The
Chronicle
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THE AUGUST ISSUE
Lexington Christian Academy (859) 422-5700 www.lexingtonchristian.org
A Message From Dr. Rachel Harper Chair of the Board of Directors
IN THIS ISSUE
Dear LCA Families and Friends, On behalf of the Board of Directors, I would like to welcome you to the 2019-2020 school year! We are so excited to have you and your family at Lexington Christian Academy. We recognize selecting a school for your child is one of the most important decisions you will make as a parent, so we thank you for entrusting your child to our care. Since 1989, our focus has been to bring the home, church, and school into a partnership for the purpose of equipping and nurturing students to fulfill God’s calling on their lives through Christ-centered education. As we embrace our mission, we want to inspire and encourage our children to discover who God created them to be so that they can impact God’s world.
Pl ease note you wi l l fi nd photos from LCA HAPPENINGS throughout thi s month' s publ i cati on.
BOARD REPORT: 4-5 BOARD ASSIGNMENTS: 7-8 PARENT INVOLVEMENT: 9-10 NEW EMPLOYEES: 12-17 SPIRITUAL IDENTITY SURVEY RESULTS: 18
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in Heaven.” Matthew 5:16 As we start our partnership for this new school year, I invite you to get involved. The school offers many opportunities to get involved in your child’s school. In this edition of The Chronicle, you will find a list of those opportunities including participating in a committee of our Board of Directors. Getting involved in your child’s school not only allows you to be informed, it also provides you with an opportunity to experience community and connect with other families. Above all, the most important way in which you can partner with the school is by joining us in prayer. Please join me in committing to pray for our families, employees, and leadership team. I wish you the very best! Have a wonderful school year!
Dr. Rachel Harper Dr. Rachel Harper Chair of the Board of Directors
PICTURED ON THE COVER A seat in an elementary classroom awaits its student for the 2019-20 school year. High school students gather in the hallway to pray on the first day of school. THE CHRONICLE
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AUGUST 2019
LCA Athletics had a busy and fun summer of camps!
CO2 cars
Updates from the August board meeting held on Monday, August 26, 2019.
Advancement Danielle Eckman, chair of the Advancement Committee, provided an update on the 2019 Eagle Club. The program is being relaunched to provide funding for the school’s “wishes and wants.” These restricted funds will be used to fund “extras” that are over and above campus budgets. The vision is to use the Eagle Club for strategic purposes and innovation, not routine operating expenses. The committee set a goal of reaching $30,000 by the first day of school. They surpassed their goal and acquired commitments for $32,000. In addition, Danielle shared plans to host a celebration event in early February. Additional details will be shared at the September meeting.
Athletics Terry Johnson, Athletic Director, shared the school will host a KHSAA Title IX visit and consultation in January. It was approved that a policy exception be made on Sunday, December 29, 2019 for the Central Bank Jim Rose Classic basketball tournament, provided participation by students, families, and employees is voluntary. There will be a chapel service conducted prior to the tournament.
Education Lori Graham, Education Chair, recommended making e-Achieve Academy Foreign Language available to students who have scheduling conflicts and need level 3 and 4 courses. The parents will be responsible for the cost of the e-Achieve Academy courses.
Facilities Steven Potts, Facilities Chair, provided a quick update on the school’s facilities and security activities. The board discussed a plan to repair and/or replace the school’s aging HVAC units. In addition, Steven shared praise for the work led by our operations team to prepare our campuses for the start of the school year. Currently, a donor has approached the school to provide financial support for the school’s security initiatives. The donor has agreed to match donations up to $10,000. Currently the school has already received commitments for $3,000. To learn more about ways in which you can support the school’s security initiatives, please contact Seth Robinson at (859) 422-5768 or srobinson@lexingtonchristian.org.
THE CHRONICLE
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AUGUST 2019
Finance Debbie Smith, a representative from MCM, presented a draft of the school’s financial statements for the 2018-2019 fiscal year. Dave Messner, Finance Chair, made a motion to approve the auditors’ report as drafted on 8-26-19. The Board approved. In addition, based on MCM’s recommendation, the Board voted and approved to un-designate the funds that were previously designated for maintenance in net assets. In addition, Dave Messner made a motion to approve the multi-year contract award for the LCA pouring rights to G&J Pepsi Cola Bottlers, Inc. The Board approved the motion.
