Lion Tales 1/16/25

Upcoming Dates on the School Calendar

Saturday, Jan 18 Board of Directors Monthly Meeting, 8 am  in HS community room 

Monday, Jan 20 No School - Martin Luther King, Jr Day

Fri-Mon, Feb 14-17 No School - Presidents Day Weekend

Thank you for your participation in our CLA Community Annual Meeting!

What a blessing to have so many attend our Annual Meeting last week! The school board and administrative team came away knowing that 1) God is at work…  2) many people are glad to be a part of the CLA community and want it to thrive… and 3) There are avenues to improve!  We have a lot of work to do as we try to grow, change, and follow God’s leading, but there are great people on this journey together! If you didn’t get a chance to attend or see the recap email, you can watch the video here: 2025 Annual Meeting

SNOW DAY??  Although it’s unlikely that tomorrow will be a snow day… keep your Facebook feed, email inbox and text notification/alerts ready… that’s how we will communicate any changes in school schedule due to weather!

Reminder - illnesses

As the winter continues, we know that sickness and recovery are a part of the school year. We’ve noticed some illnesses in various pockets of our school, as usual. This is just a reminder to be cautious, watch the health of your children, and keep them home if necessary. Attendance is important, but their health and the health of their classmates and teachers are also important! Remember, the rule of thumb is that students should be fever-free without medication for 24 hours before returning to school. They also should not be currently experiencing symptoms of illness and coming to school. Please keep our school office and your students’ teachers informed about your children’s health!

Attention! Tax forms coming in mail by next week!

Many people are taking care of taxes… and your tax information for tuition paid in 2024 should be arriving soon in the mail.  If you donated to CLA, then tax receipts should also be arriving by the end of next week as well.

 Extra Curriculars Corner

Thursday, January 16 AWAY MS games at Concordia Peoria, 5:30 5th/6th and 6:30 7th/8th

Thursday, January 16 AWAY HS JV at ICCS Washington, 6 pm

Saturday, January 18 Varsity basketball team  @ FBCA Rosamond Tournament

High School Chess club @ Champaign for Illini Tournament

Monday, January 20 HOME JV/Varsity basketball with Greenview 5:30 JV start time

Tuesday, January 21 HOME basketball games with FBCA 5:00 5/6th, 7/8th and JV to follow

Fri-Sat, January 24-25 HOME Junior High tournament starts 5:30 Friday, 8:30 am Saturday

Look for spring activities registration coming in mid to late February!

From the Principal's Desk

Yes, 2025-2026 is approaching quickly!  For many in the school, the focus is on starting out strong for the second semester. Administratively, we are already fully focused on NEXT school year!  If I can share one important reminder, it is this: the more information we have about the upcoming school year, the better! We will open our re-enrollment and new family enrollment in just a few short weeks.  If you have questions, considerations, or concerns, please feel free to ask or share with me If you are ready to jump in for another year, I encourage you to do this right away… because we love to know how enrollment will be shaping up as soon as possible!

“I have no greater joy than to know that my children are walking in the truth.” 3 John 4

   Blessings,

        Mr. Horning

Lion Tales 1/9/25

Upcoming Dates on the School Calendar

Saturday, Jan 11 CLA Community Annual Meeting, 9 am - Mark Your Calendar!

Tuesday, Jan 14 PTF meeting 2 pm in the grade school meeting room

Saturday, Jan 18 Board of Directors Monthly Meeting, 8 am  in HS community room

Monday, Jan 20 No School - Martin Luther King, Jr Day

Fri-Mon, Feb 14-17 No School - Presidents Day Weekend

It’s this Saturday! - the CLA Community Annual Meeting

Saturday, January 11, 2025 at 9 am

On behalf of the school board of directors and staff, we wish to invite all of the CLA community on Saturday, January 11 at 9 am in the community room of the high school. Please gather with us to hear some updates on what’s happening “behind the scenes” at CLA. As we prepare for enrollment processes for 2025-2026 (yes, next year is always on the horizon) we want to share some potential plans, challenges and directions. Learning about how the school operates is important for all community members! We’ll share some ways for greater involvement as well as some upcoming adjustments. We’ll also celebrate how the school has grown and where we are trying to follow God’s leading into the future.  Please come!

SNOW DAY??  Although it’s unlikely that tomorrow will be a snow day… keep your Facebook feed, email inbox and text notification/alerts ready… that’s how we will communicate any changes in school schedule due to weather!

eSports Signups Closing Monday, January 13, at 3:30pm!

Mrs. Stribling has sent several reminder emails over the past month to families/students interested in eSports. Monday, January 13 is the LAST DAY to get your accounts registered with PlayVS so that rosters and teams can be set.  If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Stribling at [email protected]. High School eSports starts the week of January 27th!  Middle school eSports will start mid-February.

