Spring 2023 SOARING Newsletter

M MIT CHRISTIAN ACADEM Y S aring

A newsletter for friends, staff, and parents of Summit Christian Academy Spring 2023

SCA Celebrates Ribbon Cutting and Prayer Dedication for Fieldhouse and Activity Center

SCA opened the Fieldhouse and Activity Center with a Ribbon Cutting and Prayer Dedication service in February. The Fieldhouse and Activity Center is 43,000 ft² and includes an official NCAA sized gymnasium that seats 1200, locker rooms, a strength and conditioning room, a multipurpose room, a concession stand, a hospitality room, restrooms, and athletic offices.

Chris Hahn, Head of School

Joe Hesman, Secondary Principal & Director of Operations

Anthony Mickelson, Secondary Assistant Principal

Charissa Sanders, Early Ed & Lower Elementary Principal

Julie Madsen, Upper Elementary Principal

Lance Quessenberry, Athletic Director

Sarah Coats, Director of Development

Cordell Dick, Director of Access & Affordability

The Grand Opening was celebrated with a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony with the entire SCA K-12th grade in attendance. Also attending the ceremony were SCA faculty, staff, parents, and donors. The program included a performance by the High School Concert Chorale, message by Journey Church International Pastor Christian Newsome, dedication prayers by SCA Head of School Chris Hahn and SCA Senior Drew Pierce, and the Ribbon Cutting Countdown was led by SCA 2010 Alumnus, SCA School Board Member, and Abundant Life Pastor Toshaun Avery. Following the ceremony,

attendees were welcome to tour the building.

“We are excited about the building, but most excited about what will be built inside the building,” shared SCA Head of School Chris Hahn. “Our mission and ministry platform has been expanded. This is a great place to see our children compete and perform. What a blessing to gather as the entire community of SCA in worship, prayer, and celebration.”

Since 1989, SCA has been inspiring students to achieve their God-given potential through excellent academics and Christian training in a compassionate environment. The Fieldhouse and Activity Center was completed on the school’s 33rd school year and will allow for the entire SCA community of over 1200 early education12th grade students to gather together and provide students with increased athletic opportunities and enrichment activities.

Back row: SCA Alumni parent Desta Oppriecht, SCA parents Doug and Mirtha Galant, and SCA 2010 Alumnus, SCA School Board Member, and Abundant Life Pastor Toshaun Avery.

Front row: SCA former Head of School Linda Harrelson, SCA Board of Education members Jodi Butler and Fel Bagunu, SCA Student Council President senior Madison Brown, SCA Student Representative kindergarten student Isaiah Bagunu, SCA Board of Education member Tim Wiseman, Rebecca Wiseman, and SCA Board of Education President Don Bisbee.

SCA students and visitors enjoyed a confetti and balloon drop as a part of the ribbon cutting for the Fieldhouse and Activity Center.

Christian Character Awards Announced

SCA is pleased to recognize students who consistently exhibit exceptional Christian character through the Christian Character Award program. The purpose of this award is to encourage students to pursue their potential toward attaining the highest level of personal and academic development as well as Christian character. The achievement of Christian Character at SCA is one of the most prestigious recognitions within the school.

Elementary Christian Character recipients for the second quarter of the 2022-23 school year are second grade student Zoe Methvin, daughter of Mark and Shawna Methvin (pictured left with Lower Elementary Principal Mrs. Sanders), and sixth grade student Camille Humphreys, daughter of Thomas and Krystal Humphreys (pictured right with Upper Elementary Principal Dr. Julie Madsen).

At the secondary level, 2022-23 first semester Christian Character Awards were received by seventh grade student Faith Holt, daughter of Ryan and Heather Holt, seventh grade student Elijah Zicari, son of Sean and Amber Zicari, sophomore Emma Coats, daughter of Andy and Sarah Coats, sophomore Charli Hinton, daughter of Gary and Kristi Hinton, and senior Trevon Hildebrand, son of William and Jennifer Hildebrand.

Secondary Students Support Community Through Service Week

One of the Core Values at SCA is Cultivating Community. A way we encourage cultivating community is through community service. Students in 7-12th grades took time away from the classroom in March to serve in nonprofits across the Kansas City metro area. From Agape Pamoja to Hope City to SOAR Special Needs Camp, SCA blanketed the Kansas City area with student volunteers and service.

