🌋 Our 6th grade science students got hands-on with volcanoes this week by experimenting with what happens inside!
🧪 Using flasks to represent the magma chamber and main vent, they tested different types of eruptions they’ve been learning about: runny lava, thick lava, and even explosive blasts. With baking soda, vinegar, Borax, dish soap, and fabric softener in the mix, each experiment was a little different—one group even managed to create crystals, which they compared to igneous rock! 🪨 ✨
#ucathunder #ucamiddleschool #ucastem
🧪 Using flasks to represent the magma chamber and main vent, they tested different types of eruptions they’ve been learning about: runny lava, thick lava, and even explosive blasts. With baking soda, vinegar, Borax, dish soap, and fabric softener in the mix, each experiment was a little different—one group even managed to create crystals, which they compared to igneous rock! 🪨 ✨
#ucathunder #ucamiddleschool #ucastem
🩹💡 Our Anatomy students got hands-on with their study of the Integumentary system by creating their own fake wounds!
This interactive project helped them explore the structures of the system, learn about different types of injuries, and even practice basic first aid treatments. A creative (and a little messy!) way to make learning come alive! 🩸👩⚕️👨⚕️
#ucathunder #ucahighschool #ucastem
This interactive project helped them explore the structures of the system, learn about different types of injuries, and even practice basic first aid treatments. A creative (and a little messy!) way to make learning come alive! 🩸👩⚕️👨⚕️
#ucathunder #ucahighschool #ucastem
The building was bursting with energy at last Friday’s Pepfest! 🎉💜
We celebrated our fall athletes, cheered on the announcement of our Homecoming royalty, and revealed the winners of Spirit Week. The room was filled with excitement, pride, and Thunder spirit from start to finish—what an incredible way to finish off Homecoming week! ⚡🏅👑
#ucathunder
We celebrated our fall athletes, cheered on the announcement of our Homecoming royalty, and revealed the winners of Spirit Week. The room was filled with excitement, pride, and Thunder spirit from start to finish—what an incredible way to finish off Homecoming week! ⚡🏅👑
#ucathunder
Our high school Chinese students recently celebrated the Mid-Autumn Festival by sampling delicious cultural foods 🌙🥮.
This festival, also known as the Moon Festival, is a time to celebrate family, unity, and gratitude. Along with learning the traditions and history behind the holiday, students experienced a taste of the celebration through classic flavors enjoyed around the world. 🇨🇳✨
#ucathunder #ucahighschool
This festival, also known as the Moon Festival, is a time to celebrate family, unity, and gratitude. Along with learning the traditions and history behind the holiday, students experienced a taste of the celebration through classic flavors enjoyed around the world. 🇨🇳✨
#ucathunder #ucahighschool
What an amazing day at Super Soccer Saturday! ⚽☀️
It was the perfect mix of soccer, community, good weather, food, and fun. From the exciting games on the field to the kids’ activities, concessions, and food truck treats, the field was filled with energy and school spirit. 💜🎉
Thank you to everyone who came out to cheer, play, and celebrate—this highlight of our athletic year wouldn’t be the same without our incredible community! 🙌
#ucathunder #ucacommunity #ucaathletics
It was the perfect mix of soccer, community, good weather, food, and fun. From the exciting games on the field to the kids’ activities, concessions, and food truck treats, the field was filled with energy and school spirit. 💜🎉
Thank you to everyone who came out to cheer, play, and celebrate—this highlight of our athletic year wouldn’t be the same without our incredible community! 🙌
#ucathunder #ucacommunity #ucaathletics
Our 7th graders turned into bug hunters this fall! 🕵️♂️🐜
From creepy crawlers to fluttering wings, each student brought in insects to study—some even mailed in by family members from across the country and overseas! 🌍✈️
The challenge? Track down every bug in their collection and identify its class, order, and more. It was a wild mix of detective work and discovery, and our students had a blast exploring the incredible world of bugs! 🦋🔬🐞
#ucathunder #ucamiddleschool #ucastem
From creepy crawlers to fluttering wings, each student brought in insects to study—some even mailed in by family members from across the country and overseas! 🌍✈️
