Our 6th grade students rounded out last week with a day retreat at Hyland Park filled with fun, learning, and teamwork! 🌟
Pastor Jared Kingry shared an encouraging message about the importance of growing deep before growing up, reminding students to stay rooted in Christ as they grow. The day was packed with activities—geocaching was a favorite, disc golf brought out some competitive spirits, and they learned valuable lessons in teamwork and communication! ⛳🗺️
Despite the pesky bugs, it was a meaningful day of connection and growth for our 6th graders. 💜
#ucathunder #ucamiddleschool
Our 5th graders are stepping into their new role as Big Buddies! 🌟
Last week, they met their Kindergarten Little Buddies for the very first time and spent time getting to know one another. These special connections help our younger students feel welcomed and supported, knowing they have a role model in the elementary school to look for in the halls and look up to as a mentor. 💜
#ucathunder #ucaelementary #ucabuddysystem
Last week, they met their Kindergarten Little Buddies for the very first time and spent time getting to know one another. These special connections help our younger students feel welcomed and supported, knowing they have a role model in the elementary school to look for in the halls and look up to as a mentor. 💜
#ucathunder #ucaelementary #ucabuddysystem
This week, we’re joining schools across the country in celebrating National Arts in Education Week—and today, we’re putting the spotlight on Mrs. Tasler, Mrs. Brewers, and our MUSIC classes for our elementary learners! 🎶
At UCA, we believe the arts play a vital role in shaping well-rounded students. In music class, our younger students are introduced to the fundamentals of music—rhythm, melody, and expression—through singing, movement, and playful exploration. These early experiences build a strong foundation for future learning while sparking creativity and joy. 🎼
We’re grateful for the ways music enriches our school—helping students discover beauty in sound, grow in confidence and skill, and reflect the creativity of our Creator. 🌟
#ucathunder #ucaelementary #ucafinearts
At UCA, we believe the arts play a vital role in shaping well-rounded students. In music class, our younger students are introduced to the fundamentals of music—rhythm, melody, and expression—through singing, movement, and playful exploration. These early experiences build a strong foundation for future learning while sparking creativity and joy. 🎼
We’re grateful for the ways music enriches our school—helping students discover beauty in sound, grow in confidence and skill, and reflect the creativity of our Creator. 🌟
#ucathunder #ucaelementary #ucafinearts
Miss Anderson’s 1st graders are turning into young meteorologists! 🌦️🌤️💨
Each day this week, they headed outside to observe the weather—tracking the sun and clouds, precipitation, wind, and more. Back in the classroom, students recorded their findings and compared their observations throughout the week.
Hands-on experiences like this make science exciting while helping students notice patterns in the world around them! 🌍✨
#ucathunder #ucaelementary #ucastem
Each day this week, they headed outside to observe the weather—tracking the sun and clouds, precipitation, wind, and more. Back in the classroom, students recorded their findings and compared their observations throughout the week.
Hands-on experiences like this make science exciting while helping students notice patterns in the world around them! 🌍✨
#ucathunder #ucaelementary #ucastem
Our 2nd graders are making math come to life! 🔢✨
This week’s lesson on place value and grouping had students working with a pile of straws to practice counting by 10s. By bundling the straws together, students could clearly see how numbers become easier to organize and understand.
This hands-on activity not only makes learning engaging but also builds a strong foundation for number sense and future math skills!
#ucathunder #ucaelementary #ucastem
This week’s lesson on place value and grouping had students working with a pile of straws to practice counting by 10s. By bundling the straws together, students could clearly see how numbers become easier to organize and understand.
This hands-on activity not only makes learning engaging but also builds a strong foundation for number sense and future math skills!
