From the desk of Mrs. Vivian Dippold

Senior Administrator


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.

PCA Raimbow

Click Here to view the full image (1.6kb)

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


December 2008

THE WORDS OF THE ANGELS: “DO NOT BE AFRAID.”

As we finish out this year of 2008, I am excited to look ahead as to what God will continue to do for Penn Christian Academy. We just celebrated the birth of our Savior, the One who brought us life, liberty, and happiness.

But even with the joy of the season and the anticipation of a new year, we are still faced with economic uncertainties of the future. The news commentators forecast greater job lay-offs, more financial stressors, a higher cost of living, and increased costs for health care. Our nation faces droughts and floods. All of this fractures the sense of confidence for the future. And, it’s then when fear makes its appearance.

But you must know that as believers, we have to hold on to God’s Word. I have found four words that encourage me and offer hope. These four words were spoken many times throughout the Old and New Testament. They are the words not just spoken by angels declaring His birth but spoken during times of stress to those listed in the Scripture: “Do not be afraid.” (Daniel 10:12; Matthew 14: 27; Luke 1:30; 2:10) I believe God wants to send a clear message to us, right now, the same message that has come down through the centuries! “Do not be afraid.”

I want to encourage you as we look to the new year of 2009. Don’t be afraid when you hear the forecasts. We are God’s people, doing God’s work. He will never leave us or forsake us. Penn Christian Academy will continue to offer a quality educational foundation, build character to enrich society, and encourage our students to develop a relationship with Jesus Christ.

Be encouraged. Look up. Be at peace for (as my four-year-old granddaughter put it) the “King of the World” holds us, carries us, and has everything in His control. I am privileged to be part of this educational ministry. I trust you had a blessed Christmas and a very joyful New Year.

Sincerely,
Vivian Dippold
Senior Administrator


November 2008

Rochele Ciulbreath

Rochelle (Griffith) Culbreath

Rochelle has served as president Norristown Municipal Council, and a board member for Norristown Homeowners Association, George Washington Carver Community Center, New Life Child and Family Development Center, and Norristown Preservation Society. Notable awards include those from: Elks Lodge of Norristown, Norristown Alliance of Black Educators, Agape Improvement Development Board Award for fundraising, Mt. Pisgah Lodge #32 – Masons Community Service Award, and Women of Vision Award in Montgomery County.)

Rochelle states: “I live by Jeremiah 12:5. ‘If thou hast run with the footmen, and they have wearied thee, then how canst thou contend with horses? And though in a land of peace thou art secure, yet how wilt thou do in the pride of the Jordan?’

PCA prepares children educationally to be exceptional and spiritually to assure children build the kingdom of God. The Lord led me into the life of public service. I ran twice and won successfully in a mean world of politics and still was able to impact the lives of people in so many ways. Thank you for a great foundation and school that lives its mission every day.”

Kevin Barbor

Kevin Barbor

(After PCA, Kevin attended Delaware County Christian School for High School and was the 12th Grade Valedictorian. On his academic abilities, Kevin was awarded scholarships that covered full tuition for his 4 years at Arcadia University. He has since earned Bachelor's Degrees at Arcadia University in Computer Science and in Mathematics, graduating with highest honors (Summa Cum Laude) and was also honored at graduation with the Sigma Zeta Award in Computer Science.)

Nancy Barbor, PCA’s fifth grade teacher for 17 years, states: “The education program at PCA set Kevin on the path that would lead him through an advanced academic career. He was better than well prepared for high school, and the advanced classes that he took at PCA allowed him to take honors and AP courses in high school and earn one year of college credits while he attended high school! Kevin was always thankful for the opportunity to attend Christian School. He especially enjoyed the excellent sports programs, with coaches who displayed outstanding Christian character and took a personal interest in him. As parents, Bob and I will always treasure the prayer support our family received when Kevin was hospitalized suddenly with a serious lung problem. Teachers and administration brought the entire student body to the gym, where they prayed for him together. PCA is so much more than an excellent academic facility. It is a family.”

Deb Felton

Deb (Spencer) Felton

(Deb attended Philadelphia Biblical University and received a dual Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education and in Bible. Deb is in her fifth year of teaching at PCA and is presently teaching Middle School History. She has also been the Co- Director of the PCA Summer Camp. She looks forward to beginning a Master's program but hasn’t decided where her focus will be.)

Deb says: “PCA feels like home to me and is my second family! I hope that I am able to instill in my students the same morals and values that I was taught here at PCA years ago”.


September 2008

It has been a very busy summer.

Every day the school was filled - with not only happy campers, enjoying the unique weekly themes, games, and trips - but, with office staff, teachers, and a cleaning crew. Files were updated. Schedules were changed to meet the 2008-09 fall semester. The classrooms were emptied, scrubbed, and cleaned. The cafeteria floors were waxed and now shine. Several classrooms received new energy efficient windows. And, the playground has a new blacktop and painted game lines.

The summer months gave a change of pace but teachers still worked on the curriculum and prepared for a new and exciting year “ a Year of Student Excellence. Student excellence is our focus. Not just the excellence we see and celebrate during the quarterly honor roll assemblies, but the kind of excellence that comes from teachers striving to see all students succeed at whatever level they are at. That's what we are all about allowing students to become the best, no matter where they are on the academic spectrum.

So, this past week was back to school! Busy hallways, happy voices mingled with a few reluctant kindergarten voices, ambivalent parents “ happy that summer is over but already missing their children! Well, we are back in gear. Classrooms are once more alive with eager students and anxious teachers waiting to share new lessons and projects.

I'm proud of the PCA teachers, staff, and administration. Everyone has a "call" to be right where they are. And, every child is the beneficiary of the passion and nurture of this incredible community. I am privileged to be working here.



Mrs. Vivian Dippold


Penn Christian Academy

50 W. Germantown Pike
Norristown, PA. 19401
Tel. 610-279-6628
Fax: 610-279-1956