PCA Plano Life Stories

This week, Middle School and Upper School students stepped into the dynamic world of Future Problem Solving (FPS) as they competed across a wide range of categories. With a large and eager group of participants, the excitement was unmistakable as students put their creativity, strategy, and advanced thinking skills to the test. Middle School competitors were guided by Ms. Susie Brewer, while Upper School teams were led by Mrs. Shannon Lichty, both of whom have poured into their students with passion and expertise.

FPS is an academic enrichment program designed for students who thrive on intellectual challenge. It allows advanced readers, writers, and thinkers to engage deeply with complex global issues. Through the internationally recognized Future Problem Solving Program International (FPSPI), students research and analyze all different kinds of topics, including Invasive Species, Space Exploration, Video Games, Surveillance, and more. Using a blend of strategic reading, critical thinking, and collaborative discussion, they work together to imagine future scenarios and craft innovative solutions.

What makes FPS truly special is the level of competition. PCA students go head-to-head with top academic performers from across Texas public schools and have the opportunity to move forward to state, national, and even international contests. Beyond awards and rankings, the program builds skills that last—teaching students how to research effectively, communicate clearly, and app roach challenges with confidence.

This week’s competition showcased all of that growth. From brainstorming sessions to polished presentations, PCA students demonstrated leadership, creativity, and a genuine love for learning. It was an inspiring moment for the school community and a proud reflection of the guidance provided by Ms. Brewer and Mrs. Lichty.

At Prestonwood Christian Academy, Middle School is more than a time of transition. It’s a season of discovering identity, deepening faith, and learning what it means to live out Christ-like character every day. Two programs, Pride of Brothers and Society of Sisters, play a vital role in shaping that journey.

Meeting six times each year, these gatherings give students the chance to pause from their daily routines and focus on spiritual growth and community. Through teaching, discussion, and prayer, students are challenged to think about how faith can be lived out in their friendships, classrooms, and families.

For the young men, Pride of Brothers centers on the motto, “Men speak truth, serve others, love deeply, endure joyfully, and walk humbly with the Lord.” Each session encourages boys to grow as leaders who model integrity, humility, and strength rooted in faith. They are reminded that real leadership means serving others and finding joy in following Christ.

For the young women, Society of Sisters offers a space to connect and be encouraged in their walk with God. Their motto, “Women live compassionately, give generously, walk humbly, speak with kindness, and love as the Lord loves,” serves as a reminder of the beauty of grace and the power of kindness. Through conversation and mentorship, girls are encouraged to reflect the heart of Jesus in the way they treat others and carry themselves.

One of the most meaningful aspects of these programs is the opportunity for parents to be involved. During these sessions, moms join their daughters and dads join their sons, creating moments of shared learning and reflection. These gatherings give families a chance to grow together in faith and to carry those lessons home, where conversations about leadership, humility, and service can continue long after the school day ends.

Together, Pride of Brothers and Society of Sisters build more than character. They strengthen families and faith. By learning side by side, students and parents are reminded that spiritual growth is a lifelong journey, one best walked together.

 

This fall, Engineering students put their problem-solving and design skills into action during a "Punkin Chunkin'" competition. The project challenged students to design and construct launchers capable of sending pumpkins soaring across the field, all while exploring real-world applications of force, motion, and energy transfer.

Working in teams, students collaborated to brainstorm ideas, build prototypes, and make improvements based on testing data. Each design reflected a unique approach to the same challenge.

The event not only encouraged innovation and teamwork but also provided a memorable way to connect classroom concepts with hands-on experience.

While accuracy and distance determined the winners, the true success was found in the process itself. Punkin Chunkin’ gave students the opportunity to experiment, troubleshoot, and celebrate the engineering mindset — all while enjoying a crisp fall day and a few airborne pumpkins.

PCA Plano's First Grade students brought geography to life with a creative and colorful project: Pumpkin Globes. Using real pumpkins as their canvas, students painted continents and oceans, labeled key features, and explored how maps represent the world we live in.

The project served as a hands-on extension of their geography unit, helping students grasp the concept of a spherical Earth in a tangible way. Teachers guided discussions about the location of different continents, the relationship between land and water, and the uniqueness of God’s creation across the globe.

As students painted and labeled their pumpkins, they practiced observation, spatial awareness, and attention to detail. The room buzzed with curiosity as they compared their work, noticed patterns, and proudly shared what they learned.

Pumpkin Globes provided more than a fun seasonal activity, and it encouraged critical thinking, creativity, and a deeper understanding of the world.

 

Prestonwood Christian Academy Plano brought science, technology, engineering, and mathematics to life this week during a special Motorsports STEM Days, an interactive experience designed to connect classroom learning with real-world applications.

PCA dad and professional race car driver Eric Presbrey partnered with Phil Picard of Momentum Motorsports to give Middle and Upper School students an inside look at the fascinating world of motorsport engineering. Students had the opportunity to explore the physics, design, and high-performance technology that power competitive race cars.

“At PCA, we are intentional about helping students connect what they learn in the classroom to God’s purpose for their lives,” said Dr. Michael Goddard, Superintendent of the PCA School System. “When students experience how science, engineering, and creativity reflect God’s design, they begin to understand how their gifts can be used to serve and lead others for His glory.”

The team brought two race cars, a professional crew, and a full motorsports rig, trailer, and awning creating a striking 90-by-38-foot footprint in PCA Plano’s Lion's Plaza. Students observed demonstrations, engaged with engineers, and gained a deeper understanding of how principles learned in physics and engineering classrooms are applied in cutting-edge technology and professional racing environments.

Attendees included students from Senior STEM Honors, Middle School Robotics, Physics, Middle School Engineering, Physics & Engineering, and even visiting students from St. Timothy Christian Academy. In addition to the demonstrations, Senior students participated in specialized workshops that offered hands-on STEM learning opportunities. 

“Events like this exemplify PCA’s commitment to experiential learning and academic excellence,” said Dr. Houn Hib, PCA Plano Head of School. “Our students don’t just learn theory; they see how God’s design for innovation and creativity is lived out in the real world.”

At Prestonwood Christian Academy, hands-on learning opportunities like Motorsports STEM Days set students apart, inspiring curiosity, critical thinking, and a deeper appreciation for how faith and intellect intersect in every field of study.