Policy Jeff Gehring, Policy Chair, submitted a motion to change the school’s by-law, “ARTICLE 15 Parliamentary Guide” to state, “The rules contained in the current edition of Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised shall govern LCA in all cases to which they are applicable and in which they are not inconsistent with LCA’s bylaws and any special rules of order LCA may adopt.” The Board approved the recommendations.
THE CHRONICLE
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AUGUST 2019
The LCA Summer Camp is unique in that all the field trips come to us. Campers loved seeing animals up close, enjoyed STEM activities, and of course loved the weekly visit from the snow cone truck!
Advancement Chair: Danielle Eckman Senior Staff Contact: Lesley Sizemore-Hardin, Director of Constituent Relations Meeting Frequency: 4th Monday of Each Month Location: Rose Campus, Classroom 215 Time: 5:30PM Dates: 9/23/19, 10/28/19, 11/18/19, 12/16/19, 1/27/20, 2/24/20, 3/23/20, 4/27/20, 5/18/20, 6/22/20
Athletics Chair: Dusty Bonner Senior Staff Contact: Terry Johnson, Athletic Director Meeting Frequency: Every other 1st Thursday of the month Location: Rose Campus, CBO Conference Room Time: 6:00PM Dates: 9/5/19, 10/10/19, 12/5/19, 2/6/20, 4/9/20, 6/4/20
Education Education Chair: Lori Graham Senior Staff Contacts: Lisa Bacon, Director of Curriculum & Instruction; Coleman Marshall, 6th-8th Grade Principal; Scott Wells, High School Principal; and Terri White, Elementary Principal Meeting Frequency: 1st Monday of Each Month Location: Rose Campus, Classroom 111 Time: 5:30PM Dates: 9/9/19, 10/7/19, 11/4/19, 12/2/19, 1/6/20, 2/3/20, 3/2/20, 4/6/20, 5/4/20, 6/1/20
Facilities Chair: Steven Potts Senior Staff Contact: Seth Robinson, Director of Campus Operations Meeting Frequency: 3rd Tuesday of the month Location: CBO Conference Room Time: 7:30PM Dates: 9/17/19, 10/15/19, 11/13/19, 12/10/19, 1/21/20, 2/18/20, 3/17/20, 4/21/20, 5/12/20, 6/16/20
Finance Chair: Dave Messner Senior Staff Contact: John Morgan, Director of Finance Meeting Frequency: 3rd Thursday of the month Location: CBO Conference Room Time: 5:30PM Dates: 9/19/19, 10/17/19, 11/14/19, 12/12/19, 1/16/20, 2/20/20, 3/19/20, 4/16/20, 5/14/20, 6/18/20 THE CHRONICLE
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AUGUST 2019
Long Range Planning Chair: Gary Wortz Senior Staff Contact: Mark Sisk, Head of School Meeting Frequency: Quarterly Location: Rose Campus, Classroom 215 Time: 5:30PM Dates: TBD
Personnel Chair: Terri Morrical Senior Staff Contact: Julia Leopold Meeting Frequency: 1st Monday of the month Location: CBO Conference Room Time: 7PM Dates: 9/9/19, 10/7/19, 11/4/19, 12/2/19, 1/6/20, 2/3/20, 3/2/20, 4/6/20, 5/4/20, 6/1/20
Policy Chair: Jeff Gehring Senior Staff Contact: Mark Sisk, Head of School Meeting Frequency: Scheduled, as needed
Student Life Chair: Tyler Johnson Senior Staff Contact: Keith Johnson, Elementary Spiritual Life Director; Josh Robinson, 6th-8th Grade Spiritual Life Director; TBD, High School Spiritual Life Director Meeting Frequency: 2nd Friday of the month Location: CBO Conference Room Time: 2:00PM Dates: 9/13/19, 10/11/19, 11/8/19, 12/13/19, 1/10/20, 2/14/20, 3/13/20, 4/24/20, 5/8/20, 6/12/20
THE CHRONICLE
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AUGUST 2019
How to get involved at LCA! Parent Teacher Fellowship (PTF) The Parent Teacher Fellowship, "PTF", is the school’s parent-lead organization, which offers all families opportunities to connect with the school and build relationships through service and involvement. President – Rebecca Weaver rebeccarweaver@gmail.com VP – Jacob Glancy – jacobglancy@me.com Treasurer – Laura Bolling – lauraubolling@outlook.com Secretary – Whitney Van Meter – cwvanmeter2000@yahoo.com Family Event Chairs – Heather Cooper – heatherfhc24@yahoo.com and Beth Joseph bjosephlex@aol.com Campus Chairs PS-KG – Emily Talbert – em.talbert@gmail.com and Karie Lester – karie_lester@yahoo.com 1st-2nd – Maegan Waltz – maegs222@aol.com 3rd-5th – Nicole Powell – southerncreationsbycoco@outlook.com and Rebecca Smith – beccawilson@rocketmail.com 6th – Gayle Williams – gayle.williams@conduent.com 7th-8th – Cindy Chamberlain – cindyhchamberlain@outlook.com and Tonya Widmer – tinkerwids@yahoo.com HS – Amy Young – amy@emailyoung.com During the course of the school year, the PTF will host meetings