🎭✨Today, we kicked off preparations for our annual ministry production by revealing the play title and leading acting roles to our 7th graders. This year’s production is “Robin Hood – Quest for Justice,” and the excitement is already building!

Students in the younger grades will have singing roles woven throughout the acting scenes. This production is one of the highlights of our school year and offers an incredible opportunity for students to stretch themselves, serve others, and use their gifts in a unique and meaningful way. We can’t wait to see how God works through it all! 💜

#ucathunder #ucaelementary #ucamiddleschool #ucafinearts
2 days ago, UCA
student being handed his script from the teacher
group of girls reading their scripts
teacher laughing with a student
logo for a ministry production called Robin Hood - Quest for Justice
group of girls reading their scripts
students congratulating each other
student being handed his script from the teacher
group of boys reading their scripts
teacher laughing with a student
group of students reading their scripts
🎄🎶 A joyful start to the day!

Last Friday and again today, students were welcomed into the building with the sounds of Christmas as some of our staff members sang carols and others played instruments (some students joined in on instruments as well). This annual tradition fills our halls with joy and sets a festive tone for the day.

There’s nothing quite like beginning the morning together in song as we celebrate the season and the community we share. ❤️✨

#ucathunder #ucastaff
3 days ago, UCA
staff members singing christmas carols and playing instruments as students walk into the building
staff members singing christmas carols and playing instruments as students walk into the building
staff members singing christmas carols and playing instruments as students walk into the building
staff members singing christmas carols and playing instruments as students walk into the building
staff members singing christmas carols and playing instruments as students walk into the building
staff members singing christmas carols and playing instruments as students walk into the building
staff members singing christmas carols and playing instruments as students walk into the building
staff members singing christmas carols and playing instruments as students walk into the building
staff members singing christmas carols and playing instruments as students walk into the building
staff members singing christmas carols and playing instruments as students walk into the building
🎄🎲 Staff Christmas Party! 🎁😂

Yesterday, our staff enjoyed a wonderful time together at our annual Christmas party. It is truly a blessing to work alongside a team that not only collaborates so well but also genuinely enjoys spending time together.

There were plenty of laughs, lots of festive cheer, and we quickly discovered who the most competitive among us was during some lively dice games and a spirited white elephant gift exchange! Moments like these remind us what a special community we have. 💜

#ucathunder #ucastaff
4 days ago, UCA
staff members mingling at a Christmas party
staff members choosing white elephant gifts off of a table
staff member holding up the gift she unwrapped with a very excited expression
staff member showing the Christmas socks she unwrapped
staff member trying to unwrap a gift with oven mits on
staff members playing a dice game to exchange white elephant gifts
staff members playing a dice game to exchange white elephant gifts
staff members playing a dice game to exchange white elephant gifts
staff members playing a dice game to exchange white elephant gifts
four staff members wearing the exact same shirt
☀️❄️ The sunshine and warmer temperatures this week have been a welcome sight for our students after last week’s bitter cold. Recess was filled with snowman-building fun, while our high schoolers got creative—playing a spirited game of “baseball” using snowballs and car windshield scrapers!

We loved seeing students enjoy the fresh air, laughter, and a little winter fun together. 😊⛄️

#ucathunder
5 days ago, UCA
group of elementary students making a snowman at recess
two elementary aged girls standing by a snowman they built
high school teacher with a few students enjoying the sun and snow
group of elementary students making a snowman at recess
three elementary boys standing next to a snowman
high school students playing baseball with snowballs
principal playing in the snow with students
two elementary boys standing next to a snowman
✨ 📖 The Christmas story… first-grade style! 🎄 😄

Our first graders have been learning about the birth of Jesus from the book of Luke—and they brought the story to life with simple props and big personalities! One student even got to play Mary… and the class couldn’t stop laughing at the idea of a *first grader having a baby.