Faith Holt

Sophomores serve and do yard work at Rotary Youth Camp.

Juniors serve at Agape Pamoja.

Elijah Zicari

Emma Coats

Charli Hinton Trevon Hildebrand

Academics

Early Ed Students Celebrate Dr. Seuss

It can happen here, It can happen there, It really can happen anywhere. But for our youngest at SCA, We don’t just spend a Day, We spend a week learning about Dr. Seuss. And really there is no excuse, Because his books impact readers who will produce, A love for reading and so much more, So when they leave SCA from our front door. They feel inspired to do their very best, Share the love of Jesus to each and every guest. So as they pursue Truth and Grace, They can share God’s Love in every Place!

Long-Standing Tradition Makes Reading & Learning Fun

At SCA, we want to inspire students to achieve their Godgiven potential AND help them develop a love of learning! One way we do this is through our annual DEAR (Drop Everything and Read) Day each year for all K-6th grade students. This year’s theme was Catchup, Relish and Mustard... Catchup with Jesus and Relish His Love! SCA Head of School Mr. Chris Hahn had the opportunity to be part of the fun reading day that included a race off with the catchup, relish, and mustard!

Message from SCA Head of School

WHO is one of the longest serving employees of Summit Christian Academy? WHO has more institutional knowledge and memory than most? WHO is the person that most new applicants and employees meet first? WHO is the person that new and veteran employees most often approach with questions? WHO consistently serves with joy and laughter, and is retiring after 25 faithful years of ministry and service? Any guess? Mrs. Carol Lewis!

Please join us for the Retirement Celebration in honor of Carol. The event will be held from 3-4:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 11, in the Fieldhouse Hospitality Room. RSVP to aboll@sca-kc.org or 816-524-0185.

Chris Hahn

Carol is an incredible and faithful servant. She was instrumental to me in assimilating into the culture and community of SCA. Mrs. Lewis was intentional in helping me understand history and personalities, and was quick to come in and provide me with an “upward review.” I will always remember as I was getting ready for Thanksgiving break my first year, she gave me a card letting me know that I was doing ok….. I am excited for her to be able to spend more time with her husband Bill, their children, and grandchildren. She is greatly loved, appreciated, and will be greatly missed!

Preschool student Seven Miller enjoys Dr. Seuss Week.

PreK students go WILD for Dr. Seuss during Dr. Seuss Week as they read Put Me in the Zoo. L-R: Laundry Johnson, Charlotte Raithel, Emmett Martin, Paige Manus, Owen Archer, and Abigail Ellis are all part of Mrs. Megan Richards class.

Head of School Chris Hahn and Chinese language & Bible teacher Mr. Michael Mayor.

Head of School Chris Hahn took part in SCA's annual Drop Everything and Read Day with elementary students.

Academics

Hands-On Learning at SCA

Fifth grade classes have been studying Ancient Greece in history. Part of a Greek city-state was an agora or marketplace. Students had the chance to create and experience an agora firsthand. They were assigned jobs of metal workers, potters, sandal makers, merchants, or farmers, and each craftsman priced and displayed their goods for sale. Their first grade "buddies" were invited to visit, shop, and learn! This was a wonderful way to deepen understanding of this ancient culture and learn valuable lessons in economics!

Beyond the Walls of SCA

The National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) brought together 13,000 professionals, collegiate, and precollege initiative participants, and hosted Roman Warren (1st grader) and Ramona Warren (2nd grader) from SCA. Roman and Ramona called their group the Engineering Knights, and they took home prizes for both their lego-built wind turbine model and their poster display. Our young learners have made us extremely proud.

STEAM Club Participates in Science & Engineering Fair

The after-school STEAM club that meets in Mrs. Brownlee's room entered a project in Union Station's Annual Science and Engineering Fair. Their project was to test the best grain to use in an air soft gun. They tested a variety of grains for speed and accuracy.

SCA Student Selected for Rotary Youth Leadership Award Academy

Sophomore Charli Hinton was one of six local high school students to be chosen to attend the Missouri Rotary Youth Leadership Academy (RYLA) this summer. The Academy is a four-day/ three-night training program held at the University of Central Missouri for high school students with hearts for community service.

