Lion Tales 10/12/23

Upcoming Dates

Fri-Sat, Oct 13-14 Volleyball AWAY (High School) at ICCS Tournament

Monday, Oct 16 PTF meeting 3:45 pm

Fri-Sat, Oct 20-21 Life Days 2023!

Monday, Oct 23 No School - Parent-Teacher Conferences - look for a sign-up email!!

PARENT TEACHER CONFERENCES Will be held on Monday, October 23, so please look for an email from teachers to get signed up.  We ask that ALL parents meet with teachers so we can best partner with one another in the education of your children!  It’s a great time to meet and catch up, plan and encourage!  Depending on how the scheduling goes, there may need to be some time slots after school on the 24th-26th as well.  Thank you for your partnership!

Life Days 2023 is coming up… get involved…Volunteers NEEDED!

 Life Days is something we ask ALL CLA families - preschool, elementary, middle school, high school, athletes, EVERYONE to get involved with.  BE SURE TO VISIT CLACADEMY.ORG for more information and to get involved!

LIFE DAYS 2023 ACTION POINT THIS WEEK: Volunteers STILL Needed!

Life Days requires an “all hands on deck” approach!  Well over 200 volunteer hours are needed (yes, that’s a lot!)  Please take a moment to click on this link to see all the different opportunities we have for you to volunteer, and sign up! https://www.trackitforward.com/site/840757/events

Previous action point: Get the word out!

Have you told your friends, church family, neighbors, and extended family about Life Days? There’s still time to tell others!

Chess Club!  Join the fun in October and November!

A flyer went home previously, but here’s the short version:  Mrs. Travis, our HS science and math teacher, will be having a chess club on Tues/Thurs afternoons immediately after school in Oct/Nov.  This is for 5th-12th graders, no chess experience required!  Mrs. Travis is asking for a $10 fee from participants to get the club going.   YOU are invited! Check out the flyer and contact [email protected] for more information!

Reminder about our Lions’ Den Facebook Parent Page!

Please join our parent page on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2357381807869894

This is a private group, which means that posts, information, and photos can not be “shared” outside of the group.  Staff will post information and photos about student activities on this page to help keep student information safe. Please make sure that you answer all of the membership questions identifying your connection to CLA- this will help us approve your membership faster!

PLEASE NOTE: we are strictly keeping the purpose and membership of the Lions’ Den Facebook group for parents and grandparents only as we want to be very careful for the safety of our families. Others who do not fit the parent or grandparent category will not be approved for membership in this private group.  The public CLA Facebook page does not require membership, and you are welcome to share that page with friends, extended family and the public! Posts on the public page are shareable.  The private group posts are not shareable.  

From the Principal's Desk

Have you prayed for your childrens’ teachers today? For their classmates? I challenge you to make it a priority to pray daily for them!  What a joy it is to walk side-by-side with your families.  What a joy to work together toward the mission that God has (His mission) for each of us.  But don’t forget that we have the opportunity to intercede on behalf of our students, teachers, and classroom activities.  We are excited to know that God hears your prayers for CLA!

Blessings,

        Mr. Horning

Lion Tales 10/5/23

Upcoming Dates

Thursday, Oct 5 Volleyball HOME scrimmages Green v. White  5 pm / 6 pm

Fri-Mon, Oct 6-9 No School - Columbus/Indigenous People Day

Thursday, Oct 12 Volleyball Away (Junior High) at Concordia 5:30/6:30

Fri-Sat, Oct 13-14 Volleyball AWAY (High School) at ICCS Tournament

Fri-Sat, Oct 20-21 Life Days 2023!

Monday, Oct 23 No School - Parent-Teacher Conferences - look for a sign-up email!!

PARENT TEACHER CONFERENCES will be held on Monday, October 23, so please look for an email from teachers to get signed up.  We ask that ALL parents meet with teachers so we can best partner with one another in the education of your children!  It’s a great time to meet and catch up, plan and encourage!  Depending on how the scheduling goes, there may need to be some time slots after school on the 24th-26th as well.  Thank you for your partnership!

CLA is looking for a new staff member - can you help us find this person?

Sadly, our amazing 1st/2nd grades teacher, Mrs. Bachman, will need to depart our school due to a medical need.  Her last day will be Friday, October 13. We love Mrs. Bachman, and are saddened… but we are also now on the lookout for a new amazing teacher to fill this staff position at CLA.  If you know of anyone, please let us know or connect us.  The official posting of the position was last week and we currently are accepting applications.  Questions, please talk with Mr. Horning or Mrs. Bowman.  As in any transition, we want what is best for all of our students! So please pray!

CHANGE WARS: Congratulations students, YOU MET THE CHALLENGE & Mr. Horning ATE a PIE

The total brought in for the change wars sponsored by PTF was $1,567! Wow!  Since that total shattered the goal of $900 challenged by Mr. Horning… students were treated to Mr. Horning having a yummy strawberry pie on Wednesday morning!  Congratulations to Mrs. Travis’ high school classroom, who brought in over $500 in quarters.  Jonas Plattner was the honorary “pie guy.” How fun (and tasty).

The funds raised by PTF’s change wars will help greatly for many student activities and classroom expenses, field trips, and athletics opportunities.  Wonderful Job!

Life Days 2023 is coming up… get involved…Sell coffee, popcorn, pies!

 Life Days is something we ask ALL CLA families - preschool, elementary, middle school, high school, athletes, EVERYONE to get involved with.  BE SURE TO VISIT CLACADEMY.ORG for more information and to get involved!

LIFE DAYS 2023 ACTION POINT THIS WEEK: Pies, popcorn, coffee, oh my!

The last day to buy/sell the Life Days Store items (coffee, pies, popcorn) is Wednesday, October 11.  NOW is the time to get some items sold, or purchase some for yourself.  And don’t forget about breakfast and dinner tickets… if you haven’t taken care of the YELLOW PACKET your family received… please do!

