Lion Tales 3/7/24

Upcoming Dates

Sat, March 9 Board of Directors meeting 7:30 am - HS Community Room

Wed-Fri, Mar 13-15 High School field trip - the Ark Encounter and Creation Museum

Thurs, March 21  Easter Program / Worship service 6:30 pm at Living Hope Community Church

March 25-April 1 No School - Spring Break / Easter Monday

March 31 Early Registration Deadline - enroll/re-enroll and pay fee by this date, save $50!

CLA enrollment/registration is open for the 2024-2025 school year!

All families -  now is the time to re-enroll, $AVE on the fee!


 We encourage EVERYONE to take care of registration by March 31, which saves $50 on your registration fee.  Any questions, please contact Mr. Horning! 

Registering early not only saves YOU some money, it also 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! Early registration allows for better opportunities and planning. Get signed up today!  If you have re-enrolled online, don’t forget to pay the registration fee by March 31 with a check to the school office!


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!


Attached with this Lion Tales - a special giving opportunity - the CLA FORWARD CHALLENGE!

Look for details about how you and many friends of CLA can partner together this March in support of the school. Pass the word along to others who share our love for the mission of Christian Life Academy.  This is a great time to give and encourage others to join in.  Thank you in advance for getting the word out!


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

I have been doing some preparation for our CLA Community Easter Service coming up on March 21.  I’m so excited to share this celebration and remembrance with our school community. I’m ready to say “thank you” again to the Lord for His sacrifice, and to proclaim “He is risen” as a testimony to the world. I’m also amazed that we are already into March, which means the end of another school year is getting closer.  What a joy to share with your families and to be on this mission together.  We’ll soon celebrate the promotion of 8th graders, the graduation of seniors, and the excitement of a summer break.  The Lord has been faithful, and you all have been wonderful partners.  May the Lord continue to be praised!


Blessings,

        Mr. Horning


Lion Tales 2/22/24

Upcoming Dates


Mon, February 26 4 - 8 pm OPEN HOUSE! Invite friends and family to see CLA! 

Mon, Feb 26 Lion Hoops (2nd-4th) scrimmage game 5 pm

Thurs, Feb 29 Lion Hoops (2nd-4th) scrimmage game 5 pm

March 1 Registration for spring sports closes…. practices start week of March 4 

Wed, March 6 Early dismissal 11:30 - Teacher in service 

Sat, March 9 Board of Directors meeting 7:30 am

Wed-Fri, Mar 13-15 High School field trip - the Ark Encounter and Creation Museum

March 31 Early Registration Deadline - enroll/re-enroll and pay fee by this date, save $50!


CLA enrollment/registration is open for the 2024-2025 school year!

All families -  now is the time to re-enroll, $AVE on the fee!

 We encourage EVERYONE to take care of registration by March 31, which saves $50 on your registration fee.  Any questions, please contact Mr. Horning! 

Registering early not only saves YOU some money, it also 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! Early registration allows for better opportunities and planning. Get signed up today!

Please pass on information to those who 

DO NOT KNOW about 

all the great things going on at CLA - invite them 

to an OPEN HOUSE on the following dates 

Monday, February 26 - 4 pm to 8 pm

Thursday, March 7 - 9 am to 7 pm


At each of these open houses, guests will have the opportunity to visit with CLA staff, see facilities, hear about programs, observe classrooms (during the school day), and get a feel for what is going on at our school.  The best way to share is through word of mouth, so tell a friend about what’s happening at CLA… and invite them to come and see!


Spring Sports Coming Soon! CLA “Flyin’ Lions” Track as well as HS Baseball!

It’s time to sign up! Flyer/information is attached.  We will have baseball for boys in grades 9-12, as well as track and field for boys and girls in grades 5-12.  Details should be out next week, with practices starting in early March.  Games/meets will be late March through early May. After reading the info, here’s the link: https://forms.gle/AsKRcZHhmrjhZY899 REGISTRATION CLOSES MARCH 1… get signed up NOW!


