Grandparents Day 2025

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A Legacy for Generations

“One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts.” – Psalm 145:4

“A good person leaves an inheritance to their children’s children.” – Proverbs 13:22

Grandparents have always been a vital part of MVCA’s story. Many of the most significant gifts have come from MVCA grandparents who desired to leave a legacy that strengthens the faith and learning of future generations.

We are deeply thankful for your prayers, encouragement, and partnership. The impact of your support is seen daily in the lives of your grandchildren and in every classroom across the Academy. Your faithful investment is a testimony of God’s provision, and it allows us to continue building a strong foundation for generations to come.

This year, we are pausing our traditional Grandparent Circle to focus on closing the gap for our most important initiative yet: t he MVCA Expansion Project—Called to Grow, Committed to Impact. As you may know, MVCA is one of the fastest-growing Christian schools in the state and is now among the three largest preschool through twelfth grade Christian schools in Ohio. This initiative will make room for approximately 700 more students to experience a Christcentered education.

The heart of this campaign is rooted in the truth that children need a Christ-centered education now more than ever. The Academy had to turn away more than 100 students this year. We believe that investing in this generation is critical for the future of our families, churches, and communities. At the same time, we remain committed to affordability, and MVCA continues to be one of the most affordable Christian schools in Cincinnati.

Generation after Generation

Project at a Glance

• 27 classrooms for 500 students

• 2 gymnasiums, including a large competition gym

• Dedicated chapel for worship and spiritual formation

• Science and chemistry labs

• Music room and locker rooms

• Grass multipurpose field

• 270 parking spaces

• 82,500 sq. ft. total building space

Phase One Funding Overview

• Land Acquisition: $2.315M (purchase, due diligence, closing costs)

• High School, Gyms, Chapel, Field, Sitework, Parking, Utilities, Fees, and Contingency: $21.400M

• Total Project Cost: $23.715M

Funding to Date

• $3.500M Committed/Pledged

• $8.500M Loan (GECU – in process)

• Remaining Balance: $11.715M

We need your prayers and your partnership. Your best gift at this time will help ensure that this vision becomes reality. This is a legacy that will not only bless your grandchildren today but will also bless their children and generations of Christian students to come.

We would be honored to meet with you to share more details or to talk about your legacy gift. Please contact the Donor Engagement Team through the Superintendent’s Office at superintendent@mvca-oh.com or the Advancement Office at advancement@mvcaoh.com .

We are excited to see how God will use each of us to channel resources to accomplish this goal and advance His Kingdom through MVCA.

“Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine…”

– Ephesians 3:20

Called to Grow, Committed to Impact, Dr. Greg Beasley

COMMITMENT TO STEWARDSHIP AND ACCOUNTABILITY

At MVCA, we recognize that systems of accountability and stewardship are essential, especially for a Christ-centered, nonprofit organization entrusted with the care and development of children. To uphold the highest standards of integrity, efficiency, and trust, the Academy engages in multiple layers of oversight. These include monthly external financial reviews and reconciliations, annual third-party financial audits, annual health and safety inspections, threat assessment surveys, compliance reviews from the Ohio Department of Education, and formal accreditation evaluations. Most recently, MVCA welcomed a visiting team from the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI), composed of leaders from other Christian schools. We are proud to celebrate their findings, which affirmed our mission, culture, operations, and commitment to excellence in Christian education.

Key Themes Identified by the Accreditation Team

- “Strong governance with exceptional trust among team members and leadership.”

- “Deep commitment to discipleship and biblical worldview in all aspects of school life.”

- “High stakeholder satisfaction, reflected in parent, student, and alumni comments.”

- “Strategic planning and financial stability position the Academy for future growth and a two-campus model.”

- “The community’s unified desire and commitment to remain mission-focused and resist mission drift.”

Academic and Instructional Excellence

- “Biblical worldview is fully integrated across all disciplines.”

- “Emphasis on student engagement, classical literature, phonics-based instruction, and real-world application.”

- “Systematic walk-throughs and evaluations support teacher growth and instructional effectiveness.”

- “Launch of Atlas curriculum mapping to enhance alignment and planning.”

Facilities and Safety Enhancements

- Ongoing campus expansion (new classrooms, band room, locker rooms).

- Investments in security: CrisisGo app, Raptor background checks, 71 security cameras.

- “Well-maintained facilities, with regular inspections and safety procedures in place.”

Community and Global Engagement

- “Strong partnerships with local ministries and organizations (e.g., City Gospel, Matthew 25 Ministries, Cincinnati Zoo).”

- “Service trips and mission-minded student opportunities reinforce servant leadership.”

- “High stakeholder involvement in surveys and planning, including over 425 volunteer roles filled across the Academy.”

FAITH THROUGH ACTION...