Last week’s action point: Get the word out!

Have you told your friends, church family, neighbors, and extended family about LIfe Days? Large and small posters are available in the school office (you received one small last week).  

Previous action point: Sign up - VOLUNTEER - we still need volunteers!

Life Days requires an “all hands on deck” approach!  Well over 200 volunteer hours are needed (yes, that’s a lot!)  Please take a moment to click on this link to see all the different opportunities we have for you to volunteer, and sign up! https://www.trackitforward.com/site/840757/events

Previous action point: Identify a DONATION is still something to consider

Find a business that might make a donation, or consider selling an item to you at a reduced rate to donate.  Make a basket of items. Donate a gift certificate… Check with Mr. Horning if you have questions…We would like all donations to arrive by Wednesday, October 11th if possible. Many people have already donated something! Forms available in the office.

Chess Club!  Join the fun in October and November!

A flyer went homepreviously, but here’s the short version:  Mrs. Travis, our HS science and math teacher, will be having a chess club on Tues/Thurs afternoons immediately after school in Oct/Nov.  This is for 5th-12th graders, no chess experience required!  Mrs. Travis is asking for a $10 fee from participants to get the club going.   YOU are invited! Check out the flyer and contact [email protected] for more information!

Reminder about our Lions’ Den Facebook Parent Page!

Please join our parent page on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2357381807869894

This is a private group, which means that posts, information, and photos can not be “shared” outside of the group.  Staff will post information and photos about student activities on this page to help keep student information safe. Please make sure that you answer all of the membership questions identifying your connection to CLA- this will help us approve your membership faster!

PLEASE NOTE: we are strictly keeping the purpose and membership of the Lions’ Den Facebook group for parents and grandparents only as we want to be very careful for the safety of our families. Others who do not fit the parent or grandparent category will not be approved for membership in this private group.  The public CLA Facebook page does not require membership, and you are welcome to share that page with friends, extended family and the public! Posts on the public page are shareable.  The private group posts are not shareable.  

From the Principal's Desk

I’ll keep this short… It’s a joy to walk side-by-side with you on this journey of following Christ.  I’m glad we are in this together!

Blessings,

         Mr. Horning

Lion Tales 9/28/23

Upcoming Dates

Thursday, Sept 28 Volleyball HOME scrimmages Green v. White  5 pm / 6 pm 

Monday, Oct 2 LIONS FOOTBALL - “home game” at Eureka College 5:30 pm

Tuesday, Oct 3 Volleyball HOME games with ICCS 5:00 / 6:00

Thursday, Oct 5 Volleyball HOME scrimmages Green v. White  5 pm / 6 pm

Fri-Mon, Oct 6-9 No School - Columbus/Indigenous People Day

Monday, Oct 23 No School - Parent-Teacher Conferences - look for a sign-up email!!

PARENT TEACHER CONFERENCES Will be held on Monday, October 23, so please look for an email from teachers to get signed up.  We ask that ALL parents meet with teachers so we can best partner with one another in the education of your children!  It’s a great time to meet and catch up, plan and encourage!  Depending on how the scheduling goes, there may need to be some time slots after school on the 24th-26th as well.  Thank you for your partnership!

CLA is looking for a new staff member - can you help us find this person?

Sadly, our amazing 1st/2nd grades teacher, Mrs. Bachman, will need to depart our school this fall due to a medical need.  We love Mrs. Bachman, and are saddened… but we are also now on the lookout for a new amazing teacher to fill this staff position at CLA.  If you know of anyone, please let us know or connect us.  The official posting of the position is happening today.  Questions, please talk with Mr. Horning or Mrs. Bowman.  As in any transition, we want what is best for all of our students! So please pray!

CHANGE WARS… Congratulations 3rd/4th/7th/8th Team

BRING QUARTERS TOMORROW and MEET THE CHALLENGE

PTF is sponsoring our annual “change wars” fundraiser this month.  Last week our 3rd/4th/7th/8th group brought in the most dimes ($94.50) and the total change brought in is up to $417.57. Wow! Tomorrow is the last day for QUARTERS!  Keep bringing in the change! Mr. Horning announced a CHALLENGE - It’s Pie in the Face if we go over $900 total!!!

Pizza Ranch Fundraiser - This past Monday, Sept 25 - Thank you for your support!

The pizza was yummy, and the fellowship was great!  Thank you to the volunteers (teachers, students, families) who helped at the Pizza Ranch fundraiser on Monday.  Just over $487 was raised for our Tuition Assistance program which helps families afford to be a part of our school.  PLEASE NOTE:  We are looking for a volunteer to help organize future Pizza Ranch fundraisers, so if that person is YOU, please talk with Mr. Horning or Mrs. Gibson to get some details!

Life Days 2023 is coming up… get involved…Get the word out!!

 Life Days is something we ask ALL CLA families - preschool, elementary, middle school, high school, athletes, EVERYONE to get involved with.  We have more action points for you today! Please get involved!

LIFE DAYS 2023 ACTION POINT FOR THE WEEK: Get the word out!

Have you told your friends, your church family, your neighbors, your extended family… about Life Days?  Have you told them about kids activities? food? the homecoming football game? the auction?  If not, I challenge you to GET THE WORD OUT!  We have large (11x17) and small (8.5x11) posters that you can hang up.  They are available in the school office (you received one small one earlier this week).  Pass it on.  Let’s get people here on October 20-21!

Last week’s action point: Sign up - VOLUNTEER - we still need volunteers!

