United Christian Academy

The family is growing!! Most of our new students have jumped into everything UCA, including acclimating to our House System. So far, new 1st-12th grade students have learned which house they are in. Those who were with us last year were gathered in their house groups, ready to welcome in the new members as they went through the random drawing. Once the colored gem that signified their house was pulled out of the jar, the cheering began, and the new members were welcomed! Four houses, one family! #ucathunder #ucahousesystem

🍦🌞 We all scream for ICE CREAM!! This cool treat was the perfect way to cap off our first day of school. The Lower School students and families gathered together to hang out and share stories of the busy but fun day. 💜Thank you to our parent volunteers for passing out the treats. We love the UCA community! #ucathunder #backtoschool #ucalowerschool

🏐 JV and Varsity Volleyball practice has been canceled due to condensation on the gym floor at the Upper School.

Today marks a momentous day as we step into the eagerly awaited First Day of School! The hallways are buzzing with excitement, and the classrooms are adorned with the promise of new adventures in learning and growth. 📚🚀 To our students, we pray that you embrace the beauty of the unknown, the joy of learning, and the power of friendship. This is your time to explore, to question, and to grow into the amazing individuals God meant you to be. 🌟📖 #ucathunder #ucaupperschool #ucalowerschool #backtoschool

Changes to sports activities today, 8/22, due to the heat: ⚽️ Soccer is canceled 🏃‍♀️ Cross Country will meet in the gym at the Upper School 🏐 Volleyball will meet in the gym at the Upper School (as planned)

🏫🎒 Today is the day! Get your cameras and smiles ready! 😃📷 Be sure to tag UCA when you post your "First Day" pictures, or add them in the comments below! Upper School begins at 8:05 (doors open at 7:45) Lower School begins at 8:20 (before care begins at 7:45, doors open at 8:05) See you soon! #ucathunder #backtoschool #firstdayofschool

🙌🏼 UCA is blessed to welcome new staff members to our team for this coming school year! We would like to introduce you to Miss Jenna Luttio, Middle School Spanish teacher. "Hello! I am very excited to join the team as a Spanish teacher! In previous years I have subbed at UCA and most recently I was working as a Music Therapist with Latin American youth. I'm excited about being on staff at UCA because years ago I attended one of the legacy schools as a student. That school played such a key role in helping me lay a Gospel-Centered foundation for my life and I will truly be forever grateful. Therefore, I am grateful to be back and continue to be a part of all that God is doing through this school!" We asked Mis Luttio some "This or That" questions, and here are her responses: ☕🍵 Coffee or tea? - "COFFEE" 🍦❄️Ice cream or snow cone? - "Ice cream - especially in a waffle cone!" 🌅🌃 Early bird or night owl? - "Early bird - waking up early is truly one of my favorite things!" Welcome to the community, Miss Luttio! #ucathunder #ucastaff

⚡The Thunder has returned! 🎉 🤩Yesterday's orientations were amazing! The student's bright eyes, eager faces, and genuine excitement for the upcoming school year were truly heartwarming. From the moment you stepped onto each campuses, it was clear that we're embarking on an incredible journey together. Parents, your presence and engagement spoke volumes about the strong partnership we're building for the success of our students. 🤝❤️ #ucathunder #backtoschool

🙌🏼 UCA is blessed to welcome new staff members to our team for this coming school year! We would like to introduce you to Mrs. Amanda Goodwin, Elementary Spanish teacher. "I taught for five years at Convent of the Visitation School in Mendota Heights and am currently teaching part time at Our Lady of Grace in Edina where I have been for eleven years. My teaching/life philosophy is that we make it through life by rocky roads and the patience of others. I haven't taught the littles (K-2) for several years so I'm excited to be doing that again. I'm also excited to share about God's love from a global perspective in a world language classroom. See you soon en la clase de español!" We asked Mrs. Goodwin some "This or That" questions, and here are her responses: ☕🍵 Coffee or tea? - "I am a coffee and tea person" 📖🎞️ Book or movie? - "Book and movie, if it's Angela's Ashes" Welcome to the community, Mrs. Goodwin! #ucathunder #ucastaff

📚🌟 Teachers as Learners 🌟📚 Just like our students, our teachers are embracing the excitement of new beginnings, setting goals, and pushing their boundaries to reach greater heights. Our beloved educators are also lifelong learners, constantly seeking knowledge to enrich their craft and create an even more inspiring classroom experience. Thank you to "Incubate to Innovate" for being our facilitators for the day! Let's make this school year a celebration of knowledge, curiosity, and endless possibilities! 🎉📝 It's been a full day already, but we are so excited to see the students later today at Orientation! #ucathunder #backtoschool

