News

4th Graders Give Thanks and Bless Others at a "Reverse" Thanksgiving Day Party

Our fourth-grade students spent their Thanksgiving class parties focused on being thankful and on blessing others. They began by sharing how the holiday helped them remember all of the things they are thankful for. In Mrs. Sorenson's class, students participated in a "reverse" Thanksgiving, where they made cards for other people, blessing them with pictures, stickers, and Bible verses. Elle Hinson shared, "I think it's fun to give back to other people... it reminds me how thankful I am for my family."

In Ms. Hyman's class, students enjoyed snacks, played games, and made lists of things they are thankful for. Banks Jenkins said, "I am most thankful for God, my family, my friends, and my dog." After thankful lists were finished, the games began. One game, "suck it up", involved moving M&Ms with a straw. This game helped students remember how the Pilgrims had to "suck it up" during their first hard winter.

All in all, the love and thankfulness of the season was felt throughout the halls of PCA and will continue to shine throughout the upcoming Christmas season.

Lower School Elects Student Council Leaders

Campaign slogans and posters filled the lower school hallways as voting day, November 5 approached. Candidates in third through fifth grade came up with reasons why they wanted to run for the lower school student council. Fourth grader, Coco Kucaba, said, "I thought it would be fun to be vice president... I wanted to be on the student council to leave an impact on other students."

After the primary vote, where classes voted on their individual candidates, campaigning began. Many students created stickers and posters to encourage their classmates' votes. Their week of campaigning came to a close with a final speech. Three candidates for each position (president, vice president, treasurer, and secretary) prepared a speech that would be presented in front of all third through fifth graders.

After speeches were given, lower schoolers were ready to vote. Dr. Martin reminded students, "In America, we are blessed with the freedom to vote as we choose. I encourage you all to think about your decisions." He also told the students, "The voting process in America is typically private. Although it is not required that you keep your vote a secret, it is the respectful thing to do. Regardless of the results, we will continue to love one another and be happy for each other."

On Tuesday morning, polls opened at 8:30 am. Students filled the voting room eager to cast their votes. After making their selections, they received a voting sticker, to proudly represent the blessing of voting freedoms in America. Fourth-grade teacher, Katie Hyman, said, "It builds leadership skills in the people that are on it."

The lower school student council will meet once a month with Dr. Martin. They have already discussed things like penny drives, the talent show, and additional fundraising ideas for the Student Life Center. This year's secretary, Banks Jenkins, shared, "I want to help the lower school grow this year. I was on the student council last year and I had so much fun. I look forward to having the same experience this year."

Here's a look at this year's Student Council:
President: Landry Bowen
Vice President: Coco Kucaba
Treasurer: Maggie Anderson
Secretary: Banks Jenkins
Representatives:
5th Grade: Juliet Olson & Parker Pinson
4th Grade: Jordy Romine & Wyatt Campbell
3rd Grade : Allie Grace Tate & Andrew Pinkela

We look forward to seeing how these leaders serve throughout the year!