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Contact Us:Summit Christian

Academy

Administration,Preschool & Secondary:

1500 SW JeffersonLee’s Summit MO 64081

816.525.1480

Elementary:1450 SW Jefferson

Lee’s Summit MO 64081816.524.0185

Linda Harrelson, Head of School

Sarah Coats, Dir. of Development

Emir Esparza, Secondary Principal

Donna Eames, College & Career Advisor

Judy Schmidt, Jr. High Advisor

Kimberlee Gill, Elementary Principal & K-12 Academic Dean

Charissa Sanders, ElementaryVice Principal

Sheri Wayman, Early Ed. Director

Kathy Tharp, International Program Director

Like us on

summit-christian-academy.org

Inside Soaring:Spiritual 2

A Note From Your 3Head of School

Academics 3-5

Athletics 6

Fine Arts 7

Technology Tips 9

This & That 10-11

Upcoming Events 12

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

S aringThe 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.

March 2014

In Their Own WordsFor the 2013-14 school year, we will be featuring stories each month in SOARING written by SCA parents about their experiences and impressions of SCA. If you would like to submit something for the “In Their Own Words” section, we would love to hear from you. Please e-mail scoats@sca-kc.org.

By Fel Bagunu, parent of two SCA students

Why pay extra for a Christian school education? We won’t receive any benefits from all those taxes we

pay for education? Why add another financial burden to our family? Why do it at all? If you have ever asked or even had any of these thoughts run through your head, then let us give you permission to keep asking. And in the middle of your questioning, let us give you one family’s rationale or better yet our own testimony about the WHY? We believe the benefits outweigh the costs! Much like our own spiritual journey, the benefits of living a Christ-filled life outweighs the cost of any kind of sacrifice we might have to make here in this life. First, Abram and Torrance have been able to study and learn in a Christ-centered environment. In their most formative years, SCA has been able to provide an environment where God’s Word is the standard for decision-making. That alone is worth more than any amount of tuition we have had to pay. Christ at the center has given our boys the physical, emotional, and spiritual development they desperately needed. As parents, we are grateful we can partner with SCA to provide that kind of Christ-honoring environment during the time they are at home and in our care. Second, our sons have been able to practice and pursue grace and truth in an environment that places these two values at the center. They are not perfect, and like all of us, they need to

understand that Christ pursues us and desires a personal relationship with us. That can only happen in a culture where grace and truth is practiced and pursued. This fall, Abram played basketball and learned that his team resembles a suit of armor, and that if one of his teammates was exposed, the armor would be weakened. Third, although learning can happen anywhere, in the home or other learning environments, we are grateful for the assurance that the learning environment at SCA comes from godly teachers who aspire to help our boys discover their God-given gifts and talents. Is that worth more than tuition itself? We say, Yes! Fourth, no other learning environment gives itself to the purpose of seeing our children develop spiritually. Although the public school system can help my children grow academically, I find it hard to believe that they will help to create an environment that allows Abram and Torrance to grow spiritually. As parents, we believe our primary task is to help in that development. Fifth, through SCA, our sons have been able to be a part of a learning community. We believe that this benefit is worth it all. Our wonderful families make SCA a success! Christ told his disciples that the world would know we are His followers if we have love for each other. How true is that when it comes to SCA! Twelve years ago, our biggest concern was a need for assurance toward ethnic diversity within the SCA community. We found from our initial conversation with Linda Harrelson that we, along with other minority families, would be welcomed and loved. We found this to be true and affirming through the years. Through numerous activities, class parties, concerts, plays, and many other events, we have been able to unite together despite our diverse backgrounds and begin to flesh out Christ’s command in a learning community called SCA. Simply put, the Bagunu’s believe that SCA is the best and only place for our children to learn and grow! Yes, the benefits outweigh the costs!

