Lexington Christian Academy
The Chronicle July 2018
Dear LCA Family and Friends, Welcome to the first edition of Lexington Christian Academy’s, The Chronicle, a monthly publication designed to provide additional information about your school, the leadership team, faculty, alumni, and much more. Each month’s edition will provide: Monthly Board Report Board Member Profile Senior Staff Member Profile Teacher Profile Alumni Profile LCA Happenings Jason Iler receives his diploma from his mother, Robyn, as his father Cliff looks on.
The board report will provide an overview of information discussed and approved by our Board of Directors during the monthly meetings. Some months the reports will be quite lengthy, while others may be brief. Regardless, our desire is to provide you with timely information from our school board. The Board will not be meeting at the end of July. Our next edition of the LCA Chronicle will be published at the end of August.
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.“ (Philippians 2:3)
On Monday, July 2nd, our school board met for its June meeting. Here are the highlights: The Board approved implementing three new “Project Lead The Way” curricular modules for grades 3-5. The modules will be companions to our current science curriculum. PLTW will give the students real life, hands on application allowing them to problem solve, collaborate, communicate, and to think both critically and creatively. All the teacher resources for these modules will be available online and all student hands on materials will be delivered to the school. The modules include: For 3rd Grade: “Stability and Motion: Science in Flight”: In this module, students learn about the forces involved in flight as well as Newton’s Laws of Motion. Students will design, build, and test an experimental model glider to find out how air and other forces affect its flight. “Stability and Motion: Forces of Interactions”: In this module, students explore simple machines such as wheel and axles, levers, the inclined plane, and more. They investigate the effects of balanced and unbalanced forces on the motion of an object. For 4th Grade: “Energy: Collisions”: In this module students explore the properties of mechanisms and how they change energy by transferring direction, speed, type of movement, and force. Students discover a variety of ways potential energy can be stored and released as kinetic energy. They explain the relationship between the speed of an object and the energy of that object, as well as predict the transfer of energy as a result of a collision between two objects. “Energy: Conversion”: In this module students identify the conversion of energy between forms and the energy transfer required to move energy from place to place. They also identify and explain how energy can be converted to meet a human need or want. For 5th Grade: “Robotics and Automation”: In this module students explore the ways robots are used in today’s world and their impact on society and the environment. Students learn about a variety of robotic components as they build and test mobile robots that may be controlled remotely. “Robotics and Automation: Challenge”: In this module students expand their understanding of robotics as they explore mechanical design and computer programming. This module focuses on developing skills needed to build and program autonomous robots. The cost of this curricular enhancement was made possible by the generous donation of an LCA family along with a matching grant from Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky, Inc. The Board would also like to invite families to an upcoming meeting. The Grading Scale Advisory Committee will host a parent information meeting on Monday, July 9th, at 7PM in the Rose Campus Chapel. The Committee will provide an update on their analysis and recommendations for LCA’s grading scale. Parents are encouraged to attend.
Terri Morrical is relatively new to the LCA Board of Directors but has been involved with the school for many years, serving in various capacities including the Finance Committee. We invite you to get to know Terri Morrical. Tell us a little bit about yourself and your family. What are some things you would like others to know about you? I grew up outside of Milwaukee, WI, where I received a Catholic education. I attended Miami University in Oxford, OH, receiving a B.S. in Business Administration. I have been married to my husband, Steve, for eighteen years. I am a proud mother of one daughter, Katie, who will be in the 7th grade next year. Katie has attended LCA since TK. We attend Pax Christi Catholic Church. We live in Nicholasville, KY with our dog, Rosie. I have been blessed to have a career working for Neogen Corporation (NASDAQ:NEOG) for the past 25+ years where we have a mission in food and animal safety. Why did you accept an offer to serve on LCA’s Board of Directors? I started out as a participant on LCA’s finance committee and thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to become involved and learn more about LCA. I feel strongly about the importance of LCA’s mission - “to glorify Christ through educational ministry.” The love in my heart calls me to serve and give back where I can. What have you been most proud of since joining the Board? The Board has accomplished numerous things that I share in the pride of. I currently serve on the Finance, Personnel, Advancement and Long Range Planning Committees. Some of the accomplishments include: Plans for 6th Grade Academy and the campus realignment. Finance – Move to accrual based accounting, involvement of the finance committee in budget preparation, new, expanded reporting from our Director of Finance. Personnel – Hire of Head of School and plans for Junior High Spiritual Life Director, Director of Curriculum & Instruction, and quality of recent hires. Advancement – Success of LCA’s Annual Fund Dinner and the support shown by the LCA community. Long Range Planning – Held a vision crafting session for the Board and have worked to further define LCA’s DNA, crown jewels, and goals for the future. (continued)
BOARD MEMBER PROFILE (continued) What professional expertise and skills are you most excited to share with LCA’s Board? I bring a strong business background, leadership skills and commitment to excellence. In 1992, I started a business along with others that was later sold to Neogen Corporation. I now function as Neogen’s Vice President, Animal Safety with responsibility for $175 million+ in revenues, full functional responsibility for seven US operations and management of over 400 employees. I have served on other boards including: Lexington Newcomers, Lexington Children’s Theater, United Way and Success by Six. If asked, why would you encourage families to send their children to LCA? Nothing is more important than the education of our children and the environment in which it is received. LCA offers a Christian worldview; it is accredited but independent from any church or denomination. LCA offers a loving and nurturing environment with intimate class sizes and first-class facilities. Our daughter loves her teachers and friends - she comes home excited each day. We are pleased with the education she is receiving and her spiritual growth. What advice would you give to current LCA families? I would suggest that families become further involved in service. LCA offers numerous opportunities from our Parent Teacher Fellowship, annual events, and board committees to participating in the homeroom and class outings. I have found that the joy received from participating and the relationships developed have far outweighed the work involved. LCA is only as strong as our community that supports it; we need each family to participate in the way that best serves their heart and talent and help build the best school possible. We need invested “shareholders” in LCA.
