S aring AC
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A newsletter for friends, staff, and parents of Summit Christian Academy
Sum mit
Called to Serve at SCA
Christian Academy Administration, Early Education, Secondary 1500 SW Jefferson Lee’s Summit MO 64081 816.525.1480 Elementary 1450 SW Jefferson Lee’s Summit MO 64081 816.524.0185 Chris Hahn, Head of School Joe Hesman, Secondary Principal & Director of Operations Anthony Mickelson, Secondary Assistant Principal Kimberlee Gill, Academic Dean Charissa Sanders, Early Ed & Lower Elementary Principal Julie Madsen, Upper Elementary Principal Lance Quessenberry, A.D. Kathy Tharp, International Program Director Sarah Coats, Director of Development Cordell Dick, Director of Major Gifts
Like us on
www.summit-christian-academy.org
Inside Soaring:
C alled Serve
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“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to SERVE others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” I Peter 4:10
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As the 2021-22 SCA school year is well underway, we are thankful and blessed to celebrate all that God has done and is doing in His school! “Called to Serve” is the theme for the year based on 1 Peter 4:10, “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” “After prayerfully accepting God’s call to serve at SCA, I heard in the spring that 1 Peter 4:10 was going to be the theme for the upcoming year,” shared SCA Head of School Chris Hahn. “At a reception, the team at my current school unknowingly placed this exact same scripture on a large photo of our family as a going away gift. For me, it was affirmation that my calling at SCA was exactly the ministry where God was placing me.” Throughout the year, the school will be intentional to encourage students to seek ways to serve each other in the classroom, hallways, church, and community. We desire for the SCA community to understand that God has given each of the students a gift, and it is a blessing to serve others. “I am looking forward to a historic year at SCA,” shared Mr. Hahn. “With enrollment at nearly 1060 students, we have a unique opportunity to empower and nurture these 1,060 students and their relationship with Jesus Christ. That’s why we exist! SCA loves kids! We love Jesus! We
look forward to fulfilling our call to serve, empowered by God’s grace and the Holy Spirit, to make heaven bigger.” SCA will also be engaging with families and stakeholders throughout the year with the theme “Called to Serve” through the Annual Fund. The fund provides money needed to support SCA each year. Funds donated to the Annual Fund and Corporate Partnership program will support school enhancements as well as the ability to continue offering excellence in all areas of the school. Donations to the Annual Fund campaign can be made online through the summit-christianacademy.org website by clicking the Support SCA tab, then Give Online drop down. Or if you prefer, a check payable to SCA can be sent to the elementary or secondary office marked to the attention of the Development Department. All financial donations to SCA’s Annual Fund are taxdeductible to the full extent allowed by law.
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Spiritual...................................... 2 Message from Your Head of School.......................... 3 Academics............................... 3-5 Athletics................................. 6-8 Fine Arts........................................... 8 Cordell’s Corner.. ................. 9-10 Health Office Notes................ 11 This & That............................ 12-13 Upcoming Events.....................14
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Spiritual
Seniors Serve Through Mission Trip to Southeastern Ohio The SCA Class of 2022 spent the final days of their summer vacation away from home serving on the senior mission trip. Students left Lee’s Summit to serve in the Appalachian region of southeastern Ohio. This is the 18th year SCA has sent the senior class out to serve on a mission trip. As seniors prepare to go beyond the SCA campus after graduation, the senior mission trip is an opportunity to build class leadership, unity, spiritual and personal leadership, and help a community in need. Partnering with Praying Pelican Missions, seniors served several local organizations including Salvation Army, a
SCA Seniors Emma Hutsell and Chloe Schumer serve breakfast at TruLight Ministries’ community outreach program in Zanesville, Ohio as part of the annual SCA senior mission trip.
The SCA Class of 2021 spent their final days of summer vacation serving in the Appalachian region of Southeastern Ohio.
community center, a soup kitchen, a clothing drive, a youth program, and Morgan County Fairgrounds. Students did manual work including painting, landscaping, organizing, and also built relationships with children, families, and leaders in the community. “I was so impressed watching the seniors be the hands and feet of Christ to so many,” shared SCA Secondary Principal Joe Hesman. “They cleaned up buildings, went through clothes, ministered to kids, served and ate with the homeless, prayed over the community, and more. Tasks small and great were done with the love of Christ, and they were living examples of God’s Word in 1 Peter! I know our seniors made a positive impact in Ohio.”
