A fresh, new year brings all sorts of exciting changes for Cascade Christian Academy in Wenatchee, Washington. Starting the school year off on the right note is the abundance of newly enrolled students. CCA has 185 students enrolled for this year, a 35% increase for the academy.
Principal Stephanie Gates is overjoyed about this development, praising, “I am so proud of the work we have done to diligently track and analyze our enrollment data and identify opportunities for improvements in the faculty, culture and curriculum.”
Due to this blessing, the school has hired four new teachers. Tamika Wright, who has previously been CCA’s daycare director for the past seven years, will be teaching kindergarten. Tori Morgan, first time teacher, is teaching second grade and is excited to get the process started. Jennifer Wintermeyer, with 24 years of teaching experience, will be taking on third grade. Last, but not least, is Jannetta Meharry, previously CCA’s resource teacher, who will be teaching eighth grade homeroom.
In accordance with the large student body, CCA has also made some new adaptations to the school. An increase in students requires more space to accommodate them. With COVID-19 distancing guidelines in place, the school was inspired to get creative and resorted to turning the former second music room into the new eighth grade homeroom.
CCA is determined to not let the pandemic hinder students from getting the most out of this school year. Guaranteeing a memorable year, trips and events will be incorporated when possible and will be done with ensured safety measures.
This year's school memory verse is Eph. 4:32, which reads, “Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you,” (NLT). With this kindness-promoting verse at the forefront of everyone's mind, they embarked on the new school year knowing each person is guaranteed to make wonderful new memories they won’t forget.