A stuffed animal stood in for baby Jesus, and while there were plenty of giggles, it was also a sweet and meaningful way for students to engage with the true story of Christmas. 💜

#ucathunder #ucaelementary
5 days ago, UCA
two boys sitting on the floor looking in their bibles
1st grade students acting out the parts of the Christmas story
a girl acting as Mary and a boy acting as Cesar Agustus
teacher sitting on the floor while teaching a Bible lesson
students acting as shepherds and sheep
students acting as Mary and Joseph, who just had the baby Jesus
students acting as shepherds and sheep
students sitting on the floor reading their Bibles
students and their teacher sitting on the floor learning a Bible lesson
students sitting on the floor praying
🎄🎶 Our middle school Spanish students spread Christmas cheer by visiting classrooms throughout the school and singing Christmas carols in Spanish. This UCA tradition is a beautiful way to practice the language while bringing smiles and festive spirit to fellow students. 💜✨

#ucathunder #ucamiddleschool
6 days ago, UCA
middle school spanish students signing christmas carols in spanish to other classrooms
middle school spanish students signing christmas carols in spanish to students in the lunchroom
middle school spanish students signing christmas carols in spanish to other classrooms
middle school spanish students signing christmas carols in spanish to other classrooms
middle school spanish students signing christmas carols in spanish to other classrooms
middle school spanish students signing christmas carols in spanish to kids in the lunchroom
middle school spanish students signing christmas carols in spanish to other classrooms
middle school spanish students signing christmas carols in spanish to kids in the lunchroom
middle school spanish students signing christmas carols in spanish to kids in the lunchroom
🎄✨ We love traditions that bring our community together, and today, it was Christmas Grams!

Parents and students had the chance to purchase these small, festive gifts, and today our amazing student leaders delivered them all around the school.

From Pre-K to high school, classrooms were filled with smiles, surprises, and a whole lot of Christmas cheer. 💜🎁

#ucathunder
9 days ago, UCA
High school students handing out christmas gifts to younger students
student laughing at her stuffed chicken toy
High school students handing out christmas gifts to younger students
pre-K student with an armful of gifts
High school students handing out christmas gifts to younger students
High school students handing out christmas gifts to younger students
High school students handing out christmas gifts to younger students
8th grade students handing out christmas gifts to other middle school students
8th grade students handing out christmas gifts to other middle school students
kindergarten student wearing a christmas headband
❄️📚 Academic snowball fight!

Our 3rd graders had a blast in class this week during a paper snowball activity! While the music played, they tossed snowballs back and forth, trying to end with the fewest on their side. Inside each snowball was a statement—and once the “snow” settled, students opened them up and decided whether each one was a fact or an opinion.

Fun + learning = the perfect winter combo! ⛄️✨

#ucathunder #ucaelementary
10 days ago, UCA
students lined up in the middle of a classroom ready to pick up paper snowballs and start a "snowball fight"
students throwing paper snowballs at each other
students throwing paper snowballs at each other
students throwing paper snowballs at each other
students throwing paper snowballs at each other
students throwing paper snowballs at each other
students throwing paper snowballs at each other
student standing at the white board ready to mark her tally in one of two columns
🀄️ 🌬️ Our 6th graders in Chinese class took a creative approach to their character practice this week by making and decorating their own windmills. As they crafted, they wrote Chinese characters on the blades—turning language learning into a hands-on, visual experience.

🇨🇳 What a fun, new “spin” on engaging with culture and language! ✨

#ucathunder #ucamiddleschool
11 days ago, UCA
two students showing the windmills they made with Chinese characters written on them
one student showing the windmills they made with Chinese characters written on them
Chinese teacher helping her students put together a windmill
students creating windmills in Chinese class
one student showing the windmills they made with Chinese characters written on them
Chinese teacher helping her students put together a windmill
a student creating windmills in Chinese class
students creating windmills in Chinese class
students creating windmills in Chinese class
a student creating windmills in Chinese class
🎄🎶 Final touches before the big night!

Our elementary students had their dress rehearsal today for the Christmas music concert, and the excitement is building!

From joyful songs to sweet smiles, they’ve been working hard and are ready to share the hope and joy of the season.

We can’t wait for you to see their performances on Thursday evening—it's going to be a wonderful celebration! ✨❤️

Pre-k - 2nd grade: 5:30 pm
3rd - 5th grades: 6:45 pm

#ucathunder #uceelementary
11 days ago, UCA
students holding candles while singing on stage
students holding inflatable students while singing on stage
teacher directing the students on stage
students singing on stage
students singing on stage, some holding props
students singing on stage
students singing on stage
students singing on stage
students singing and dancing on stage
students singing on stage, some holding props
🍪✨ Run, run, as fast as you can!