SCA Community Unites at See You at the Pole Hundreds of secondary and elementary students, faculty, staff, and families united at the schools’ flagpoles for See You at the Pole (SYATP). SYATP is an annual, nationwide initiative encouraging students to unite in worship and prayer. It is a student-initiated, student-organized, and student-led event. Students gathered to pray for the nation and the community, as well as held praise and worship time.
Students and teachers met at the secondary flagpole to participate in the annual, nationwide and studentled See You at the Pole prayer initiative.
Students, teachers, and families met at the elementary flagpole to unite in prayer over the students, school, and nation during the 2021 See You at the Pole event.
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Academics
Record SCA Enrollment for 2021-22 School Year SCA is celebrating its 32nd year in Lee’s Summit with a record enrollment of nearly 1,060 preschool12th grade students. The school has expanded to include four sections of many elementary and secondary classes and a senior class of 89 students. This year, the school Head of School Chris Hahn begins his first school year also welcomed new Head at SCA. of School Chris Hahn, who comes from Prince of Peace Christian School in Carrollton, TX. “We have great students and there was tremendous energy on the first day,” shared SCA Head of School Chris Hahn. “I anticipate that this will be an incredible year.”
Seniors met early on the first day of school to unify in worship and prayer. The senior class then greeted their fellow students at the school entrances with cheers and welcome posters. Pictured are seniors M’racle BryantMorgan, Larra Lee, and Kandace Gill. The Early Ed team and leaders gathered for the first day of school as they celebrated record enrollment in Early Ed.
Pre-K student Mack Eagleburger starts a new school year.
Message from your Head of School I continue to be humbled and blessed by the opportunity to serve the ministry of Summit Christian Academy. I have Chris Hahn spent the last 12 weeks reading books to our students, meeting with the incredible teachers and staff called to serve at SCA, walking the hallways, in car line, at football, soccer, and softball games, at a cross country meet, meeting with covenant church pastors, in meetings with donors and stakeholders, enjoying lunch in the cafeteria with students, in devotion
time with teachers, prayer time with students, chapel, and everyone’s favorite subject - RECESS! I am looking forward to attending some upcoming swim meets, as well as watching our musicians, theatre productions, and vocal choirs perform and compete this fall. We have had an incredible start to the year in Eagle Nation, with nearly 1,060 students. What a blessing it is, by God’s grace and the power of the Holy Spirit, to make heaven bigger through empowering and nurturing our children’s relationships with Jesus Christ! I thank each of you for the relationship we share, your active participation, and continued prayers. As I shared on September 20th in
an email, God has provided amazing leadership through Mr. Hesman, Dr. Gill and Mrs. Constant, allowing us to obtain some additional classroom space for students in grades 7-12. This will serve as an amazing addition to the SCA campus and community. I will have much more to share with you very soon about future campus development. After several weeks, I recognize more and more faces and have learned more and more names. I enjoy and look forward to hearing your story of how God brought your family to SCA, and how He is working in your life and the life of your children! God Bless!
Chris
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Academics
Early Ed Students Learn their Letters and Sounds through Guest Speakers As our youngest Eagles are learning the basics of letters and sounds in the Early Education program, they are also developing a love of learning through guest speakers! Recently they had guest speakers that included SCA French teacher Mrs. Moyer and football coach Todd Berck, who both helped teach students all about the letter “F.” From France to fun, faith, family, and football, the students are enjoying active participation in learning letters and sounds at SCA!
French Teacher Mrs. Moyer teaches the students all about France and the French language, as well as the letter “F.”
SCA Senior Receives Boys State Scholarship
SCA 2022 senior Spencer Dickey, son of Randall and Kelli Dickey, was awarded the American Legion Charles W. Mickey Scholarship from the 2021 American Legion Boys State of Missouri program. Participants who successfully complete The American Legion SCA 2022 Senior Spencer Dickey Missouri Boys State program in received the its entirety and finish in good Charles W. Mickey Scholarship from standing are eligible to apply Boys State this past for scholarship opportunities. summer. At the end of the Boys State session, the $750 Charles W. Mickey Scholarship is awarded to one student who displays excellence in leadership, citizenship, and service.
