Greater Praise Christian Academy

🌟 GPCA Scholars Harnessing the Power of Renewable Energy! 🌟

Mrs. Warner’s middle school class is lighting up the future with their studies on renewable energy! 🌬️☀️💧 From wind turbines to solar power and hydropower, these young innovators are learning how to turn natural resources into sustainable energy solutions.

During this week’s lesson on the Photovoltaic Effect—the process of converting solar energy into free electric power—our Assistant Principal, Ms. Peterson, joked, “Can we bring this to Memphis communities, starting with my house?” 🏠✨

The scholars are already excited about what’s next: designing model homes powered by wind energy when they return in December. The future is looking bright with these creative, forward-thinking minds leading the way!

💙💛 Proud of their brilliance and innovation!

Art, Music, and Teams Day Fun
📸 Clubs and Creativity at GPCA!

Our Art w/ Mr. B and Music Clubs had a fantastic time showcasing their talents and creativity this week for Club Fridays! 🎨🎶 Meanwhile, Mr. Rodgers and his spirited team brought their A-game during Teams Day—what a week of fun and collaboration! 🏆

Thanksgiving Break Send-Off 🍁🦃
📸 Soulful Fridays at GPCA!

Principal Weathers and Mr. Story kicked off the morning with a throwback Soul Train line, grooving their way down the hallways! 🕺💃 The energy was unmatched as students cheered them on—what a way to start the day! Who’s got the video of Ms. Jefferson doing The Centipede? Asking for a friend! 😂

This past Sunday, our Upper School family celebrated a truly special moment as Ce’Niyah and Lyndale made the important decision to be baptized. Principal Weathers and Assistant Principal Peterson joined the service to support them, exemplifying the heart of our school community. Adding to the joy, the minister officiating the ceremony is not only a former teacher but also a proud parent of one of our scholars. 💙 Together, we continue to honor faith, family, and the incredible bonds that make GPCA so much more than a school.

A 15-year-old scientist named Heman Bekele from Fairfax, Virginia, has been named the 2024 “Kid of the Year” by Time Magazine 🏆

🏀 Wildcats Win! 🎉 After a tough game on Tuesday, our Wildcats bounced back strong tonight with a 30-21 victory over Brinkley Heights! Huge shoutout to Coach G and the team for their hard work and resilience. Special shoutout to our AD Horatio Key and our Cheer coaches: CoachK and Coach Bri. Way to go, Wildcats! 💙💛🐾

🏀Game Day Alert! 🏀

Tomorrow, our Jr High Wildcats are hitting the road and court for their first game of the season against Delta Academy in Marks, MS! Let’s rally behind our team and show our support for Coach G and Coach Headley as they lead our athletes to victory! 💪🏽💙💛 Go Wildcats! 🐾💥

On this Veterans Day, we honor all who served, especially our own heroes, Mrs. A Warner and Coach H. Key. Thank you for your dedication and sacrifice!

FYI

Our Lower School scholars explored how sunlight affects plant growth, thanks to Ms. Howard’s pumpkin planter idea. From no sunlight to full exposure, results highlighted the importance of optimal conditions for food production. One planter showed significant mold growth on the side turned away from the sunlight, illustrating how limited sunlight and reduced airflow can create damp conditions for mold.

Mr. Ward and the Classroom Creators will re-plant these in the garden near our outdoor classroom, connecting science to real-world food solutions!

Our GPCA staff had an amazing day at the MAIS Technology Innovation Workshop! 🌟 They explored new frontiers by talking to William Shakespeare and Rosa Parks in the metaverse, diving into A.I. applications and strategies, honing their C.A.D. skills, and so much more. What an inspiring experience with incredible educators dedicated to bringing innovation to our classrooms!

Tuesday marked the wrap-up of our “All About Pumpkins” series at GPCA, with a special activity led by Ms. Howard from Cafe Manna! Over the past few weeks, our Lower School scholars have explored sustainable uses for every part of the pumpkin—transforming shells into planters, studying pulp for recipes, and learning the nutritional value of seeds for protein and medicinal use. Tuesday, Ms. Howard used pumpkin bread ingredients to teach math skills like measurement and counting. Our eco-Ed focus on reducing food waste was at the heart of each activity, showing scholars how to creatively repurpose and appreciate nature’s resources. They ended the day savoring homemade pumpkin bread!

Friday, Mr. Ward, along with senior Kadeem Campbell, continued our “All About Pumpkins” journey by teaching students about blood pressure and the potential health benefits of pumpkin seeds. Building on last week’s pumpkin-themed lessons, Mr. Ward ground pumpkin seeds into powder to test their effect on blood pressure. For the next few weeks, students will monitor his results, connecting science with health in a hands-on way. This ongoing project shows how food can impact wellness, reinforcing that health lessons go beyond the classroom. Parents, we’re excited for our scholars to learn how pumpkins and other foods can fuel well-being!