🎄✨ We love traditions that bring our community together, and today, it was Christmas Grams!

Parents and students had the chance to purchase these small, festive gifts, and today our amazing student leaders delivered them all around the school.

From Pre-K to high school, classrooms were filled with smiles, surprises, and a whole lot of Christmas cheer. 💜🎁

#ucathunder
2 days ago, UCA
High school students handing out christmas gifts to younger students
student laughing at her stuffed chicken toy
High school students handing out christmas gifts to younger students
pre-K student with an armful of gifts
High school students handing out christmas gifts to younger students
High school students handing out christmas gifts to younger students
High school students handing out christmas gifts to younger students
8th grade students handing out christmas gifts to other middle school students
8th grade students handing out christmas gifts to other middle school students
kindergarten student wearing a christmas headband
❄️📚 Academic snowball fight!

Our 3rd graders had a blast in class this week during a paper snowball activity! While the music played, they tossed snowballs back and forth, trying to end with the fewest on their side. Inside each snowball was a statement—and once the “snow” settled, students opened them up and decided whether each one was a fact or an opinion.

Fun + learning = the perfect winter combo! ⛄️✨

#ucathunder #ucaelementary
2 days ago, UCA
students lined up in the middle of a classroom ready to pick up paper snowballs and start a "snowball fight"
students throwing paper snowballs at each other
students throwing paper snowballs at each other
students throwing paper snowballs at each other
students throwing paper snowballs at each other
students throwing paper snowballs at each other
students throwing paper snowballs at each other
student standing at the white board ready to mark her tally in one of two columns
🀄️ 🌬️ Our 6th graders in Chinese class took a creative approach to their character practice this week by making and decorating their own windmills. As they crafted, they wrote Chinese characters on the blades—turning language learning into a hands-on, visual experience.

🇨🇳 What a fun, new “spin” on engaging with culture and language! ✨

#ucathunder #ucamiddleschool
3 days ago, UCA
two students showing the windmills they made with Chinese characters written on them
one student showing the windmills they made with Chinese characters written on them
Chinese teacher helping her students put together a windmill
students creating windmills in Chinese class
one student showing the windmills they made with Chinese characters written on them
Chinese teacher helping her students put together a windmill
a student creating windmills in Chinese class
students creating windmills in Chinese class
students creating windmills in Chinese class
a student creating windmills in Chinese class
🎄🎶 Final touches before the big night!

Our elementary students had their dress rehearsal today for the Christmas music concert, and the excitement is building!

From joyful songs to sweet smiles, they’ve been working hard and are ready to share the hope and joy of the season.

We can’t wait for you to see their performances on Thursday evening—it's going to be a wonderful celebration! ✨❤️

Pre-k - 2nd grade: 5:30 pm
3rd - 5th grades: 6:45 pm

#ucathunder #uceelementary
4 days ago, UCA
students holding candles while singing on stage
students holding inflatable students while singing on stage
teacher directing the students on stage
students singing on stage
students singing on stage, some holding props
students singing on stage
students singing on stage
students singing on stage
students singing and dancing on stage
students singing on stage, some holding props
🍪✨ Run, run, as fast as you can!

After reading The Gingerbread Man, our Kindergarten students set off on an exciting scavenger hunt around the building, following clues and searching high and low for their runaway friend.

The adventure ended with the sweetest surprise of all—homemade gingerbread man cookies! A perfect way to bring this classic story to life. ❤️🎄

#ucathunder #ucaelementary
5 days ago, UCA
kindergarten teachers reading a story to their classes
kindergarten students finding a clue on a scavenger hunt
a clue posted on the wall as part of a scavenger hunt
kindergarten students finding a clue on a scavenger hunt
kindergarten students finding a clue on a scavenger hunt
kindergarten students finding a clue on a scavenger hunt
kindergarten teacher showing a pan of cookies to her students
teacher passing out cookies to her students
teacher passing out cookies to her students
student showing his half-eaten cookie
🎄🚪Our middle school and high school students jumped into some friendly House Competition last week by decorating classroom doors. Each house was given a unique theme—sparking creativity and teamwork!

