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OCTOBER & NOVEMBER THANKFULNESS 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, Wow – what a Fall! It has been a busy time for our LCA family and friends. Since our September edition of “The Chronicle,” we have learned a lot, visited pumpkin patches, worshiped in chapel, won a state championship, taken midterms, hosted Homecoming week, enjoyed Trunk or Treat, shopped at Peppermints & Pearls, hired a new high school spiritual life director, celebrated our veterans and so much more! I am so proud of our teachers, coaches and students. What a great fall semester! In this edition of “The Chronicle,” I invite you to reflect and celebrate all that we accomplished in October and November. You will quickly see that we, as a school family, have so much to be thankful for and appreciate. As we prepare for Thanksgiving break, I encourage you and your family to spend time in prayer thanking our Lord for all that He has done for LCA, our families and our employees. We are blessed. Psalm 100:1-5, “Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before Him with joyful songs. Know that the Lord is God. It is He who made us, and we are His; we are His people, the sheep of His pasture. Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name. For the Lord is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations.”
In addition to the list below, you' l l al so find quotes from LCA teachers, students and parents about why they' re thankful for LCA and their prayer for the school.
BOARD REPORT: 3-5 NEW EMPLOYEE JUSTAN BORTH: 5 THANKFUL FOR COMMUNITY: 6 THANKFUL FOR VETERANS: 8-9 THANKFUL TO SUPPORT OUR TEACHERS: 11 THANKFUL FOR PARTNERS: 12 BOARD MEMBER PROFILE BROOKE OTTO: 13 UPCOMING EVENTS: 14-15
I wish you and your family the very best as we enter the holiday season. Have a Happy Thanksgiving!
Dr. Rachel Harper Dr. Rachel Harper, Chair of the Board of Directors
PICTURED ON THE COVER Mark D. Sisk, LCA Head of School and William A. Jones, President of Georgetown College shake hands after an exciting announcement on November 18. The Rose Campus celebrated Veterans Day with two special chapel services on November 13.
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Updates from the October and November board meetings held on Monday, October 28, 2019 and Monday, November 18, 2019.
Advancement Danielle Eckman, chair, provided the Board with an update on our Advancement activities. She encouraged the group to remember the deadline for Celebrate Teachers, which is December 2 and “Giving Tuesday” which is December 3. She also reminded everyone to plan to attend the Eagle Gala on January 31.
Education In October, Lori Graham, Education Chair, shared the following items, which the Board approved: Geography will now be included in the social sciences curriculum review. Dual credit courses will now be weighted on a 5-point scale.
Percentage
Letter Grade
GPA
Honors GPA
AP/Dual College GPA
100-90
A
4
4.5
5
89-80
B
3
3.5
4
79-70
C
2
2.5
3
69-65
D
1
1.5
2
64-0
F
0
0
0
The high school will consider all eight semesters when determining the Valedictorian and Salutatorian for graduation. The 2020-2021 school calendar was approved (see 2020-2021 Major Dates on following page).
Finance Dave Messner, Finance Chair, and John Morgan, Director of Finance, presented the school’s YTD financials. In addition, the Board approved the Finance Committee’s recommendations to install new exterior lighting in the parking lots and begin to update interior lighting at the Rose Campus.
