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PCA Plano and PCA North Upper School Retreat 2024

For PCA Plano and PCA North, the annual Upper School Retreat is a cherished tradition that kicks off the school year for students in Grades 9-12. Held at Sky Ranch, this retreat provides a unique opportunity for students to bond with their peers and reconnect with their school community. The retreat's timing at the beginning of the year gives students a chance to reset and prepare themselves for the year that lies ahead.

While the retreat is filled with fun activities and opportunities for students to enjoy games, outdoor activities, and quality time with friends, it goes much deeper than that. The event is designed to encourage personal and spiritual growth. One of the standout elements of the retreat is the speaker who delivers a powerful message tailored specifically for the students, inspiring and challenging them as they embark on the new school year.

This year, PCA Plano welcomed Ryan Newsome, the new Director of Spiritual Development, to share his message with the students. Newsome focused on the school year's theme, "Be Strong and Courageous," a call to action rooted in faith and perseverance. His message resonated with students, encouraging them to lean on their faith and school community as they navigate the ups and downs of Upper School life. At PCA North, Prestonwood Baptist Church’s Next-Gen Pastor, Lance Millsaps, delivered a similarly impactful message, also centered around the theme of Be Strong and Courageous. His talk aimed to inspire students to enter the new year with confidence, faith, and a supportive community backing them.

These powerful messages are only part of what makes the Upper School Retreat so meaningful. In addition to the speaker sessions, the retreat includes dedicated breakout time with advisory groups. These advisory groups are comprised of smaller, grade-level sections, led by a teacher or advisor, and serve as an essential support system throughout the year. The time spent in breakout sessions during Retreat allows students to engage in deeper discussions, reflect on the messages they've heard, and begin to foster stronger relationships with their peers and advisors.

These breakout sessions are invaluable in fostering a sense of community. Students are encouraged to share their thoughts and goals for the year in a supportive environment. By doing so, they not only develop a greater sense of trust with their classmates but also set the tone for a school year characterized by mutual support and encouragement. The relationships that are nurtured during these sessions often grow and evolve over the year, providing students with a reliable network of friends and mentors.

In the end, the Upper School Retreat at Sky Ranch is more than just a few days away from the classroom. It’s a foundational experience that shapes the PCA Upper School journey in profound ways. From strengthening friendships to deepening faith, the retreat offers students a chance to create lasting memories and begin the year on a positive and purposeful note. Whether through moments of fun or reflection, the retreat serves as a vital stepping stone in each student's high school journey, setting the stage for a year of growth, connection, and courage.

First page of the PDF file: Exemplary-PrestonwoodChristianAcademySystemOfficeTX2

Prestonwood Christian Academy School System is proud to announce that Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) again awarded Exemplary Accreditation for another five years.

ACSI Exemplary Accreditation is designed for high performing schools who are seeking to be held to higher standards for all programs and operations. Exemplary schools are expected to effectively meet the Inspire standards and indicators at a high level as well as the modified and additional indicators contained within the Exemplary Addendum. 

“We just went through the ACSI accreditation process, and it was a big deal,” said Dr. Michael Goddard, PCA Superintendent. “Sometimes you hear about Christian schools or private schools not having a lot of accountability, but that’s just not true. We went through a hard process that has taken multiple months.”

In addition to simply meeting the indicators at an effective or highly effective level, an ACSI school must have a demonstrable history of exemplary programs and practices in governance, executive leadership, school viability, academic instruction, student learning, spiritual formation, and overall school culture (a vibrant, Christ-centered ethos among students, faculty, and leadership). The school must demonstrate a commitment to ongoing school improvement, evidenced by stakeholder feedback, multiple forms of data, and past accreditation reports to drive successful school improvement initiatives.

“ACSI accredits hundreds of schools. We did the math and about 2% of their schools achieve Exemplary status,” said Dr. Shannon Cole, Assistant Superintendent and PCA Plano Head of School. “I am so grateful for families who sacrifice to have their students here. As I think about our Academic offering, I want parents to know the value of what they are getting. Our teachers are exemplary, and that is why we have obtained this incredible status!” 

 

PCA School System Announces Personnel Changes

Prestonwood Christian Academy (PCA) School System announced a reorganization of principals at three campuses to be effective after the 2022-23 school year concludes. The approaching retirement of PCA Plano Middle School principal, Mrs. Cindy Galloway, prompted the changes.

Current PCA Plano Lower School Principal, Dr. Katie Chretien, will become the PCA North Lower School Principal. Current PCA Plano Lower School Assistant Principal, Mrs. Jan Jeffcoat, will be promoted to Principal of PCA Plano Lower School. Current PCA North Lower School Principal, Ms. Kristan Williams, will become the PCA Plano Middle School Principal.

“I couldn’t help but think of Proverbs 16:9: ‘The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps,’ when the opportunity came to deepen the Kingdom Impact for these three incredible leaders,” said Dr. Michael Goddard, PCA School System Superintendent. “Katie, Kristan, and Jan all love Jesus, love their church, love families, love teachers and staff, and use all those foundational principles to cover the students with all that love. We are excited to see what God has planned for each of these leaders in the days and years ahead.”