Reminder - illnesses

As the winter continues, we know that sickness and recovery are a part of the school year. We’ve noticed some illnesses in various pockets of our school, as usual. This is just a reminder to be cautious, watch the health of your children, and keep them home if necessary. Attendance is important, but their health and the health of their classmates and teachers are also important! Remember, the rule of thumb is that students should be fever-free without medication for 24 hours before returning to school. They also should not be currently experiencing symptoms of illness and coming to school. Please keep our school office and your students’ teachers informed about your children’s health!

 Extra Curriculars Corner

Thursday, January 9 AWAY basketball games at St. Mary’s (Bloomington) 5:30 5/6 and 7/8

Friday, January 10 HOME basketball games with Greenview - 5:30 JV / V

Monday, January 13 AWAY (7th/8th) game at  Excel in Dunlap, 5:30 pm

Thursday, January 16 AWAY MS games at Concordia Peoria, 5:30 5th/6th and 6:30 7th/8th

Thursday, January 16 AWAY HS JV at ICCS Washington, 6 pm

Saturday, January 18 Varsity @ FBCA Rosamond Tournament

Look for spring activities registration coming in mid to late February!

From the Principal's Desk

It’s important - please attend!  For those of you that are new to CLA, you might not know that having an annual meeting in January is also a new thing.  CLA is growing… and we are seeing a need to get more information out to our community about the operations of the school.  We wish to get more involvement from you all - new and veteran families alike! As the school grows, we know there will be changes needed and we want to better plan for the future. That cannot be done in a vacuum, nor can it be done without the input and involvement of more people! CLA is no longer a small school, both in physical environment and in the numbers of people involved. As we point to the future, we want to 1) see where God is leading us, and 2) make sure we involve and inform our community here. Please attend the annual meeting on Saturday. I hope to see you there!

“I have no greater joy than to know that my children are walking in the truth.” 3 John 4

   Blessings,

        Mr. Horning

Lion Tales 12/19/24- Christmas program tonight!

Upcoming Dates on the School Calendar

Thursday, Dec 19 CLA Christmas Program at Living Hope Community Church 7 pm

Tickets required for Dinner at 5:30 preceding program 

Friday, Dec 20 11:30 Dismissal - Last day of school before Christmas Break

End of Quarter 2

Saturday, Dec 21 Monthly CLA Board of Directors Meeting, 7:30 am

Dec 21-Jan 6 No School - Christmas Break

Tuesday, Jan 7 School resumes 

Saturday, Jan 11 CLA Community Annual Meeting, 9 am - Mark Your Calendar!

Christmas Season is upon us!

Tomorrow, we will depart for a few weeks of “Christmas Break!” As we finish out this semester of school, stay tuned… there’s a lot going on! Don’t forget the real reason we celebrate… For God So LOVED the World… He Sent His Son as Our Savior. Praise the Lord!

The 17th Annual CLA Christmas Program

7:00 tonight at Living Hope Community Church

A few reminders/details…

• A shuttle will run from the school to the church so that as many as possible park at the school lot.  The shuttle will run from 6:20 until 6:55 and again for about 20 minutes after the program ends.

• If you purchased tickets for the meal, doors open at 5:30 and the meal is served at 5:45.

• If you are decorating a dinner table, the church will open at 3:30 for table decoration.

• Students serving for the meal should arrive by 5:15.

• Students participating in the program should arrive by 6:40 (6:50 for preK)

• General public, seating begins at 6:30

Mark your calendars for the CLA Community Annual Meeting

Saturday, January 11, 2025 at 9 am

On behalf of the school board of directors and staff, we wish to invite all of the CLA community to a gathering soon after we return from Christmas break. Please mark Saturday, January 11 on your calendar and gather with us to hear some updates on what’s happening “behind the scenes” at CLA. As we prepare for enrollment processes for 2025-2026 (yes, next year is always on the horizon) we want to share some potential plans, challenges and directions. Learning about how the school operates is important for all community members! We’ll share some ways for greater involvement as well as some upcoming adjustments. We’ll also celebrate how the school has grown and where we are trying to follow God’s leading into the future.  Please come!

SNOW DAY??  Although it’s unlikely that tomorrow will be a snow day… keep your FaceBook feed, email inbox and text notification/alerts ready… that’s how we will communicate any changes in school schedule due to weather!

Reminder - illnesses

As the seasons change, we know that sickness and recovery are a part of the school year. We’ve noticed some illnesses in various pockets of our school, as usual. This is just a reminder to be cautious, watch the health of your children, and keep them home if necessary. Attendance is important, but their health and the health of their classmates and teachers are also important! Remember, the rule of thumb is that students should be fever-free without medication for 24 hours before returning to school. They also should not be currently experiencing symptoms of illness and coming to school. Please keep our school office and your students’ teachers informed about your children’s health!

