A Heart for Oklahoma

The cast of "The Heart of Home" at Heart to Heart

All of America watched the shocking images of the effects of the tornado that hit Moore, Oklahoma on May 20th.  Images of homes disintegrated and an elementary school destroyed will continue to be a part our memory for years to come.  Aid from all around the world has already begun pouring in to Oklahoma City.  And in an impressive demonstration of God's sovereignty,  HCA will be a part of that effort.

Heart to Heart International, with headquarters here in Olathe,  is one of the world's largest providers of disaster relief and will be one of the first organizations on the ground in Oklahoma.  When they arrive, they will be carrying Care Kits provided by the HCA family and packed by the cast of The Heart of Home, our Junior High spring musical.  Two weeks ago, that group of students gathered at the Heart to Heart distribution center in Kansas City to help them pack Care Kits.  Of course, no one knew that these would be used so soon or that they would be going to Oklahoma City.  But God knew and had already put HCA in a place to help our friends in Oklahoma.

For more information on HCA's part in this effort, visit the Heart to Heart Facebook page.  

Boston Trip: An Exploration of God at Work in our Nation

The Heritage Christian Academy U.S. History class went on a four-day “field trip” in early May to Boston, Massachusetts. The class was able to visit many historical sites and learned not only about history, but also how God was at work during the days of this nation’s birth. The trip was facilitated by a Christian tour group, which meant a very meaningful devotional each day. The HCA students also learned a lot from a “revolutionary” guide who provided historical background information about various sites, and conveyed other less known information about key Christians and the roles that they played in the beginnings of our nation.

Twenty-three HCA students, two teachers and four parents explored historic locations including the first Revolutionary War battle at Lexington, Concord, the gravesides of many famous American authors, Old North Church, Paul Revere’s house, the U.S.S Constitution (“old ironsides”), Faneuil Hall, Harvard University, the JFK Library and the New England Aquarium. “Standing at Lexington, where the battle took place, made me realize that this country is truly a blessing, and it wasn’t a free blessing,” said HCA junior Annie Prins. Dr. John Carver, US History teacher said, “There was truly a sense of awe to stand in the exact spots where the Sons of  Liberty stood, and where some even died, in the birthing of our nation.”

Boston was buzzing with camaraderie, as the marathon bombings were still recent in everyone’s minds. The HCA students stood in reverence at the exact location of the bombing, and observed the living memorial at the marathon finish line. Boston Strong posters were everywhere, reminding Bostonians and tourist of how strong the community support is, but also of the evil that had recently erupted in the city. The tour guide reminded the HCA students that even in the midst of hatred and wrong-doing, God is still ultimately in charge.

HCA Adds North Central Accreditation

We are very pleased to announce that HCA has now received Accreditation with the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement (NCA CASI).  Established in 1895, the North Central Association expanded its reach in 2006 when it became a division of a parent organization called AdvancED, which oversees quality assurance for 23,000 schools in 65 countries. The NCA is one of a half-dozen regional accrediting bodies approved by the U.S. Department  of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation, accrediting all public schools and colleges in the Midwestern United States.  Our dual accreditation with ACSI and NCA CASI is our final step in assuring every one, including all public and Christian institutions, that we meet the rigorous academic and spiritual standards that we have aspired to achieve.

This continues a special season at our school as we have become fully Accredited, joined KSHSAA, been named a Best Christian Workplace, published our first Student Outcomes, established our new Preschool, celebrated our first All State athletes and Performing Artists and significantly advanced our technological capabilities.