News

New Reading Program For Grades K-2

We are excited to announce that PCA has implemented a new reading program for students in grades K-2 this year! After carefully studying several programs, and reviewing the alignment of programs to student needs, the core team and I selected a new comprehensive reading program. Reading Horizons, grounded in the Science of Reading practices and philosophy, is designed to teach phonics, spelling, and reading with an integrated and responsive approach. 

Throughout the lessons, students will use technology to practice and reinforce their skills. These practice lessons and informal assessments will give instant feedback that will enable teachers to make instructional decisions immediately based on data. They will be able to identify and address areas of reinforcement and enrichment. 

Jessica Hanzsche states, “It's been an exciting time implementing our new program, Reading Horizons! In first grade, the students were more than ready to get started with Phonics. Throughout the entirety of our lessons, the students are sitting, standing, responding to the lesson on whiteboards, sharing with partners, then applying the target skill immediately. This program follows the model I do, We do, You do which begins with explicit instruction, time to try it out as a class, make mistakes and ask questions, followed by time for independent practice. As teachers, we're able to check in with each student instantaneously and digitally make a list of who needs more support and who's ready for enrichment! This feedback is going to be a tremendous help as we get our small groups up and running.” 

Senior Retreat: Deepening Christian Leadership

This past weekend the Class of 2024 packed their bags, boarded the bus, and embarked on their Senior Class Retreat, located at Camp Kinard on the outskirts of Columbia, South Carolina. Throughout the weekend, the seniors had the opportunity to grow in community with their classmates and in their personal relationships with Christ.  

This year's guest speaker was Nick Zerbst, family and student ministries pastor at Lighthouse Church. Zerbst had the students look at five different examples of Biblical Leadership and challenged them to commit to accept their heritage, care for their spiritual family, be unashamed of God, surrender to Jesus and follow Jesus no matter what for the glory of God. 

In addition to worship and small group sessions, our senior class enjoyed plenty of outdoor games and even a trip to the Riverbanks Zoo. 

Dean of Students, Charlie Wulff, says the retreat provided an excellent opportunity for the senior class to prepare themselves to lead others with Christ-like character as we begin the school year. "Spiritually, it was a great retreat. The sessions on Christian Leadership were very practical and relevant to the students. The small group questions were very thought provoking and challenged the seniors to be godly examples for the students. It was so wonderful to see ALL the students singing out loud praising and worshipping God during our time of worship. Socially, the kids had fun and bonded well together!"