Extra Curriculars Corner

Friday, December 20 AWAY games w/ Faith (5:30, 5/6 and 7/8 at Cornerstone, Groveland)

AWAY game (HS) at Decatur Christian (6:00) 

Fri-Sat, December 27-28 Varsity basketball tournament at Arthur Christian School

Monday, January 6 HOME basketball games with Greenview - JH 5:30

Tuesday, January 7 AWAY basketball games at Illini Central (Mason City) 6:00 JV / V

AWAY basketball games at South Side (Peoria) 5:00 5/6 and 7/8

Thursday, January 9 AWAY basketball games at St. Mary’s (Bloomington) 5:30 5/6 and 7/8

Friday, January 10 HOME basketball games with Greenview - 5:30 JV / V

From the Principal's Desk

Can’t wait to worship with you. I’m super excited about tonight’s Christmas program! How wonderful to join together, led by our children, in worship of the Savior… I won’t get a chance to say “hello” to ALL of you individually tonight, but please know that I’m glad we could worship together! How great it is to have a community of Christ-followers at CLA!

“I have no greater joy than to know that my children are walking in the truth.” 3 John 4

   Blessings,

        Mr. Horning

Lion Tales 12/5/24

Upcoming Dates on the School Calendar

Thursday, Dec 12 All-school field trip to the Nutcracker in Peoria! ALL PK-12 arrive by 8:15.

All K-12 bring a sack lunch (no school lunch service that day)

Saturday, Dec 14 Monthly CLA Board of Directors Meeting, 7:30 am

Thursday, Dec 19 CLA Christmas Program at Living Hope Community Church 7 pm

Tickets required for Dinner at 5:30 preceding program 

Friday, Dec 20 11:30 Dismissal - Last day of school before Christmas Break

End of Quarter 2

Dec 21-Jan 6 No School - Christmas Break

Saturday, Jan 11 CLA Community Annual Meeting, 9 am - Mark Your Calendar!

Christmas Dinner Tickets- order forms due Friday, December 6th

Order forms for the Christmas dinner are due tomorrow, December 6th!   If you are planning on ordering, please return your slips and payment tomorrow so we can get numbers to the caterer. 

Nutcracker Chaperone Tickets - a few available - info sent via email previously

We still have a few tickets for the December 12 Nutcracker Field Trip - contact Mrs. Bowman!

CLA Kid’s Christmas Shoppe

  The CLA Parent-Teacher Fellowship is organizing a Christmas shopping opportunity for all Preschool - 4th grade students.  

Here are the details!  Some generous friends have donated nice, new or gently used items for students to shop from to give to their parents, siblings, and/or other people that they would like.   We do need to limit each student to shopping for six people.  

Each item will only cost $1.00!  Most are worth more than that but we wanted to make sure this is an affordable and easy way for students to give gifts to their family.  Please include cash or a check made out to CLA with your child’s shopping list.

Lists and money ($1.00 per item) should be sent to school by Wednesday, December 11.

  The students will be shopping December 11-13.  We will have some helpers wrapping the gifts and send them home as soon as possible. 

  Please contact Mrs. Gibson if you have any questions!  [email protected]

If you would like to donate items for the store please have those in by Monday (9th) or Tuesday (10th). We could also use wrapping paper/gift bags and tags. Thank you ! 

Mark your calendars for the CLA Community Annual Meeting

Saturday, January 11, 2025 at 9 am

On behalf of the school board of directors and staff, we wish to invite all of the CLA community to a gathering soon after we return from Christmas break. Please mark Saturday, January 11 on your calendar and gather with us to hear some updates on what’s happening “behind the scenes” at CLA. As we prepare for enrollment processes for 2025-2026 (yes, next year is always on the horizon) we want to share some potential plans, challenges and directions. Learning about how the school operates is important for all community members! We’ll share some ways for greater involvement as well as some upcoming adjustments. We’ll also celebrate how the school has grown and where we are trying to follow God’s leading into the future.  Please come!

eSports signups closing soon and need for equipment!

As of today, we have enough interest for the following esports teams:

HS-Smash (need one more confirmed person for Splatoon 3 or Mario Kart)

MS- Smash and Rocket League (Mario Kart may be available pending confirmed participants)

If your student is interested in participating in spring eSports, please contact Mrs. Stribling 

as soon as possible so that teams can be finalized. 

With the start of the spring season, CLA's eSports program stands to grow from 4 students to over 16 across the middle school and high school programs. As a result, CLA finds themselves in need of some additional Nintendo Switch consoles, controllers, and games (Splatoon 3, Mario Kart, and Super Smash Bros).   If you have a Nintendo Switch console at home that doesn't get much use and you are willing to donate or make a great deal, please contact Mrs. Stribling at [email protected] or at 765-561-5248.