Life Days requires an “all hands on deck” approach!  Well over 200 volunteer hours are needed (yes, that’s a lot!)  Please take a moment to click on this link to see all the different opportunities we have for you to volunteer, and sign up! https://www.trackitforward.com/site/840757/events

Previous action point: Identify a DONATION is still something to consider

Find a business that might make a donation, or consider selling an item to you at a reduced rate to donate.  Make a basket of items. Donate a gift certificate… Check with Mr. Horning if you have questions…Some people have already donated something! Forms available in the office.

Chess Club!  Join the fun in October and November!

A flyer went home last week, but here’s the short version:  Mrs. Travis, our HS science and math teacher, will be having a chess club on Tues/Thurs afternoons immediately after school in Oct/Nov.  This is for 5th-12th graders, no chess experience required!  Mrs. Travis is asking for a $10 fee from participants to get the club going.   YOU are invited! Check out the flyer and contact [email protected] for more information!

Reminder about our Lions’ Den Facebook Parent Page!

Please join our parent page on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2357381807869894

This is a private group, which means that posts, information, and photos can not be “shared” outside of the group.  Staff will post information and photos about student activities on this page to help keep student information safe. Please make sure that you answer all of the membership questions identifying your connection to CLA- this will help us approve your membership faster!

PLEASE NOTE: we are strictly keeping the purpose and membership of the Lions’ Den Facebook group for parents and grandparents only as we want to be very careful for the safety of our families. Others who do not fit the parent or grandparent category will not be approved for membership in this private group.  The public CLA Facebook page does not require membership, and you are welcome to share that page with friends, extended family and the public! Posts on the public page are shareable.  The private group posts are not shareable.  

From the Principal's Desk

Have you noticed that life can be difficult?  I sure have!  I have a burden for many families and individuals in our CLA community that are struggling with difficult circumstances currently.  I am so grateful that the God who loves us knows these situations.  Would you take a moment to pray (without knowing details) for those in our community that have a burden right now?  Thank you!

Blessings,

        Mr. Horning

Lion Tales 9/22/23

Upcoming Dates

Monday, Sept 25 No School - Teacher in-service

Monday, Sept 25 PIZZA RANCH fundraiser night… 5-8 pm in MORTON! Mark your calendars!

Tuesday, Sept 26 Volleyball HOME games with Calvary Chillicothe 5 pm / 6 pm

Thursday, Sept 28 Volleyball HOME scrimmages Green v. White  5 pm / 6 pm 

Monday, Oct 2 LIONS FOOTBALL - “home game” at Eureka College 5:30 pm

CHANGE WARS… Congratulations 3rd/4th/7th/8th Team

BRING DIMES TOMORROW and QUARTERS NEXT WEEK!

PTF is sponsoring our annual “change wars” fundraiser this month.  Last week our 3rd/4th/7th/8th group brought in the most nickels ($32.35) and the total nickels amount was $112.55.  Our total is up to $172.68. Wow! Tomorrow is the last day for DIMES… next week it’s QUARTERS!  Keep bringing in the change! Mr. Horning announced a CHALLENGE - It’s Pie in the Face if we go over $900 total!!!

Life Days 2023 is coming up… get involved…POSTER attached!

 Life Days is something we ask ALL CLA families - preschool, elementary, middle school, high school, athletes, EVERYONE to get involved with.  A poster of activities is with today’s Lion Tales. We have more action points for you today! Please get involved!

LIFE DAYS 2023 ACTION POINT FOR THE WEEK:  Sign up - VOLUNTEER

Life Days requires an “all hands on deck” approach!  Well over 200 volunteer hours are needed (yes, that’s a lot!)  Please take a moment to click on this link to see all the different opportunities we have for you to volunteer, and sign up! https://www.trackitforward.com/site/840757/events

Last week’s action point: Identify a DONATION is still something to consider

Find a business that might make a donation, or consider selling an item to you at a reduced rate to donate.  Make a basket of items. Donate a gift certificate… Check with Mr. Horning if you have questions…Some people have already donated something! Forms available in the office.

Track it Forward - Every Family should register to get involved at CLA!

This year, CLA and the PTF will be using Track It Forward to host all of our volunteer signups- concessions, cinnamon/dinner rolls, Life Days, etc.   Please help us make this process a smooth transition by registering 1 person per family at the following link: https://www.trackitforward.com/site/christian-life-academy  When you register, be sure to select “parent/family” for your registration.  Please only do one registration per family. Using Track It Forward will enable us to send text reminders as well as email reminders, help us track community service hours for middle school/high school students.  So select the person in your family that will most likely receive and respond to texts and emails!  Please note: Each family needs to create an account to participate/volunteer, which will be separate from your student's account that we use to track their hours. CLA relies on volunteers to help make events successful (which helps keep our costs down!), and our CLA families are an important part of that!

Pizza Ranch Fundraiser - September 25 - Diners and Volunteers needed

CLA will be having a fundraising night at the Morton Pizza Ranch on Monday, September 25th from 5:00-8:00.  Although we do not have school that day, we’d love to see you and your friends at Pizza Ranch that night.  Funds raised help with tuition assistance. Mrs Gibson organizes this night, and has created a sign up genius for students and parents to sign up to help bus tables.  Here is the link for that...

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090448AAA823A1FB6-pizza2

Chess Club!  Join the fun in October and November!

Please see the attached flyer of information… here’s the short version:  Mrs. Travis, our HS science and math teacher, will be having a chess club on Tues/Thurs afternoons immediately after school in her classroom.  This is for 5th-12th graders, no chess experience required!  Mrs. Travis is simply asking for a $10 fee from each participant to get the club going… and YOU are invited! Check out the flyer and contact [email protected] for more information!

Families - join our Lions’ Den Facebook Parent Page!

Please join our parent page on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2357381807869894

This is a private group, which means that posts, information, and photos can not be “shared” outside of the group.  Staff will post information and photos about student activities on this page to help keep student information safe. Please make sure that you answer all of the membership questions identifying your connection to CLA- this will help us approve your membership faster!

