Lion Tales 8/29/24

Upcoming Dates on the School Calendar

Monday, September 2 No School - Labor Day Holiday

Monday, September 9 All-School Open House 3:30-6 / New Family Welcome Dinner 5:30

Saturday, September 21 Board of Directors’ Meeting 7:30 am

Reminders and things Coming Up Soon - Be Ready!

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

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

Safety in the Parking Lot is important!  Please be super observant and watchful.  If possible, we prefer to AVOID students walking across the parking lot, so do use the pick-up lane as much as possible!

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

GoGuardian Parent App- links

• sign up for a parent app here: https://forms.gle/LNhDTsweTqPbWpWn9

• download the GoGuardian Parent app: https://support.goguardian.com/s/article/Guardians- Getting-Started-with-GoGuardian-Parent-1629773203295 

LIFE DAYS IS JUST 7 WEEKS AWAY!  You’ll soon see things rolling out about volunteering, getting donations, and just EVERYONE being a BIG PART of a BIG EVENT!  Be sure to mark October 18-19 (and weeks leading up to this) on your calendar.  It’s a big deal for CLA and the community!  Want to help lead?  MEETING 3:30-4:15 pm Wednesday, Sept 4!

Volunteer Opportunities - Always something to help with!

Keep your eyes on these opportunities and get involved!

CLA @ Morton Pumpkin Festival - volunteer with other CLA families/students

Still a few spaces for the dishwashing crew at Pumpkin Festival!  The time frame for volunteering is Thursday, September 12 from 4-7 pm in Morton.  Contact Mr Horning ([email protected]) or Mr. Sisson ([email protected]) to get involved!

Music Lessons - Piano and Violin

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

Chess team is launching soon!

 Last year was so much fun.  We will be adding a few official matches this year for both junior high and high school.  In fact, matches will begin late September!  Many students are asking when we can start, which is awesome!  Practices will be starting mid-September.  Look for emails soon with official practice dates and times.  On that note, I am in need of an extra adult to shepherd this group now and again, especially during September.  If any parents would be available to assist, please let me know as soon as possible - Jenny Travis [email protected].  See you all soon!

Sports Calendar - Join the Lions at a Home or Away Game!

Thursday, August 29 Baseball game at South Pekin (Koch Street Complex) 4:15

JH/JV Volleyball games at Rosamond FBCA 5:30/6:30

Friday, August 30 JH/JV/V Volleyball games at Galesburg MW Highlighters 5:00/6:00/7:00

Monday, September 2 Baseball HOME game with Carroll Catholic 3:30 pm

Tuesday, September 3 HOME HS volleyball games with Illini Central 5:00 / 6:00

Thursday, September 5 HS volleyball games at Calvary Chillicothe 5:00 / 6:00

Baseball game at Corpus Christi 4:30

JH Cross Country at Olympia 4:00

Friday, September 6 HOME JH volleyball games with South Side Christian Academy 5:00 / 6:00

Winter Sports include MS/HS Cheer and Basketball - Sign up for these coming early October.

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

From the Principal's Desk

The Gospel.  The Good News about Jesus and His life, death and resurrection which gives us opportunity for life and hope.  That’s what I’ve been sharing in the past few chapels.  If we are to abide with Christ, we first must know Him as our Savior.  This is something we do on a regular basis at Christian Life Academy - share the gospel with the students.  We are so glad to partner with your family in this way.  If you have any questions, or if you’d like to know more about knowing Jesus, I’d love to talk with you!

“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son…

that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” 

John 3:16

   Blessings,

        Mr. Horning

Lion Tales 8/22/24

Upcoming Dates

Fri-Sat, August 23-24 Varsity Volleyball at Arthur Christian School Tournament

Monday, August 26 Baseball game at Morton Westwood Park w/ Morton United 4:15

Tuesday, August 27 JH Volleyball HOME games with South Side Christian 5:00

Board of Directors’ Meeting, 6:30 pm - NOTE - adjusted date/time

Thursday, August 29 Baseball game at South Pekin (Koch Street Complex) 4:15

JH/JV Volleyball games at Rosamond FBCA 5:30/6:30

Friday, August 30 JH/JV/V Volleyball games at Galesburg MW Highlighters 5:00/6:00/7:00

Monday, September 2 No School - Labor Day Holiday

Baseball HOME game with Carroll Catholic 3:30 pm

Monday, September 9 Mark your calendars for All-School Open House / New Family Welcome Dinner

Welcome Back… Just some things to know about

We’re back, and there are always a few items to remember, learn for the first time, or re-learn!  Here’s a brief list of some things that might be important to remember:

Drop off and Pick Up - Remember that drop off for K-8 begins at 7:30 for before-school daycare (at the glass daycare door) and 8:15 at the main doors.  For pickup, be sure you are lining up for K-4 dismissal by 3:20 and if you have only 5-12 students, their dismissal time is 3:30.

Safety in the Parking Lot is important!  Please use the drop off and pick up lanes as much as possible.  We prefer not to release kids to cars when they need to walk across the parking lot during dismissal time.  You are also welcome to park on the street and walk up the sidewalk to retrieve kids!

