❄️🎉 Buddy time is back!
This afternoon, our students enjoyed spending time with their buddies for the first time since before the holidays—they kicked off the new year with a game of Winter Bingo!
At UCA, we are intentional about building relationships so that every student feels known and loved. Just as our teachers come alongside each student, our older students also come alongside the younger ones—investing in their growth and modeling Christ-like living, helping create a strong, caring community. 💜
#UCAThunder #UCAHouseSystem
This afternoon, our students enjoyed spending time with their buddies for the first time since before the holidays—they kicked off the new year with a game of Winter Bingo!
At UCA, we are intentional about building relationships so that every student feels known and loved. Just as our teachers come alongside each student, our older students also come alongside the younger ones—investing in their growth and modeling Christ-like living, helping create a strong, caring community. 💜
#UCAThunder #UCAHouseSystem
UCA welcomed a new student for the second semester—an international student all the way from Vietnam! 🇻🇳
Angela is in 10th grade, and today we learned which house she belongs to in our House System. We are so excited to welcome Angela to House Christo and to our greater UCA community.
We are also incredibly grateful for the UCA family who has opened their home to host her during her time here with us. 💜
#UCAThunder #UCAHighSchool #UCAHouseSystem
Angela is in 10th grade, and today we learned which house she belongs to in our House System. We are so excited to welcome Angela to House Christo and to our greater UCA community.
We are also incredibly grateful for the UCA family who has opened their home to host her during her time here with us. 💜
#UCAThunder #UCAHighSchool #UCAHouseSystem
Today, we had the honor of recognizing our middle and high school Students of the Quarter winners for the second quarter! 🏆
These outstanding students were selected by their teachers for consistently demonstrating the House Essentials—integrity, helpfulness, respect, compassion, and more. 🌟
Middle School: Colton T (Gratia House) hearts 💙
High School: Henry G (Scriptura House) 💚
We are so proud of each of them for their dedication to excellence both in and out of the classroom. Congratulations to the winners! 🎉 👏
#UCAThunder #UCAHouseSystem #UCAMiddleSchool #UCAHighSchool
These outstanding students were selected by their teachers for consistently demonstrating the House Essentials—integrity, helpfulness, respect, compassion, and more. 🌟
Middle School: Colton T (Gratia House) hearts 💙
High School: Henry G (Scriptura House) 💚
We are so proud of each of them for their dedication to excellence both in and out of the classroom. Congratulations to the winners! 🎉 👏
#UCAThunder #UCAHouseSystem #UCAMiddleSchool #UCAHighSchool
🦫📜 History comes to life in 5th grade!
As part of their history studies, our 5th grade students participated in a hands-on fur trade simulation. Dressed for the part, students worked in teams to scour the “trapping grounds” in search of Made Beaver pelts. They then used their pelts to negotiate trades at a trading post or with inland traders—learning firsthand about economics, cooperation, and decision-making.
To add to the realism, some groups were even “struck with illness” and had to sit out briefly, reminding students of the real challenges faced during this period in history. 🤒
An engaging and memorable way to learn!
#ucathunder #ucaelementary
As part of their history studies, our 5th grade students participated in a hands-on fur trade simulation. Dressed for the part, students worked in teams to scour the “trapping grounds” in search of Made Beaver pelts. They then used their pelts to negotiate trades at a trading post or with inland traders—learning firsthand about economics, cooperation, and decision-making.
To add to the realism, some groups were even “struck with illness” and had to sit out briefly, reminding students of the real challenges faced during this period in history. 🤒
An engaging and memorable way to learn!
#ucathunder #ucaelementary
🎭✨Today, we kicked off preparations for our annual ministry production by revealing the play title and leading acting roles to our 7th graders. This year’s production is “Robin Hood – Quest for Justice,” and the excitement is already building!