Established in 1992, Missouri’s RYLA Academy has trained and inspired more than 2500 students and is currently a model for the RYLA Academics worldwide. The RYLA curriculum was developed by professional educators and includes personality self-assessment, team building activities, and a two-day service project simulation to enhance the qualities of Servant Leadership.

Fifth graders (L-R) Emiah Freeman, Lucy Schaedel, and AJ Oldham.

SCA dad Kenyon Warren with Roman and Ramona Warren at the NSBE First Lego League competition.

Fifth grade Science & Engineering Fair participants (L-R) Truman Self, Jack Stienstra, and Carson Crosby.

Sophomore Charlie Hinton was selected as one of six local high school students to attend the Missouri Rotary Youth Leadership Academy this summer.

Academics

Junior High Speech & Debate Team Building Success

The Junior High Speech & Debate team is quickly developing significant success and talent, and will compete at the National Speech and Debate Association (NSDA) Middle School National Tournament in Phoenix this summer. This is the first time in SCA history that a junior high team has been eligible to participate at Nationals.

The group of students took 1st place overall in the small school division at the Ray-Pec South tournament, 2nd place overall in the small school division at the Brittany Hill Middle School tournament, and two 3rd place overall placements at Belton and Moreland Ridge tournaments. Individual first place placements include:

• Leo Butler and Elijah Zicari in 7th grade public forum debate (Brittany Hill Middle School, Moreland Ridge Middle School, and Ray-Pec South Middle School tournaments);

• Josie Gillihan and Violet Darby in 8th grade public forum debate (Belton Middle School and Ray-Pec South Middle School tournaments);

• Lottie Mattson in impromptu speaking (Brittany Hill Middle School

tournament); and

• Elena Michael in impromptu speaking (Moreland Ridge Middle School and Ray-Pec South Middle School tournaments)

"These junior high Speech and Debate students are awesome," shared Junior High Speech & Debate Coach Patrick Love. "They are hardworking, motivated, teachable, competitive, and team players. They had a great season, and they will do great at Nationals!"

High school freshman Gavin Boor has also earned the right to go to the national championship in Phoenix this summer.

College Biology and Anatomy & Physiology Classes Experience Anatomage Table

One of the core values at SCA is Inspiring Excellence in Learning: "The SCA faculty inspires students to discover and develop their God-given gifts and talents. We nurture an enthusiasm for learning, providing an atmosphere wherein students may express creativity, discern truth, think critically, and choose wisely. In academics, the arts, and athletics, we uphold a standard of excellence to encourage students to achieve their individual best."

The SCA biology and A&P college classes visited State Fair Community College Radiology Department! The Radiology Department has an Anatomage table, the most technologically advanced 3D anatomy visualization and virtual dissection tool for anatomy and physiology education. The table can be used for study, virtual dissection, digital anatomy presentation, and even has an operating table form factor!

The Junior High Speech & Debate team, pictured with High School Speech & Debate Coach Bill Lindsey and Junior High Speech & Debate Coach Patrick Love, has earned the right to compete at the National Speech and Debate Association Middle School tournament in Phoenix. Pictured here, the team took 1st place at the Ray-Pec South Middle School tournament.

Freshman Gavin Boor will compete at the National Speech and Debate Association tournament in Phoenix this summer.

SCA students experience Anatomage table, a technologically advanced 3D anatomy tool for learning.

Athletics Spring Sports Continue Tradition of Success

by Lance Quessenberry, Athletic Director

The weather has not felt very warm, but spring sports are underway, and all the teams have had a great start. Spring sports are always interesting as the end of school is nearing. At the same time, our athletes must maintain a high level of focus to compete at the level they want. That is always a difficult balance and not easy to do. I have a lot of respect for our spring athletes as they push back thoughts to take it easy and coast to the end of the year.

Baseball has a record number of athletes participating with well over 30 athletes on the varsity and JV teams. The team is very young, but also talented. Coach Gage has already seen a lot of improvement with the team as they have competed well against some very strong competition to

start the year. This group will gain a lot of experience throughout the year and be a team no one will want to see in the postseason.

Boys’ Golf is also a young team. They have full varsity and JV rosters again this year and both teams have had great results to start off the season. With the influx of some talented young athletes to mix in with the upperclassmen who have already represented SCA in the state tournament in past years, this team is expected to make some serious noise in the postseason.