Staff members will be voting on their favorites, and we can’t wait to see which house takes the win. Great job to all our students for bringing joy and festive fun to our hallways! 🎅✨

#ucathunder #ucahighschool #ucamiddleschool #ucahousesystem
5 days ago, UCA
photo collage of classroom doors decorated by high school students
photo collage of classroom doors decorated by middle school students
middle school students decorating a classroom door with a Christmas theme
high school students decorating a classroom door with a Christmas theme
middle school students decorating a classroom door with a Christmas theme
high school students decorating a classroom door with a Christmas theme
middle school students decorating a classroom door with a Christmas theme
high school students decorating a classroom door with a Christmas theme
middle school students decorating a classroom door with a Christmas theme
high school students decorating a classroom door with a Christmas theme
🎄✨ What a night! Last week, our band and choir students filled the auditorium with the sounds of Christmas at our annual Christmas Concert. From festive favorites to beautiful carols, our musicians shared their gifts with joy, excellence, and heartfelt worship.

We’re so proud of the hard work these students put in and grateful for the directors who lead them so well. Thank you to all the families and friends who came to support them—your presence made the evening even more special! 🎶❤️💚

#ucathunder #ucafinearts
6 days ago, UCA
combined middle and high school choirs on stage during Christmas concert
high school band students performing on stage during Christmas concert
6th grade choir students performing on stage during Christmas concert
6th grade percussionists performing during Christmas concert
7th and 8th grade choir students performing during Christmas concert
7th and 8th grade band students performing during Christmas concert
high school choir students performing on stage during a Christmas concert
4th grade band students performing on stage during a Christmas concert
6th grade choir students performing on stage during Christmas concert
5th grade band students performing on stage during a Christmas concert
Elle, one of our UCA seniors, has taken it upon herself to spread joy in a powerful way—by organizing a monthly, before-school card-making activity for kids battling terminal illnesses.

“Letters of Love” is where students gather to create heartfelt cards filled with encouragement, hope, and prayer. It’s a beautiful example of compassion, leadership, and using our gifts to love others well. 💌

We’re so proud of her initiative and the students who show up each month to make a difference, one card at a time. 💜

#ucathunder #ucahighschool
9 days ago, UCA
three high school students making cards
looking over the shoulder of a student making a card
three high school students making cards
flyer of information about card making event
example cards that the students have made
two high school students making cards

📣 We are excited to announce our third recipient of the United Ambassador Award.🏆

This distinction is designed to honor individuals in our community who have made significant, positive impacts through their service, support, and dedication.👏

Please help us honor and show appreciation for Deb Otterblad. Deb has blessed our school abundantly with more than 25 years of teaching and service. Many students and staff have been touched by her presence at the school. 💜

On behalf of the entire UCA community, we extend our deepest gratitude to Deb. We thank her for her years of dedication to this school and its legacy, her faithful teaching, and her kind spirit. UCA truly would not be the same without you, and we are blessed to have you as part of our school family.

Check out the full story here: https://www.ucathunder.org/article/2579027

#ucathunder

9 days ago, UCA
two pictures of a teacher with her students with the United Ambassador Award logo
🌟 Every student at UCA has an incredible story — unique, inspiring, and full of potential! 💜

We’d like to celebrate those students who shine. From personal achievements to acts of kindness, creative talents, and leadership in or out of the classroom, each student makes a difference and brings something special to our community! 🙌🎓

Shoutout to 9th grader Claire M who is shining in and out of the classroom.

At the Northfield Sprint Spectacular, Claire won the girls 13/14 age group high point champion belt for reaching the podium 8 times. She discovered that even swimmers who consider themselves ‘distance swimmers’ can do sprints!

Results:
🥇1st place: 100 back, 50 breast, 50 back, 50 free
🥈2nd place: 100 breast, 100 free, 50 fly
🥉3rd place: 100 fly

#ucathunder #ucastudentswhoshine
10 days ago, UCA
students who shine graphic with two pictures of a 9th grade girl
🎈Mrs. Ray’s 3rd graders have been diving into the story Balloons Over Broadway!

After reading about the true story of the puppeteer behind the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, the students created their own colorful balloons and wrapped up the project with a fun reader’s theater performance.