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

Shorts- Although shorter shorts are in fashion, we do ask that shorts be within 1-2” of the knees for both girls AND boys!  Please leave the shorter shorts for weekend/evening activities. 

GoGuardian Parent App- FREE for all families!  If your student uses a chromebook at home, please do TWO things:

• sign up for a parent app here: https://forms.gle/LNhDTsweTqPbWpWn9

• download the GoGuardian Parent app: https://support.goguardian.com/s/article/Guardians- Getting-Started-with-GoGuardian-Parent-1629773203295 

Please be aware that your enrollment will not be immediately processed- once you receive an email from Mrs. Stribling saying your account is enabled, you’ll be good to go!

Volunteer Opportunities - Always something to help with!

Keep your eyes on these opportunities and get involved!

CLA @ Morton Pumpkin Festival - volunteer with other CLA families/students

Mr. Jon Sisson and his wife Malissa will be leading and working with a group to volunteer in the dishwashing area at the Morton Pumpkin Festival.  This is something that families could do together (middle school and older is best age for students).  The time frame for volunteering is Thursday, September 12 from 4-7 pm in Morton.  Contact Mr Horning ([email protected]) or Mr. Sisson ([email protected]) to get involved!

Handyman help! - Want to volunteer to fix things?  

Contact Mr. Horning and be someone he can call on. There’s always a need for handy people around the buildings, and maybe there’s a project that’s just your style!

Music Lessons - Piano and Violin

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

Chess team is launching soon!  

Last year was so much fun.  We will be adding a few official matches this year for both junior high and high school.  In fact, matches will begin late September!  Many students are asking when we can start, which is awesome!  Practices will be starting mid-September.  Look for emails soon with official practice dates and times.  On that note, I am in need of an extra adult to shepherd this group now and again, especially during September.  If any parents would be available to assist, please let me know as soon as possible - Jenny Travis [email protected].  See you all soon!

From the Principal's Desk

I’m sure you have already heard about our theme for the year, “Abide.”  Here’s a challenge!  Would you read the passage from John 15 together as a family, maybe even memorize it?  Depending on the level/age of the children in your family, maybe start with John 15:5.  Or maybe you could tackle John 15:12.  A real challenge would be a section of verses, starting with John 15:1-5, 12.  But in any case, let’s get into the Word together this year.  And get connected to the Vine!  I would love to give a special high five and hug to any students that can quote verse(s) for me when they arrive at school in the morning.

   Blessings,

        Mr. Horning

Lion Tales 6/6/24

Happy Summer Vacation!  Remember to “Abide in Christ” 

as you spend time together this summer!

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 

Upcoming Dates

Friday, June 14 CLA Golf Outing at North Greens, Atlanta - Looking for TEAMS / SPONSORS!

Contact Mr. Horning for more information or to participate in the outing!

Saturday, June 22 Board of Directors meeting, 7:30 am

Thursday, August 15 First Day of School for the 2024-2025 school year!

NEXT BIG THING… CLA GOLF OUTING Coming up June 14th.  

Contact Mr. Horning 309-267-8781 or [email protected] 

LOOK! KINDERGARTEN SCREENING - Contact MRS BOWMAN FOR A TIME!

email [email protected] or call 309-449-3346

Share the word about CLA Enrollment!

While Enrollment continues to be open… TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE!  To prepare for next fall, those enrollment decisions need to be made NOW! Questions? contact Mr. Horning!  Registering soon allows us to plan for next school year, including our extra-curricular activities, as we attempt to improve what we can offer for students and families! Get signed up today!

Christian Life Academy Announces the SUMMER MATCH CAMPAIGN

Each summer, CLA has been blessed with donors who provide a matching opportunity.  Thanks again to our wonderful friends, every donation will be matched up to $10,000 during the June 1-July 15 time frame.  This has been announced on social media, letters will be sent out to our mailing list, and the letter is also included in the Lion Tales email today.  Questions? Please ask Mr. Horning.  This is a wonderful time to make a donation and see it multiplied!

Volunteer Opportunities: Tuesday, June 11th and Thursday, July 4th

Have a few extra hours? Want to help out? Maybe get those MS/HS community service hours?  Here are two options:

• Next Tuesday, June 11th, from about 8-10 am, Mr. Horning and Steve Harenberg (board member) will be doing so moving of storage items from off campus storage to on campus.  We can use some strong lifters and possibly an extra truck/trailer.  Contact Mr. Horning if you can help - 309-267-8781

• On Thursday, July 4th, as a part of the HUGE Hopedale Independence Day Celebration, CLA will be running the Donut Stand from 11 am until 1 pm.  We could use 3-4 helpers, likely 7th grade or older, including some adults.  If we get more help than needed, we can do additional time slots as well! Contact Mr. Horning if you can help - 309-267-8781

Summer Office Hours are “flexible”

While our teaching staff does not have set hours over the summer, there are periodic times when staff are in and out of their classrooms.  We encourage you to communicate over the summer with CLA staff as questions arise, or simply to share how things are going!  But don’t expect immediate responses! The CLA Office, likewise, does not have set hours throughout the summer, but Mr. Horning is generally “working” in or around the school about 20-25 hours most weeks and is glad to schedule time with families throughout the summer.  Please feel free to contact CLA via teacher emails (give ample time!), the office phone (309-449-3346, messages checked 1-2 times weekly), office email ([email protected]), or Mr Horning directly at 309-267-8781 or [email protected].  