The school system recently announced two new assistant principals for the 2023-24 school year: Mr. Bill Doar at PCA Plano Middle School and Mrs. Becky Knight at PCA North Lower School. The school system will immediately begin a search for a new assistant principal in the Plano Lower School and continues to interview qualified candidates for a Plano Upper School assistant principal.

Dr. Katie Chretien has a wealth of experience having been in the field of education since 1998 after receiving her bachelor’s degree in Arts Secondary Education from Louisiana State University. She completed her master's in Education at LSU in 1998 and received her doctorate in Educational Leadership from Stephen F. Austin State University in 2007. Over the past 26 years, Chretien has served at the elementary, middle, and high school levels in various capacities in both private and public school settings. In addition to various classroom instructor roles, she served as Assistant Principal at Vivian Elementary Middle Magnet School in Shreveport, LA; Academic Dean, Classroom Teacher, Department Head, and High School Team Lead at Leadership Prep School in Frisco, TX; and Assistant Principal at Boyer Elementary in Prosper Independent School District. Chretien was appointed the Principal of PCA Plano Lower School in 2021.

Mrs. Jan Jeffcoat will soon celebrate her 20th school year at PCA Plano after spending 12 years as a 3rd Grade teacher and team leader and six years as Assistant Principal. Jeffcoat earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from Texas A&M Commerce and a Masters of Educational Leadership from Dallas Baptist University. 

Ms. Kristan Williams began her career as a Science and Math Lab teacher at Frisco ISD’s Vandeventer Middle School and quickly became a Team Leader and Student Achievement Committee Chairperson. She was appointed principal of PCA North’s Lower School last year after serving as Assistant Principal at Maus Middle School. Prior to serving in that capacity Williams was a Science Instructional Coach and Teacher for three years in addition to being the school’s Campus Improvement Team Chairperson and National Junior Honor Society Sponsor. At the district level, she was a curriculum writer for five years. She also served on the district’s Improvement Team and Diversity Task Force. Williams holds Texas Principal, Texas Teacher Evaluation Support System Appraiser, and Texas Superintendent certifications. Williams is a member of the Texas Association for Secondary School Principals, Texas Association of School Administrators and Phi Delta Kappa Honor Society. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Education from Texas Tech University and a Masters of Education from the University of North Texas (UNT). She is currently pursuing a doctorate from UNT.

Prestonwood Christian Academy is made up of six schools serving students across the Dallas Metroplex and virtually throughout the world. More than 2,000 students are enrolled at four campuses: PCA Plano (Pre-K3 through 12th Grade), PCA North in Prosper (Pre-K3 through 12th Grade), PCA Hybrid (a three-day in classroom/two-day at home program) and PCA Online. St. Timothy Christian Academy in Plano serves students with learning differences and The King’s Academy provides a Christian education to students in South Dallas. The PCA School System has been recognized as having one of the strongest Christian education programs in the country providing intentional biblical worldview training and integration. PCA places great value on the growth of students’ spiritual health in addition to their scholastic endeavors and co-curricular activities. Tantamount to its Spiritual Development plan is PCA’s rigorous Liberal Arts academic program. From the first graduating class in 2002 through the class of 2022, graduates have been offered more than $169 million in scholarship for academics, arts and athletics from universities and other institutions of higher learning. PCA is accepting applications for the 2023-24 school year. Go to prestonwoodchristian.org/admissions for more information.

Prestonwood Christian Academy School System (PCA) announced that beginning with the 2023-24 school year, Mr. Phil Armstrong will focus his efforts as the new full-time International Student Program Director. Armstrong has been splitting his time as the Plano Middle School Assistant Principal and the international program for the past seven years, during which the program has seen major growth, necessitating a full-time leadership position.

“Phil Armstrong has brought a heart of service and discipleship to our international student program over the years,” said PCA School System Superintendent, Dr. Mike Goddard.  “The program has grown to a size now that we need a person to focus their full attention on meeting the needs of our international students, sponsors and parents. Phil brings an expertise to working with Christian International students who attend PCA. His focus is to grow each student in Christ and disciple them to make a Kingdom Impact all over the world.”

Armstrong brings a wealth of experience having been in the field of education since 1992 after receiving his bachelor’s degree in Theology from Baptist Bible College in MO. He completed his MAT in Science Education from the University of Texas at Dallas (UTD). He obtained his Texas Teaching Certificate from UTD and a Texas Secondary Education Principal Certification from Texas A&M Commerce.

Prior to joining Prestonwood Christian Academy in 2004, Armstrong taught for 12 years in the Plano Independent School District as an 8th grade science teacher and department head. During his 19-year tenure at PCA, Armstrong has served as a science teacher, Middle School science department head, Middle School Assistant Principal. He also served as the International Student Program Director for seven years during his tenure as Assistant Principal.

“The Lord has blessed our International Student Program so much since we started seven years ago,” said Armstrong. “One exciting aspect is how our program fits so well with PCA’s mission statement—we ARE making a difference for eternity! I am really looking forward to improving our international program in a healthy way that will have a positive impact on our students and strengthen our school.”

