United Christian Academy

💜⚠️Heartwarming story alert! Our students can make a Sweet Difference! 🌟🍋 4th Grade superstar, Gabriela, set up the most adorable lemonade stand right outside her house this past weekend. Instead of saving up for something just for herself, she donated the money she earned to UCA! She's showing us all what true kindness and generosity look like. #ucathunder #ucaelementary

⚽️ 🥅 The UCA Varsity Boys Soccer Team kicked off the season with a memorable win! They found themselves down two goals early on but showed grit and determination. 🏆🎉 Captain Carson Kotula rallied the team and got the year's first goal. The boys battled back to victory over Nova Classical 3-2. #ucathunder #ucaathletics

🏐 🏆Our girls spiked their way into Second Place!! Last Saturday, the Varsity Girls Volleyball team played at the Humboldt Volleyball tournament. They took first place in their pool of five teams putting them in the championship game! They lost to Minnehaha Academy placing second in the tournament. Good day of playing by all! #ucathunder #ucaathletics

Our Cross Country teams are off to the races!🏅👟 🌞 Last Friday was the "Early Bird" Meet, and the sun may have been hot, but our runners did not disappoint. They pushed themselves to the limits, conquering heat and pushing through that last sprint. 🏁 Shoutout to five UCA runners who placed within the top ten of their races: 🏃‍♀️Summer - Girls 2 mile 🏃‍♂️Mason and Samuel - Boys 2 mile 🏃‍♀️Lauren - Girls 5K 🏃‍♂️ Miles - Boys 5K 👏Every runner deserves a round of applause for your determination! Way to go, team! #ucathunder #ucaathletics

What better way to cap off your first week of Kindergarten than to have a Teddy Bear Picnic?! 🧸🧺 Both Kindergarten classes joined together in the courtyard for pictures with a giant teddy bear, themed games and songs, snacks, and even a bear hunt! 🎶🔎 📊 Leading up to that, the students also did teddy bear learning activities in the classroom. #ucathunder #ucaelementary #ucalowerschool

⚽️ Strong start! The Girls varsity soccer team came through with a victory to "kick" off the season! They had strong team play from each athlete, and outstanding offensive play by Gracie (11th grade) with 3 goals, and Sofia (10th grade) with 1 goal. New to the coaching staff this year is Head Coach, Dana Gibson. He presents a trophy to one player each game to recognize their outstanding play. 🏆This week's recipient is Kaya! The team had a lead in a close game, and she went over and above normal play to seal the victory as goalkeeper. #ucathunder #ucaathletics

🔨 🏫 A willing group of our 6th-grade students helped us with some finishing touches, getting the Lower School building fully ready for this year. Some of our teachers were still without a desk until Mr. Morrison recruited the science class for a "Put-Together" lab. 💜 The students jumped right in with their servant's hearts and got the job done! #ucathunder #ucalowerschool

The family is growing!! Most of our new students have jumped into everything UCA, including acclimating to our House System. So far, new 1st-12th grade students have learned which house they are in. Those who were with us last year were gathered in their house groups, ready to welcome in the new members as they went through the random drawing. Once the colored gem that signified their house was pulled out of the jar, the cheering began, and the new members were welcomed! Four houses, one family! #ucathunder #ucahousesystem

🍦🌞 We all scream for ICE CREAM!! This cool treat was the perfect way to cap off our first day of school. The Lower School students and families gathered together to hang out and share stories of the busy but fun day. 💜Thank you to our parent volunteers for passing out the treats. We love the UCA community! #ucathunder #backtoschool #ucalowerschool

🏐 JV and Varsity Volleyball practice has been canceled due to condensation on the gym floor at the Upper School.

Today marks a momentous day as we step into the eagerly awaited First Day of School! The hallways are buzzing with excitement, and the classrooms are adorned with the promise of new adventures in learning and growth. 📚🚀 To our students, we pray that you embrace the beauty of the unknown, the joy of learning, and the power of friendship. This is your time to explore, to question, and to grow into the amazing individuals God meant you to be. 🌟📖 #ucathunder #ucaupperschool #ucalowerschool #backtoschool

Changes to sports activities today, 8/22, due to the heat: ⚽️ Soccer is canceled 🏃‍♀️ Cross Country will meet in the gym at the Upper School 🏐 Volleyball will meet in the gym at the Upper School (as planned)

🏫🎒 Today is the day! Get your cameras and smiles ready! 😃📷 Be sure to tag UCA when you post your "First Day" pictures, or add them in the comments below! Upper School begins at 8:05 (doors open at 7:45) Lower School begins at 8:20 (before care begins at 7:45, doors open at 8:05) See you soon! #ucathunder #backtoschool #firstdayofschool