The SCA Spiritual Walk Elementary Chapel - The Sword of the Spirit

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Elementary chapels this year have focused on how we can be prepared to stand our ground as Christians, no matter the circumstance. When we stop and think about it, to be a Christian is to be a warrior. What an amazing calling! God does not leave us to fend for ourselves or fight in our own strength. He gives us the tools we need for protection: the armor of God (Ephesians 6:13). In the month of March, we will study the last piece of the armor of God–the Sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:17.) The sword is different than all the previous parts of the armor. It is not worn, but a weapon we use in battle against Satan. God has given us this weapon to fight back against Satan’s lies and temptations. Our sword is God’s Word, the Bible. God’s Word, the Truth, can cut into Satan’s lies. In Hebrews 4:12, the Bible is described as “living and active and sharper

than a double-edged sword.” The Holy Spirit uses the power of God’s Word in our lives to give us spiritual strength as soldiers for the Lord. To partner with us, you may wish to use some of our family activity ideas. 1. Read and discuss Matthew

4:1-11, “Jesus is Tempted in the Wilderness.” Take note of how Jesus uses God’s Word as a sword against Satan’s lies and temptations.

2. Do a Bible sword drill. If your children can read, this can be an effective and fun way to help them learn their way around the Bible. Use this as an opportunity to select verses on a particular topic. Below is a list of verses about God’s Word, the Bible. Each verse compares God’s Word to some object. Find the verse, read it together, identify what the Bible is being likened to, and discuss why it is compared to

that object. If your children are too

young to look up the verses by themselves, look them up together, taking time to show them how to find each verse. Then have the children draw pictures to illustrate each verse. • Psalm 119:105 (lamp to feet,

light to path)• Psalm 19:10 (gold, honey,

drippings of honeycomb)• Hebrews 4:12 (sharp two-

edged sword)• Psalm 119:72 (better than

thousands of gold and silver pieces)

• Ephesians 6:17 (sword of the Spirit)

• Isaiah 55:10-11 (rain and snow)

Worship Team Auditions

Auditions for the Jr. & Sr. high worship teams will be March 17-21. Students in grades 6-11 are encouraged to try out for vocal, instrumental, or tech positions. Auditions are by appointment only. Please see Mrs. Ross before school, during 1st or 2nd hour, or after school Monday, Tuesday, or Thursday in the band modular. You may also e-mail her at kristyross@sca-kc.org.

At the Cross Worship EventApril 17, 7 pm

Mark your calendar now! You won’t want to miss this special worship event led by the secondary worship teams.

Academic First Graders Read Over 32,000 Minutes

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Message From Your Head of School ACSI (Association of Christian Schools International) exists to strengthen Christian schools and equip Christian educators worldwide as they work to prepare students academically and inspire them to become devoted followers of Jesus Christ. From our inception, SCA has been a member school of ACSI and values their support and guidance. We are accredited by ACSI, the largest accrediting body worldwide for Christian schools and universities. These standards include academics, biblical foundation, staff

and faculty criteria, finances, and other areas of operation. We went through the accreditation process for the first time in 2003 and were awarded the maximum accreditation available at that time - seven years. We were reaccredited in 2010 and were again awarded the maximum accreditation – five years. ACSI accreditation is recognized by the North Central Association, a regional accrediting body in this part of the country. Consequently, we have been dually accredited for a number of years. This is important to your students and assures that the credits they earn at SCA are recognized by major colleges and universities around the country. As part of our accreditation, we are required to have a high percentage of SCA faculty members certified through ACSI, meeting their high academic as well as biblical requirements. Ongoing educational and biblical professional development are required of teachers to maintain their certification. ACSI also has a legal/legislative arm that is a benefit to schools in a number of areas. Given the state of today’s society, Christian schools often face challenging questions and issues that require legal expertise. I value greatly the input we receive from ACSI in this area. I consider it an honor and privilege to have served as the South Central Regional Representative since 2009. SCA has hosted the fall South Central district-wide meetings and student events for a number of years. I am humbled that ACSI and other Christian schools in the South Central region view SCA as a strong and highly effective school (something we already knew!). It is a privilege to work with them to advance the cause of Christian education in our area, in our country, and internationally. Linda Harrelson

First grade students were recently challenged to get

excited about reading through a “Goody, Goody, Gumball” contest. Students received a gumball sticker for every 30 minutes of reading. Together 45 students read 32,884 minutes! That is an average of 730 minutes per student. Classroom winners (left to right) were Hannah King

with 1,539 minutes, Emilia Jenkins with 1,554 minutes, Logan Miller with 1,374 minutes, Annie Lawrence with 1,286 minutes, Logan Holt with 1,325 minutes, and Renee Chapman with 2,063 minutes.

