United Christian Academy

💬Conversation became free-flowing over a cup of noodles! 🍜 📘Mrs. Mi added the element of eating Ramen Noodles to a not-so-exciting grammar exercise out of their textbook. These hungry Chinese 2 students had plenty of energy after a little snack in a cup! 🇨🇳Open conversations in Mandarin and English over the noodle soup gave students the opportunity to learn some Chinese words such as “yummy”, “Is it good?”, and more! #ucathunder #ucaupperschool

🇺🇸✉️Juniors and seniors in Mrs. Hohnstadt’s Civics classes have spent time selecting elected officials to write letters to. The letters are a tangible way to say “thank you” to those who serve our community and also a chance to express concern, share an idea, or offer a Bible verse to encourage leaders in our government. 🖊️This very practical project is often the first time many have had a chance to write a physical letter or address an envelope. The best part comes when they start receiving replies and get to share those with the class. 🙏Prayer over the letters and ongoing weekly prayer for our leaders becomes a focus of this class throughout the year. #ucathunder #ucaupperschool

🧠 Saving Fred: 3rd Grade STEM Challenge 💡 🪱Mrs. Ray presented her students with the mission to rescue Fred (gummy worm), who was stranded in the water with a capsized boat (plastic cup). After writing out a brief plan, students attempted to get Fred into a life preserver (gummy lifesaver) and back into his boat using only paper clips. 🤝Cooperation was key! Each team member had a unique role, and successful execution demanded flawless coordination. 🗣 Communication Mattered! Each group had to convey their ideas, share insights, and adapt on the fly. 🏃‍♂️ The Power of Perseverance! These students did not give up. They persevered and learned from each setback! Way to go scientists! 🌟 #ucathunder #ucaelementary #ucastem

🏃🏾‍♀️"Mini Marathon Challenge" 🏃‍♂️ 👟Mrs. Aunan and our Kindergarten through 4th grade students are lacing up their running shoes for a year-long challenge. Studies have found that kids' muscles resist fatigue in a similar way to those of elite endurance athletes. The goal for our students is to increase endurance and stamina for running. Each month they will increase the amount of time that they are running, and they will end the year with a celebration.🎉 🖊️Each class has a poster on the gym wall. If they complete the time running without walking, they get to sign the poster. The hope is to inspire them to bring this home and practice on their own. This challenge is equipping kids to use their bodies in action and to give God the glory for the ability to move our bodies. ☝️ #ucathunder #ucaelementary

🗺️ 🔍6th graders in Mrs. Hohnstadt’s history class were challenged to test their map reading skills. They used the map legend, compass rose, index, and coordinates to answer a series of questions about the state they chose. 🌎 With maps of almost every country in the world and every state in the U.S., students always have more to explore at UCA. #ucathunder #ucalowerschool

Fall Spirit Week is September 18th-22nd! Participation in our dress-up days is encouraged for all students! Monday, Sept. 18th - "America Day" (no political graphics or statements) Tuesday, Sept. 19th - "Ken/Barbie Day" Wednesday, Sept. 20th - "TV/Movie Character Day" Thursday, Sept. 21st - "Generations Day" - Elementary can dress up in any generation. 6th grade=baby, 7th grade=adult, 8th grade=senior citizen, 9th=baby, 10th grade=Teenager, 11th grade=Adult, 12th grade=Senior citizen Friday, Sept. 22nd - "UCA Day"

⏱️ Setting records left and right! 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️ ☀️Our Cross Country teams had a fantastic meet this week! The weather was fabulous, and the course was flat. 🏅UCA earned 1st place in both the boys and girls varsity races. Way to go Miles and Lauren! 🏅Nine runners set personal records 🏅 Eight runners came away with 'top five' medals in their respective races 🏅 Girls JV was the top-placing team 🏅Boys varsity team came in second place! Congratulations everyone! #ucathunder #ucaathletics

🌳🥪Lunchtime Al Fresco! 🌞🍔 The Upper School has a lovely outdoor area right off the cafeteria where our High School students take advantage of the fresh air. It's a simple yet beautiful way to break away from the classroom routine and recharge for the rest of the day. 💬🤣 Students come together to share stories, laughter, and, of course, a quick meal. It's a time of bonding, relaxation, and creating lasting memories. #ucathunder #ucaupperschool #highschoolmemories

1st Graders' Amazing Taste Test Adventure! 👧👦 👅 This week, Miss Anderson's young scientists put on their taste-testing hats and conducted an exciting experiment right in the classroom. They sampled an array of foods, from sweet and tangy to salty and savory, all while learning about the five senses. 🍫🍋 From chocolate chips to saltines to lemons, and cocoa powder, our little scientists bravely tried it all! It's incredible to see how curiosity and a spirit of exploration can turn a simple taste test into a memorable learning experience. 🤣Some tastes were met with giggles, while others inspired thoughtful discussions about personal preferences. #ucathunder #ucalowerschool #ucastem