We invite you to get to know our Director of Campus Operations, Seth Robinson. Tell us a little bit about yourself and your family. I was born and raised in Madison County (Berea, KY) as the third of seven children and graduated from Madison Southern High School. I received my undergraduate degree in Telecommunications from the University of Kentucky, and my Master’s degree in Telecommunications Systems Management from Murray State University. My wife, Shannon, and I have two children at LCA; Hadley is a rising 3rd grader and Noah is excited to be in Kindergarten in the fall. Describe your role at Lexington Christian Academy. I joined the LCA family as the Director of Technology in April of 2013 after spending more than a decade working in various departments and divisions of UK Healthcare. I was recently named the school’s Director of Campus Operations. In this new role, I provide oversight to the school’s technology, facilities, and security organizations. What are you currently working on? I have been asked to manage this summer’s Campus Realignment project as well as the construction of the 6th Grade Academy. Our team is also working on an exciting new High School elective called “Eagle IT Helpdesk,” which will focus on students helping students with technology issues as well as teaching them valuable technical support skills. Who is on your team? Our Technology team consist of Neal Hall (Server/Network & Administrator), Quentin Barnett (Desktop Support Specialist), Ashley Tabor (Renweb Administrator & Webmaster), and Tyler Clark (Desktop Support Technician). I also work very closely with Officer Eddie Hart on Safety and Security matters and collaborate with Brian Dufour to help support his team in the Facilities department. What should families look forward to in 2018-2019? I am so very excited about where He is leading us in 2018-2019. I am excited about the opportunities that are going to come from the Campus Realignment and introduction of the 6th Grade Academy this summer. For the first time in the almost 30-year history of LCA, all of our amazing Elementary faculty, staff, and students will have the opportunity to learn and collaborate on the same campus. In addition, we will now have the unique opportunity to nurture our 6th graders in a customized and forward-looking educational space that meets their specific needs, grows them out of Elementary, and prepares them for Junior High and beyond. Finally, by making efficient use of our space on the Rose Campus, we will have expanded opportunities to grow the academic offerings in our Junior High and High School areas in the coming years. What an amazing time to be at LCA! Why are you proud to work at LCA? I could not be more proud to have been called to serve at LCA. The opportunity to work in a Christ-centered environment is such a blessing to my family and me. In addition to working alongside some of the most amazing educators and administrators around, I have the opportunity to see Christ move in the lives of our students and their families each day.
We invite you to get to know one of our wonderful faculty members, Marci Hucaby. Marci is a kindergarten teacher. She joined Lexington Christian Academy 28 years ago. In May, Marci became the only two-time recipient of the Ruth Coppler Award, which recognizes an outstanding teacher. Tell us a little bit about yourself and your family. I have the absolute joy of teaching kindergarten at LCA! I will begin my 29th year this year. I am married to my sweet husband, David. We have two daughters. Our oldest, Lauren, graduated from LCA in 2013, and she is a teacher in Boyle County. Our youngest daughter is Kara. She will be a senior at LCA this year. What do you like the most about LCA? I love that when I think of LCA, I think of the word “family”, and I especially love that word! I picture LCA as a circle, and the circle is made up of our precious children of all ages, parents, grandparents, teachers, and administrators/leaders. We are working together to educate the minds and hearts of the children. We are all looking up to Jesus, because He is at the center of who we are and all that we do. It is so humbling to be one part of this circle, and to be a part of LCA’s family. What do you think is different at LCA than other schools? As is true of most, if not all, schools, LCA is certainly committed to providing our students with the absolute best education possible. However, we are also teaching our children to view everything they learn through God’s eyes... with a Christian worldview. This is a huge distinction!! Likewise, our faculty truly views teaching at LCA as so much more than a job, but as His ministry. Our hearts are invested in glorifying Christ through educational ministry, and we acknowledge our complete dependence on Him to make this happen. What do you enjoy most about teaching at LCA? I love teaching the children about Jesus every single day, and it is especially meaningful during Christmas and Easter!! Each child and each class is very unique, and I am always blown away at how He is so good and faithful to guide and shepherd our unique hearts and minds as, once again, we hear the most wonderful news that He came as a little baby to live, teach, love, and ultimately die on the cross for our sins! Then, to be able to say, “That is how much He loves YOU, and YOU are part of His story”. It just makes my heart sing, and it never, ever grows old! What advice or encouragement would you give to parents? I think we would all agree that our lives are full of distractions of every shape, color, and size! As a teacher, but especially as a parent, God reminds me each day to “keep the main thing the main thing” which is Jesus! I find special encouragement in Galatians 6:9-”Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
Steve, Savannah, and Jennifer Rainwater
Taylor and Savannah Rainwater
The Rainwater family has a long commitment to Christ-centered education. Steve Rainwater was here at the very beginning, attending LCA for six years before graduating in 1989. His son, Taylor, began attending Preschool at LCA in 2002 and graduated in 2016. His daughter, Savannah, began attending Preschool at LCA in 2004 and graduated with the Class of 2018. Altogether, they have been LCA students for 34 years and are each proud to be alumni to this outstanding school. At our just completed Commencement Services, Mr. Rainwater had the distinction of bestowing upon Savannah the Legacy Pin representing his family’s commitment to Christ-centered education at Lexington Christian Academy.