After reading The Gingerbread Man, our Kindergarten students set off on an exciting scavenger hunt around the building, following clues and searching high and low for their runaway friend.

The adventure ended with the sweetest surprise of all—homemade gingerbread man cookies! A perfect way to bring this classic story to life. ❤️🎄

#ucathunder #ucaelementary
12 days ago, UCA
kindergarten teachers reading a story to their classes
kindergarten students finding a clue on a scavenger hunt
a clue posted on the wall as part of a scavenger hunt
kindergarten students finding a clue on a scavenger hunt
kindergarten students finding a clue on a scavenger hunt
kindergarten students finding a clue on a scavenger hunt
kindergarten teacher showing a pan of cookies to her students
teacher passing out cookies to her students
teacher passing out cookies to her students
student showing his half-eaten cookie
🎄🚪Our middle school and high school students jumped into some friendly House Competition last week by decorating classroom doors. Each house was given a unique theme—sparking creativity and teamwork!

Staff members will be voting on their favorites, and we can’t wait to see which house takes the win. Great job to all our students for bringing joy and festive fun to our hallways! 🎅✨

#ucathunder #ucahighschool #ucamiddleschool #ucahousesystem
13 days ago, UCA
photo collage of classroom doors decorated by high school students
photo collage of classroom doors decorated by middle school students
middle school students decorating a classroom door with a Christmas theme
high school students decorating a classroom door with a Christmas theme
middle school students decorating a classroom door with a Christmas theme
high school students decorating a classroom door with a Christmas theme
middle school students decorating a classroom door with a Christmas theme
high school students decorating a classroom door with a Christmas theme
middle school students decorating a classroom door with a Christmas theme
high school students decorating a classroom door with a Christmas theme
🎄✨ What a night! Last week, our band and choir students filled the auditorium with the sounds of Christmas at our annual Christmas Concert. From festive favorites to beautiful carols, our musicians shared their gifts with joy, excellence, and heartfelt worship.

We’re so proud of the hard work these students put in and grateful for the directors who lead them so well. Thank you to all the families and friends who came to support them—your presence made the evening even more special! 🎶❤️💚

#ucathunder #ucafinearts
14 days ago, UCA
combined middle and high school choirs on stage during Christmas concert
high school band students performing on stage during Christmas concert
6th grade choir students performing on stage during Christmas concert
6th grade percussionists performing during Christmas concert
7th and 8th grade choir students performing during Christmas concert
7th and 8th grade band students performing during Christmas concert
high school choir students performing on stage during a Christmas concert
4th grade band students performing on stage during a Christmas concert
6th grade choir students performing on stage during Christmas concert
5th grade band students performing on stage during a Christmas concert
Elle, one of our UCA seniors, has taken it upon herself to spread joy in a powerful way—by organizing a monthly, before-school card-making activity for kids battling terminal illnesses.

“Letters of Love” is where students gather to create heartfelt cards filled with encouragement, hope, and prayer. It’s a beautiful example of compassion, leadership, and using our gifts to love others well. 💌

We’re so proud of her initiative and the students who show up each month to make a difference, one card at a time. 💜

#ucathunder #ucahighschool
17 days ago, UCA
three high school students making cards
looking over the shoulder of a student making a card
three high school students making cards
flyer of information about card making event
example cards that the students have made
two high school students making cards

📣 We are excited to announce our third recipient of the United Ambassador Award.🏆

This distinction is designed to honor individuals in our community who have made significant, positive impacts through their service, support, and dedication.👏

Please help us honor and show appreciation for Deb Otterblad. Deb has blessed our school abundantly with more than 25 years of teaching and service. Many students and staff have been touched by her presence at the school. 💜

On behalf of the entire UCA community, we extend our deepest gratitude to Deb. We thank her for her years of dedication to this school and its legacy, her faithful teaching, and her kind spirit. UCA truly would not be the same without you, and we are blessed to have you as part of our school family.

