Lion Tales 2/20/25

Upcoming Dates on the School Calendar

Monday, March 3 Now a STUDENT ATTENDANCE day

March 24-28 NO School - Spring Break

Monday, April 7 Now a STUDENT ATTENDANCE day

Thursday, April 17 Easter Worship Service - 7 pm at CLA gymnasium

2025-2026 Registration and  Enrollment information! 

Enrollment for the new school year is open! We have a new process where our full-time academic families can enroll and re-enroll online through the Gradelink “EnrollMe” feature on our SIS.  There will be some kinks to work out, we imagine, so be patient.  We already have made a few adjustments based on feedback! We encourage early enrollment (by March 31 with a discounted registration fee). It greatly helps us to plan for 2025-2026.  Families that are participating in extracurricular activities only, you may use the re-enrollment link sent previously. **Please note that re-enrollment through Gradelink can only be done from a computer or laptop- not through your mobile device!

Tuition (as expected) will increase for next year, but the school board has kept that increase at 8% or less in nearly all categories. There are some adjustments in the way family discounts are calculated as well as a small student assistance tuition add-on. We pray that CLA stays affordable (as it has been in comparison with other Christian schools). Any questions, please contact Mr. Horning ([email protected]).

Mark your calendars for the following dates and times, when we will have OPEN HOUSE events. Invite your friends and family to check out Christian Life Academy! Printed and digital flyers are available to share.

OPEN HOUSE DATES to share!

Monday, March 10 -  8 am to 7 pm - including chapel at 8:30 am

Thursday, March 13 -  4 pm to 8 pm

We encourage visits at other times as well if these dates do not work!

   Extra Curriculars Corner

Fri-Sat, Feb 21-22 HS Basketball Varsity @ Arthur Christian for Midwest Championships

Monday, Feb 24 HS Splatoon 3 vs Lewisburg HS at 4pm

Tuesday, Feb 25 Lion Hoops 2nd-4th grade Game at 5:00 pm

HS Splatoon 3 vs Omaha South Magnet High School

Wednesday, Feb 26 CLA Green vs Rickover Naval Academy

CLA White vs Charleston High School

MS MarioKart vs TBD

Thursday, Feb 27 MS Smash 1 vs TBD

MS Smash 2 vs TBD

MS Rocket League vs TBD

Friday, Feb 28 Lion Hoops 2nd-4th grade Game at 5:00 pm

March 10-11 First official practices for spring sports!

REGISTER FOR SPRING SPORTS!!

Spring Activities Registration NOW OPEN - HS Boys Baseball and MS/HS Boys/Girls Track & Field

Read ALL the information, and then register at this link:  https://forms.gle/36v8Fcs4xx739af57 

Game schedules for spring sports will be starting at the end of March… and we’ll have some GIRLS SOFTBALL clinic dates! 4/2, 4/9, 4/16 and 4/22 - look for info about this coming soon!

From the Principal's Desk

An opportunity for growth!! In case you haven’t yet participated, the Strategic Planning committee of our school board/staff is in the middle of a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) analysis.  We are looking to get feedback from our community, and you can get involved! An email recently (and we’ll send again soon)another this afternoon) directs you to a form asking for your input.  As CLA reaches into our 18th year, we have a lot of areas we can grow and improve in. We want to identify which areas of growth are important to focus on over the next three years. Thank you for being involved!

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

   Blessings,

        Mr. Horning

Lion Tales 2/13/25

Upcoming Dates on the School Calendar

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

Monday, March 3 Now a STUDENT ATTENDANCE day

March 24-28 NO School - Spring Break

Monday, April 7 Now a STUDENT ATTENDANCE day

2025-2026 Registration and 

Enrollment information! 

Enrollment for the new school year is open! We have a new process where our full-time academic families can enroll and re-enroll online through the Gradelink “EnrollMe” feature on our SIS.  There will be some kinks to work out, we imagine, so be patient.  We already have made a few adjustments based on feedback! We encourage early enrollment (by March 31 with a discounted registration fee). It greatly helps us to plan for 2025-2026.  Families that are participating in extracurricular activities only, you may use the re-enrollment link sent previously.

