📚 Mrs. Otterblad’s 2nd graders are embracing the joy of reading through their Daily 5 reading stations. They rotate through activities such as read to self, word work, read to someone, and more. These stations give students the chance to practice essential reading skills in creative and meaningful ways.
📖 One of the best parts? Watching them encourage and support each other during partner reading, where students pair up to read through a book together. Students at higher reading levels are helping their classmates by sounding out words, reminding them of grammar rules, and celebrating each other’s progress.
💜 It’s heartwarming to see how naturally they step into mentoring roles! These interactions build reading skills and strengthen teamwork, patience, and confidence—valuable lessons that go far beyond the classroom.
#ucathunder #ucaelementary
🌿 Flourish: Growing in Faith Together 🌿
What started as an idea from two amazing students, Anna H., and Julia D., has blossomed into Flourish Bible Study—a space for high school and middle school girls to dive deeper into the Word and build community. 💜
High school students lead the discussions, fostering ownership of their spiritual growth. Middle school girls are studying Ephesians, and high schoolers are exploring 1 & 2 Corinthians. Together, they’re learning how Scripture shapes their relationships and walk with God.
It’s been an incredible journey, and we can’t wait to see how this continues to grow! 🙌✨
#ucathunder
Our 6th grade science students are getting a hands-on look at the mealworm life cycle, observing its journey through complete metamorphosis! 🌱➡️🐛➡️ 🪲
🔍📏Recently, they checked in on their mealworms' progress, taking measurements and documenting changes as they grow and develop. This real-life observation helps students see science in action and understand the incredible transformation process!
#ucathunder #ucamiddleschool #ucastem
🚑🚨Our high school students in the Emergency Medical Responder class are gaining hands-on experience in life-saving skills! Last week, they tackled vehicle extractions, backboarding, and proper patient transferring techniques—critical skills for emergency situations. 💪
They are dedicated to serving others and learning what it takes to respond quickly and effectively when every second counts. 👏💜
#ucathunder #ucahighschool
🤗 Thank you for voting us the best private school for 2025!! 🏫
Enrollment is now open for next year; we hope you'll join us!
#ucathunder
🏅 Congratulations to Simon, our Athlete of the Week! 🏀
🏀 Simon has been playing great for JV all season! Last Thursday, he had a huge game in a competitive win over Eagle Ridge, scoring an impressive 25 pts!
👏 Way to go, Simon! Keep up the fantastic work! 💪
#ucathunder #ucaathletics
🧪👩🔬👨🔬Our high school Physical Science students recently put their chemistry skills to the test during a pH lab experiment. With their goggles on and their minds ready, they explored different substances to determine their acidity or alkalinity. 🌡️
Understanding pH levels is more than just a classroom experiment. The students learned how to apply their knowledge to everyday life! From testing soil for gardening 🌱 to monitoring safe drinking water 💧 and even balancing skincare products 🧴, pH plays a crucial role in the world around us.
#ucathunder #ucahighschool #ucastem
📚Our first graders had a special guest reader recently—our Head of School! But the real surprise? The book their teacher chose for him to read: The Book with No Pictures by B.J. Novak. 😆
This hilarious book is filled with silly words and sounds that the reader must say out loud… and Mr. Peters was a great sport about it! 🤪 The students couldn’t stop laughing as he played along, making goofy noises and reading every ridiculous word.
It was a memorable way to celebrate the joy of reading! 📖
#ucathunder #ucaelementary
🥁🎵Our 5th graders have been making music in a unique way—with boomwhackers! Each student had to focus carefully on their assigned note, follow the rhythms, and wait for just the right moment to “whack” their part into the melody.
🎶✨Along with the laughter and energy, this exercise also taught the importance of teamwork, timing, and focus. What an awesome way to make music together! 👏
#ucathunder #ucaelementary
💍The Wedding of Q and U! ❤️
Our kindergarteners attended a very special event recently—the wedding of Q and U! 💒 Through this fun tradition, they learned how these two letters are inseparable and always stick together in words like queen and quick.