#ucathunder #ucaelementary #ucastem
This week, we’re joining schools across the country in celebrating National Arts in Education Week—and today, we’re putting the spotlight on Mrs. Prip and our CHOIR program! 🎶
At UCA, we believe the arts play a vital role in shaping well-rounded students. Through our choir program, students develop their musical abilities, learn foundational vocal techniques, and discover new ways to express themselves through song—all while experiencing the joy of making music together. 🎼
We’re grateful for the ways choir enriches our school—helping students experience beauty through music, grow in discipline and expression, and reflect the creativity of our Creator. 🎶🌟
#ucathunder #ucafinearts
At UCA, we believe the arts play a vital role in shaping well-rounded students. Through our choir program, students develop their musical abilities, learn foundational vocal techniques, and discover new ways to express themselves through song—all while experiencing the joy of making music together. 🎼
We’re grateful for the ways choir enriches our school—helping students experience beauty through music, grow in discipline and expression, and reflect the creativity of our Creator. 🎶🌟
#ucathunder #ucafinearts
In the Chinese 1 class, students are doing more than just learning a new language! 🇨🇳✨
Through learning, playing, and even teaching one another, students are growing in both language skills and community. It’s a joy to see friendships forming and confidence growing as they explore Chinese together.
#ucathunder #ucahighschool
Through learning, playing, and even teaching one another, students are growing in both language skills and community. It’s a joy to see friendships forming and confidence growing as they explore Chinese together.
#ucathunder #ucahighschool
Our 3rd graders put on a special performance this week for the kindergarten students. Their beginning-of-the-year Reader’s Theater was titled 'Lunchbox Blues and the Case of the Missing Glue. ' 🎭 📚
Reader’s Theater allows students to practice expressive reading, accuracy, and pacing—all essential components of fluent reading—while also building confidence in front of an audience.
Kindergarten enjoyed being the audience for these performances, making it a meaningful experience for both grades. 🙌
#ucathunder #ucaelementary
Reader’s Theater allows students to practice expressive reading, accuracy, and pacing—all essential components of fluent reading—while also building confidence in front of an audience.
Kindergarten enjoyed being the audience for these performances, making it a meaningful experience for both grades. 🙌
#ucathunder #ucaelementary
This week, we’re joining schools across the country in celebrating National Arts in Education Week—and today, we’re putting the spotlight on Mrs. Chant, Mrs. Berry, and our ART program! 🎨
At UCA, we believe the arts play a vital role in shaping well-rounded students. Through our art program, students explore their creativity and discover new ways to express themselves while learning foundational techniques and creating original pieces.
We’re grateful for the ways the arts enrich our classrooms—helping students see beauty, think deeply, and reflect the creativity of our Creator. 🌟
#ucathunder #ucafinearts
Our Kindergarten students have been enjoying their first visits to the school library! 📚✨
They love hearing a story from Mrs. Joroensen, exploring the shelves to see what kinds of books they can check out, and learning how to take good care of library books. They’re also beginning to understand the important concept of checking out and returning books—an exciting step in becoming responsible library users!
We can’t wait to see their love of reading grow this year! 💜
#ucathunder #ucaelementary
They love hearing a story from Mrs. Joroensen, exploring the shelves to see what kinds of books they can check out, and learning how to take good care of library books. They’re also beginning to understand the important concept of checking out and returning books—an exciting step in becoming responsible library users!
We can’t wait to see their love of reading grow this year! 💜
#ucathunder #ucaelementary
This week, we’re joining schools across the country in celebrating National Arts in Education Week—and today, we’re putting the spotlight on Mr. Curtis and our BAND program!
