News

Lower School Goes To Mars!

People have long wondered what it would be like to visit Mars, and this year Mrs. Peek’s STEM classes may have an opportunity to do just that.

Currently, a NASA rover by the name of Perseverance is on its way to Mars, scheduled to make a landing on February 18. As students prepare for the landing of the rover, they will be participating in lessons that will focus on different activities each week.

Week One: Mars VideoWeek Two: Design Rovers
Week Three: Mars Scavenger Hunt / Code a Rover
Week Four: Make Mars Helicopter (via the Computer)
Week Five: Celebrate the Landing (Hopeful for a successful landing) 

Ms. Peek says that doing these types of STEM activities, “encourages students to be involved with exciting scientific achievements happening in the world. This also gives them a hands on approach and connection to the Perseverance mission. They are getting the chance to hear from members of the team that built this rover.”

With opportunities such as this, it is no wonder PCA students continue to shoot for the stars (and planets) in all that they do. 

CSU Leadership Conference Reaches The Hearts Of Students

"Everyone wants influence,” said Dr. Ricky Stark, “but what few are thinking about is what kind of influence they are having. What we hope students will find is that leadership is not just about charisma; it is first about character. Before we can lead others well, we need to learn to lead ourselves well.”  

Last Friday, 8th-12th grade students participated in a leadership conference through Charleston Southern University. The senior class sat in the live audience while 8th-11th grades watched from the live stream in their first period classes. 

The three hour conference included speakers and small group discussions, and was seen as impactful by both students and teachers.

“I got insight on how to be a leader from a Christian perspective” said senior, Ben Fauteux. “And the speakers were engaging.” 

Upper School teacher Kristi Ugland, agreed. “Dr. Stark had the audience so engaged. He kept their attention with relevant, timely and Godly instruction for their age group.”

The PCA students and staff left the conference with a greater understanding of what it takes to truly lead.