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2020-2021
MAJOR DATES CALENDAR
LEXINGTON CHRISTIAN ACADEMY 450 West Reynolds Road, Lexington KY 40503 (859) 422-5700 * www.lexingtonchristian.org
August 5th
First Day for Teachers
August 12th
First Day of School for Students (TK-12th Grade)
August 13th
First Day of School for Preschool Students (Tu/Th Programs & M-F Programs)
August 14th
First Day of School for Preschool Students (MWF Programs)
September 7th
Labor Day Holiday (No School – Offices Closed)
October 1-2nd
Fall Break (No School)
October 14th
Early Dismissal Day
November 3rd
Election Day (No School)
November 23-27th
Thanksgiving Break (No School) (Offices Closed Nov 25-27)
December 18th
No School (PS-5th); Final Schedule (6th-12th)
Dec 21-Jan 1
Christmas Break (No School) (Offices Closed Dec 24, 25, 31 & Jan 1)
January 4th
Students & Teachers Return
January 18th
Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday (No School- Offices Closed)
February 15th
Presidents’ Day Holiday (No School – Offices Closed)
March 23rd
Early Dismissal Day
March 29-April 2nd
Spring Break (No School)
April 9th
Good Friday Holiday (No School – Offices Closed)
May 18th
Last Day of School for Tu/Th Preschool Classes
May 19th
Last Day of School for MWF & M-F Preschool Classes
May 20th
Last Day of School & Early Dismissal for TK & K Classes
May 21st
Last Day of School – Early Dismissal (1st-5th); Final Schedule (6th-12th)
May 24th
Memorial Day Holiday (Offices Closed)
May 26th
Last Day for Teachers
Long Range Planning In October, Gary Wortz, LRP Chair, invited Andy Vandiver from EdChoice Kentucky to provide an overview of the scholarship tax credit program. This program provides opportunities for individuals or businesses to donate to a scholarship granting organization (SGO.) They, in turn, would receive a tax credit from the Kentucky Department of Revenue. The SGO then uses the donations to grant needs-based scholarships to eligible families to send their child to the non-public school of their choice. Mr. Vandiver encouraged the Board and administration to continue its research of this program and then consider getting further involved. Additional information regarding EdChoice Kentucky will be distributed to our families. We encourage all LCA families to explore this program. In November, the Board approved Dr. Wortz’s recommendation to hire Ashley | Rountree as its Advancement/Development consultant. Ashley | Roundtree will help the school establish a fund development plan and provide additional training to the Board and leadership team.
Policy In October, Jeff Gehring, Policy Chair, recommended and the Board approved contracting with Guardian Security to provide investigative services of Sergeant Randall Combs and Officer Greg Marlin as ombudsmen under LCA’s Harassment, Discrimination & Bullying Policy. In November, the Personnel and Policy committees recommended and the Board approved a revision to the teacher evaluation policy to state, “An on-going evaluation of the faculty will be conducted by the campus Principals, Assistant Principals, or Director of Curriculum and Instruction and/or his/her designee. The campus Principal will meet with teacher and visit classroom, on a regular and informal basis.” The policy update permits our campus principals to identify a designee when needed.
Welcome Justan Borth, High School Spiritual Life Director! After four months of work and much deliberation and prayer, we are thrilled to welcome Justan Borth as our new high school Spiritual Life Director. Justan was the unanimous choice of our search committee, and we are excited about how the Lord will use him to minister to our students, staff, and the greater LCA community. Borth graduated from the University of Kentucky with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education. As a freshman in college, he began serving as a Young Life leader at Henry Clay High School and most recently at LCA. According to Mr. Borth, “It was while leading in this area that God radically captured my heart and vocational calling. I felt that it was His desire on my life for me to go into ministry.” For the last four years, Mr. Borth has served as the Associate Youth Pastor at Centenary United Methodist Church. He is excited to see what God has planned for him at LCA. He cannot wait to get to know, love and minister to our students and employees.
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l u f k n a h T for Community LCA was excited to bring back Trunk or Treat to the Rose Campus this year. Students, staff and families were truly creative in decorating their trunks, and children loved dressing up in their favorite costumes. LCA was thankful to provide this event not only for LCA families but for the entire community as well. A special thank you to White, Greer & Maggard Orthodontics for sponsoring this special evening where children could have fun in a safe and welcoming environment.
