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Excel Christian Academy Newsletter
“Excellence In A Christ-Centered Atmosphere”
Chairman: Dr. Joe E. Edwards
Chairman Pro Tem: Danny Deems
Principal: Tommy Harris
Assistant Principal: Kenn Baker
February 2015
EXCEL’S COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE
A cursory reading of today’s news headlines and one can see pretty easily the cultural decay
taking place around us. Now, more than ever, children need the safety and support of a school
atmosphere where excellence is the norm. Our children need the benefit of a school atmosphere where the structures are in place to help them achieve at high levels. Our children need a
moral compass to help them make good choices in a culture that touts moral relativism. We
aim to help students EXCEL! For us, it is more than just a name; it is a journey down a path
called excellence.
Excel Christian Academy
325 Old Mill Road
Cartersville, GA 30120
Phone:
(770) 382-9488
Fax:
(770) 606-9884 (MS/HS)
(770) 607-8212 (Elem.)
Over twenty years ago Excel was established with a commitment from its leaders to provide
excellence in education in a Christ-centered atmosphere. Now, 22 years later, we have been
fortunate to serve hundreds of families in Bartow County and in the surrounding communities.
We are committed to having a school where Christ is honored and where students benefit from
quality programs and opportunities. We are thankful for the many families who have chosen to
be a part of the Excel family!
EARLY RE-ENROLLMENT FOR CURRENT STUDENTS
Re-enrollment for the 2015-2016 school year begins February 1st. There are a couple of benefits for re-enrolling early:
1. Returning students who re-enroll by March 1st enjoy a $50 discount off the re-enrollment
fee.
2. Tuition assistance is awarded based on family need in the order by which families apply.
3. You cannot submit application for financial assistance until re-enrolled.
For more information about re-enrollment please contact our business office.
TUITION ASSISTANCE APPLICATION FOR 2015—2016
It is our desire to partner with our parents to provide an education of spiritual and academic
excellence for their children. Parents who desire tuition assistance for the 2015—2016 school
year are invited to apply early. As soon as a student has re-enrolled then application for tuition
assistance can be made immediately. Visit the school web site at www.excelca.org to get
forms or apply on line. Forms are also available in the school office.
Our Mission and
Vision
Mission Statement
The mission of Excel Christian Academy is to provide
excellence in education in a
Christ-centered atmosphere.
PENNY DROP!!
The PTF Fundraiser began this week and will
run untill February 13th Silver coins count as
negative points and all other forms of money
count as positive points. The grade level with
the highest number of points will be the winner.
Grades K-2 and Grades 3-5
We will award the 2nd place class winners with an ice cream
party. The first place winner of these grades will get to pick a
lunch place of their choice! El Nopal, McDonald's, Antonio’s, Cici’s Pizza, or Chick-fil-A
Vision Statement
The vision our school embraces is for every student to
be inspired, challenged, and
Grades 6-8 and Grades 9-12
equipped to glorify God with
The winner of middle and high will also be allowed to pick a
responsible leadership and
lunch of choice off campus.
action in a modern society.
El Nopal, Antonio's, Chick- fil-A, or Cici's Pizza.
Page 2 of 8
ECA School Newsletter
ACADEMIC SUPPORT AT ECA
Many students require extra support to do their very best in mathematics. Because math skills and comprehension are required for life-long
problem solving and application, it is not an option to learn halfway and
not be able to function in employment after high school and college. So
that ALL students can succeed, the math teachers provide tutoring services at different times during the day. Mrs. Belville tutors students before school and Mrs. Langford tutors students Monday and Thursday until 4:30. Mrs. Griffith tutors students
in the afternoons until 4:15. In order to provide more opportunity for individual help, some junior students
have volunteered for community service and help students in the ―math lab.‖ Consistent tutors are Ethan
Lara, John Barry, and Lily Simpson; because they are strong students in all areas, they often help students in
history and Spanish, too.
Some students were not performing at their best after the first semester, so it became important for the faculty
to put a program in place to best support them. Academic Enrichment sessions are held each Monday and
Thursday from 3:40-4:30. Students work on the subjects of their struggle while teachers are available for
tutoring or study skills intervention. Students have already commented how much they appreciate coming,
because they are finishing their assignments and having support if necessary. It is building their self-esteem
at the same time as building their grades.