Varsity Football Coach Todd Berck shares about the game of Football and importance of fun, faith, family and the letter “F.”
SCA Students Attend Missouri Girls State
SCA 2021 graduate Camille Anderson, daughter of David and Amy Anderson, and senior Kandace Gill, daughter of Patrick and Kimberlee Gill, were accepted and attended the 2021 American Legion Auxiliary Missouri Girls State SCA 2021 Senior Camille Anderson (L) and 2022 Senior Kandace Gill (R) attended the program. American Legion Auxiliary Missouri Girls State program this past June. It was held June 2026 on the campus of the University of Central Missouri (UCM) in Warrensburg. The highly educational program tests leadership, citizenship, and scholastic abilities as students compete with the best and brightest high school students in the state of Missouri. The 2020 Girls State session was canceled due to COVID-19, so outgoing seniors of 2021 were given the opportunity to participate in Girls State in 2021, making it a combined junior/senior program.
Entire Class Passes the Test Congratulations to the entire 2021 Calculus class, all of whom passed the AP Calculus AB test with 4 or 5!
L-R: (back row) Will Osborne, Israel Wilson, Mark Beumer, Austin Wilson, Zachary Chinnery; (front row) Cassandra Hernandez, Mrs. Stringfellow, and Jordan Drum.
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Academics
Board of Education Announces Linda Harrelson Legacy of Servant Leadership Scholarship At a May dinner in honor of Linda Harrelson, the Board of Education announced that an annual Linda Harrelson Legacy of Servant Leadership Scholarship would be established. The scholarship will be presented annually to a senior who has clearly demonstrated Christ-centered leadership in line with SCA’s Core Values throughout his/her high school career. Linda Harrelson served as SCA’s Head of School from January 1999 through June 2021. The Board describes Linda’s leadership: • She was a Christ-centered leader. • She served faithfully and prayerfully.
• She willingly shared her many Godgiven gifts and talents with the SCA community. • She served with excellence. • She was fiscally conservative to the great benefit of SCA. • She served with the single focus of achieving SCA’s mission “to inspire students to achieve their God-given potential through excellent academics and Christian training in a compassionate environment.” Over the years, Linda has had the full respect and admiration of many Board of Education members. It is the desire of the Board to recognize and reward students
who demonstrate similar leadership characteristics. Nominations from staff will be received by the secondary principal in early 2022; students may also nominate themselves. The secondary principal will share the scholarship timeline with seniors and their parents this fall. Linda Harrelson More details will be served as SCA’s Head of School from shared soon! 1999-2021.
SCA Celebr ates Elementary Reader Leaders SCA recently celebrated 18 reader leaders in kindergarten through fifth grade. These students took time during the summer to read a book from an approved list and complete a written summary and/or visual tool for the novel they read. “I am so proud of these students for committing to reading,” shared SCA Early Education and Lower Elementary Principal Mrs. Charissa Sanders. “Those who read, lead. I look forward to seeing them lead at SCA and beyond!” The reader leaders were celebrated during a special outdoor luncheon with Mrs. Sanders and SCA Upper Elementary Principal Mrs. Julie Madsen. This is the twelfth year SCA has honored students through the Reader Leader program. SCA kindergarten through fifth grade students were recently honored as “Reader Leaders” at a luncheon. The school had 18 students that achieved this honor.
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Athletics
Secondary Athletics For Eagles fans, it is great to watch our
by Lance Quessenberry Athletic Director The school year has started great, and the same can be said for SCA Athletics.
As always, we
teams compete again and represent Christ
thank God for the
as they do so.
opportunities He
Make sure to visit the Athletics page
gives our athletes.
After putting in three weeks of practice in
on the school website and check out
As a community, we
the summer heat, our high school teams
all the opportunities to attend an SCA
want to do our best
kicked off their season schedules in late
athletic event. Our athletes and coaches
to represent Him
August and early September.
greatly appreciate the support from all
as players, coaches, and fans. We want
the fans who come to competitions. Also
others to see Christ in all we do and that
an exciting time. For our athletes, it
on the Athletics page, be sure to check
includes every area of athletics.
is time to reap the reward for all the
out the Team Stores for SCA apparel, see
hard work spent in the summer getting
results on the Scoreboard ticker, buy your
stronger and perfecting their game. For
Screamin’ Eagle pass, find links to several
coaches, it is a fun time to determine
athletic features, and find specific details
which athlete fits where in their systems.
for your favorite SCA team!