Girls’ Soccer is expecting great things again this spring. Coach Sallas has the team playing some great soccer and they will only continue to get better as the year progresses. After getting to the district championship match last year, this team has a great chance of putting themselves back in that position this year. They will be facing some great competition throughout the year that will prepare them if that should

happen. These girls are more than ready for the challenge.

Lastly, the Boys’ and Girls’ Track and Field teams have been turning heads, not only with individual performances, but their team finishes have people noticing that SCA Track and Field is a force with which to be reckoned. For the first time ever, we will host our first varsity invitational on April 28. The Crossroads Conference has also asked us to host the conference meet again on May 2. These are fun events, and the team would love for a big crowd to come out and cheer them on. You will not be disappointed in what you see from our SCA Track and Field athletes.

As always, our athletes do a great job not only representing our school, but also representing Christ. I am privileged to be part of what God is doing through SCA Athletics. We continue to try and stay in His will and represent Him in all that we do. I hope everyone will pick a spring athletic event to come watch. Remember, we now have great concession offerings and top notch public restrooms… NO MORE PORTA-POTTIES! Hope to see you at an SCA athletic event soon!

Midway Through Season, Track & Field Already Looking to State Competition

Varsity Track & Field is having a great season so far! Midway through the season, three athletes have already broken school records. Additionally, the Varsity Boys' team made SCA Track & Field history with their first marks in pole vault. The vault was done by Christian Wiseman and his mark was later broken by Gatlin Jones.

The Varsity Boys’ team has put up some of the best marks in the state of Missouri. Marcus Jones is currently ranked 1st in Class 2 State in the 200 and 400 meter races. Drew Pierce is also ranked 1st in Class 2 with his SCA record breaking long jump.

These two young men continue to improve with each meet. It will be exciting to see how they finish in the postseason.

The Varsity Girls’ team is led by April Phillips. She is currently ranked 1st in Class 3 State in three events – the high jump, long jump, and triple jump. She also broke the SCA record in triple jump with a jump of 11.65m. The Varsity Girls have a strong and balanced group of senior girls, including Hope Woodall, Mara Reasoner, Adriana McGregor, Keyler Quessenberry, Avary Hill, McKinzie Parks, and Jolee Lunn. These seniors have been consistent contributors to the team's (continued on page 7)

Varsity Boys’ Golf has placed within the top five in four competitions so far this spring, led by freshman Peyton Smith who has placed 1st in three of those events. Pictured L-R are Tristan Aitkens, Peyton Smith, Memphis HInton, Ben Wheeler, and Hayden Perry.

Lance Quessenberry

Athletics

Three Wrestlers Represent SCA at Class 1 State Championship

Three athletes from the Summit Christian Academy wrestling program qualified to compete in the Class 1 State tournament at the University of Missouri on February 22 & 23. Of the three, two earned All-State honors including senior Jeramiah Smith with a 2nd place finish in the 157 lb weight class and junior John Newton with a 4th place finish in the 175 lb weight class.

Jeramiah Smith competed through the bracket quickly by pinning the first three wrestlers. In his semifinal match, Smith pinned defending state champion Kyden Wilkerson from Centralia who was ranked first in the state and hadn't lost a match in two seasons. In the final match, Smith fell to #2 ranked wrestler Elijah Sanders from Richmond whom he had pinned earlier in the season at the Lathrop Invitational. Smith ends his senior season 48-4 with 366 takedowns, a Missouri top five record, and 41 spladles.

John Newton fought through the 175 lb weight class to earn a 4th place medal. He lost to the eventual state champion Devan Parn from Brookfield in the quarterfinals but came back strong in wrestle-backs to earn a spot on the awards podium. Newton finished the season with a 43-7 record, 116 takedowns, and 12 spladles.

Sophomore Ben Winters drew the eventual state champion Seth Hasekamp from Centralia in his first match. He then lost an intense 2-0 match in wrestle back against Espn Reed of Valle Catholic. Winters finished his season with a 35-13 record and 62 takedowns.

Track & Field continued success in past years. They will be exciting to watch throughout the postseason as they are looking to make a state run.

SCA Wrestling sends three athletes to state with two earning All-State honors. Pictured L-R Assistant Coach Stephan Gordon, 175lb 4th place medalist John Newton, Assistant Coach Andrew Smith, 157lb 2nd place medalist Jeramiah Smith, and Varsity Head Coach Greg Thomas.

