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Lower School Students Adopt Seniors

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The concept is simple, each lower school class adopts one-to-three seniors to support throughout the year. Giving them their favorite treats, writing them cards with words of encouragement, and most importantly, praying over them as they navigate their final year at PCA. 

Heading up the program is Lower School music teacher, Pam Hall, who wanted to do something special for the PCA seniors. "...we just want to cover them in prayer and support them this year," Hall explained.

Second-grade teacher, Jessica Hanzsche said, "We are thrilled to have the opportunity to get to know Alex [Stephens] this year- to get to know him as a student, as a person and as a role model for our class. The kiddos are most excited about getting to know their buddy, learning about him, connecting with him, seeing him, cheering him on, and having that special connection with someone in the upper school. They ask about him almost every single day and pray for him each morning."

Second-grader, Lia Bowers said, "I feel happy and I like [him] because [Alex] has good manners and I am happy to see him!" 

The seniors are just as excited as their new lower school friends. "I absolutely loved the idea of having an elementary school class adopt us," said Senior, Ellaree Estes, who along with Gabi Noce was adopted by Mrs. Adkins 3rd grade class, "and it was even better when I found out I had Mrs. Adkins [my teacher] in 4th grade! Her class is so awesome and so sweet. I can't wait to spend time with them this year!"     

Kendall Chakeris also enjoyed being able to go and revisit his past teacher. "Ms. Hyman has known me for a really long time so it was cool that her class adopted me. The kids were totally sweet  [and this program] gives us a way to shepherd to the younger kids."

We can't wait to follow our seniors throughout the  year as they are showered with love by their lower school friends.

 

in Lower School

3rd Graders Enjoy Turtle Talk

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Last Thursday, PCA had the pleasure of welcoming back past student Hannah Neibuhr who came to talk to the third grade classes about her work with the sea turtles at the South Carolina Aquarium.

Neibuhr wasn't just any guest speaker, she actually attended PCA during her kindergarten through 6th grade years. Even more fun, she had Mrs. Andrews as a third grade teacher and Mrs. Adkins for fourth. 

After graduating high school, Neibuhr attended Clemson University from 2015-2019 where she graduated with a degree in biological science. Right out of college she got an internship at Zoo Atlanta, where she worked for three months with the Red Pandas before applying and receiving an internship with the South Carolina Aquarium. Thankful to be able to return home, Neibuhr loves working as an assistant in the sea turtle department. 

Neibuhr visited with our third grade classes to share her experience working with sea turtles. She was met with enthusiastic questions from the students.  "Do you work in the turtle hospital?" (Yes.), "Have you worked with sick turtles?" (Yes. This summer there were 29 turtles in the sick bay), and "What was your favorite animal you worked with at the zoo?" (The Red Panda). 

"I was so excited to hear how interested they were," Neibuhr said. "A few of them even stumped me! They are all so smart, I was blown away!" 

 After several questions and answers, Neibuhr shared pictures of the turtles she helped care for, and provided fun facts about these amazing creatures. Did you know that turtles can feel through their shell (think how a back scratch feels)? Or that the temperature of turtle egg determines the gender (warmer=girls, cooler= boys)? 

 When asked what her favorite part of the talk was, third grader Mia Rodgers said, "When Ms. Neibuhr told us about when she got to release turtles back into the ocean. It sounded so beautiful, hearing about how she got to care for a turtle and then see it being brought back to the ocean."

 PCA loves welcoming guest speakers and even more so when they happen to be former students, because as we say, "Once an Eagle, Always an Eagle."

 

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