LOOK FOR SUMMER/FALL SPORTS

DETAILS COMING SOON!

High School Volleyball has started their open gyms (Monday and Friday mornings 8:30-10:30 am).  More details regarding upcoming fall activities are in the works.

Did you know? State Farm and Caterpillar employees can help CLA

State Farm employees, as well as Caterpillar employees and retirees, are able to take advantage of matching funds from their companies to benefit Christian Life Academy.  Caterpillar link is www.caterpillar.com/matching-gifts.  This is an annual option, so you may look into this for 2024 also. State Farm has both a “good neighbor” program (volunteer hours equals a company donation) and a donor matching program throughout the year.  If you want to take advantage of this, Mr. Horning or Mrs. Westley are glad to help!

IMAGINE THIS… If a State Farm or Caterpillar person donates during CLA’s Summer Match through July 15, it’s like a TRIPLE donation!  Wow!

From the Principal's Desk

We don’t have a regular Thursday “Lion Tales” newsletter throughout the summer, but it seemed appropriate after a few weeks to give some updates on what’s happening at school.  We are thankful for a group of volunteers from Minier Christian Church who came to CLA on June 1 and helped with some projects.  The picture is a group of men who braved the rain and attached lumber to the side of the high school building.  This was in preparation for the roof installation over the community room door.   There has been a great deal of activity, just different than the usual, here on campus.  It’s not the same without students, of course!  May you have a wonderful summer!

Blessings,

        Mr. Horning

Lion Tales 5/16/24- Graduation/End of School edition

Upcoming Dates

Today, May 16 Graduation ceremonies at Living Hope Community Church - 6:30 pm

Recognize/promote 8th graders / Celebrate Senior Graduates - class of 2024!

Friday, May 17 Last day of school / Field Day

Saturday, May 18 Board of Directors Meeting 7:30 am

Friday, June 14 CLA Golf Outing at North Greens, Atlanta - Looking for TEAMS / SPONSORS!

Contact Mr. Horning for more information or to participate in the outing!

Thursday, August 15 First Day of School for the 2024-2025 school year!

KINDERGARTEN SCREENING - Contact MRS BOWMAN FOR A TIME!

Share the word about CLA Enrollment!

We encourage everyone to make their enrollment decision as soon as possible, and to share with friends and family about CLA so that those interested might start the application process soon!  Questions? contact Mr. Horning!  Registering soon allows us to plan for next school year, including our extra-curricular activities, as we attempt to improve what we can offer for students and families! Get signed up today!

News From PTF (Parent Teacher Fellowship)

Tomorrow is Field Day! We need several more volunteers to ensure the day goes smoothly! Please sign up at this link: https://www.trackitforward.com/site/840757/event/930380 

Summer Office Hours are “flexible”

While our teaching staff does not have set hours over the summer, there are periodic times when staff are in and out of their classrooms.  We encourage you to communicate over the summer with CLA staff as questions arise, or simply to share how things are going!  The CLA Office, likewise, does not have set hours throughout the summer, but Mr. Horning is generally “working” in or around the school about 20-25 hours most weeks and is glad to schedule time with families throughout the summer.  Please feel free to contact CLA via teacher emails (give ample time!), the office phone (309-449-3346, messages checked 1-2 times weekly), office email ([email protected]), or Mr Horning directly at 309-267-8781 or [email protected].  

LOOK FOR SUMMER/FALL SPORTS

DETAILS COMING SOON!

Join in a fun MUD RUN to benefit St. Jude… 

with some CLA friends this summer!

Haylee Ferguson (2nd grade) is again organizing the “MUD PUPPIES” team for the July 13 St. Jude Mud Run.  If you are interested in joining Haylee and other friends, contact Haylee’s dad, Devin Ferguson at [email protected] and get involved! The goal is to form the team before school is out and get  t-shirts to wear for the event.  This is for kids of all ages 2-17!

Did you know? State Farm and Caterpillar employees can help CLA

State Farm employees, as well as Caterpillar employees and retirees, are able to take advantage of matching funds from their companies to benefit Christian Life Academy.  Caterpillar link is www.caterpillar.com/matching-gifts.  This is an annual option, so you may look into this for 2024 also. State Farm has both a “good neighbor” program (volunteer hours equals a company donation) and a donor matching program throughout the year.  If you want to take advantage of this, Mr. Horning or Mrs. Westley are glad to help!

From the Principal's Desk

Today is a special day of celebration.  This morning we celebrated our first of three “graduations” as our preschool students who are ready to start kindergarten had a program and wore their tiny green caps and gowns as they graduated in preparation for grade school.  Tonight we will recognize our 8th graders as they are promoted on to high school.  Then in the culmination of the evening, we will have the class of 2024 - Danielle Gibson and Lily King, walk down the aisle and flip their tassels at our high school commencement ceremony.  We celebrate the achievements and accomplishments of students as they reach milestones in their lives.  We recognize that the partnership between families and Christian Life Academy to “train a child” is a sacred thing.  God blesses us as a community when we train and educate our children to serve Him with their life.  What an amazing responsibility, and an amazing, exciting time.  I hope to see many of you this evening at Living Hope Community Church to celebrate together as we send our students off “together on mission!”

