News

Gem Mining Adventure Unearths Hidden Treasures

They weren't digging for diamonds, but our third grade students were just as excited about the gemstones they discovered last week as "Diamond Del" brought a unique, mobile gem mining experience to PCA! The students participated in a hands-on learning activity about rock and mineral identification and classification.

Inside the special gem mining trailer, students were able to sort through a rushing stream of water and rocks to find gemstones. Once the third graders located the gems and rocks, they were able to select pieces to add to their take-home collections. Some of the rocks and minerals that were found included blue and rose quartz, calcite, hematite, garnets, amethysts and mystery stones.

Benjamin Harden exclaimed, “My favorite part was shaking the box and seeing the minerals just appear out of nowhere!” Isabella Grace Morrow said that she “enjoyed mining because it got to show us what a lot of rocks and minerals look like.”

"Quite often Earth Science is considered boring, but when you have a hands-on exploration activity with "Diamond Del '', Earth Science becomes exciting science! I have never seen students exploding with so much excitement as I did today when they went gem mining,” stated Third Grade Teacher, Christina Brazzell. “Not only were students excited about mining for gemstones and to learn about the different types of minerals and rocks, but they were excited to share their discoveries and wanted to talk about it with others. Active learning, in which students share their learning with others, is the greatest result of hands-on science activities such as "Diamond Del."

This engaging field trip was one that students thoroughly enjoyed! “I liked mining the rocks and identifying them”, said third grader, Amelia Neubauer. William Clark enjoyed “mining and getting to see rocks we don’t normally see.”

What a wonderful opportunity for our PCA third graders!

Thanksgiving Chapel: A Morning of Worship, Gratitude, And Fun

Oh Give Thanks to the Lord, For He is Good, For His Steadfast Love Endures Forever!” -1 Chronicles 16:34

Thanksgiving Chapel is one of the most beloved events of the school year! Each year, the Lower School program fills our hearts with joy and thankfulness for all the Lord’s kindness.

Music Director, Pam Hall, led our kindergarten, fourth and fifth graders in this annual celebration. The High School Choir also made an appearance. “Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday, for me Thanksgiving Chapel is about worshipping together joyfully. Psalm 100 says it best, worship the Lord With Gladness, come before him with Joyful songs. When you leave Thanksgiving Chapel, we hope that you are filled with Joy. The joy for all of the things that God has done for you which makes you grateful for his many blessings,” states Mrs. Hall.

Lower School Principal, Tracy Cox, shared a welcoming message and prayer before the fourth and fifth graders led the congregation in the PCA Hymn, then continued with an interactive performance of “I Love the Mountains”.

The kindergarteners took the stage next and wowed the crowd with “Go Around the Corn, Sally” and "I Like the Colors of Fall”. The young students were adorable with their renditions of these autumn-inspired songs.

The fifth grades classes carried on a crowd favorite Thanksgiving Chapel tradition, “Frost Is On The Pumpkin”. The fourth and fifth graders then sang “This is the Day”, “Let Me Tell You About My Jesus” and “Leaning on the Everlasting Arms” with thoughtful movement and motions. The congregation joined back in for “House of the Lord” and “All Creatures of Our God & King”.

The high school choir entered the Worship Center and gave a beautiful performance of “Down to the River to Pray”. Then the kindergarten students recited Psalm 100 before Mrs. Hall encouraged the audience to participate in the Doxology.

The program ended with the kindergarten, fourth and fifth graders singing “We Are Thankful!”

Mr. Zubia and PTO presented Mrs. Hall flowers to thank her for her hard work! Mr. Zubia gave closing remarks on the school’s renewed Covenant as well as the Annual Campaign, before closing in prayer.

A special thank you to Pam Hall and Jolene Hethcox for such a special program, and to all the teachers who helped prepare their students for these performances. PCA is such a blessed community.