⚽️ 🌟UCA Boys Soccer continues to shine with a big victory over Eagle Ridge (5-1) last week, and another recent win over Metro United (1-0) on Tuesday. Our Goalkeeper, Jeremiah, stepped up with some big saves, and the Defense played great to get the shutout. 🥅 Roll Thunder! #ucathunder #ucaathletics

Another first for UCA! 🎉 This year presents an array of new experiences for our Middle School Students. They have their own separate chapel services, which means their own Worship Arts Team! 🎹🎸🥁 Students who are interested in participating on this team give up their advisory time to meet with Mrs. Strand and Mr. Eliason to prepare the worship songs for the week. Then they lead their peers from the stage during chapel. 🎶 This is one of many new leadership opportunities for Middle School students now that they are the oldest group on campus! #ucathunder #ucalowerschool

What a fine-looking group of leaders! 🌟 These seniors were elected by fellow students to lead our Houses this year and have been busy preparing and planning events. ❤️Christo- Valeria and Rocco 💛Fide- Kaya andEzra 💚Scriptura- Ana and Tobias 💙Gratia- Joyce and Carson Congratulations! And may you lead in a way that shows humility, selflessness, and a commitment to serving a higher purpose. #ucathunder #ucahousesystem #ucaupperschool

🥢 Chinese 3 Students Mastering Chopsticks! 🥡🇨🇳 🍚When you're learning to speak Chinese and how to order food, why wouldn't you also eat Chinese food? As Mrs. Mi and her students navigate the world of Chinese cuisine, they're also immersing themselves in the customs and practices passed down through generations, helping them gain a deeper appreciation for the incredible world we live in. 🌏☝🏼 #ucathunder #ucaupperschool

🐞🔬 Exploring the Miniature World of Bugs: A 7th Grade Science Adventure! 🔬🐛 🦗 This week, our young scientists embarked on an enthralling bug lab, where they got hands-on experience classifying various bugs. 🐜🦋From the tiniest ants to the most colorful butterflies, our students rolled up their sleeves and embraced the magic of discovery. 🗣️Stories floated around the classroom, comparing where everyone found their bugs. Feel free to share your own bug stories or memories in the comments below! #ucathunder #ucalowerschool #ucastem

💙 💚 💛 ❤️ FULL HOUSES! 💜 During Elementary Chapel this morning, our youngest students, Preschool and Kindergarten, found out which house they belong to! A range of emotions showed on their faces as they came up on stage to draw their colored gem. But once they saw the color and heard their peers cheering, they were all smiles! 😀 Welcome to the family, everyone! #ucathunder #ucaelementary #ucahousesystem

💜⚠️Heartwarming story alert! Our students can make a Sweet Difference! 🌟🍋 4th Grade superstar, Gabriela, set up the most adorable lemonade stand right outside her house this past weekend. Instead of saving up for something just for herself, she donated the money she earned to UCA! She's showing us all what true kindness and generosity look like. #ucathunder #ucaelementary

⚽️ 🥅 The UCA Varsity Boys Soccer Team kicked off the season with a memorable win! They found themselves down two goals early on but showed grit and determination. 🏆🎉 Captain Carson Kotula rallied the team and got the year's first goal. The boys battled back to victory over Nova Classical 3-2. #ucathunder #ucaathletics

🏐 🏆Our girls spiked their way into Second Place!! Last Saturday, the Varsity Girls Volleyball team played at the Humboldt Volleyball tournament. They took first place in their pool of five teams putting them in the championship game! They lost to Minnehaha Academy placing second in the tournament. Good day of playing by all! #ucathunder #ucaathletics

Our Cross Country teams are off to the races!🏅👟 🌞 Last Friday was the "Early Bird" Meet, and the sun may have been hot, but our runners did not disappoint. They pushed themselves to the limits, conquering heat and pushing through that last sprint. 🏁 Shoutout to five UCA runners who placed within the top ten of their races: 🏃‍♀️Summer - Girls 2 mile 🏃‍♂️Mason and Samuel - Boys 2 mile 🏃‍♀️Lauren - Girls 5K 🏃‍♂️ Miles - Boys 5K 👏Every runner deserves a round of applause for your determination! Way to go, team! #ucathunder #ucaathletics

What better way to cap off your first week of Kindergarten than to have a Teddy Bear Picnic?! 🧸🧺 Both Kindergarten classes joined together in the courtyard for pictures with a giant teddy bear, themed games and songs, snacks, and even a bear hunt! 🎶🔎 📊 Leading up to that, the students also did teddy bear learning activities in the classroom. #ucathunder #ucaelementary #ucalowerschool