Help out with the needs of our community!

Don’t forget that Mrs. Angela Golden, our preschool teacher, is organizing a food drive to help our local food pantries in Hopedale, operated by the Living Hope and United Methodist Churches.  A box for donated food items is located inside the main door of the school.  Feel free to help! 

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! 


Coming soon…another matching donation opportunity at CLA!!

 Look for details about how you and friends of CLA can partner together - coming soon!


From the Principal's Desk

I am excited to share with you that great things are happening at CLA.  You probably already know this, but I’d like to tell you about an activity that is happening this afternoon - possibly even at the moment that you are reading this paragraph.  We are blessed to make connections with other schools, and one such school is South Side Christian Academy in Peoria.  This afternoon a group of our 5th-8th grade basketball players, along with several coaches, are visiting SSCA and have organized a basketball clinic with SSCA students.  This is something new - and exciting!  I am looking forward to this interaction between students/athletes from our two schools to interact, learn, and grow together.  Looking forward to also sharing more about what happened in next week’s Lion Tales!  If you want, stop me sometime and ask about it.  What a blessing to work side-by-side with our CLA families and make connections with SSCA students and families.  May the Lord be praised!


Blessings,

         Mr. Horning

Lion Tales 2/15/24

Upcoming Dates


Fri-Mon, Feb No School - Presidents’ Day Weekend

Saturday, Feb 17 CLA Chess Tournament

CLA Board of Directors’ meeting 7:30 am

Tuesday, Feb 20 10 am - 5 pm OPEN HOUSE! Invite friends and family to see CLA! 

March 31 Early Registration Deadline - enroll/re-enroll and pay fee by this date, save $50!


CLA enrollment/registration is open for the 2024-2025 school year!

All families -  now is the time to re-enroll, $AVE on the fee!

 We encourage EVERYONE to take care of registration by March 31, which saves $50 on your registration fee.  Any questions, please contact Mr. Horning! 

Registering early not only saves YOU some money, it also 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! Early registration allows for better opportunities and planning. Get signed up today!


Please pass on information to those who 

DO NOT KNOW about 

all the great things going on at CLA - invite them 

to an OPEN HOUSE on the following dates 


Tuesday, February 20 - 10 am to 5 pm

Monday, February 26 - 4 pm to 8 pm

Thursday, March 7 - 9 am to 7 pm


At each of these open houses, guests will have the opportunity to visit with CLA staff, see facilities, hear about programs, observe classrooms (during the school day), and get a feel for what is going on at our school.  The best way to share is through word of mouth, so tell a friend about what’s happening at CLA… and invite them to come and see!

.


Spring Sports Coming Soon! CLA “Flyin’ Lions” Track as well as HS Baseball!

It’s time to sign up! Flyer/information is attached.  We will have baseball for boys in grades 9-12, as well as track and field for boys and girls in grades 5-12.  Details should be out next week, with practices starting in early March.  Games/meets will be late March through early May. After reading the info, here’s the link: https://forms.gle/AsKRcZHhmrjhZY899 


Help out with the needs of our community!

Don’t forget that Mrs. Angela Golden, our preschool teacher, is organizing a food drive to help our local food pantries in Hopedale, operated by the Living Hope and United Methodist Churches.  A box for donated food items is located inside the main door of the school.  Feel free to help! 


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/ma._tching-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’ll keep it short and sweet this week!  I’m celebrating with all of you the great success of our HS basketball team.  The success was NOT in winning the trophy at last week’s tournament (although that was a fun time, and they played great).  The success was completing a winter sports season that gave ALL GLORY to GOD for the competition together.  That’s sweet!  


I’m continually reminded of how God allows us to celebrate HIM when we compete well in athletics.  God’s Strength…. God’s Glory!!