and share ways in which your family can get involved. The opportunities will include the following areas: Classroom Activities Your student’s homeroom teacher will share a variety of ways to assist with classroom activities. Some examples include: Reading Groups Math Tiles Field Trips Classroom Parties Special Projects Campus Activities The preschool and elementary campus hosts a variety of programs, which provide time for fellowship and enrichment. Each year we seek parent volunteers to assist us with the planning and facilitation of these events. Parents-In-Prayer – David Samford – david@gosssamfordlaw.com Donuts with Dads – Kari Lester – karie_lester@yahoo.com Muffins with Moms – Kari Lester – karie_lester@yahoo.com Teacher Appreciation Events – Maegan Waltz – maegs222@aol.com· Grandparents Day – Emily Talbert – em.talbert@gmail.com Book Fair – Nicole Powell – southerncreationsbycoco@outlook.com· Extra-curricular Programs – academic team, band, chorus, orchestra, robotic team – See the Campus Office for more information regarding each program’s contact person.
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AUGUST 2019
How to get involved at LCA! School-Wide Activities We also hosts a variety of programs for the entire LCA family. Each year, we seek parent volunteers to assist us with the planning and facilitation of these events. Please contact the Admissions Office at admissions@lexingtonchristian.org to learn more about these events: Back-to-School Bash (August) Athletic Events Fine Arts Events Trunk or Treat (October) Peppermints & Pearls (November) Annual Celebration (February)
Board of Director Committees Parents are encouraged to get involved with one of our board committees. To learn more about our board of directors, committees, and opportunities to get involved, please visit our website www.lexingtonchristian.org (go to About Us > Board of Directors). Committees include: Advancement Athletics Education Facilities Finance Long Range Planning Student Life You can find more info about board assignments, meetings dates and times, etc. on the previous pages.
If you have questions regarding parent involvement, please reach out to the Admissions Office at (859) 422-5733 or admissions@lexingtonchristian.org.
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AUGUST 2019
NEW EMPLOYEES We're excited to welcome these new employees to LCA!
LISA BACON Director of Curriculum & Instruction
LISA BACON
Education: Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from Asbury University Teaching/Administration Experience: 16 years in the classroom and 7 years in administration Hobbies: Gardening and reading Church You Attend: Since I am new to Lexington (moved from Florida), this is a top priority! I am currently spending each Sunday actively seeking my new church home. "I'm excited to work at LCA, because it's a school that seeks to educate the whole student. As I walk through the hallways, I see teachers who are not only masters of their content, but they are passionate about instilling a deep sense of who we are to be as followers of Christ."
DR. SCOTT WELLS High School Principal
Education: Bachelor of Arts from Asbury University (English/German Secondary Education); Master's in Education from Florida Atlantic University (School Guidance/Counseling); Doctorate in Education from the University of Sarasota (Counseling Psychology); and Postdoctoral courses in school/district leadership from Eastern Kentucky University and the University of the Cumberlands Hobbies: Tennis, travel, reading, spending time with friends and family Church You Attend: Wilmore Free Methodist Church (Wilmore, Kentucky) "I'm thrilled to work at LCA and use my experiences in public education in a Christian setting!"
JOSH ROBINSON TOO TRENDY! 6th Grade Academy & Junior High Spiritual Life Director
Education: Bachelor's Degree in Organizational Leadership from Wright State University and Master's Degree in Advanced Bible and Ministry from Cedarville University Hobbies: I love spending time with my family, traveling, researching anything and everything, watching The Office, listening daily to Kentucky Sports Radio, and cheering on the CATS! Church You Attend: Immanuel Baptist Church "I am excited to come alongside and help the existing faculty and staff continue to produce students who are pursuing growth in every facet of life."