Academics Middle School Debate Team Wins Tournament

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Junior & Senior High Principal’s Honor RollPrincipal’s Honor Roll will be published quarterly for elementary grades 4-6 and each semester for secondary students.

Junior High Brett CampbellRussell CookRayna CrossFaith DickeyJacob Dixson

Jennah FinneganEvan FristoJaci Gage

Colin GladeGlori GronbergConnor HealyLucy Knapp

Anabelle McConaugheyMatthew Mitchell

Lane OvertonPreston Parks

Alyssa PembertonJessica Perue

Rebecca Rivas-D’AmicoChristopher Roudebush

Makayla RudiselSydney SchmoegerSophie SchooleyPayton Sprouse

Paige Thompson

Katelin TrimmerLevi TrimmerPayton Yokley

Senior HighJade ArmstrongAbram BagunuGabi BagunuAaron BanksLindsey BerryTanner Butler

Samuel ChinneryMariah Cofield

Noah CoramAndrew DeShonLakota Duncan

Tyler EversCarmen FanningMadelynn Fristo

Joely GageBrady Garmon

Hannah GlidewellGrace Gronberg

Esther HerCarolyn HerreraLuke Hoffman

Samuel HollandSamuel Huckabee

Taylor HurstBrooke JacobsonBrock JohnsonGinger JohnsonEthan JohnstonKayla KernsvaalBenaiah Kilen

Shakanah KilenAustin Kim

Jessa KliewerJames Koch

Alyssa KoellerMichael LintAdam Lucht

Natalie LunsfordJazmine MatthewsZach McConnell

Zach McEwenMadi MillerLeah Nigh

Annelise ParkeRoss Parke

Anna PickertCarlie Queen

Joy RogersMarresa Ross

Micah Ruiz EsparzaMadison SallasKeeli ShearerPayton ShippyTaylor Shippy

Ben SmithKimberli Stokes

Elizabeth StrattonRobert Suhr

Ben TeigHannah Teilborg

Darla ThomasAshley ThompsonErica ThompsonHailey TrimmerJordan UseltonLindsey WallKaren Weber

Molly WilliamsAbigail Woodall

Perry WordenEricka Wrobbel

Jack Yu

Eighth grade students Connor Healy and Bo Redford took first place in the 7th/8th grade speech and debate tournament at Sunnyvale Middle School. The debate duo competed against 40 teams from 17 schools.

“I am so pleased with Connor and Bo’s success! The team has worked very hard this year and their success is a result of all of their preparation,” commented Speech & Debate Teacher and Coach Mrs. Anne Mussatti. “We are also pleased that Bo earned the Top Speaker Award for all of the debaters participating. These boys and the rest of the team are such a blessing to me,” Mrs. Mussatti added.

Academics

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SCA Team Competes at Academic WorldQuest

For the second year, an SCA team participated in Academic

WorldQuest, a fun and challenging international knowledgecompetition. Teams of four collaboratively answer questions in ten thematic categories. Each question is projected on a screen and the team has one minute to collaborate and record their answer

before the next question appears. It takes a tremendous amount of

time and effort to prepare for this event. “I’m incredibly proud of the students for stepping up and taking on the volumes of reading needed to compete,” said History Instructor Ruth Terry. Mrs. Terry is actively recruiting additional team members for future competitions. If you are interested in global affairs and are up for a challenge, contact Mrs. Terry at ruthterry@sca-kc.org or stop by her classroom.