Blessings,

        Mr. Horning


Lion Tales 2/8/24

Upcoming Dates

Thurs-Sat Feb 8-10 HS Basketball Away Tournament at ICCS in Washington

The CLA Lions play Thursday 4:30 pm, Friday 8:55 am and 12:35 pm, then additional games

Links to watch online: YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@BayViewBaptistChurch/streams

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/iccsofficial

Monday, Feb 12 PTF (Parent Teacher Fellowship) meeting after school - you are invited!

Saturday, Feb 17 CLA Chess Tournament all day!

CLA Board of Directors’ meeting 7:30 am

Tuesday, Feb 20 10 am - 5 pm OPEN HOUSE! Invite friends and family to see CLA! 

March 31 Early Registration Deadline - enroll/re-enroll and pay fee by this date, save $50!


CLA enrollment/registration is open for the 2024-2025 school year!

All families -  now is the time to re-enroll, $AVE on the fee!

Again attached with this Lion Tales is all the updated and new information regarding registration for the 2024-2025 school year at CLA.  We encourage EVERYONE to take care of registration by March 31, which saves $50 on your registration fee.  Any questions, please contact Mr. Horning! 

Registering early not only saves YOU some money, it also 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! Early registration allows for better opportunities and planning. Get signed up today!

Please pass on information to those who DO NOT KNOW about all the great things going on at CLA - invite them to an OPEN HOUSE on the following dates (plus, share the attached flyer!)

Tuesday, February 20 - 10 am to 5 pm

Monday, February 26 - 4 pm to 8 pm

Thursday, March 7 - 9 am to 7 pm

At each of these open houses, guests will have the opportunity to visit with CLA staff, see facilities, hear about programs, observe classrooms (during the school day), and get a feel for what is going on at our school.  The best way to share is through word of mouth, so tell a friend about what’s happening at CLA… and invite them to come and see!


CLA Chess Tournament - Now Scheduled for Saturday, February 17 

CLA is hosting an open chess tournament and you can get involved.  This is for all ages and skill levels.  For more information, or for a copy of the flyer, contact the CLA Chess Club through Mrs. Jenny Travis - [email protected].

“Lion Hoops Training” for 2nd - 4th graders!

Thanks to Cole Espenschied and Kingdom Sports, we have a February opportunity for 2nd-4th graders to get involved in basketball and training in “Doing Sports God’s Way.”  The cost is $25 to participate, and everyone is invited (CLA enrolled, home school, kids from other schools, boys and girls in grades 2-4). Practices will happen immediately after school (3:30-5:00) on the following dates:  Feb 12, 15, 20, 23. Game/scrimmages will be at 5 pm on Feb 26 and 29. For information or to sign up, contact Cole via email [email protected] or 309-222-0374.  See the attached flyer for details.


Spring Sports Coming Soon! CLA “Flyin’ Lions” Track as well as HS Baseball!

It’s time to sign up! Flyer/information is attached.  We will have baseball for boys in grades 9-12, as well as track and field for boys and girls in grades 5-12.  Details should be out next week, with practices starting in early March.  Games/meets will be late March through early May. After reading the info, here’s the link: https://forms.gle/AsKRcZHhmrjhZY899 


Help out with the needs of our community!

Don’t forget that Mrs. Angela Golden, our preschool teacher, is organizing a food drive to help our local food pantries in Hopedale, operated by the Living Hope and United Methodist Churches.  A box for donated food items is located inside the main door of the school.  Feel free to help! 


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/ma._tching-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

This week, well, it’s been interesting to say the least.  We are continuing to deal with illness around the school - including students, teachers, family members, etc.  The prayer that I am continually lifting to the Lord is that we know that He is working, but sometimes it’s hard to see “how” things are working!  I’m thankful that we can lean on the Lord when times are tough, and know He is WITH us.  We are called to be witnesses of GOD WITH US!  Thank you Lord for holding us in your hands.  And we pray for continued healing among our school community!


