The Chronicle - January 2019

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THE JANUARY ISSUE

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

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

BOARD REPORT - 3

Dear LCA Families and Friends,

TEACHER PROFILES - 5

IN THIS ISSUE

Happy New Year! I hope your family has enjoyed a successful start to 2019.

Thank you to everyone who joined us on January 19th for our annual fund event, “Faith, Service & Excellence – Celebrating 30 Years of Christ-Centered Education.” What a great afternoon! The event featured University of Kentucky Athletic Director, Mitch Barnhart, two-time national champion, NFL first-round draft pick, and Heisman trophy winner Tim Tebow, and Dr. Greg White from White, Greer, and Maggard Orthodontics.

We definitely had an all-star line up!

Mitch Barnhart kicked off our event. Mitch and his family have been part of LCA’s community since 2002 when they moved to Lexington. Currently he and his wife, Connie, are active grandparents to LCA student, Cooper Willoughby. Their daughter, Kirby, is LCA’s deputy athletics director. Mitch stated, "We are chasing a culture we cannot catch.” He encouraged families to not embrace today’s culture. Instead of running to what the world has to offer, we should be running and seeking our God. After Mitch, we heard from Tim Tebow. Wasn’t it wonderful to hear Tim share his admiration for our Head of School, Mark Sisk? He stated (to Mark), “Your attitude through what you have been going through is incredible. What an inspiration you have been to me. I feel like you are going to have an impact on the next generation. (And then to the general audience) When you have someone leading your school who is going through something so tough and he is doing it with so much grace and humility … your young people can see and will be encouraged to try and mirror this behavior in their lives.” He also reminded us “walking by faith doesn’t mean that we know the next step, but that God knows the next step.”

2nd Grade High School Bible High School English ALUMNI PROFILE - 8

Jacob Thornsberry Sarah Grace Johnson BOARD MEMBER PROFILE - 10

Steven Potts SENIOR STAFF PROFILE - 11

Brian DuFour LCA HAPPENINGS - 12 #LCAIN5 - 16

Greg followed Tim, and during his remarks, he reminded us, "If you want to find the bad in people or institutions you will find it because we are all flawed. But if you look for the good, you will find it. Thankfully, our heavenly father looks for the good in all of us."

Each speaker offered wisdom using different words but all pointing us toward our heavenly father. We are to live by faith, not embrace today’s culture, and look for the good rather than searching for the bad. As we enter this new calendar year, I encourage you to embrace the wisdom shared by our speakers. I also ask you to continue to pray for Mark Sisk, our school, our employees, students, and families. There is still much work to be done.

PICTURED ON THE COVER Dance Blue was held on January 18 and revealed the total fund raising for the year was $28,000.15!

Philippians 4:4-7, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Tim Tebow was the special guest speaker at "Faith, Service & Excellence - Celebrating 30 Years of Christ-Centered Education" on January 19.

Clifton Iler

View more photos from these events in the LCA Happenings section.

Cliff Iler Chairman of the Board

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JANUARY 2019

Updates from the January board meeting held on Monday, January 28, 2019.

Advancement Terri Morrical, chair of the advancement committee, shared the results of the January 19th Annual Fund event, “Faith, Service & Excellence – Celebrating 30 Years of Christ-Centered Education.” 1,039 guests attended the event, and the current net proceeds exceed $100K. To learn more about how you can contribute to this year’s annual fund, please contact the Advancement Office at (859) 422-5721 or advancement@lexingtonchristian.org.

Education The following items were presented as recommendations from the Education Committee and approved by the Board.

The education committee shared the recent analysis of the school’s math program. This analysis is part of LCA’s on-going comprehensive curriculum review process. The intent of the review is to assess the current program against national and state core standards as well as selected benchmark schools. The committee recommended new textbook adoptions, changes in course offerings, and criteria for entering into specific classes as well as the Honors programs. LCA will implement the changes starting with the 2019-2020 school year.

Lori Graham, the committee chair shared a recommendation from LCA’s English department, to allow juniors and seniors to take speech with the option of taking the course online for the 2019-2020 school year. Currently the Speech course is offered only to seniors; however, to allow for more flexibility in scheduling and to create a more collaborative environment between class levels, the English department will offer the class to juniors as well as offering the class online.

The committee also recommended the adoption of English 102. Mr. Steven Small will teach this dual-college course over the summer.