The beginning of the season is always
Lance Quessenberry
Hope to see you at an SCA athletic event soon!
New Coach, New Result, Lasting Legacy Varsity Boys’ Soccer started their season with a preseason matchup against SCA alumni in the 4th annual Alec Rush Blue & White game. Led by new Varsity Head Coach Brad Creason, the varsity team was looking for their first victory against the alumni. After a hard-fought battle, the varsity team beat the alumni for the first time in the history of the Blue & White game with a score of 7-3. While the first win was memorable, Alec Rush’s legacy stands out even more. Alec was a 2016 SCA alum who loved playing soccer, among other sports. After graduation, he chose to give back to the school he loved in the form of coaching. In 2018, Alec tragically lost his life in a car accident. For those who are unfamiliar with Alec’s legacy, if you ask those who knew him, they’ll likely pause for a second,
smile, and then have a twinkle in their eyes as they tell you all about what an amazing person he was as a student, a coach, and a friend. The school continues to honor Alec’s legacy by presenting the Alec Rush Dash award to a football, track &
field, or soccer athlete who represents three traits that defined Alec: Fearless Warrior, Forever Friend, Faithful Follower. The soccer program is honored to be part of that award by selling t-shirts to raise money for the scholarship that goes to the winner.
The boys soccer program would encourage all in the SCA community to live a life that demonstrates the same three traits that defined Alec. A legacy that is mirrored in Jesus, as was Alec’s, is eternally more important than winning a soccer game.
Varsity Boys’ Soccer won 7-3 against the Alumni team in this year’s Blue & White game.
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Athletics
Varsity Softball Adds Weekly Bible Study to Practice Schedule Under new Head Coach Tiffany Summitt, the Varsity Softball team is doing a Bible study together called “A Beautiful Design.” This in-depth study focuses on biblical manhood and womanhood. As a team, the girls are working through what the Bible teaches regarding men, their purpose, and the hurdles men face, as well as God’s purpose for women and the hurdles they face. Beyond that, the study will focus on the redemption that is available for both men and women through Jesus! In a current culture that severely blurs the lines of manhood and womanhood, Coach Summitt, Assistant Coach Abigail Woodall, and the girls’ parents saw the vital importance for our girls to understand the truth of how God specifically designed men and women to function in the world He created. The desire is for the girls to understand that God designed each of them beautifully. When we function within His beautiful design, we live a joyful life, and more importantly glorify Him. The game of softball is a great tool to teach young women incredible life skills such as teamwork, hard work, dedication, conflict resolution, discipline, and time management among others. However, their hearts and their eternity are far more important. Coach Summitt and Coach Woodall’s highest priority – far outweighing the game of softball – is to point Varsity Softball started their season in the Morrisville Tournament near Springfield, Missouri. these girls’ hearts to Jesus!
Cross Country Season Off and Running
After a state run the last two years, Varsity Girls’ Cross Country continues strong with three 1st place finishes so far this season.
Varsity Cross Country is off to a great start! The team has already competed well in four meets and the runners continue to improve after each competition. The top finisher for the Varsity Boys has been sophomore Caleb Benton. He consistently finishes in the top five and even claimed 1st place in the Knob Noster
meet with a time of 17:40! The Varsity Girls continue to compete strong this year after their 5th place finish at Class 2 State last year. They have won three meets and are looking to win several more this year. Junior Adriana McGregor is the top finisher for the team, followed closely by junior Keyler Quessenberry and senior Lauren McCoy. Beyond competition, the teams really enjoy the time spent running and being together. They are developing a close bond within the teams, and it is exciting to see their friendships grow. The team verse this year is Mark 9:23, “Anything is possible if a person believes.” Through this verse, Head Coach Rick McGregor goes beyond coaching to help the students develop confidence and believe that God can accomplish great things in their lives this season. Despite their success so far, the teams recognize there is still room for improvement and they are motivated to put in the effort and hard work. They look forward to working toward another strong postseason finish.