Tuition (as expected) will increase for next year, but the school board has kept that increase at 8% or less in nearly all categories. There are some adjustments in the way family discounts are calculated as well as a small student assistance tuition add-on. We pray that CLA stays affordable (as it has been in comparison with other Christian schools). Any questions, please contact Mr. Horning ([email protected]).

Mark your calendars for the following dates and times, when we will have OPEN HOUSE events. Invite your friends and family to check out Christian Life Academy! Printed and digital flyers are available to share.

OPEN HOUSE DATES to share!

Tuesday, February 18 -  8 am to 7 pm - including chapel at 8:30 am

Monday, February 10 -  8 am to 7 pm - including chapel at 8:30 am

Thursday, February 13 -  4 pm to 8 pm

       Extra Curriculars Corner

Thursday, Feb 13 HOME games with Bethel Church teams - JV 6:00 V 7:15

Friday, Feb 14 HS Basketball @ Midwest Central (Manito) JV 6:00 V to follow

Monday, Feb 17 HS Basketball @ Flanagan  JV 1:00 V to follow

Tuesdsay, Feb 18 HS eSports-Inklings (Splatoon 3) vs Lewisburg High School

Wednesday, Feb 19 HS eSports-Smash Bros Green and White teams vs TBD

Fri-Sat, Feb 21-22 HS Basketball Varsity @ Arthur Christian for Midwest Championships

March 10-11 First official practices for spring sports!

REGISTER FOR SPRING SPORTS!!

Spring Activities Registration NOW OPEN - HS Boys Baseball and MS/HS Boys/Girls Track & Field

Read ALL the information, and then register at this link:  https://forms.gle/36v8Fcs4xx739af57 

From the Principal's Desk

Invite someone!! We are glad to welcome new faces to learn about CLA… and the best way to introduce our community is by word of mouth.  Do you have a friend who you could bring to our OPEN HOUSE next TUESDAY? Maybe even come and be their “tour guide!” I’m excited to see what God has in store for next year at CLA. Maybe the person that you invite will join our community! I’m praying now for our next school year, and I encourage you to join me in prayer! 

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

   Blessings,

        Mr. Horning

Lion Tales 2/6/25

Upcoming Dates on the School Calendar

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

Monday, March 3 Now a STUDENT ATTENDANCE day

March 24-28 NO School - Spring Break

Monday, April 7 Now a STUDENT ATTENDANCE day

2025-2026 Registration and 

Enrollment information! 

Enrollment for the new school year opened this week. We have a new process where our full-time academic families can enroll and re-enroll online through the Gradelink “EnrollMe” feature on our SIS.  There will be some kinks to work out, we imagine, so be patient.  We already have made a few adjustments based on feedback! We encourage early enrollment (by March 31 with a discounted registration fee). It greatly helps us to plan for 2025-2026.  Families that are participating in extracurricular activities only, you may use the re-enrollment link sent previously.

Tuition (as expected) will increase for next year, but the school board has kept that increase at 8% or less in nearly all categories. There are some adjustments in the way family discounts are calculated as well as a small student assistance tuition add-on. We pray that CLA stays affordable (as it has been in comparison with other Christian schools). Any questions, please contact Mr. Horning ([email protected]).

Mark your calendars for the following dates and times, when we will have OPEN HOUSE events. Invite your friends and family to check out Christian Life Academy! Printed and digital flyers are available to share.

OPEN HOUSE DATES to share!

Tuesday, February 18 -  8 am to 7 pm - including chapel at 8:30 am

Monday, February 10 -  8 am to 7 pm - including chapel at 8:30 am

Thursday, February 13 -  4 pm to 8 pm

   Extra Curriculars Corner

Thursday, Feb 6 8th Grade night for cheer and basketball!