Head of School Linda Harrelson has been invited this year to participate in three important meetings held by ACSI (Association of Christian Schools International). The first meeting, held last summer, was an invitation-only event for “large and effective Christian schools.” ACSI invited the top 100 Christian schools in the country, those they identified as “well-established and highly-functioning.” ACSI was very interested in learning from these heads of schools how they (ACSI) can best support and encourage their efforts. “We have known for many years that SCA offers a strong program for parents and students who are seeking both academic and spiritual excellence,” shared Head of School Linda Harrelson. “Having our program rise to the attention of ACSI in this way was most rewarding and affirming.” Secondly, Mrs. Harrelson was asked to serve on a National ACSI Safety Committee that included ACSI leadership and two administrators from across

the country. The purpose of this committee is to promote risk management in our schools by identifying and analyzing past losses and potential exposures to schools and to control future losses by equipping schools with information and resources. The meeting included national representatives of Church Mutual, ACSI’s Assistant Vice President, and directors of the Legal Legislative Issues Committee. Mrs. Harrelson also attended the Board/Administrator Retreat hosted by the South Central Region. This meeting includes seminars on a wide variety of topics and features speakers who are experts in their field from across the country. She was able to meet and talk personally with the new president of ACSI Dan Egeler, as well as with George Tryfiates who is the Director of Government Affairs for ACSI’s Legal/Legislative department. Mr. Tryfiates previously served as executive director for Concerned Women for America and

executive director of Virginia’s Focus on the Family. The attention SCA is garnering

is due in large part to the SCA administrative team. Linda Harrelson was elected several years ago to serve as the ACSI Regional Representative for the South Central Region. Christian schools in the south central part of the country regularly contact

her with questions about ACSI and issues they may be facing. Kimberlee Gill has served on ACSI’s National Accreditation Board. Her expertise in the area of curriculum and instruction is recognized by ACSI and by administrators across the country. It goes without saying that having a voice at the regional and national levels is a huge benefit to our school and ultimately to your students. Having school leaders whose qualifications and expertise are recognized regionally and nationally is a blessing from the Lord.

SCA Participates in National Level ACSI Meetings for Top 100 Christian Schools

Having school leaders whose qualifications and expertise are recognized regionally and nationally is a blessing from

the Lord.

Senior Tim Nitz served as team captain with juniors Michael Lint, Ben Smith, and Andrew DeShon (l-r).

Athletics District Champs

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In a game against Central Academy last week, senior varsity basketball player Taurin Hughes broke the school’s record for career points scored. Hughes’ third-quarter jump shot from the outside took him over the previous record of 1,088 point set by 2007 graduate Austin Null. Taurin scored a total of 22 points in the game, bringing his career points total to 1,104. “Taurin has been a privilege to coach the last four years,” said Varsity Boys’ Basketball Coach and Athletic Director Jake Kates. “He is the epitome of an athlete – setting goals and dedicating himself to reaching those goals.”

After Taurin’s record-breaking shot, the game was suspended for a few minutes while Coach Kates announced his accomplishment to the crowd. The game ball was presented to Hughes who, in turn, gave it to his parents, Danan and Tifanni Hughes, who were watching in the stands. “I have never had a player who worked as hard as Taurin in the off-season and away from practice,” Kates added. “He deserves the accolades he receives because of his hard work, drive, and dedication to the game. He is leaving a great legacy at SCA.”

Courtwarming King and Queen were crowned before the varsity basketball games against Butler High School. SCA seniors Tim Cook and Tess Anderson were named Courtwarming King and Queen.

Junior High Girls Soccer Coach

Announced Mrs. Kara Totzke has been named the new head coach of the junior high girls soccer team. “I am extremely excited about having Coach Totzke as the head coach of our junior high girls’ soccer team,” said Secondary Athletic Director Jake Kates. “Coach Totzke is an SCA alumnus, and anytime we have an alumnus return to coach, it is exciting for SCA.” Coach Totzke graduated from SCA in 2009. She joined the faculty this year as a Pre-Kindergarten teacher and as Elementary Athletic Director. Totzke earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education from Evangel University. “I believe the girls will love playing for Kara as they build a bright future for our girls’ soccer program,” added Kates.

