The
Chronicle YMEDACA NAITSIRHC NOTGNIXEL •ELCINORHC EHT • 9102 REBMETPES
SEPTEMBER THE SERVICE 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, Welcome to the September edition of The Chronicle. I hope you and your children have settled into the fall semester. Our school has been busy since the start of the school year with classroom activities, chapel programs, retreats, student government elections, sporting events, Cabaret try-outs, MAPS testing, and as we close out this week - grandparents day celebrations. Throughout each of these events, one thing has been evident, the desire for our families and employees to serve and support one another. We have been taught to be a true disciple of Christ one must first be a willing servant. It is because of this that LCA provides opportunities for our students to serve the Lord with their hands, hearts, and all of their Godgiven talents. Service can take many forms - aiding one’s teacher, mentoring another student, assisting with an outreach project, or participating on a mission trip. In this edition of The Chronicle, you will discover several ways in which LCA students have been our Lord’s hands and feet making a positive impact in their community. This month alone, our students have invested their time and hearts to support the following causes: · Make-a-Wish Miracle League Baseball League Morning Pointe Senior Living Residence Honor Flight The Nest
A speci al note of thanks to Shel by Stuart, LCA Seni or and Student Intern for contri buti ng to the servi ce arti cl es i n thi s i ssue. BOARD REPORT: 3-4 LIVING LIVES ON MISSION: 5 LEAVING A LEGACY: 6 MAKE-A-WISH: 7 WRITING LETTERS OF THANKS: 8 MIRACLE LEAGUE BASEBALL: 9 CONNECTING THROUGH PERFORMANCE: 10 HELPING THE NEST: 10 NEW EMPLOYEES: 11-12 BOARD MEMBER PROFILE (DAVE MESSNER): 13
In addition, a group of our students and alumni formed the “Kentucky Food Ministry” after being inspired by their time with 7 Bridges to Recovery in Atlanta. These students prepare meals, hand them out, and pray with those they served in downtown Lexington. I hope you, like me, are inspired by our students and how they are fulfilling their call to serve. And there is more to come - as we continue through the school year, you will see our students take on service opportunities that are meaningful to them. You will be humbled and proud of the ways in which they embrace programs such as Veterans’ Day, Dance Blue, Samaritan’s Christmas, and Toys for Tots. If you would like to learn more about service opportunities at your child’s campus, please contact one of our principals or spiritual life directors for more details. As we close out September and head into October, I wish you and your family a happy and safe Fall Break!
Dr. Rachel Harper Dr. Rachel Harper, Chair of the Board of Directors THE CHRONICLE
- 2 -
PICTURED ON THE COVER Evan Byers and Cade Gudalis, LCA baseball players, run the bases with a member of the Lexington Miracle League Dodgers Baseball Team. LCA elementary students helped welcome home veterans from the Honor Flight Kentucky on September 21 at Blue Grass Airport.
SEPTEMBER 2019
Updates from the September board meeting held on Monday, September 23, 2019.
Advancement Danielle Eckman, chair of the Advancement Committee, presented a recommendation to rename our annual fund event, “The Eagle Gala.” In addition, the committee recommended hosting the “Eagle Gala” at the Woodford Reserve Room at the University of Kentucky Kroger Field on January 31. The event would include dinner, “Dapper Dads” reveal, a silent auction and a live auction. The Board approved both requests.
Athletics Dusty Bonner, Athletics Chair, reminded everyone the school will host a KHSAA Title IX visit in January. The primary purpose of the event is for the KHSAA to provide education and consultation to our organization.