GoGuardian Parent App

Parents- GoGuardian, our school's primary filtration program, has a parent app that will allow you to monitor your student's chromebook usage- convenient for after school hours. You can block sites, pause the internet, and more.  To sign up, please email Mrs. Stribling at [email protected] with your student's name and the email address(es) you wish to use.  You can find the GoGuardian Parent App in the app store for Android and Apple platforms.  *Please note- the GoGuardian PARENT app is different from the regular GoGuardian app that the school uses.  It is specifically labeled “GoGuardian Parent App.”  Make sure you download the correct one!  

From the Principal's Desk

Recently I have been reminded of the importance of JOY in our lives.  Remember, joy and happiness are not necessarily the same… we can have the JOY OF THE LORD even when there are times where our earthly happiness subsides.  My prayer for each of you is that amidst whatever is going on in your life, you are still able to sustain JOY in the Lord!  I love to share that joy with each of you!

Blessings,

        Mr. Horning

Lion Tales 9/14/23

Upcoming Dates

Saturday, Sept 16 HS Volleyball AWAY at FBCA Tournament - Rosamond

Lions Football Club at Joliet 7 pm

Monday, Sept 18 PTF meeting 3:45 pm

Monday, Sept 18 Volleyball HOME vs Calvary Urbana 5 pm / 6 pm

Tuesday, Sept 19 Volleyball HOME vs Faith Baptist 5 pm / 6 pm

Thursday, Sept 21 Volleyball AWAY at ICCS Washington 5 pm / 6 pm

Monday, Sept 25 No School - Teacher in-service

Monday, Sept 25 PIZZA RANCH fundraiser night… 5-8 pm in MORTON! Mark your calendars!

CHANGE WARS… Congratulations K-2nd Team for winning last week

BRING NICKELS TOMORROW and DIMES NEXT WEEK!

PTF is sponsoring our annual “change wars” fundraiser this month.  Last week our Kindergarten-2nd grade group brought in the most pennies and the total pennies amount was $60.13.  Yes, that’s 6,013 pennies… Wow! Tomorrow is the last day for NICKELS… next week it’s DIMES!  Keep bringing in the change!

Life Days 2023 is coming soon… keep your eyes open for information!

 Life Days is something we ask ALL CLA families - preschool, elementary, middle school, high school, athletes, EVERYONE to get involved with.  You’ll hear more soon about volunteering ….so get registered with Track it Forward (see below)!

LIFE DAYS 2023 ACTION POINT FOR THE WEEK:  Identify a DONATION!

Life Days is a fundraiser that uses multiple ways to raise money and to encourage involvement.  One of those is through our LIVE AUCTION that is held on Saturday evening (6:30 pm, October 21st).  We need YOU to help find a donated item or two!  What sells? That’s always a good question.  But UNIQUE items (a huge handmade garden sunflower decoration had bidders going crazy in 2021) and BIG ticket items (a golf cart a few years back was bid up to $2000) are always needed.  Start to check around.  Find a business that might make a donation, or consider selling an item to you at a reduced rate to donate.  Some people have already donated something! Forms will be available next week, so it’s GO TIME on getting donations!

Track it Forward - Every Family should register to get involved at CLA!

This year, CLA and the PTF will be using Track It Forward to host all of our volunteer signups- concessions, cinnamon/dinner rolls, Life Days, etc.   Please help us make this process a smooth transition by registering 1 person per family at the following link: https://www.trackitforward.com/site/christian-life-academy  When you register, be sure to select “parent/family” for your registration.  Please only do one registration per family. Using Track It Forward will enable us to send text reminders as well as email reminders, help us track community service hours for middle school/high school students.  So select the person in your family that will most likely receive and respond to texts and emails!  Please note: Each family needs to create an account to participate/volunteer, which will be separate from your student's account that we use to track their hours. CLA relies on volunteers to help make events successful (which helps keep our costs down!), and our CLA families are an important part of that!

Pizza Ranch Fundraiser - September 25 - Diners and Volunteers needed

CLA will be having a fundraising night at the Morton Pizza Ranch on Monday, September 25th from 5:00-8:00.  Although we do not have school that day, we’d love to see you and your friends at Pizza Ranch that night.  Funds raised help with tuition assistance. Mrs Gibson organizes this night, and has created a sign up genius for students and parents to sign up to help bus tables.  Here is the link for that...

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090448AAA823A1FB6-pizza2

Families - join our Lions’ Den Facebook Parent Page!

Please join our parent page on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2357381807869894

This is a private group, which means that posts, information, and photos can not be “shared” outside of the group.  Staff will post information and photos about student activities on this page to help keep student information safe. Please make sure that you answer all of the membership questions identifying your connection to CLA- this will help us approve your membership faster!

GoGuardian Parent App

Parents- GoGuardian, our school's primary filtration program, has a parent app that will allow you to monitor your student's chromebook usage- convenient for after school hours. You can block sites, pause the internet, and more.  To sign up, please email Mrs. Stribling at [email protected] with your student's name and the email address(es) you wish to use.  You can find the GoGuardian Parent App in the app store for Android and Apple platforms.  *Please note- the GoGuardian PARENT app is different from the regular GoGuardian app that the school uses.  It is specifically labeled “GoGuardian Parent App.”  Make sure you download the correct one!  

From the Principal's Desk

Have you heard about the LIONS FOOTBALL CLUB?  Yes, Christian Life Academy has (well, helps to sponsor) a high school football team.  The jerseys arrived Tuesday - and they are sharp - navy and neon green - but the players and coaches on this team are what really draws people’s attention.  After their game in Edwardsville on Tuesday night (they travel pretty far to find competition), a comment was made by someone watching the game… “That was the most Christ-centered game I've ever seen.”  Yes, a football game - tough guys playing a tough sport - was “Christ-centered.”  We praise the Lord that He has helped our players and coaches show that sports can be focused on Christ!  Thank you, coaches and football players!