Blessings,

        Mr. Horning

Lion Tales 5/9/24- Teacher Appreciation Edition

Upcoming Dates

Friday, May 10 Science Fair (7th/8th grades)

HS Baseball HOME vs Eureka, 4:30 pm

Monday, May 13 HS Baseball at Delavan, 4:30 pm

Thurs, May 16 Graduation ceremonies at Living Hope Community Church - 6:30 pm

Recognize/promote 8th graders / Celebrate Senior Graduates - class of 2024!

Friday, May 17 Last day of school / Field Day

Friday, June 14 CLA Golf Outing at North Greens, Atlanta - Looking for TEAMS / SPONSORS!

Contact Mr. Horning for more information or to participate in the outing!

KINDERGARTEN SCREENING DAYS - Contact MRS BOWMAN FOR A TIME!

Share the word about CLA Enrollment!

We encourage everyone to make their enrollment decision as soon as possible, and to share with friends and family about CLA so that those interested might start the application process soon!  Questions? contact Mr. Horning!  Registering soon allows us to plan for next school year, including our extra-curricular activities, as we attempt to improve what we can offer for students and families! Get signed up today!

Attention dance club families... 

At this time, there is not enough club interest for an end of summer performance and use of CLA gym space. We can happily accommodate a couple more girls into our home dance studio! Original conversations had us anticipating larger numbers, but summer schedules and life happens. If you haven't done so already, please reach out to Shyla Thorne with your interest or questions. We will make a decision on if CLA is needed to host this year by tomorrow (May 10). 

News From PTF (Parent Teacher Fellowship)

We are 1 week and 1 day away from Field Day! We need several more volunteers to ensure the day goes smoothly! Please sign up at the link below 

https://www.trackitforward.com/site/840757/event/930380 

Join in a fun MUD RUN to benefit St. Jude… with some CLA friends this summer!

Haylee Ferguson (2nd grade) is again organizing the “MUD PUPPIES” team for the July 13 St. Jude Mud Run.  If you are interested in joining Haylee and other friends, contact Haylee’s dad, Devin Ferguson at [email protected] and get involved! The goal is to form the team before school is out and get  t-shirts to wear for the event.  This is for kids of all ages 2-17!

Summer STEM Activity in Tremont - get involved with Robotics!

Attached to Lion Tales, you will find information about a summer STEM activity sponsored by the Robotics team from Tremont.  We have several students and a teacher, Mrs. Travis, who are involved with this team and the robotics activities in Tremont.  Kids in grades K-3rd and 4th-7th are invited to participate on June 1st and 4th.  Details and times are on the poster, or you can contact Mrs. Travis ([email protected]) to get involved.  The website is www.team2481.com 

Did you know? State Farm and Caterpillar employees can help CLA

State Farm employees, as well as Caterpillar employees and retirees, are able to take advantage of matching funds from their companies to benefit Christian Life Academy.  Caterpillar link is www.caterpillar.com/matching-gifts.  This is an annual option, so you may look into this for 2024 also. State Farm has both a “good neighbor” program (volunteer hours equals a company donation) and a donor matching program throughout the year.  If you want to take advantage of this, Mr. Horning or Mrs. Westley are glad to help!

From the Principal's Desk

I cannot say enough great things about our teachers… Christian Life Academy is so wonderfully blessed to have dedicated, loving, selfless, Godly, nurturing, hardworking, caring, inventive, creative, faithful, brilliant, amazing teachers! (I could use many more wonderful adjectives, but you get the point!) If you haven’t seen these traits in our staff, well, you might have your eyes and ears closed!  As we near completion of our 16th year, once again I can say “God has sent us the greatest people” to serve Him and work alongside one another and our CLA families.

This week was “Teacher Appreciation Week,” where our PTF blessed the staff with many ways of saying “thanks” for a job well done.  I want to echo that sentiment here.  Our people are amazing.  THANK YOU, CLA teachers and staff.  Let’s finish this year well!

Blessings,

         Mr. Horning

Lion Tales 5/2/24

Upcoming Dates

Thursday, May 2 HS Baseball HOME vs Cornerstone Christian, 4:30 pm

Track at DeeMack, 4:15 pm

Tuesday, May 7 HS Baseball HOME vs Illini Central, 4:30 pm

Track at DeeMack, 4:15 pm

Friday, May 10 Science Fair (7th/8th grades)

HS Baseball HOME vs Eureka, 4:30 pm

Monday, May 13 HS Baseball at Delavan, 4:30 pm

Thurs, May 16 Graduation ceremonies at Living Hope Community Church

Friday, May 17 Last day of school / Field Day

Friday, June 14 CLA Golf Outing at North Greens, Atlanta

Share the word about CLA Enrollment!

We encourage everyone to make their enrollment decision as soon as possible, and to share with friends and family about CLA so that those interested might start the application process soon!  Questions? contact Mr. Horning!  Registering soon allows us to plan for next school year, including our extra-curricular activities, as we attempt to improve what we can offer for students and families! Get signed up today!

Attention dance club families... 