🙌🏼 UCA is blessed to welcome new staff members to our team for this coming school year! We would like to introduce you to Mr. Al Geselle, Fourth Grade teacher. "I’ve had the privilege of being an elementary school teacher for over a decade. Building relationships is one of my biggest passions. I am most excited about worshipping Jesus with my students every morning and being a part of a close-knit Christian community. I am married to my beautiful wife, Erin. We have a 3-month-old precious baby girl named Laney and two puppies named Nala and Lake." We asked Mr. Geselle some "This or That" questions, and here are his responses: 🍦❄️ Ice cream or snow cone? - "Ice cream over snow cones" 🧂🍬 Salty or sweet? - "Sweet AND Salty 😊" Welcome to the community, Mr. Geselle! #ucathunder #ucastaff

🙌🏼 UCA is blessed to welcome new staff members to our team for this coming school year! We would like to introduce you to Mr. Nate Hendrickson, High School History teacher. "I am so excited to be a part of the UCA family! I have worked previously as a youth pastor, teacher, and high school coach for football, swimming, and track around the Twin Cities. My teaching philosophy or why I work with kids is because I want to help kids be the best versions of themselves while always pointing them back to Jesus. What excites me the most about coming aboard at UCA is that I can be a part of a school that has not only a student’s educational success in mind but also their eternal success with Jesus. As well as making sure that a student’s relationship with Jesus is the central focus that everything in their life derives from. To me, that is something I want to be and can be a part of every single day. I am married to my wife, Madison, who works at Mounds View High School. I also Coach swimming with her at St. Anthony Village High School. We love to hike and stay active by biking and running through the cities! We have a cat named Rooney! We love him as if he was our actual child! I grew up in the northern suburbs in a family of 3 boys! I went to Bethel University and graduated in 2019. We asked Mr. Hendrickson some "This or That" questions, and here are his responses: 🍦❄️ Ice cream or snow cone? - "Ice cream, not even close!" 🧂🍬 Salty or sweet? - "Sweet, always" 🌅🌃Early bird or night owl? - "I am a day owl - a mix of the two" Welcome to the community, Mr. Hendrickson! #ucathunder #ucastaff

🤯 63 strong!! 💪 🏫Our incredible team of 63 teachers, administrators, and support staff gathered together yesterday to kick off the school year! This dedicated group is all geared up to create another year filled with learning, growth, and unforgettable moments.🌱🌟 🗓️ Can't wait to welcome all the students back in ONE WEEK!! 🎉 #ucathunder #backtoschool #ucastaff

🙌🏼 UCA is blessed to welcome new staff members to our team for this coming school year! We would like to introduce you to Miss Jocelynn Coleman, Middle School and High School Language Arts teacher. "I had the pleasure of completing my student teaching practicum at a private Christian school, and I look forward to working in an environment that honors and elevates Christ above all things! I was called to ministry as a teenager, so first and foremost, my teaching philosophy is to serve and minister to my students first! Then, when it comes to teaching, I like to make lessons as relevant as possible to the real world in light of the gospel! I am most excited to see what community life is like at UCA. I have heard marvelous things about this school's supportive, tight-knit community, and I can't wait to be a part of it!" We asked Miss Coleman some "This or That" questions, and here are her responses: ☕🍵Coffee or Tea? - "Coffee. Aaaaaaaalways coffee. Preferably iced." ☜☞ Right or Left handed? - "Left-handed--the only one in my immediate family, so I'm always looking out for other lefties!" 🎲🎮Board or video games? - "Board games! Scrabble is my absolute favorite game of all time!" 🌅 🌃Early bird or night owl? - "Early bird--the morning hours are usually my most productive!" Welcome to the community Miss Coleman! #ucathunder #ucastaff

🍎📚 Today was "Back to School" for the newest staff members of UCA! 👩‍🏫These individuals bring a wealth of experience, fresh ideas, and innovative perspectives to our school community. Their enthusiasm is contagious, and we can't wait to see the positive impact they'll have on our students' lives. Give them a warm welcome and a big high-five when you see them around the campus! 🙌 #ucathunder #ucastaff #backtoschool