Junior Marcus Jones is currently ranked 1st in Class 2 State in the 200m and 400m races.

Senior April Phillips leads the girls rankings with three events in which she is #1 in Class 3 State. She is ranked first in high jump, long jump, and triple jump.

Fine Arts

Fifth Grade Class Performs Esther

"The 5th grade musical is a long-standing tradition at SCA. With each year, students of every grade level anticipate getting closer to 5th grade so they can finally have their chance to perform," shared Elementary Music Teacher Mr. Ben White. "Students memorize dialogue and music, help build sets, paint, put together props, and so much more. This year, the 5th graders and I were proud to present the biblical story of Esther. Everybody worked so hard and did such an amazing job. I am so proud of them all!"

Written by Erik Whitehill, the story features all the essential elements of the classical Bible story with a few fun musical elements added to it. Esther is encouraged by her cousin Mordecai to enter a singing contest, Persian Idol. Esther wins the singing contest and becomes the new Queen of Susa. Meanwhile, the King's second-in-command, Haman, is angry that God's people will not bow or worship him. He tricks the King into condemning the Jewish people to death. Esther has to fight for her people, stand up for what she believes in, and confront the King and Haman. She throws a banquet feast for the King and succeeds in her plan! Haman is arrested and God's people are saved. The show ends with all the people gathering and rejoicing in God.

Elementary Art Students Enjoy Their New Kiln

The elementary art department is excited to have its own kiln for firing ceramic pieces. The maintenance department was able to construct a kiln room in the existing art room and then a kiln was purchased.

“It has been a huge blessing for students to create works of art in clay. We are grateful for this wonderful opportunity,” commented Elementary Art Teacher Suzanne Turner.

Winds Symphony Performs at SCA

The Winds Symphony from Southwest Baptist University, under the direction of John Wilson, gave a concert to junior high and high school vocal and instrumental students, as well as 5th and 6th grade instrumental students. Several university students shared about their love for music, the various performing arts they are involved in at SBU and how the university has encouraged them in their path.

Fifth grade classes perform Esther for the annual 5th Grade Musical.

Southwest Baptist University Winds Symphony perform for SCA music students.

L-R: Sixth graders Spencer Leslie, Clemmie Butler, and Jenna Jones with their clay pieces in the kiln room.

Fine Arts Student Artwork Selected for UCM Exhibition

Freshman

Kailee Burke, sophomores Lydia Redman and Benjamin Winters, juniors Charlotte Brownlee, Peydn Jeffries, Isabella Wilson, and Sarah Woodall, and seniors Allie Brown, Elise McFarland, April Phillips, Emery Shores, and Elise Welch had art selected for inclusion at the University of Central Missouri (UCM) 2023 High School Competitive Art Exhibition. Included were pieces of photography, drawings, design/graphics, paintings, ceramics, and mixed media (pictured below).

The selected artwork was on display at the UCM Art Center from March 13 - 31.

Kailee Burke and Lydia Redman received Blue ribbon, I ratings for their works of art.

Freshman Kailee Burke I rating

Sophomore Lydia Redman - I rating

Junior Charlotte Brownlee II rating

Senior April Phillips II rating

Senior Emery Shores II rating

Senior Elise Welch - II rating

Junior Sarah Woodall II rating

Senior Allie Brown III rating

Junior Peydn Jeffries - III rating

Senior Elise McFarland III rating

Junior Isabella Wilson - III rating

Sophomore Benjamin Winters - III rating

Fine Arts Student Artist Selected as Missouri

Senate District 8 Winner

Junior Charlotte Brownlee has been selected as the Missouri Senate District 8 Art Contest winner.

Charlotte Brownlee’s painting was selected by Senator Mike Cierpiot to represent District 8 in the Missouri Senate Hall Student Art Exhibit. A copy of her artwork will hang in the Senate hallway gallery from March 2023 through February 2024. Look for Charlotte’s original winning artwork, an acrylic painting titled “A Warm Embrace” on display by the Summit Christian Academy Administrative Conference Room.

UCM HS Art Contestants All Receive I Ratings

The University of Central Missouri (UCM) High School Art Contest Day is an event where art students come to the UCM Campus and create artwork on-site that will be judged for artistic merit or participate in noncompetitive workshops.