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What are you most thankful for? "I'm thankful for all the things God has given to me." - Lisa Antle, Preschool Teacher "I am thankful for LCA, its Christian environment and my family and friends." Julianne Graham, High School Freshman "I am thankful for a Father who loves us despite of our imperfections and my supportive and loving family." - Cassondra Koett, High School English Teacher "That God has never given up on me and blessed me in a new and powerful way this past year." - Mark Sisk, father to alums Lacy and Annie and Head of School "I am thankful for all the people who support me. During your senior year, you have so many people encouraging and helping you. I appreciate them." Laika Park, High School Senior
Why are you thankful for LCA? “I am thankful for LCA for providing my children with a Christ-centered education, love, and lifelong friendships.” - Danielle Eckman, mom to Jack and Coleman, Board Member and Chair of Advancement Committee “I am so very thankful that I can do what I absolutely love which is teach AND I get to pray, sing praises, worship, and help my children see and know Jesus better every day!” - Marci Hucaby, mom to alums Cara and Lauren and Kindergarten Teacher “This is our first year at LCA, I am so thankful for the love and kindness everyone has shown my family since we joined the LCA family.” - Lara Leach, mom to Avery and 6th Grade Academy Science Teacher
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l u f k n a h T for Veterans The LCA Rose Campus celebrated Veteran's Day with two special chapel services on Wednesday, November 13. Guest speakers included: Major General Charles Gorton, Colonel Mike Heath, and Colonel Mark Roland. Commander Doug High, a Public Affairs Officer in the U.S. Navy Reserve, emceed the services. Major General Charles Gorton retired in 2009 after almost 40 years of Army service including eight years of active duty. During the chapel services, he spoke on the theme of service.
From left to right: Major General Charles Gorton; Colonel Mike Heath; Colonel Mark Roland; Commander Doug High; and Captain Harold Williams
Colonel Mike Heath served his country as a commissioned officer in the United States Army for 31 years, culminating in his final active duty senior leadership position as Chief Pharmacist for the Army and the Pharmacy Consultant to the Army Surgeon General. He spoke to the students about leadership. Colonel Mark Roland retired in September 2007 after 30 years in the US Air Force, his last assignment serving as the Commander and Professor of Aerospace Studies, Air Force ROTC Detachment 290 at the University of Kentucky. Speaking about sacrifice, Col. Roland spoke in detail about his son, Matthew, an Air Force Captain who was Killed in Action in Afghanistan in 2015 and posthumously awarded the Silver Star for Valor.
Left: Mark Sisk, Head of School Right: Captain Harold Williams gave the opening prayer.
Left: Commander Doug High, who emceed both chapel services. Below Left: Major General Charles Gorton spoke about service. Below Right: Colonel Mike Heath spoke about leadership.
Doug High, who is currently the Director of the Kentucky Historical Society Foundation in Frankfort, emceed both chapel services. He previously anchored the WTVQ-TV Channel 36 morning news for nearly 10 years. Doug is also a Commander in the U.S. Naval Reserve. He took a leave from WTVQ in 2017 when he was called to active duty in Afghanistan. He then returned to the air in January 2018 as a decorated veteran.
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Both chapel services were opened in prayer by Harold Williams, who is a Captain and Commander of the 105th Personnel Company with the Army National Guard. He is the father of Ryleigh and Harold, both LCA elementary students. We were honored to have these distinguished gentlemen speak to our student body, faculty, and guests about God and service to our country,” said Mark Sisk, LCA’s head of school. “Their faith and steadfast commitment to our nation is an example for us all to follow.”
Speaking about sacrifice, Col. Roland spoke in detail about his son, Matthew, an Air Force Captain who was Killed in Action in Afghanistan in 2015. The LCA Chorus performed during the high school chapel service (pictured left), and Abby Whitaker, Senior Chaplain, closed the service in prayer. Jillian Scalf, an 8th grader prayed during the 6th-8th grade service. The Junior High Choir closed the service by singing the "Battle Hymn of the Republic."
ELEMENTARY SERVICES LCA's Immanuel Campus held Veterans Day Chapel services on Monday, November 4 and Thursday, November 14. They welcomed several military guests and ejoyed lively worship singing and dancing.