🙌🏼 UCA is blessed to welcome new staff members to our team for this coming school year! We would like to introduce you to Miss Kennedy Wilson, Second Grade Teacher and Head Girl's JV Basketball Coach. "Hello! My name is Kennedy Wilson and this is my third year teaching, but my first year at UCA! I previously taught in Illinois for two years, but I am so happy that God has brought me back to Minnesota! The thing I am most excited about being a part of UCA, is the fact that I will be surrounded by godly people who are just as excited about raising up this next generation!" We asked Miss Wilson some "This or That" questions, and here are her responses: ☕🍵 Coffee or tea? - "Coffee - it's the best drink!!" 🎲🎮Board or video games? - "Board games - they are much more fun and you can still talk with people while playing!" 📖 🎞️Book or movie? - "Books - they will always be better than movies! So many more details!!" Welcome to the community Miss Wilson! #ucathunder #ucastaff

Hey Thunder Families! It is a pleasure for me to announce that Kennedy Wilson has accepted the position as JV Head Coach for the UCA Girls Basketball Team! Kennedy brings wonderful experience both as a coach and a player to our girls program. Kennedy began playing in 7th grade and played all the way through high school serving as team captain her final 3 years of high school. During those years, Kennedy was selected to both the all-conference and all district teams. She then continued her basketball at the next level enjoying a 4 year college career for North Central University helping the NCU Rams to a UMAC Conference championship her junior year! After graduating from NCU, Kennedy traveled to Illinois to accept her first job as a teacher and a coach. She coached both volleyball and basketball at the high school level, stepping into her leadership gifts and desire for helping girls grow both as players and as followers of Christ. Coach Wilson has a fun passion for the game of basketball and for pouring into the hearts of girls. Read what Kennedy shares about her own heart for coaching… “The thing I am most excited about is building relationships with the girls. When I was in high school, I had an amazing basketball coach. He knew the game, was always willing to listen, and wanted the best for us. I'm looking forward to coming alongside these girls and doing the same. I can't wait to see not only all the growth in basketball, but in their faith as well! I am looking forward to coaching at UCA for many reasons! I have heard such great things about the UCA Girls program and the UCA basketball coaches so I am so looking forward to the fun in store this next season!” Kennedy will also be teaching 2nd grade here in her first year at UCA but this will be her 3rd year as a teacher. I am so excited to have Kennedy not just on the staff of UCA Girls Basketball, but even more so, to have her as a part of the academic and faith family of United Christian Academy. In Christ, Coach Peder Eide Head Coach UCA Girls Basketball

🙌🏼 UCA is blessed to welcome new staff members to our team for this coming school year! We would like to introduce you to Mr. Sam Peterson, Academic Dean, and Middle School Athletic Director. "For the past two years, I have been working on getting my Master's Degree from North Central University. I worked as a graduate assistant and assistant track and field coach for NCU as well! I have also had the amazing opportunity of being the UCA JV boy's basketball coach for three years now! I am excited about the community at UCA and being able to work with this wonderful staff and the UCA students!" We asked Mr. Peterson some "This or That" questions, and here are his responses: ☕🍵Coffee or Tea? - "Coffee over tea!" 🌅 🌃Early bird or night owl? - "I am a night owl, for sure!" Welcome to the community Mr. Peterson! #ucathunder #ucastaff

💜 We love hearing from our community about their experiences here at UCA. This story comes from a grandparent who enjoys witnessing and participating in her grandchildren's school experiences. 💬 "My favorite experience at UCA was helping in my granddaughter's class. Watching her eagerness to learn and her excitement to share it all with me. I also enjoyed last year's production of Pinocchio. The powerful message brought tears to my eyes. My shy grandson found the courage and confidence to stand before a large audience to play his part of the cat. I am so very proud that my grandchildren are getting a great education and learning Christian values. They are also developing an understanding of those values in action. A firm foundation in Christ." It is a great blessing to partner with your family! #ucathunder

🙌🏼 UCA is blessed to welcome new staff members to our team for this coming school year! We would like to introduce you to Mrs. Hayley Brown, Fifth Grade teacher. "I relocated last summer to Minnesota from California, where I taught for 8 years. I love creating a classroom family where students can express themselves, develop a love for learning, and grow in their journey with Christ to become a light to the world. I am a mother of two beautiful little boys, but I see my school and students as my extended family. I am excited to join the UCA family to walk alongside other believers in teaching the love of Christ and seeing His hand touch the hearts and minds of the students. I greatly look forward to this coming school year and making amazing memories in such a loving school community." We asked Mrs. Brown some "This or That" questions, and here are her responses: 🎲🎮 Board or video games? - "I value family time and prefer board games over video games because I feel like a screen can take away from focusing on each other." 📖 🎞️ Book or movie? - "I prefer books to movies because I find they tell a story in greater detail than the big screen." Welcome to the community Mrs. Brown! #ucathunder #ucastaff