W I N TER 2016
THE WARRIOR L I T T L E
R O C K
C H R I S T I A N
A C A D E M Y
TABLE of CONTENTS 4-5 J-TERM TRIPS 6-7 J-TERM CLASSES/INTERNSHIPS 8-9 ATHLETICS 10-11 PROJECT LEAD THE WAY
12-13 WILD ABOUT WARRIORS 14-15 HOMECOMING 16 HUNTER GUINN 17 GEORGIANA BURNSIDE
18 ELEMENTARY LITERACY 19 FINE ARTS 20-21 STUDENT LIFE 22 ADVANCEMENT
DR. ARNOLD Record attendance was recorded at several games in Warrior Gymnasium and on WarriorVision during the 2015-16 season. The environment was filled with enthusiasm, emotion and excitement as shown here as Isaiah Harper wows the student section during the conference game against the Greenbrier Panthers. On the Cover: LRCA students traveled to Switzerland over J-Term and took in a cog train experience through the snow to the top of Mt. Rigi. The group is shown here as they were traveling back down the mountain.
RECAPS WINTER 2016
I never get tired of saying “It’s a great day to be a Warrior!” On top of that, I am quick to shout, “The Golden Triangle lives!” The home, church and school working together to build up young Warriors and fleshing out the truth that a cord of three strands is not quickly broken. If the home struggles, stress waves push against the church and the school. If our church participation goes slack, our homes and school will follow suit. And, if our school ever fails to declare Truth and the name of Jesus, our home and church will surely feel it. Speaking of Jesus, one of our 8th graders recently found eternal life in Jesus through the prayer and witness of one of our math teachers. Sharing the gospel, our teacher asked her to think it over. She did. Two days later, our young teen prayed for salvation in Christ. Yes, God is at work at LRCA and it’s always good to be where he is working – smartly in the center of the Golden Triangle. Another example or two … On a J-Term mission trip, one of our football players gave away his favorite guitar to a young islander too poor to ever own his own guitar. And, here’s a testimony of grace - Georgianna Burnside, our high school leader who broke her back last year skiing in Colorado. By the power of God, George hit the Winter Park slopes last month on a ski chair. Similarly, prayers and a godly spirit brought Jake Barber back to school after a near-fatal car accident. As the work of the Lord pulsates among us, we remind ourselves every day, we are, first and foremost, a school. Our Parent-Teacher Fellowship constantly equips us to be the best school we can be. For example, at our recent PTF Wild about Warriors auction, over $100,000 was raised to advance our STEM initiative (and more) across the grades. I hope you will want to come #GROW with us as you read this issue of The Warrior.
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STUDENTS LEARN, SERVE AND TRAVEL OVER J-TERM Beautiful and Historical Sights are Seen at the Emerald Isle
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reland, also called the Emerald Isle, is a land of beauty and magic, a land of our ancestors as well as the kindest people on earth. LRCA traveled to experience this wonderful country during J-Term 2016. We saw amazing sights such as the Cliffs of Moher, beautiful castles, the Wicklow Mountains, and the Ring of Kerry. We saw where the fateful Titanic set sail at Cork, and we kissed the Blarney Stone with the promise of the "gift of gab". We experienced the most beautiful rainbow that any of us have ever seen, and it left us with the firm conviction of the Creator. Friendships grew and students learned from this delightful country as we soaked in all Ireland has to give. - Terri Swedenburg, High School Faculty
Chocolate, Yodeling, and Siberian Huskies make for a Memorable Visit to Switzerland and France
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fter flying into Lyon, France, and spending a day wandering the streets of the old town, a group of 19 students and three chaperones drove to Switzerland via Geneva. The afternoon included an enlightening visit to the Red Cross museum. The next destination was the German-speaking part of the country. A canceled tour of Einstein’s House opened up an opportunity to ice skate at an outdoor rink in the city center of the Swiss capital of Bern! Side trips included a cookie factory where students had a heyday in the showroom (a virtual all-you-can-eat cookie smorgasbord), a chocolate factory where each student designed their own chocolate bar, and a Swiss cheese factory. Everyone’s favorite memory was a “Swiss Folk Evening” that included nine-pin bowling, a Swiss meal, and a yodeling contest! The final city to visit was Lucerne. While there, the group took a cog train through the snow to the top of Mt. Rigi. On the final morning, the adventurers hiked in the mountains and went to a Husky Village where they were strapped to Alaskan and Siberian dogs and pulled along winding paths. God’s presence was truly evident throughout the trip! - Heather Tarpley, High School Faculty 4