At this time, there is not enough club interest for an end of summer performance and use of CLA gym space. We can happily accommodate a couple more girls into our home dance studio! Original conversations had us anticipating larger numbers, but summer schedules and life happens. If you haven't done so already, please reach out to Shyla Thorne with your interest or questions. We will make a decision on if CLA is needed to host this year by next Friday. 

News From PTF (Parent Teacher Fellowship)

Field Day is 11 school days Away! Please use this link to sign up to help - many needed! https://www.trackitforward.com/site/840757/event/930380

Teacher Appreciation is NEXT WEEK - May 6th-10th! We have fun things planned for the teachers all week and lots of student participation! We will need some volunteers to come help on May 8th. If this is something that you can help with please contact Emily Baker 309-830-2988 or [email protected] 

Join in a fun MUD RUN to benefit St. Jude… with some CLA friends this summer!

Haylee Ferguson (2nd grade) is again organizing the “MUD PUPPIES” team for the July 13 St. Jude Mud Run.  If you are interested in joining Haylee and other friends, contact Haylee’s dad, Devin Ferguson at [email protected] and get involved! The goal is to form the team before school is out and get  t-shirts to wear for the event.  This is for kids of all ages 2-17!

Summer STEM Activity in Tremont - get involved with Robotics!

Attached to Lion Tales, you will find information about a summer STEM activity sponsored by the Robotics team from Tremont.  We have several students and a teacher, Mrs. Travis, who are involved with this team and the robotics activities in Tremont.  Kids in grades K-3rd and 4th-7th are invited to participate on June 1st and 4th.  Details and times are on the poster, or you can contact Mrs. Travis ([email protected]) to get involved.  The website is www.team2481.com 

Did you know? State Farm and Caterpillar employees can help CLA

State Farm employees, as well as Caterpillar employees and retirees, are able to take advantage of matching funds from their companies to benefit Christian Life Academy.  Caterpillar link is www.caterpillar.com/matching-gifts.  This is an annual option, so you may look into this for 2024 also. State Farm has both a “good neighbor” program (volunteer hours equals a company donation) and a donor matching program throughout the year.  If you want to take advantage of this, Mr. Horning or Mrs. Westley are glad to help!

From the Principal's Desk

What a blessing to PRAY TOGETHER with the CLA Community and with others from the local churches and Hopedale!  Today was the National Day of Prayer, and we gathered in the front lawn of the school to pray.  The theme “Lift Up the WORD - Light Up the World” was so appropriate as we prayed for God’s Word of truth to shine light on our culture and the world around us.   A good example of this was three great teenagers who spoke as “role models” in our DARE class yesterday.  Bryson Horning (former student), Kenzie Espenschied (sibling/child of CLA family) and Oliver Rumbold (CLA high school student) shared with our 5th/6th graders about what it’s like to grow up toward adulthood and to shine the light of Jesus in the world.  It was a blessing to hear their encouragement to younger students to be a light in a dark world.  My prayer is that we continue to support one another as we follow Jesus! 

Blessings,

        Mr. Horning

Lion Tales 4/25/24

Upcoming Dates

Saturday, April 27 HS Baseball at Delavan, 10 am

Monday, April 29 Track at Tremont, 4:30 pm

Tuesday, April 30 HS Baseball at Tremont, 4:30 pm

Monday, May 1 Braker’s Fundraiser pickup - after school - time TBA

Thursday, May 2 HS Baseball HOME vs Cornerstone Christian, 4:30 pm

Track at DeeMack, 4:15 pm

Friday, May 10 Science Fair (7th/8th grades)

Thurs, May 16 Graduation ceremonies at Living Hope Community Church

Friday, May 17 Last day of school / Field Day

Friday, June 14 CLA Golf Outing at North Greens, Atlanta

LOOK! KINDERGARTEN SCREENING DAYS - Tuesdays and Fridays in April - FLYER ATTACHED to Lion Tales with details

Share the word about CLA Enrollment!

We encourage everyone to make their enrollment decision as soon as possible, and to share with friends and family about CLA so that those interested might start the application process soon!  Questions? contact Mr. Horning!  Registering soon allows us to plan for next school year, including our extra-curricular activities, as we attempt to improve what we can offer for students and families! Get signed up today!

News From PTF (Parent Teacher Fellowship)

Thank you to everyone who ordered through the Braker's Fundraiser! Just a reminder that those orders will be ready for pickup on May 1st after school.

Field Day is 16 Days Away! Please use this link to sign up to help - many needed! https://www.trackitforward.com/site/840757/event/930380

Teacher Appreciation is May 6th-10th! We have fun things planned for the teachers all week and lots of student participation! There will be info sent home next week. We will need some volunteers to come help on May 8th. If this is something that you can help with please contact Emily Baker 309-830-2988 or [email protected] 

Join in a fun MUD RUN to benefit St. Jude… with some CLA friends this summer!

Haylee Ferguson (2nd grade) is again organizing the “MUD PUPPIES” team for the July 13 St. Jude Mud Run.  If you are interested in joining Haylee and other friends, contact Haylee’s dad, Devin Ferguson at [email protected] and get involved! The goal is to form the team before school is out and get  t-shirts to wear for the event.  This is for kids of all ages 2-17!

