Dear Providence Christian Academy Family,

As we step into our final week of school, it’s hard to believe how quickly the year has flown. As we look back over these past months, we’re amazed by all the growth, creativity, and faithfulness we’ve seen in our students. This month’s newsletter captures just a glimpse of that: from board game reviews in science and math, to crayfish dissections in biology, to daily Bible reading in first grade. You’ll read about thoughtful chapel messages, meaningful class incentives, students dreaming about their future callings—and a visit to a local Christian college that gave our high schoolers a fresh perspective on what continuing their education in a Christ-centered environment could look like.

As we prepare to close out the year, we invite you to join us in celebrating what God has done at PCA—and to pray with us for a strong, joy-filled finish.

High School Visit to

Northeastern Baptist College (NEBC)

This month, our high school students had the opportunity to visit Northeastern Baptist College (NEBC) in Bennington, Vermont—a Christ-centered institution dedicated to equipping students with the mind of a scholar, heart of a shepherd, and perseverance of a soldier. NEBC offers a rare opportunity for students to graduate debt-free through its Work Study Program and generous scholarship structure. Degrees include Biblical Studies, Christian Counseling, Business Administration, Secondary Education, and Christian Education—making it a valuable training ground for future teachers and ministry leaders.

Our students toured the dorms, library, and classrooms, participated in a special National Day of Prayer chapel led by NEBC students, and enjoyed lunch and a Q&A session with current students. They also sat in on college courses such as Old Testament II and Entrepreneurial Leadership, giving them a firsthand look at both academic rigor and practical application.

We were honored to continue the connection by welcoming NEBC’s Director of Admissions, Michael Carrel, as our chapel speaker on May 14. His message challenged and encouraged students to seek God’s direction in every area of life.

We hope to continue building a relationship with NEBC in the months ahead. As a school that shares our biblical convictions and offers degrees in Christian education, NEBC could be a future partner for student teacher placements, guest speakers, internships, and even dual enrollment options down the road. We’re excited about the possibilities and grateful for NEBC’s commitment to shaping the next generation of Christian leaders.

To learn more, visit nebcvt.org.

A Year of Growth, Grace,

and God’s Love in K4

“Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old

he will not depart from it.”– Proverbs 22:6

It’s hard to believe the school year has already come to a close. It seems like just yesterday the K4 students walked into the classroom for the first time—eager, wide-eyed, and full of curiosity. Since then, they have grown in remarkable ways—not only academically, but in confidence, character, and their love for learning.

In May, the class completed their journey through all the letters and sounds. Some students have begun reading simple words, while others are confidently blending consonants and vowels to build a strong foundation. Each child has made meaningful progress, working diligently at their own pace. The class also explored character traits like generosity, dependability, and orderliness—traits that were lived out as students learned to take responsibility, care for their belongings, and treat one another with respect and thoughtfulness.

A special highlight this month was the final buddy meeting of the year. K4 students and their older buddies made matching “Jesus loves me” keychains—a tangible reminder of their friendship and the love of Christ that connects them.

Over the course of the year, the class celebrated milestones in phonics, numbers, fine motor development, and Bible knowledge. Yet more than anything, it was the growth in their hearts that stood out most. Daily conversations about God’s love helped nurture kindness, patience, and joy in both learning and friendships.

The K4 students have truly blossomed—and are now joyfully and confidently stepping into Kindergarten 5. What a gift this year has been!

K5 Update: Growing in Skills—and Getting Ready to Graduate!

While the countdown to summer is on, energy and enthusiasm in K5 remain strong as students continue to learn and grow each day.

In reading, students are building fluency with both one- and two-vowel words, while expanding their recognition of sight words such as says, was, are, and said. They’re also discovering simple compound words like bedtime and seaside. Reading practice now goes far beyond decoding—students are learning to attend to punctuation, read with expression, answer oral comprehension questions, and grow their vocabulary through discussion and definition.

In math, students have taken a big step forward with subtraction. With the help of some memorable songs, they’re learning to recognize and apply the plus and minus signs and understand how they function in everyday situations.