Blessings,

         Mr. Horning

Lion Tales 9/7/23

Upcoming Dates

Friday, Sept 8 Baseball AWAY game 4:30 pm at Trinity Lutheran Bloomington

Tuesday, Sept 12 Volleyball HOME junior high games 5:30 pm / 6:30 pm with Concordia

Monday, Sept 18 PTF meeting 3:45 pm

Monday, Sept 25 No School - Teacher in-service

Monday, Sept 25 PIZZA RANCH fundraiser night… 5-8 pm in MORTON! Mark your calendars!

CLA Gear Store Open

The CLA Gear store is OPEN for orders and will close on Wednesday, September 13th at 8am.   There are three new designs to choose from for hoodies and t-shirts!  You can also order a CLA blanket or jacket.  You can place your orders online here: https://jcscreenprinting.com/collections/lions-christian-life-academy.

Please be aware of the following:

• to help keep costs down, no apparel will be ordered or made until AFTER the cutoff.

• You can choose FREE BULK PICKUP to pick up your order at CLA.  If you wish to have it shipped to you, there will be an extra charge for shipping applied at checkout.

• We will have the CLA Gear store open again in November with delivery in time for Christmas and once more in late February/early March 2024.  These will be the only times the store is open this school year. 

• Size charts are provided in the product descriptions- please check the chart if you are unsure of what size to order.  Unfortunately, JC Screenprinting and CLA will not be able to refund orders due to incorrect sizing.

• If an item is out of stock and can be substituted, it will be replaced with a comparable (or better!) item. If it cannot be substituted, you will be contacted with alternative options.

If you have questions, please contact Mrs. Stribling at [email protected] or contact JC Screenprinting directly via email at [email protected] or by phone at 309-300-2772.

CHANGE WARS… Bring pennies… and next week bring nickels!

PTF is sponsoring our annual “change wars” fundraiser this month.  We’ll get a report out next week on which group brought in the most pennies for this week’s coin of choice.  Keep bringing in the change!

Life Days 2023 is coming soon… keep your eyes open for information!

CLA’s largest and most important fundraiser is Life Days, which encompasses multiple activities over multiple days… and we need your help to make it successful.  This year, the event will be October 20-21, but many things will happen prior to those days.  Life Days is something we ask ALL CLA families - preschool, elementary, middle school, high school, athletes, EVERYONE to get involved with.  You’ll hear more soon….get registered with Track it Forward!

Track it Forward - Every Family should register to get involved at CLA!

This year, CLA and the PTF will be using Track It Forward to host all of our volunteer signups- concessions, cinnamon/dinner rolls, Life Days, etc.   Please help us make this process a smooth transition by registering 1 person per family at the following link: https://www.trackitforward.com/site/christian-life-academy  When you register, be sure to select “parent/family” for your registration.  Please only do one registration per family. Using Track It Forward will enable us to send text reminders as well as email reminders, help us track community service hours for middle school/high school students.  So select the person in your family that will most likely receive and respond to texts and emails!  Please note: Each family needs to create an account to participate/volunteer, which will be separate from your student's account that we use to track their hours. CLA relies on volunteers to help make events successful (which helps keep our costs down!), and our CLA families are an important part of that!

Pizza Ranch Fundraiser - September 25 - Diners and Volunteers needed

CLA will be having a fundraising night at the Morton Pizza Ranch on Monday, September 25th from 5:00-8:00.  Although we do not have school that day, we’d love to see you and your friends at Pizza Ranch that night.  Funds raised help with tuition assistance. Mrs Gibson organizes this night, and has created a sign up genius for students and parents to sign up to help bus tables.  Here is the link for that...

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090448AAA823A1FB6-pizza2

Families - join our Lions’ Den Facebook Parent Page!

Please join our parent page on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2357381807869894

This is a private group, which means that posts, information, and photos can not be “shared” outside of the group.  Staff will post information and photos about student activities on this page to help keep student information safe. Please make sure that you answer all of the membership questions identifying your connection to CLA- this will help us approve your membership faster!

GoGuardian Parent App

Parents- GoGuardian, our school's primary filtration program, has a parent app that will allow you to monitor your student's chromebook usage- convenient for after school hours. You can block sites, pause the internet, and more.  To sign up, please email Mrs. Stribling at [email protected] with your student's name and the email address(es) you wish to use.  You can find the GoGuardian Parent App in the app store for Android and Apple platforms.  *Please note- the GoGuardian PARENT app is different from the regular GoGuardian app that the school uses.  It is specifically labeled “GoGuardian Parent App.”  Make sure you download the correct one!  

From the Principal's Desk

A smile… what a great and wonderful expression to see on a face! I just want to say thank you to everyone that shares a smile, a wave, a friendly “hello” or “good morning” or even “gutentag.” One of my favorite times of the day is greetings, high fives, special handshakes, and smiles! Keep them coming!

Blessings,

        Mr. Horning

Lion Tales 8/31/23

Upcoming Dates

Thursday, Aug 31 Baseball HOME game 4:30 vs Corpus Christi

Friday, Sept 1 Volleyball HOME games 5 pm / 6 pm vs FBCA Rosamond

Monday, Sept 4 No School - Labor Day

Tuesday, Sept 5 Baseball HOME game 7:00 pm vs Delavan

Thursday, Sept 7 (rescheduled) Baseball AWAY game 4:15 pm at South Pekin

Thursday, Sept 7 Volleyball AWAY games at Calvary Chillicothe 5 pm / 6 pm

Monday, Sept 25 No School - Teacher in-service

Monday, Sept 25 PIZZA RANCH fundraiser night… 5-8 pm in MORTON! Mark your calendars!

