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"Jesus replied: Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

 

Matthew 22:37-40

 

A Message from our
Head of School

Cadia Parks

February invites us to reflect on love, not merely as a feeling, but as a virtue rightly ordered toward God and each other. When Jesus was asked which commandment is the greatest, He responded: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind (Matthew 22:37) And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:39)". In a classical Christian school, this is the heart of our mission: to shape students who love God fully and love others faithfully.

This month I have seen love expressed in quiet but powerful ways throughout our hallways and classrooms. I have watched older students patiently guide younger ones while helping research poets for their upcoming Literary Tea. I have seen classmates encourage one another in moments of challenge. I have heard thoughtful discussion in our upper grades where students learned what respecting and lifting up one another looks like. These are not small things. They are the fruit of discipleship. As we look ahead to March, we will continue cultivating this virtue — particularly as students prepare for upcoming assessments and spring activities. 

Thank you for entrusting your children to us. In a school of 128 students, we have the privilege of truly knowing one another. That closeness allows us to shepherd hearts, not just minds. It is a joy to labor alongside you in forming young people who will love what is good and live it courageously.

 

We asked our students......

 

 

What does the Love of Jesus mean to you?

 

"Everything. The fact that Jesus came down to die for us. To save us from our sins. Think about how selfish we are in the world, but Jesus wasn't. I am so thankful that I am alive because of what He did." (McKenna, 6th)

"Jesus' love means that He cares for us and loves to do things for us." (Carter ,3rd)

 

"Jesus' love means that no matter what I do, He loves me" (5th Grader)

 

"It is a true gift";

"having the fruits of the spirit";

"His love will never stop";

"it means a place in heaven with Him";

"it means everything to me."

(various 2nd Graders)

 

"He loves, cares, forgives, and is kind to us." (Kindergartener)

"Jesus is the one I talk to when I am troubled." (Ruby, 4th)

 
 

Teacher

Spotlight

Mrs. Asthappan

Middle School Math and Drama

Q: If you weren’t a teacher, what would you be doing?

A: I think I would audition at Broadway Palm and try to be an extra in their plays. As much as I love directing, I've been feeling the itch to be back on the stage myself.

Q: What is a hobby people might be surprised you love? 

A: Counted Cross Stitch. I've made Christmas stockings for each of my immediate family members...well, Kayli's is still in progress. (Sorry about that, sweet girl!) I'm not very artistic, but I can follow a pattern like no one's business and end up having something that looks like a piece of art I wouldn't otherwise have the ability to create on my own.

Q: What’s one thing you hope your students remember long after leaving class?

A: That all the problem solving we do in math sets them up for solving problems in LIFE in a systematic way. When they face these inevitable challenges, they will never be alone if they choose to include Jesus in their daily lives.

Q: What’s one way you intentionally point students toward Christ each day?

A: My days are far from "routine," so sometimes it's in praying before handing out a test, sometimes it's pausing a math lesson to talk about the bigger picture (which always includes what God is trying to say to us) and sometimes by the scripts that I choose to have the kids commit to memory, or even the conversations we have about the characters in their plays.

Q: How do you see teaching as part of your calling?

A: I've never been drawn to work in any secular setting, so teaching in a Christian school is a sweet way for me to use the talents that the Lord has given me in an atmosphere where math lessons can turn into a student praying to accept the Lord (true story). I can't imagine working in an environment where my faith couldn't be spoken of and am so grateful that God brought our family to GCA shortly after our move to Florida in 2018.

 

Teacher

Spotlight

Mrs. Woeltjen

Latin Teacher

 

Q: If you had a walk-up song, what would it be?

A:  “No L’s” by Forrest Frank. Because while we decline nouns, we don’t accept defeat.

“My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.”  - 2 Corinthians 12:9.

Even our mistakes become victories when surrendered to Him.

Q: What is a small thing that instantly makes your day better?