• Advance Serve Day: Students and staff partnered with more than 25 ministries for a powerful day of service.

• Chapel Development Team: This past summer, we launched an exciting opportunity to help students grow in music, tech, and worship arts.

• Greater Cincinnati Prayer Canopy Partnership: MVCA joined efforts this year and remains active in this regional prayer movement, founded by several area pastors.

• Student Cultural Exchange Program: MVCA again host Guatemalan students for the 2025-26 for a cultural and spiritual exchange that started more than a decade ago.

• Lower School Chapel: Weekly chapel continues as a joyful gathering for worship and learning.

• Preschool Chapel & Mentorship: Upper School students will continue to lead preschool worship, build relationships, and serve as role models for preschoolers.

• MVCA Students in Home Churches: Several MVCA Students are now singing, playing, and leading at their home churches.

• MVCA Worship Collective has produced 2 music videos (Goodbye Yesterday and Goodness of God) to inspire others and to instruct our students in production and performance aspects of large worship experiences.

• National Day of Prayer Observed: Every Upper School bell opened with prayer by MVCA Team Members, focused on key national areas of influence.

• Upper School Chapel Worship Team: Students will use in-ear monitors and backing tracks this year to deepen collaboration and excellence in worship leading.

• Mission Expansion for 2025-26:

• 10th Grade Mission Trip- A domestic 10th-grade mission trip is being explored, and more information will be shared soon.

• ACSI Student Leadership Apologetics Conference- Student Council members will receive ACSI training in the biblical model and definition of servant leadership and have the opportunity to attend ACSI’s Student Leadership Apologetics Conference.

• 12th Grade Mission Trip - The Senior Mission Trip to Guatemala will take place for the third consecutive year, with a possible deeper partnership with a current MVCA family’s ministry. More information will be shared soon.

PRESCHOOL

Educational Partnerships: Cincinnati Zoo, Newport Aquarium, Local Police and Fire Department experiences

Kindergarten Tours: Pre-K students visited classrooms and specials to prepare for transition to Kindergarten

Preschool–Upper School Integration: Carpool help, reading buddies, chapel, and service projects

Service Projects:

• 141 thank-you bags made to bless the MVCA Team

• 200+ blessing bags created for homeless outreach

• 200+ stuffed animals donated to the Newtown Police Department

Weekly Chapels & Performances: Grandparent and Family Chapels, Christmas programs, Spring Recital, and Pre-K Commencement

LOWER SCHOOL

Easter Performance: Our third-grade students presented a beautiful Easter performance for the first time

Economics Focus: Market Days and Shark Tank projects in grades 2–4

Expansion of Clubs: Baking Club, Game Club, Lego Club, Spanish Club, Ukelele Club, Local Police and Fire Department experiences

Field Trip Highlights

• Kindergarten- Glenwood Nature Center

• 1st Grade- Cincinnati Nature Centers

• 2nd Grade- Sun Watch Indian Village

• 3rd Grade- The Creation Museum

• 4th Grade- Shawnee State Park

• 5th Grade- The Ark Encounter / A Christmas Carol at Playhouse in the Park (2025/2026)

Roaring Readers Week: A NEW literacy tradition featuring cross-grade activities

Nature-Based Learning: MVCA will launch a NEW Kindergarten–2nd Grade Nature Special, focused on outdoor exploration and experiencing God’s creation

Phonics Expansion: The K–1 team is transitioning to UFLI, a research-based phonics program

UPPER SCHOOL

Academic Advising Enhancements: Academic Advising will expand into separate roles for student success. This structure allows for more targeted support, mentorship, and planning at each academic level.

• Mrs. Tiffany Stofel is now the High School Academic Advisor

• Mr. Evan Powell is now the Middle School Academic Advisor

Advanced Placement (AP):

• 43% enrollment growth since 2022

• 13 AP courses offeredthis year—most in school history

• 27% increase in AP exam pass rate

• 82% of AP students passed their exams

National Honor Societies:

• 50 students inducted—the highest ever at MVCA

• Requirements: 3.75 GPA, character, leadership, service

EdTech Expansion: Middle School will implement a 1:1 iPad with keyboard program, extending MVCA’s digital learning leadership

Student Council Trip: Exploring NEW trip to the Global Student Leadership Conference

LEADERSHIP ROLES EXPANDING

• Mr. Brian Williams joined the MVCA Team as the Middle School Principal

• Mr. Evan Powell is now the Middle School Dean of Students

MOST SUCCESSFUL ATHLETIC YEAR

This year has been the most successful in MVCA athletic history since joining the Miami Valley Conference.

Christian Student-Athletes- What defines MVCA Athletics is not just performance, but discipleship. Coaches model Christ, student leaders guide their teams spiritually, and referees and opponents regularly comment on the Christ-centered focus and tone of MVCA competition.