Reminder - illnesses

As the seasons change, we know that sickness and recovery are a part of the school year. We’ve noticed some illnesses in various pockets of our school, as usual. This is just a reminder to be cautious, watch the health of your children, and keep them home if necessary. Attendance is important, but their health and the health of their classmates and teachers are also important! Remember, the rule of thumb is that students should be fever-free without medication for 24 hours before returning to school. They also should not be currently experiencing symptoms of illness and coming to school. Please keep our school office and your students’ teachers informed about your children’s health!

   Extra Curriculars Corner

Friday, December 6 AWAY basketball games - HS Varsity at Springfield Shootout

5/6th, 7/8th and HS JV at Rosamond Faith Bible Christian Academy

Saturday, December 7 AWAY basketball games - HS Varsity at Springfield Shootout

Tuesday, December 10 AWAY basketball games - HS JV/V at Cornerstone Christian

Saturday, December 14 HOME basketball games with Arthur Christian - all teams, noon start

From the Principal's Desk

Jesus is the Reason! The Christmas season usually flies by quickly. Let’s be sure to remember the real reason we celebrate… God loved humanity SO MUCH that He sent His Son. Wow! 

“I have no greater joy than to know that my children are walking in the truth.” 3 John 4

   Blessings,

       Mr. Horning

Lion Tales 11/22/24- PTF Rolls Edition!

Upcoming Dates on the School Calendar

Mon-Fri, Nov. 25-29 No School - Thanksgiving Week

Thursday, Dec 12 All-school field trip to the Nutcracker in Peoria! ALL PK-12 arrive by 8:15.

All K-12 bring a sack lunch (no school lunch service that day)

Saturday, Dec 14 Monthly CLA Board of Directors Meeting, 7:30 am

Thursday, Dec 19 CLA Christmas Program at Living Hope Community Church 7 pm

Tickets required for Dinner at 5:30 preceding program 

Friday, Dec 20 11:30 Dismissal - Last day of school before Christmas Break

End of Quarter 2

Dec 21-Jan 6 No School - Christmas Break

Saturday, Jan 11 CLA Community Annual Meeting, 9 am - All invited!

PTF Rolls fundraiser - pick up your pre-ordered rolls tomorrow

Thank you to everyone who placed orders for rolls and helped with the baking! We have had wonderful volunteers this year and it has been a wonderful time of fellowship! Don’t forget roll pickup is Friday from 3 to 5:30 at a Living Hope Church (326 NW Jefferson St, Hopedale) 

Mark your calendars for the CLA Community Annual Meeting

Saturday, January 11, 2025 at 9 am

On behalf of the school board of directors and staff, we wish to invite all of the CLA community to a gathering soon after we return from Christmas break. Please mark Saturday, January 11 on your calendar and gather with us to hear some updates on what’s happening “behind the scenes” at CLA. As we prepare for enrollment processes for 2025-2026 (yes, next year is always on the horizon) we want to share some potential plans, challenges and directions. Learning about how the school operates is important for all community members! We’ll share some ways for greater involvement as well as some upcoming adjustments. We’ll also celebrate how the school has grown and where we are trying to follow God’s leading into the future.  Please come!

New CLA Spirit Wear - embroidered items - Store open through December 2!

If you are interested in some CLA apparel, specifically embroidered items, here’s your chance to get something ordered and have it for Christmas!  Thanks to Amie Kenney (Lighthouse Embroidery), you can click on this link to order some basketball specific items or general CLA items.  The deadline to order is midnight on Monday, December 2nd. 

https://christianlifeacademy.itemorder.com/shop/home/

Reminder - illnesses

As the seasons change, we know that sickness and recovery are a part of the school year. We’ve noticed some illnesses in various pockets of our school, as usual. This is just a reminder to be cautious, watch the health of your children, and keep them home if necessary. Attendance is important, but their health and the health of their classmates and teachers are also important! Remember, the rule of thumb is that students should be fever-free without medication for 24 hours before returning to school. They also should not be currently experiencing symptoms of illness and coming to school. Please keep our school office and your students’ teachers informed about your children’s health!

CLA eSports Team ADVANCES in the Playoffs!

Congratulations to the CLA high school eSports team, who completed the fall season ranked #16 in the state in Smash Bros…After winning their first round of playoffs yesterday, they have advanced to the second round with a match Friday afternoon!

eSports Opportunity - enrolling now for spring!

This fall, CLA is piloting an eSports program at the high school level. Enrollment is open for the Spring semester for high school!  Game options range from  Super Smash Brothers, Mario Kart, or Splatoon 3 (all on the Nintendo Switch.)  Final game choice and number of teams will depend on the number of students interested and number of Switches available.  

Middle school students- are you interested in eSports? Please email Mrs. Stribling ([email protected]) to indicate your interest!  If we have enough interest and commitment, we can form a middle school team.  eSport commitment is typically 1-2 nights per week after school until around 5pm (based on the match schedule.)