Mr. Andrews officiated the ceremony, and the students celebrated at a festive reception complete with cupcakes 🧁 and learning some popular wedding dances! 💃🕺 It was a joyful way to reinforce their learning and create lasting memories.
#ucathunder #ucaelementary
✨Tickets On Sale Soon! 🎟️
Early Bird tickets for our Annual Fundraising Event go on sale in just one week! 🗓️ Starting on February 3rd, is your chance to secure your spot at a great rate.
We’re looking forward to an exciting evening! Planning is well underway, and the details are falling perfectly into place. All that’s missing is you! 💜
Mark your calendar, spread the word, and get ready to join us for a night to remember.
Check out our website and stay tuned for more updates!
https://www.ucathunder.org/page/annual-spring-fundraiser
#ucathunder #lightscameraauction
☕🇬🇧 Our kindergarteners wrapped up their learning adventure through England in the most delightful way—a tea party! After exploring iconic landmarks and charming traditions, they played the part of perfect hosts, inviting a special guest to join them for tea.
With their best manners on display, pinkies up, and smiles all around, they enjoyed popular English treats while bringing their lessons to life. 🏰✨
#ucathunder #ucaelementary
🛰️ Our 3rd graders had a blast in gym class playing a game called “Satellite!" Unlike dodgeball, the goal wasn’t to tag each other but to knock down the other team’s two satellites to win the round.
The students brought their best teamwork and enthusiasm to the court, strategizing and cheering each other on every step of the way. It’s always exciting to see their energy and sportsmanship shine through! 💜🤝
Way to go, 3rd grade! Who’s ready for another round?
#ucathunder #ucaelementary
📸✨Our photography students recently took on a spontaneous flat lay project, and the results were amazing! Flat lay photography is a key skill often used in promoting products or capturing wedding details, and this project challenged students to think creatively.
The twist? They could only use items they had in their backpacks! 🎒💡 From pencils and notebooks to personal trinkets, the students showcased their ingenuity and artistic eye while arranging their objects into stunning compositions.📷
#ucathunder #ucafinearts #ucahighschool
🎶A select group of our band students, nominated by Mr. Curtis, were awarded the incredible opportunity to participate in the High School Honor Band at the University of Northwestern, St. Paul. 🎺
🎼 Last Saturday, they spent the entire day learning and rehearsing several pieces of advanced music alongside other high school students from the metro area and guest conductors and composers brought in for this event. The finale for the day was a concert for friends and family. 🎷
This prestigious event recognizes their dedication, talent, and hard work as musicians. It’s an amazing opportunity for them to collaborate with other talented students and perform at an advanced level. 👏✨
#ucathunder #ucafinearts #ucahighschool
🏀 Boys middle school and high school basketball games for today (1/21) have been canceled due to there being no heat in the gym. 🥶
School is canceled for Tuesday, Jan 21.
As of right now, all after-school activities are on as scheduled.
Today, we take time to reflect on the powerful legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. His life reminds us to look beyond outward differences and see the true character of each individual. 💬 His message continues to challenge and inspire us to treat others with respect and seek to honor God in how we value one another.
🇺🇸 🙏 This day also marks the inauguration of our new president. As we witness the transition of leadership, let us come together in prayer for our leaders. Pray that they would be guided by wisdom, courage, and a heart to do what is right.
📖Our elementary students absolutely love their weekly visits to the school library! 💜
📚Each week, Mrs. Jorgensen kicks things off by reading a wonderful story that captures their imaginations. Then, the students get time to explore the library and select books to check out and enjoy.
✨It’s a joy to see their excitement as they discover new stories and grow their love for reading. Thank you, Mrs. Jorgensen, for making the library such a special place!
#ucathunder #ucaelementary
🏅 Congratulations to Kyra, our Athlete of the Week! 🏀
🏀 Kyra grabbed 11 rebounds in 8 minutes against Heritage Academy last Friday. She also hit her first three-pointer in a game setting that night - a huge milestone for any athlete!
👏 Way to go, Kyra! Keep up the fantastic work! 💪
#ucathunder #ucaathletics