Coaching Excellence- Several MVCA coaches were honored with Coach of the Year awards in both the MVC and District by their peers and local media.

Athletic Trainer Hire- We are grateful for the recent hire of a mission-focused and highly qualified athletic trainer to join Team MVCA.

Lower School Athletic Director- In response to continued growth in participation and a desire to further develop our younger student-athletes, MVCA now has a dedicated Lower School Athletic Director.

Boys and Girls Soccer- MVCA launched a boys and girls high school and middle school program.

• Coach Robb Rosen – Boys Varsity Coach

• Coach Miranda Lane – Girls Varsity Coach

Most Sports in School History- This year, MVCA will offer more athletic programs than ever before.

ATHLETIC PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

• Baseball- Leading MVC, aiming for a 4-peat

• Boys and Girls Basketball- First MVC Championships in school history; best records to date

• Boys Basketball- District Champs; Sweet Sixteen appearance

• Boys Tennis- Increased competitiveness in its second year

• Competition Cheer- 4th in the state (OASSA)

• Cross Country- Boys team and individuals advanced to Regionals

• Football- Highest playoff seed since 2018

• Track & Field- Continued growth in participation and results

• Varsity Boys Golf- First team win and District individual qualifier

• Volleyball- District Runner-Up (3rd time in 4 years)

CREATIVE GROWTH ROOTED IN CHRIST

What sets MVCA Fine Arts apart is our focus on Christ—that every performance, every song, every brushstroke is an opportunity to honor one another and glorify God.

• Students are using their gifts for God's glory on stage, on screen, and behind the scenes

• Participation continues to grow in choir, band, visual arts, and media production

• Three sold-out musical performances with the largest casts and crews in MVCA history

• First-ever live orchestra in Founders Hall during the Spring production of the Sound of Music

• NEW Mentorship program for Middle School crew members during the MS theatre production

• In His Image K-12 Art Gallery Walk: an evening of creativity and celebration complete with a NEW glow in the dark exhibit and “Child of The King” photo op

• Jazz Night at McNicholas School: MVCA High School Band partnered with McNicholas High School Band to bring a night of Jazz to the Forest Hills community

• Fine Arts Booster Flower Sale raised beyond the goal, with a total of $13,758.50

• Fine Arts Summer Camps: NEW offerings designed to inspire, challenge, and equip young artists in a Christ-centered environment

• Exciting NEW electives for 2025-26 include: Songwriting & Arranging, Stagecraft & Storytelling, Production: Film & Podcasting

MVCA CONTINUES to prioritize a safe, functional, and welcoming environment for students and staff. Several key improvements were implemented this year to support both security and space needs:

• CrisisGo Implementation: A NEW emergency communication platform, CrisisGo, was introduced this year to improve real-time communication among team members during drills and emergencies. It enhances preparedness and coordination across campus.

• Increased Security Camera Coverage: Additional cameras were installed throughout the campus to strengthen safety measures and improve visibility in key areas.

• Facility Expansion: The recent expansion has provided much-needed space to accommodate our growing student body.

• A Larger Upper School Gym to support athletic programs and school-wide gatherings

• A dedicated Weight Room that students have enjoyed using during PE, athletics, and training

• An Upper School faculty lounge offering a comfortable and professional space for teachers

• The Lower School Building received a much-needed NEW ROOF

• Student Common Areas that foster connection, collaboration, and community across grade levels

• The Academy continues to prioritize faculty compensation increases and has been able to provide a total of 28.45% total compensation increase to faculty over the past four years.

• The lower level of the Upper School expansion received new and contemporary decor in December. The upper level also recieved its own amazing finishing touches in time for the start of the new school year.

MVCA IS OFFICIALLY DEBT FREE

We recently satisfied the payment of the Academy’s mortgage. Being debt-free means even more resources can go directly into growing and strengthening MVCA's mission of raising up students who love Jesus and are prepared to impact the world for Him . We are grateful for every family, staff member, donor, and friend who has believed in this vision and helped make it possible. Your prayers, generosity, and faithfulness have made a lasting impact .

Your prayers, generosity, and faithfulness have made a lasting IMPACT." "

THE MVCA SERVE TEAM is made up of parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and friends of the Academy—a vibrant community united by a shared heart to serve. This year, we estimate that more than 425 volunteer roles have been filled across campus, with many individuals stepping in multiple times, particularly in Athletics and Fine Arts.

