Dear Providence Christian Academy Family,

Spring is in full swing at Providence Christian Academy, and with it comes a renewed sense of energy across our campus. You can feel it in the classroom discussions, outdoor activities, and even the hum of excitement as students tackle the final stretch of the school year.

This month’s newsletter gives you a snapshot of the learning, growth, and community moments that continue to shape our school culture. Whether it’s planting seeds in K4, engaging in standardized testing, or getting a first glimpse of our new athletics program, there is much to celebrate—and even more to look forward to.

Celebrating the Hope of Easter

On Friday, April 11, Providence Christian Academy came together as a school family to celebrate the true meaning of Easter. The evening was filled with joyful reflection, worship, and a renewed focus on the hope we have through Christ’s resurrection.

Students from every grade participated in a special celebration that included Scripture readings, songs, and a gospel-centered message presented by the Upper School theater class. Their presentation reminded us that Jesus’ victory over sin and death is the foundation of our faith. It was a powerful time of worship as students lifted their voices in praise and reflected on the message of the cross and the empty tomb. We are especially grateful to Mrs. Beth Emberley (music) and Mrs. Karis Soltysik (theater) for their dedication and hard work in preparing the students for this meaningful event.

In the days leading up to Easter break, students also participated in Salvation Week, a school-wide initiative exploring the gospel message through the colors of the Salvation Bracelet. Each day highlighted a different truth: the darkness of sin (black), the red of Christ’s sacrifice, the purity of forgiveness (white), the promise of new life (green), and the hope of heaven (gold). Students and faculty were invited to dress in a color matching the day’s message.  Through daily devotions, crafts, and discussions, students engaged deeply with the message of salvation in ways that were both personal and age-appropriate. Special thanks to Upper School faculty member Alena Lashtur for thoughtfully organizing this powerful week of spiritual reflection and learning.

One of the highlights of Salvation Week was a hands-on Buddy craft organized by board member and volunteer event coordinator Inna Falceanu. Cross-divisional Buddies worked together to create a meaningful—and edible—representation of the empty tomb using cookies, donuts, and other sweet treats. As older students guided their younger Buddies through each step, the project became more than just a snack; it was a shared reminder that the tomb is empty and Jesus is alive. The activity beautifully combined creativity, fellowship, and the central truth of Easter in a way that was both memorable and delicious.

As a community rooted in Christ, this week offered a meaningful opportunity to pause in the midst of a busy season and remember the love, sacrifice, and eternal hope we celebrate at Easter. We are grateful for a Savior who lives—and for the joy of walking in that truth together as a school.

Volunteer Appreciation Week:

Honoring Those Who Serve

From April 22–25, Providence Christian Academy joyfully celebrated Volunteer Appreciation Week, a dedicated time to recognize and thank the many individuals whose faithful service makes our school possible. At PCA, volunteerism is not just helpful—it is foundational. Our school truly functions because people choose to serve the Lord with their time, gifts, and willing hearts.

What sets PCA apart is the remarkable scope of volunteer involvement. Our entire administrative board serves on a volunteer basis, offering leadership, guidance, and oversight without compensation—solely out of a desire to see the school thrive for God’s glory. Behind the scenes, our janitorial team, lunchroom helpers, and security volunteers show up daily to meet practical needs that directly impact the safety and care of our students. Parents and community members rotate through lunch duty, plan events, organize field trips, and support classrooms in countless ways.

Their service is more than operational—it’s deeply spiritual. By volunteering, they model servant-hearted leadership and remind our students that greatness in God’s kingdom begins with humility and a willingness to give. Their efforts, often unseen, are a daily testimony of faith in action.

To every volunteer—whether you’re guiding policy, sweeping floors, passing out lunches, or organizing events—thank you. Your work sustains our mission and shapes our culture. We praise God for you and your steadfast commitment to this school community.

Planting Seeds of Learning & Faith in K4

During Bible time, the class explored new stories from the New Testament, including Jesus’ first miracle, the Woman at the Well, the healing of the Nobleman’s son, and Fishing with Jesus. Character development lessons continue to shape young hearts, with a focus on politeness, self-control, kindness, and gentleness.

This month also brought a special outdoor activity—planting seeds at the gazebo! The students were filled with joy as they planted their first seeds and began caring for their little plants each day. The experience has been a beautiful opportunity to learn about growth, responsibility, and God’s creation.

Kindergarten Springs into Learning

As April unfolds, Mrs. Parayson’s K5 classroom is buzzing with excitement, curiosity, and joyful learning! The children are diving deeper into phonics and now confidently spotting and sounding out three-letter special sounds like spl in splash—and yes, they think it’s as fun as it sounds! Their reading skills are blossoming right along with the season.

In Math, subtraction has made its debut, and the class is tackling it with catchy educational songs that help them remember what those plus and minus signs really mean. Who knew math facts could be so musical?

the children are developing their coordination, balance, and confidence—all while having an absolute blast. It’s movement with a mission: promoting physical development through joyful, purposeful play.

We’re incredibly proud of how much our K5 students are growing—academically, physically, and socially. As we head into May, we’re excited for even more learning adventures to come!

Second Grade Takes Off: Exploring Healthy Eating and Outer Space!

Over the past few weeks, Mrs. Bagirova’s second grade class has been busy diving into two exciting and hands-on learning adventures — healthy eating and outer space!

The healthy eating unit kicked off with an exploration of the five food groups: fruits, vegetables, grains, protein, and dairy. Students were full of curiosity and excitement as they made connections between these groups and the meals and snacks they enjoy every day. To bring their learning to life, the class created healthy snacks that were as fun to make as they were to eat!