Summer STEM Activity in Tremont - get involved with Robotics!

Attached to Lion Tales, you will find information about a summer STEM activity sponsored by the Robotics team from Tremont.  We have several students and a teacher, Mrs. Travis, who are involved with this team and the robotics activities in Tremont.  Kids in grades K-3rd and 4th-7th are invited to participate on June 1st and 4th.  Details and times are on the poster, or you can contact Mrs. Travis ([email protected]) to get involved.  The website is www.team2481.com 

Did you know? State Farm and Caterpillar employees can help CLA

State Farm employees, as well as Caterpillar employees and retirees, are able to take advantage of matching funds from their companies to benefit Christian Life Academy.  Caterpillar link is www.caterpillar.com/matching-gifts.  This is an annual option, so you may look into this for 2024 also. State Farm has both a “good neighbor” program (volunteer hours equals a company donation) and a donor matching program throughout the year.  If you want to take advantage of this, Mr. Horning or Mrs. Westley are glad to help!

From the Principal's Desk

Our focus in chapels for the past few weeks, which will continue until the close of the school year, is to see examples of Bible characters and their life on mission.  Our theme for the year, from 1 Peter 4:10-11, is that we are “together on mission” wherever we go and whatever we do.  Our most recent chapel we learned about the believers in Berea, who studied the Word of God carefully to understand that what had been told to them was truth.  May we continue, always, to “examine the scriptures daily” as the Bereans did, and to be ready at all times to share the hope we have in Jesus!  

Blessings,

        Mr. Horning

Lion Tales 4/18/24

Upcoming Dates

Thurs, April 18 JH Track at Tremont 4:30 pm

Sat, April 20 Board of Directors Meeting 7:30 am

JH Track at Bethel Invitational - Morton High School 

HS Baseball at Peoria Christian (Woodruff Park/ Grant Street) 1:00 pm

Tues, April 23 HS Baseball at Cornerstone Christian (Bloomington) 4:30 pm

JH Track at Midwest Central (Manito) 4:15 pm

Wed, April 24 5th/6th Track at Olympia 4:30 pm

Thurs, May 16 Graduation ceremonies at Living Hope Community Church

Friday, May 17 Last day of school / Field Day

LOOK! KINDERGARTEN SCREENING DAYS - Tuesdays and Fridays in April - FLYER ATTACHED to Lion Tales with details

Share the word about CLA Enrollment!

We encourage everyone to make their enrollment decision as soon as possible, and to share with friends and family about CLA so that those interested might start the application process soon!  Questions? contact Mr. Horning!  Registering soon allows us to plan for next school year, including our extra-curricular activities, as we attempt to improve what we can offer for students and families! Get signed up today!

News From PTF (Parent Teacher Fellowship)

Thank you to everyone who ordered through the Braker's Fundraiser! Just a reminder that those orders will be ready for pickup on May 1st.

Mark Your Calendars!   Teacher Appreciation Week is May 6-10th. Keep an eye out for information on how to help make our teachers feel really special.

Field Day is May 17th! (Only 21 Days Away!) 

Field Day is a fun way to wrap up the school year and we need lots of volunteers to make it happen. Sign ups will come out soon so plan ahead and come join the fun! 

Summer STEM Activity in Tremont - get involved with Robotics!

Attached to Lion Tales, you will find information about a summer STEM activity sponsored by the Robotics team from Tremont.  We have several students and a teacher, Mrs. Travis, who are involved with this team and the robotics activities in Tremont.  Kids in grades K-3rd and 4th-7th are invited to participate on June 1st and 4th.  Details and times are on the poster, or you can contact Mrs. Travis ([email protected]) to get involved.  The website is www.team2481.com 

Reminders - Communication, Attendance, Sign in and Sign out!

 We want to make sure that our communication is clear, and that we have good records of student presence in and out of the buildings!  With this in mind, please be sure to do the following:

• When your child is absent, please contact the school office by 8:30 am and also contact the teacher directly, especially if you are wishing to pick up work for your child. Our teachers will need time (and cannot stop their work/classes) to get absent work together.

• When you arrive or depart school at any time outside of the regular school arrival/dismissal times, we need to have students signed in and signed out, so we have good records of their presence in the building.  This means parents must come to the office (main building) or front door (HS building) to sign in / sign out students! Please do not simply drop them off when they arrive after 8:30 am.  We need you to sign them in!

• When making appointments, we request that you do your best to make these appointments early in the day or late in the day so that student attendance in school is maximized. Even better, find a “no school” day for appointments!

Did you know? State Farm and Caterpillar employees can help CLA

State Farm employees, as well as Caterpillar employees and retirees, are able to take advantage of matching funds from their companies to benefit Christian Life Academy.  Caterpillar link is www.caterpillar.com/matching-gifts.  This is an annual option, so you may look into this for 2024 also. State Farm has both a “good neighbor” program (volunteer hours equals a company donation) and a donor matching program throughout the year.  If you want to take advantage of this, Mr. Horning or Mrs. Westley are glad to help!