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Athletics
Wrestling Prepares for Upcoming Season Varsity Wrestling is excited about the upcoming season! The team has great leadership returning but is looking for a few more kids who are mentally tough and ready to join the team. This year’s wrestling theme will be Judges 7 as Gideon dealt with small numbers. As our country continues in chaos, we look forward to developing young men who can stand up and be an example to a searching world. The varsity team looks forward to returning athletes such as Jeramiah Smith and Memphis Hinton who both ended their season last year one match short of qualifying for state. Gabe Harris enters
the high school team as a freshman but has already seen success as a USA state qualifier on his competitive junior high team. He is sure to hit the ground running at the high school level! As the junior high team develops, they will help the program quickly become a top-level program. However, they continue to need more young wrestlers to get valuable experience and help the program grow. Interested young men should reach out to some of the veteran wrestlers to learn more. Preseason workouts begin in October and the season officially begins in early November so contact Coach T (Greg
Thomas) at coachttd@yahoo.com for more information.
Fine Arts SCA Theatre Presents
November 11-13, 2021 Music by Richard Rodgers Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II New Book by Douglas Carter Beane Original Book by Oscar Hammerstein II Orchestr ations by Danny Troob Music Adaptation & Arr angements by David Chase
Tickets will be available at showtix4u.com. Watch for Details! CINDERELLA is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of The Rodgers & Hammerstein Organization. www.concordtheatricals.com
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This & That
Cordell’s Corner: Missouri’s Empowerment Scholarship Progr am Adapted from an article by Dr. Kimberlee Gill Across our nation, states have recognized the need to create pathways to educational individualization in support of children. Missouri has now joined 27 other states in support of parents’ dreams for their children. The Missouri Empowerment Scholarships provide parent choice: an ability to choose the best public, charter, private, virtual, or homeschool education in order to fulfill their children’s potential. 1. What is the new legislation? Governor Parson signed House Bill 349 (Missouri Empowerment Scholarships) on July 14, 2021. This bill and its companion, Senate Bill 86, allow students access to the school their parents feel is the best choice. It should be noted that family access will not begin until the 2022-2023 school year. 2. Does SCA support this legislation? Why? Summit Christian Academy took a highly active leadership role in advocating for school choice in Missouri. The legislation will help children across the state. Our mission is “to inspire students to achieve their God-given potential through excellent academics and Christian training in a compassionate environment.” Although SCA has a robust tuition assistance program, many families still cannot financially access our school. Empowerment Scholarships will help offset the cost of SCA for qualified families. 3. How do Empowerment Savings Accounts (ESAs) work? A qualifying family applies to the Educational Assistance Organization (EAO) and then, if approved, receives a restricted use debit card loaded with allotted funds for their child’s education. Funds provided may be up to $6,375 per child. The family then uses the card for approved educational expenses and submits the receipts to the EAO. Families may roll over funds, and any unused funds at the end of the year can be used in future years for K-12 education. 4. Who qualifies? A "qualified student" is any K-12 Missouri resident residing in any county with a charter form of government or any city with at least 30,000 inhabitants. Lee’s Summit does qualify with a current population of over 100,000. This current program will only fund a) students with a documented disability or b) low-income students. In addition, these students must either be entering kindergarten or 1st grade for the first time OR have been in public school for at least one semester. Unfortunately, students already enrolled in private education do not qualify. 5. Is this a voucher program? No. It is a scholarship program funded by tax credits. Money goes to the parents to use
for approved educational expenses. Voucher programs typically have money funded from the state’s education budget and is paid directly to nonpublic schools by the state. Many private schools around the country will not Cordell Dick Director of Major Gifts participate in voucher programs as the state may then have the ability to impact admission and hiring practices. Missouri’s Empowerment Scholarship allows parents to direct funds to the best educational option for their child. School admissions and hiring policies are therefore not impacted. SCA would likely not accept monies from a school choice program where dollars were paid directly from the state to the school. 6. How are the Empowerment Scholarships funded? Businesses or individuals may donate to the scholarship fund and receive a dollar for dollar tax credit for up to 50% of taxes owed to the State of Missouri. For example, if a business owes $10,000 in Missouri taxes, it may choose to donate $5,000 to the Empowerment Scholarship Program. A 100% credit will be given toward the tax bill so that business would then only pay the remaining $5,000. Individuals may not earmark scholarship funds to a particular students’ tuition. 7. How much is a scholarship for qualifying students? EAO’s may provide each student a scholarship for up to $6,375.00. An SCA student would use these funds to pay for tuition. Additional tuition assistance may also be available from SCA. It is likely that there will always be a requirement for some outof-pocket costs to attend SCA. 8. How much total does the Empowerment Scholarship Program have available for families? Will the amount ever increase? Missouri’s new program is capped at $25 million dollars the first year, but has the ability to increase to $50 million as the current law is written. As families express a desire to participate, there is precedent from other states of Empowerment Scholarships growing due to grass roots demands. For example, Florida went from a scholarship fund of $40 Million to now over $200 million. Arizona started at $5 million and is now at $120 million. These increases are due to the voices of parents demanding to be heard. 9. What will the scholarship pay for? As a qualified school, SCA will accept ESA monies. These funds will pay for tuition or fees; required textbooks; educational therapies or services from a licensed or accredited practitioner; (continued on p. 10)
