Dear Providence Christian Academy Family,

A new school year has begun at Providence Christian Academy, and our halls are already filled with energy, learning, and laughter. Each day brings fresh opportunities for students to grow not only in knowledge, but also in character and faith. We are grateful for God’s provision and the growth He has brought, and we look forward with anticipation to all that lies ahead in the months to come. As you read on, we hope you enjoy the snapshots and stories that capture just a glimpse of all He is doing in our school community.

Game On: PCA Athletics Begins!

Providence Christian Academy has taken an exciting new step this fall with the launch of PCA Athletics! For the first time, our students are suiting up as Wolverines and representing their school in competitive sports. Under the direction of Coach Peter Johnson, our new Athletic Director, the program is laying the groundwork for years of teamwork, growth, and leadership.

The very first chapter of this story was written on Tuesday, September 23, when our upper school soccer team traveled to Hadley to take on the Pioneer Valley Chinese Immersion Charter School. From the opening whistle, the Wolverines brought energy and determination, showing that PCA is ready to compete. Fans cheered as our players worked together, pressed forward, and scored four goals in their first outing. Although the final score stood at 9–4 in favor of PVCICS, the result hardly told the whole story. What mattered most was the grit, heart, and sportsmanship displayed on the field. The debut game showed that while PCA Athletics is new, our students are already embracing the challenge with energy and commitment.

This inaugural match is just the beginning. Three more soccer games are scheduled for October, offering our students more opportunities to grow in competition and giving our community the chance to rally behind them. Every game builds not only athletic ability, but also character, resilience, and teamwork. Even more importantly, our athletes step onto the field as ambassadors of Christ. How they play, how they treat one another, and how they respect their opponents all provide opportunities for God to work through them.

And soccer is only the start. PCA Athletics will expand to include volleyball and ultimate frisbee for upper school students, broadening opportunities for competition and camaraderie. Meanwhile, our younger students will be introduced to intramural sports in the lower school, ensuring that from the earliest grades, every child can begin to learn the joy of play, healthy competition, and teamwork.

The launch of PCA Athletics marks a turning point for our school community. It is more than games and scores—it is about shaping young men and women who compete with integrity, honor Christ with their actions, and allow God to use athletics as a platform for witness and growth. This is only the beginning, and we can’t wait to see how the Lord continues to use PCA Athletics in the seasons to come.

Go Wolverines!

Building Community Through the PTF

Pre-K at PCA:

Little Learners, Big Beginnings

Pre-K has had such a wonderful beginning to the school year! The children have adjusted beautifully to classroom routines and arrive each day eager to learn.

In Phonics, students have been introduced to their first two vowels, Ii and Uu, along with their sounds. Through repetition and playful activities, the children are learning to recognize letters and sounds with growing confidence. Games like “Spot the Dog,” where hidden treats are discovered after saying the letter and sound, and a rainy-day game with Donald Duck and umbrellas for the letter Uu have quickly become class favorites.

In Numbers, the children are counting from 1 to 10 and focusing on recognizing numbers 1 through 3. They especially enjoy activities where they clap to match a number, count real objects, and play games that make identifying numbers exciting and fun.

Bible time has been especially meaningful. The class began with the story of Creation, learning that God made the world and loves each one of them. They are now studying Noah’s obedience to God. Already, the children have memorized Genesis 1:1 and are now learning John 1:3, “All things were made by Him.”

This week marked an exciting milestone—using pencils for the very first time to write a letter! Students are learning that letters “live in a house” and sing a special song before tracing to remember where to begin and end. Along with pencil skills, they are practicing scissor skills, playdough work, and sand tracing to strengthen fine motor abilities, build coordination, and grow confidence.

Language Development has been full of stories, songs, poems, and games that introduce animals, people, places, and things. The children are enjoying answering fun “why” and “how” questions while growing their vocabulary, listening skills, and appreciation for God’s creation. Topics so far include Rainbow Colors, God Made Me, and Shapes—each one sparking curiosity and excitement for what’s to come.

The progress in Pre-K is a joy to see. Each day, the children bring energy, laughter, and delight to the classroom. What a blessing it is to watch their love for learning blossom!

A Joyful Start in Kindergarten

This fall has been such a joyful start for our new Kindergarten students at Providence Christian Academy. The K5 classroom is already buzzing with energy and curiosity, and it has been a wonderful beginning to the year. Kindergarten sets the foundation for all future learning, and it is a privilege for the school to begin this journey with both students and their families. This year, the classroom also has a new face—Mrs. Tutelya, who has joined as Kindergarten assistant. She is already a blessing to the children and a wonderful addition to the team.

Throughout September, the class has been working on the vowels Aa, Ee, Ii, Oo, and Uu. Since vowel sounds are the building blocks for reading, students are spending time mastering them before moving on to consonants. Alongside phonics, they are practicing writing each vowel, laying the groundwork for strong reading and writing skills.

In math, the children are learning to count from 1 to 10, recognize numbers, and write the numbers 1–3. They’re also making real-life connections as they count everyday objects, which makes learning both practical and fun.