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Sharing the Gospel in the Islands
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ine students and two teachers traveled to the Bahamas to serve for a week in various elementary schools in the community. The LRCA students also held a Vacation Bible School at the Zion Children’s Home, a home for children in foster care. Students were responsible for planning and conducting activities which included skits, songs, outdoor games and Bible lessons. The days were spent encouraging the children in the home and bringing them joy. The Zion children were able to take books, devotion materials, activity books, movies and Bibles home with them. The LRCA group also assisted with daily chores at the Jordan Stone Mission House and attended a Bahamian worship service and a Junkanoo parade. Bibles and devotion materials were distributed to members at the Full Gospel House of God Temple and to students at the elementary schools. It was a rewarding experience for our students to share the Gospel and serve those in need. - Ann Polsen, High School Faculty
Selflessly Serving those with Special Needs
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group of 25 students and four teachers traveled to Montego Bay, Jamaica to serve as the hands and feet of Jesus. For five days, the students laid down the comforts of their everyday lives to love and serve others with special needs.
The group assisted with a construction project at the Jamaica Christian School for the Deaf. The school is located in a small village set back in the hills and rain forests of Jamaica and ministers to hearing impaired and special needs children. The projects at the school included building new classrooms, creating safe play areas for the children, and spending time with the students. The team also hosted a Vacation Bible School in the community of Eden, Jamaica. LRCA students prepared and led the Bible lesson, crafts, and outdoor activities. The students were able to clearly articulate the love that God has for all his children, the sin that separates us, and the salvation that is offered through Christ. The final stops that week were at Blossom Garden Children’s Home, an orphanage with more than 70 children, and Westhaven Home, a living community for the severely disabled. In these locations students assisted the employees with caring for the residents. The LRCA students were humbled and encouraged by their week in Jamaica, as they saw the Holy Spirit move in a lifechanging way. - Stefan Jones, High School Faculty THE WARRIOR • WINTER 2016
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J-Term INTERNSHIPS Abby Fegtly – Blue Door Sponsorship, Kenya Mason Davis and Dr. White – Emergency Room Medicine Jordan Burks and Jessica Smith – Salon Scarlet Jarrett Bolden - U.S. District Court with Judge Jay Moody Brittany Taghizadeh - Soiree Magazine Anna Black – Dempsey Bakery Madison Dedrick and Madeline Morgan - Lela and Lyla Photography Robert Thompson - Principled Technologies Savana Espinoza and Dr. Mcllhaney - Towne North Animal Hospital
Students Gather to Worship, Pray, and Learn More About Their Faith at PASSION 2016
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leven students and teachers left January 2 for Atlanta, Georgia to attend the 2016 Passion Conference. This is a worship conference led by Louie Giglio and Chris Tomlin held at the beginning of each year for young adults 18-25 years old. The conference hosts the leading Christian singers, worship teams and speakers in the world. This year speakers included John Piper, Louie Giglio and Levi Lusko, and over 30,000 young adults were in attendance. LRCA students sang, worshipped and participated in sessions where they met other high school and college students from across the country. An offering was collected at the conference that will be enough to build an entire pediatric hospital in Syria. The LRCA group came home more passionate for Christ, and several of the students said it was their best high school experience. We are already planning our trip for next year! - Susie Thompson, High School Faculty
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J-TERM CLASSES
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odeled after the college January term idea, “J-Term” is designed to increase learning opportunities for students. Classes are offered that are not normally available, giving students an opportunity to learn in areas of passion, discover and develop their gifts, and explore new ideas and skills. The classes are divided into 12 categories with over 38 choices. Below are photos taken from the Healing Waters Service Project, Exploring Health Careers, Small Engine Repair, Ichthyology and Sport of Trout Fishing,
Mock Trial and the Thespian Competition. It is understandable why with options like these LRCA high school students enjoy their J-Term classroom experience!