Blessings,

        Mr. Horning


Lion Tales 2/1/24

Upcoming Dates


Friday, Feb 2 HS JV/V Basketball Away games at Danville Flames 6:00 start

Monday, Feb 5 JH/HS Basketball Away games at Rosamond FBCA 5:00 start

Tuesday, Feb 6 HS JV Basketball HOME game vs Trinity 6:00 start

Wednesday, Feb 7 Early dismissal 11:30 am - Teacher in-service

Thurs-Sat Feb 8-10 HS Basketball Away Tournament at ICCS in Washington

Saturday, Feb 17 CLA Chess Tournament - see details below

March 31 Early Registration Discount Deadline - enroll/re-enroll by this date and save $50!


CLA opens enrollment/registration for the 2024-2025 school year!

All families - FT, PT, extra-curricular - now is the time to re-enroll, $AVE on the fee!

Attached with this Lion Tales is all the updated and new information regarding registration for the 2024-2025 school year at CLA.  Please note, fees and tuition amounts have changed, and this is outlined on the registration information and tuition schedule.  We encourage EVERYONE to take care of registration by March 31, which saves $50 on your registration fee.  Any questions, please contact Mr. Horning! 

NOTE: Registering early not only saves YOU some money, it also 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! With the numbers we experienced in extra-curricular growth this past year, we may not be able to allow for some last-minute or  later enrollments as activity and sports seasons approach. Early registration allows for better opportunities and planning. Get signed up today!

Please pass on information to those who DO NOT KNOW about all the great things going on at CLA - invite them to an OPEN HOUSE on the following dates (plus, share the attached flyer!)


Tuesday, February 20 - 10 am to 5 pm

Monday, February 26 - 4 pm to 8 pm

Thursday, March 7 - 9 am to 7 pm


At each of these open houses, guests will have the opportunity to visit with CLA staff, see facilities, hear about programs, observe classrooms (during the school day), and get a feel for what is going on at our school.  The best way to share is through word of mouth, so tell a friend about what’s happening at CLA… and invite them to come and see!

CLA Chess Tournament - Now Scheduled for Saturday, February 17 

CLA is hosting an open chess tournament and you can get involved.  This is for all ages and skill levels.  For more information, or for a copy of the flyer, contact the CLA Chess Club through Mrs. Jenny Travis - [email protected].


“Lion Hoops Training” for 2nd - 4th graders!

Thanks to Cole Espenschied and Kingdom Sports, we have a February opportunity for 2nd-4th graders to get involved in basketball and training in “Doing Sports God’s Way.”  The cost is $25 to participate, and everyone is invited (CLA enrolled, home school, kids from other schools, boys and girls in grades 2-4). Practices will happen immediately after school (3:30-5:00) on the following dates:  Feb 12, 15, 20, 23. Game/scrimmages will be at 5 pm on Feb 26 and 29. For information or to sign up, contact Cole via email [email protected] or 309-222-0374.  See the attached flyer for details.


Spring Sports Coming Soon! CLA “Flyin’ Lions” Track as well as HS Baseball!

Before you know it, it will be time to sign up for our spring sports activities.  We will have baseball for boys in grades 9-12, as well as track and field for boys and girls in grades 5-12.  Details should be out next week, with practices starting in early March.  Games/meets will be late March through early May.


Help out with the needs of our community!

Don’t forget that Mrs. Angela Golden, our preschool teacher, is organizing a food drive to help our local food pantries in Hopedale, operated by the Living Hope and United Methodist Churches.  A box for donated food items is located inside the main door of the school.  Feel free to help! 


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

Today is the day!  We start our re-enrollment process for the 2024-25 school year today.  It’s an exciting time! We are glad to offer everyone the opportunity to be a “CLA family.”  That term, family, is such an all-encompassing word.  It represents togetherness, joy, and belonging.  Sometimes it means not agreeing, but loving anyway.  But always, it means that we find ways to encourage, celebrate, compete, help, pray and walk side-by-side with those who choose to be a part of this community.  I’m so very excited to kick off the next step (next school year!) at Christian Life Academy.  I hope you will join us! 