HOMECOMING
2014-2015
2013-2014
KING & QUEEN
KING & QUEEN
Miriam Hibbard
Param Patel
Nikki Smith
Trent Gentry
COURT
9th Grade
Parker Helms
Marielle Thrower
10th Grade
Taylor King
Dylan Drew
SENIORS
Param Patel
Miriam Hibbard
Elise Taylor
Aaron Conelly
11th Grade
Darius Thrower
Kaitlyn Clarey
Page 3 of 8
Berry Great Pumpkin Race - Coach Hibbard
ECA School Newsletter
DAR STUDENTS RECOGNIZED
5th grader Brynen Wilkins and 8th
grader Bailey Cox were selected to
represent Excel Christian Academy for
recognition as ―Good Citizens‖ with the Etowah Chapter of the National Society
of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). The DAR, founded in
1890 and headquartered in Washington, D.C., is a non-profit, non-political volunteer women's service organization dedicated to promoting patriotism, preserving American history, and securing America's future through better education for children. Brynen and Bailey were selected for their exemplary qualities of responsibility, cooperation, dependability, and patriotism.
According to Genie Certain of the DAR, their recognition of local ―Good Citizens‖ is one of their biggest
events that they have been sponsoring for decades.
2015 FIRST SEMESTER HONOR ROLL
FIRST GRADE
Principal's List
Honor Roll
Malachi Dewberry
Jacob Childers
J.T. Herr
Ella Hobgood
Gabe Daniels
Cadence Stewart
Samantha Roach
Haylee Harris
Noah King
Kailey Cox
James Manring
Harper Cole Eubanks
BrookelynClaire
Daniels
Katie Hinz
SECOND GRADE
Principal's List
Honor Roll
Trey Boulier
Jocelyn Cowart
Tristan Mckibben
Luke Parker
Kate Self
Haleigh Strain
Lexie Anderson
Eligh Billot
Isaac Burris
Racquel Davis
MiaSara McFarland
THIRD GRADE
Principal's List
Honor Roll
Jillian Arnold
Ava Lauren Garner
Riley Scott
Cena Hobgood
Chesney Stanley
Kiley McGill
Caleb Daniel
Ross Tidwell
FOURTH GRADE
Principal's List
Honor Roll
Daylen Rediger
Marissa Ceresoli
Molly Manring
Montana Ceresoli
Lea Brasington
Kristanna Garner
Rebecca Millwood
Joshua King
Emily Roach
Cera Lunsford
Bailee Mero
Hunter Peterson
Max Thompson
Joe Daniels
FIFTH GRADE
Principal's List
Honor Roll
Alex Dumas
Maddie Gibson
Gracie McGhee
Colt McKibben
Haylee Roach
Chandler Schell
Jake Parker
Ben Scarbrough
Brynen Wilkins
SIXTH GRADE
Principal's List
Honor Roll
Brooklyn Guthrie
Juliana Hartley
Nathan King
Chloe Satterfield
Harold Anderson
Grace Brasington
Joe Daniels
Grace Hall
Jacob Lunsford
Blakely McCollum
Slade Sewell
Counselor’s Corner
Page 4 of 8
ECA School Newsletter
2015 FIRST SEMESTER HONOR ROLL con’t
SEVENTH GRADE
Principal's List
Honor Roll
Joseph Adams
Victoria Boulier
Lauren Bruce
Hampton Peterson
Ellise Taylor
Alex Bradley
Caleb Cowart
Logan Gibson
Parker Lathem
Lauren Mauldin
Kate Moore
Cambria Storey
Hannah Strain
EIGHTH GRADE
Principal's List
Honor Roll
Mattie Griffin
Hunter Johnson
Noelle Kerr
Landry McCollum
Elliott Stone
Jordan Wilkie
Michelle Zheng
Blaine Belisario
Levi Blackwell
Bailey Cox
Marco Haro
Anna Lane Hattaway
Wyatt Karlovich
NINTH GRADE
Principal's List
Honor Roll
Parker Helms
Savanna Keller
Mari Thrower
Marjan Eden
Whitney Harris
Aaron Pumphrey
Faith Thompson
TENTH GRADE
Principal's List
Honor Roll
Lexi Adams
Sydney Arthur
Sara Bradley
Diana Davidson
Isabella Jenkins
Lindsey Mauldin
Zara Rainey
Aliza Baker
Chris Bruce
Joseph Cuomo
Taylor King
Gabriel Nelson
ELEVENTH GRADE
Principal's List
Honor Roll
John Barry
Hannah Cauthen
Ethan Lara
Lily Simpson
Hayden Betsill
Kaitlyn Clarey
Ashley Cornett
Tyler Demers
Kaveh Eden
Callaway Ford
Kimsey Harris
Sam Kirkland
Simon Morris
Seth Plimpton
Josh Rouse
Tessa Thornbrough
TWELVETH GRADE
Principal's List
Honor Roll
Param Patel
Senior Night—February 7th
Our senior basketball players and cheerleaders will be recognized at the Mt. Paran game on February 7th.
We are proud of our seniors and look forward to honoring them at this year’s senior night.
