News

4th Graders Step Back In Time For Historical Lesson

Ever wonder what this amazing place that we live in was like years ago?  Was Charleston always full of "southern charm"?  Well, on March 5th, our fourth grade classes took a field trip downtown to check out the Holy City's history and learn exactly what it went through to become our little piece of heaven on earth.

The students visited The Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon. They traveled back in time to find out that Charleston was the wealthiest of the 13 colonies, thanks to its abundance of "Carolina Gold", or rice. They learned all about the original leaders of the area, and found that many of our local landmarks are named after those leaders, such as the Cooper River, Ashley River, Fort Moultrie, Fort Sumter, and Francis Marion National Forest.  The children learned about the Patriots who wanted to build and create a new nation, as well as, the Loyalists who wanted to keep things as they were. 

After a tour of the military dungeon and learning about the leeches that were used for curing infections, they finished up the tour with a fun dance lesson in the ballroom. The day of exploring did not end there, as the classes had lunch at the waterfront park and toured The Powder Magazine. The study of South Carolina's colonial military history was continued in this building, which is the oldest public governmental building in our state. It was built in 1713 and used as an arsenal to defend the the colony from the Spanish, French, pirates, slave rebellion and native attacks.  Throughout the 19th century, the building was converted and used as a print shop, blacksmith shop, wine cellar, and horse carriage. Today, it is a fascinating museum, which helped our children learn a bit about the early stages of the development of our little gem, Charleston.

Upper School Reaches Out During Spiritual Emphasis Week 2018

At PCA, connecting with God is a regular occurrence through the means of Bible classes, chapel, attending church service as a family, and individual prayer. However, twice a year, the Upper School joins to reconnect with God corporately. During first semester, students participate in Spiritual Renewal Week where the focus is to reexamine the student's personal walk with Christ. During second semester, students participate in Spiritual Emphasis Week where the focus is to incorporate the student's spiritual growth with community service in order to impact the community for Christ.

Last week, upper school students had the privilege of listening to teaching during daily chapel from RaShan Frost who has an MDiv from Liberty University and works with Fellowship of Christian Athletes and The Citadel. In conjunction with attending daily chapel, the grade levels divided into groups to volunteer in the community. On Tuesday, the 6th graders visited residents at Franke at Seaside and Summit Place. On Wednesday, the 7th graders worked with Lowcountry Food Bank and Lowcountry Orphan Relief. On Thursday, 8th graders worked at the North Charleston Dream Center. On Friday, 9th graders worked and provided lunch for the Windwood Farm Home, 10th graders worked at Eagle Harbor Ranch Group Home, 11th graders went to Ronald McDonald House and Water Missions, and the 12th graders visited patients at the Veterans Hospital.

The students were humbled by the experiences as well as being drawn closer as a group through the Spiritual Emphasis experience. After chaperoning the 7th grade students who went to Lowcountry Orphan Relief, Emily Terry, parent of Anna Terry, wrote this to Mrs. Allison Long (middle school science teacher):

"I went back inside to talk to David and Christina for a few minutes. David could not say more than enough kind things about our students. He said they seemed so excited about filling the backpacks full of school supplies for the children, and worked so hard-filling many more than they had thought possible. Christina was looking over the notecards the girls had written, small notes of encouragement and bible verses to place in the clothing bags. She was a little tearful and told me she was without words - she was so blessed by the girls and their hearts for serving. I have volunteered at Lowcountry Orphan Relief for 2 years and I was amazed by their responses to our group."

How motivating it is to hear stories like Emily's about how PCA students' Christ-like actions are appreciated. If we are proud of them, how much more pleased is our Lord with their efforts! Thank you administrators, teachers, and parents for taking time to reinforce the importance of prayer and service to PCA students. Thank you students for volunteering and allowing the Spirit to work on your hearts and to shine through you. PCA loves you!