Blessings,

        Mr. Horning

Lion Tales 1/18/24

Upcoming Dates


Thursday, Jan 18 HS JV Basketball Away game at Bloomington Trinity 7:45 pm

EL Basketball Away games at Atlanta vs Oly Legends 6 pm / 7 pm

Friday, Jan 19 EL/HS JV/V Basketball Away games at Danville 5 pm start

Saturday, Jan 20 HOME JH Basketball Tournament 8:30-5 pm

Monday, Jan 22 HS JV/V home games vs Greenview 6 pm / 7:15 pm

Tuesday, Jan 23 JH/HS Away basketball games at ICCS Washington 5 pm / 6 pm

Thursday, Jan 25 EL/JH Green vs White scrimmages 5:30/6:30 *8th grade night!*

Friday, Jan 26 HS JV/V Home games vs Calvary Urbana 5:30/7:00 *Senior night!*

Saturday, Jan 27 CLA Board of Directors meeting 7:30 am


SEVERE WEATHER ALERT…. IF SCHOOL IS DELAYED or CLOSED …. Look for an email by 7:15 am…. and keep your eyes on Facebook for announcements on the CLA FaceBook page and Lions Den Parent Group.  We will use email/Facebook to give updates


PLEASE NOTE…. At some point soon, you may receive a text message and/or phone call regarding CLA’s planned use of text messaging / voice calls for disseminating information.  We are hopeful to increase our communication in this way. At that time, we will also give an option to update your cell number communication contacts.  Please help us get our communication lined up for your family! Questions, please ask!


CLA Chess Tournament - Now Scheduled for Saturday, February 17 

CLA is hosting an open chess tournament and you can get involved.  This is for all ages and skill levels.  For more information, or for a copy of the flyer, contact the CLA Chess Club through Mrs. Jenny Travis - [email protected].


Help out with the needs of our community!

Don’t forget that Mrs. Angela Golden, our preschool teacher, is organizing a food drive to help our local food pantries in Hopedale, operated by the Living Hope and United Methodist Churches.  A box for donated food items is located inside the main door of the school.  Feel free to help! 



From the Principal's Desk

Each year we have many things to consider as our school grows and changes.  I ask our school community to specifically pray for our staff and school board as we aim toward the future.  God has guided us in amazing ways, and we are grateful.  But we also know that we need to hold on to His guiding hand for each year.  Please pray for us to see clearly the next steps to take in growth and change, and that God will be in all and through all we do!  

Blessings,

         Mr. Horning

Lion Tales 1/11/24

Upcoming Dates

Thursday, Jan 11 Elem/JH basketball HOME games vs Excel and Concordia 4:30 / 6:00 / 7:00

Saturday, Jan 13 HS Varsity basketball Tournament at Rosamond FBCA 

Monday, Jan 15 NO SCHOOL - Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

HS Basketball Home games vs Hartsburg-Emden JV/V 6 pm / 7:15 pm

Elem Basketball Away games vs Oly Legends at Atlanta 6 pm / 7 pm

Tuesday, Jan 16 JH/HS JV Basketball Away games at Bloomington Trinity 6 pm / 7:15 pm

Friday, Jan 19 EL/HS JV/V Basketball Away games at Danville 5 pm start

Saturday, Jan 20 HOME JH Basketball Tournament 8:30-5 pm

Saturday, Jan 27 CLA Board of Directors meeting 7:30 am


SEVERE WEATHER ALERT…. IF SCHOOL IS DELAYED or CLOSED …. Look for an email by 7:15 am…. and keep your eyes on Facebook for announcements on the CLA FaceBook page and Lions Den Parent Group.  We will use email/Facebook to give updates


CLA Chess Tournament - Now Scheduled for Saturday, February 17 

Take a look at the attached flyer… CLA is hosting an open chess tournament and you can get involved.  This is for all ages and skill levels.  For more information, contact the CLA Chess Club through Mrs. Jenny Travis - [email protected].