Congratulations to the following participants in the University of Central Missouri High School Art Contest Day, who for the first time in SCA history all received a 1 rating for the work that they created at the event: Charlotte Brownlee, Isabella Wilson (painting still life); Kailee Burke, Elise Welch, Sarah Woodall (drawing still life); and Tristen Hamline, Aubrianna Kennedy (drawing outdoor landscape). Nathan Bausback and Sarina Manjili attended workshops in design and ceramics, respectively.

A copy of SCA Junior Charlotte Brownlee’s Missouri Senate District 8 Art Contest winning acrylic painting “A Warm Embrace” will hang in the Senate hallway gallery from March 2023 through February 2024.

Freshman Kailee Burke Still Life Drawing

Junior Isabella Wilson Still Life Painting

Junior Charlotte Brownlee Still Life Painting

Junior Sarah Woodall - Still Life Drawing

Senior Elise Welch Still Life Drawing

Sophomore Tristen Hamline City/Landscape Drawing/Painting

Junior Aubrianna Kennedy City/Landscape Drawing/Painting

Fine Arts

Virtuosity!—A

Private Music Lesson Program at SCA

In January of 2011, SCA began a program celebrating and emphasizing excellence in the arts called Virtuosity! Through weekly private lessons and end-of-semester recitals, students are encouraged to develop their talents and use them to glorify the Lord. Virtuosity! currently has eleven teachers teaching lessons in piano, violin, voice, percussion, guitar, trombone, and trumpet. A worship team class is also offered after school. Watch for upcoming information regarding summer lessons and camps!

Virtuosity! would like to introduce its new director, Mrs. Joy Parke. Joy has been teaching piano lessons in the Virtuosity! Program since the fall of 2013. Joy has a master’s degree in music from the University of Central MIssouri and a bachelor’s degree in music education from Olivet Nazarene University. Joy and her husband Phil have four grown children, and their youngest two children graduated from Summit Christian Academy. Joy will be working together with the 2022-2023 Virtuosity! Director, Charissa Sanders, for the remainder of the school year, and will assume full responsibility as director beginning this summer.

For more information about the program, contact Charissa Sanders (csanders@sca-kc.org) or Joy Parke ( jparke@sca-kc.org).

SCA Theatre Department Performed Peter Pan

The SCA Theatre Department presented Peter Pan on the Summit Christian Academy stage as their Winter/Spring play.

Peter Pan tells the story of the Darling children and their love of Peter Pan’s adventures during his visits through the open window of the nursery. One night after Nana has taken his shadow and Wendy has sewn it back on, Peter Pan and Tinker Bell whisk the children off to Neverland to be part of the adventures. Wendy, John, and Michael become friends with the Lost Boys and Princess Tiger Lily, and Wendy becomes everyone’s mother. When the evil Captain Hook captures Wendy and the Lost Boys, Peter Pan comes to their rescue. Together with the ticking crocodile, Peter Pan puts Captain Hook in his place and returns the Darling children to their home. This production had something for all ages!

SCA Hosts Career Fair

From creative arts to engineers to physicians and emergency responders, SCA was blessed to host the annual Career Fair for sophomores.

"I am very proud of all the students who attended," shared Business Teacher Elaine Whitfield. "They were mature, engaged, and respectful of the opportunity provided. I hope they learned a lot and are starting to build a vision for their future, or at least a desire to learn more."

Virtuosity! Director Joy Parke

SCA Parent and Optometrist Dr. Susan Lake shares with SCA students about the field of Optometry at the annual SCA Career Fair.

International Experience Students Travel the Globe Without Leaving Home

Over 180 students grabbed their SCA passports and explored the world during our annual International Experience. They stamped their passports as they learned new languages, dove deep into culture, and tried a variety of food and drinks from places like China, Germany, Spain, Romania, and Mexico.

In China, students tried their hand at using chopsticks by moving dried beans, practiced writing Chinese calligraphy, and used strategy to outsmart their opponent in Chinese chess. In addition to the activities, students sampled bubble tea with different toppings from a homemade tea stand, ate savory dumplings, and enjoyed authentic sweet and sour chicken.