Courtwarming King and Queen Crowned

Coach Kates presents the game ball to Senior Taurin Hughes who broke the school record for career points in basketball.

Senior Breaks Long-standing School Record

Congratulations to the Varsity Boys Basketball team, the Class 3, District 14 Champions!

They defeated Lafayette County (Higginsville) last Friday 70 to 57. The SCA Eagles go on to play Lamar on Wednesday, March 5, at 7:45 p.m. in Sedalia. GO EAGLES!!!

Fine Arts Audience Entertained at Talent Showcase

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SCA participated in the Crossroads Conference Band and Choir Festival on February 15 at the Mid-America Nazarene University Bell Cultural Events Center. The high school choir, concert choir, and band joined over 100 other students from area high schools to study music under the tutelage of Dr. John Leavitt and Mr. Jacob Crawford. Dr. Leavitt, a faculty member of MidAmerica Nazarene University, is a composer, conductor, teacher, and church musician. He earned a Doctorate of Musical Arts from The Conservatory

of Music at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Mr. Crawford is the Director of Bands in Clinton, Missouri, and plays the principle trombone for Lee’s Summit Symphony Orchestra. “This was an awesome opportunity for our students to study under clinicians whose experience is current and relevant,” said Secondary Choir Teacher and Choral Director Mrs. Trissa Lucht. “We are excited to have gleaned from their talents and anticipate incorporating their expertise in our future studies.”

The elementary student council recently hosted the annual Talent Showcase. Students in grades 4 through 6 wowed audiences with ballads, piano music, gymnastics, and dance pieces. Students served as the Masters of Ceremonies and entertained the audience through their engagement and creatively posed introductions, while elementary student production managers and stagehands prepared for each performer. “Each year we look forward to the

Talent Showcase and this year did not disappoint,” said SCA 5th grade teacher and student government advisor Mrs. Michelle Bacon. “This is a student-led event, from the planning stages to the show’s performances. It is an opportunity for students to share their special talents, and for student government members to meet the challenge of managing a major production and event.” Fourth grade student Kaitlyn Gregg sings

a dramatic rendition of “Do you want to build a snowman?” as she takes on the role of Anna from the Disney movie “Frozen.”

SCA Theatrepresents...

Harvey by Mary ChaseApril 10-12 at 7 pm

SCA Elementary Commons

Tickets go on sale March 19 at the SCA secondary office.

($6 in advance, $8 at the door)

Check out the incredible artwork submitted by SCA students for consideration in the

UCM high school art competitive exhibition 2014.

https://picasaweb.google.com/112813027117723133464/UCMHighSchoolArtCompetitiveExhibitionEntries2014?authuser=0&feat=directlink

High School Choir and Band Perform at the Crossroads Conference Festival

This & That Second Annual International Festival A Success

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The second annual International Festival featured beautiful sights, wonderful sounds, and pleasing aromas from countries around the globe. Visitors were invited to travel across several continents and sample the diversity of cultures. “I am so very proud of the SCA students, from preschool through 12th grade,” shared International Program Director Kathy Tharp. “This is a night for students to showcase their talents through music and art and to share what they have learned about different countries across the globe. The amazing food isa huge hit. We had over 40 different dishes this year.” Contributions and partnerships with several international organizations and ministries as well as parent volunteers helped to make this year’s festival a success. “We were very pleased to see the community come and enjoy the festival and are very grateful for the organizations who participated,” commented Tharp. The festival commenced with a parade of international

flags representing the countries the students have been studying. Then visitors used passports to gain entry to the World of Coffee Shops, the traditional Chinese Tea Ceremony, the Gala of Foods, Games Around the World, and the Photo Booth. “Imagine a school gym full of representatives of more than forty countries from four continents displaying the best artifacts of their cultures, all draped in their beautiful traditional costumes. Imagine people of all ages, cultures and races moving around interacting with each other and learning from country representatives,” commented Dr. Emmanuel Ngomsi, president of All World Languages and Cultures, Inc. of Lee’s Summit and Lee’s Summit Human Relations Commission