J-TERM CLASS CATEGORIES Community Service Bible & Discipleship Science Life/Career Preparation Literature & Film Outdoor Skills and Fitness Media and Journalism Music Social Sciences Visual Arts Academic Prep and Competition Language and Culture
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ATHLETICS Basketball
Seniors: Alexus Thomas, Isaiah Harper, Cameron Riser, Claire Newton, Damarea Crockett and Drew Smith
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Boys Basketball
Girls Basketball
7th grade 13-3 8th grade 11-5 9th grade 12-5 Varsity – 16-11, 3rd in 5A Conference, State Tournament Qualifier 5A All State- Isaiah Harper, Justice Hill 5A West All Conference – Kalin Bennett, Damarea Crockett Warrior Award – Isaiah Harper
7th grade 3-10 8th grade 5-8 9th grade 12-11 Varsity – 12-11, 2nd in 5A Conference, State Tournament Qualifier 5A All State – Alexus Thomas, Reagan Bradley 5A West All Conference – Alexus Thomas, Reagan Bradley, Lara Kate Ashworth, Claire Newton, Aspyn Satterwhite Warrior Award – Claire Newton
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Wrestling
6th place in State Individual State Champions – Hunter Jones, Kevin Knox 5A All State – Hunter Jones, Kevin Knox, Cole White, John White Warrior Award – Kevin Knox
Cheer
All Americans Hannah Kelley Millie Milton Anne Claire Cook Grace Fegtly
Pom
5A State Dance Champions All State – Brighton Barnard All Star West – Samantha Boyd and Jillian Pettit
Swimming Third place in District Meet in 50 meter free style – Elijah Low Second place in District Meet in 200 meter free style – Alex Lacey Second place in District Meet in 100 meter breast stroke – Alex Lacey Warrior Award – Elijah Low
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Project Lead the Way
Leading LRCA Students to Succeed in a Global Economy
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he U.S. Department of Commerce estimates that jobs in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) will grow 17 percent by 2018 – nearly double the growth for non-STEM fields. By 2018, the U.S. will have more than 1.2 million unfilled STEM jobs because there will not be enough qualified workers to fill them. LRCA is teaching students the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in STEM careers, as well as the collaborative problem solving skills that will benefit them in any career path they choose. Little Rock Christian is utilizing Project Lead the Way (PLTW) to accomplish that goal. This innovative curriculum was introduced in elementary STEM classes this year and will be launched in middle school and high school in August 2016.
“When students understand how STEM education is relevant to their lives and future careers, they get excited. Invoking excitement is what PLTW does on a regular basis and the reason our students are successful.” - Project Lead the Way
PLTW is the nation’s leading provider of K-12 STEM programs, providing a comprehensive approach to STEM education. Through world-class curriculum, a high-quality professional development model, and an engaged network of educators and corporate and community partners, PLTW helps students develop the skills necessary to succeed in our global economy. The organization currently delivers programs to more than 8,000 schools in all 50 states. Its success 10
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in preparing students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed has been recognized by colleges and universities, Fortune 500 businesses and numerous national organizations. Through activity, project, and problem-based curriculum, PLTW gives students in kindergarten through high school a chance to apply what they know, identify problems, find unique solutions, and lead their own learning. For educators, the engaging, rigorous model provides tools to empower students and transform the classroom into a collaboration space where content comes to life. In kindergarten through fifth grade, students become problem solvers and employ critical thinking using structured approaches such as engineering design process. They apply STEM knowledge, skills, and habits of mind, while learning that it is okay to take risks and make mistakes. As teachers and students learn and discover together, education becomes far more engaging. Elementary STEM instructor, Michele Irby said, “Having an elementary STEM lab is a tremendous investment in our students that will pay dividends in future years as they grow academically. We are laying the groundwork for successful careers in STEM for these students.”
