May-June 2025
SUMMER IS ALMOST HERE!
Summer is so bright and cheerful. It invites it us to stay outside a bit later as the sunshine stretches the day longer. We sometimes like to complain, “It’s sure hot outside,” but we still enjoy the feelings of freedom and relaxation that summer gives.
Summer is one of my favorite seasons. Trees are in full leaves, flowers and vegetable gardens are in full bloom, and shorts and a t-shirt rule the day. Daylight is plentiful and it appears that there is more time for everything. As a kid, I remember playing outside until well past dark.
Summer brings fun opportunities for laughter and happiness – the picnics, the vacations, and the get-togethers. Author Barbara Johnson says, “Human beings thrive on laughter. Since most of us can’t afford vacations in Hawaii, we have to learn to make our own fun! The best way to do that is to keep your state of mind green and golden: find, recycle, or produce joy wherever and however you can.”
Scripture is abundant with reminders about the place that joy should have in our lives:
"Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, ‘The Lord has done great things for them." –Psalm 126:2
"Great are the works of the LORD; they are pondered by all who delight in them." –Psalm 111:2
"Shout for joy to God, our source of strength! Shout out to the God of Jacob!" –Psalm 81:1
Joy grows from a deep place in our souls where we meet with God honestly and humbly. A place where we learn more about Him and how our relationship can grow stronger. In this place we discover a peace that is ‘beyond all understanding’ (Philippians 4:7). Through this peace we can begin to experience a joy that is not dependent on the happenings of the moment – because our strength is not in ourselves, but in Christ.
Summer is a great time for us to experience the joy that living in Christ brings us, allowing us to enjoy all that God provides. As we experience God’s joy through the beauty of nature, the sound of children’s laughter, or recounting a funny story with friends and family, be sure to share it. Our joy is multiplied when we do. ~Written by Lt. Colonel Patty Richardson, Divisional Director of Women's Ministries, Salvation Army Northern Division
UPCOMING HCCA EVENTS
May 6 & 7 Standardized Testing (registration required) 9:00am to 12:15pm both days
May 16 HCHE Graduation Ceremony 10:00am
May 18-June 25 HCCA offices closed for summer break
June 30 End of fourth quarter and 24/25 school year
ACADEMY CONTACTS
Julie Blank, Academy Director
Georgia Wolfe, Academy Manager
Danielle Swiontek, Academy Manager (In Training)
Phone: (719)278-9135 x4
All HCCA families receive three hours of consultation for free! To schedule a consultation, please email Julie at academydirector@hche.org
A Look Ahead
The 2025/2026 school year is just around the corner! For 2025/2026 enrollment information visit our Enrollment Page and read our new, updated HCCA Handbook.
2025 Testing and Evaluation Information
HCCA requires that students take an achievement test or evaluation at the end of 3rd, 5th, 7th, 9th, and 11th grades. Parents may use the test of their choice and submit the scores to the Academy. High school students – the PSAT, ACT, SAT, CLT, or ACCUPLACER scores are accepted in lieu of achievement testing. Find more testing information HERE
EVALUATIONS IN LIEU OF TESTING HCCA accepts evaluations in lieu of testing, as long as the evaluation is done by a certified evaluator. Check out our updated list of certified evaluators HERE
Regardless of which option you choose, the results need to uploaded in your family portal using the “Upload Current Test” button. Please upload the forms before July 5.
Important to know
QUARTERLY REPORTS HCCA’s fourth quarter ends June 30th. You have until July 5th to input your student’s fourth quarter information, after this date a late fee will be charged to your account. The HCCA database will be closed for the 2024/2025 school year after July 5th. The information you put in the quarterly report section is very important. Your quarterly reports are evidence that your student is progressing through the curriculum and through the school year. This is why HCCA requires a detailed report each quarter. We hold our families and ourselves to a higher level of accountability. It is important that parents input all required information each quarter. Please read our updated Quarterly Reporting Instructions.
Graduation Information
HCHE GRADUATION CEREMONY will be Friday, May 16, 2024 at 10:00am in the Theater at New Life Church. Congratulations to all of our HCCA graduates!!