Armstrong has been married to Annette for 40 years, and the couple has two adult children, Blake and Kaylynn.

Prestonwood Christian Academy is made up of six schools serving students across the Dallas Metroplex and virtually throughout the world. More than 2,000 students are enrolled at four campuses: PCA Plano (Pre-K3 through 12th Grade), PCA North in Prosper (Pre-K3 through 12th Grade), PCA Hybrid (a three-day in classroom/two-day at home program) and PCA Online. St. Timothy Christian Academy in Plano serves students with learning differences and The King’s Academy provides a Christian education to students in South Dallas. The PCA School System has been recognized as having one of the strongest Christian education programs in the country providing intentional biblical worldview training and integration. PCA places great value on the growth of students’ spiritual health in addition to their scholastic endeavors and co-curricular activities. Tantamount to its Spiritual Development plan is PCA’s rigorous Liberal Arts academic program. From the first graduating class in 2002 through the class of 2022, graduates have been offered more than $169 million in scholarship for academics, arts and athletics from universities and other institutions of higher learning. PCA is accepting applications for the 2023-24 school year. Go to prestonwoodchristian.org/admissions for more information.

 

Prestonwood Christian Academy (PCA) School System announced new administration roles at two of its campuses to be effective after the 2022-23 school year concludes. Mrs. Becky Knight has been appointed Assistant Principal of the PCA North Lower School and Mr. Bill Doar has been named Assistant Principal of the PCA Plano Middle School.

“Mrs. Knight will bring an array of experience in supporting our youngest learners while coming alongside parents to support our continued partnership. Her Godly leadership has had a huge impact at North and it is evident that God has called her to this role,” said Dr. Shannon Cole, PCA School System Chief Academic Officer. “In addition, we are excited to welcome Mr. Doar to his new role where he will continue to support and encourage students through his spiritual mentorship and Godly wisdom. As department head he has demonstrated leadership and is highly respected by our entire PCA community.” 

Knight has been named the first PCA North Lower School Assistant Principal after serving at Prestonwood Christian Academy North for seven years as a Pre-K 4 and Pre-K-5 teacher during which she was Team Leader and Chapel Coordinator. Knight was named the 2021-22 PCA School System Teacher of the Year. Prior to PCA, she spent 13 years at various Christian schools in North Texas in roles such as 4th Grade Teacher, 5th/6th Grade Science & Bible Teacher and Curriculum Director.

“It is with great excitement that I get to welcome Mrs. Knight into the role of assistant principal at PCA North Lower School,” said PCA North Lower School Principal Kristan Williams. “She brings a skill set that is unmatched as well as a wealth of knowledge and expertise. Mrs. Knight is a champion for children and a strong spiritual leader who exemplifies Christ in all aspects of her life. I look forward to working with her in this new capacity.”

“While I have experienced PCA as both a teacher and a parent, the purposeful discipleship of students stands out as the thing I appreciate the most,” said Knight. “To teach academic subjects not devoid of God, but with Him purposefully integrated into each area with our students is such a privilege and joy. That Biblical worldview as their foundation allows them to question, reason and defend their faith with educators that will continue to point them to Scripture and God as the source of their answers. I believe we are discipling students to view their future as more than just seeking success or temporal happiness, but God’s calling on their life.”

Knight and husband Jeremy are the parents of Ella (5th Grade), Jude (3rd Grade) and Eden (Kindergarten) who all attend PCA North. The Knights have attended Prestonwood Baptist Church North Campus for 15 years. They are active in the Redeemed Life Group and Knight serves on the vocal team.

Doar’s professional experience of 13 years in education has taken place in the Middle School setting, with the last four years as PCA Plano’s 5th Grade Math Teacher followed by serving as the 6th grade Math Teacher. Doar is currently the 6th Grade Team Leader and Math Department Chair as well as New Teacher Mentor. Earlier this year he served as PCA Plano’s Middle School Interim Assistant Principal. Doar is taking the place of Mr. Phil Armstrong, who will lead PCA’s growing International Student Program full time following the 2022-23 school year.

Doar graduated from Grove City College with his bachelor’s degree in Business Management in 2010. Additionally, he earned his M.A. in Curriculum & Instruction from The University of Mississippi in 2012 and M.Ed. in Administration & Supervision from The University of Virginia in 2019.

“Bill is a leader willing to take on responsibilities beyond the scope of his role as a teacher, department head, and team leader,” said PCA Plano Middle School Principal, Cindy Galloway. “Bill is known by others as a leader who seeks to resolve conflict by listening to others before making decisions and who is willing to trek through new paths to create the best learning experiences for students.”

Doar and his wife of 12 years, Jenny, have been members of Prestonwood Baptist Church for four years. They are active members in their Life Group, Community, where Mr. Doar regularly teaches. In addition, he serves in Prestonwood Kidz and helps coach PSO Sports. Their oldest three children Will (2nd Grade), Tay (1st Grade) and Addie (Kindergarten) are in the Hybrid Program at Prestonwood Christian Academy. Their youngest daughter, Grace is four years old and will soon be a PCA Lion as well.