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AUGUST 2019
NEW EMPLOYEES We're excited to welcome these new employees to LCA!
TERRI WHITE Preschool & Elementary Principal
LISA BACON
Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Liberty University; Master’s Degree in Education Leadership from Grand Canyon University; and Principal Certification from ACSI Hobbies: I really do not have any hobbies, but there are things I enjoy doing like, painting (not pictures, but walls), which I find that extremely relaxing. I also, love quiet moments drinking coffee and reading books that deepen my faith in Jesus and sharpen my leadership skills. I treasure the moments in spending time with my family having fun exploring new areas and restaurants. Church You Attend: Since we are new to the area, we have been “church shopping” for the past several weeks. There are so many wonderful churches that I wish we could call all of them home! "I am so honored to be joining the LCA team. God has given me a desire for Christian education where students can develop a love for learning and a love for Jesus. It's exciting to see that LCA cultivates that type of learning environment. I am looking forward to partnering with the school community, so that together, we can live out the LCA mission ‘to equip and nurture students to fulfill God’s calling on their lives through Christ-centered education.’"
PATTI SMITH Junior High Math Teacher
Education: Bachelor of Science in Middle Grades Education from Toccoa Falls College Teaching Experience: 3 years plus the last 20 years homeschooling her children Hobbies: Cooking, hiking and reading Church You Attend: Lexington First Assembly "LCA is an academically excellent school that also is concerned about students' spiritual growth. I am looking forward to being a part of that."
LORI BENSON TOO TRENDY! Rose Campus Library Media Specialist
Education: Bachelor’s Degree in History Education and a Master’s Degree in Instructional Technology from Arkansas Tech University Hobbies: Reading, volunteering, and walking my dog Church You Attend: Centenary United Methodist Church "I am excited to help support the students and staff with educational resources and to journey with them on their pursuit of fulfilling their purpose in God’s Kingdom."
THE CHRONICLE
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AUGUST 2019
NEW EMPLOYEES MICHAEL FULTON 6th Grade Academy PE Teacher
LISA BACON
Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Kinesiology (Sports Management) Teaching Experience: 3 Years Hobbies: Leather crafting, sketching, watching movies, and fishing Church You Attend: Forks of Elkhorn Baptist Church "I'm excited to work at LCA because of its faith based environment, the people I have met and know, and because I also coach soccer at the school."
JOSHUA PALMER High School College Counselor
Education: Bachelor's Degree in Psychology with a double major in Communications from the University of Kentucky and a Master's Degree in Higher Education Administration from the University of Louisville Hobbies: I love board games! My wife and I have a growing collection and are always on the look-out for new additions. I also exercise regularly and really enjoy sports especially UK Athletics and all Pittsburgh professional sports. Church You Attend: Southland Christian Church "I'm thrilled that I get the opportunity to work with a group of highly motivated and intelligent students! I value the chance to build strong, lasting relationships with the students that I work with and God has blessed me with the chance to continue that work here at LCA."
BRENNAN JOHNSON TOO TRENDY! 5th Grade Social Studies and Science Teacher
Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Youth Ministry from Lee University Teaching Experience: First year teaching Hobbies: I enjoy reading and playing board games with friends. Church You Attend: Southside Church of Christ "I am excited to give back to LCA what it gave me, a solid foundation in Christianity. I want to invest in my students and model what a relationship with Christ looks like."
THE CHRONICLE
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AUGUST 2019
NEW EMPLOYEES ANNA VANCE WINGS Store Assistant
LISA BACON
Education: Graduated from Lexington Christian Academy 1995; Associate's Degree in Dental Hygiene from the University of Louisville Hobbies: I like to exercise, watch my kids play sports, read, do Bible study, hang out with friends and family and go to the beach. Church You Attend: Southland Christian Church "LCA has been a part of my family for many years. First, as a student and now as a parent. Our family is so thankful for LCA and for the Christian environment as well as the solid Biblical education that our school provides for our future generations. Everyone is so supportive in helping each child succeed academically as well as helping them grow spiritually. I'm really excited to be back at my Alma Mater where I can still be a part of this amazing school! I'm fortunate and blessed to be around such a great staff as well as such terrific students everyday who genuinely care about one another. We get to laugh, cry, and even pray with one another daily. I love being a part of the LCA family again!"