On the spiritual side, the Kindergarteners have already memorized three Scripture verses in September—one for each of the first three letters of the alphabet. With hand motions to help them remember, the verses come alive in a joyful and interactive way. The goal is to learn a memory verse for every letter of the alphabet this year. So far, students have learned Romans 3:23, “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” Acts 16:31, “Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and you shall be saved,” and Ephesians 6:1, “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.”

The PCA community is so grateful for the ongoing prayers and encouragement of families and friends. With that support, the youngest learners are not only growing in knowledge but also building character and faith as they take these first steps in their school journey.

First Grade:

Kings and Queens of Phonics

In Mrs. Pauli’s first grade class, learning comes with celebration! Students who shine in their phonics lessons are crowned “Kings and Queens of Phonics.” Wearing their golden crowns, they beam with pride as their achievement is photographed and shared—a joyful reminder that steady effort leads to success.

The class has also been bringing poetry to life. While learning the poem The Secret, students gathered materials from the playground during recess and then used them, along with craft supplies, to construct baby robins. With imagination and careful hands, the boys and girls built nests and placed “eggs” snugly inside.

These moments—whether it’s crowning a phonics king or queen, or watching little robins take shape from twigs and paper—show how learning in first grade blends joy, creativity, and growth every day.

Exploring America’s Early History in Grade 3

Third grade has been diving into the early history of America, beginning with the voyages of Christopher Columbus. To bring their lessons to life, students created ships like those Columbus used to cross the Atlantic Ocean.

With great enthusiasm and creativity, the class designed models of the three famous ships—the Niña, the Pinta, and the Santa María. As they worked, students reflected on what it must have been like for Columbus and his crew as they set sail, believing they were bound for the Indies, only to discover a New World.

The hands-on project made history more tangible and engaging, helping students imagine the challenges and excitement of exploration long ago.

Fourth Grade Learning in Action

In history, the class explored the tools and experiences of children from long ago. After learning about horn books, Michael C. created one of his own—with help from his dad—to show his classmates what students in earlier centuries used to study their letters and prayers. His handmade project gave everyone a fascinating glimpse into the past.

Science has been just as hands-on. As part of their unit on electricity, students built working sound and light circuits to see how current flows and powers devices. The excitement was contagious—so much so that a curious third grader passing by couldn’t resist joining in for a few minutes of discovery!

From chapel prep to history projects to sparking circuits, fourth grade is off to an energetic and inspiring start to the year.

Exploring the Scientific Method

in Grade Five

Mrs. French’s fifth graders are diving into the world of science by learning the steps of the scientific method. To put their knowledge into action, the class carried out an engaging hands-on experiment—using something as simple as pennies!

Celebrating Strength and Sportsmanship in PE Class

Our third and fourth graders recently completed a push-up challenge, and the results were truly inspiring. While each student worked hard and achieved personal success, the highlight of the day was the way the class came together to cheer on one of their classmates who reached an exceptional result.

Rather than focusing only on individual scores, the students showed genuine excitement for one another’s accomplishments. When one classmate reached a remarkable total, the others didn’t respond with envy or silence—they broke into cheers, clapping and celebrating his achievement as though it were their own.

Moments like these remind us that true sportsmanship isn’t just about competing, but about lifting each other up. We are proud of our students for the effort they gave, the goals they reached, and most of all, the joy they shared in celebrating together.

Walking in the Fruit of the Spirit

our chapel program.  While chapels have always been an important part of life at PCA, this year we are increasing student involvement. Students will be serving as readers, musicians, presenters, and leaders in prayer. Our goal is not only to teach about the Fruit of the Spirit but to give students meaningful ways to live it out as they serve their peers and worship together.

Faculty members and guest speakers will continue to guide our chapels, but the added participation of students will bring new energy and ownership to these times of worship. It is our prayer that as students practice leading, they will also be learning to walk daily in the Spirit—developing habits of faith that will stay with them long after they leave PCA.

We look forward to sharing highlights throughout the year, from student reflections to chapel moments that capture how God is at work in our midst. Thank you for praying with us as we encourage students not only to know about the Fruit of the Spirit, but to grow in bearing it in their lives.

Closing Thoughts from the Principal

As September comes to a close, it has been a joy to watch our school community grow in the fruit of love. Whether through helping hands in the classroom, encouraging words on the playground, or the care shown in daily routines, our students are learning that love is more than a feeling—it is something lived out in action.

As we step into October, our focus turns to the fruit of joy. Unlike passing happiness, true joy flows from knowing Christ and trusting Him. Our prayer is that the love nurtured in September will become a strong foundation for joy that shines in our learning, our friendships, and the life we share each day at Providence Christian Academy.

Blessings,

Linda Temby

Principal, Providence Christian Academy

October Prayer Points

Joy in Christ – “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.” (Philippians 4:4)
Pray that our students, staff, and families would experience joy rooted in Christ, not in circumstances.

Strength for the Season – “But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:31)
Pray for renewed strength, health, and energy as school responsibilities and activities increase.

Community Growth – “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:11)
Pray for our school family to grow in love, unity, and encouragement toward one another.