Help out with the needs of our community!

Don’t forget that Mrs. Angela Golden, our preschool teacher, is organizing a food drive to help our local food pantries in Hopedale, operated by the Living Hope and United Methodist Churches.  A box for donated food items is located inside the main door of the school.  Feel free to help! 



From the Principal's Desk

I’m excited to remind everyone that the planning for the upcoming 2024-25 school year is in process.  Each year we have many things to consider as our school grows and changes.  I would like to ask our school community to specifically pray for our staff and school board as we aim toward the future.  God has guided us in amazing ways, and we are grateful.  But we also know that we need to hold on to His guiding hand for each year.  Please pray for us to see clearly the next steps to take in growth and change, for the improvements needed, and for the connections to be made that best benefit our families and staff.  May God be in all and through all!  

Blessings,

        Mr. Horning


Lion Tales 1/4/2024

Welcome Back for the Second Semester! 

Upcoming Dates

Thursday, Jan 4 Elementary and JH Basketball - Away games at Greenview 6 pm / 7 pm

Monday, Jan 8 Elementary and JH Basketball - Away games at St. Mary’s 5:30 / 6:30 pm

Tuesday, Jan 9 HS basketball HOME games JV/V vs Danville Flames 5:30 / 6:30 pm

Thursday, Jan 11 Elem/JH basketball HOME games vs Excel and Concordia 4:30 / 6:00 / 7:00

Saturday, Jan 13 HS Varsity basketball Tournament at Rosamond FBCA 

Monday, Jan 15 No School - Martin Luther King, Jr. Day


OUR LAST Christmas Spirit Day  -  Christmas Pajamas TOMORROW!

Since we didn’t get to have our last (half) day of school before Christmas…. We’re extending the special days - Friday, January 5th we are having  Christmas Pajama Day!

SEVERE WEATHER ALERT…. IF SCHOOL IS DELAYED or CLOSED …. Look for an email by 7:15 am…. and keep your eyes on Facebook for announcements on the CLA FaceBook page and Lions Den Parent Group.  We will use email/FaceBook to give updates


Instrument lessons - additional spot(s) available on Tuesday afternoons

Mrs. Rachel Waggoner is starting music lessons (piano and violin) on Tuesday afternoons at the school.  These lessons will begin next week, and she has room for one or two more students who might be interested.  This is for students in grades 3-HS and lessons will be held in the CLA music room during the school day or immediately afterwards in the afternoon.  If interested, you may contact Rachel directly at her email [email protected], or by phone 309-840-1068 for more information and details.


Help out with the needs of our community!

Don’t forget that Mrs. Angela Golden, our preschool teacher, is organizing a food drive to help our local food pantries in Hopedale, operated by the Living Hope and United Methodist Churches.  A box for donated food items is located inside the main door of the school.  Feel free to help! 


From the Principal's Desk

We kicked off our second semester this morning talking about “seeing and experiencing” amazing things.  We also nearly had a surgical procedure happen during chapel… ask your kids about it!  In any case, the theme as we kick off the second half of our school year continues with “Together on Mission” … Now reminding us that our mission is to be a witness to others about Jesus.  I’m excited to share with our students from Matthew 28:19 and from the first few chapters of Acts this winter/spring!  Thank you for sharing your students with us.  

