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Dear Providence Christian Academy Family,
As October has brought cooler mornings and brilliant fall colors to New England, our school year is settling into a steady rhythm. Each day, our students are learning, working through challenges, and encouraging one another along the way.
Our school chapel theme this year, “Running the Race,” reminds us to keep our eyes on Jesus and persevere together. I’m grateful for the growth taking place in our classrooms and for the families who are part of the PCA community. I hope you enjoy this glimpse of life at PCA this October!
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Life Management Skills in Action: Exploring Careers, Building Connections, and Preparing for the Future
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PCA’s seventh and eighth graders have been discovering that some of life’s most valuable lessons come from the experiences of others. Co-taught by PCA Board Chair Mike Placinta and PCA Financial Director Slavic Falceanu, the Life Management Skills class brings learning beyond the classroom through guest speakers, hands-on outings, and visits to local businesses. These experiences are helping students explore career possibilities, develop practical knowledge, and consider how their interests and God-given abilities might shape their futures.
The class has been privileged to welcome several guests who have generously shared their professional and personal experiences.
Mick Stockwell shared his journey of faith and missionary service, from his time at Liberty University to years of ministry in Russia and later coordinating Baptist missionary efforts throughout Eastern Europe while based in Prague. Now serving in the United States, Mick continues his work strengthening relationships between Slavic churches and the Baptist denomination. His testimony encouraged students to trust God’s leading wherever it may take them.
Charles “Charlie” Olchowski, a retired Greenfield attorney and graduate of Harvard College and Syracuse University College of Law, spoke about his decades-long legal career. He explained how his early interests in geology and the natural world helped lead him toward law, particularly real estate, property rights, and environmental conservation. His experience demonstrated how personal interests can develop into meaningful careers.
Dr. Dorina Placinta, DNP, shared her experiences in healthcare, particularly cardiac surgery and critical care. A graduate of Elms College, Dorina introduced students to the demands and rewards of caring for critically ill patients, emphasizing the importance of education, compassion, teamwork, and sound decision-making.
James Palmeri, Police Chief of Bernardston, Massachusetts, gave students an inside look at a career in law enforcement. With 29 years of experience, including 18 years as police chief, James spoke about the responsibilities, challenges, and rewards of public safety work. Students explored the different roles within law enforcement and discussed the leadership, teamwork, and dedication required to serve and protect a community.
Chris Ames, a project manager with Building Specialties / Architectural Hardware, Inc., introduced students to the specialized field of commercial construction. Chris also serves as pastor of North Congregational Church in New Salem, Massachusetts. His visit highlighted the value of specialized skills, problem-solving, and balancing a professional career with Christian ministry.
Anna Palmeri, a former real estate agent and proud PCA parent, introduced students to the Massachusetts real estate industry. Through practical examples and interactive activities, she explained the process of buying and selling homes, related career opportunities, and the financial concepts behind homeownership. Her presentation also showed how communication, problem-solving, and financial literacy can help people in their careers and everyday lives.
Rick Grant shared a career journey that has included military service, residential design, and a degree in Agricultural Engineering Technology. He has also worked in construction archives and telecommunications design at UMass Amherst. Drawing on his varied experience, Rick encouraged students to see how skills developed over time can open doors to unexpected career opportunities. He also highlighted three key elements of excellent customer service: making a strong first contact, building personal connections, and using knowledge and skills to solve problems. His story showed students the value of adaptability, perseverance, communication, and serving others.
Hands-on learning has been another important part of the class. Students have ventured into the community to see firsthand how businesses operate, meet professionals in their workplaces, and explore the skills and responsibilities involved in different industries.
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In October, students visited First Generation in Greenfield, where they were welcomed with breakfast before touring the company’s headquarters on Main Street. They met members of the team and learned about the company’s work in construction, HVAC, plumbing, property management, and real estate. During a second outing, students visited active construction sites, where they saw projects underway and gained a better understanding of the planning, coordination, skilled trades, and teamwork involved in construction.
These outings give students opportunities to ask questions, make observations, and connect what they are learning in class with the everyday workings of the professional world. Just as importantly, they are discovering career fields and opportunities they may never have considered before.
The learning and exploration will continue with upcoming visits to Greenfield Savings Bank, Greenfield Community College, and other local organizations and businesses.
We are sincerely grateful to our guest speakers, the First Generation team, and the many community members who are investing their time and expertise in our students. Their generosity is helping our young people look beyond the classroom, discover new possibilities, and begin considering how they might use their gifts and talents to serve God and others in the years ahead.
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Ninth-Grade Physical Science:
Reading the Colors of a Flame
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Mrs. Schulze’s ninth-grade students explored how metal salts can produce distinctive colors when heated. As they observed each sample, they recorded the flame colors and compared their results. Then they used the patterns in their data to identify two unknown salts. The investigation gave students a chance to see how careful observation and evidence can help answer a scientific question.