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Why are you thankful for LCA? "I am thankful for our dedicated faculty and staff." - Scott Wells, High School Principal "I am thankful for our teachers who pour so much into their students." - Laurel Setzer, 9th Grade Student “We are new this year. I am thankful that Koby’s fantastic teachers are constantly teaching him about the love of Jesus. My child’s relationship with Christ is the most important part of his education and this is the most important thing to me as his mom.” - Lanae Pierce, Mom to Koby
What is your special prayer for LCA, its families and its employees? ““That we can all slow down enough to enjoy the little things and reflect on the joy of the holidays.” - Kenna Jasper, Mom to Kaylen, Kyle and Kori and High School Science Teacher “May God reveal Himself to us in new and exciting ways and may we seek to live in His presence each day.” - David Samford, Father to Lillian and Harrison “We would continue to walk close with Him and Shepherd his sheep." Pete Akatsa, Junior High PE Teacher
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l u f k n a h T
to support our teachers Thank you to all of the amazing vendors and shoppers who participated in the 5th Annual Peppermints & Pearls - A Holiday Shopping Boutique on November 1 & 2. All proceeds from the event benefited the Celebrate Teachers Christmas Fund.
Again this year, Bluegrass Hospitality Group and Nothing Bundt Cakes provided complimentary refreshments for Ladies Night Out.
This year four fun classes were offered, including a hand lettering class on Friday night.
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l u f k n a h T for Partners Recognizing our shared mission, LCA was proud to announce a partnership with Georgetown College, which includes a tuition-match scholarship for LCA students attending Georgetown College. The Christian School Partner Scholarship will allow students from LCA to attend Georgetown for the same cost as the current, posted twelfth-grade tuition at Lexington Christian Academy, and is renewable for four years. The tuition match will be available to all residential, full-time students admitted to GC after graduating from LCA beginning in fall 2020.
Pictured above: Mark D. Sisk, LCA Head of School (left) and William A. Jones, President, Georgetown College (right)
This exciting new partnership provides our students the unique opportunity to further their education at an institution which aligns with LCA's mission, while maintaining the cost of that education for those students and their families.
“Many wonderful students from Lexington Mark D. Sisk, LCA Head of School and William A. Jones, Christian Academy have attended Georgetown President, Georgetown College pose with high school College over the years and found the same administration staff members. excellence of education, preparation for careers Back Row (left to right): Julie Guilliams, LCA Registrar; and graduate school, and close relationships with Stacey Holmes, LCA Sr. High Administrative Asst.; Dr. Scott their teachers that they experienced during their Wells, High School Principal; Heather Riley, LCA College high school careers,” said Dr. Jonathan Sands Wise, Counselor; and Joshua Palmer, LCA College Counselor VP of Enrollment Management at Georgetown College. “When President Will Jones came this summer and asked us to come up with imaginative new ways to get more students who can succeed at Georgetown College, a closer partnership with LCA just made sense. It is our hope that by making a Christian higher education more affordable, we can encourage many more students from LCA to come and explore what they are called to do and who they are called to be at Georgetown College.” LCA and Georgetown College prepare students to fulfill God’s calling through Christ-centered education, focusing on the student’s mind and heart. The institutions’ equivalent goals and model for learning serve as the basis of this exciting, new partnership.
“This partnership is an excellent example of the opportunities that can be created by organizations such as Georgetown College and Lexington Christian Academy when making the needs of our students a top priority,” said Mark Sisk, Head of School at LCA. “Georgetown College is an exceptional Christian College and outstanding option for our students as they consider the next step of their educational journeys. We are grateful for the blessing of President Jones and Dr. Sands Wise for championing this initiative. We’re looking forward to expanding an already deep and meaningful relationship with Georgetown College.” THE CHRONICLE
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Meet Board Member, Brooke Otto
What are some things you would like others to know about you and your family? I am originally from Chicago, but lived in Lexington for a few years. I attended LCA from 4th through 6th grade with my two siblings and then moved back to Chicago. I returned to Kentucky for college where I attended the University of Kentucky. Lexington always held a special place in my heart and felt like home. LCA was part of the reason why it felt like home because I continued to keep in touch with many of my classmates which made the transition back easy. My husband, Jason, and I met in Lexington. He is originally from Clarksburg, WV. Our son, Jax, is currently in kindergarten and has attended LCA since preschool.