From the Principal's Desk

It is my prayer that your family feels connected and a part of the CLA family.  I have had the pleasure many times this spring to give tours and visit with families who are considering making CLA their school “home.”  It is so great to be able to share with them the joy of an educational family - and that YOU - the CLA families - make this a great place together.  Would you pray for the CLA family collectively?  Would you lift up those who are making decisions about their plans for next year?  It is a blessing to know that we are in prayer for one another!

Blessings,

        Mr. Horning

Lion Tales 4/11/14

Upcoming Dates

Thurs, April 11 JH Track at Tremont 4:30 pm

Fri, April 12 HS Baseball at Peoria Christian (Woodruff Park/ Grant Street) 4:30 pm

Thurs, April 18 JH Track at Tremont 4:30 pm

Sat, April 13 SPRING WORK DAY! Details below - join the fun and let’s get things done!

Monday, April 15 No School - Teacher in-service day

Sat, April 20 Board of Directors Meeting 7:30 am

JH Track at Bethel Invitational - Morton High School 

LOOK! KINDERGARTEN SCREENING DAYS - Tuesdays and Fridays in April - FLYER ATTACHED to Lion Tales with details - please share!

CLA enrollment/registration continues to be open…Share the word!

Even though the early registration period has ended, we do encourage everyone to make their enrollment decision as soon as possible, and to share with friends and family about CLA so that those interested might start the application process soon!  Questions? contact Mr. Horning!  Registering soon allows us to plan for next school year, including our extra-curricular activities, as we attempt to improve what we can offer for students and families! Get signed up today!

Saturday, April 13 - Work day at CLA! 8 am - noon(ish)

Just like any family, springtime in the CLA family is a great time to join together to get some loose ends tied up and work around “the house!”  On Saturday, April 13 the school board and staff have arranged for a work day, and we are asking CLA families to JOIN IN!  There will be much to do both inside and outside as we work on tying up some loose ends in construction of the HS building, some outdoor and indoor cleanup projects, and more.  Something for everyone!  Come as early as 8 am and help complete some projects.  If you know you can commit the whole morning, let Mr. Horning know and we might assign a specific “lead project” for you! Email to [email protected] 

Baby Chicks?!?!

Mrs. K's 2nd grade class is incubating chicks! We are very excited and it looks like we should have some success as we have been checking our eggs this week for signs of life! God is good! After our unit and our chicks have hatched, we hope to donate these chicks to a loving home. (We should have a variety, but cannot guarantee any breeds). If you or someone you know might be interested in chicks, please let me know. Our hatch date is April 22nd. We will be ready to donate the chicks by either Friday the 26th or Monday the 29th. 

-Mrs. Kendregan

Summer STEM Activity in Tremont - get involved with Robotics!

Attached to Lion Tales, you will find information about a summer STEM activity sponsored by the Robotics team from Tremont.  We have several students and a teacher, Mrs. Travis, who are involved with this team and the robotics activities in Tremont.  Kids in grades K-3rd and 4th-7th are invited to participate on June 1st and 4th.  Details and times are on the poster, or you can contact Mrs. Travis ([email protected]) to get involved.  The website is www.team2481.com 

Reminders - Communication, Attendance, Sign in and Sign out!

 We want to make sure that our communication is clear, and that we have good records of student presence in and out of the buildings!  With this in mind, please be sure to do the following:

• When your child is absent, please contact the school office by 8:30 am and also contact the teacher directly, especially if you are wishing to pick up work for your child. Our teachers will need time (and cannot stop their work/classes) to get absent work together.

• When you arrive or depart school at any time outside of the regular school arrival/dismissal times, we need to have students signed in and signed out, so we have good records of their presence in the building.  This means parents must come to the office (main building) or front door (HS building) to sign in / sign out students! Please do not simply drop them off when they arrive after 8:30 am.  We need you to sign them in!

• When making appointments, we request that you do your best to make these appointments early in the day or late in the day so that student attendance in school is maximized. Even better, find a “no school” day for appointments!

Did you know? State Farm and Caterpillar employees can help CLA…

State Farm employees, as well as Caterpillar employees and retirees, are able to take advantage of matching funds from their companies to benefit Christian Life Academy.  Deadlines come quickly, as this needs to be done by January 31 for Caterpillar.   Caterpillar link is www.caterpillar.com/matching-gifts.  This is an annual option, so you may look into this for 2024 also. State Farm has both a “good neighbor” program (volunteer hours equals a company donation) and a donor matching program throughout the year.  If you want to take advantage of this, Mr. Horning or Mrs. Westley are glad to help!

From the Principal's Desk

NOTE: This is a repeat of last week…. I am reprinting it because it is such an IMPORTANT part of what we are doing at CLA - intertwining faith in every area!  It’s about sports, but it could be about nearly any aspect of the program! Please read… and feel free to read again if you already saw this last week!

It has been a blessing to watch our sports programs grow tremendously over the past few years.  One of the aspects of athletics that we continue to focus on is “doing sports God’s way.”  This means that our faith is completely intertwined with our athletics teams, in the way we coach, play, win, lose, and encourage both teammates and those we compete with.  I received a very special phone call recently from a parent of an “opposing team” that competed with our high school baseball team.  This mom shared how she was blessed by the way our team competed and saw a distinct difference from the way other teams compete on the baseball field.  Giving specific examples of great sportsmanship and discipleship, she said “I just felt like I HAD to call you and tell you the difference I saw.”  What a great witness!  I am seeing this in so many areas on the fields and courts… let’s keep it up, CLA Lions! Jesus is the difference in every aspect of our lives!