**Enrollment and team formation for both high school and middle school levels must be determined PRIOR to Christmas break.**  Please note that eSports will follow athletic eligibility rules like our other extracurricular activities- so keeping up your grades matter!

         Extra Curriculars Corner

Friday, November 22 High School JV and V games at Westfair (Jacksonville) 5:30 pm

Tuesday, November 26 HOME Middle School basketball games with Delavan 5:30 pm

Saturday, December 30 HOME High School Basketball with Delavan 9:30 am

Monday, December 2 HOME 7th/8th basketball game with Excel Christian 5:30 pm

High School Green vs White scrimmage to follow

Thursday, December 5 Chess match at Hartsburg-Emden

Spring Sports include HS baseball and MS/HS track - Sign up for these coming in February

From the Principal's Desk

I’m Thankful for EACH of YOU! As we take a week away from the regular day-to-day activities at Christian Life Academy, we celebrate Thanksgiving - a reminder that “all good and perfect gifts come from above.” The Lord has truly blessed us in so many ways. One of the ways I am blessed is by conversations with so many of you about God’s work in each of our lives. I’m thankful that we can share our journey of faith together.  Happy Thanksgiving! 

“I have no greater joy than to know that my children are walking in the truth.” 3 John 4

   Blessings,

        Mr. Horning

Lion Tales 11/14/24

Upcoming Dates on the School Calendar

Mon-Fri, Nov. 25-29 No School - Thanksgiving Week

Thursday, Dec 12 All-school field trip to the Nutcracker in Peoria! ALL PK-12 arrive by 8:15.

All K-12 bring a sack lunch (no school lunch service that day)

You should receive information about this trip in backpacks today/tomorrow!

Thursday, Dec 19 CLA Christmas Program at Living Hope Community Church 7 pm

Look in backpacks for information about tickets for the meal prior to the service!

Friday, Dec 20 11:30 Dismissal - Last day of school before Christmas Break

End of Quarter 2

Dec 21-Jan 6 No School - Christmas Break

PTF Rolls fundraiser - order deadline tomorrow & help needed!

Parent Teacher Fellowship will again have their annual Thanksgiving Rolls Fundraiser…Order forms were sent home with students. Form must be turned in to the CLA office by end of day November 15 (TOMORROW!). Rolls will be ready for pickup on Friday November 22 from 3-5:30 at Living Hope Church 326 NW Jefferson St, Hopedale. The online order form is also available at this link: https://forms.gle/Y1vVgJJP3gvYTARLA

HELP NEEDED! Emily Baker is the leader of this project; she’d LOVE you to join! Please contact Emily directly (309-830-2988) to help with roll baking on 11/20 and 11/21. If you can’t help bake, we could use people to distribute rolls and put the kitchen back together on 11/22.

Reminder - illnesses

As the seasons change, we know that sickness and recovery are a part of the school year. We’ve noticed some illnesses in various pockets of our school, as usual. This is just a reminder to be cautious, watch the health of your children, and keep them home if necessary. Attendance is important, but their health and the health of their classmates and teachers are also important! Remember, the rule of thumb is that students should be fever-free without medication for 24 hours before returning to school. They also should not be currently experiencing symptoms of illness and coming to school. Please keep our school office and your students’ teachers informed about your children’s health!

New CLA Spirit Wear - embroidered items - Store now open!

If you are interested in some CLA apparel, specifically embroidered items, here’s your chance to get something ordered and have it for Christmas!  Thanks to Amie Kenney (Lighthouse Embroidery), you can click on this link to order some basketball specific items or general CLA items.  The deadline to order is midnight on Monday, December 2nd. 

https://christianlifeacademy.itemorder.com/shop/home/

CLA eSports Team is Playoff-bound!

Congratulations to the CLA high school eSports team, who completed the fall season ranked #16 in the state in Smash Bros… they will be finding out their playoff seedings/pairings on Friday!

eSports Opportunity - enrolling now for spring!

This fall, CLA is piloting an eSports program at the high school level. Enrollment is open for the Spring semester for high school!  Game options range from  Super Smash Brothers, Mario Kart, or Splatoon 3 (all on the Nintendo Switch.)  Final game choice and number of teams will depend on the number of students interested and number of Switches available.  

Middle school students- are you interested in eSports? Please email Mrs. Stribling ([email protected]) to indicate your interest!  If we have enough interest and commitment, we can form a middle school team.  eSport commitment is typically 1-2 nights per week after school until around 5pm (based on the match schedule.)

**Enrollment and team formation for both high school and middle school levels must be determined PRIOR to Christmas break.**

Please note that eSports will follow athletic eligibility rules like our other extracurricular activities- so keeping up your grades matter!

      Sports Corner - Games begin next week!