member. “This was truly the ‘Nations United’ at SCA. I look forward to next year’s event.” “What is exciting for me to witness is our students, faculty, and families sharing life at SCA with students from around the world and with students who come from culturally blended families,” said Tharp. “Because we have been intentional in creating a

global perspective and cultural sensitivity in the very core of who we are at SCA, we are reaping the fruit of these relationships as we watch our students make meaningful and long-lasting friendships that connect across the globe. We want to prepare our students to be global citizens and impact their world,” Mrs. Tharp added.

Photo caption #1: Zewen Zheng, junior international student from China, performs the Chinese Tea Ceremony and is assisted by international student Laura Xu. SCA faculty member Ramona Geiger, gave oversight to the tea room. “What a beautiful ceremony and way to experience an important part of the Chinese culture,” shared Geiger.

Fourth grader, Kandace Gill, was an enthusiastic participant in the game, Yan-koloba, led by Dr. Emmanuel Ngomsi. “One young lady played so many times that she was in tears from having so much fun,” offered Dr. Ngomsi.

This & That Soaring Page 9

Technology Tips for Parents

Micah Welcome to Social Media:

!

! !

Here are the Ruiz Esparza standards for Social Media:

1. Mom and Dad have your login information to all your social media outlets and we are a part of your social group.

2. Remember that you represent; a. God First b. Family Second c. Yourself Third d. School Fourth

3. Remember to exemplify a genuine life of faith that praises, honors, serves, and uplifts the name of Christ in all you do.

4. Use God’s word to shape your approach to the opportunities on Social Media. 5. Display courage and use your strength to serve others. 6. Use common sense and the exercise of discernment in your interactions on

Social Media 7. As your parents we have the right and responsibility to check on your social

media activity periodically.

by Emir A. Ruiz Esparza

Families are doing their best to navigate the great digital frontier as new and more advance technologies hit the market place. Just when we feel like we have mastered current technology, new ones emerge. With every advance in technology, it can seem as though we are always reacting to challenges arising in our families, rather than being proactive when it comes to managing technology and social media use by our kids. Over the years, I have counseled many parents, and I have discovered that those who implement technology use guidelines in their homes have much better success in dealing with issues that arise than those who do not. Frequent issues arise due to giving too much freedom with technology before a child is ready to handle this responsibility. With this in mind, I would like to offer some broad ideas to help you create technology use guidelines in your home. 1. Establish the idea that technology and social media are privileges, not rights earned with age. As the parent, you need to establish your authority and the idea that it is a blessing and a privilege to have that special tech device in their hands. 2. Establish limitations and a curfew on technology use. One limitation might be no texting while at the dinner table. A curfew might be that all technology is off limits at bedtime. Left unchecked, students will text well into the night, and this can seriously affect their emotional well-being and academic performance. 3. Make sure that you have passwords for all their accounts such as email, phone, and social media outlets; then let your child know that you will be checking on them. It is not enough to simply have these passwords, but you will also need to check on their accounts periodically. If you sense that something suspicious is happening, trust your instincts and look into it. Most children will not admit this, but they actually appreciate the fact that someone is checking up on them, and many parents have been able to discover issues early enough to take appropriate action. 4. Establish a central location for technology use. Mobile devices (tablets, smartphones, etc.) are personal devices designed for private use; thus, it is all too easy to permit these devices to be used in

places where there is no oversight or supervision. In such a setting students can be prone to develop unhealthy relationships and make bolder posts on social media all because they may believe that no one is watching. It would be a good idea to make the living room and the kitchen table as a central location for technology use. These guidelines need to be established early on so that children know that they are a natural and consistent expectation rather than the result of a knee-jerk reaction to an issue that has arisen. Remember, undisciplined environments create undisciplined use. Next month, I will provide some biblical principles for online use. In the meantime, I have provided the social media guidelines my wife and I put together for our boys years ago. As you can see, the written guidelines helped us establish the first and third point of this article, and these standards have been extremely helpful to deal with issues that have arisen over the years.