Blessings,

        Mr. Horning

Lion Tales 4/4/24

Upcoming Dates

Mon, April 8 HS Baseball HOME game 4:30 pm vs DeeMack

PTF meeting immediately after school

Thurs, April 11 HS Baseball at Tremont 4:30 pm

JH Track at Tremont 4:30 pm

Fri, April 12 HS Baseball at Peoria Christian (Woodruff Park/ Grant Street) 4:30 pm

Sat, April 13 SPRING WORK DAY! Details below - join the fun and let’s get things done!

Sat, April 20 Board of Directors Meeting 7:30 am

LOOK! KINDERGARTEN SCREENING DAYS - Tuesdays and Fridays in April - FLYER ATTACHED to Lion Tales with details - please share!

CLA enrollment/registration continues to be open…Share the word!

Even though the early registration period has ended, we do encourage everyone to make their enrollment decision as soon as possible, and to share with friends and family about CLA so that those interested might start the application process soon rather than later!  Any questions, please contact Mr. Horning!  Registering soon allows for CLA to better plan for next school year, including our extra-curricular activities, as we attempt to improve what we can offer for students and families! Get signed up today!

Saturday, April 13 - Work day at CLA! 8 am - noon(ish)

Just like any family, springtime in the CLA family is a great time to join together to get some loose ends tied up and work around “the house!”  On Saturday, April 13 the school board and staff have arranged for a work day, and we are asking CLA families to JOIN IN!  There will be much to do both inside and outside as we work on tying up some loose ends in construction of the HS building, some outdoor and indoor cleanup projects, and more.  Something for everyone!  Come as early as 8 am and help complete some projects.  If you know you can commit the whole morning, let Mr. Horning know and we might assign a specific “lead project” for you! Email to [email protected] 

Summer STEM Activity in Tremont - get involved with Robotics!

Attached to Lion Tales, you will find information about a summer STEM activity sponsored by the Robotics team from Tremont.  We have several students and a teacher, Mrs. Travis, who are involved with this team and the robotics activities in Tremont.  Kids in grades K-3rd and 4th-7th are invited to participate on June 1st and 4th.  Details and times are on the poster, or you can contact Mrs. Travis ([email protected]) to get involved.  The website is www.team2481.com 

Reminders - Communication, Attendance, Sign in and Sign out!

 We want to make sure that our communication is clear, and that we have good records of student presence in and out of the buildings!  With this in mind, please be sure to do the following:

• When your child is absent, please contact the school office by 8:30 am and also contact the teacher directly, especially if you are wishing to pick up work for your child. Our teachers will need time (and cannot stop their work/classes) to get absent work together.

• When you arrive or depart school at any time outside of the regular school arrival/dismissal times, we need to have students signed in and signed out, so we have good records of their presence in the building.  This means parents must come to the office (main building) or front door (HS building) to sign in / sign out students! Please do not simply drop them off when they arrive after 8:30 am.  We need you to sign them in!

• When making appointments, we request that you do your best to make these appointments early in the day or late in the day so that student attendance in school is maximized. Even better, find a “no school” day for appointments!

Wow, what a blessing from the CLA FORWARD CHALLENGE!

A special thank you to our anonymous friend as well as the many people who responded to this friend’s challenge during the month of March.  Nearly $18,000 was donated to the school during that time period, and along with the $25,000 challenge donation netted a month of nearly $43,000 in donations.  What a great blessing to our operations and technology fund and the funds to complete payments on the high school building.  As many already know, we operate on a shoestring budget and these times of giving are a special and needed boost for our accounts.  CLA has truly been blessed by our friends in financial ways.  Thank you!

Did you know? State Farm and Caterpillar employees can help CLA…

State Farm employees, as well as Caterpillar employees and retirees, are able to take advantage of matching funds from their companies to benefit Christian Life Academy.  Deadlines come quickly, as this needs to be done by January 31 for Caterpillar.   Caterpillar link is www.caterpillar.com/matching-gifts.  This is an annual option, so you may look into this for 2024 also. State Farm has both a “good neighbor” program (volunteer hours equals a company donation) and a donor matching program throughout the year.  If you want to take advantage of this, Mr. Horning or Mrs. Westley are glad to help!

From the Principal's Desk

It has been a blessing to watch our sports programs grow tremendously over the past few years.  One of the aspects of athletics that we continue to focus on is “doing sports God’s way.”  This means that our faith is completely intertwined with our athletics teams, in the way we coach, play, win, lose, and encourage both teammates and those we compete with.  I received a very special phone call recently from a parent of an “opposing team” that competed with our high school baseball team.  This mom shared how she was blessed by the way our team competed and saw a distinct difference from the way other teams compete on the baseball field.  Giving specific examples of great sportsmanship and discipleship, she said “I just felt like I HAD to call you and tell you the difference I saw.”  What a great witness!  I am seeing this in so many areas on the fields and courts… let’s keep it up, CLA Lions! Jesus is the difference in every aspect of our lives!

Blessings,

        Mr. Horning