The challenge? Track down every bug in their collection and identify its class, order, and more. It was a wild mix of detective work and discovery, and our students had a blast exploring the incredible world of bugs! 🦋🔬🐞
#ucathunder #ucamiddleschool #ucastem
Every week in Mrs. Troost’s kindergarten classroom, a new “Hero of the Week” gets to shine by sharing about themselves and having a favorite story read. 📚✨
Recently, our students had two extra special guest heroes — Mr. Peters and Dr. Morrison! 👏
The kids loved learning more about them and hearing them read their favorite stories. What a fun way to build connections in our school community! 💜
#ucathunder #ucaelementary
Recently, our students had two extra special guest heroes — Mr. Peters and Dr. Morrison! 👏
The kids loved learning more about them and hearing them read their favorite stories. What a fun way to build connections in our school community! 💜
#ucathunder #ucaelementary
👏 Congratulations to UCA senior, Elizabeth LaPlante! 👏
She has received a Letter of Commendation from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation for her outstanding performance on last year’s PSAT exam. Her score placed her among the top 50,000 out of 3.5 million students nationwide who took the PSAT/NMSQT exam. That puts her in the top 1.5% in the nation! 📚🧐
Commended Students demonstrate exceptional academic promise and potential for future success—and we are so proud to celebrate this achievement with her. Way to go, Elizabeth! 💜
#ucathunder #ucahighschool
She has received a Letter of Commendation from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation for her outstanding performance on last year’s PSAT exam. Her score placed her among the top 50,000 out of 3.5 million students nationwide who took the PSAT/NMSQT exam. That puts her in the top 1.5% in the nation! 📚🧐
Commended Students demonstrate exceptional academic promise and potential for future success—and we are so proud to celebrate this achievement with her. Way to go, Elizabeth! 💜
#ucathunder #ucahighschool
🐛 Worm Watchers 🐛
Our 5th graders are diving into the fascinating world of decomposers! As part of their study on the web of life, students observed the behaviors of worms and discovered the important role they play in our ecosystem. 🌱
From breaking down organic matter to fertilizing the soil, worms are small but mighty helpers in keeping God’s creation healthy and thriving. What a fun and hands-on way to see science come to life! 🌍✨
#ucathunder #ucaelementary #ucastem
Our 5th graders are diving into the fascinating world of decomposers! As part of their study on the web of life, students observed the behaviors of worms and discovered the important role they play in our ecosystem. 🌱
From breaking down organic matter to fertilizing the soil, worms are small but mighty helpers in keeping God’s creation healthy and thriving. What a fun and hands-on way to see science come to life! 🌍✨
#ucathunder #ucaelementary #ucastem
This morning our students and parents joined together for the nation-wide See You at the Pole event 🙏🇺🇸.
Before school, we gathered around the flagpole to pray for our school, community, nation, and more—what a powerful way to start the day!
This year’s gathering was especially meaningful as we lifted our prayers beneath a brand-new flag. The flag was recently donated by one of our sweet 3rd graders, who noticed our old one was faded and tattered. She raised money at a garage sale to buy a new one for the school and church—a beautiful reminder that God can use even the smallest acts of love and generosity to make a big impact. 🌟 Thank you Brynley! 💜
#ucathunder #ucarootedinprayer
Before school, we gathered around the flagpole to pray for our school, community, nation, and more—what a powerful way to start the day!
This year’s gathering was especially meaningful as we lifted our prayers beneath a brand-new flag. The flag was recently donated by one of our sweet 3rd graders, who noticed our old one was faded and tattered. She raised money at a garage sale to buy a new one for the school and church—a beautiful reminder that God can use even the smallest acts of love and generosity to make a big impact. 🌟 Thank you Brynley! 💜
#ucathunder #ucarootedinprayer
See You at the Pole -- Wednesday at 7:45 AM -- All students are invited!
This is a nationwide, student-led day of prayer. We will gather around the school flagpole (east side of the building, where drop-off traffic exits). Students must stay in the grassy area. Elementary students must be accompanied by an adult.