In science, the class has been digging into the world of plants—literally! They’ve studied what plants need to grow, observed how they change over time, and explored the structure and function of different plant parts. Their thriving tomato plants are a visible sign of how much they’ve learned.

Kindergarten Graduation Portraits were taken this month in the sanctuary, with students proudly wearing their caps and gowns provided by the school. A big thank-you goes to volunteer photographer Brianna for capturing this important milestone with care and joy.

The official graduation ceremony will take place during the first week of June. Be sure to check the June newsletter for highlights from this special celebration!

Building the Foundation:

First Grade in Action

Our energetic first graders have been hard at work laying the groundwork for a major second-grade milestone: multiplication! This month, students participated in a hands-on math activity designed to introduce the concept of equal groups—a key building block for understanding multiplication.

They practiced skip counting, visualized repeated addition, and began to recognize patterns that will help them make sense of multiplication in the year ahead. The activity not only sparked enthusiasm but also helped solidify important number sense skills that are essential for future success.

While multiplication mastery will come in grade 2, our first graders are already showing curiosity, perseverance, and joy in the learning process. With a strong foundation and a little practice, they’ll be more than ready to take on new mathematical challenges next year!

Mrs. Pauli’s students have been observing sprouted beans and tadpoles as part of their hands-on science learning. Watching roots grow and tadpoles develop encourages curiosity, patience, and close observation. These simple explorations help students understand the stages of growth in God’s creation and nurture a deeper appreciation for the natural world around them.

Earlier this year, Grade 1 students came to school dressed as what they want to be when they grow up—from medical professionals and police officers to athletes, parents, and more. This special day gave students a chance to dream big, celebrate their God-given interests, and share their hopes for the future in a fun and meaningful way.

“From infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.”

(2 Timothy 3:15)

From Planting to Plate: Third Grade Potato Harvest Celebrates God’s Provision

To celebrate the harvest, the class enjoyed a special tasting of fresh homemade French fries and roasted red potatoes. The experience offered more than just a delicious reward—it gave students a meaningful glimpse into the process of growth and a fresh appreciation for the way God faithfully provides.

Chapel Speaker: Dr. Terry Dorsett Challenges Students to Walk in Obedience

Providence Christian Academy had the privilege of welcoming Dr. Terry Dorsett as a guest chapel speaker this month. Dr. Dorsett recently completed ten years of faithful service as Executive Director of the Baptist Churches of New England (BCNE), where he has been instrumental in equipping churches and encouraging leaders across the region.

Drawing from decades of ministry experience, Dr. Dorsett shared a powerful, hands-on object lesson that helped students consider their spiritual walk. Using a vivid visual demonstration, he described three types of people: those who do not know Christ, those who have trusted Him as Lord and Savior and are actively growing in obedience, and those who have received salvation but remain immature in their faith. His message encouraged students to reflect honestly on where they stand in their relationship with Christ.

Dr. Dorsett emphasized the blessings that come with walking in obedience to the Lord—peace, clarity, and purpose—as well as the dangers of ignoring God’s commands. He spoke candidly about the consequences of compromising with sin and choosing to remain spiritually stagnant, reminding students that every decision either draws them closer to Christ or leads them away from Him.

We are thankful for Dr. Dorsett’s visit and for the way he challenged our students to pursue spiritual maturity with intentionality and joy. His message was a timely encouragement to grow in faith and live fully surrendered to the Lord.

Game On: Middle School Students Reinforce Learning Through Creative Board Game Projects

As the school year comes to a close, Mrs. Keiderling’s middle school students found a creative way to review core concepts—by turning their classrooms into board game labs! Both sixth grade and seventh/eighth grade students wrapped up their respective subjects with a hands-on, collaborative project that combined critical thinking, creativity, and review.

With colorful boards, clever question cards, and imaginative rules, students proudly shared their creations before spending time rotating through one another’s games, turning review into a time of both learning and laughter.