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PCA Choir Shares Music at
Christian Festival
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Twelve members of the PCA Upper School Choir participated in the annual Christian Festival in Orange, Massachusetts, during the first weekend of October. Music teacher Beth Emberley led the students, with her husband, Pastor Ben Emberley—PCA’s high school Bible teacher—accompanying them on guitar. Later in the afternoon, Pastor Ben also took part in a devotional presentation and a panel discussion with another local Pastor.
We are grateful for the students and adults who gave their time and talents to perform and lead, and for everyone who came out to support them. It was a meaningful opportunity to share music and fellowship with the wider community.
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Morning Star Christian Book Fair at PCA
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The Morning StarChristian Book Fair was a highlight for students across PCA in mid-October. From Pre-K through high school, students enjoyed browsing a wide selection of quality Christian books and finding titles that sparked their interest. Teachers loved the fair, too, and appreciated the chance to explore books for their classrooms and their own reading.
We were grateful to welcome Morning Star Christian Bookstore from
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Leominster, Massachusetts, to campus. It is a blessing to have a Christian bookstore in our state that brings book fairs to schools and makes faith-centered reading accessible to students and families. We encourage our community to support Morning Star, and we look forward to welcoming them back to PCA in the future.
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Exploring Art and Stories at the
Eric Carle Museum
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Students in K5 through Grade 3 enjoyed a visit to the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, where they learned about Eric Carle’s illustrations and books. Museum staff member Wazi introduced them to some of the techniques Carle used to create his artwork. Then students made collages of their own using shapes, colors, and textures inspired by his work.
Museum staff member David guided students through the galleries, sharing more about the books and artwork on display. Students also learned about artists who inspired Eric Carle and had time to study the different pieces. They were highly focused and exceptionally well behaved throughout the visit. Their attentiveness and self-control reflected the fruit of the Spirit and represented PCA wonderfully.
Thank you to First Grade teacher Becki French for organizing the trip, to the teachers and administrators who helped coordinate it, and to the parent chaperones who made it possible! Experiences like this encourage students to look closely at art, explore their creativity, and discover new ways to enjoy stories, while reminding them that creativity is a gift from God, the Creator of a world rich in color, texture, and beauty.
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Meet Maple, Grade 3’s Adopted Cow!
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Third-grade students have a new bovine friend to follow this year! Through the Discover Dairy program, the class has adopted Maple, a Holstein calf born on August 31, 2026, at Kayhart Brother Dairy in Addison, Vermont. When she was born, Maple stood 30 inches tall and weighed 85 pounds.
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Monthly updates will help students learn more about Maple as they study dairy cows as part of their Science curriculum. They’re also looking forward to visiting a dairy farm in the spring to see Holstein cows being milked and learn more about dairy farming firsthand.
The class is excited to follow Maple’s story throughout the year. Check back in the months ahead for more updates!
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Thank you to third-grade teacher Mrs. Desautels for organizing this wonderful learning experience for her students.
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Thanking Our First Responders
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For National First Responders Day, PCA families generously donated baked goods, which were arranged into platters for local first responders. Coordinated by Student Life, the effort also included cards signed by students throughout the school, sharing their thanks for those who serve our community.
Grade 6 students helped deliver the platters and cards to local police, sheriff, fire, and EMT stations. We are grateful to our families and Student Life for making this thoughtful gesture possible, and thankful for the dedication of the first responders who care for and protect our community.
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As October comes to a close, I’m grateful for the many ways our students are learning, serving, and growing together. Each classroom activity, guest visit, and field trip is made possible through the care and support of our families, teachers, church, and friends of PCA. Thank you for your prayers and partnership as we encourage our students to keep growing in wisdom, faith, and love, with their eyes fixed on Jesus. May God bless you and your family this fall.
Blessings,
Linda Temby
Principal, Providence Christian Academy
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November Prayer Points
The November Chapel Focus will be:Run with Endurance
James 1: Don’t give up
Isaiah 40:31: Strength for the climb
Prayer Focus:
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Endurance for our students: Pray that they will persevere through challenges, keep growing in wisdom and character, and remember not to give up (James 1).
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Strength for teachers and staff: Ask God to renew their strength and give them patience, wisdom, and encouragement as they guide and care for students (Isaiah 40:31).
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Encouraging parent-teacher conferences: Pray for thoughtful conversations, clear communication, and strong partnerships that support each student’s growth.
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Copyright ©2026 Providence Christian Academy All rights reserved.
Our mailing address is:
385 Chapman Street Greenfield, MA. 01301
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