The Patriot Press
Volume 24: March 17, 2025
CCA Motto: To share the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, preparing hearts and minds to impact the world for Him.
CCA Guiding Principles: We teach 1) Christian Principles and Character, through 2) Christ Centered Academic Excellence, while promoting 3) American Patriotism.
HS Publications Class Creates Weekly Newsletter
Welcome to the Patriot Press Newsletter. This weekly publication is created by the CCA High School Publication class; it will contain vital information for you as you navigate the 2024-25 CCA school year. If you would like something published in the newsletter, please email stownsend@clintonacademy.org and we will add it. Newsletters will go out every Monday, unless CCA is out of school on Monday, and then it will go out on Tuesday.
If you have photos of field trips, club events, or class activities, please share those pictures with us so we can include them in this year's yearbook.
Parent Reminders: March 17-23
March 18
- PHS Field Trip to Branson/Springfield, MO from 8am-10pm
- 1st Grade service project to FBC, Clinton from 12:30-1:30pm
- Dress Down Day for Prom; $5 per student/staff and $10 max per family
- MOPS from 8:45-10:45am
- No Clinton Technical School
- No school at CCA: Spring Break!
Date Change!!!
Due to the MCSAA State Soccer Tournament on Thursday, May 8th, the CCA Spring Concert for K4, K5, 1st and 2nd Grades has been changed to Tuesday, May 6th. It will be at the same time, which is 6pm.
On this Day in History: March 17
In 1762, the first St. Patrick’s Day parade was held in New York City
- In 1958, Vanguard 1, the first solar-powered satellite, was launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida
In 1845, the rubber band was invented
CCA hosts Get Real Spiritual Conference
The Get Real Spiritual Conference, held on March 10 and 11, was a resounding success, thanks in large part to the generous sponsorship of the Skidmore Foundation and the gracious support of First Baptist Church Clinton. The event hosted three engaging and spiritually enriching gatherings: a Student Conference for grades 9-12, a Student Conference for grades 5-8, and a Parent Seminar. Over 180 students from Clinton Christian Academy, Training Center, Plaza Heights, Holden Covenant Church, along with several homeschoolers participated in the event, which focused on fostering personal growth and deepening their spiritual connections.
On Monday, March 10, high school students gathered for a day filled with laughter, games, worship music, and Biblical lessons. The following day, Tuesday, March 11, the conference continued with an equally successful Student Conference for grades 5-8. The younger students enjoyed a similar program that included engaging activities designed to help them connect with one another while exploring their faith. During this time, 29 students made commitments to Christ, a powerful testament to the impact of the event on their lives.
The Parent Seminar, held on the evening of March 10, focused on the importance of developing a Biblical worldview in today’s rapidly changing culture. Parents were provided with practical tools for fostering a faith-based perspective in their children’s lives. In addition, the seminar offered vital insights on tech-savvy parenting, addressing the challenges and opportunities that come with raising children in a digital age. This session empowered parents to navigate the complexities of technology while maintaining a strong spiritual foundation in their homes.
All three events were lively, interactive, and filled with positive energy, making them a memorable experience for attendees. The blend of fun activities and deep Biblical teachings allowed both students and parents to engage with one another and grow in their understanding of faith.
The Get Real Spiritual Conference would not have been possible without the vital support of the Skidmore Foundation. Their sponsorship ensured that the events were accessible to all, helping to create a meaningful experience for the community. Additionally, a heartfelt thank you goes to the dedicated folks at First Baptist Church Clinton for their warm hospitality. They graciously provided free snacks and drinks during the morning break and lunch for the students attending the conference. Their efforts didn’t stop there—volunteers also assisted in cleaning up the Sunday School areas where students had lunch, ensuring everything ran smoothly and efficiently.
“We are so grateful to the Skidmore Foundation for their generosity and to First Baptist Church Clinton for opening their doors to us,” said CCA Administrator Robin Ritchie. “Their support made a significant difference, from providing refreshments to helping with cleanup, and we couldn’t have done it without them. It was truly a blessing to partner with such wonderful organizations to make this conference a reality.”
With a successful conference behind them, organizers are already looking forward to the possibility of future collaborations to continue offering such life-changing experiences to the community.
For more information on upcoming events and initiatives, visit www.clintonacademy.org.
Photo Caption: Students engage in worship music during the Get Real Spiritual Conference on March 11, 2025. The event was sponsored by the Skidmore Foundation and held at First Baptist Church Clinton. --Mrs. Ritchie
CCA's March Character Trait: Faithfulness
The March character trait of the month at CCA is faithfulness. I asked three students what faithfulness means to them: James from 1st grade said, “Praying and believing in God.” Dakota from 4th grade said, “It means believing in something even though you don’t see it.” Danny from 2nd grade said, “It means Jesus will help me in troubled times." He is a faithful God who does no wrong. He is right and fair. Deuteronomy 32:4 --Jacob
Devotion Corner
Parents, Grandparents, and Staff, we thought you might like this devotion from “Praise.com: The Faithfulness of God,” which is based off of Bible verse Hebrews 10:23, “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.”