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This & That
Cordell’s Corner: Missouri’s Empowerment Scholarship Progr am Continued from p. 9 educational aides; tutoring services; curriculum; tuition or fees for a private virtual school (like SCA eCampus); fees for a nationally standardized norm-referenced achievement test, AP/IB examinations, or any examinations related to college admission; services provided by a public school including, but not limited to, individual classes and extracurricular programs; computer hardware or other technological devices that are used to help meet educational needs and are approved by an EAO; and fees for summer education programs and specialized after-school education programs. Funds may not be used for either consumable or educational supplies. 10. Will SCA have to change to accept these funds from parents? No. Written into the law is the following statement: “A qualified school shall not be required to alter its creed, practices, admissions policy, or curriculum in order to accept students whose parents pay tuition or fees from an empowerment scholarship account to participate as a qualified school.” 11. As schools accept students with ESAs, will it change the student/teacher ratio and small family feel of the school? No. SCA has board policy that dictates admissions standards and class sizes, capping the number of students allowed into a classroom. Missouri’s new ESA program in no way changes these policies. For example, kindergarten is capped at 19 students per classroom; 1st-6th grade is capped at 23 students per classroom, and 7th-12th grade core subject areas are capped at 25 students. These class sizes are dictated by the school board. 12. SCA has a faith-based program, will this have to change? Absolutely not! SCA’s school board’s policies dictate admission standards. SCA is a discipleship school, requiring all entrants to agree to our Statement of Faith, Lifestyle Statement, and Community Compact. Policy will stay as such. This law is written to empower parents to find the school that they believe best fits the educational needs of their child. Federal law prohibits states from discriminating against schools simply because they have a faith component. SCA will always remain Christ-centered; it is our number one core value! 13. Will the rigor of SCA academics change? Absolutely not. As always, SCA will see each child as an individual and admit only those whose needs meet our current admission standards. Students who transfer into SCA typically have some learning gaps. As such, SCA continues to build our employee and
curriculum infrastructure to keep up with student population growth and all learning needs. 14. How can I learn more? The Missouri treasurer’s office is currently tasked with developing implementation policy. They will be determining things such as the process for donating to the tax credit scholarship program, the acceptable EAOs, and the process for applying. Continue to watch for publications concerning decisions. To learn more, watch the website created by the Children’s Education Alliance of Missouri at https://www. showmeschooloptions.org/ and research HB349 and SB86 at https://legiscan.com/MO/bill/HB349/2021. These bills worked in tandem to create the new scholarship opportunities for Missouri students. 15. I think my family qualifies, how can I apply for the 22-23 school year? We do not know the answer to this question as of yet. The state treasurer’s office is tasked with setting up a board that will work out all implementation procedures. Watch for announcements through SCA. Remember, families in existing private schools may not apply. 16. As a parent what are my next action steps? • Be active in contacting your legislators and applauding school choice. • Once the state opens the ability to donate ½ of your Missouri owed taxes, designate your money to the fund for a 100% tax credit. Individuals or corporations may donate. There are not yet details concerning the procedure for making this donation. • Write your legislator to increase access to school choice through: o Raising the $25 million dollar cap o Decreasing the city population required for student participation o Broadening the types of students who may qualify Across our nation, states have recognized the need to create pathways to educational individualization in support of children. Missouri has now joined twenty-seven other states in support of parents’ dreams for their children. The Missouri Empowerment Scholarships provide parent choice: an ability to choose the best public, charter, private, virtual, or homeschool education in order to fulfill their children’s potential. To learn more about HB349, visit https://legiscan.com/MO/ text/HB349/2021. To learn more about SB86, visit https://www. senate.mo.gov/21info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&Bil lID=54105513
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This & That
"Ins & Outs" of the Health Office Medication Procedure SCA will adhere to the following procedures recommended by the Missouri State Health Department when dispensing medication: • All prescription medication must be in the original container
to help prevent back and neck problems all together. Please go to http://kidshealth.org/en/parents/backpack.html to find out more. COVID-19 Procedure With the rules constantly changing, we encourage you to
and labeled with the child’s name, physician’s name, and
reach out to us with any questions, concerns, or any symptoms
written instructions.
