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Apples For Atkinson's Kindergarten Class

Fall is the season for changing leaves, pumpkins, and apples! Last week Caroline Atkinson's kindergarten class took learning about apples to a fun new level.

First lesson, taste testing. "We tested all three colors of apples," said Atkinson. "We predicted which one we would like before we tested them [by coloring] in a happy face or sad face based on [what we thought]. After, we decided which was our favorite and compared it to our predictions. Lots of friends predicted they would like red the best but ended up liking yellow!"

That was just the beginning of the apple-themed week. Other activities included drawing a diagram of an apple, testing to see if apples float or sink, using adjectives to describe apples, talking about Johnny Appleseed and making Johnny Appleseed hats, and reading, "Ten Apples On Top".

The apple filled week was brought to a close with, what else? Applesauce. Mrs. Atkinson added the ingredients to a crockpot before inviting each student to see what the apples looked like before turning into the final product. 

Four hours and a day later, the result was delicious! Eating their applesauce for snack Friday morning the class unanimously agreed that it "was really good!" 

Kindergarten sure knows how to welcome in the fall season!

Lower School Students Adopt Seniors

The concept is simple, each lower school class adopts one-to-three seniors to support throughout the year. Giving them their favorite treats, writing them cards with words of encouragement, and most importantly, praying over them as they navigate their final year at PCA. 

Heading up the program is Lower School music teacher, Pam Hall, who wanted to do something special for the PCA seniors. "...we just want to cover them in prayer and support them this year," Hall explained.

Second-grade teacher, Jessica Hanzsche said, "We are thrilled to have the opportunity to get to know Alex [Stephens] this year- to get to know him as a student, as a person and as a role model for our class. The kiddos are most excited about getting to know their buddy, learning about him, connecting with him, seeing him, cheering him on, and having that special connection with someone in the upper school. They ask about him almost every single day and pray for him each morning."

Second-grader, Lia Bowers said, "I feel happy and I like [him] because [Alex] has good manners and I am happy to see him!" 

The seniors are just as excited as their new lower school friends. "I absolutely loved the idea of having an elementary school class adopt us," said Senior, Ellaree Estes, who along with Gabi Noce was adopted by Mrs. Adkins 3rd grade class, "and it was even better when I found out I had Mrs. Adkins [my teacher] in 4th grade! Her class is so awesome and so sweet. I can't wait to spend time with them this year!"     

Kendall Chakeris also enjoyed being able to go and revisit his past teacher. "Ms. Hyman has known me for a really long time so it was cool that her class adopted me. The kids were totally sweet  [and this program] gives us a way to shepherd to the younger kids."

We can't wait to follow our seniors throughout the  year as they are showered with love by their lower school friends.