Volunteer opportunities included:

• Three Fine Arts productions: cast support, concessions, hospitality, and backstage logistics

• Athletic game-day roles: Football, Volleyball, Basketball, Baseball, and Track & Field

• Classroom and campus involvement: Lower School holiday parties and field trip chaperoning

• Operational and hospitality help: Spirit Shop, administrative assistance, flower sales and distribution, and summer facility projects

By the numbers:

• 1,734 volunteer opportunities available school-wide

• 1,300 volunteer opportunities served

• 158 volunteers (including 85 from Preschool)

• 2,131 hours served

• Over $67,000 in estimated manpower value

• Top contributors: Grandmothers who each logged more than 180 hours throughsupport, concessions, hospitality, and backstage logistics

From classrooms to concerts, game days to garden beds, the MVCA Serve Team is a powerful expression of Christcentered partnership in action. We are grateful beyond words for each person who has given time, energy, and joy to help make the Academy thrive.

Students are leading with purpose and embody a culture of service that ignites compassion . MVCA outreach projects leave a Lion imprint with lasting impact.

WHEN GOD CALLS, we should follow. That's been the unwavering charge the Academy was founded on—and it resounds even louder today. As we look around the campus, it is evident that God is moving. Several community pastors, regional businesses, school leaders, and even the recent ACSI visiting team have affirmed that acknowledgment-recognizing that something special is happening here.

ENROLLMENT IS AT A HISTORIC HIGH

, and more families are seeking what Miami Valley Christian Academy distinctly offers: Christ-centered education rooted in truth and discipleship. This is not a result of ambition—it is the fruit of obedience and the undeniable blessing of God.

WE ARE COMMITTED to being faithful stewards of what God has entrusted to us—just as Jesus affirmed in Luke 16:10, "Whoever is faithful with very little will also be faithful with much." As we plan for expansion, our heart is to do all things with excellence, as unto the Lord (Colossians 3:23). This is not about building for the sake of growth, but about preparing well for mission-appropriate families who are being drawn to a community rooted in Christ.

The Big Announcement has been made— Now the Journey Begins

DEAR FELLOW GRANDPARENT

EVEN BEFORE our daughter met her husband, got married, and had children, she knew she wanted her children to attend MVCA. As a teenager, she regularly babysat for one of the founding families whose three children attended MVCA from kindergarten through grade 12. In those children, she saw how a Christian education fosters strong faith and godly character. We also have friends who enrolled their three daughters when the school began. They credit MVCA with providing an outstanding education along with an exceptional biblical foundation. Today, the lives of these former MVCA students reflect the education and values they were taught and the strength of a biblical foundation.

When it was time for our daughter and her husband to choose a preschool and school for their two children, they chose MVCA. As grandparents, our greatest desire is for our grandblessings to receive a Christian education that will grow them in knowledge of the Lord and and His Word, and provide academic knowledge that is in line with biblical precepts and principles. This comes from a deeply held conviction that the only way to change the future of our world is to bring more young people to a knowledge of the saving grace of God, help them make a decision to trust Jesus, and teach them what it means to follow Him. MVCA teaches God's truths in a world that is screaming its lies. For children to thrive in this world, they must have a strong foundation and be equipped to stand strong in God's truth.

The Bible instructs us to "train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old, he will not depart from it" (Proverbs 22:6). While this isn’t a promise, it is an important principle for parents and grandparents. The training that starts at home and in church can be greatly strengthened by a Christian education.

From teaching Bible verses for each fruit of the Spirit and simple Bible stories (Little Lions Preschool) to Bible verse memorization and deeper understanding of God's Word, we have observed how MVCA is committed to growing and guiding children in the way they should go. Additionally, we appreciate the great emphasis on prayer, praise, and instruction on biblical life principles woven into the academics of each day.

DEAR FELLOW GRANDPARENT

As grandparents, we are grateful for MVCA and our prayer is that the school continues to grow and thrive. Thankfully, the state of Ohio has made it easy for every parent, grandparent, relative, and family friend of MVCA students to contribute to the school's growth.

In 2023, we first learned about the Ohio Christian Education Network from Superintendent Greg Beasley at an MVCA event. The program had just launched, enabling individuals to donate $750 to any Christian school and receive a tax credit for the full amount ($1,500 for a married couple). This means that everyone can help build the Kingdom of God on earth, at no cost to them.

We hope that every MVCA family will contribute this year. It's easy to do and contributions can be made as late as April 2026 and still count for a 2025 tax credit. Perhaps you even know other Christians, without children at the school, who would be willing to contribute. Remember, it costs nothing. A tax credit is different from a deduction; with a tax credit, you receive the full amount back.

As Christians, it is our duty and privilege to help build the Kingdom of God on earth and to strengthen the body of believers. Pray for MVCA in its mission to do so, and please consider financially supporting their ministry of training up children in the ways of the Lord. Together, we can build the Kingdom and change the world for Jesus.

Steve and Shari Abbott

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Grandparents Day 2025 by Miami Valley Christian Academy - Issuu