Blessings,

         Mr. Horning

Lion Tales 12/7/23

Upcoming Dates

Thursday, Dec 7 HOME basketball game JH with Excel Academy  / Elem and HS scrimmages

Thursday, Dec 14 All School Christmas Worship Service 7:00 pm at Living Hope Comm. Church

Friday, Dec 15 AWAY basketball games HS teams at Calvary Urbana (Philo, IL) 6:00/7:00

Saturday, Dec 16 School Board of Directors meeting 7:30 am

Monday, Dec 18 HOME basketball games EL/JH vs St. Mary’s 5:30 / 6:30 

AWAY basketball games HS at Bethel Lutheran (Morton) 5:30 / 7:00

Wednesday, Dec 20 Last Day before Christmas Break - 11:30 dismissal

December 21 through January 3 - No School - Christmas Break 

Wednesday, Jan 3 Staff only - Gathering/meetings 

Thursday, Jan 4 School Resumes (full day of student attendance)


Christmas Program / Worship Service December 14th

Mark your calendars!  CLA will hold its annual Christmas program/worship service at Living Hope Community Church on Thursday, December 14th at 7:00pm. This event is free of charge and open to friends and family! 

A “Shuttle Bus” will be available the evening of the program.  Due to limited parking spaces at the church, we encourage drivers to drop off passengers at the church, then drive over and park in the school parking lot.  The plan is for a shuttle bus to leave the CLA parking lot at 6:30, 6:40 and 6:50 going back to the church.  The shuttle will also deliver people back from the church to the school parking lot after the service concludes.

Additionally, we will also be hosting our annual Christmas dinner prior to the program- a wonderful home cooked meal prepared and served by our own CLA students.  Tickets will be $10 each - tickets sales will end on Friday, December 8 - ORDER NOW!  If you have questions, please contact Mrs. Stribling at [email protected].


Christmas Spirit Days - December 15-20!

As we near the celebration of Christmas… We encourage students to join in some special days!


Friday, December 15 - Wear Christmas Colors!

Monday, December 18 - Crazy Christmas Hats and Hair!

Tuesday, December 19 - Fun Christmas Apparel! (ugly sweater, socks, reindeer antlers, etc)

Wednesday, December 20 (early dismissal) - Christmas Pajamas!


Help out with the needs of our community!

Don’t forget that Mrs. Angela Golden, our preschool teacher, is organizing a food drive to help our local food pantries in Hopedale, operated by the Living Hope and United Methodist Churches.  A box for donated food items is located inside the main door of the school.  Feel free to help! 


Reminder about our Lions’ Den Facebook Parent Page

Please join our parent page on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2357381807869894

This is a private group, which means that posts, information, and photos can not be “shared” outside of the group.  Staff will post information and photos about student activities on this page to help keep student information safe. Please make sure that you answer all of the membership questions identifying your connection to CLA- this will help us approve your membership faster!

PLEASE NOTE: we are strictly keeping the purpose and membership of the Lions’ Den Facebook group for parents and grandparents only as we want to be very careful for the safety of our families. Others who do not fit the parent or grandparent category will not be approved for membership in this private group.  The public CLA Facebook page does not require membership, and you are welcome to share that page with friends, extended family and the public! Posts on the public page are shareable.  The private group posts are not shareable.  


From the Principal's Desk

As we approach the celebration of Christmas, I’m (again) reminded of how much God loves us!  He sent His Son into the world, as an amazing example of selfless action for us.  Jesus lived a perfect life (which we cannot live), died in our place (taking the punishment for our sin), and rose again to new life (allowing us the opportunity to live a new life and have eternal life).  Wow.  Thank you, Lord!  Have you shared this amazing news with anyone recently?  I hope you have.  And if you want to know more about it, I’d love to talk with you! 

In our staff meeting this week, we shared about how we are keeping Jesus at the center of our Christmas celebrations.  We discussed how the Scriptures inform what we do.  I was super impressed to hear a few staff members talk about how they make sure that everything they do has a focus, an angle, on our faith.  As always, I’m so grateful that we can minister together in the classrooms, the hallways, the community here at Christian Life Academy.  Praise Jesus!

