PCA Plano Life Stories

The PreK hallway turned into a joyful alphabet parade as little letters wandered from classroom to classroom, proudly showing off their creativity. Each child dressed as a letter from the alphabet, bringing their learning to life in the sweetest way. An icy Elsa floated by as a sparkling “E,” while several energetic dinosaurs stomped along as roaring “D”s. A confident firefighter represented the letter “F,” ready for action, and a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader twirled by as a cheerful “C.” Everywhere you looked, another letter was smiling, waving, and laughing with friends.

This special day was about more than costumes. These PreK students are hard at work learning their ABCs, discovering letter sounds, shapes, and how letters come together to make words. As they learn the alphabet, they are also learning how to share, listen, follow directions, and encourage one another. Every step, from recognizing a letter to confidently wearing it, shows how much they are growing.

Through play, creativity, and fun experiences like this, the students are building a strong foundation for learning. The alphabet parade was a reminder that even the smallest learners are making big strides, one letter and one joyful moment at a time.

We recently had the opportunity to celebrate Trott O’Neal as an early graduate, a moment that was both joyful and meaningful for our PCA community. Trott will be leaving in January to attend the University of Texas at Austin, where he will continue his higher education while pursuing his passion for football at the next level.

Trott’s journey at PCA began in PreK, and over the years, he has grown not only as a student and athlete, but also as a leader and a young man of character. His dedication, work ethic, and commitment have been evident in the classroom, on the field, and in the way he represents PCA each day. Watching his growth from his earliest years to this milestone has been a special experience for faculty, staff, and classmates alike.

The O’Neal family has been, and continues to be, a vital part of the PCA community. Their support, involvement, and encouragement have helped shape the culture of our school, and we are deeply grateful for the role they have played over the years. Families like the O’Neals are a true reflection of what makes PCA such a special place.

We are incredibly proud of Trott and all that he has accomplished, and we are excited to see all that he will continue to achieve in this next chapter. As he takes this step forward, he does so with the love and support of his PCA family behind him. Once a PCA Lion, always a PCA Lion.

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.