VIVIAN DIPPOLD

BS – Southeastern University; Education
MS – Gwynedd-Mercy College; School Counseling
Ed.D Program – Immaculata University; Educational Administration


Certification
PA Administrative I Certificate - K-12
PA Instructional II Certificate
ACSI Teacher Certificate
ACSI Educators Principal Certificate
ACSI Approved Continuing Education Provider

January 2010

A new year – 2010 is the third year in the Four Years to Excellence for Penn Christian Academy. We continue to journey to excellence by focusing on the community, not just the school community but the focus is on what we can do for the families and areas surrounding PCA. We are a Christian school with a Christ-like agenda.

The famous ancient African proverb: “It takes a village to raise a child” is from the Igbo and Yoruba regions of Nigeria. It indicates that raising a child is a communal effort. This implies that it s not just the parents’ responsibility to attend to the child but also the job of the extended families and in some cases, the community. As I see it, this is the goal of Penn Christian Academy to come alongside the parents and continue the growing process in each of our children.  One hundred eighty two students enter these doors everyday. Each teacher and administrator realizes their responsibility to assist in the “raising” process.This is our first charge in caring for the community.

Secondly, we are a school built together with the surrounding community. As we become involved, it is our goal to be a shining example of inward distinction. The key for us to remember in this year of community is that as Ecclesiastes 4:12 states: “A three fold (God, school, parent) cord is not quickly broken.” We are joined together. We will build together.

 

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December 2009

While every day, we live the story of Christ’s birth, during the month of December our thoughts are turned especially to the magnificence of the Christmas story. My favorite part is when the angels speak to the shepherds in Luke: 2 saying:  “Fear not, for behold I bring you tidings of great joy…”.

 

I believe at this time of our lives, we need to be reminded that God is our ever present help in time of need. Those words of “Fear Not” mean that we are to trust in God and depend on Him entirely.

 

Here at PCA that is our daily understanding. We trust. We depend on Him. And, we know that God has and will provide for our school. Being a Christian school enables us to have the opportunity to recognize God in all subjects and content courses. It is a privilege to be a part of this Christian organization.

 

I trust that you will feel the joy of the season and abundant live through our Savior, Jesus Christ.

 

November 2009

During this month of Thanks Giving, we do indeed have reasons to give thanks. Good things are happening. Yes, that’s right – good things! It is amazing that in the midst of economic stress, we are able to see positive outcomes.

First, we have received a challenge to match a gift for technology of $3000 by the end of November – turning it into $6000. Already we have received over $1000. Secondly, a generous parent donated a new freezer after the OLD one just stopped working. This was a tremendous blessing. Third, a new school management system has been installed bringing our record and bookkeeping into the 21st century. Fourth, a clearing house for computers has given to us many newer computers, monitors, and printers allowing us to discard the “dinosaur” versions.

Yet while all of the above are blessings and we are encouraged by generous donations, there still is the actual budget of PCA that continues to be a challenge.   As you are probably already aware, tuition does not cover the cost of running a school of excellence. Teachers’ salaries are low. Benefits are minimal. We are energy conscious and watch the monthly expenditures closely. But you will not find any faculty complaining or terminating their employment at PCA. This is because each one is committed to the mission of Penn Christian Academy. We are all striving to be faithful stewards with which God has given to us.

As you have read, there are those who have already partnered with us, helping to alleviate stress on a “limping” budget. But, I would ask you to help us out by praying daily that God will provide and if possible consider a donation to help with the matching gift.  If you are unable to give, please pray that there might be others to whom God will speak.

We do expect to see more good things happen. Thank you for joining with us.

 

 

 

September 2009

The Year of School and Community Excellence 2009-2010

By: Vivian Dippold, Senior Administrator

“In Him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you are being built together to be a dwelling in which God lives…” – Ephesians 2:21-22

GOALS:

  • Greater community involvement - student service projects in the Norristown area

  • Building and Grounds – Improvements; renovations; sports fields;  & playground

  • Classrooms – Windows replaced in Media Room

  • Facilities – Improved Security System; Improved Gymnasium Safety;

  • Technology – Implemented school-wide data management system; upgraded technology

This year, students, parents, faculty and staff join together to make the visible appearance of our school a shining example of an inward distinction. Since PCA building and grounds are over 50 years old, there is always work to be done.  However, the PCA Parent Network has contributed greatly to the improvement of the building and continues to take leadership into a greater capacity. As parents see their child (ren) receiving a quality education and producing excellent results, they want to assist in maintaining the school and they give of their time in assisting with fundraisers, renovations, class projects, and teacher needs.

However, additional funding is needed to cover the large cost of needed improvements. Aggressive fundraising, grant writing, and gift solicitation will assist with these tasks.  Exploring all opportunities for funding will open new avenues for improvement. Many funds can only be received by meeting specific standards. This in turn will be a driving factor to secure and maintain the standard necessary to receive the funds. State and federal assistance is available and plans are being made to secure funding. But, we will continue to research and optimize any available resources to keep Penn Christian Academy at a high level of excellence in which God will be honored.

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August 2009

Within a few short weeks, the halls and classrooms will be filled with the voices of excited children anxious to begin the school year. With the classrooms scrubbed, hallways cleaned, repairs made, we look forward to continuing the journey to excellence. The year 2009-2010 is the third year of Four Years to Excellence - the Year of School and Community Excellence.

The goal for this school year will be to build a unified, stronger community to add support to this program of quality Christian education. We look forward to having our students involved outside the walls of PCA, helping others and “letting their lights shine.” The outcome will be to uplift our Savior by helping those in need, sharing acts of kindness, and doing as Christ would have done. We are building together. We all have a part. This “construction” cannot be done in separate parts, we must be joined together and you are a vital part!“In Him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in Him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by the Spirit.”  Ephesians 2:21-22 

Penn Christian Academy continues to build excellence and the national test scores confirm that we are still 1 ½ to 2 years above the national norm. We are blessed with dedicated teachers who promote not only academic excellence but are willing to minister, offer prayer, and give support to any student or family in need. The emphasis is in “building together.”

  

March 2009

Last week a fireman, with the E. Norriton Fire Company that backs up to our property, sent to me the most phenomenal picture. There was a double rainbow stretching from one end of our property to the other side. It gave the perception that our school and the playground, fields, and entire property was completely covered by this rainbow. What was really striking was that it wasn’t just a single rainbow, but a double rainbow. I just can’t help but think of the huge significance of that occurrence.

 

While I believe God does give us affirmation of his faithfulness, we don’t have to count on those signs to verify His faithfulness. But, when I saw that incredible picture, I couldn’t help but become overwhelmed at this heavenly sign.

Penn Christian Academy continues to offer a quality education in a Christian environment. But, while it is a very difficult time for everyone, especially those who desire to have their children in a Christian school, God assures that He will provide our needs. Families are challenged financially. We have had parents who have lost their jobs and it is with the faithful contributions that our school can continue.

It is our goal to have our school shine as a light in the community so that those around us will see the great things (and academic results of our school) and glorify our Father in Heaven.

Sincerely,
Vivian Dippold
Senior Administrator