Meanwhile, seventh and eighth grade students applied the same creative process to physical science. Working in pairs or small groups, they designed board games that reflected the breadth of science content they had learned—from atoms and energy to forces and motion. The projects gave students a chance to problem-solve together, develop game mechanics, and create their own pieces and rules. Most importantly, it helped solidify their understanding of complex material in an enjoyable and engaging way.

Whether reviewing equations or exploring scientific laws, students across grades embraced the opportunity to learn by doing—and had fun in the process. These end-of-year projects weren’t just about reviewing content; they were a reminder that learning can be imaginative, collaborative, and even game-worthy.

Discovering Design: High School Biologists Explore Crayfish Anatomy

In a hands-on experience, our high school biology students recently explored the intricate design of a crayfish through dissection. This lab gave students the opportunity to apply concepts studied throughout the year—from body systems to classification and structure-function relationships—in a practical and engaging way.

Though some were initially squeamish, they quickly pushed past their hesitation. With growing curiosity and determination, they used careful observation to identify the external and internal features of the crayfish, noting its segmented body, specialized appendages, and organ systems.

As they worked, students were reminded of the intentionality and order evident in God’s creation. The dissection not only reinforced academic knowledge but also deepened their appreciation for the complexity and beauty found even in a small aquatic creature.

Through activities like these, our science program encourages students to explore the world with both curiosity and reverence—developing their minds while strengthening their faith.

This spring, our Athletics Director, Peter Johnson, has been hard at work laying the foundation for something new and exciting at Providence Christian Academy: the launch of our very own competitive sports program. As he looks ahead to the coming year, Peter is eager to see PCA’s Wolverines take the field—and the court—for the first time.

Peter brings not only a deep knowledge of athletics but a heart for discipleship and team-building.  His desire is to create a program that goes far beyond wins and losses. At the center of it all is a vision to help students grow in perseverance, sportsmanship, and Christ-centered character—both on and off the field. He sees athletics as another avenue for cultivating leadership, building friendships, and representing Christ with excellence in our local community.

But now, it’s up to our students and families. For the Wolverines to truly take off, we need players—and the commitment that comes with being part of a team. Peter has laid the groundwork, but it will take strong student participation and family support to bring the vision to life.

We’re excited about the road ahead—and grateful for Peter’s leadership as we step into this new chapter. Let’s rally together to make PCA athletics a reality.

Closing Thoughts from the Principal

As we close out this final full newsletter of the year, we do so with grateful hearts. What a joy it’s been to watch our students grow in knowledge, in character, and in their walk with the Lord. These final days are filled with celebrations, reflection, and anticipation for what’s ahead.

Thank you for being part of this journey. Your support—whether through prayer, volunteering, giving, or sharing about PCA with others—makes all the difference. As we look ahead to next year, we invite you to continue investing in this mission: consider how you might serve, help welcome new families, or spread the word about what God is doing here.

While this is our last full edition of the year, we’ll share a short update in June with a few highlights from end-of-year events. Until then, we pray your summer is filled with rest, joy, and continued reminders of God’s goodness.

Blessings,

Linda Temby

Principal, Providence Christian Academy

Upcoming Events in June

June 1:  BBQ Fundraiser Event

June 5:  Kindergarten Graduation, Step Ups and Celebration of Learning

June 6:  All-School Field Day & Last Day of School

June 9 & 10:   End-of-Year Faculty Meetings

June Prayer Points

Gratitude for God’s Faithfulness

Scripture: “The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.” – Psalm 126:3
Prayer: Thank God for His provision and presence throughout the school year. Praise Him for the growth, protection, and answered prayers we’ve seen in our students, staff, and families.

Rest and Renewal Over Summer

Scripture: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28
Prayer: Ask the Lord to refresh hearts and minds over the summer break. Pray that students and staff alike would find time to rest, reconnect with God, and return renewed.

Wisdom for What’s Next

Scripture: “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach…” – James 1:5
Prayer: Pray for those making decisions over the summer—families enrolling, staff preparing, leaders planning for fall. Ask for wisdom and clarity for each step ahead.