your student is having BEFORE you COVID test. Students need
• All medication must be checked in at the Health Office by
to stay home for any high risk symptoms: new cough, difficulty
a parent/guardian, and the proper paperwork filled out.
breathing, loss of taste/smell, OR two or more moderate risk
Students may NOT be in possession of prescription OR over-
symptoms: fever of 100.4 or higher, congestion/runny nose,
the-counter medication while on school grounds without
nausea/vomiting/diarrhea, sore throat, headache, muscle or
being first approved through the Health Office.
body aches. With symptoms, students will need to do one of
Backpack Safety Many things can lead to back pain — like playing sports or
three things: • Quarantine for 10 days from onset of symptoms, returning
exercising a lot, poor posture while sitting, and long periods
day 11 as long as symptoms are improving and they have
of inactivity. But some kids have backaches because they’re
been fever free for 24 hours without medication.
lugging around their entire locker’s worth of books, school supplies, and personal items all day long. Doctors and physical therapists recommend that kids carry
• Your student has a negative PCR or antigen test taken on day 5 or later, and if negative they may return day 8. • Your student sees a provider and returns with a note
no more than 10-15% of their body weight in their packs. But
stating they are cleared to return to school (NO COVID test
many carry a lot more than that. When a heavy backpack is
needed).
incorrectly placed on the shoulders, the weight’s force can
Please see email with guidelines sent out by Mr. Hahn at the
pull a child backward. To compensate, the child might bend
beginning of school for full policy and details. We are here to
forward at the hips or arch the back. This can make the spine
help! Please reach out to us! Please email all three of us as we
compress unnaturally, leading to shoulder, neck, and back pain.
do not all work every day.
Kids who wear their backpacks over just one shoulder — as
Now is the time to get your flu shot. The flu vaccine is the
many do, because they think it looks better or just feels easier
best way to prevent the flu. MYTH - You can get the flu from
— may end up leaning to one side to offset the extra weight.
the flu vaccine. Another great way to prevent the flu is to teach
They might develop lower and upper back pain and strain their
your child how to wash their hands and remind them to do this
shoulders and neck.
often, as well as keeping their hands off their face.
Improper backpack use can also lead to bad posture. Girls
We hope you’ve had an amazing and refreshing summer!
and younger kids may be especially at risk for backpack-related injuries because they’re smaller and may carry loads that are heavier in proportion to their body weight. Also, backpacks with tight, narrow straps that dig into the shoulders can interfere with circulation and nerves. These types of straps can lead to tingling, numbness, and weakness in the arms and hands. Bulky or heavy backpacks don’t just cause back injuries. There are many other safety issues to consider and guidelines
Your SCA Health Clinic Staff Noelle Rhyne, RN, BSN nrhyne@sca-kc.org Erin Rider, RN, BSN, MSN erider@sca-kc.org Tiffany Summitt, MEd tsummitt@sca-kc.org
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This & That
SCA Adds Six-Plex to Campus Summit Christian Academy
Hesman, Academic Dean
will include restrooms, six
in helping us secure the EANS
will be adding a classroom
Dr. Gill, and Director of
classrooms, and a hallway
funding for SCA and is to be
six-plex to the SCA Campus.
Finance Mrs. Constant, that
that opens internally with two
commended for her work on
The building will be installed
we are blessed to be able to
entrances/exits.”
this project,” shared Mr. Hahn.
and ready for operation after
install this building that will
Thanksgiving Break.