Education Lori Graham, Education Chair, shared that LCA’s AP Economics includes curricula and AP exams for both AP Microeconomics and AP Macroeconomics. Students are currently awarded one credit for AP Econ. Based on completion of the coursework for two independent AP courses, which are often taught separately and without prerequisite considerations, the committee recommended that students earn the full course credit for both AP economics courses. Like Dual Credit math, students may opt out of AP Econ after the first semester (AP Micro), but they cannot enroll in second semester (AP Macro) only as there is significant material that carries over from the fall to the spring. This is the same policy that currently applies to students taking AP Econ. They may withdraw after Semester 1 having earned their required Economics credit. The courses either would be combined AP Micro /AP Macro Econ or listed separately on the LCA transcript. The Board approved the recommendation. Lori shared that graduation honors, including Valedictorian and Salutatorian, are currently determined based on a 7-semester weighted cumulative GPA (WCGPA). Because seniors conclude classes two weeks prior to graduation, allowing ample time to calculate the numbers, the committee recommended that the 8-semester WCGPA be used to determine graduation honors. The committee believes this is a more fair and complete reflection of a student’s high school performance, with the additional benefit of encouraging seniors to “finish the race set out for them.” The Board approved the recommendation. Lori also requested approval for art students to go on a trip to Peru, Cuzco, Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca on June 1-10, 2020. The Board approved the request. Lori’s final recommendation was to change one of the prerequisites for entry into advanced math placements for 6th graders. The proposal was made to remove the MST exam and replace it with MAP. The Board approved the recommendation.
THE CHRONICLE
- 3 -
SEPTEMBER 2019
Finance Dave Messner, Finance Chair, and John Morgan, Director of Finance, presented the school’s August YTD financials.
Policy Jeff Gehring, Chair of the committee, presented a recommendation to update the “Facilities Maintenance Reserve Fund” policy to state, “the annual budget shall have an amount designated not less than $50,000.00 annually, via Board approval of the budget, for the sole purpose of establishing and maintaining a Facilities Maintenance Reserve Fund. The amount so designated is to accumulate from year to year and be reported as a separate line item in the monthly budget reports and other financial statements. This Facilities Maintenance Reserve Fund shall be utilized at the discretion of the Board for the maintenance and repair of capital items not budgeted for in the regular annual budget.” The Board approved the recommendation.
Student Life Tyler Johnson, Chair, shared the committee meetings will include student representatives. Tyler is working with the high school administration to identify the student representatives. The committee is excited to provide our students with an opportunity to provide input on student life initiatives.
Save the Date! THE CHRONICLE
- 4 -
SEPTEMBER 2019
For more than ten years, LCA has partnered with "Seven Bridges to Recovery," a project in Smyrna, Georgia, where we send students, alumni and chaperones to serve for a week each summer.
LIVING LIVES ON MISSION
What has caused the longevity of this mission trip? According to Mrs. Kenna Jasper, who has chaperoned the trip for the last six years, it is the people. She said, “Each year, we encounter a special group of people … those associated with the mission as well as those we are called to serve. This trip has helped me realize I can learn so much from people who are different from me. It motivates me to want to do more for those around me.”
The group gathered for prayer in front of LCA before departing to serve at Seven Bridges to Recovery in Smyrna, Georgia for a week.
She also explained how the trip has motivated a group of our high school students to create a street ministry of their own. Aaron Bruner, an LCA junior, founded “Kentucky Food Ministries,” a homeless ministry similar to “Seven Bridges to Recovery.” “Kentucky Food Ministries” prepares meals, hands them out, and prays with the homeless in downtown Lexington. As Mrs. Jasper put it, “You don’t need an international trip to be able to serve and love your neighbor, and these students have caught a vision of living their lives on mission.” Personal growth in one’s faith is a big outcome from these experiences. Our students learned they could minister, help and encourage others in very practical and simple ways.
“You don’t need an international trip to be able to serve and love your neighbor, and these students have caught a vision of living their lives on mission.” - Mrs. Kenna Jasper, LCA Teacher and Trip Chaperone
“The experience reminded me that God is not merely some abstract concept, but a real being who is at work in the world,” says senior Brennan Graham, who has been going on the trip since his freshman year. Regardless of whether they are in Georgia or Kentucky, our students are “living their lives on mission” to serve those around them.
THE CHRONICLE
For more information about how to become involved or to support Kentucky Food Ministry, email kyfoodministry@gmail.com. Follow them on Instagram @kyfoodministry.
- 5 -
SEPTEMBER 2019
LEAVING A LEGACY
Students in Mrs. Joy Sparks' 8th grade Advanced English class recently began working on a service-learning project called “Leaving a Legacy.”
Above: Students in 8th grade Advanced English gather before departing to Morning Pointe of Lexington to start on their writing project. Below: Students interview residents and took notes during their visit on September 18.