A: Babies… give me all the babies! At one point in my life, the goal was twelve. There is something sacred about the way a baby laughs, smells, and reaches for you; unburdened by the world and completely content to be held. If they could stay that little for just a few extra years, It would be heavenly. And just as sweet are simple, unexpected acts of kindness; a thoughtful word, a selfless gesture, or watching a child take ownership of a task and mature into responsibility. Those moments feel like taking a deep breath for the first time — quiet reminders that goodness is growing all around us.

Q: Favorite way to spend a free Saturday? 

A: A perfect Saturday starts slowly with good coffee, my Bible, Journal and Spotify Worship playlist. Then a little house reset, meaningful conversation, and simply doing life with my boys. I can be a bit spontaneous, so that can looks like an unplanned road trip to visit my mom in Haines City or my in-laws in Dania, a trip to Busch Gardens, or lunch with a friend. The mix of quiet moments and unexpected adventure brings me joy. And sometimes the best Saturdays are the simplest: a movie marathon in bed with my youngest, snuggled under blankets, or playing old-school video games (or Fortnite!) and laughing far too hard. That mix of peace, adventure, and connection is my kind of day.

Q: What is one way you have seen God work in your classroom recently? 

A: The week prior to Christmas break, I chose to lead a focused Bible study with the middle school classes at the start of each Latin class. During that time, we explored how God’s Old Testament promises connect to their New Testament fulfillment. It is such a blessing to work in a school where we can speak openly about God and His Word. Students were given Scripture, historical context, and time to thoughtfully examine how God’s promises are not empty words. We studied cross-references that visually demonstrated the connections between Old and New Testament passages, highlighting the fulfillment of prophecy. Watching them see that when God says He will do something, He does it, was incredibly powerful. We ended the week reflecting on the truth that a baby was born, not only to live among us, but to die for us, and that He will return for us. The questions, discussions, and “ah-ha” moments were overwhelming in the best way. My prayer is that the seeds planted during that week will follow these sweet students and grow into strong oaks of faith as they seek to walk in God’s will for their lives.

Q: What Bible verse, hymn, or worship song has encouraged you lately?

A: The Holy Spirit has a gentle and persistent way of waking me in the morning with a song already playing in my heart. Most recently, it has been “Give Me Faith” by Elevation Worship. I haven’t listened to it in years, which somehow makes its return feel intentional ... a quiet reminder that the Lord knows exactly what we need before we do.

The lyric, “Give me faith to trust what You say, that You’re good and Your love is great,” has become more than a song, it has become a daily prayer. In seasons where clarity can feel distant or strength feels thin, that simple request, "give me faith,"  feels like surrender in its purest form. Not a demand for answers, but a posture of trust.

And if you ever join me at church, don’t be surprised if you see me quietly (or not so quietly) sobbing during worship. Music has a direct line to my heart. When truth is sung, it tends to undo me in the best way.

 

This month at GCA, the 6th-8th grade students put on their annual science fair. The middle school science fair focused on curiosity and exploration. Each student chose a science topic they were interested in, made a hypothesis, explored it through research and an experiment, and shared what they learned using a science fair board that showed their question, work, and results.  

GCA families gathered at First Presbyterian of Bonita for a night of games and food. It was super fun to connect as a school outside of our normal hours, and enjoy a fun night of fellowship. 

 

Light the Night Gala

Reminder:

 

- Purchase your tickets and check out our sponsorship opportunities HERE

- Black and White Dress Attire

 

 

 

Are You a GCA Alum?

Calling all students who have been a part of GCA through 8th grade. We would love to hear about your life after GCA, and how GCA made an impact as you went onto high school and beyond. Please email [email protected] to share.  

The ART Corner

3rd-graders had a blast using Model Magic to learn about color theory and sculpt during a visit from Artis—Naples for their ArtSmart program.

Ezra's impressive Mario figure is pictured above.

Ways to Support

Please Consider Supporting GCA. GCA is a nonprofit organization. Generous contributions to provide tuition assistance, improve facilities, support teacher professional development, and enhance curriculum, are critical and appreciated. 

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Grace Classical Academy

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239-247-2479 

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