Tuesday, November 19 JH and HS games at ICCS (Washington) 5:00 pm

Thursday, November 21 JH and 5th/6th games at Robein (East Peoria) 5:30 pm

Friday, November 22 HS JV and V games at Westfair (Jacksonville) 5:30 pm

First HOME games in the CLA gym will be on November 26!

Spring Sports include HS baseball and MS/HS track - Sign up for these coming in February

From the Principal's Desk

Seeing God in Everything! Many of you may know that I made a quick trip to Pennsylvania due to my father’s health. While this was unexpected and a bit stressful, I was reminded again (by my father) that we should look for God’s work and intervention in every situation. He made the comment “I guess God needed me to be here (in the hospital)” and he used the opportunity to build relationships with the hospital care staff. Are you looking for the way that God is working in and through whatever situation you are currently in the middle of? I’d encourage you to stop and consider that today! May the work of God be at the forefront of your mind daily!

“I have no greater joy than to know that my children are walking in the truth.” 3 John 4

   Blessings,

        Mr. Horning

Lion Tales 10/31/24

Upcoming Dates on the School Calendar

Monday, Nov. 4 No School - Teacher in-service

Tuesday, Nov. 5 No School - Election Day

Monday, Nov. 11 No School - Veterans Day

Mon-Fri, Nov. 25-29 No School - Thanksgiving Week

Thursday, Dec 19 CLA Christmas Program at Living Hope Community Church 7 pm

Look soon for information about the meal prior to the service!

Friday, Dec 20 11:30 Dismissal - Last day of school before Christmas Break

End of Quarter 2

Dec 21-Jan 6 No School - Christmas Break

Thanksgiving means PTF’s Yummy Rolls fundraiser!

Parent Teacher Fellowship will again have their annual Thanksgiving Rolls Fundraiser…Here’s what they have to say: Our homemade rolls have been a favorite for Holiday meals. Order some for your Thanksgiving Dinner or plan ahead for Christmas breakfast! *Please Note* Due to School being off the whole week of Thanksgiving we are recommending your rolls be put into the freezer and reheated for your gathering to optimize freshness. 

Order forms are going home today/tomorrow with students. Form must be turned in to the CLA office by end of day November 15. Rolls will be ready for pickup on Friday November 22 from 3-5:30 at Living Hope Church 326 NW Jefferson St, Hopedale. 

Prices: Dinner Rolls $9/doz and Cinnamon Rolls $18/doz.

The online order form is also available at this link: https://forms.gle/Y1vVgJJP3gvYTARLA

Reminder - illnesses

As the seasons change, we know that sickness and recovery are a part of the school year. We’ve noticed some illnesses in various pockets of our school, as usual. This is just a reminder to be cautious, watch the health of your children, and keep them home if necessary. Attendance is important, but their health and the health of their classmates and teachers are also important! Remember, the rule of thumb is that students should be fever-free without medication for 24 hours before returning to school. They also should not be currently experiencing symptoms of illness and coming to school. Recently the Tazewell County Health Department sent a letter recognizing walking pneumonia on the rise as something to watch for. Please keep our school office and your students’ teachers informed about your children’s health!

eSports Opportunity - enrolling now for spring!

This fall, CLA is piloting an eSports program at the high school level. Enrollment is open for the Spring semester for high school!  Game options range from  Super Smash Brothers, Mario Kart, or Splatoon 3 (all on the Nintendo Switch.)  Final game choice and number of teams will depend on the number of students interested and number of Switches available.  

Middle school students- are you interested in eSports? Please email Mrs. Stribling ([email protected]) to indicate your interest!  If we have enough interest and commitment, we can form a middle school team.  eSport commitment is typically 1-2 nights per week after school until around 5pm (based on the match schedule.)

**Enrollment and team formation for both high school and middle school levels must be determined PRIOR to Christmas break.**

Please note that eSports will follow athletic eligibility rules like our other extracurricular activities- so keeping up your grades matter!

Did you know… 

CLA CHESS and eSPORTS teams are already very successful!!

Currently, the pilot program team for eSports (four high school students) is ranked #17 in the state of Illinois out of over 80 teams that are competing weekly in Smash Bros. WOW!  Great Job!

The CLA Chess Club (high school team) recently competed in a match at Olympia High school and came away with two wins 50-8 and 44-14. GREAT! Keep up the great strategies, players!

  Sports Corner - Games Coming Soon!

Registration for winter sports has closed. Looking forward to basketball games beginning in mid November as basketball and cheer practices have begun!

Spring Sports include HS baseball and MS/HS track - Sign up for these coming in February

From the Principal's Desk

Want to know about CLA’s history! Did you catch the podcast yet? Read on…

WBNH (88.5 FM) has started a podcast called “Kingdom Happenings,” and asked me to be their first guest. What an honor! This interview happened prior to Life Days, but I lost the link in all the shuffle.  Oops. If you’d like to listen in, here’s the link.  https://www.wbnh.org/kingdom WBNH has been a great ministry partner of CLA for a long time and we are blessed to work with them!