Their first creation was the Fish on a Plate snack. Using mandarin orange halves for fish bodies, carrot slices for fins, blueberries for bubbles, and kiwi strips for seaweed, students built colorful ocean scenes they could eat. Later in the week, the class crafted Spider Sandwiches with whole wheat bread, peanut butter, pretzel stick legs, and chocolate chip eyes. Many students even added their own creative touches, like M&M smiles. By the end of the week, second graders were eager to share their new skills at home, from recreating snacks to helping with grocery shopping.

Meanwhile, in science, second grade reached for the stars by wrapping up their final unit on outer space! Students explored the planets, the Sun, rocket ships, and even the International Space Station, which orbits about 250 miles above Earth. Their curiosity and enthusiasm fueled a fantastic journey of discovery.

To better understand how rockets work, students conducted a hands-on Balloon Rocket experiment. They tied yarn across the classroom, threaded a straw onto it, and attached an inflated balloon. When the balloon was released, it zipped across the room, demonstrating Newton’s Third Law of Motion: for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. Thanks to the force of the escaping air, the balloon rocket launched forward—just like a real spacecraft!

To celebrate their learning, the class also made “asteroid treats”—a delicious and rocky reminder of the small bodies that orbit the Sun.

From building healthy snacks to launching balloon rockets, Mrs. Bagirova’s second graders wrapped up their year of discovery with excitement, creativity, and lots of learning along the way!

Stanford 10 Testing: A Week of Focus, Encouragement…and Food!

The first week of April, students at Providence Christian Academy participated in our biennial standardized testing using the Stanford 10. These assessments help us measure academic progress and identify areas of strength and growth, equipping us to better support our students and refine instruction.

Upper school students completed two days of testing, while lower school students participated over three days. Throughout the week, students were encouraged to do their best as they tackled sections on reading, math, language, science, and more—all within a calm and structured environment.

One of the most appreciated blessings of the week was the free hot breakfast served each morning, made possible by Inna Falceanu’s organization and the generosity of volunteers who wanted students to start each day nourished and encouraged. Their kindness created a welcoming atmosphere and reminded students that they are supported not only by their teachers and families, but by a wider community that believes in them.

We are grateful for the effort our students put into this important week and for the many hands—seen and unseen—that made it meaningful and successful.

Welcoming Mr. Johnson: Building the Future of Athletics at PCA

Providence Christian Academy is excited to welcome Mr. Peter Johnson as our new Athletic Director! With a strong background in both Christian education and athletics, Mr. Johnson brings a passion for mentoring students through sports and academics. In addition to leading our athletic program, he will also be teaching upper school social studies and other classes beginning next school year.

Mr. Johnson is already laying the groundwork for a full athletics program that will launch in the fall, including opportunities for upper school students to compete in interscholastic sports. His vision is to build a program that develops skill, encourages teamwork, and reflects the school’s commitment to Christ-centered character and community.

To give students a preview of what’s ahead, Mr. Johnson is currently leading a short spring season after school. Upper school students meet three afternoons a week for soccer and ultimate frisbee, while lower school students meet twice a week to enjoy age-appropriate sessions that emphasize active play, teamwork, and foundational skills.

The response from students has been enthusiastic, and it’s clear that this is only the beginning of something special. We’re grateful for Mr. Johnson’s leadership and excited to see how God will use his gifts to bless our school in the year ahead.

Closing Thoughts from the Principal

As we reflect on all that took place this month, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to the faculty, board members, and volunteers who poured so much time, creativity, and energy into making April a month to remember. From classroom instruction and spiritual formation to special events and behind-the-scenes preparation, so much of what our students experienced was made possible by your willingness to go above and beyond. Your faithfulness and joyful service are at the heart of what makes our school community so special. Thank you for the countless ways you invest in our students’ lives—we see it, we value it, and we are deeply grateful.

Blessings,

Linda Temby

Principal, Providence Christian Academy

Upcoming Events in May

May 1:      High school students visit Northeastern Baptist College in Bennington, VT

May 3:       2025-26 new student screenings and placement testing

May 5-9:   Teacher Appreciation Week

May 31:     PCA BBQ Fundraiser

May Prayer Points

As we enter the last several weeks of the school year, we invite you to join us in prayer over the following areas:

End-of-Year Focus and Finish
Pray for students and teachers to remain steady, motivated, and encouraged as we complete the final weeks of academic instruction. Ask the Lord to bless their efforts with clarity, diligence, and peace.

Northeastern Baptist College Visit (May 1)
Pray for safe travel and meaningful experiences for our high school students as they visit NEBC. May this time spark vision for their future and deepen their desire to follow God’s call on their lives.

New Student Screenings and Placement Testing (May 3)
Lift up the families who will be visiting our campus. Pray that students feel welcomed and at ease, and that testing provides clear guidance for the year ahead. May God continue to bring the right families to PCA.

Teacher Appreciation Week (May 5–9)
Thank God for the dedicated teachers who pour so much into their students. Pray that they would feel seen, valued, and refreshed. Ask God to sustain them with joy and strength as they finish the year well.

PCA BBQ Fundraiser (May 31)
Pray for a successful and joyful community event that brings people together in support of our mission. Ask the Lord to bless the planning efforts and provide the resources needed to grow our school well.

Hearts Anchored in Christ
As we prepare for summer break, pray that each student and staff member would remain rooted in God’s truth. May our final weeks be marked by kindness, growth, and a deepening trust in Him.