Bonjour! In order to get service at the Parisian Cafe, students had to order in French! The cafe menu included foods

like pain au chocolat and bread with fresh cheese. Students could also take their picture with the Eiffel Tower and enjoy the relaxing ambiance. The cafe became a popular place for students to relax after so much traveling.

SCA families from Germany, Romania, and Ukraine set up countries of focus which included homemade treats and hearty soups. In Germany, students played a trivia game before they could try the German goulash soup. In Romania, students learned about it’s rich culture and tried a famous Romanian candy, ‘Rom.’ Students learned Ukrainian and sampled many homemade snacks, like sweet wafers. Vega, our international student from Spain, taught about her life and passed out anchovy stuffed Spanish olives! Our Spanish world

language classes displayed over nine different countries. Students could try homemade empanadas from Argentina, decorate a Mexican Wedding Cookie, learn about Day of the Dead in Mexico, and try a marble game from Colombia while sipping on Colombian soda. Other activities included making maracas and learning about Cinco de Mayo.

The International Experience was a great opportunity for students to travel and learn without ever leaving SCA. One student summed up the event well, “The International Experience was a place to let everyone experience foreign cultures and know more about them. My favorite part was that people could interact together and learn new languages.”

(photos continued on page 13)

Carmen and Mihaela Mullis represent their country, Romania!

Emma Boa (China), her sister, and her mom take time for a photo while serving homemade sweet and sour pork!

Steve Residor poses with Vega Gastaldo (Spain) and her anchovy-stuffed Spanish olives!

Students enjoying the Parisian Cafe!

This & That First Chapel Held in New Fieldhouse

Secondary students recently held their first Chapel in the Fieldhouse & Activity Center. It was wonderful for the 9-12th grade students to praise and worship in this new space.

Freshman Jonah Janssen gives the SCA International Experience a thumbs up!

Seventh grade students Makayla Welch and Alison Zhang display their passports at the SCA International Experience.

International Experience continued

This & That Cordell’s Corner: A Review of SCA's Financial Health

A couple years back in the Spring 2021 newsletter, we reviewed financial ratios to determine SCA’s overall financial health. SCA must maintain robust financial health to fulfill its expansion plans.

1) Operating Reserve Ratio (OPR). This ratio reveals SCA’s financial security. Essentially it identifies the size of our reserves. It is expressed as both a percentage representing a portion of a year or as the number of months. Both represent the span of time the reserves would cover.

The OPR is computed by dividing total unrestricted net assets by total annual expenses that don’t include depreciation. SCA’s average over the last three years was 115%. That’s 14 months. The higher the ratio, the greater the financial security. It was 89% and 11 months, respectively, a couple of years ago. This increase means SCA is more sustainable now than ever.

If the ratio or number of months is high, it may indicate that funds are hoarded. Opportunities may be missed to expand the mission. SCA is growing AND enhancing opportunities AND putting resources aside each year. All aspects are positive.

2) Program Expense Ratio (PER). The ratio shows how much is spent on program services versus support services. Support services include both operating and fundraising expenses. The PER is the result of dividing total program expenses by total expenses. The average PER over the past three years was 86%. That’s slightly higher than 85% of a couple of years ago.

SCA’s high ratio is positive. It shows strong commitment

toward investing in fulfilling the core mission. If this ratio is too high, it could indicate a reluctance to invest in infrastructure. For example, do more funds need to be spent on support service personnel, for the school to grow? Adequate support services are essential for long-term expansion of program services. If it’s too low, it may indicate a lack of focus on program services.

3) Profit Margin Ratio (PMR). This ratio answers a couple of questions. Do revenues consistently exceed expenses? By what percent? The PMR is computed by dividing the change in unrestricted net assets by total unrestricted revenue. The average over the past three years was 19%, as compared to a three-year average ratio of 15% in 2021.

SCA has a reasonable and healthy PMR. If it is too high, charges for services may be excessive or there’s recently been significant fundraising success. It may also be too low. Charges may be inadequate or expenses too high, or perhaps the fundraising is inadequate. SCA’s goal is for charges to be reasonable and expenses appropriate.

Every financial decision will likely impact these ratios. Will you join us in prayer for wisdom for the board of education and the school staff in all financial matters?

If you have questions related to financial ratios or making gifts to SCA, give me a call at 816.525.1480 or email me at cordelld@sca-kc.org.