“I have no greater joy than to know that my children are walking in the truth.” 3 John 4

   Blessings,

        Mr. Horning

Lion Tales 10/24/24

Upcoming Dates on the School Calendar

Wednesday, Oct. 30 PTF (Parent-Teacher Fellowship) 2:00 pm in meeting room

Monday, Nov. 4 No School - Teacher in-service

Tuesday, Nov. 5 No School - Election Day

Monday, Nov. 11 No School - Veterans Day

Mon-Fri, Nov. 25-29 No School - Thanksgiving Week

LIFE DAYS 2024 was a great time of fellowship!

Thank you to all who participated in the great weekend - from the online auction, kids activities and meals, and all the way to the last bid of the live auction… what a great time! Results are still being tallied and a few items still to be picked up, but it looks like Life Days 2024 may have been our biggest one in history. What great fun, and fundraising. We appreciate all the support and are thankful for God’s blessings!

Sports Calendar - Join the Lions at a Game!  

Registration for winter sports has closed. Looking forward to basketball games beginning in mid Nov.

Next week - Winter sports practices begin.

Spring Sports include HS baseball and MS/HS track - Sign up for these coming in February

From the Principal's Desk

Wow. What Fun! I was so blessed to spend time with so many this past weekend at Life Days.  Whether it was watching the kids play, or the adults bid on the auction items, the joy of being together in support of this ministry at Christian Life Academy was evident. 

I also wanted to share with you that WBNH (88.5 FM) has started a podcast called “Kingdom Happenings,” and asked me to be their first guest. What an honor! This interview happened prior to Life Days, but I lost the link in all the shuffle.  Oops. If you’d like to listen in, here’s the link.  https://www.wbnh.org/kingdom WBNH has been a great ministry partner of CLA for a long time and we are blessed to work with them!

“I have no greater joy than to know that my children are walking in the truth.” 3 John 4

   Blessings,

        Mr. Horning

Lion Tales 10/17/24- Life Days Edition

LIFE DAYS IS HERE!  We are looking forward to EVERYONE being a BIG PART of a BIG EVENT!   Looks like great weather in preparation for great fun!

A couple of LIFE DAYS REMINDERS….

• The ONLINE Auction (on FaceBook) will end at 6 pm Friday (tomorrow) night. Keep bidding… or if you haven’t started, there’s still time! A few new items were added just yesterday, and the bidding will get fierce I’m sure! (Read and play by the rules, of course!)

• If you haven’t signed up to volunteer, what are you waiting for? There are still a few slots left https://www.trackitforward.com/site/840757/events 

SCHOOL PICTURES were taken today… if you missed it, you can get a picture taken at the LifePrint Studio in Minier… and be added to the class picture! Just contact Amy Williams ([email protected]), or check with the office.

Winter Sports for grades 5-12 will kick off at the end of October.  The deadline for signing up is next Wednesday, October 23rd.  Check your emails and the sports section of Lion Tales for information!

Reminders… There are always a few items to remember, learn for the first time, or re-learn!  Here’s a brief list of some things that might be important to remember or are coming up soon:

Drop off and Pick Up - We ask our PRE-K FAMILIES to wait until 8:30 to park (pull-in) in front of the preschool door.  Our K-8 families use this lane for drop off right up until 8:30!  This will avoid congestion in the busiest 8:15-8:30 time frame.

Absences - please inform the school regarding absences as soon as possible by calling the school office at 309-449-3346 main office, or call/text Mrs Stribling (HS).  You may also want to email teachers regarding absences and pickup of schoolwork.  In doubt, do both!

Music Lessons - Piano and Violin

Mrs. Waggoner is offering private lessons that happen during the school year.  If you’d like to get involved right away, contact her at 309-840-1068 or [email protected].  She’s offering 30 minute piano ($20) and violin ($25) on a weekly basis Wednesday afternoon (during school) and Tuesdays and Thursdays (after school).

Volunteer Opportunities - Keep your eyes on these opportunities and get involved!

• We are looking for a basketball coach for our 5th/6th grade team this year.  If you are interested, or know someone who might be, please contact Mr. Horning.  Basketball season begins in late October and we would love to have our coaches in place and trained in doing sports God’s way!!

• If you have a special talent that you would like our staff to know about, maybe it is an opportunity to get involved and volunteer!  Contact the office or your child’s teacher!

Sports Calendar - Join the Lions at a Game!  

Thurs, Oct 17 HS Volleyball at Calvary Christian Academy (Normal) 6 pm JV / 7 pm V

October 23 Deadline to register for Winter Sports

October 28 Winter sports practices begin 

Winter Sports - Cheer and Basketball - Sign up link: https://forms.gle/CodqR9GWJS7m44Ku6 

BE SURE to READ and UNDERSTAND all information about sports BEFORE signing up!