Welcome to Social MediaHere are some standards you can use for Social Media in your home:1. Mom and Dad have your login information for all your social media outlets, and we will be part of your social groups. Remember that you represent these:

• God First• Family Second• Yourself Third• School Fourth

2. Remember to exemplify a genuine life of faith that praises, honors, serves, and uplifts the name of Christ in all you do.

3. Use God’s Word to shape your approach to your opportunities on social media.

4. Display courage and use your strengths to serve others.

5. Use common sense and exercise discernment in your interactions on social media.

6. As your parents, we have the right and responsibility to check on your social media activity periodically.

This & That Y.E.S! on Campus

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A Note from the Health OfficeHand-washing - Please help us by teaching your child to have healthy hand-washing habits! They need to use soap and water and scrub for at least 15 seconds! This is the best way to prevent the spread of germs!

Replacement clothing - If your child has been given an item of uniform clothing, please launder it and return to the school as quickly as possible, since our supply of clothing is limited.If a student complains of illness, SCA will• Check temperature. If it is 100 degrees or more

OR the child has active vomiting or diarrhea, the child will be sent home.

• If the student is still not feeling well one hour after an original complaint, the parent will be called to take the child home.

Parents picking up sick children - If you are called to come get your child because of sickness, we need you or someone else to be here within 30 minutes. We will attempt to contact the parent first, leave messages, then go to the next

emergency contact until we talk to a person regarding the child’s condition. Our heart is to provide the best care for your child while here at SCA and we want your students here as much as possible, but we also have to prevent the spread of germs and sicknesses. Please have a backup plan in place in the event your child becomes ill during school. Please remember that students need to be FEVER, VOMITING and DIARRHEA FREE without medications for 24 hours prior to returning to school! Thank you for helping us maintain a healthy and safe school environment!A New Face in the Health Office Please welcome Rachel Turner, a senior nursing student from MU. She is working with us to complete her Community Health rotation. Rachel is the third nursing student to shadow at SCA. We enjoy sharing our school environment with these young women and they have all been impressed with our faculty, students, and facilities.

Spring Book FairBook fair time is quickly approaching!

March 31-April 5You can also shop online March 26-April 15.

Visit SCA’s Book Fair Homepage at http://bookfairs.scholastic.com/homepage/

summitchristianacademyand watch us meet our goal of $10,000

in sales. This will help us purchase additional books for the library to assist students

with their book reports!

Volunteers are always a blessing at the book fair! Please let Mrs. Beasley know how you can help by

contacting her at aletheabeasley@sca-kc.org or by signing up at

www.SignUpGenius.com/go/10C0C4FAFA92EA4FA7-book

Volunteer Needs

Mar 28 —help with assembly (12-?)Mar 29-Apr 4—work the book fair (8-4)Apr 5—work the book fair (8:30-11:30)

Apr 5—help with the take down (11:30-?)

Y.E.S! On Campus programs with Coach Evans are gaining steam during this cold season of year!! We have 13 outstanding K-6 students. The students’ 45 minutes of activities include running stairs, improving push-ups, training for the Eagle Egg 5K, and working on individual goals to be a better athlete. Participants work out on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

There is a fun Discovery Day once a month after school with group exercises, games, and a lot of smiles!!

A big congratulations goes out to our winners in January:

1:1 Training - Olivia Starke

Free Month on Campus - Caleb Scott

Free Month at Y.E.S! - Lila Painter

Y.E.S! T-shirt - Adriana McGregor, and Carter Mitchell

Come enjoy the fun with Coach Evans and Y.E.S! on Campus!

