Lions Guide Grammar South

LIONS G U I D E

2024-2025

Our mission is to teach our students to become like Christ through a classical, Christian education within a covenantal community.

Since 1998, Pusch Ridge Christian Academy has been coming alongside families like yours to help raise children who are inquisitive, creative, and inspired - all for Christ and His kingdom. With our amazing faculty, top-rated academics taught from a Biblical worldview, robust performing arts, exciting trip opportunities, and championship athletic programs, it is no wonder parents often tell us their children enjoy coming to school each day.

We couldn’t achieve this experience without the help, support, and commitment of every family. As a part of our covenantal relationship, we ask three things of every parent: First, think of yourselves as partners with us in your child’s education. Join us in supporting, guiding, and nurturing your child and in helping him or her take full advantage of the many opportunities we offer.

Second, commit yourself to participating in the school community. We encourage you to join with Covenantal Parent Fellowship (CPF) in promoting events at Upper and Grammar, volunteer with House Events at South, and offer your time and talents when requested.

Finally, consider making PRCA a part of your family’s giving. Many of our trips, experiences, facilities, and resources wouldn’t be possible without support from our school community - families like yours. Your involvement matters – to your child and to your school family!

We are glad you're here!

Christine Moon, Grammar School Principal Mrs. Moon grew up in California and has lived in Tucson for over 20 years. She holds a B.A. in political science with a minor in Spanish from the University of Arizona and an M.Ed. from Arizona State University. She first joined PRCA as a parent and began teaching 3rd grade in 2022. She and her husband, Sang, have two children who currently attend the Grammar School. As a family, they enjoy visiting museums, traveling, and exploring the outdoors.

Brian Rafacz, Middle School Principal Mr. Rafacz was born and raised in Elmhurst, IL and earned his B.A. in Science and M.Ed. from the University of Arizona.

He began teaching 8th grade at PRCA in 2014. As an avid outdoorsman and former U.S. Navy Seal, Mr. Rafacz helped develop, and currently leads, our Expeditionary Learning Program. He and his wife, Kim, have three children who currently attend, or are alumni of, PRCA.

Jordan Raikes, High School Principal Mr. Raikes grew up in Tucson before moving to Chicago where he earned a B.A. in Theology and a B.A. in Biblical Studies from Moody Bible Institute, and his M.A. in Theology from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. He is currently finishing his second M.A. in Educational Leadership with a focus on Classical Christian Schools from Gordon College.

He joined PRCA in 2014 in the Bible Department and has helped lead our student leaders & House System since 2020.

Mr. Raikes and his wife, Victoria, enjoy puzzles, podcasts, quiet evenings with friends and going on adventures together.

Jonathon Basurto, South Principal Director Basurto graduated from Salpointe, earned his undergraduate degree at the University of Arizona, and received his Masters of Divinity at Columbia International, where he is also pursuing his PhD. He has over a decade of experience as an educator + administrator with Tucson International Academy Public Charter District in South Tucson, and has been working tirelessly for PRCA South.

New School Year Confirm your Access to Lions Den

C H E C K L I S T

Make sure you are able to access your Lions Den account.

This ensures you receive our weekly campus e-newsletter, 'Week at a Glance'. Contact Mary Revie for support at mary.revie@prcak12.org.

Submit Health Forms in Lions Den These forms, along with the Authorized Pick-Up form, can be found in your Lions Den account within the first week of school.

Download physical forms to be completed before the start of school.

Grammar Physical Form South Physical Form A paper copy of your child's birth certificate and imuunization form are required to secure enrollment.

Access the Academic Calendar Mark your calendar with important dates.

Grammar School Calendar South Calendar

Join us for Parent Orientations & Back to School Nights Learn more about PRCA, student life, important dates, and ways to get involved. Meet teachers and other families in the PRCA community. Information will be emailed.

GRAMMAR Monday, August 5, 5:30 PM SOUTH Tuesday, July 30, 5:00 PM

Back to School Shopping Find school supply lists, dress code information, and the PRCA Spirit Store under 'Resources' in Lions Den.

Meet with your New Family Mentor - Grammar School In order to aid in the transition to PRCA, your new family mentor will be in contact with you soon. Please contact Anja McLouth with any questions.

Beyond the Bell

After School Programs The Grammar Campus offers a variety of after school activities throughout the year. Offerings include seasonal sports and After School Care.

