she didn’t ever want him to change, he just had to learn when it was okay to talk. What a blessing to grow up in an environment where he not only got to hear about the love of Christ, but he got to see and feel it every day!"

Education: Bachelor's Degree in Psychobiology Teaching Experience: 13 years (2 years at LCA)

Sandy Inouye, Preschool Teacher "My advice to preschool families would be to look for simple ways each day to share with your children how much God loves them and how they can share God’s love with others through kindness and compassion."

Education: Bachelor's Degree in Applied Child Development Teaching Experience: 10 years (2 years at LCA)

Nikki Jackson, Preschool Assistant "I love teaching preschool because this age is full of excitement and fun. Each day is new to them, and they come to school looking forward to what we are learning about."

Teaching Experience: 7 years (2 years at LCA)

THE CHRONICLE

- 7 -

SEPTEMBER 2018

TEACHER PROFILE - PRESCHOOL Melanie Patterson, Preschool Teacher "Something fun no one knows about me is that I graduated both high school and college at Memorial Coliseum."

Education: Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education and Master's Degree in Education with an emphasis on reading and writing Teaching Experience: 13 years (4 years at LCA)

Bethany Potter, Preschool Co-Director "My favorite LCA memory is going to Chapel with my children."

Education: Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry and Master's Degree in Education Teaching Experience: 10 years in early childhood education (2 years at LCA)

Teri Prigge, Preschool Assistant "The advice I would give to preschool families is to tell parents to enjoy this chapter in their lives.

Even with the crazy schedules everyone has take the time to really appreciate this age. Blink your eyes and they are off to college!"

Education: Bachelor's in Business Administration/Marketing Teaching Experience: 12 years (8 years at LCA)

Kim Sypolt, Preschool Teacher "My favorite thing about teaching preschool is that every day is exciting. This is when we get to teach children to love school and learning. Hopefully this will carry them throughout their school career."

Education: Bachelor's Degree in Education Teaching Experience: 12 years in early elementary education (2 years at LCA)

Leslie Wainscott, Preschool Co-Director "One of my favorite memories was being part of the caravan when we moved from Southland Christian Church into the Rose Campus. It was quite exciting; flags on the cars and a helicopter escort!"

Education: Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education Teaching Experience: 30 years at LCA

THE CHRONICLE

- 8 -

SEPTEMBER 2018

Meet our amazing 6th Grade Academy teaching team.

Joni Abrahamson (Bible) "I love teaching at LCA because I love that 6th grade has a defined space where we have flexibility in how we use it. We can spread out in the hallway for a demonstration or utilize Maker Space for creative applications. I also love my team—we work so well together!"

Education: Bachelor's Degree in English and Master's Degree in Marriage and Family Counseling and Christian Education Teaching Experience: 20 years (6 years at LCA)

Melody Ballard (Maker Space) "My advice to families is to enjoy your student’s time in school, be present, attend events, help expand their knowledge, allow them to make mistakes and problem solve for themselves. Help them learn to use their voice to solve problems, be independent and talk to teachers. In the long run, these skills will be very important in their life."

Education: Bachelor's and Master's Degrees in Education Teaching Experience: 24 years (24 years at LCA)

Kendra Farmer (Math) "Something fun that no one knows about me is that my first job was when I was ten. My parents owned an indoor batting cage facility and I used to have to collect the baseballs and put them back up in the machine. I got paid $1/hr."

Education: Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education and currently pursuing a Master's Degree in Middle Grade Math Teaching Experience: 15 years (13 years at LCA)

Ted Hall (Physical Education) "My favorite LCA memory was being on the sideline for the LCA boys basketball first district title."

Education: Bachelor's Degree in Sports Management Teaching Experience: 19 years/22 years coaching (6 years at LCA)

Deana Kendall (Literature Specialist) "I love teaching at LCA because I love the Christian environment and the support and friendship of my co-workers."

Education: Bachelor's and Master's Degrees in Elementary Education Teaching Experience: 30 years (all at LCA)

THE CHRONICLE

- 9 -

SEPTEMBER 2018

TEACHER PROFILE - 6TH GRADE ACADEMY Mary Beth Kindred (Science) "Something fun no one knows about me is that I have driven to school on a Saturday thinking it was a week day."

Education: Bachelor's and Master's Degrees in Education Teaching Experience: 20 plus years (11 years at LCA)

Mary Prather (English) As a former LCA student, an LCA parent, and an LCA teacher, I have many favorite memories. As a teacher, my favorite memory so far has been watching the students get creative in the Maker Space designing scenes from the summer reading novel. The smiles on their faces while they collaborated to create something is something I will never forget."

Education: Bachelor's Degree in Secondary English Education and currently pursuing a Master's Degree in Secondary Education Teaching Experience: First year at LCA

Michelle Sapp (History) "The advice that I would give to families is that Christian education is worth the sacrifices we make to achieve it."

Education: Bachelor's and Master's Degrees in Education Teaching Experience: 14 years (10 years at LCA)

THE CHRONICLE

- 10 -

SEPTEMBER 2018

Meet Eddie Hart, our Director of Campus Safety.

As Director of Campus Safety, Eddie Hart is responsible for security, investigations and emergency management and is the liaison between LCA and area law enforcement. He has been with LCA since 2011.

He is currently a sworn law enforcement officer in Kentucky with more than 23 years of experience. He retired from the Lexington Police Department as a midlevel executive and has many hours of training in emergency management, facility safety, as well as crimes against children. He is married to Amy, who is the receptionist for the LCA Junior High. They have three children attending LCA and one son who graduated in 2016.