🙌🏼 UCA is blessed to welcome new staff members to our team for this coming school year! We would like to introduce you to Miss Jenna Luttio, Middle School Spanish teacher. "Hello! I am very excited to join the team as a Spanish teacher! In previous years I have subbed at UCA and most recently I was working as a Music Therapist with Latin American youth. I'm excited about being on staff at UCA because years ago I attended one of the legacy schools as a student. That school played such a key role in helping me lay a Gospel-Centered foundation for my life and I will truly be forever grateful. Therefore, I am grateful to be back and continue to be a part of all that God is doing through this school!" We asked Mis Luttio some "This or That" questions, and here are her responses: ☕🍵 Coffee or tea? - "COFFEE" 🍦❄️Ice cream or snow cone? - "Ice cream - especially in a waffle cone!" 🌅🌃 Early bird or night owl? - "Early bird - waking up early is truly one of my favorite things!" Welcome to the community, Miss Luttio! #ucathunder #ucastaff

⚡The Thunder has returned! 🎉 🤩Yesterday's orientations were amazing! The student's bright eyes, eager faces, and genuine excitement for the upcoming school year were truly heartwarming. From the moment you stepped onto each campuses, it was clear that we're embarking on an incredible journey together. Parents, your presence and engagement spoke volumes about the strong partnership we're building for the success of our students. 🤝❤️ #ucathunder #backtoschool

🙌🏼 UCA is blessed to welcome new staff members to our team for this coming school year! We would like to introduce you to Mrs. Amanda Goodwin, Elementary Spanish teacher. "I taught for five years at Convent of the Visitation School in Mendota Heights and am currently teaching part time at Our Lady of Grace in Edina where I have been for eleven years. My teaching/life philosophy is that we make it through life by rocky roads and the patience of others. I haven't taught the littles (K-2) for several years so I'm excited to be doing that again. I'm also excited to share about God's love from a global perspective in a world language classroom. See you soon en la clase de español!" We asked Mrs. Goodwin some "This or That" questions, and here are her responses: ☕🍵 Coffee or tea? - "I am a coffee and tea person" 📖🎞️ Book or movie? - "Book and movie, if it's Angela's Ashes" Welcome to the community, Mrs. Goodwin! #ucathunder #ucastaff

📚🌟 Teachers as Learners 🌟📚 Just like our students, our teachers are embracing the excitement of new beginnings, setting goals, and pushing their boundaries to reach greater heights. Our beloved educators are also lifelong learners, constantly seeking knowledge to enrich their craft and create an even more inspiring classroom experience. Thank you to "Incubate to Innovate" for being our facilitators for the day! Let's make this school year a celebration of knowledge, curiosity, and endless possibilities! 🎉📝 It's been a full day already, but we are so excited to see the students later today at Orientation! #ucathunder #backtoschool

🙌🏼 UCA is blessed to welcome new staff members to our team for this coming school year! We would like to introduce you to Mr. Al Geselle, Fourth Grade teacher. "I’ve had the privilege of being an elementary school teacher for over a decade. Building relationships is one of my biggest passions. I am most excited about worshipping Jesus with my students every morning and being a part of a close-knit Christian community. I am married to my beautiful wife, Erin. We have a 3-month-old precious baby girl named Laney and two puppies named Nala and Lake." We asked Mr. Geselle some "This or That" questions, and here are his responses: 🍦❄️ Ice cream or snow cone? - "Ice cream over snow cones" 🧂🍬 Salty or sweet? - "Sweet AND Salty 😊" Welcome to the community, Mr. Geselle! #ucathunder #ucastaff

🙌🏼 UCA is blessed to welcome new staff members to our team for this coming school year! We would like to introduce you to Mr. Nate Hendrickson, High School History teacher. "I am so excited to be a part of the UCA family! I have worked previously as a youth pastor, teacher, and high school coach for football, swimming, and track around the Twin Cities. My teaching philosophy or why I work with kids is because I want to help kids be the best versions of themselves while always pointing them back to Jesus. What excites me the most about coming aboard at UCA is that I can be a part of a school that has not only a student’s educational success in mind but also their eternal success with Jesus. As well as making sure that a student’s relationship with Jesus is the central focus that everything in their life derives from. To me, that is something I want to be and can be a part of every single day. I am married to my wife, Madison, who works at Mounds View High School. I also Coach swimming with her at St. Anthony Village High School. We love to hike and stay active by biking and running through the cities! We have a cat named Rooney! We love him as if he was our actual child! I grew up in the northern suburbs in a family of 3 boys! I went to Bethel University and graduated in 2019. We asked Mr. Hendrickson some "This or That" questions, and here are his responses: 🍦❄️ Ice cream or snow cone? - "Ice cream, not even close!" 🧂🍬 Salty or sweet? - "Sweet, always" 🌅🌃Early bird or night owl? - "I am a day owl - a mix of the two" Welcome to the community, Mr. Hendrickson! #ucathunder #ucastaff

🤯 63 strong!! 💪 🏫Our incredible team of 63 teachers, administrators, and support staff gathered together yesterday to kick off the school year! This dedicated group is all geared up to create another year filled with learning, growth, and unforgettable moments.🌱🌟 🗓️ Can't wait to welcome all the students back in ONE WEEK!! 🎉 #ucathunder #backtoschool #ucastaff