This & That

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No-Tax Increase General Obligation Bond Issue

The SCA Board of Education met on Thursday, February 20. SCA has an audit or review by an accounting firm each year. A representative of Troutt, Beeman presented a report on this year’s review of our finances and operations through June 30, 2013. Our balance sheet shows consistency in both assets and liabilities this year. The statement of activities shows a net asset increase of $157,000. Our numbers on the statement of cash flow are positive. Sarah Coats reviewed her development report, indicating that she hopes to conduct a survey of parents sometime in the next few months in the areas of communication and transportation. Linda Harrelson reviewed the January

31, 2013, financial statements, pointing out that the in-depth reports we can now generate are allowing us to look closer at incomes/expenses for various divisions and departments. This will be most beneficial as we determine fees for different programs and activities. Linda Harrelson reviewed her administrative report. The 2014/15 enrollment report shows enrollment up 2% over this time last year. Next year will be a reaccreditation year for the school. Our application for reaccreditation has been submitted. The administrative team has had preliminary meetings and will begin to schedule regular meetings to address the various components of

the accreditation process. It is a very thorough examination of all aspects of the school and is highly beneficial for schools to go through. Linda Harrelson and Kimberlee Gill reviewed the report on academic improvements and updates. The benefit of our dual credit program was discussed. Next year’s course offerings will include 56 college credits. While there is an additional fee for these classes from the universities, it is at a greatly reduced rate. Kimberlee Gill reported on what she learned at a conference on Common Core. She will continue to research and report back to the board on her findings. Linda Harrelson reviewed the snow days report. With two snow days built into our

schedule and having made two days up, we are even at this point. There is no need for action unless we have additional snow days. A number of policies were presented to the board for their review. Changes to the following policies were approved: Long Range Planning, Tuition Assistance Program, Faculty/Staff Employment, Employee Leaves of Absence, Student Medication and First Aid, and Substitute Teachers. Linda Harrelson reviewed her report on the ACSI meetings she attended in the last few weeks. Board Advisor Jim Pirie reviewed with the board chapters 5 and 6 of Serving God on the Christian School Board as part of ongoing board training.

February Board of Education Report

On April 8, 2014, voters in Lee’s Summit will be asked to consider a $10 million “No-Tax Increase” General Obligation Bond improvement project. The bond project is to make improvements to the interchange at U.S. Highway 50 and Route 291 South. Many of you travel on the 291 bridge across 50 Highway several times a day, so you are well acquainted with the congestion, long queues, and delays. The proposed improvements to the 50/291 interchange are designed to reduce traffic congestion, to create a more efficient system, and improve the safety of the bridge itself.

In addition to the above benefits, we look forward to the improved access to SCA these road improvements would provide. We will also be pleased to see less congestion and a smoother flow of traffic to and from school for those of you who travel this route. If you are a Lee’s Summit resident and concerned about the 50/291 interchange, we hope you will take the opportunity to vote on April 8.

1500 SW JeffersonLee’s Summit MO 64081

Upcoming Events Save the DateSaturday, April 5

New Easter egg game on the coursePost-race party with food from great vendorsHigh quality Adidas Climalite running shirts

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5K

Summit ChristianAcademy

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2014

Mar 6 Elementary D.E.A.R DayMar 6 Pastor Partnership Luncheon 11:30 a.m.Mar 7-14 NO SCHOOL (Spring Break)Mar 18 Secondary Spring & Sports Picture Day Early Education T/Th Picture DayMar 19 Elementary Spring & Sports Picture Day Early Education 3-day/5-day Picture DayMar 20 Board of Education MeetingMar 21 Campus Visit Day 1:30 p.m.Mar 25 McAllister’s Spirit Event 5-7 p.m.Mar 26 Secondary Blue Crew Day & Pep RallyMar 31-Apr 5 Book FairApr 3-4 Elementary ACSI MeetApr 5 Eagle Egg 5KApr 10-12 SCA Theatre Production of HarveyApr 11 Secondary Academic & Fine Arts MeetApr 12 ACT TestingApr 14-16 Secondary SAT TestingApr 17-18 NO SCHOOL (In-Service/Good Friday)Apr 21-25 Elementary SAT TestingApr 24 Secondary Service Day