Why did you accept an offer to serve on LCA's Board of Directors? LCA was instrumental in my education. I struggled in school prior to attending LCA and once at LCA the teachers saw where I needed help. A team of teachers with my parents created a plan for me overcome those barriers, and I succeeded! When asked why did I want to serve on the board my answer was because LCA was pivotal in my education, and I am so grateful. I was blessed with the opportunity to attend the school and honored to be able to serve on the Board. I am thankful for the school and what it has done in my life. The teachers and staff are truly blessings from God. Now with my son attending it’s truly amazing to see the generations at LCA which shows the working hand of God. What professional expertise and skills are you most excited to share with the LCA Board? Currently I am a claim’s specialist for the government. I also do public affairs for my office where I go out into the community for various events and speeches where I get to work with other local agencies. I have a masters in Strategic Leadership and have volunteered in various leadership positions and ministries around Lexington the area. I believe my greatest strength is having a servant heart, I am here to listen and help families and continue to pursue LCA’s mission. Why would you encourage families to send their children to LCA? LCA is more than a school, it is a family. LCA will come along side your family and help to build a foundation in Christ for your children. LCA's mission is to equip and nurture students to fulfill God's calling on their lives through Christ-centered education. You can see this mission in every part of LCA. Life has is moments of celebration and its challenges and you will find families that will come along side you and your children in all your walks of life. LCA and its families will become part of your home. As I previously mentioned I attended LCA and having teachers and staff care about me and share the love of Christ has stayed with me for life.
What advice would you give to current LCA families?
I would tell everyone to get involved. The children love seeing you, and the staff appreciates it! It doesn't matter where you volunteer, but leave your footprint. I would also tell families to build relationships with their teachers and advocate for your children. God has placed an amazing staff at LCA who prays for and loves our children. In today's world what a blessing LCA can be for the next generation! In the morning before school I always tell Jax, "Let your light shine," so I challenge everyone to get involved in one way or another! "In the same way, Let your light shine before others that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in Heaven" (Matthew 5:16).
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LCA is excited to sponsor the Frozen Jr. Character Breakfast on Saturday, December 14 at 10:00 a.m.
Seating is limited. For more info and to purchase tickets visit www.woodfordtheatre.com
Christmas Programs & Concerts LCA Chorus presents A Service of Lessons & Carols December 10 at 7pm - Broadway Baptist Church (2500 Harrodsburg Rd.) LCA Band & Orchestra Christmas Concert December 12 at 7pm - Rose Campus Chapel Preschool - 1st Grade Christmas Program December 16 at 6:30pm - Immanuel Baptist Church Sanctuary 6th-8th Grade Christmas Chapel December 16 at 1pm - Rose Campus Chapel 2nd - 5th Grade Christmas Program December 17 at 6:30pm - Immanuel Baptist Church Sanctuary - 14 THE CHRONICLE OCT./NOV. 2019
LEXINGTON CHRISTIAN ACADEMY
UPCOMING EVENTS
Visit www.lexingtonchristian.org for more info.
2
DECEMBER
DEADLINE TO DONATE TO CELEBRATE TEACHERS
3
DECEMBER
GIVING TUESDAY
CELEBRATE TEACHERS
LCA's faculty is at the heart of our school. In addition to classroom activities, they serve on committees, supervise extra-curricular activities, work diligently on school improvement plans and volunteer at events. A donation to Celebrate Teachers allows us to provide all full and parttime educational employees with a monetary Christmas bonus. To donate, go to www.lexingtonchristian.org and scroll down to the Celebrate Teachers button.
GIVING TUESDAY
Giving Tuesday is December 3. We invite you to invest in LCA during the season of giving and help support our school. You can make a difference in the lives of our faculty and students by making a donation to LCA's Eagle Fund. Proceeds from Giving Tuesday will go toward initiatives in the areas of academics, safety & security, and spiritual life. To donate, go to www.lexingtonchristian.org and scroll down to the Giving Tuesday button.
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JANUARY
6:30PM (DOORS OPEN AT 6PM) WOODFORD RESERVE ROOM AT KROGER FIELD
PRESENTING SPONSORS
Join us for a night of fun and fellowship featuring both a silent and live auction and the reveal of the top 12 Eagle Dads! To purchase tickets or to vote for your favorite Eagle Dad, go to www.lexingtonchristian.org and scroll down to the Eagle Gala and Eagle Dad buttons.