Middle School is the perfect time for students to explore and learn that there is more than one way to reach a solution. The PLTW middle school/junior high curriculum challenges and inspires students through engineering, biomedical, and computer sciences. Students use industry-leading technology to solve problems while gaining skills in communication, collaboration, criticalthinking, and creativity. Barry McCaskill, Head of the Science Department in the high school said, “PLTW Engineering is more than just another high school engineering program. It is about applying engineering, science, math, and technology to solve complex, open-ended problems in a real-world context.” Students focus on the process of defining and solving a problem, not on getting the “right” answer. They learn how to apply STEM knowledge, skills, and habits of mind to make the world a better place through innovation. PLTW Computer Science empowers students to become creators, instead of merely consumers, of the technology all around them. The program engages students in real-world activities like creating an online art portal and using automation to process and analyze DNA-sequence data. These projects and problems engage students in computational thinking, challenge them to think big, and help illustrate how intricately computer science is woven into our society.
ELEMENTARY STEM CURRICULUM MODULES Kindergarten – Pushes and Pulls Structure and Function of the Human Body First Grade – Light and Sound Animal Adaptations Second Grade – Materials Science Form and Function and Grids and Games Third Grade – The Science of Flight Variation of Traits Fourth Grade – Input and Output of the Human Brain Energy Collisions MIDDLE SCHOOL/JUNIOR HIGH CURRICULUM Design and Modeling - Students apply the design process to solve problems and understand the influence of creativity and innovation in their lives. They work in teams to design a playground and furniture, capturing research and ideas in their engineering notebooks. Using Autodesk® design software, students create a virtual image of their designs and produce a portfolio to showcase their innovative solutions. HIGH SCHOOL ENGINEERING CURRICULUM Introduction to Engineering Design - Students dig deep into the engineering design process, applying math, science, and engineering standards to hands-on projects. They work both individually and in teams to design solutions to a variety of problems using 3D modeling software, and use an engineering notebook to document their work. Principles of Engineering (2017) - Through problems that engage and challenge, students explore a broad range of engineering topics, including mechanisms, the strength of structures and materials, and automation. Students develop skills in problem solving, research, and design while learning strategies for design process documentation, collaboration, and presentation. HIGH SCHOOL COMPUTER SCIENCE CURRICULUM Introduction to Computer Science - Designed to be the first computer science course for students who have never programmed before, ICS is an optional starting point for the PLTW Computer Science program. Students work in teams to create apps for mobile devices using MIT App Inventor®. They explore the impact of computing in society and build skills in digital citizenship and cybersecurity. Beyond learning the fundamentals of programming, students build computational thinking skills by applying computer science to collaboration tools, modeling and simulation, and data analysis. In addition, students transfer the understanding of programming gained in App Inventor to text-based programming in Python® and apply their knowledge to create algorithms for games of chance and strategy.
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Wild About Warriors
Raises over $100,000 for Warrior Education
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here was no better way to enjoy the spring-like weather on March 5 than to be in Warrior Hall. The great room and hallways were decked out in forsythia, lilies, weeping cherry trees and interesting rustic elements. The building was abuzz with patrons eyeing the vast assortment of silent auction items. While online bidding actually began a few days before the event, everyone enjoyed seeing the treasures and continuing the bidding.
well as award presentations before the live auction and raffle
A delicious meal was served by RX Catering to parents, grandparents and friends who enjoyed a “state of the school” briefing from Dr. Arnold, as
Academy to join us and accept this award.
