Summit Christian Academy Head of School eNews
March 1, 2024
Dear SCA Community,
Since 1989, when SCA was founded by two moms who desired Christ to be at the center of their children’s education, we have been a ministry with a mission to inspire students to achieve their God-given potential through excellent academics and Christian training in a compassionate environment. This mission has remained unchanged! From 32 students in 1989 to 1,250 in 2024, we have been blessed with amazing and historic growth the past 35 years. With this growth, we have continued to add faculty, staff, programs, and buildings. As we prepare for August of 2024, we have some updates for the 2024-25 school year.
To accommodate growth for Christian families who are missionally and academically aligned, we have set forth a plan for 2024-25 that will provide four additional classrooms at the elementary school. We will not be constructing new classrooms, rather redistributing current space to accommodate the waitlists and enrollment demand. What a blessing it will be to see more children and families partner with SCA as children grow in relationships, knowledge, and their personal relationship with Jesus Christ. SCA is also excited to announce Administrative and Leadership Team shifts to execute overarching leadership strategies and operations. I am sharing this email communication as well as a video for you to view the updates at SCA for the 2024-25 school year.
ASSISTANT HEAD OF SCHOOL NAMED
The SCA Board of Education has approved and named current SCA Secondary Principal and Director of Operations Mr. Joe Hesman as the Assistant Head of School. For the past eight years, Mr. Hesman has served at SCA. During this time, enrollment in the secondary school has increased by over 200, and the footprint of the campus expanded to include the Goppert classroom wing, an additional new classroom six-plex, SCA Fieldhouse and Activities center, and once again holding classes at Lee’s Summit Community Church. In this new role, Mr. Hesman will continue to report directly to the Head of School and will be identified as the ministry and campus leader in the absence of the Head of School. The position will include operational leadership in student and campus services.
Mr. Hesman has been a faithful servant leader to the SCA community and was instrumental in my assimilation into the culture and community of SCA. Mr. Hesman has expressed a desire to serve and lead as a Head of School one day should God open that opportunity. I am excited for SCA, and eager for him to have the opportunity to further grow as a leader as he serves the faculty and staff, children, and families of SCA.
SECONDARY PRINCIPAL NAMED
The SCA Board of Education has approved and named current Administrative Intern Mr. Andy Pfeifer to the position of SCA Secondary Principal. SCA conducted an external and internal search. After thorough review of applications, and a final pool that included multiple external finalists, Mr. Pfeifer was the unanimous leader.
Mr. Pfeifer understands the priority of relational ministry, the care of the faculty and staff, academic excellence and empowering the students, faculty, and staff to work together to fulfill the mission of SCA. I believe God has prepared and placed Mr. Pfeifer at SCA for this leadership opportunity to equip our 7-12th grade students to be leaders for Christ.
K-6 PRINCIPAL NAMED
After 11 years serving SCA, first as an Early Education teacher, then as the Early Education Director, and finally as the Upper Elementary Principal, Dr. Julie Madsen has made the decision to make the 2023-24 year her final year. Dr. Madsen has made a huge impact on the SCA community through her servant leadership, love of children, and commitment to excellence in all she does. She will be greatly missed at SCA.
The SCA Board of Education has approved and named current SCA Administrator Mrs. Kelly Montgomery as the new Kindergarten - 6th Grade Principal. Mrs. Montgomery has worked efficiently and effectively this year to encourage best practices in teaching, curriculum management and review, as well as teacher coaching. As a former SCA secondary teacher, she was intentional in building relationships and learning much about the SCA elementary faculty, curriculum, and community this year.
I am looking forward to Mrs. Montgomery taking this new leadership role. As a former principal and instructional leader, combined with her experiences this past year, Mrs. Montgomery is well prepared and equipped to lead and care for the faculty, staff, children, and families of the elementary school.
SCA will be completing interviews and naming an Assistant Elementary Principal to assist Mrs. Montgomery. Over the past four years, enrollment has increased by 185 children at the elementary level. While teachers and instructional assistants have been added, the leadership team has not been increased. This change allows SCA to better care for your children and the teachers. Additionally, this is an intentional way of succession planning to accomplish the strategic plan of SCA.
EARLY EDUCATION DIRECTOR NAMED
As we shared in September of 2023, after 17 years as a faithful teacher and leader at SCA, Mrs. Charissa Sanders will be stepping into a new role as the Children’s Ministry Director at SCA Covenant Church Fellowship Greenwood. Mrs. Sanders has been a tremendous blessing to work alongside and we are excited for her next position as she faithfully and boldly follows where God has called her to use her gifts and talents.
With over 100 students in the Early Education program at SCA, we feel that this leadership position is critical in maintaining the high ministry, relational, behavioral, and introducing the academic standards that are part of the DNA of SCA. The SCA Board of Education approved separating the Lower Elementary supervision responsibilities to focus on the Early Education program.
The SCA Board of Education has approved and named current SCA Teacher Aide Mrs. Jessica Fisher as the new Early Education Director. Mrs. Fisher distinguished herself as one of four finalists for the position. She was a previous Early Education Director in Wichita and I believe God has equipped and placed her here, at this time, for this position and calling!
We are thankful for the opportunity to implement these enhancements for the 2024-25 school year as SCA continues to fulfill our mission.
Please look for further updates as we move forward with these new positions as well as the internal leaders’ transition to new roles. We are thankful for your prayers and support for these incredible, godly individuals that God continues to call to leadership at SCA.
As always, if you desire to reach out to me directly and schedule a meeting, I am happy to meet with you.
God Bless,
Chris Hahn
Head of School
Mrs. Jessica Fisher
Mrs. Kelly Montgomery