PCA Plano Life Stories

The 6th Grade Beginning Band, 7th and 8th Grade Intermediate Band, and Upper School Band came together this week for a festive Christmas concert that highlighted musical growth and plenty of holiday spirit.

The evening began with the 6th Grade Beginning Band. Students shared a special “instrument section showcase” where each section played a short demonstration of what they have learned so far. Families got to hear clear first notes, simple melodies, and steady rhythms as woodwinds, brass, and percussion showed how far they have come since the start of the school year.

Next, the Intermediate Band performed a fun selection of Christmas music. Seventh and Eighth Grade students played with confidence and strong ensemble sound, bringing familiar holiday tunes to life. Their set reflected the effort they have put in this semester and the excitement they bring to growing as musicians.

The Upper School Band wrapped up the concert with both Christmas music and a highlight from their marching band show from football season. This was a great chance for the audience to see the energy of marching band up close and enjoy the powerful sound that filled stadiums throughout the fall.

The concert celebrated students at every level and showed the dedication and teamwork that make the PCA band program special.

Prestonwood Christian Academy is thrilled to celebrate Third Grade student Blake Burkett, whose artwork will be featured this Christmas season on the House Floor of the Texas Capitol. Over the weekend, Blake created a festive pour-paint ornament designed to represent District 66 and PCA, blending school spirit with creativity and heart.

This special project was commissioned by Representative Matt Shaheen, a member of Prestonwood Baptist Church, who invited local students to contribute ornaments that reflect their communities. Blake’s handmade piece will hang on the Capitol Christmas Tree, joining ornaments from across the state that showcase the diversity and talent of Texas students.

We are excited and honored to see PCA represented in Austin through Blake’s artwork. Her creativity and willingness to serve remind us of the joy of this season and the impact students can make when they use their gifts for God’s glory. Congratulations to Blake!

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.