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drawings began. The Curtis family and Good Earth Garden Center were honored with the Hickingbotham Business of Excellence Award for their continued support of Little Rock
Christian
and
their
involvement in improving our community. The recipient of the Mark Webb Alumni Award was Griffin Kuhn from the class of 2009.
Griffin took
a break from his work with students at Chicago Hope Mrs. Whitney White chaired this PTF auction event for the second consecutive year.
Her committee of volunteers
has given hundreds of hours to LRCA to create such a wonderful opportunity for parents to gather in support of the school. The financial and in-kind backing of over 30 sponsors provided for all of the proceeds of the auction to go toward PTF-funded initiatives which benefit academic and art programs at LRCA. The 2016 Wild about Warriors Auction raised $109,000, including $8,440 in Warrior Wish donations. This year’s Warrior Wish will purchase an additional chromebook cart, which includes 20 new chromebooks, for our middle school students. Chromebooks allow teachers to consistently incorporate technology into instruction, giving our students more “hands-on” learning opportunities.
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WINTER HOMECOMING 2016
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Warriors “Compete” in Summer Olympics
asketball homecoming got off to a great start when the high school was transformed with festive decorations reflecting a summer Olympic theme. Students showed off their school spirit by participating in dress up days
including: twin day, hillbilly vs. hippie day, future career day, dress as your favorite teacher day, and Warrior spirit day. A highlight of the week was the homecoming brunch hosted by the student council for the maids and their mothers. The 2016 Basketball Homecoming maids were introduced along with their basketball escorts during a pep rally that afternoon.
Amanda Fitzer, Mattie Leech, Hannah Kelley
(pictured above left to right, front row),Isabella Wisinger, Allie Morton, Anna Murrell, Payton Davis, Rebecca Brogdon and Gaby LoRusso (pictured above left to right, back row) 14
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represented their classes. The spirit squads entertained the students, parents and faculty with their astounding Olympic themed routines. That evening the Homecoming maids were escorted by family members prior to the basketball games, and Amanda Fitzer was crowned the 2016 Basketball Homecoming Queen. The games then began with the Warriors taking on the Harrison Goblins. Although the Warriors played two extremely competitive games, the girls and boys ended the evening taking a loss to the Goblins. Many alumni were in attendance for the festivities and the annual Basketball Homecoming Alumni Chili Supper. The Summer Olympic Homecoming was a fun filled week with school spirit to be remembered for years to come!
FINE ARTS Spreading Good Cheer and Worshipping God at Christmas
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he Fine Arts Department spread cheer and goodwill during the month of December! The high school band and orchestra, along with the cheer and pom teams, visited Seventh Street Elementary School in North Little Rock to deliver gifts and sacks of food for students to enjoy over the Christmas break. The LRCA students enjoyed time in the classrooms reading to the students, and the band and orchestra treated them to several Christmas carols performances.
The high school Warrior choir, band and orchestra combined to perform “Classic Christmas,” featuring works from Handel’s Messiah, The Nutcracker, and other beloved Christmas melodies. The junior high musical groups presented “A Christmas Celebration” with whimsical tunes such as Jingle Bells, Who Let the Elves Out, and Calypso Carol, along with more traditional selections of Carol of the Bells, Born Born in Bethlehem and Come See the Baby. Other Christmas events on campus included: “Hope was Born” by the middle school choir and a Children’s Theatre “Charlie Brown Christmas” by the junior high drama department. Perhaps the sweetest Christmas production was the “Great Big Story” by the second grade. What better way to celebrate the Christmas season than to have the students tell us the story of a little baby who came to save the world!