In addition, the committee recommended the adoption of two new art programs. Art 2-D 1, 2, 3 and 4 will be a combination of the Drawing and Painting classes. In addition, 2-D will focus on art techniques appropriate for the understanding, planning and creation of all two dimensional artwork. 3-D will be a combination of the Sculpture and Ceramics class. Art 3-D 1, 2, 3 and 4 will focus on art techniques appropriate for the understanding, planning and creation of all three dimensional artwork.

The committee also submitted a recommendation to adopt new honors prerequisites, which would be more consistent with our grading scale. For example, for Honors English 9, a student must have a 90% (versus 92%)..

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JANUARY 2019

BOARD REPORT

Finance The finance committee presented a recommendation for tuition rates for the 2019-2020 school year. The Board approved the recommended average tuition increase of 5.96%. Additional information regarding the 2019-2020 tuition rates as well as the re-enrollment period will be published in the days ahead. The 2019-2020 full budget will be presented in May for approval.

In addition, the board approved changes to the school’s withdrawal policy. This policy will be included in school’s policy manual as well as the 2019-2020 re-enrollment materials.

Nominating Jeff Gehring shared a nomination form will soon be placed on the LCA website. Parents will be encouraged to submit their recommendations to the nominating committee.

Student Life Dr. Rachel Harper, chair of student life, and high school student, Reese Lycan presented recommended edits to the 6th-12th grade standardized dress code. The board approved the adoption of an “injured student” dress code. Going forward, if an injured student cannot dress in accordance with the regular standardized dress code due to a cast, medical boot, splint, etc., then the student’s family must make a written request to the applicable principal and/or assistant principal asking permission for the student to dress in accordance with the “injured student” dress code. Once approved, the injured student can dress according to the modifications listed below: • LCA colored sweatpants (royal, gray, black or white) or solid-colored spandex or leggings covered with LCA colored baggy athletic shorts • LCA Spirit Day top (an LCA tee shirt, hoodie, sweatshirt or pullover) The committee will present additional edits to the standardized dress code at a future board meeting.

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JANUARY 2019

Meet our awesome 2nd grade teachers.

Jessica Clarke "As a lifetime student and graduate of LCA and now a teacher here, I can easily say that one of my favorite things about LCA is the wonderful community. As a student, I felt like the teachers truly invested in me and my life. They prayed for me, encouraged me, and built a relationship with me. As a teacher, the love and respect I receive from my students, parents, and coworkers is simply the sweetest. Some of my dearest friends are those I work with here. I am so grateful that God has allowed me to be at LCA!" Education: Bachelor's in Elementary Education and Master's Degree in Elementary Education (Reading and Writing Specialty) Teaching Experience: 8 years at LCA

Tasha Corum "A fun fact about me is that several years ago I was chosen to participate in one of the fun competitive games during a Legends baseball game. After pitching more small foam airplanes into a suitcase than my competitor, I spun the wheel and won tickets for a trip to Barbados."

Education: Bachelor's and Master's Degrees in Elementary Education Teaching Experience: 17 years (13 years at LCA)

Stephanie Harris "I love teaching 2nd grade because the students are at a very sweet age. I love their personalities and how much growth I get to see every day as they learn. In 2nd grade they are really flourishing academically and it’s so much fun to watch them grow."

Education: Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education; Master's Degree in Reading & Writing Specialist; completed Rank I with a Master's Degree in Leadership and Principalship Teaching Experience: 11 years (1st year at LCA)

Anna Shreve "Something fun no one knows about me is that when my boys were little, we had goats. I even milked them!"

Education: Bachelor's and Master's Degrees in Education Teaching Experience: 30 years (14 years at LCA)

Leigh Ann Wilson "My advice would be to understand that children are naturally going to make mistakes as they go through school. Their parents and teachers have the opportunity to be the example of God’s grace to them when they mess up. Remember that God is not finished with them…or with us!"

Education: Bachelor's and Master's Degrees in Elementary Education Teaching Experience: 15 years (5 years at LCA)

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JANUARY 2019

Meet our wonderful high school Bible teachers.

Steve Gifford "My favorite LCA memory is going on the senior trip to Florida and running about four miles every morning with some of the baseball players, who ended up winning the State Championship that year."

Education: Bachelor's Degree in Bible and a Master's of Divinity Teaching Experience: 18 years at LCA

Bill Jamison "I don't have a specific favorite event or moment that comes to mind. It is getting the opportunity to be in this building for the last 15 years and getting to spend my time with Christian co-workers and watching many young men and women grow into the people who God wants them to be."