Spring Sports include HS baseball and MS/HS track - Sign up for these coming in February

From the Principal's Desk

Looking forward to seeing you this weekend!! Yes, Life Days is a fundraiser. We count on it for about 10% of our operational budget each year - that’s a big deal! But from the very (humble) beginnings in 2008, Life Days has also always been about fellowship - about spending time with the “family” that Christian Life Academy becomes each year.  If this is your first Life Days, welcome… and get ready. It’s a pretty big thing.  But don’t miss the opportunities to visit and fellowship with one another. Life Days gives an opportunity to spend time with one another.  That’s important in every family! See you this weekend!

“I have no greater joy than to know that my children are walking in the truth.” 3 John 4

   Blessings,

        Mr. Horning

Lion Tales 10/10/24

Upcoming Dates on the School Calendar

Fri-Mon, Oct 11-14 No School - Indigenous Peoples / Columbus Day Weekend

Friday, October 18 End of First Quarter

Fri-Sat, Oct 18-19 Life Days 2024!

Monday, October 21 No School - Parent Teacher Conferences

LIFE DAYS IS JUST OVER A WEEK AWAY!  We are looking forward to EVERYONE being a BIG PART of a BIG EVENT!   Link to volunteer (we still have some needs) https://www.trackitforward.com/site/840757/events Find your spot to help! Any items for the auctions should be turned in ASAP!!!

A couple of LIFE DAYS REMINDERS….

• The ONLINE Auction (on FaceBook) will kick off this weekend.  I’m looking forward to everyone getting involved and some friendly banter online as the bids are placed and comments are made! Have fun!

• If you haven’t turned in items or ticket requests for the meals, do that as soon as possible.  The final preparations will be happening soon…

• If you haven’t signed up to volunteer, what are you waiting for?

Just a week remaining in fall sports… and Winter Sports will kick off at the end of October.  The deadline for signing up is Wednesday, October 23rd.  Check your emails and the sports section of Lion Tales for information!

Reminders… There are always a few items to remember, learn for the first time, or re-learn!  Here’s a brief list of some things that might be important to remember or are coming up soon:

Drop off and Pick Up - We ask our PRE-K FAMILIES to wait until 8:30 to park (pull-in) in front of the preschool door.  Our K-8 families use this lane for drop off right up until 8:30!  This will avoid congestion in the busiest 8:15-8:30 time frame.

Absences - please inform the school regarding absences as soon as possible by calling the school office at 309-449-3346 main office, or call/text Mrs Stribling (HS).  You may also want to email teachers regarding absences and pickup of schoolwork.  In doubt, do both!

Music Lessons - Piano and Violin

Mrs. Waggoner is offering private lessons that happen during the school year.  If you’d like to get involved right away, contact her at 309-840-1068 or [email protected].  She’s offering 30 minute piano ($20) and violin ($25) on a weekly basis Wednesday afternoon (during school) and Tuesdays and Thursdays (after school).

Volunteer Opportunities - Keep your eyes on these opportunities and get involved!

• We are looking for a basketball coach for our 5th/6th grade team this year.  If you are interested, or know someone who might be, please contact Mr. Horning.  Basketball season begins in late October and we would love to have our coaches in place and trained in doing sports God’s way!!

• If you have a special talent that you would like our staff to know about, maybe it is an opportunity to get involved and volunteer!  Contact the office or your child’s teacher!

Sports Calendar - Join the Lions at a Game!  

Thurs-Sat, Oct 10-12 HS teams (JV and V) playing in Washington ICCS Tournament

Mon, Oct 14 MS Volleyball at Bethel Lutheran (Morton) 5:30 pm / 6:30 pm

Tues, Oct 15 HS Volleyball HOME vs Calvary (Chillicothee) 5 pm JV / 6 pm V

Thurs, Oct 17 HS Volleyball at Calvary Christian Academy (Normal) 6 pm JV / 7 pm V

October 23 Deadline to register for Winter Sports

October 28 Winter sports practices begin 

Winter Sports - Cheer and Basketball - Sign up link: https://forms.gle/CodqR9GWJS7m44Ku6 

BE SURE to READ and UNDERSTAND all information about sports BEFORE signing up!

Spring Sports include HS baseball and MS/HS track - Sign up for these coming in February

From the Principal's Desk

Special Chapel on Tuesday, October 15! The middle school worship elective group, led by Mrs. Waggoner, will be sharing a skit and a song during Tuesday’s chapel.  I’m excited to hear what they have to share, and to continue to listen to the Lord together as He calls us to ABIDE in HIM.  As always, parents are welcome to join in for chapels.  8:30 is the start time.  You’ll be blessed by their contribution!

“I have no greater joy than to know that my children are walking in the truth.” 3 John 4

   Blessings,

        Mr. Horning