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REMEMBERING
Hunter Guinn
Once a Warrior, Always a Warrior
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n excerpt from the Warrior Roundtable, by Dr. Gary Arnold – December 27, 2016 If not for Jesus Christ, I would pen this note with despair. In the reality of Jesus, I write with hope. Yesterday, the day after Christmas, Hunter Guinn, a Warrior sophomore, departed to be with the Lord soon after raking in his yard. It is a dark mystery. His mom and uncle testify to Hunter's personal faith in Jesus.
Quiet and strong, Hunter was a good friend and student. He was also a football player who recently told his family and friends he had 22 more games in him. Let's play those games in his honor. For some reason, the Lord called Hunter to the mansion He prepared for him in heaven. The WHY will be a question that is not easily answered. All I know is Jesus wept when his friend Lazarus died and testified that there was a reason. For our friend, I'll trust Him in that. Coach Trembley was Hunter's BWV teacher this year and says Hunter was respectful, mature and serious about knowing God. His last question to Coach Trembley after finals was about angels. Today, he knows the answer better than we do. A chapel service was held on campus in Hunter’s honor after Evidence from the autopsy is now being used as research material students returned from the J-Term semester. Mr. Yancey, Coach in a study at Texas Heart Institute in Houston so that others Weaver and Dr. Arnold shared stories about may potentially be healed. Hunter’s skin Hunter with the high school student body. has also been used for burn patients and In remembrance of Hunter, please They encouraged the students to live a life as bones have been used for transplants. Mrs. consider giving to the Hunter Hunter did – exemplifying Christ in all ways. Robinson also recently received a letter Guinn Memorial Scholarship Coach Weaver announced that number 65 from the Arkansas Eye Bank informing her Fund at Little Rock Christian will be retired at Little Rock Christian and Academy, 19010 Cantrell Road, that because of Hunter’s organ donation Hunter’s jersey will be on display in the Little Rock, AR 72223 someone’s sight has recently been restored. athletic office. She is thankful to the LRCA community for Hunter’s mother Laurie Robinson recently shared that her perspective of God’s work through Hunter’s unexpected passing is becoming more clear. The autopsy recently revealed the cause of death as a congenital heart defect. 16
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the love, prayers and support shown to her and her family during this difficult time. She is so grateful for silver linings and that her separation from Hunter is not permanent!
STUDENT STORY
Georgiana Burnside G
A Journey of Trials, Perseverance and Faith
eorgiana Burnside, junior at LRCA, was injured a year ago in a snow skiing accident while vacationing in Colorado. Georgiana recently shared her story with the student body during a high school chapel service. A brief account of this story is published here. To read more detail about Georgiana's journey over the past year please visit www.littlerockchristian.com/warriorville/media.
THE ACCIDENT
During spring break of my sophomore year (March 2015) I went on a ski trip to Snowmass, Colorado with some friends, the Ramey family. The trip was absolutely fantastic until the end of the week when I had my accident. It was our first run of the morning and the conditions were not great. My skis didn’t have much traction and I was moving too fast. Right before a jump my left ski hit a rock, which shot me outward. I landed in a cradle position on the middle of my back and slammed my head against the ice. I felt a small explosion in my back. Then I tumbled down the slope and finished head first. After being airlifted to Children’s Hospital of Colorado, they determined that I had a spinal cord injury from a burst fracture at L1 and a compression fracture at T12, so I had a spinal fusion from T10-L3 (they fuse the vertebrae and put a metal cage around the spine with rods and screws). I was paralyzed from the waist down before surgery and after surgery I could wiggle my right hip. I was initially classified as a complete spinal cord injury that probably wouldn’t walk again. Now I am a walking paraplegic with an incomplete spinal cord injury hoping for more recovery.
TIME AT CRAIG HOSPITAL
After my surgery and time in ICU, I was moved to Craig Hospital. Craig Hospital is a rehabilitation hospital specializing in spinal cord injury and traumatic brain injury. My first week at Craig was absolutely terrible. I had a horrible attitude and I didn’t leave my hospital room for a week-- partly because of blood pressure, pain and inability to move. Easter weekend was my first weekend at the hospital, and I finally left my room to attend the hospital church service. The chaplain began speaking about how Christ resurrected and we will too. She reminded us that our physical state is only temporary and that God’s promise should excite us for eternal life in heaven where our bodies will be renewed and restored. This really had an impact
on me and from that point forward I worked hard to rehabilitate my body. The hardest part about my time at Craig was leaving.