Her class collaborated with Morning Pointe of Lexington, a senior living community. The students interviewed residents and inquired about their lives. During the interviews, students took notes with the focus of writing a story about one aspect of the residents’ lives. Students will spend the next three weeks going through the process of reviewing their notes, focusing on one aspect, and then writing a story about the residents. Once their assignments are complete, the students will return to Morning Pointe and share their stories with the residents and their families. "This is our students’ first formal writing assignment. It will provide them with an opportunity to learn and practice the writing process," said Mrs. Sparks. "I also hope that through this assignment, my students will gain a better appreciation for those who are often overlooked."
THE CHRONICLE
- 6 -
SEPTEMBER 2019
MAKE-A-WISH
L CA Cheerleaders recently welcomed “MakeA-Wish” kid, Raven, on September 13. Raven is from southeastern Kentucky and her wish was to go shopping at Fayette Mall with her siblings because prior to this trip, they had only been shopping at Walmart. “Make-A-Wish” granted Raven’s wish and so much more with the help of many volunteers and supporters. On the day prior to her shopping trip, Gold Shield Limo picked up Raven and her family, drove them to Lexington, and then delivered them at their host hotel, The Origin in the Summit. After the family settled into their rooms, The Origin arranged makeovers for Raven and her sisters at Cos Bar, followed by styling appointments at blo Salon. Kentucky Branded outfitted the family in new Kentucky shirts, and then a volunteer surprised Raven with family pictures. Raven wrapped up her evening with dinner at BD’s Mongolian Grill and entertainment at Malibu Jack’s.
LCA Cheerleaders rolled out the red carpet, literally, for Make-AWish Kid, Raven and her family.
Friday was the big day! They arrived at Fayette Mall to a red carpet lined with our LCA Cheerleaders, making Raven and her family feel like celebrities! Raven shopped at VANS, Claire’s, and Simply Southern, followed by lunch at Chick-Fil A (a new experience for all of them). "We were so very thankful that we got to help be a part of making Raven’s day so special," said Brittany Bailey, LCA Cheerleading Coach, She went on to say, "The team had the best energy and was ready to cheer on Raven as soon as she got off the bus. That’s what makes this team so special. Yes we focus on competing and wanting to win, but having opportunities like that and shining God’s light as a team means so much more." Later in the afternoon, Macy’s private shoppers and volunteers helped Raven and her siblings pick out new outfits from head to toe! Raven said the wish was more than she could have imagined and it was like a dream!
THE CHRONICLE
Make-A-Wish Lexington is part of the Make-A-Wish Ohio Kentucky Indiana chapter. The Lexington office of Make-AWish was launched in the fall of 2018 to build awareness, recruit volunteers, and increase support throughout the central and eastern Kentucky area so that wish families can be better served locally. Currently, there are more than 400 kids waiting for a wish. Based on current funding and volunteers, we are only able to grant about 150 of those wishes annually.
For more information about Make-A-Wish, visit www.oki.wish.org or contact Faith Hacker at fhacker@oki.wish.org or (859) 619-5475.
- 7 -
SEPTEMBER 2019
WRITING LETTERS OF THANKS Preschool - 12th grade students were excited to draw pictures and write letters of thanks to veterans who were on the September 21 Honor Flight Kentucky. Even though WWII and the Korean and Vietnam Wars were a long time ago, this project allowed students to learn about the wars in which the veterans served.
Students in PS-12th grade drew pictures and wrote letters of thanks to veterans for the September 21 Honor Flight Kentucky.
"God put you on this earth to do something special, to do something important. He put me here to thank you for all you do! He loves you and always will," wrote one student in a letter. On September 21, some LCA students and their families were among the hundreds at Blue Grass Airport who greeted veterans as they returned home that evening. "Our family loved having the opportunity to let our children honor true American heroes! It was a priceless experience!" said LCA parent, Lauren Bell. Honor Flight Kentucky's mission is to fly World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam War veterans to Washington, D.C. for a one day all expenses paid visit to the memorials that are dedicated to their service and sacrifices. According to the Honor Flight Kentucky's website, our nation is losing more than 1,500 World War II veterans and more than 500 Korean War veterans each day. Their goal is to send as many as possible of these brave heroes from Central, Eastern, and Southern Kentucky to see their memorials. More than 250 veterans are already on the waiting list for flights next year.