Education: Bachelor's Degrees in History and Geography and a Master's of Divinity Teaching Experience: 15 years at LCA

David Redish "One of my favorite memories at LCA is building a life size model of the Tabernacle in the undeveloped part of this building two years in a row as a sophomore class project."

Education: Bachelor's Degree in Bible and Master's of Divinity Teaching Experience: 28 years (25 years at LCA)

Jason Seamands "The first reason I love teaching at LCA is the relationships with the students. I have truly been blessed to get to know so many wonderful young people over the years. They think I am pouring into them, but I get the blessings of purposeful work and making connections. The second reason is how LCA comes together and surrounds those who are hurting. Whether it is one of our families or staff members, when there is suffering, we are a beautiful body."

Education: Bachelor's Degree in Exercise Science and a Master's Degree in Sports Management Teaching Experience: 19 years (18 years at LCA)

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JANUARY 2019

Meet our terrific high school English teachers.

Avery Corliss "Something fun no one knows about me is that I have a knack for finding four-leaf clovers. My estimate is that I’ve found more than 300 in my lifetime. I used to keep a book of them, but now I either give them to people or leave them in the ground."

Education: Bachelor's Degree in English Education Teaching Experience: 3 years at LCA

Ravin Fields "What I love most about teaching at LCA is when I get to see students develop a passion or interest in the subject that I also love."

Education: Bachelor's Degree in English Teaching Experience: 8 years (first year at LCA)

Cassondra Koett "The advice that I would give to families is to stay involved in the education in your children, including when they are in high school. Talk to them about what they did in school each day and encourage them to practice their speeches or ask them what they are reading in English."

Education: Bachelor's Degree in English/Secondary Education; Master's Degree in Education with principal certification and STEM certification; and a Doctoral Candidate Teaching Experience: 20+ years (9 years at LCA)

Andy Newman "Something fun that no one knows about me is that I have a black belt in karate."

Education: Bachelor's Degree in English and Master's Degree in Education Teaching Experience: 9 years (first year at LCA)

Benjamin Piech "I love teaching at LCA so I can share my passion for literature with students."

Education: Bachelor's Degree in English and Psychology and Master's Degree in Education Teaching Experience: First year teaching (First year at LCA)

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JANUARY 2019

Checking in with Jacob Thornsberry, Class of 2018.

Jacob Thornsberry Jacob is currently attending the University of Kentucky and majoring in biology with plans to go into medicine.

Favorite thing about college - Definitely the freedom. It's great to be able to be in charge of my own schedule (for example, none of my classes start before noon this semester,) and to actually feel in charge of my own life. Living away from home definitely has its ups and downs, but the freedom that comes with it has helped me grow as a person and taught me a ton about being responsible for myself.

Most beneficial thing learned at LCA in regards to college - Accountability! The freedom I previously mentioned comes along with accountability - as it's now entirely my responsibility to make sure I get up and go to classes and get assignments done on time. LCA's policy of holding me accountable and forcing me to do what's expected of me helped prepare me for college much more than anything I learned in the classroom.

Advice to this year's senior class - Be prepared to work and take professors, not classes. Classes can still be easy, but even the easy ones will require more time and work than some of your most difficult high school classes. In regards to "not taking classes," I highly recommend looking into professors before registering your courses and making sure they're good before taking their course. In my first semester I had a couple of excellent professors and a few that were downright terrible, and that makes a world of a difference in both how you will perform in a class and your enjoyment of a subject.

Favorite LCA memory - This is a hard one. If I had to pick one specific thing, it would probably be senior trip. At that point in the year, everyone has already decided what they're doing in the future, and the reality that this is your last couple months with the people you've grown to love over the past twelve years has really started to set in. Even now, it's strange not seeing some of the same people everyday that I used to, so make sure to cherish the time you have left with your classmates!

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JANUARY 2019

Checking in with Sarah Grace Johnson, Class of 2018.

Sarah Grace Johnson Sarah Grace is currently attending Lee University in Cleveland, Tennessee as a theatre and psychology double major.

Favorite thing about college - College has had its ups and downs, but what I enjoyed most my first semester was getting involved in my first collegiate theatre production. Lee performed The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, and I was humbled to play the role of Susan (pictured left). The community I gained and lessons I learned through that experience have truly shaped my college experience so far.