MY RELATIONSHIP WITH CHRIST
My accident reshaped my perspective on how I am supposed to live in accordance with Christ. Before the accident I found my identity in my achievements in sports and academics. After having my physical abilities taken away from me, it made me direct my focus on something much bigger than myself. When God gives us trials, it can be difficult to see the blessing. Over time, I have realized that placing my faith in God deepened the level of trust I have in Him. I’ve also learned that we can try to create a path for ourselves but God can come in at any time and throw in a plan B. I’m learning that God’s plan should become my plan.
WHERE I AM NOW
I have made progress in my right hip and glute and am patiently waiting on more feeling to return in the glutes, hips, dorsal flexion, and plantar flexion. It is still tiring to walk but I am working on my physical endurance. I spoke in high school chapel during the fall of 2015. Afterward I was asked by several people to speak to other groups. I recently spoke at St. James to a Bible study group. I really enjoyed the opportunity and am open to speaking anywhere so I can share what I have learned through my journey with God. This summer I will return to Craig for outpatient therapy with the support from the High Fives Foundation. High Five sponsors SCI people who have been hurt doing a mountain sport and want to get back into sports the adaptive way as well as continuing to improve in therapy. I applied for a grant and sponsorship from High Fives, and now I am officially what they call a “High Fives Athlete”. I am very excited about this opportunity! THE WARRIOR • WINTER 2016 17
Literacy in Lower School
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Engaging Readers and Writers Through Choice
wo years ago Little Rock Christian Academy created an initiative to focus on literacy. As reading is important in every area of our lives, the teachers were eager to grow deeper in their teaching of reading and writing. After
much research the Ed Team chose a training program offered by Harding University. “Harding was chosen because they offer a literacy lab,” said Ann Chami, Lower School Principal. “The literacy lab is different from other professional development because it is a program that continues for several years.
The continuous
engagement with the same professors over time effectively allows information to gradually be implemented in the classroom.” The Harding University Literacy Lab Project is a rigorous staff development program designed for teachers of students K-12. The training covers material and research needed for teachers to implement a reading workshop environment in their classrooms. It includes training
The goal of the project is to fully implement a model of instruction that is effective in developing teaching that supports student learning with hopes of significant increases in student achievement in the areas of fluency, comprehension, motivation, and vocabulary development. – Harding University
for creating engaging
literate environments, as well as instruction in motivating fluency and comprehension strategies. The training is designed to instruct teachers to use assessment as the driver of 18
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instruction and to implement writing workshops in their classrooms along with vocabulary and word study instruction. Harding University professors visit LRCA multiple times a year to meet with teachers from K4-6th grade. During this time, they work together on assessments, modeling reading lessons, small group teaching, and planning next steps. Ken Stamatis and Wendy Ellis, Harding University professors, not only meet with LRCA teachers, but students as well. They work in classrooms with the students on spelling, writing, reading, phonics and vocabulary. Older students are given book talks and are encouraged in their writing. The 6th grade recently participated in a research unit which allowed students to become advocates for global issues of their choice. This was a win-win assignment as the students learned the process of researching and reporting information while becoming global citizens who are more aware of the needs around them.
The overall principle of the program is teaching students to learn, not to be taught. The key to success is engaging readers and writers through educated, challenging choices.