The Office of Campus Safety is always evaluating safety needs and bringing new initiatives forward that improve our overall safety as well as demonstrating LCA's ongoing commitment to the safety of our students, parents, and staff.

The Office of Campus Safety is always evaluating safety needs and bringing new initiatives forward that improve our overall safety as well as demonstrating LCA’s ongoing commitment to the safety of our students, parents, and staff. Two topics that Officer Hart gets asked most about are e-cigarettes/ vaping/JUUL and the social media use by children and teens. More info about these subjects can be found below and on the following page.

What are e-cigarettes?

E-cigarettes are electronic devices that produce an aerosol by heating a liquid. E-cigarettes come in many shapes and sizes. Most have a battery, a heating element, and a place to hold a liquid. Some e-cigarettes are made to look like regular cigarettes, while some look like USB flash drives, pens, and other everyday items. E-cigarettes are known by many different names. They are sometimes called “e-cigs,” “e-hookahs,” “mods,” “vape pens,” “vapes,” “tank systems,” and “electronic nicotine delivery systems.” Using an e-cigarette is sometimes called “vaping” or “JUULing.”

THE CHRONICLE

- 11 -

SEPTEMBER 2018

KNOW THE RISKS - E-CIGARETTES - "VAPING" What is JUUL? JUUL is a popular brand of e-cigarette that is shaped like a USB flash drive. Because of their shape, parents and educators might not recognize them as being e-cigarettes. All JUUL e-cigarettes have a high level of nicotine.

According to the manufacturer, a single JUUL pod contains as much nicotine as a pack of 20 regular cigarettes. Currently, JUUL is the topselling e-cigarette in the U.S. How do they work?

Why are e-cigarettes unsafe for kids and teens?

E-cigarettes produce an aerosol by heating a

Most e-cigarettes contain nicotine—the addictive

liquid that usually contains nicotine, flavorings,

drug in regular cigarettes, cigars, and other tobacco

and other chemicals that help to make the

products. Nicotine can harm the developing

aerosol. Users inhale this aerosol into their lungs.

adolescent brain. The brain keeps developing until

Bystanders can also breathe in this aerosol when

about age 25. Using nicotine in adolescence can

the user exhales it into the air. E-cigarette

harm the parts of the brain that control attention,

devices can also be used to deliver marijuana

learning, mood, and impulse control. In addition,

and other drugs.

using nicotine in adolescence may also increase risk for future addiction to other drugs.

What are some other risks of e-cigarettes?

Scientists are still learning about the long-term health effects of e-cigarettes, especially as it pertains to the lungs. For example, some ecigarette flavorings may be safe to eat but not to inhale because the digestive system can process more substances than the lungs. There is also the risk of poisoning if the e-cigarette liquid is

What can I do?

You can start by learning about and talking to your kids about the dangers of e-cigarettes. For more information

ingested. Other risks include fires or explosions

about the risks of e-cigarettes and

due to defective e-cigarette batteries.

young people, talk with your child’s physician.

Can using e-cigarettes lead to future cigarette smoking among kids and teens?

You can also visit the Centers for

Many young people who use e-cigarettes also

Disease Control and Prevention

smoke cigarettes. A 2018 National Academy of Medicine report found that there was some evidence that e-cigarette use increases the frequency and amount of cigarette smoking in the

website, at https://www.cdc.gov/features/ecigarett es-back-to-school/index.html.

future.

THE CHRONICLE

- 12 -

SEPTEMBER 2018

NetSmartz.org/TipSheets

Do you know...

What they’re posting?

Check comments and images for personal information, like phone numbers and addresses, as well as inappropriate and illegal content such as hateful or threatening speech and nudity. Delete anything you think is too much information.

How they access social media?

Mobile devices, like cell phones and tablets, let children access social media apps away from adult supervision. Children may post content and even share their locations.

Review app settings to help them keep information – like their location – private.

Who they’re talking to?

Your child’s online contact lists and followers may include people you don’t know, or even people your child only knows online. Even if you don’t know the contact, make sure you know what images, messages, and other content they’re sharing.

Online social media services aren’t new, but many of us are still learning how to use them without getting into trouble – especially children and teens. Use these tips to help your kids safely use any social media service from networking to image posting sites.

For more resources visit NetSmartz. org

Courtesy of the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children.

All rights reserved.

What account settings they’re using?

This is where you can control who has access to your child’s information. Each social media service has a different setup, so take a look at each one your child uses. Always ask yourself – what is on the profile and who can see it?

Who has access to their information?

Most social media services have ads and applications from 3rd parties, like games and fan pages. If children click on these or add them to their profiles, they are allowing access to their personal information. Have a discussion about what’s OK to add and what’s not.

Where to report?

If anyone talks to your child about sex, shares or asks them to share sexual images, or is a victim of sexual exploitation, make a report to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children® at www.CyberTipline.com or 1-800-THE-LOST®.

LCA held a "Pink Out" to show support to those in the LCA family who are currently battling cancer.

The junior high was busy with activity during Student Council campaigning and voting.

A Royal Tea was held on September 7 for the third grade students as they celebrated being children of the Most High King.Â

What a blessing to celebrate Grandparent's Day at the Immanuel Campus!

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

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter too! @LexingtonChristianAcademy

@LCAKYEagles

Upcoming Events!