This year’s theme is “AWE” from Habakkuk 3:2 — “Lord, I have heard of your fame; I stand in awe of your deeds...”
Let's stand together in awe of who God is and ask Him to move in our homes, our school, and our country!
#ucathunder
This is a nationwide, student-led day of prayer. We will gather around the school flagpole (east side of the building, where drop-off traffic exits). Students must stay in the grassy area. Elementary students must be accompanied by an adult.
This year’s theme is “AWE” from Habakkuk 3:2 — “Lord, I have heard of your fame; I stand in awe of your deeds...”
Let's stand together in awe of who God is and ask Him to move in our homes, our school, and our country!
#ucathunder
Our kindergarteners had the joy of experiencing the miracle of the monarch butterfly’s life cycle firsthand! 🦋 From tiny caterpillars to chrysalis to the final transformation, they observed every phase up close.
The highlight came when they released the butterflies into the wild—an unforgettable reminder of God’s amazing design and the wonder of new life. 🌿✨
#ucathunder #ucaelementary
The highlight came when they released the butterflies into the wild—an unforgettable reminder of God’s amazing design and the wonder of new life. 🌿✨
#ucathunder #ucaelementary
On Constitution Day, Mrs. Ray’s 3rd graders celebrated our nation’s founding document in a fun and memorable way! 🇺🇸
They discovered interesting facts about the Constitution and its signers, listened to the story We the Kids, and worked to simplify the big words of the Preamble into kid-friendly language. To top it off, they sang along with a classic tune from Schoolhouse Rock! 🎶📖
Beyond the fun, students are also learning the importance of civic responsibility and how our nation’s history continues to shape the freedoms we enjoy today. 🌟
#ucathunder #ucaelementary
They discovered interesting facts about the Constitution and its signers, listened to the story We the Kids, and worked to simplify the big words of the Preamble into kid-friendly language. To top it off, they sang along with a classic tune from Schoolhouse Rock! 🎶📖
Beyond the fun, students are also learning the importance of civic responsibility and how our nation’s history continues to shape the freedoms we enjoy today. 🌟
#ucathunder #ucaelementary
Our recent 11th & 12th grade retreat was a powerful and memorable experience! Students not only grew in their faith but also built deeper connections with one another. 💜
In addition to spiritual growth, they were stretched through team activities that required trust, perseverance, and problem-solving—pushing them outside their comfort zones while teaching the value of encouragement, teamwork, and leaning on one another.
We were blessed to have Mr. Irwin as our speaker, who reminded us not to place our identity in our circumstances but to root it firmly in Christ. 🙌 Students came back encouraged, challenged, and closer both to each other and to the Lord—it was truly a special time together!
#ucathunder #ucahighschool
In addition to spiritual growth, they were stretched through team activities that required trust, perseverance, and problem-solving—pushing them outside their comfort zones while teaching the value of encouragement, teamwork, and leaning on one another.
We were blessed to have Mr. Irwin as our speaker, who reminded us not to place our identity in our circumstances but to root it firmly in Christ. 🙌 Students came back encouraged, challenged, and closer both to each other and to the Lord—it was truly a special time together!
#ucathunder #ucahighschool
Earlier this week, our high school Spanish students celebrated Independence Day for several Latin American countries that gained their independence from Spain.
In class, students are learning about the history and significance of these important days and how independence was gained. To make it even more meaningful (and fun!), they also enjoyed food connected to the cultures they’re celebrating. 🌮🥟🎶
¡Viva la independencia! 🇲🇽🇸🇻🇨🇷🇬🇹🇭🇳🇳🇮
#ucathunder #ucahighschool
In class, students are learning about the history and significance of these important days and how independence was gained. To make it even more meaningful (and fun!), they also enjoyed food connected to the cultures they’re celebrating. 🌮🥟🎶
¡Viva la independencia! 🇲🇽🇸🇻🇨🇷🇬🇹🇭🇳🇳🇮
#ucathunder #ucahighschool
🚓👮♂️ Our kindergarteners had some very special visitors yesterday—the local police department! As they are learning about community helpers and everyday heroes, students were able to hear from officers about their important work and ask great questions.