SCA is utilizing funds
“We are paying for site plans
house some 7-12th grade
obtained from Emergency
and architecture work on the
classes,” shared SCA Head
Assistance to Non-Public
facility, however the EANS
leadership and work of
of School Mr. Chris Hahn.
Schools (EANS), a grant for a
Grant will provide all other
Secondary Principal and
“It will be located behind the
lease-to-purchase opportunity.
funds to help purchase this
Director of Operations Mr.
SCA modular buildings and
“It is through the incredible
“Dr. Gill was instrumental
much needed space.”
Design plans for the additional classroom six-plex that SCA will be adding to the campus this fall.
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to SERVE others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” I Peter 4:10
Soaring
Page 13
This & That
SCA Alumna in Action Alyssa Kim, 2017 SCA graduate from South Korea, visited the SCA campus last week to catch up with Mrs. Tharp and talk with some favorite teachers, Mrs. Terry and Mrs. Ferguson! Alyssa is in her senior year at Tulane University in New Orleans and was evacuated because of Hurricane Ida. She returned to Missouri to stay with her host parents and former teacher Andrea Gillespie while the campus is in repair. Alyssa is majoring in neuroscience and psychology. She works as the lab manager for the Psycho-Oncology Research Program under Tulane’s Psychology Department and has published her first authored paper in collaboration with Seoul National University medical school. She is the president of the Tulane chapter of Global Brigades, which is a nonprofit health and sustainable development organization to reduce inequalities in Central America and West Africa and has participated in several trips to under-resourced countries. She is planning to pursue medical school after graduation in May 2022!
Students Share a Morning with Mom SCA recently hosted their annual “Morning with Mom” event. Mothers and mother figures were invited to share a pastry and some extra time with their students before the school day began.
SCA Mom Jessica Chabot enjoys some added time with her daughters before the school day at SCA’s Morning with Mom.
Students and Families Gather at the Park Early Education and Kindergarten students and families gathered for the traditional “Meet me at the Park.” They enjoyed fellowship, fun, and family time together as they gathered at the park.
SUMMIT CHRISTIAN ACADEMY 1500 SW Jefferson Lee’s Summit MO 64081
The mission of Summit Christian Academy is to inspire students to achieve their God-given potential through excellent academics and Christian training in a compassionate environment.
Upcoming Events Oct 4-8 Oct 6 Oct 8 Oct 9 Oct 11-15 Oct 12 Oct 15 Oct 18 Oct 25 Oct 28-29 Nov 1-5 Nov 11-13 Nov 12 Nov 19 Nov 22-26 Dec 2
Secondary Homecoming Spirit Week Elementary Pep Rally 2:45 pm Secondary Pep Rally 2:10 pm Homecoming Game 7 pm Homecoming Dance 7 pm Book Fair (Elementary Library) Secondary Choir Concert 7 pm EARLY RELEASE Secondary Instrumental Concert 7 pm Elementary Winter Sports Meeting 6 pm Elementary Fall Sports Awards 6:30 pm NO SCHOOL (Parent-Teacher Conferences) International Education Week SCA Theatre Presents “Cinderella” 7 pm Campus Visit Day 1-3 pm Secondary Blue Crew First Grade Production 7 pm NO SCHOOL (Thanksgiving Break) 5th-6th Instrumental/Choir Concert 7 pm
Dec 3 Dec 9 Dec 10 Dec 13 Dec 15-17 Dec 17 Dec 20 - Jan 3 Jan 4 Jan 6 Jan 7 Jan 14 Jan 17 Jan 18 Jan 19 Jan 20-22
First Friday Coffee 8:15 am Choir Concert 7 pm Third Grade Performance 7 pm Secondary Instrumental Concert 7 pm Secondary Finals (Secondary Early Release) Secondary Blue Crew EARLY RELEASE NO SCHOOL (Christmas Break) School Resumes Secondary Blue Crew Kindergarten Teach Night 6 pm First Friday Coffee 8:15 am Solemn Assembly NO SCHOOL (Martin Luther King Day) K-12 eCampus Day Early Ed Classes in Session Elementary Pep Rally 2:45 pm Jr. High Play 7 pm