We loved seeing their creativity and confidence shine! 🎉

#ucathunder #ucaelementary
13 days ago, UCA
students making a balloon float based off of the "Balloons Over Broadway" story
students making a balloon float based off of the "Balloons Over Broadway" story
students making a balloon float based off of the "Balloons Over Broadway" story
students making a balloon float based off of the "Balloons Over Broadway" story
students making a balloon float based off of the "Balloons Over Broadway" story
students making a balloon float based off of the "Balloons Over Broadway" story
students making a balloon float based off of the "Balloons Over Broadway" story
students making a balloon float based off of the "Balloons Over Broadway" story
students making a balloon float based off of the "Balloons Over Broadway" story
students in front of a classroom performing a readers theater
🦃🍁 A Thanksgiving Blessing for Our UCA Community 🍁🦃

As we enter this season of gratitude, we want to pause and thank God for the incredible blessing of our UCA family. We are grateful for students who bring joy and curiosity to each day, for parents who partner with us so faithfully, and for staff who pour their hearts into serving and discipling the next generation.

May this Thanksgiving be a time of rest, reflection, and renewed joy for you and your loved ones. We pray that your homes are filled with peace, laughter, and the comforting reminder of God’s goodness in every season.

From all of us at United Christian Academy — thank you for being a cherished part of our community. We are thankful for you today and always. 💜
17 days ago, UCA
graphic with leaves and a thanksgiving blessing
Our 7th grade scientists had a sweet time in class! 🍪✨

To help them visualize the stages of cell mitosis, students used Oreo cookies and sprinkles to model each phase — from prophase to cytokinesis. Hands-on learning (and a little treat!) made this complex process fun, memorable, and delicious.

#ucathunder #ucamiddleschool #ucastem
18 days ago, UCA
students using oreos and sprinkles for a cell mitosis lab
students using oreos and sprinkles for a cell mitosis lab
students using oreos and sprinkles for a cell mitosis lab
students using oreos and sprinkles for a cell mitosis lab
students using oreos and sprinkles for a cell mitosis lab
students using oreos and sprinkles for a cell mitosis lab
students using oreos and sprinkles for a cell mitosis lab
students using oreos and sprinkles for a cell mitosis lab
students using oreos and sprinkles for a cell mitosis lab
students using oreos and sprinkles for a cell mitosis lab
Several of our high school band students had an incredible opportunity last weekend! 🎶✨

Nominated by Mr. Curtis, they were invited to participate in a one-day Honor Band at the University of Northwestern in St. Paul.

Students spent the day in focused rehearsals and sectionals alongside talented musicians from across the region, learning under outstanding directors and growing in their musical skills. They wrapped up the experience with a beautiful evening concert for family and friends. 🎼

#ucathunder #ucahighschool #ucafinearts
18 days ago, UCA
group picture of 6 high school students who attended an honor band
concert band on stage performing
concert band on stage performing
picture of students in a band rehearsal
picture of students in a band rehearsal
students eating lunch
Our Pre-K friends had the sweetest Thanksgiving-themed morning! 🦃✨

During snack time, they enjoyed fun Thanksgiving treats, and afterward, the classroom was filled with laughter as they enjoyed Thanksgiving-themed games and projects. From mini pumpkin pie treats to cup stacking, their joy was contagious!

We’re so grateful for these little learners and the simple moments that make this season so special 💜

#ucathunder #ucaelementary #ucaprek
18 days ago, UCA
table of Pre-K students praying before they eat
students playing thanksgiving bingo
students making a single serve pumpkin pie treat
students eating snack
students stacking cups to form a tower
student playing "pin the feather on the turkey"
student eating an apple slice
student pointing to the headband he made
teacher helping student put food on his plate
table of pre-k students eating snacks with parent volunteers standing in the background
🎳💜 Our staff had a blast at our annual UCA Bowling Night! It’s always a highlight of the year — a chance for us to spend time together outside the normal school day, and enjoy some friendly (and often hilarious!) competition.