The highlights? Sitting inside a real squad car 🚔 and getting up close with a furry hero, their police dog Dunkin' 🐾
What an exciting and memorable way to learn about courage, service, and community! 💪 💜
#ucathunder #ucaelementary
The highlights? Sitting inside a real squad car 🚔 and getting up close with a furry hero, their police dog Dunkin' 🐾
What an exciting and memorable way to learn about courage, service, and community! 💪 💜
#ucathunder #ucaelementary
🌲 Our 9th and 10th graders had an incredible time at retreat last week!
Students enjoyed activities like 🎯 archery tag, 🧗 climbing, 🚣 canoeing & kayaking, and 🤝 team building—plus plenty of laughs over bonfires 🔥 and 9-square .
In chapel, Jonathan Sutton shared powerful messages about being rooted in truth, freedom from shame, and abiding in Christ in our everyday lives. Students also reflected through a terracotta pot activity and led meaningful times of worship 🎶—even adapting when plans didn’t go as expected.
✝️ It was a time of fun, growth, and encountering God together!
#ucathunder #ucahighschool
Students enjoyed activities like 🎯 archery tag, 🧗 climbing, 🚣 canoeing & kayaking, and 🤝 team building—plus plenty of laughs over bonfires 🔥 and 9-square .
In chapel, Jonathan Sutton shared powerful messages about being rooted in truth, freedom from shame, and abiding in Christ in our everyday lives. Students also reflected through a terracotta pot activity and led meaningful times of worship 🎶—even adapting when plans didn’t go as expected.
✝️ It was a time of fun, growth, and encountering God together!
#ucathunder #ucahighschool
Every 7th and 8th grader joined us for an incredible retreat at Forest Springs last week! 🌲✨
Students took part in outdoor education activities like canoeing, archery, orienteering, and the challenge course—all tied to practical lessons for their spiritual journey.
UCA staff led worship, teaching, and devotions around our Rooted theme. Using Jesus’ parable in Matthew 13 they explored what it means to tend the “soil of our hearts” and learning what it means to be grounded in Christ rather than our circumstances. A highlight was Thursday evening worship, when the Holy Spirit moved in powerful ways through prayer, encouragement, and testimony. 💜
We are grateful for this time away to grow in faith, build community, and deepen our roots in Christ. 🌱
#ucathunder #ucamiddleschool
Students took part in outdoor education activities like canoeing, archery, orienteering, and the challenge course—all tied to practical lessons for their spiritual journey.
UCA staff led worship, teaching, and devotions around our Rooted theme. Using Jesus’ parable in Matthew 13 they explored what it means to tend the “soil of our hearts” and learning what it means to be grounded in Christ rather than our circumstances. A highlight was Thursday evening worship, when the Holy Spirit moved in powerful ways through prayer, encouragement, and testimony. 💜
We are grateful for this time away to grow in faith, build community, and deepen our roots in Christ. 🌱
#ucathunder #ucamiddleschool
Our 6th grade students rounded out last week with a day retreat at Hyland Park filled with fun, learning, and teamwork! 🌟
Pastor Jared Kingry shared an encouraging message about the importance of growing deep before growing up, reminding students to stay rooted in Christ as they grow. The day was packed with activities—geocaching was a favorite, disc golf brought out some competitive spirits, and they learned valuable lessons in teamwork and communication! ⛳🗺️
Despite the pesky bugs, it was a meaningful day of connection and growth for our 6th graders. 💜
#ucathunder #ucamiddleschool
Our 5th graders are stepping into their new role as Big Buddies! 🌟
Last week, they met their Kindergarten Little Buddies for the very first time and spent time getting to know one another. These special connections help our younger students feel welcomed and supported, knowing they have a role model in the elementary school to look for in the halls and look up to as a mentor. 💜
#ucathunder #ucaelementary #ucabuddysystem
Last week, they met their Kindergarten Little Buddies for the very first time and spent time getting to know one another. These special connections help our younger students feel welcomed and supported, knowing they have a role model in the elementary school to look for in the halls and look up to as a mentor. 💜
#ucathunder #ucaelementary #ucabuddysystem