Cordell Dick Director of Major Gifts

This & That SCA Hires Dean of Improvement, Integration & Innovation

The Board of Education has approved a new position for the 2023-24 school year titled the Dean of Improvement, Integration and Innovation (DI3). This position will join the leadership team at the school. SCA is excited to announce that they have hired a seasoned faculty member, Kelly Montgomery, to fulfill this position.

“As a ministry that is committed to continuous improvement and striving for excellence in all areas, and one that recognizes that the most important factor in student

achievement and success is the teacher, the Board of Education desires to expand the School Leadership Team to include a teacher coach and champion,” shared SCA Head of School Mr. Chris Hahn.

After a thorough search and interview process SCA has hired SCA teacher Mrs. Kelly Montgomery for the position.

Mrs. Montgomery has a Master of Education in Educational Administration and was a National Principals Academy Fellow. Prior to beginning her ministry at SCA in 2018, Mrs. Montgomery

served eight years as an Instructional Coach and Assistant Principal at Alta Vista Charter High School and KIPP Endeavor Academy.

“I believe that the strength of Summit Christian Academy lies within the teachers, mentors, and coaches who work each day with our children and families,” shared Mr. Hahn. “I believe that for our teachers to care well for our children, we need to invest in and care for them. The DI3 position will be a coach and advocate for our teachers to continue striving

for excellence in all that they do as we continue to fulfill our mission to inspire students to achieve their God-given potential.”

Senior Honored as Good Citizen by the Daughters of the American Revolution

Senior Gabriel Wesselschmidt was honored as a Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Good Citizen by the DAR Prairie Chapter.

Gabe was honored recently at the DAR chapter meeting at Places in John Knox Village.

Bus Drivers Needed

Are you looking to make a little extra money? Do you like working with children of all ages? Summit Christian Academy is in need of bus drivers to help with occasional daytime field trips and evening athletic events. Drivers will be required to have a Class B CDL license with a passenger endorsement. If you do not currently have a CDL license, SCA can train you and pay for obtaining your CDL. Pay for drivers will be $15 per hour. This position is not eligible for a tuition discount.

If you are interested in more information or applying, please contact Joe Sanders, Director of Transportation, at (816) 525-1480 or jsanders@sca-kc.org.

SCA is excited to announce that Mrs. Kelly Montgomery has been named the new SCA Dean of Improvement, Integration and Innovation.

Senior Gabe Wesselschmidt (middle) was honored as Good Citizen by the Prairie Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

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

Apr 14 Elementary Academic Meet Secondary (7-12 NO SCHOOL)

Apr 20 Early Ed Showcase

Jr. High Social

Apr 17-21 Elementary Testing Week

Apr 22 NHS Induction

Apr 24 5th-12th Instrumental Concert 7 p.m.

Apr 26 Secondary Blue Crew Day

Academic Meet Awards

Apr 28 NO SCHOOL (Professional Development)

Apr 29 Prom

May 1 European Fair

May 2 Senior-Kindergarten Walk

May 3 All School Assembly (Teacher of the Year)

Elementary Pep Ralley 2:45 p.m.

May 4 5th-12th Choir Concert 7 p.m.

National Day of Prayer

May 5 First Friday 8:30 a.m.

May 6 One Acts 7 p.m.

May 7 Virtuosity! Recitals

May 8-12 Teacher Appreciation Week

May 9 EE-6th Donuts with Dad 7:15 a.m.

May 9 Community Partnership Breakfast

May 11 Carol Lewis Retirement 3-4:30 p.m.

May 12 Class of 2023 Graduation

May 18 Kindergarten Graduation 7 p.m.

May 19 First Grade Bike Parade

May 21 Sixth Grade Celebration 2 p.m.

May 22 Elementary Field Day

May 23 EE-6th Grade LAST DAY OF SCHOOL (full day)

May 24 Secondary Blue Crew Day 7-12th Last Day of School (EARLY RELEASE)

May 30 Camp Eagle Summit begins

Jul 30-Aug 6 Senior Mission Trip

Aug 11 Popsicles on the Playground 4 p.m.

Aug 14 Early Ed Open House Elementary Back to School Night

Aug 15 Secondary Back to School Night

Aug 16 First Day of School (EARLY RELEASE)

Aug 17 EE 2-Day Classes First Day of School