HOME game will be a Green/White game - JH 5:30

Fri-Sat, Feb 7-8 JV Basketball tournament at CLA, games Friday 5:40 and 6:50

Games Saturday 9:30 through the afternoon

Monday, Feb 10 Senior Night for boys basketball!

HOME game will be a Green/White game - all HS players - 5:30

Thursday, Feb 13 HOME games with Bethel Church teams - JV 6:00 V 7:15

Friday, Feb 14 HS Basketball @ Midwest Central (Manito) JV 6:00 V to follow

Monday, Feb 17 HS Basketball @ Flanagan  JV 1:00 V to follow

Fri-Sat, Feb 21-22 HS Basketball Varsity @ Arthur Christian for Midwest Championships

Look for spring activities registration coming NEXT WEEK!

From the Principal's Desk

Yes, 2025-2026 is approaching quickly! I am excited to share plans for next year, although the necessary tuition increases are always hard to announce. We are growing our program and our school, which is super exciting! 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! God is moving greatly in our midst, and I’m glad to walk this path with you all.

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

   Blessings,

        Mr. Horning

Lion Tales 1/30/25

Upcoming Dates on the School Calendar

Thurs-Fri, Jan 30-31 School Closed due to excessive illnesses. Get well soon, everyone!

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

Monday, March 3 Now a STUDENT ATTENDANCE day

March 24-28 NO School - Spring Break

Monday, April 7 Now a STUDENT ATTENDANCE day

Praying for healthy families and a great return to school on Monday!

While it is disappointing to not have students in school today and tomorrow, we are anticipating a return to good health. We are attempting to eradicate all the germs being transferred between students and staff. Please pray for a return to good health for the over 25% of our students and staff (and families) that are currently ill. May the Lord (along with sleep, medication, and all that goes with recovery) bring you back to us on Monday.  With that said, please DO keep your child home if they are not fully recovered.

2025-2026 Registration and Enrollment information! 

Enrollment for the new school year opens on Monday, February 3. We will begin a new process where families can enroll and re-enroll online through the Gradelink “EnrollMe” feature on our SIS.  There will be some kinks to work out, we imagine, so be patient.  Details will come, along with instructions. For now, the new tuition schedules are being publicized (attached with Lion Tales). We encourage early enrollment (by March 31 with a discounted registration fee). It greatly helps us to plan for 2025-2026.  

Tuition (as expected) will increase for next year, but the school board has kept that increase at 8% or less in nearly all categories. There are some adjustments in the way family discounts are calculated as well as a small student assistance tuition add-on. We pray that CLA stays affordable (as it has been in comparison with other Christian schools). Any questions, please contact Mr. Horning ([email protected]).

Mark your calendars for the following dates and times, when we will have OPEN HOUSE events. Invite your friends and family to check out Christian Life Academy! Printed and digital flyers are available to share.

OPEN HOUSE DATES to share!

Tuesday, February 18 -  8 am to 7 pm - including chapel at 8:30 am

Monday, February 10 -  8 am to 7 pm - including chapel at 8:30 am

Thursday, February 13 -  4 pm to 8 pm

   Extra Curriculars Corner

Thurs-Sat, Jan 30-Feb 1 JV and V basketball teams at ICCS tournament, Washington

Monday, Feb 3 HOME basketball games with Westfair - JV 5:30 / V 6:45

Thursday, Feb 6 8th Grade night for cheer and basketball!

HOME game with Faith Baptist - JH 5:30

Fri-Sat, Feb 7-8 JV Basketball tournament at CLA, games Friday 5:40 and 6:50

Games Saturday 9:30 through the afternoon

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

From the Principal's Desk

Yes, 2025-2026 is approaching quickly! I am excited to share plans for next year, although the necessary tuition increases are always hard to announce. We are growing our program and our school, which is super exciting! 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! God is moving greatly in our midst, and I’m glad to walk this path with you all.

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

   Blessings,

        Mr. Horning

Lion Tales 1/16/25

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