JRC & Collegiate Academy News

As I reflect on the past few weeks, I am incredibly grateful for the energy, growth, and sense of community that continue to define this school year. It seems that each week brings new reasons to celebrate our students and all that God is doing in their lives.

We've enjoyed meaningful chapel services, recognized students for their achievements, applauded those who have recently committed to colleges as they prepare for the next chapter of their journeys, and today we opened our coffee shop, Grace and Grinds! While these milestones are certainly worth celebrating, what has encouraged me most is watching our students grow day by day. Whether in the classroom, on the athletic field, in the arts, or in their relationships with others, we are seeing tremendous personal, spiritual, and academic growth across our campus.

As hard as it is to believe, we are quickly approaching the halfway point of the first quarter. This is a great time for families to check grades, review progress, and have conversations with students about their academic goals. One consistent habit that makes a significant difference is how students use their study block during the school day. I encourage you to remind your child to take full advantage of that time and to commit to strong study habits at home as well. Small, consistent efforts now can have a tremendous impact later in the quarter.

We also have several exciting opportunities ahead. Next week, our students will participate in Spiritual Emphasis, a special time dedicated to growing deeper in their faith and strengthening their relationship with Christ. The following week, we will celebrate Homecoming, one of our favorite traditions of the year. Both of these events provide wonderful opportunities for fellowship, school spirit, and creating memories that students will carry with them long after they leave our halls.

Thank you for your continued partnership, encouragement, and support. It is a privilege to walk alongside your family as we seek to help students flourish academically, spiritually, and personally. The year is off to a wonderful start, and I am excited to see what God has in store for the weeks ahead!

In joyful service,

Dr. Ally Schneck

Homecoming Week is September 28-October 2! We have a lot of exciting things lined up including a Spirit Week, Flex Games, Mr. and Miss Greenbrier speeches, a Pep Rally, Homecoming floats and parade, and our Homecoming Football game!

At Greenbrier Christian Academy, we seek to constantly evaluate our school from multiple perspectives, all in an effort to make this an even better place for your child and your family.

Because the parent perspective is so important to us, we've partnered with ParentPulse again this year. ParentPulse is a company that specializes in collecting feedback for schools.

Going forward, each parent in our school will receive an invitation every few months to respond to a short survey. These surveys will be staggered – parents will receive the invitations via e-mail or text at different times. Each survey invitation is open for 7 days for completion.

We simply ask that you'd take five minutes to complete the survey. Many schools only send one (longer) survey each year, but we want to capture your thoughts and feelings in shorter surveys – and at multiple points over the year – so we can understand how things are evolving and how we can best adapt!

Please be on the lookout for an e-mail or text from ParentPulse. The subject line will clearly identify Greenbrier Christian Academy.

The information you provide is collected solely for our analysis, and your personal contact information will not be used or shared by ParentPulse.

👗Dress Code for Activities/After School Events

• Jeans and pants must comply with the school dress code.
• Shorts must have a minimum 5-inch inseam (approximately fingertip length) when standing.
• Shorts must be modest and not tightly fitted.
• Spandex shorts are permitted only as part of an athletic uniform or practice attire. Students must wear an appropriate outer garment over them when leaving the practice area.
• Tank tops, spaghetti straps, racerbacks, halter tops, strapless tops, one-shoulder tops, and midriff-baring tops are not permitted.
• Clothing must not be sheer, excessively low-cut, or otherwise reveal undergarments or cleavage. Undergarment straps must not be visible.

• Leggings may be worn only at after-school events and must be paired with a shirt or sweatshirt that extends to at least mid-thigh.

🔐Lockers

As we continue building strong routines this year, we'd appreciate your help reminding students to be good stewards of the resources and spaces God has entrusted to us.

We've noticed that several of our 6th grade students are struggling to keep their lockers organized. This is understandable as it's their first time with a locker and a space for which they are responsible. We highly recommend purchasing a locker shelf to help keep lockers neat and functional. It also allows students to more quickly change out materials.

A clean and organized space helps students stay focused, responsible, and prepared for learning. It also reflects our commitment to caring for the blessings God has provided. We have been emphasizing neat, orderly hallways and lockers not only for safety, but also as an opportunity to show gratitude and glorify Him through our actions.

🫗Water Bottles/Beverages

Please remind your student that water bottles should contain water only. Other beverages, including soft drinks and sports drinks, are permitted in the cafeteria during lunch only. To prevent issues with spills, please ensure your student uses a water bottle that securely seals, rather than a cup or tumbler.