Reminder from the CLA office as we start off the year…

Please continue to return any paperwork or payments to the school office. You also can drop off in our outdoor drop box to the right of the main entrance.

Track it Forward - Every Family should register to get involved at CLA!

This year, CLA and the PTF will be using Track It Forward to host all of our volunteer signups- concessions, cinnamon/dinner rolls, Life Days, etc.   Please help us make this process a smooth transition by registering 1 person per family at the following link: https://www.trackitforward.com/site/christian-life-academy  When you register, be sure to select “parent/family” for your registration.  Please only do one registration per family. Using Track It Forward will enable us to send text reminders as well as email reminders, help us track community service hours for middle school/high school students.  So select the person in your family that will most likely receive and respond to texts and emails!

Please note: Each family needs to create an account to participate/volunteer, which will be separate from your student's account that we use to track their hours. CLA relies on volunteers to help make events successful (which helps keep our costs down!), and our CLA families are an important part of that!

Pizza Ranch Fundraiser - September 25 - Diners and Volunteers needed

CLA will be having a fundraising night at the Morton Pizza Ranch on Monday, September 25th from 5:00-8:00.  Although we do not have school that day, we’d love to see you and your friends at Pizza Ranch that night.  Funds raised help with tuition assistance. Mrs Gibson organizes this night, and has created a sign up genius for students and parents to sign up to help bus tables.  Here is the link for that...

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090448AAA823A1FB6-pizza2

Families - join our Lions’ Den Facebook Parent Page!

Please join our parent page on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2357381807869894

This is a private group, which means that posts, information, and photos can not be “shared” outside of the group.  Staff will post information and photos about student activities on this page to help keep student information safe. Please make sure that you answer all of the membership questions identifying your connection to CLA- this will help us approve your membership faster!

GoGuardian Parent App

Parents- GoGuardian, our school's primary filtration program, has a parent app that will allow you to monitor your student's chromebook usage- convenient for after school hours. You can block sites, pause the internet, and more.  To sign up, please email Mrs. Stribling at [email protected] with your student's name and the email address(es) you wish to use.  You can find the GoGuardian Parent App in the app store for Android and Apple platforms.  *Please note- the GoGuardian PARENT app is different from the regular GoGuardian app that the school uses.  It is specifically labeled “GoGuardian Parent App.”  Make sure you download the correct one!  

A reminder about “after school” student presence at school

Students who are not picked up at regular dismissal time will have the following options:

• K-6 students must be signed in (with a reserved spot ahead of time) to AFTER SCHOOL CARE if they remain at school.  If you have not already done so, please sign up (sheet in lobby/email Mrs. Westley) if this is something your family needs.

• 5th - HS students who are on a SPORTS TEAM - fall sports at this time include 5th-8th boys baseball, and 5-12 girls volleyball.  Participants should change and report directly to the ball field/gym.

• Additional 7th-12th students, if not picked up immediately after school, must be signed in at the daycare hallway - students remain in the hallway area at a desk if daycare is inside, and must remain under supervision of the daycare teacher at ALL TIMES.  Students may not be anywhere else in the building, and may not be on the playground or anywhere on school grounds unsupervised.

• PLEASE NOTE…it is important that students are picked up in a timely manner.  If we begin to see too many students in our daycare program (exceeding 20 total students daily overall, including our regular Olympia daycare) we will have to add paid staff, and thus begin to charge daycare fees for all students not picked up immediately at the end of the school day.  Please respect the families who NEED this after school program and the benefits to their family.  

We are encouraging ALL families to be prompt and courteous of our staff when it comes to picking up children.  Thank you for your partnership.

From the Principal's Desk

We have had an exciting, interesting, and great start to the school year.  I want to take this opportunity to say “thank you” for being on mission with Christian Life Academy.  We are truly “in this together!” The Lord has blessed your families with children, and you have blessed CLA by partnering with us.  May we always be thankful to the Lord for what He has done, and what He allows us to participate in! 

Blessings,

        Mr. Horning

Lion Tales 8/25/23

Upcoming Dates

Saturday, Aug 26 Board of Directors’ meeting 7:30 am (open to public)

Monday, Aug 28 PTF meeting 3:45 pm (see below)

Baseball AWAY game 4:30 at Lincoln (Carroll Catholic - at Lincoln Rec Center)

Volleyball AWAY games 6 pm / 7 pm at Calvary Urban (in Philo, IL)

Thursday, Aug 31 Baseball HOME game 4:30 vs Corpus Christi

Friday, Sept 1 Volleyball HOME games 5 pm / 6 pm vs FBCA Rosamond

Monday, Sept 4 No School - Labor Day

Reminder from the CLA office as we start off the year…

Please continue to return any paperwork or payments to the school office. You also can drop off in our outdoor drop box to the right of the main entrance.

First Parent Teacher Fellowship (PTF) meeting of the year!

PTF will have their first meeting of the school year on Monday, August 28 at 3:45.  This will be held in our “meeting room” - first classroom on the left past the restrooms.  We encourage you to get involved with CLA’s Parent Teacher Fellowship - a great way to get to know other parents and teachers, and to volunteer to help the school!

CLA Apparel/Gear is in the works - look for an opportunity to buy some… coming soon!!

Families - join our Lions’ Den Facebook Parent Page!

Please join our parent page on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2357381807869894

This is a private group, which means that posts, information, and photos can not be “shared” outside of the group.  Staff will post information and photos about student activities on this page to help keep student information safe. Please make sure that you answer all of the membership questions identifying your connection to CLA- this will help us approve your membership faster!