We’re grateful for a team that loves being together and invests in building a strong, joy-filled community. 🎉

#ucathunder #ucastaff
19 days ago, UCA
group photo of the winning team (Gratia) at the staff bowling night
Mrs. Berry holding the trophy for winning the highest bowling score
group of teachers standing and talking at a bowling alley
group of teachers taking a selfie at a bowling alley
two teachers high-fiving after a bowling turn
teachers bowling together
teacher celebrating after bowling a strike
group of teachers standing and talking at a bowling alley
teacher celebrating after bowling a strike
teacher celebrating after bowling a strike
🔦Allow us to put the spotlight on one of our incredible UCA volunteers — sharing a glimpse into her passion for UCA, and the impact she makes. We’re so grateful for her dedication to our school and community! 🏫 ✨

“We want to give a huge shoutout to Jesslyn Foster, one of our amazing UCA parents who continually goes above and beyond!
Jesslyn serves faithfully on our Parent Council, always bringing creativity, care, and a can-do spirit to every project she touches. She finds thoughtful, innovative ways to support our teachers, students, and school community.
Her servant heart and joyful attitude make such a difference — reminding us that UCA is stronger because of families like hers. Thank you, Jesslyn, for the many ways you give, serve, and inspire. We are so grateful for you!”

We’re blessed to have you at UCA! 💜

#ucathunder
19 days ago, UCA
graphic with a headshot and quote to honor one of our top volunteers
🦃🍁 Our kindergarteners have been busy learning all about the many elements of Thanksgiving — the Pilgrims, Native Americans, the Mayflower, and the traditions that shaped this special holiday.

To wrap up their learning, the students enjoyed a fun and festive Thanksgiving feast together! It was a joyful way to celebrate everything they’ve discovered while building community and gratitude in the classroom.

Thank you to all of the parent volunteers that made this event possible!

#ucathunder #ucaelementary
20 days ago, UCA
kindergarten students sitting at tables eating a thanksgiving feast with parent volunteers serving food
kindergarten students eating a Thanksgiving feast
student holding his silverware waiting for his plate of food
kindergarten students eating a Thanksgiving feast
kindergarten students eating a Thanksgiving feast
kindergarten students eating a Thanksgiving feast
kindergarten students eating a Thanksgiving feast
kindergarten students eating a Thanksgiving feast
kindergarten students eating a Thanksgiving feast
kindergarten students eating a Thanksgiving feast
🍽️ 🦃 Last week, our senior class enjoyed a special time set aside just for them — the Senior Feast! They took an extended lunch break to eat together, fellowship, laugh, and play games as a class.

It was a fun and meaningful pause in their busy year, giving them space to connect and make memories with one another. We are so thankful for this incredible group of seniors and the leadership they bring to our school! 💜🎉

#ucathunder #ucahighschool #ucaclassof26
20 days ago, UCA
head of school speaking to tables of 12th graders
group of students standing and praying before they eat together
students walking through a buffet line of food
student carving a rotisserie chicken
student carving a rotisserie chicken
head of school speaking to tables of 12th graders
head of school mingling with seniors as they eat lunch
student carving a rotisserie chicken
students drawing on a white board as they play Pictionary
students drawing on a white board as they play Pictionary
🧱🙌 Our 6th grade boys in Team Building class took on a fun challenge inspired by 1 Thessalonians 5:11, which calls us to “encourage one another and build each other up.”

Their task? Construct the tallest tower they could using only the materials provided. The twist: the first round had no talking allowed! In the second round, they were free to communicate and strategize together. In the third round, the challenge was to make it symmetrical.

Not only was it a great test of teamwork and problem-solving, but it also sparked meaningful conversations about how encouragement, communication, and unity make a difference — both in building towers and in building each other up. 💜✨

#ucathunder #ucamiddleschool
20 days ago, UCA
teacher checking the height of the towers that students built
6th grade classmates building towers as a team building exercise
6th grade classmates building towers as a team building exercise
6th grade classmates building towers as a team building exercise
6th grade classmates building towers as a team building exercise
6th grade classmates building towers as a team building exercise
6th grade classmates building towers as a team building exercise
6th grade classmates building towers as a team building exercise
6th grade classmates building towers as a team building exercise
6th grade classmates building towers as a team building exercise