THE CHRONICLE
For more information about Honor Flight Kentucky visit www.honorflightky.org.
- 8 -
SEPTEMBER 2019
MIRACLE LEAGUE BASEBALL The Toyota Bluegrass Miracle League allows children and adults with disabilities to play baseball. In the games, held weekly at Shilito Park, all players have the opportunity to bat and score. In September, the LCA Baseball Team spent two Saturday mornings giving back by serving as buddies to the Dodgers Miracle League Team. The team helped Dodgers players hit, encouraged them as they ran the bases and cheered as they crossed home plate. “We’ve been so blessed by this opportunity to serve as buddies to the players on the Dodgers team. Their love for the game and enthusiasm is just unbelievable! We can’t wait to have them at one of LCA’s baseball games in the spring," said Wynn Harris, LCA Baseball Coach. The LCA Football Team also served as buddies for the Dodgers team as well. Coach Doug Charles and his team were more than happy to get up on a Saturday morning after their big win over Madison Central the night before. "What a blessing it is to be able to see our guys be so encouraging and interactive with these precious kids. While I’m happy with our accomplishments on the field, I’m more proud of the love and joy our guys are spreading as we mold them into being servant leaders in our community," said Coach Charles.
THE CHRONICLE
The LCA Baseball Team spent two Saturday mornings in September as buddies to the Dodgers Miracle League Baseball Team.
To learn more about the Bluegrass Miracle League visit www.bgml.org.
- 9 -
SEPTEMBER 2019
On September 13, students in the 6th Grade Academy Fine Arts class spent time performing for residents at Morning Pointe of Lexington, a senior assisted living home near LCA. The students prepared a program comprised of an original skit, songs, and piano solos. In addition, each student created three cards with encouraging Bible verses to share after the performance. Students formed connections with the residents and bridged the gap between the generations. While initially nervous, the students were able to entertain the seniors and then listen to the stories they shared. "I think it really helped them to bridge the gap between generations. They went in unsure if they would have anything to talk about or share, and some were nervous. Once they were there, however, Mr. Jaeger (6th Grade Academy Director) and I stood back and smiled as we watched every single student talk with residents, laugh, pass out cards, and minister to them by reading their Bible verses," said Mrs. Micah Gehring, who teaches chorus, drama, creative art and fine arts. Mrs. Gehring shared she is looking forward to taking each of her 6th grade fine arts classes to Morning Pointe for a visit. Each program, including a Christmas one in December, will be unique because her students have different talents to share. She cannot wait until their next visit.
CONNECTING THROUGH PERFORMANCE
HELPING THE NEST During the month of September, Abby Whitaker, an LCA senior and class chaplain, organized a donation drive for The Nest, a center created to serve as a safe place for women, children and families in crisis. The center provides education, healing, counseling, and support to those they serve. The Nest's “Crisis Care Program” helps nearly 300 families each month and is in constant need of diapers, wipes and toiletries. They depend on community support, like LCA’s donation drive, to help meet the needs of the families they serve. THE CHRONICLE
"Abby has been a wonderful help here at The Nest and a wonderful advocate as well!" - Rachel Madden, Crisis Care Coordinator at The Nest - Center for Women, Children, and Families. For more info about The Nest visit www.thenestlexington.org.
- 10 -
SEPTEMBER 2019
NEW EMPLOYEES We're excited to welcome these new employees to LCA!
LARA LEACH 6th Grade Academy Science Teacher
LISA BACON
Education: Bachelor's Degree in Education Pre-K - from Marshall University Teaching: 16 years as a classroom teacher Hobbies: I love spending time with my family, being outdoors, watching my daughter play softball, and going to Disney World! Church You Attend: Immanuel Baptist "I feel so blessed to be a part of the LCA family! I love being in the classroom, and I am so thankful for the opportunity to teach our students, share my faith, and help guide them in their walk with Christ."