Blessings,

        Mr. Horning


Lion Tales 11/30/23

Upcoming Dates

Thursday, Nov 30 HOME basketball games with ICCS - JH 5:30 / HS 6:30

Monday, Dec 4 HOME basketball games with FBCA Rosamond - EL 5:00 / JH 6:00 / HS 7:00

Tuesday, Dec 5 AWAY basketball games at Bethel (Morton) - EL 5:30 / 7th 6:30 / 8th 7:30

Thursday, Dec 7 HOME basketball games with Excel Academy JH 5:30 

Elem scrimmage green v white 4:00 / HS scrimmage green v white 7:00

Thursday, Dec 14 All School Christmas Worship Service 7:00 pm at Living Hope Comm. Church

(Note - Dinner begins at 5:30 - details below - advance ticket purchase required)


Help out with the needs of our community!

Reminder - Tomorrow, December 1, is the last day for collection of items for the Rescue Mission. We have a box in the main lobby collecting NEW packages of men’s socks and underwear for the Peoria Rescue Mission.  This will be in coordination with Living Hope’s Advent Concert on December 3rd (Please come to the concert Sunday night at 6 pm) where a love offering will support the Mission.  We encourage you to help!

Also, don’t forget that Mrs. Angela Golden, our preschool teacher, is organizing a food drive to help our local food pantries in Hopedale, operated by the Living Hope and United Methodist Churches.  A box for donated food items is located inside the main door of the school.  Feel free to help! 


Christmas Program / Worship Service December 14th

Mark your calendars!  CLA will hold its annual Christmas program/worship service at Living Hope Community Church on Thursday, December 14th at 7:00pm. This event is free of charge and open to friends and family! 

A “Shuttle Bus” will be available the evening of the program.  Due to limited parking spaces at the church, we encourage drivers to drop off passengers at the church, then drive over and park in the school parking lot.  The plan is for a shuttle bus to leave the CLA parking lot at 6:30, 6:40 and 6:50 going back to the church.  The shuttle will also deliver people back from the church to the school parking lot after the service concludes.


Additionally, we will also be hosting our annual Christmas dinner prior to the program- a wonderful home cooked meal prepared and served by our own CLA students.  Tickets will be $10 each- check your student’s backpack for an order form!  Tickets will be on sale until Thursday, December 7th or “sold out”.  If you have questions, please contact Mrs. Stribling at [email protected].

What a fun afternoon!

We were  blessed to have over 50 guests attend and participate in Grandparents’ Day at CLA last week on Tuesday, November 21.  Guests visited with students, shared some cookies, and did activities in classrooms.  Some grandparents of high school students received a tour of the new building.  Crafts were made by elementary students and their grandparents.  But the best part of the afternoon was the hugs and smiles shared by generations.  What fun!


Reminder about our Lions’ Den Facebook Parent Page

Please join our parent page on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2357381807869894

This is a private group, which means that posts, information, and photos can not be “shared” outside of the group.  Staff will post information and photos about student activities on this page to help keep student information safe. Please make sure that you answer all of the membership questions identifying your connection to CLA- this will help us approve your membership faster!

PLEASE NOTE: we are strictly keeping the purpose and membership of the Lions’ Den Facebook group for parents and grandparents only as we want to be very careful for the safety of our families. Others who do not fit the parent or grandparent category will not be approved for membership in this private group.  The public CLA Facebook page does not require membership, and you are welcome to share that page with friends, extended family and the public! Posts on the public page are shareable.  The private group posts are not shareable.  


From the Principal's Desk

As we approach the celebration of Christmas, I’m (again) reminded of how much God loves us!  He sent His Son into the world, as an amazing example of selfless action for us.  Jesus lived a perfect life (which we cannot live), died in our place (taking the punishment for our sin), and rose again to new life (allowing us the opportunity to live a new life and have eternal life).  Wow.  Thank you, Lord!  Have you shared this amazing news with anyone recently?  I hope you have.  And if you want to know more about it, I’d love to talk with you! 

Blessings,

        Mr. Horning