GoGuardian Parent App

Parents- GoGuardian, our school's primary filtration program, has a parent app that will allow you to monitor your student's chromebook usage- convenient for after school hours. You can block sites, pause the internet, and more.  To sign up, please email Mrs. Stribling at [email protected] with your student's name and the email address(es) you wish to use.  You can find the GoGuardian Parent App in the app store for Android and Apple platforms.  *Please note- the GoGuardian PARENT app is different from the regular GoGuardian app that the school uses.  It is specifically labeled “GoGuardian Parent App.”  Make sure you download the correct one!  

A reminder about “after school” student presence at school

Students who are not picked up at regular dismissal time will have the following options:

• K-6 students must be signed in (with a reserved spot ahead of time) to AFTER SCHOOL CARE if they remain at school.  If you have not already done so, please sign up (sheet in lobby/email Mrs. Westley) if this is something your family needs.

• 5th - HS students who are on a SPORTS TEAM - fall sports at this time include 5th-8th boys baseball, and 5-12 girls volleyball.  Participants should change and report directly to the ball field/gym.

• Additional MS and HS students, if not picked up immediately after school, must be signed in at the daycare hallway - students remain in the hallway area at a desk if daycare is inside, and must remain under supervision of the daycare teacher at ALL TIMES.  Students may not be anywhere else in the building, and may not be on the playground or anywhere on school grounds unsupervised.

• PLEASE NOTE…it is important that students are picked up in a timely manner.  If we begin to see too many students in our daycare program (exceeding 20 total students daily overall, including our regular Olympia daycare) we will have to add paid staff, and thus begin to charge daycare fees for all students not picked up immediately at the end of the school day.  Please respect the families who NEED this after school program and the benefits to their family.  

We are encouraging ALL families to be prompt and courteous of our staff when it comes to picking up children.  Thank you for your partnership.

From the Principal's Desk

I’d like to take a minute to tell you about the new CLA HS building.  It’s been an AMAZING experience to work with so many volunteers, to be blessed by so many donors, and to work with great contractors.  We started the school year with staff and students in the building!  That was the goal, and the Lord allowed, through His providence, for that to happen.  We are now on the “home stretch” to complete the building (yes, there are more things to do!).  Along with Lion Tales today, I’m also sending a “High School Building Update” that gives more information.  We are hoping to complete the building without incurring debt, and we have that opportunity!  Take a look at that document and see that we have a “complete the building” matching funds opportunity!  May the Lord continue to allow this amazing building to reach completion!

Blessings,

        Mr. Horning

Lion Tales 8/17/23- Back to School Edition

The first day of school  –  Together on Mission at CLA!!

This edition of Lion Tales celebrates the start of school…  If you have any questions or need to contact someone at the school, please try any of the following:

Office - Mrs. Westley -  [email protected] or [email protected] or call 309-449-3346

Principal - Mr. Horning - [email protected], 309-267-8781 

You are also welcome to talk directly with teachers… let’s communicate well this year!

Upcoming Dates

Thursday, Aug 19 Baseball practice 3:40-5:00

Volleyball (HS) practice 3:40-5:00

Monday, Aug 21 First Day for PreK student attendance (8:45-11:15 am) 

Baseball HOME game vs Morton United, 4:30 pm

Volleyball (JH) practice 3:40-5:30

Tuesday, Aug 22 Volleyball AWAY vs Pekin FBCS (at Cornerstone Groveland) 5 pm JH / 6 pm V

Baseball practice 3:40-5:00

Wednesday, Aug 23 Volleyball (JH) practice 3:40-5:00

Thursday, Aug 24 Baseball game @ South Pekin 4:15 (Bus 3:05)

Volleyball (HS) practice 3:40-5:00

Saturday, Aug 26 Board of Directors’ meeting 7:30 am (open to public)

Monday, Aug 28 PTF meeting 3:45 pm (see below)

Reminder from the CLA office as we start off the year…

Please continue to return any paperwork or payments to the school office. You also can drop off in our outdoor drop box to the right of the main entrance.

First Parent Teacher Fellowship (PTF) meeting of the year!

PTF will have their first meeting of the school year on Monday, August 28 at 3:45.  This will be held in our “meeting room” - first classroom on the left past the restrooms.  We encourage you to get involved with CLA’s Parent Teacher Fellowship - a great way to get to know other parents and teachers, and to volunteer to help the school!

CLA Apparel/Gear is in the works - look for an opportunity to buy some… coming soon!!

Families - join our Lions’ Den Facebook Parent Page!

Please join our parent page on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2357381807869894

This is a private group, which means that posts, information, and photos can not be “shared” outside of the group.  Staff will post information and photos about student activities on this page to help keep student information safe. Please make sure that you answer all of the membership questions identifying your connection to CLA- this will help us approve your membership faster!

GoGuardian Parent App

Parents- GoGuardian, our school's primary filtration program, has a parent app that will allow you to monitor your student's chromebook usage- convenient for after school hours. You can block sites, pause the internet, and more.  To sign up, please email Mrs. Stribling at [email protected] with your student's name and the email address(es) you wish to use.  You can find the GoGuardian Parent App in the app store for Android and Apple platforms.  *Please note- the GoGuardian PARENT app is different from the regular GoGuardian app that the school uses.  It is specifically labeled “GoGuardian Parent App.”  Make sure you download the correct one!  

A reminder about “after school” student presence at school

Students who are not picked up at regular dismissal time will have the following options:

• K-6 students must be signed in (with a reserved spot ahead of time) to AFTER SCHOOL CARE if they remain at school.  If you have not already done so, please sign up (sheet in lobby/email Mrs. Westley) if this is something your family needs.

• 5th - HS students who are on a SPORTS TEAM - fall sports at this time include 5th-8th boys baseball, and 5-12 girls volleyball.  Participants should change and report directly to the ball field/gym.

• Additional MS and HS students, if not picked up immediately after school, must be signed in at the daycare hallway - students remain in the hallway area at a desk if daycare is inside, and must remain under supervision of the daycare teacher at ALL TIMES.  Students may not be anywhere else in the building, and may not be on the playground or anywhere on school grounds unsupervised.