Here is a highlight of some of our June activities:
After the Memorial Day holiday, our faculty and staff began preparing for the 2018-2019 Campus Realignment. Our team worked together to pack, move, and organize classroom materials for the new school year. Great effort by a hard-working team!
On June 1, our faculty and staff celebrated with an end of the school year chapel. During this time, we participated in praise and worship, reflected on the school year, and then celebrated career milestones and retirements. Congratulations to each staff member celebrating an important career milestone! 5 years:
Bridgette Chevuru (Preschool,) Jenna Gudalis (Elem,) Neal Hall (CBO,) Ted Hall (Elem,) Tonya Ingram (JH,) Seth Robinson (CBO,) Rachel Watts (CBO,) Susan Williams (Elem,) and Leigh Ann Wilson (Elem.)
10 years
Quentin Barnett (CBO,) Mark Burroughs (JH,) Ashley Ford (Elem,) Becky Haggard (HS,) Mary Beth Kindred (Elem,) Julia Leopold (CBO,) Larisa Menshikova (Facilities,) Brian Ray (HS,) Michelle Reynolds (Elem,) Danielle Smith (Elem,) and Sarah Wolfe (Elem/HS)
15 years
Reva Lavender (Elem) and Nancy Jaeger (JH)
20 years
Pete Akatsa (JH,) Clark Cranfill (Elem, JH, HS) and Beth Rogers (Elem)
At the beginning of summer break, a group of LCA’s high school students and their parents served the Atlanta area. They partnered with 7 Bridges to Recovery in order to feed, play with, love and minister to their community.
On June 4, more than 150 people enjoyed a wonderful day in the sun of golf, fellowship and fun. It took place at the Thoroughbred Golf Club and the day was capped off by an incredible cookout by Coach Doug Charles. Monies raised at the event are being split between the LCA football program, athletic training and the strength and conditioning programs.
LCA’s Summer Day Camp opened for operation on June 4th at the Immanuel Baptist Church Campus. Each week, campers will explore exciting themes and enjoy science, art, music and so much more. What a fun way to spend the summer!
The LCA soccer programs hosted their annual camp last month (June 4-8) and taught more than 50 youngsters through skills work and games. Head coaches Casey Greer and Steve Fugmann, along with many LCA high school players, ran the camp. This camp gives the high school players a chance to interact and “pay forward” the teaching they have received while investing time into the lives of young kids.
The week of June 11th, 45 girls took part in the LCA volleyball camp, led by head coach Kirby Willoughby and new assistant coach Tiffany Horton, both former division I volleyball players. The girls are being taught fundamentals and skill development in the sport, which is being assisted by the LCA high school volleyball players.
On June 15th, LCA played host to the “Anthony Davis Basketball Camp.”
July 30 – 7th Grade Girls Orientation July 31 – 7th Grade Boys Orientation August 7 – Elementary Parent Information Night
August 9 – 6th Grade Academy Ribbon Cutting Ceremony August 10 – Freshman & New High School Student Open House August 10 – Luncheon for New High School Students August 13 – Preschool Parent Information Night August 13 – 6th Grade Academy & Junior High Parent Open House August 14 – PS & Elementary Campus Ribbon Cutting Ceremony August 14 – TK-5th Grade Back-to-School Open House August 14 – 6th Grade Academy Student Open House
August 14 – Luncheon for New Junior High Students August 14 – Junior High Student Open House August 15 – First Day of School for TK-12th Grade August 15 – Preschool Back-to-School Open House August 16 – First Day of School for Preschool Students (Tu/Th and M-F Classes) August 17 – First Day of School for Preschool Students (MWF Classes)
The Chronicle A Publication of Lexington Christian Academy 450 West Reynolds Road Lexington, Kentucky 40503 (859) 422-5700 www.lexingtonchristian.org