Most beneficial thing learned at LCA in regards to college - Starting at Lee, I found that I was extremely prepared for my classes. If I’m being honest, my junior year at LCA was harder than my freshman year of college. I was leaps and bounds ahead of my peers and didn’t have to struggle with learning time management skills because I already had them. I even found that I had some extra credits transfer and get me out of general education clsses that I didn’t even know about!

Advice to this year's senior class - To current LCA students, graduating seniors or otherwise, my best advice is that college is not in any way, shape, or form what you expect it to be. Leave all your expectations behind, and just enjoy the process. It’s tough at first, especially when you move four hours away and don’t know anyone like I did.

Those first two weeks are overwhelming. You wonder if you’ll ever find the “forever friends” adults always talk about finding, or if you’ll be able to keep yourself fed enough so your mom doesn’t worry. But God is faithful, and these things take time. You may find your crew that you click with at freshman orientation, or it may take all semester to make those relationships. Rely on God in your times of need.

Favorite LCA memory - My fondest memory of LCA had to be the musical my senior year. Something about being a senior makes every activity the best one. You don’t worry about what people think of you because “Who cares? I’m a senior!” The friendships that were formed and the laughs that were had made my last musical the most memorable. I think back on it often, and carry over my funny stories from that time to tell my new friends here at Lee.

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JANUARY 2019

Steven Potts is beginning his first year on the LCA Board of Directors, where he serves as Chair of the Facilities Committee.

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

My wife, Amanda, and I have been married for 22 years. I retired from the Lexington Police Department and currently serve as an Investigative Manager for the Internal Investigations Branch with the Justice & Public Safety Cabinet.

Our family has been a part of the LCA family since our children became school age. Caroline (7th grade) has attended LCA since TK, and Jill (6th grade) has attended since 3-year-old preschool.

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

I decided to accept the offer to serve on the board because of our love for LCA. We want the school to provide an environment in which children can receive high quality education while learning to love God and strengthen their faith. We want the students to have a school where they feel free to use and grow the gifts given to them so they are ready to enter the world and succeed.

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

Given my career path, I hope to use my knowledge of safety and security issues to strengthen LCA. The facilities committee and I are in full agreement that school security is a marketable quality and ultimately will provide an environment where students can feel comfortable and not be afraid to flourish .

What have you been most proud of since joining the LCA Board?

I have been proud of the passion and love which exists with the other board members.

I have also been proud of the work bring done by the Facilities Committee. I have been blessed to have many talented individuals volunteer on the committee and are invested in insuring we address the facility needs that currently exist at the Rose Campus.

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

What advice would you give to current LCA

I had the unique opportunity given my work schedule to serve in the classroom weekly until my daughters were in 4th grade. In my opinion, the teachers at the school are the best in the city, and the love they give to the students is one of a kind. It is comforting to know as a parent that your children will be guided and nurtured by their teachers just like they are their own family.

GET INVOLVED. Find a committee or volunteer in the classroom. Pray for the students, teachers and administrators.

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JANUARY 2019

Brian DuFour, Director of Facilities

Tell us about yourself and your family. What are some things you would like others to know about you?

My wife Kim and I live in Lexington, along with my son Alex and daughter Ryleigh, who is in the LCA 6th Grade Academy. I have two older daughters who also live in the Lexington area. I am a West Virginia Mountaineer at heart since my dad, granddad, and great granddad, were all coal miners. I didn’t want the coal miner life, so I spent six years as a nuclear reactor mechanic/welder on a nuclear submarine in the Cold War in the 1980’s, which was probably a much rougher life than if I had been a coal miner. At least coal miners got to go home and see daylight every day, instead of spending three months underwater at a time eating powdered milk and eggs, along with any other food that could be canned or frozen -- and inhaling cigarette smoke 24 hours a day, since everyone on the sub smoked. I received good training, which allowed me to work and retire from Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky and then move into my current position here at LCA.

The DuFour family celebrating Amanda's graduation from Morehead State. Pictured from left to right: Alex, Amber, Amanda, Brian, Kim, and Ryleigh.

Tell us about your role at LCA. I am the Director of Facilities, maintaining our large school building from roof to tunnel, and 75 acres of fields/ competition fields. I have a great crew of building techs, grounds techs, and custodians working for me that keep this place looking great 24/7.

Why are you proud to work at LCA? Because every visitor, inspector and/or fire marshal that visits, and usually by surprise, are impressed at the condition of the building and grounds, and the cleanliness of the building, no matter which room they decide to inspect.