“The Literacy Lab training has been wonderful! We have learned new ways to teach and engage students in both reading and writing. The best way to do this is to give students choices. When students have choices, they have increased ownership and this increases what they learn. One fun lesson we’ve implemented is teaching students to create characters in their writing. My students loved this!” - Sarah Berry, 6th grade English teacher
“I have been able to directly apply the Literacy Lab training in my classroom. The training has assisted me in assessing student reading levels, guiding book choices more effectively, and really getting the students fired up about reading in general! We have incorporated book clubs in the classroom and the students participate in discussions throughout the book. When Mr. Ken Stamatis visits our classrooms he is able to observe our teaching, role play with us and provide feedback and support. The students love his visits as he gets them excited about different genres of books with his book discussions.” – Amy Griffin, 4th grade Language Arts teacher THE WARRIOR • WINTER 2016
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STUDENT LIFE Follow us on Instagram @little_rock_christian_academy
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ADVANCEMENT and ADMISSIONS
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Doing Advancement and Admissions the Warrior Way
n May, our senior class will begin the transition from Warrior students to alumni. The traditional Warrior Walk symbolizes their growth from kindergartners to graduates and inspires our newer Warriors to walk worthy as they too learn to trust and serve Jesus, engage the culture, prepare for college, and pursue healthy relationships.
Homecoming receptions, a January meeting of the Alumni
The Little Rock Christian admissions process ensures that we serve new students with excellence. Fourteen new students were admitted in January to begin the semester, and Dr. Arnold, the principals and faculty introduced them to the Warrior Way. Open house gatherings and shadow experiences this winter have given prospective elementary and middle school families a glimpse into classrooms. Current student enrollment of 1,470 provides an ideal educational experience across all grade levels.
resources LRCA needs to provide facilities, equipment and
The advancement office has focused attention on alumni during the winter months, intentionally connecting, pursuing relationships, and listening in order to gage both the spiritual health of graduates and the academic preparedness of the students whom we launch.
Association Council, and a “Beyond the Gates” visit to Fayetteville have provided venues to continue those relationships well beyond commencement from LRCA. Families continue to give to the Annual Fund in record numbers. Over 970 donors have participated thus far by providing the instruction for a diverse population of students who pursue excellence in academics, arts and athletics. PTF and Warrior Club have been serving faculty, classrooms and athletic teams. From concession stands to the elegant Wild about Warriors auction event, these volunteer parents have been working and providing opportunities for the Warrior community to celebrate God’s blessings. As we near the finish line of this academic year, we are grateful for the expert instruction of Christ-following faculty and for the commitment of our families. It is a great day to be a Warrior!
Members of the Alumni Leadership Council gathered in January for their semi-annual meeting. Pictured right to left - Mason Lewis 2005, Ruthie Leggett-Thicksten 2002, Connor Van Hemert 2012, Chase Rackley 2009, Jonathan Curry 2010, Caroline Groustra 2012, Caitlin Bennett 2013, Victoria Neblett 2015, Katie Harrison 2006 and Sadie Smith 2007
Beyond the Gates Event- The advancement office recently visited LRCA alumni at the University of Arkansas, treating them to lunch at U.S. Pizza on Dickson Street. Over thirty alumni gathered to discuss college life and provide feedback to administrators on preparing LRCA students for higher education. There was great conversation and pizza had by all!
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s ' t n e r a p d n a Gr Day Friday, April 29 at 9:00 a.m. 3 year olds – 4th grade students will be performing
LITTLE ROCK CHRISTIAN ACADEMY
WARRIOR CLUB GOLF TOURNAMENT Pleasant Valley Country Club May 2, 2016
Sign up in the athletic office (501) 868-9822
Nonprofit U.S. Postage PAID Permit #1568 Little Rock, AR
Little Rock Christian Academy 19010 Cantrell Road • Little Rock, AR 72223
Little Rock Christian Academy Fine Arts Department presents the Broadway Classic
Music and Lyrics by Irving Berlin Directed by Kay Basham
Musical Director - Debbie Hill | Choreographer - Leslie Basham | Production Manager - Hollie Shepherd
www.LittleRockChristian.com/AnnieGetYourGun
April 14-17, 2016