Click on the link below to read more
https://www.praise.com/devotional/the-faithfulness-of-god-2 –Jacob
CCA Birthdays
March 18th: Cora, 2nd Grade
March 19th: Hannah, 11th Grade; Faith & Noah, K4
March 20th: Everly, 6th Grade
March 21st: Aspen, K-4
March 23rd: Dawson, 4th Grade
CCA Chapel ⛪
CCA’s worship team opened chapel on Friday by singing three songs. Mrs. Kernohan's K4 class led the pledges to the American flag, Christian flag and Bible before Hudson asked us to sing You're a Grand Ole Flag and Noah prayed. Asher welcomed everyone to K4 chapel. Students shared a few things they have learned this year.
Students can count to 100, write their numbers to 20, they know all the letters of the alphabet and can read sentences. 2 Timothy 1:7 says God has give us not a spirit of fear but of power and of love and a sound mind. The class sang, "He's got the Whole World in His Hands."
Students have been learning about Paul. They know he was a missionary and God used Paul to travel to many parts of the world to tell others about Jesus. Students sang, "God is so Good." Paul wrote books in the Bible and in Philippians he even tells us to be content. Philippians 4:11, I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. Paul says in Ephesians 4:32 to be kind and compassionate to one another.
Students have been learning about Joy. Joy is a feeling that comes from having a relationship with Jesus. Jesus is God's Son and He came to save us if we choose to follow Him. Psalm 5:11, but let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them shout for Joy forever. Students then sang and danced to Happy Dance.
If you missed chapel on Friday, you can find a video of it on our CCA Facebook page.
Survey Says: Camping vs. Hotel Stay
Kynlee asked 83 students and teachers if they would rather go camping or stay in a hotel. Camping won with 50 votes! Staying in a hotel only had 33. According to zioncamp.com, a camping trip allows you to minimize costs, offering a budget-friendly alternative to a hotel stay.
Class Spotlight: 4th Grade
Sophia sat in on Mrs. Neal’s 4th grade class this week to see what they’ve been learning. Mrs. Neal discusses what students do first in the morning. She discusses their schedule and when they need to use the restroom. She then tells them what page to go to in their Bible book. Mrs. Neal turns on a video that explains a story about Amos from the Bible. She asks them questions as they go along. All students took turns answering the questions and going through the lesson.
Grandparents Tea Dates & Times Announced
We will be having Grandparents Tea for K4-6th grade on Thursday, April 10 and Friday, April 11.
Thursday, April 10:
8:00-9:00am -- K4
9:15-10:15am -- 4th Grade
12:30-1:30pm -- K5
1:45-2:45pm --3rd Grade
Friday, April 11:
8:00-9:00am -- 2nd Grade
9:30-10:30am -- 1st Grade
12:30-1:30pm -- 5th Grade
1:45-2:45pm -- 6th Grade
Sports News...
🏃 Sports Calendar: March 17-March 23⚽
Track and Girl Soccer Practices are in full swing. Strength and Conditioning for 6th-12th Boys and Girls is also happening after school. The CCA Google Calendar is a great go-to source for practice dates and times. Check it out on www.clintonacademy.org under Upcoming Events.
March 28...1st Soccer Game at Home vs. KC East Lions at 5pm
March 31...1st Track Meet for HS at Archie beginning at 4pm
April 1...1st Track Meet for MS at Osceola beginning at 4pm
CCA Club Information:
FCA
Fellowship of Christian Athletes is a once a month meeting for all upper school students. Jeff Adams leads both the High School & Junior High FCA groups at CCA. FCA provides all students and coaches the opportunity to reach their God-given potential by offering comprehensive athletic, spiritual and leadership training in a small group setting. Here are the dates for the February Meetings:
- March 28...JH FCA from 8:30-9am
FBLA
FBLA is the largest business Career and Technical Student organization in the world. Each year FBLA helps members prepare for careers in business and business-related fields through leadership development, academic competitions and educational programs. All high school students have the opportunity to participate in FBLA. CCA advisor is Tara Dull.
FBLA stands for Future Business Leaders of America. CCA high school students at CCA have registered for competition. All students will have the opportunity to compete at the district competition in February at UCM. Each person that competes can only compete in 3 events. Two different types of events are available: Objective Assessments or tests and presentation. Each competitor can only compete in two presentation events. FBLA Officers this year are: Hannah-President, Colten-Vice President, Logan-Chaplain, Parker-Co Chaplain, Clara-Treasurer and Kennedy-Secretary.
- State Leadership Conference to be held on April 13-15th in Springfield.
StuCo
Student Council is offered at CCA for 5th & 6th grades, Junior High and High School students. High School members are: Clara, Audrey, Kennedy, Colten, Hannah, Maggie, Emma, Carissa, Brooklyn & Allie. Junior High members are: Brynn, Kalynn, Kaitlyn, Micah, Caroline, Mayme & Carson.
P-PAC
CCA's performing arts club is sponsored by Mr. and Mrs. Neal. It was first started in the 2023-24 school year and was a big hit among CCA students! Practices are now on Mondays and Tuesdays, from 3:15-4pm for 5th-12th grade students (second semester only) in Mrs. Neal's Room. There is no cost. Members are working on a Spring musical called, "Never a Truer Tale" that will be performed on May 6th, right after the Mrs. Townsend's spring concert program.
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