🎺 🎶 At UCA, students in grades 4–12 are developing more than just musical talent. Through learning their instruments, they’re also practicing teamwork, discipline, and creativity. Whether just starting out or already experienced, our student musicians are growing in skill through a shared love of the arts. 🎷🎵
🧠 “In band specifically, playing an instrument is a unique activity that engages the whole brain. It strengthens neural pathways and even enhances the connection between the left and right hemispheres, supporting both cognitive growth and creativity.” ~ Mr. Curtis
#ucathunder #ucafinearts
🎺 🎶 At UCA, students in grades 4–12 are developing more than just musical talent. Through learning their instruments, they’re also practicing teamwork, discipline, and creativity. Whether just starting out or already experienced, our student musicians are growing in skill through a shared love of the arts. 🎷🎵
🧠 “In band specifically, playing an instrument is a unique activity that engages the whole brain. It strengthens neural pathways and even enhances the connection between the left and right hemispheres, supporting both cognitive growth and creativity.” ~ Mr. Curtis
#ucathunder #ucafinearts
"The most wasted of all days is one without laughter." - E.E. Cummings
#mondaymotivation
💜 At UCA, our classrooms and playgrounds are filled with smiles, joy, and laughter—it’s what makes our school feel like family. From learning together to building friendships, our students remind us daily that the best learning happens when it’s rooted in the joy of the Lord! 🌟
#ucathunder
#mondaymotivation
💜 At UCA, our classrooms and playgrounds are filled with smiles, joy, and laughter—it’s what makes our school feel like family. From learning together to building friendships, our students remind us daily that the best learning happens when it’s rooted in the joy of the Lord! 🌟
#ucathunder
Our littlest learners are settling into this big adventure we call school! 🎒✨
This year at UCA, we’ve expanded our Pre-K program to include three-year-olds, and it’s such a joy to watch them grow and learn together! 🌟
They’re discovering so much—learning friends’ names, exploring the letters of the alphabet, practicing how to hold a pencil, and getting comfortable with schedules and routines. But most importantly, they are being reminded each day of the greatest truth: God loves them! 💜
#ucathunder #ucapre-k
This year at UCA, we’ve expanded our Pre-K program to include three-year-olds, and it’s such a joy to watch them grow and learn together! 🌟
They’re discovering so much—learning friends’ names, exploring the letters of the alphabet, practicing how to hold a pencil, and getting comfortable with schedules and routines. But most importantly, they are being reminded each day of the greatest truth: God loves them! 💜
#ucathunder #ucapre-k
Our 9th grade science students put their measurement skills to the test this week—with a sweet twist! 🍫
Before making fudge, students first had to calculate the correct measurement equivalents for each ingredient. Once the math was done, it was time to put their knowledge into practice—measuring, mixing, and finally enjoying some delicious homemade fudge.
Learning is always sweeter when science meets chocolate! 👩🔬👨🔬✨
#ucathunder #ucahighschool #ucastem
Before making fudge, students first had to calculate the correct measurement equivalents for each ingredient. Once the math was done, it was time to put their knowledge into practice—measuring, mixing, and finally enjoying some delicious homemade fudge.
Learning is always sweeter when science meets chocolate! 👩🔬👨🔬✨
#ucathunder #ucahighschool #ucastem
🌱 Our staff and students are beginning to dig deeper into this year’s theme of being Rooted. This week, the focus shifted from the broad idea to being specifically rooted in Christ.
Staff began the day with devotions, reflecting on what it means to strengthen their relationship with Jesus. Wearing their “Rooted” t-shirts, they served as visual reminders to our students of the theme we are living out together.
At chapel, we were blessed to have pastoral staff from Cedar Valley Church speak to both elementary and secondary students. They encouraged our students to grow their dependence on Christ and to remember that being rooted in Him is what gives strength, stability, and purpose. ✝️💜
As we carry this theme throughout the year, our prayer is that every student would develop deep roots of faith—roots that will sustain them through challenges, help them stand firm in truth, and equip them to flourish in all that God calls them to. 🌿✨
#ucathunder #ucarootedinchrist
Staff began the day with devotions, reflecting on what it means to strengthen their relationship with Jesus. Wearing their “Rooted” t-shirts, they served as visual reminders to our students of the theme we are living out together.
At chapel, we were blessed to have pastoral staff from Cedar Valley Church speak to both elementary and secondary students. They encouraged our students to grow their dependence on Christ and to remember that being rooted in Him is what gives strength, stability, and purpose. ✝️💜
As we carry this theme throughout the year, our prayer is that every student would develop deep roots of faith—roots that will sustain them through challenges, help them stand firm in truth, and equip them to flourish in all that God calls them to. 🌿✨
#ucathunder #ucarootedinchrist
👅 Our 1st graders put their taste buds to the test in science class this week! As the finale in their unit on the five senses, students sampled foods that were sweet 🍭, bitter 🍫, salty 🧂, and sour 🍋. Afterward, each student rated whether they liked the taste or not.