CHERI SAMFORD Elementary Lunch Assistant
Church You Attend: Southland Christian School "I am excited to work at LCA and be part of an institution that is committed to education excellence and prepares the students for the future."
CRYSTAL TROWER TOO TRENDY! High School Algebra
Education: Bachelor's Degree in Mathematics Secondary Education from Eastern Kentucky University Hobbies: Reading a good book Church You Attend: Lexington City Church "I am excited to work at LCA because this school has been such a blessing to my family. All three of my children came through this school. I am glad to get to give back some of the blessing by pouring into the students in my classroom."
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AUGUST 2019
NEW EMPLOYEES JENNY NEWMAN Human Resources Financial Assistant
LISA BACON
Education: Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration and Graphic Design from Mount Vernon Nazarene University in Mount Vernon, Ohio Hobbies: Photography, spending time with family and friends and attending sporting events Church You Attend: Eastland Park Church of the Nazarene (Lexington) "I am thankful for the opportunity to invest and serve alongside fellow staff, faculty and students. As a pastor’s wife, I count it a privilege to work in a Christian community that seeks to not only educate students in various disciplines but also cares about their spiritual formation in Christ. God has graciously placed many examples of faithfulness and strength in my life for which I will be forever grateful. I am excited to see how the Lord will use me through this new role. My husband and I look forward to cheering on the Eagles!"
TRACI RANDSDELL High School English Teacher
Education: Bachelor's Degree in English Education from Georgetown College and a Master's Degree in Educational Leadership Rank I from Eastern Kentucky University Teaching Experience: 33 years Hobbies: Reading, traveling, needle point and working out Church You Attend: Southland Christian Church "The small community of LCA and sharing my faith with students is what I'm most excited about. The love for Christ and His role in this school is tangible!"
PAUL WILKERSON TOO TRENDY! Junior High Art Teacher
Education: Bachelor's Degree in Art Education Hobbies: I love history and nature. Church You Attend: The Church at Tatesbrook "I love teaching, training and problem solving in creative ways."
THE CHRONICLE
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AUGUST 2019
NEW EMPLOYEES LANA LEDFORD Part-Time 5th Grade Reading and Math Interventionist
LISA BACON
Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from the University of Kentucky Teaching Experience: 31 years Hobbies: Hiking, gardening, and playing the piano Church You Attend: Eastland Church of God "I love being able to help students learn and understand that they are loved and created by God to do great things!"
HEATHER RILEY High School Counselor
Education: Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education from Transylvania University and a Master's Degree in Counseling and Personnel Services with a concentration in College Student Personnel from the University of Louisville Hobbies: I love to cook, spend time with my family and friends, and drink a lot of coffee! Church You Attend: I just relocated to Lexington and am currently trying to find a new church home in the city. "I am thrilled to work alongside the families at LCA by assisting students in finding their college fit. I am most passionate about building relationships and know that LCA is the perfect environment to make lifelong friends and family."
TOO TRENDY! Additional new employees will be featured in the September issue of The Chronicle.
THE CHRONICLE
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AUGUST 2019
Open houses and the first day of school!
CO2 cars
SPIRITUAL IDENTITY SURVEY RESULTS This spring, we once again polled our parents, teachers and students with the Spiritual Identity Survey, developed by our accrediting organization, AdvancED. Below you will find our results as compared with the 2018‐2019 school year.
Overall Scores by Constituency
Scale 1=low to 5=high 3.59 3.60 3.60 3.67 3.95 3.57 3.93 3.94
HS Students JH Students Staff Parents 1
2
3 2019
4
5
2018
The overall scores are good; but there is still room for improvement. Most scores were consistent with last year except Staff, which showed meaningful gains.
Elementary Student Scores
Scale 1=low to 3=high 2.77
Elem Students
2.78 1
2 2019
3
2018
These scores incorporate 3rd through 6th grades and are presented separately since they are based on a different scale (1 to 3). Church Attendance One other notable area from the survey was how frequently families attend church. A higher percentage of Parents said they attended church “All or Most of the Time,” than did the students! In fact, some said they “Seldom or Never” attended church. The Bible encourages us to meet together as believers and to encourage one another. We hope as you and your family embrace this new school year, you will also recommit to our covenant partnership for active participation in a local church congregation. Hebrews 10:25: “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
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The weather cleared on Friday, August 23 just in time for our Back-to-School Bash before the first home football game of the season. What a fun night for our families!