Registration will be sent out in the Week at a Glance (WAAG).

The South Campus offers After School Care from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays.

NOTE: No After School Care is offered on Tuesdays, half-days, or event days.

Class Trips Field Trips take place within specific grades to enhance the grade level curriculum.

Stay Informed There are a variety of ways to stay in touch with all the latest news and happenings at PRCA. Week At A Glance (WAAG) Every Sunday during the school year, an email about campus life, news, announcements will be sent to parents. Please contact Mary Revie if you are not receiving these updates.

Lions Den (Parent/Student Portal) Lions Den is the resource for forms, registrations, student grades, homework assignments, teacher communications, and so much more. Upper School students must have their own Lions Den account registered with their own email address.

School Directories Student, parent, and faculty directories are located in Lions Den.

Stay Connected Be sure to follow PRCA on Facebook and Instagram to stay up-to-date on all the latest happenings.

PRCA Website Find helpful information and updates on PRCA.ACADEMY.

Annual Magazine In the fall, the PRCA Annual Magazine will be mailed to your home with important information and highlights from the previous academic year.

TROUBLE GETTING CONNECTED? Please reach out to Kathy Elliott: kathy.elliott@prcak12.org

Lions Den Lions Den is your one-stop resource for all school-related information.

Student/Parent Handbooks Supply Lists Dress Code Student Grades

Accessing LIONS DEN To access Lions Den, visit PRCA.ACADEMY, click on 'Community' and choose 'Lions Den' from the drop down menu.

You will log in with your username and password.

First time user or forgot your password? Click the 'First Time/Forgot Your Password' link and the system will send you new login credentials to the email address on file in the Lions Den. To access your child’s information, click on the child’s name in the upper left hand corner of the screen.

TROUBLE ACCESSING LIONS DEN? Please reach out to Mary Revie: mary.revie@prcak12.org

Get Involved There are many ways to get involved in the PRCA community. Join us!

Volunteer Opportunities There are a variety of classroom, field trip, office and event volunteer opportunities available, as well as community involvement.

More information on these opportunities will be provided at Meet the Teacher and Parent Night.

House System - South The House System works to support the school and community through mission-centered events. As part of the covenantal agreement, all families are assigned to one of four houses upon admission to the school through which they participate in school life. Find out more information by contacting Judi Poblano.

Covenant Parent Fellowship - Grammar CPF works to support the school and community through mission-centered events, faculty appreciation, new parent orientation, and much more.

As part of the covenantal agreement, all families are encouraged to find ways to be involved with school life. Find out more at one of the quarterly CPF meetings or by contacting the 2024-2025 Grammar School CPF Coordinator, Amanda Carey.

CPF Coffee Cart - Grammar The Grammar School hosts a Coffee Cart every Friday morning for PRCA families, providing an opportunity to connect with with others in the PRCA community. Contact Amanda Carey for sponsorship opportunities.

Support PRCA Support PRCA through your gifts of time, talent, and treasure through donations to our Lions Fund, Giving Tuesday, the Annual Spring Fundraiser as well as taking advantage of volunteer opportunities and keeping PRCA in your prayers. Contact Heath Pulver for more information.

Key Contacts Topic

Grammar Campus

South Campus

Absences and Tardies

Jewl Dominguez/Wendy Blackwell

Xitlalitl Cardenas

Academic Curriculum

Jason Clapero

Jonathon Basurto

Admissions

Cindy Cajero

Maria Lizardo-Gomez

Athletics

Angie Striegel

Judi Poblano

Aftercare

Rachel Oglebay

Jonathon Basurto/Judi Poblano

Disciplinary Action

Rachel Hesse/Christine Moon

Xitlalitl Cardenas

Illness + First Aid

Lupita Borboa

Judi Poblano

General School Questions

Tara McKinney

Judi Poblano

Lions Den Questions

Mary Revie

Jonathon Basurto/Judi Poblano

Personal + Social Concerns

Rachel Hesse

Classroom Teacher

Academic Concerns

Classroom Teacher

Xitlalitl Cardenas/Judi Poblano

Student Records + Transcripts

Tara McKinney

Standardized Testing

Tara McKinney

Judi Poblano

Scholarship/Financial Aid

Kirstan Tobin

Judi Poblano/Kirstan Tobin

Ways to Give

Heath Pulver

Heath Pulver/Jonathon Basurto