It was a fun (and sometimes funny!) way to explore how our sense of taste works. There were giggles, silly faces, and lots of opinions as students decided which flavor was their favorite. 😋👏
#ucathunder #ucaelementary
It was a fun (and sometimes funny!) way to explore how our sense of taste works. There were giggles, silly faces, and lots of opinions as students decided which flavor was their favorite. 😋👏
#ucathunder #ucaelementary
🚌 Our kindergarteners learned all about the community helper who plays such an important role in students’ daily lives—the bus driver! They learned about bus safety and how drivers help children get to and from school safely each day.
To make the lesson come alive, Mr. Dahlen pulled the bus right up for a hands-on experience. Students practiced getting on the bus, sitting safely in their seats, and even enjoyed a short drive around the parking lot. Afterwards, they learned how to use the emergency exit through the back door—an important safety skill!
A big thank-you to Mr. Dahlen for making our learning fun, memorable, and hands-on! 👏
#ucathunder #ucaelementary
To make the lesson come alive, Mr. Dahlen pulled the bus right up for a hands-on experience. Students practiced getting on the bus, sitting safely in their seats, and even enjoyed a short drive around the parking lot. Afterwards, they learned how to use the emergency exit through the back door—an important safety skill!
A big thank-you to Mr. Dahlen for making our learning fun, memorable, and hands-on! 👏
#ucathunder #ucaelementary
📸 Our photography students took part in a unique lab last week that combined creativity with a lesson in faith. Working in pairs, one student was blindfolded while the other guided them around while taking photos.
The pictures will later be used to practice editing skills—but the activity also carried a deeper meaning. Just as the blindfolded student had to trust their partner, we are reminded of what it means to believe in and trust a God we cannot see.
As the semester unfolds, students will document their class experiences through blog entries, using writing as a way to reflect more deeply on the activities and the meaning behind each project. ✨
#ucathunder #ucahighschool #ucafinearts
The pictures will later be used to practice editing skills—but the activity also carried a deeper meaning. Just as the blindfolded student had to trust their partner, we are reminded of what it means to believe in and trust a God we cannot see.
As the semester unfolds, students will document their class experiences through blog entries, using writing as a way to reflect more deeply on the activities and the meaning behind each project. ✨
#ucathunder #ucahighschool #ucafinearts
🚀 Our 3rd graders took on some exciting (and tricky!) missions designed to stretch their growth mindset and strengthen their teamwork skills.
🐛 First, they met the challenge of helping “Fred the Worm” survive—using only paperclips, they had to flip his boat, get him into his life preserver, and back into the boat without ever touching him with their hands!
🧮 Later in math class, students faced another mission: using counting strategies to figure out how many little building blocks were in a bucket after they had been scattered across the floor.
Both activities pushed them to think critically, work together, and persevere through challenges—and the best part was watching their excitement when they solved the problems! 💡👏
#ucathunder #ucaelementary
🐛 First, they met the challenge of helping “Fred the Worm” survive—using only paperclips, they had to flip his boat, get him into his life preserver, and back into the boat without ever touching him with their hands!
🧮 Later in math class, students faced another mission: using counting strategies to figure out how many little building blocks were in a bucket after they had been scattered across the floor.
Both activities pushed them to think critically, work together, and persevere through challenges—and the best part was watching their excitement when they solved the problems! 💡👏
#ucathunder #ucaelementary
🔥 Our senior house leaders are off to an amazing start! Last week they held their very first planning meeting of the year, gearing up for next week’s house meetings. This is where students will really get to know the peers in their same house. 🏠💙💛❤️💚
These seniors are ready to bring the energy, build community, and lead the way. From brainstorming ice-breaker activities to preparing ways to encourage their house members, they’re setting the stage for an unforgettable year. 🙌
#ucathunder #ucaclassof2026 #ucahousesystem #ucahighschool #ucamiddleschool
These seniors are ready to bring the energy, build community, and lead the way. From brainstorming ice-breaker activities to preparing ways to encourage their house members, they’re setting the stage for an unforgettable year. 🙌
#ucathunder #ucaclassof2026 #ucahousesystem #ucahighschool #ucamiddleschool