Students in the younger grades will have singing roles woven throughout the acting scenes. This production is one of the highlights of our school year and offers an incredible opportunity for students to stretch themselves, serve others, and use their gifts in a unique and meaningful way. We can’t wait to see how God works through it all! 💜
#ucathunder #ucaelementary #ucamiddleschool #ucafinearts
Students in the younger grades will have singing roles woven throughout the acting scenes. This production is one of the highlights of our school year and offers an incredible opportunity for students to stretch themselves, serve others, and use their gifts in a unique and meaningful way. We can’t wait to see how God works through it all! 💜
#ucathunder #ucaelementary #ucamiddleschool #ucafinearts
🎄🎶 A joyful start to the day!
Last Friday and again today, students were welcomed into the building with the sounds of Christmas as some of our staff members sang carols and others played instruments (some students joined in on instruments as well). This annual tradition fills our halls with joy and sets a festive tone for the day.
There’s nothing quite like beginning the morning together in song as we celebrate the season and the community we share. ❤️✨
#ucathunder #ucastaff
Last Friday and again today, students were welcomed into the building with the sounds of Christmas as some of our staff members sang carols and others played instruments (some students joined in on instruments as well). This annual tradition fills our halls with joy and sets a festive tone for the day.
There’s nothing quite like beginning the morning together in song as we celebrate the season and the community we share. ❤️✨
#ucathunder #ucastaff
🎄🎲 Staff Christmas Party! 🎁😂
Yesterday, our staff enjoyed a wonderful time together at our annual Christmas party. It is truly a blessing to work alongside a team that not only collaborates so well but also genuinely enjoys spending time together.
There were plenty of laughs, lots of festive cheer, and we quickly discovered who the most competitive among us was during some lively dice games and a spirited white elephant gift exchange! Moments like these remind us what a special community we have. 💜
#ucathunder #ucastaff
Yesterday, our staff enjoyed a wonderful time together at our annual Christmas party. It is truly a blessing to work alongside a team that not only collaborates so well but also genuinely enjoys spending time together.
There were plenty of laughs, lots of festive cheer, and we quickly discovered who the most competitive among us was during some lively dice games and a spirited white elephant gift exchange! Moments like these remind us what a special community we have. 💜
#ucathunder #ucastaff
☀️❄️ The sunshine and warmer temperatures this week have been a welcome sight for our students after last week’s bitter cold. Recess was filled with snowman-building fun, while our high schoolers got creative—playing a spirited game of “baseball” using snowballs and car windshield scrapers!
We loved seeing students enjoy the fresh air, laughter, and a little winter fun together. 😊⛄️
#ucathunder
We loved seeing students enjoy the fresh air, laughter, and a little winter fun together. 😊⛄️
#ucathunder
✨ 📖 The Christmas story… first-grade style! 🎄 😄
Our first graders have been learning about the birth of Jesus from the book of Luke—and they brought the story to life with simple props and big personalities! One student even got to play Mary… and the class couldn’t stop laughing at the idea of a *first grader having a baby.
A stuffed animal stood in for baby Jesus, and while there were plenty of giggles, it was also a sweet and meaningful way for students to engage with the true story of Christmas. 💜
#ucathunder #ucaelementary
Our first graders have been learning about the birth of Jesus from the book of Luke—and they brought the story to life with simple props and big personalities! One student even got to play Mary… and the class couldn’t stop laughing at the idea of a *first grader having a baby.
A stuffed animal stood in for baby Jesus, and while there were plenty of giggles, it was also a sweet and meaningful way for students to engage with the true story of Christmas. 💜
#ucathunder #ucaelementary
🎄🎶 Our middle school Spanish students spread Christmas cheer by visiting classrooms throughout the school and singing Christmas carols in Spanish. This UCA tradition is a beautiful way to practice the language while bringing smiles and festive spirit to fellow students. 💜✨
#ucathunder #ucamiddleschool
#ucathunder #ucamiddleschool
🎄✨ 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
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
❄️📚 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
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
🀄️ 🌬️ 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
🇨🇳 What a fun, new “spin” on engaging with culture and language! ✨
#ucathunder #ucamiddleschool
🎄🎶 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
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
🍪✨ 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
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
🎄🚪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
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
🎄✨ 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
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
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
“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
📣 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
🌟 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
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