Students’ Use of Cell Phones or Other Electronic Devices
Many of our students have cell phones, IPADs, or other electronic devices. We are committed to protecting the learning environment in the classroom. For that reason, students have
been instructed to keep these devices turned off and out of sight during instructional time at
school. There are occasions when teachers may permit students to use their electronic devices
at school such as to record a lecture, to take a picture of notes on a board, or even to look
something up on the internet. However, students MUST have the permission of the teacher before using
their electronic devices in the classroom. When students’ electronic devices are seen or heard during instructional time without the permission of the teacher then the devices are collected by the teacher and
turned in to the office. These devices are held by the office until a parent comes to the school to receive
them. A student with multiple infractions will be assigned to serve administrative detention.
Come worship and praise God with
Middle School and High School teachers and students.
Before School - MS/HS Wednesday and Friday 7:20-7:30
Snack Time - Middle School 10:23-10:36
Counselor’s Corner
Page 5 of 8
ECA School Newsletter
FRESHMEN CHAPEL
The freshmen class presented their student led chapel on January 28 under the direction of Mrs. King. The theme of their chapel was to "refresh yourself" in Christ. They
opened up the service with "freshmen can't hang" video. Mari Thrower followed with
singing "Oh Happy Day" accompanied by Faith Thompson on piano and Parker
Helms on drums. Whitney Harris and Mrs. King sang a duet to The Revelation Song.
Faith Thompson delivered a powerful message on how things of this world, trials and
sin, hold us back from devoting ourselves to Christ. The freshmen class encouraged
the student body to literally throw away anything that holds them back from God so
they can grow spiritually. Savanna Keller, Kalli Beth Scheff and Faith Thompson
sang ―How He Loves‖. Aaron Pumphery, Madeline Hamby, and Savanna Keller
closed chapel with "Hello My Name Is..."
"I am so impressed with the dedication that these young ladies and gentlemen have to
serve the Lord. I feel that they touched the lives of many of our students and am so
thankful to have been apart of it.‖ Theresa King
SMILE, SPRING PORTRAITS ARE COMING
Get out your good clothes, brush your hair, and remember to smile. The photographers are scheduled to be at our school on Thursday, March 6th for spring portraits. More information will be
sent home about portrait packages and orders.
YEARBOOK SALE CONTINUES
It’s not too late to order your 2014—2015 Excel yearbook, the Talon. Yearbooks are $60 each. Make your
check payable to Excel Christian Academy and give to Ms. Edwards. You may also purchase an ad
for the yearbook by contacting Ms. Edwards at [email protected].
EXCEL BAND
Elliott Stone and Matthew Raburn participated in the Georgia Music Educators Association District VII Jazz Band on January 16-17. Participation in this event is by nomination for
middle school students and by audition for high school students. The event culminated with
a concert at Cartersville High School on the evening of the second day.
Ethan Lara and Simon Morris were selected to participate in the Future Music Educators
Colloquium. As participants, these two students attended the Georgia Music Educators InService Conference in Savannah on January 29-31. While in Savannah, participants attended
sessions on a variety of topics related to music teaching and learning as well as exemplary
performances of ensembles from around the state. (see attached photo)
Elliott Stone and Zara Rainey will be participating in the Georgia Music Educators Association District VII Honor Band on February 12-14. Auditions for this event were held in
December. The event will culminate with a concert at Ringgold High School on the afternoon
of February 14.
Upcoming Calendar Reminders
Feb. 6
Feb. 7
Feb. 7
Feb. 9
Feb.10
Feb.10
Feb.11
Feb.12
Feb.12
Feb.13
Feb.14
Feb.16
Feb.17
Feb.17
Progress Reports go Home
JV & HS BB vs Mt. Paran @ 4:00 Senior Night
ACT Test Date
Lead Teachers Meeting @ 2:50 @ Baker’s Room
HS Tennis vs Cass / Boys Only @ 4:30
Winter Band Concert / Auditorium
Faculty Meeting / Media Center @ 3:45
HS Tennis @ Adairsville / Boys Only @ 4:30
District Honor Band @ Ringgold High School
Youth Leadership / Ashley, Lindsey, Ky
District Honor Band @ Ringgold High School
Winter Break / No School
Winter Break / No School
HS Tennis vs Cedartown @ Dellinger @ 4:00
Feb.19
Feb.19
Feb.21
Feb.23
Feb.23
Feb.24
Feb.24
Feb.24
Feb.25
Feb.26
Feb.26
Feb.27
Feb.27
Feb.27
Feb.28
Feb.28
HS Tennis @ North Paulding @ 4:30
HS BB vs Woodland JV @ 6:00
HS & JV BB @ Gordon Central @ 1:00 & 3:00
CiCi’s Pizza Night
HS JV BB vs Trion @ 5:00
Chick – Fil – A Night
MS BB vs Walker@ Hamilton Crossing @ 4:30
HS Tennis vs Mt. Pisgah @ Dellinger @ 4:30
th
8 Grade Chapel / Mrs. Langford
HS Tennis @ North Cobb Christian @ 4:30
All State Band Auditions / Athens
All State Band Auditions / Athens
JV BB @ Christian Heritage @ 5:30
HS Tennis@ Valdosta Tournament
HS Tennis @ Valdosta Tournament
All State Band Auditions / Athens
Counselor’s Corner
Page 6 of 8
ECA School Newsletter
Our Scholastic Book Fair is a reading event that brings to school the
books kids want to read. It’s a wonderful selection of engaging and
affordable books for every reading level. Please make plans to visit
our Book Fair and be involved in shaping your child’s reading habits.