• PLEASE NOTE…it is important that students are picked up in a timely manner.  If we begin to see too many students in our daycare program (exceeding 20 total students daily overall, including our regular Olympia daycare) we will have to add paid staff, and thus begin to charge daycare fees for all students not picked up immediately at the end of the school day.  Please respect the families who NEED this after school program and the benefits to their family.  

We are encouraging ALL families to be prompt and courteous of our staff when it comes to picking up children.  Thank you for your partnership.

From the Principal's Desk

The first day of school is always full of excitement, apprehension, joy, and many other emotions.  What a great day! What a great group of families and students we have in our school!  If you haven’t already heard, ask your children about the theme for this year and how it was demonstrated in our opening chapel.  Our scripture passage to kick off the school year is from 1 Peter 4:10-11.   “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.  If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.” Today we had an example of different people having different gifts such as building, playing or business.  Here’s a picture of our three “volunteers” who demonstrated God’s mission - on the move - in their “costumes.”  

We are looking forward to an exciting year of learning God’s mission for all of us!

Blessings,

        Mr. Horning

Lion Tales 5/18/23

Upcoming Dates 

Thursday, May 18 HS graduation 6 pm at Living Hope Community Church

8th grade promotion 6:30 pm at Living Hope Community Church

Friday, May 19 Last day of school (regular dismissal time)

Awards - Academic MS/HS at 9:30…Whole school fun awards at 10:15

Field Day starts with lunch at 11:30 and activities in the afternoon

Please have students bring their water bottle and (optional) bring a towel.

Friday, June 2 16th Annual CLA Golf Outing at North Greens, Atlanta 

Thursday, August 17 First day of school for the 2023-2024 school year!

CLA Yard signs - let’s get visible in the community!

Enrollment continues to be open for new families to join the CLA community.  One way to get the word out is to put a CLA yard sign in your front yard!  They will be available at the school office, and on FIELD DAY… we encourage you to take one with you and promote your school!

Enroll now for next school year!  Full time, part time, athletes…friends!

Enrollment continues to be OPEN for next year.  We ask that families try to make their decisions about next school year as soon as possible, as it helps us to plan for classrooms, staffing, and more!  Re-enrollment forms are available in the office. You can complete this form and return it to the school office any time.  Even though the “early” registration deadline is past, we encourage you to enroll! Any questions, please check in with Mr. Horning!

16th Annual CLA Golf Outing - join the fun! Invite friends!

When: Friday, June 2, 2023……12:30 pm shotgun start for golfers

      with a meal to follow (approx 5 pm) that is open to all

Where: North Greens Golf Course in Atlanta, IL 

Why:  Raising funds for completion of the HS Building!

Sign up by contacting Mr. Horning ([email protected] or use the form by clicking on this link:https://forms.gle/BuCPzdrkYaA1cJSr8

LIONS FOOTBALL CLUB - MATCHING FUNDS OPPORTUNITY!

The Lions Football Club, a high school football program co-sponsored by CLA and Kingdom Sports, has been offered a great opportunity!  The club is currently raising funds for the fall season, and an anonymous friend has offered a MATCH - any donations toward the LIONS FOOTBALL program received between now and JUNE 2nd will be doubled… up to $1000 total!!!  What a great time to make a donation to help the club.  Questions, talk with Cole Espenschied ([email protected]) or Josh Horning ([email protected]).  Donations can be made to CLA with Lions Football in the memo line.

FIRST LEGO LEAGUE Next Fall AT CLA!

WAnt some more information about the upcoming First Lego League that CLA teacher Mrs. Travis will be leading?  Want to volunteer to help? Send Mrs Travis an email: [email protected]

Easy ways to support CLA when you shop! - questions? Check with the office

• Casey’s Rewards - you can select Christian Life Academy as one of the “cash for classrooms” options and earn rewards for CLA with gas, pizza, donuts and more! It’s part of Casey’s Rewards

• Amazon Smile - go to amazon.smile.com and Christian Life Academy can be selected for an eligible organization to receive donations when you shop on Amazon!

• Kroger Community Rewards - you can link your Kroger Rewards card to CLA - at kroger.com!

• The Shop with Scrip program is now called “RaiseRight” - go to RaiseRight.com/m/StartEarning and use CLA enrollment code 87FE965127555.  You can also get cards through the CLA office.

Completion of the new building… There is a lot to be done… and YOU can help!

If you have some skills or knowledge in: drywalling, painting, trim work or flooring, there is a place for you to jump in and help!  As the school year draws to a close, we will be hitting the “completion” phase of the new building.  There will be many opportunities to help.  Mr Horning will continue to organize work days and send out via email and facebook.  If we want to have students move into the building in the fall, we’ll need your help!  Contact Mr. Horning with your potential availability and skills! [email protected] or 309-267-8781

From the Principal's Desk

Summertime!  Going to the pool… ball games… relaxing… vacations… free time!  Yes, all of those things come to mind as I think of “summer vacation.”  I was leading an activity with our MS and HS students in PE yesterday, with a message to “lean in.” I’d like to share this with you.  What do I mean by “lean in?”  If Jesus is the center of our life, we will want to continue to “lean in” toward that center.  Going to the pool or a ball game, what does it look like to lean in toward Jesus? It means our conversation, our encouragement of others, all we say and do points us and others toward Jesus.  On vacation with our family? We get the chance to lean together toward Jesus.  We find time to worship and gather together around God’s Word.  We trust Him for our traveling safety.  So wherever you go and whatever you do, don’t forget to “lean in” toward Jesus this summer!  I’ll be looking forward to leaning in with some of you as we work on the HS building this summer, too!

Trusting God and Leaning in on Jesus,

       Mr. Horning