📚Study Hall Expectations

Study hall is a valuable opportunity for students to complete assignments, receive help with coursework, study, or work on other academic tasks. Students should come to study hall prepared with assignments to complete or a book to read. This is not a time to sleep, socialize, or play games. We appreciate your support in helping your student develop a plan and arrive prepared to use this time productively.

👚Dress Code

As a reminder, we ask all families to review our school's Dress Code and ensure students arrive each day in compliance with expectations. Students should pay close attention to their clothing choices, footwear, and hairstyles. We have noticed that several young men currently have hairstyles that fall outside of our guidelines, and this weekend provides a great opportunity to schedule a haircut before the start of next week. Also keep in mind that hair color should be natural in appearance. Additionally, slippers and footwear that resemble slippers, including fuzzy or plush styles, are not appropriate for school and should not be worn on campus.

We would also like to remind our senior families that painted jeans are permitted on Fridays only. While we appreciate the creativity and tradition that painted jeans represent, students should not wear them on other school days unless specifically authorized.

Thank you for your partnership in helping us maintain a consistent, respectful, and professional learning environment that reflects the standards and values of our GCA community.

Looking to purchase Gator Gear? Check out our Team Shop here!

As students prepare for life after high school, understanding the FAFSA is an important part of the college planning journey. To help families get started, our School Support Specialist has shared a helpful FAFSA resource with practical tips and guidance for navigating the process with confidence. We encourage you to review the attached information and reach out with any questions.

This is a friendly reminder that if your child requires an EpiPen or inhaler at school, please send it to the school as soon as possible along with a current, signed action plan from your healthcare provider. If your student (6th-12th grade) carries their own EpiPen or inhaler, the school must have an updated, signed Allergy Action Plan and/or Asthma Action Plan from their healthcare provider.

Please remember to complete and return the Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medication Authorization Form for K5-12 grade if you would like your child to receive approved non-prescription medications while at school when appropriate.

This form allows the school nurse or Medication Administration trained staff to give medications for common concerns such as:

• General pain or discomfort

• Headaches

• Migraines

• Menstrual cramps

• Discomfort related to orthodontic work (braces, adjustments, etc.)

• Other minor health concerns as indicated on the form

Having this form completed in advance helps ensure your child can receive appropriate care during the school day without unnecessary delays.

Fresh Produce Available!

We are excited to share that fresh, student-grown produce from Gator Gardens will be available throughout the school year! Parents can now easily check what’s currently in harvest and reserve fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs directly through our schools Bound website and bimonthly newsletter. Supplies vary depending on the growing season, so be sure to check the newsletter and website regularly to grab your favorite items and support our school's hands-on horticulture program!

Hi Gator Family!

My name is Ellie Nichols and I am privileged to serve our school as the Spiritual Life Director. My role is to help set the spiritual tone in our school by connecting with local churches, parents, planning missions opportunities, and serving as a "Big Sister" in the faith to our students. I am a graduate from Liberty University and spent the last year working in student ministry. I am so beyond excited and grateful to be a part of this community. I can not wait to continue to get to know your students and you!

Keep a lookout in your parent newsletter for a new section called "Growing in Grace." Faith starts at home, and we know that the family is the primary spiritual leader in your child’s life. This section will feature practical resources to help you pour into your kids, along with ideas on how we can best partner together to nurture their hearts and minds in Christ.

September 22- Spiritual Emphasis - Collegiate Academy

September 23-See You at the Pole

September 24- Spiritual Emphasis - JRC

September 28 - October 2 - Homecoming Events/Spirit Week

October 2 - Homecoming Football Game

October 9-12- Fall Break, School Closed

October 23- End of Quarter 1

November 3- Teacher/Parent Conferences, School Closed

November 11- Veteran's Day, School Closed

November 23-27- Thanksgiving Break, School Closed

December 21-January 3- Christmas Break, School Closed

January 4 - Teacher Workday- School Closed for Students

January 15 - End of Quarter 2

January 18- MLK Jr. Day, School Closed

February 12-15- Winter Break, School Closed

March 25- End of Quarter 3

March 26- Good Friday, School Closed

March 29-April 2- Easter Break, School Closed

May 28- End of Quarter 4, Last Day of School

Mission: Rooted in God's Word, Greenbrier Christian Academy partners with parents and the local church to help students know Christ, pursue academic excellence, and grow in wisdom and character.

Core Values:

- We pursue truth, wisdom, and transformation through God's Word.

- We cherish the God-given potential in every person.

- We commit to integrity, stewardship, and mutual responsibility before God.

- We strive for excellence through a biblical worldview in all learning.

- We embrace the church as a vital partner in faith and formation.