Book Fair Dates: February 23 - 27
Shopping Hours: 8:30 – 4:30
Special activities: Daily Prize Drawings/Grandparents Day
Before you visit the Book Fair, be sure to download the Book Fairs app to help you find the right books for
your child. And if you are unable to attend the Fair in person, we invite you to visit our online Book Fair
from February 15 – March 7. For more information, visit our online homepage:
http://bookfairs.scholastic.com/homepage/excelchristianacademy
Remember, all purchases benefit our school library.
ELEMENTARY ACCELERATED READING WINNERS FOR JANUARY
Mrs. Lunsford’s 1st grade class took both trophies for greatest percentage correct and for the most points
earned again this month. Mrs. Little’s 3rd grade class won the trophy for the highest percentage correct in
the third through fifth grades, and Mrs. Robertson’s 5th grade class took the trophy for most points
earned in the 3rd through 5th grades. Ben Scarbrough, in fifth grade, was the student with the most
earned points in third through fifth grades with 78.2 points for January. Kennedy Guthrie, kindergarten had
the most points eared for kindergarten 3.6. BrookelynClaire Daniels, a first grader, had the most points
earned for first and second grades. She earned 14.5 points in January.
Kennedy
Guthrie
Mrs. Lunsford
1st Grade
BrookelynClaire
Daniels
Ben
Scarbrough
Mrs. Robertson
5th Grade
Counselor’s Corner
Page 7 of 8
ECA School Newsletter
STUDENTS OF THE MONTH
Each month the teachers at each grade level choose a student of the month. The students selected epitomize the vision and mission of Excel Christian Academy. They demonstrate leadership, character, and academic achievement on a daily basis. They are the students that ―Let
their good works show and glorify God in Heaven‖. We look forward to the continued recognition of outstanding students at Excel. Pictured are Tristan McKibben; K-2, Brynen
Wilkins 3-5, Chloe Satterfield; Middle School, and Lily Simpson; High School.
Tristen
Brynen
Lily
Chloe
COUNSELOR’S CORNER—Mrs. Cowart
Let’s talk standardized testing. SAT and/or ACT scores are needed when applying for college.
Juniors usually register for these type tests during their spring semester. This expedites the process when they begin applying for college during the fall of Senior year. Juniors will also need to
take either one of these tests if they wish to take off campus courses at Georgia Highlands as a
Senior. Sophomores may opt to take these type tests during their spring semester if they are interested in taking courses off campus at Georgia Highlands as a Junior.
Seniors: REGISTER NOW if you haven’t taken anything…time is ticking…
Upcoming ACT Test Dates are:
April 18
(register by March 13)
June 13
(register by May 8)
To register for the ACT visit: www.actstudent.org
Upcoming SAT Test Dates are:
March 14 (register by Feb. 13)
May 2
(register by Apr. 6)
June 6
(register by May 8)
To register for the SAT visit: www.collegeboard.org
Reminder: when registering for either of these tests, take advantage of the free service of sending
student scores to four colleges of their choice. There will be a prompt that pops up during registration.
Counselor’s Corner
Page 8 of 8
ECA School Newsletter
Congratulations to Excel’s Middle School
Basketball Teams
The Boys Team finished the season with a record of 17-3 and are the
Region Runner-ups for the 2014-2015 season.
Front Row: Bryson Porter, Levi Blackwell, Blane Belisario, Nathan King
Second Row: Coach Scott Wilkie, Caleb Cowart, Jordan Wilkie,
Hunter Johnson, Wyatt Karlovich and Coach Seth Curlee
The Girls Team finished the season with a record of 16-4 and are the
Region Champions for the 2014-2015 season.
Front Row: Cambria Storey, Kate Moore, Victoria Boulier, Grace Hall,
Blakely McCollum, Grace Brasington
Second Row: Coach Kenn Baker, Bailey Cox, Landry McCollum,
Anna Lane Hattaway, Rylie Boston, Coach Hannah Hibbard
Thank you to Elliott Stone—Bookkeeper