EDIE FERNANDEZ Junior High and High School Spanish Teacher Education: Bachelor's Degree in Christian Ministries and Missions, with Minor in TESL from Asbury University; Associate's Degree in Computer Info Systems (Networking) from Lexington Community College, University of Kentucky Teaching Experience: I have been at LCA since 1996 as a tutor, substitute teacher or teacher. Hobbies: My hobbies are spending time with my family, friends and pets. riding my Harley-Davidson motorcycle, and attending music and art festivals. Church You Attend: I am a member of Southland Christian Church, but often attend Mass at the Catholic Newman Center at the University of Kentucky. "I am very excited to be back this year as a Spanish teacher! I am privileged to work alongside the best faculty and staff in Lexington, and I love seeing all the students every day!"
WHITNEY WALLS TOO TRENDY! Executive Assistant
Education: Bachelor's Degree Communication from the University of Kentucky Hobbies: Spending family time with my husband and three children, gardening, playing golf as a family, and taking walks with our Labrador retriever, Craig. Church You Attend: Southland Christian Church "I am excited to work at LCA because it is such an encouraging place with some of the most dedicated and hardworking individuals. I am also thankful to be able to come to work every day and love what I do. Not only has LCA been a blessing to me, but to our entire family as well. I am thankful for the mission and purpose of LCA and having the opportunity to be a part of this wonderful school." THE CHRONICLE
- 11 -
SEPTEMBER 2019
NEW EMPLOYEES We're excited to welcome these new employees to LCA!
RHIANNON OWENS High School Receptionist
LISA BACON
Education: Bachelor's Degree in Health Sciences and a Master's Degree in Communication Disorders from the University of Kentucky Hobbies: Reading, cooking and spending time with family and friends Church You Attend: Centenary United Methodist Church "I am excited to work with such wonderul co-workers, students and parents in a place where Jesus is shared daily."
NATHAN STEVENS High School English Education: Bachelor’s Degree in English from Asbury University Hobbies: Reading, sports, coffee, and pen making Church You Attend: Wellington Church "I am excited to be surrounded by fellow Christian educators who are all working to better the lives of the students."
TOO TRENDY!
THE CHRONICLE
- 12 -
SEPTEMBER 2019
Meet Board Member, Dave Messner
What are some things you would like others to know about you and your family? Born and raised in Pennsylvania for the first 25 years of my life, I went to high school and college in Western Pennsylvania, which is Pittsburg Steeler country. Lori and I met in Lexington in 1989 and were married in 1990. We have two boys, Logan, who is an LCA alum and currently in his last couple years of school at UK Pharmacy School. Levi is our youngest and is a current senior at LCA. Both boys have been in the school since either kindergarten or transitional kindergarten and have had a terrific experience. Logan played football for LCA from 6th grade all the way through his senior year. Levi has played football, basketball and is currently on the LCA varsity tennis team. Lori and I own and operate a small graphics business (Adcolor) where we manufacture large format graphics of all kinds. We are proud LCA parents. Why did you accept an offer to serve on LCA's Board of Directors? I have had children at the school now for more than 19 years. I have served on the finance committee and have been very involved in athletics at a variety of levels. I feel that I can bring my experience from the past and help to integrate that into helping the direction of the school for the future. I can see that LCA has been very instrumental in the positive development of my two boys and I want to see this opportunity available for future students. What professional expertise and skills are you most excited to share with the LCA Board? I have operated a small business for 28+ years and that experience in a broad area of disciplines, I believe, can help me to help the school. I have coached several teams for LCA over the years and have seen the evolution of the athletic program over the years and hope that I can also bring some of that history into helping the future of that program as well. Additionally, I have a little experience in construction, remodeling and general facilities knowledge and hope to be able to positively contribute in these areas as well.
Why would you encourage families to send their children to LCA? Do you want your kids in a safe environment, one where the teachers and administration pray for them and with them? Do you want your kids in an environment where Christian principles are interwoven into the daily activities of school education? Do you want your kids in an environment where the teachers and administrators know them? Do you want a good solid education to prepare them for the next steps in life? This is what LCA does every day with the kids.
THE CHRONICLE
What advice would you give to current LCA families?
Participate and be engaged in a positive way. This school wants and needs the help and talents of all of our collective families. Be engaged with teachers, with sports programs, with extracurricular activities like field trips, help the teachers and administration, help coach teams or help with the various activities where your skills can make an impact. This is a group effort and needs the total skillset of the LCA extended family. Col. 3:23
- 13 -
SEPTEMBER 2019
Save the Dates