Check out the full story here: https://www.ucathunder.org/article/2579027

#ucathunder

17 days ago, UCA
two pictures of a teacher with her students with the United Ambassador Award logo
🌟 Every student at UCA has an incredible story — unique, inspiring, and full of potential! 💜

We’d like to celebrate those students who shine. From personal achievements to acts of kindness, creative talents, and leadership in or out of the classroom, each student makes a difference and brings something special to our community! 🙌🎓

Shoutout to 9th grader Claire M who is shining in and out of the classroom.

At the Northfield Sprint Spectacular, Claire won the girls 13/14 age group high point champion belt for reaching the podium 8 times. She discovered that even swimmers who consider themselves ‘distance swimmers’ can do sprints!

Results:
🥇1st place: 100 back, 50 breast, 50 back, 50 free
🥈2nd place: 100 breast, 100 free, 50 fly
🥉3rd place: 100 fly

#ucathunder #ucastudentswhoshine
18 days ago, UCA
students who shine graphic with two pictures of a 9th grade girl
🎈Mrs. Ray’s 3rd graders have been diving into the story Balloons Over Broadway!

After reading about the true story of the puppeteer behind the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, the students created their own colorful balloons and wrapped up the project with a fun reader’s theater performance.

We loved seeing their creativity and confidence shine! 🎉

#ucathunder #ucaelementary
20 days ago, UCA
students making a balloon float based off of the "Balloons Over Broadway" story
students making a balloon float based off of the "Balloons Over Broadway" story
students making a balloon float based off of the "Balloons Over Broadway" story
students making a balloon float based off of the "Balloons Over Broadway" story
students making a balloon float based off of the "Balloons Over Broadway" story
students making a balloon float based off of the "Balloons Over Broadway" story
students making a balloon float based off of the "Balloons Over Broadway" story
students making a balloon float based off of the "Balloons Over Broadway" story
students making a balloon float based off of the "Balloons Over Broadway" story
students in front of a classroom performing a readers theater
🦃🍁 A Thanksgiving Blessing for Our UCA Community 🍁🦃

As we enter this season of gratitude, we want to pause and thank God for the incredible blessing of our UCA family. We are grateful for students who bring joy and curiosity to each day, for parents who partner with us so faithfully, and for staff who pour their hearts into serving and discipling the next generation.

May this Thanksgiving be a time of rest, reflection, and renewed joy for you and your loved ones. We pray that your homes are filled with peace, laughter, and the comforting reminder of God’s goodness in every season.

From all of us at United Christian Academy — thank you for being a cherished part of our community. We are thankful for you today and always. 💜
25 days ago, UCA
graphic with leaves and a thanksgiving blessing
Our 7th grade scientists had a sweet time in class! 🍪✨

To help them visualize the stages of cell mitosis, students used Oreo cookies and sprinkles to model each phase — from prophase to cytokinesis. Hands-on learning (and a little treat!) made this complex process fun, memorable, and delicious.

#ucathunder #ucamiddleschool #ucastem
25 days ago, UCA
students using oreos and sprinkles for a cell mitosis lab
students using oreos and sprinkles for a cell mitosis lab
students using oreos and sprinkles for a cell mitosis lab
students using oreos and sprinkles for a cell mitosis lab
students using oreos and sprinkles for a cell mitosis lab
students using oreos and sprinkles for a cell mitosis lab
students using oreos and sprinkles for a cell mitosis lab
students using oreos and sprinkles for a cell mitosis lab
students using oreos and sprinkles for a cell mitosis lab
students using oreos and sprinkles for a cell mitosis lab
Several of our high school band students had an incredible opportunity last weekend! 🎶✨

Nominated by Mr. Curtis, they were invited to participate in a one-day Honor Band at the University of Northwestern in St. Paul.

Students spent the day in focused rehearsals and sectionals alongside talented musicians from across the region, learning under outstanding directors and growing in their musical skills. They wrapped up the experience with a beautiful evening concert for family and friends. 🎼

#ucathunder #ucahighschool #ucafinearts
26 days ago, UCA
group picture of 6 high school students who attended an honor band
concert band on stage performing
concert band on stage performing
picture of students in a band rehearsal
picture of students in a band rehearsal
students eating lunch