If asked, why would you encourage families to send their children to LCA? The staff, management, and faculty truly care about the welfare and well-being of every student here.

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JANUARY 2019

Visiting and Learning in Israel

Many Christians dream of one day visiting the land where Jesus spent his years on earth, of seeing the sights and walking in His footsteps. This January, students and teachers from LCA had the opportunity to do just that. As part of LCA high school’s accelerated study abroad program (in coordination with Global Next Leadership Institute), 14 people traveled to Israel in order to participate in a leadership conference Our preschool entitled “The Middle East Effect.” As part of their participation and and elementary students completion of the coursework, students will receive a credit on their made cards for high school transcript.

National Law

Baptism in the Jordan River: Rich Hamlin, Cate Crosbie and Katherine Childers fully immerse themselves in the Jordan River.

Enforcement During the trip, students were able to visit such historic sites as Day Appreciation Bethlehem, Nazareth, and the Sea of Galilee. They and alsopresented waded in them to Officers the Dead Sea, were baptized in the Jordan River, and toured the Day, and Hart. remnants of Herod’s palace at Masada. Amongst thePalmer historical and Biblical knowledge gained, there were many discussions of current day politics and Biblical prophecy. Students had the

opportunity to interact with and interview local Jews, Arabs, and Christians about what it is like to live in current day Israel and about their hopes for the country’s future. Those who participated had the opportunity to set foot on the Temple Mount (land currently under Muslim control), the historic site of Solomon’s temple and of Mount Moriah, where Abraham nearly sacrificed Isaac. They also saw where Jesus was crucified and buried.

After 10 days, those who participated traveled home being able to visualize the places where Jesus worked and ministered, with a stronger faith, and with a deeper understanding of the current state of Israel and its place in Biblical prophecy.

In the Tomb: Rich Hamlin and Brennan Graham stand in a tomb near where Jesus was buried.

Mount of Olives: Students walk toward Jerusalem just as Jesus would have on Palm Sunday.

If you will be a high school student during the 2019-2020 school year, visit www.lcamissions.wordpress.com to learn more about next year’s accelerated study abroad programs and locations. Additionally, Dr. Phil Johnson, CEO & Founder of Global Next Leadership Institute, will be speaking in high school chapel on Wednesday, April 10. There will also be a parent informational meeting about next year’s trips the evening of Thursday, April 11.

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On Holy Ground: LCA Students and teachers stand on the steps leading up to the Temple Mount in Jerusalem.

JANUARY 2019

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

@LCAKYEagles

@lca_ky_eagles

Our preschool and elementary students made cards for National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day and presented them to Officers Day, Palmer and Hart.

The LCA Varsity Academic Team competed in the Thoroughbred Academic Team League Tournament on January 15.

Elementary Elementary Spelling Spelling BeeBee Winners Winners (4th-5th) (4th-5th) (pictured above left) 1st place 1st --Kathryn Drake Irving Sandford; (pictured 2nd center) - Jenna 2nd place Johnson; - Parker 3rd -Shannon Lily Harper; (pictured 4th - Emma right) 3rd Place Clare- Clay Doepke; Bechtold 5th - Adam (pictured Krinock left) Drake and Parker 8th will Grade advance Science to the Fair Fayette Winners County Spelling Bee (pictured on February above3.right) 1st - Davis Sargent; 2nd - Logan Bryant 3rd - Eli Green; 4th - Sarah Keck; 5th Both Mony (not pictured)

Junior High Beta Club Officers Front Row (left to right): Drew Castle (President); Julianne Graham (Service Chair); Logan Bryant (Service Chair) Back Row (left to right): Sheila Allen (Beta Club Sponsor); Lillian Samford (Secretary); Carter Gillaspie (Vice President); Emilie Von Hagel (Chaplain); and Lisa Meadows (Beta Club Sponsor)

LCA’s First Lego League Robotic Teams competed at UK on Dec. 8. and brought home several honors.

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JANUARY 2019

Our preschool and elementary students made cards for National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day and presented them to Officers Day, Palmer and Hart.

Elementary Spelling Bee Winners (4th-5th) (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.

Our preschool and elementary students made cards for National Law Photo courtesy of Phillips Mitchell Photography Enforcement Appreciation Day and presented them to Officers Day, Palmer and Hart.

Photo courtesy of Phillips Mitchell Photography

Elementary Spelling Bee Winners (4th-5th) (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.

#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.

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@LCAKYEagles