Dear Seacoast Families,

October is full at Seacoast — and it all ends with our Fall Festival on the 30th. Along the way, there's no school on October 12 for teacher planning, and October 16 brings our High School Career Fair and a STEM field trip to the NAS Jax Air Show.

Our high schoolers are also busy beyond the classroom: seniors toured UCF on October 6. In middle school, students are tracing colonial America, decoding DNA, and mapping the world. And in elementary, Ms. Rogers launches Bible Club on October 7, alongside the returning Kindness Club and a Friday Book Club.

Inside, you'll also find a message from Mrs. Smith, a word from Mr. Davis on faith and Gen Z, spotlights on Mrs. Mariotti and senior McKenzie Butler, and ways to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month around Jacksonville.

If you have something for November, contact our staff — their contact information can be found at the bottom of this newsletter.

Dear Seacoast Christian Academy Families,

As we welcome the month of October, I am reminded of how quickly this school year is moving and how thankful I am for the opportunity to serve our students, families, and faculty at the Elementary. Each new month gives us another opportunity to grow, learn, and make a positive difference in the lives of our students.

October is a wonderful time to pause and reflect on the many blessings God has given us. Our students are growing academically, socially, and spiritually, and I am so proud of the progress I see each day. As a Christian school, our goal extends beyond academics. We desire to help our students develop strong character, demonstrate kindness, take responsibility, and grow in their relationship with Christ.

This month, I encourage our students to remember that their words and actions matter. A simple act of kindness, a helping hand, an encouraging word, or choosing to do what is right can make a meaningful difference in someone else's day.

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.” — Colossians 3:23

May October be a month filled with learning, growth, kindness, and joy. Let us continue to encourage one another, support our students, and keep Christ at the center of all that we do.

I am grateful for each of you and excited about all that God has in store for Seacoast Christian Academy this month and this school year.

With gratitude and blessings,

Three Clubs for Serving, Growing, and Reading

Things That Need Prayer

According to recent studies, 60–62% of the United States claims to be "Christian." Of that 60–62%, only 4% are actually living it out and have a Biblical worldview. Christianity in the United States has been on a decline for some time now; however, we are seeing a revival within Gen Z.

Over the last few years, the engagement of Gen Z in the church has continued to grow, to where students are coming to church more regularly, reading their Bibles on a weekly basis, and talking to their friends and families about Jesus more. What is interesting is that a lot of this is happening within the Catholic Church. Gen Z is starting to lean more towards Catholicism because they seek truth, purpose, structure, and community.

Here at Seacoast, we are seeing many students desire to learn more about Scripture and figure out what the truth really is. Through Bible classes and chapels, this generation is gaining an education that is centered around Jesus that will set up their future and fix these statistics.

Seniors, this is the month to check two big items off the list. The Florida Financial Aid Application (FFAA) is how you apply for Bright Futures, and the FAFSA is how colleges determine federal grants, work-study, and loans. Neither one takes long, and both are free.

Score minimums and full details are in the Bright Futures Student Handbook at floridabrightfutures.gov.

Clubs for Our Elementary Scholars

Juniors Go Underground

Hello, my name is McKenzie Butler and I am a 17-year-old senior at Seacoast Christian Academy. I have been going to Seacoast for 6 years. I have been a part of the NHS for 3 years and am currently NHS president. I work at Seacoast Preschool as a K3 co-teacher.

My favorite memory is the school-wide end-of-the-year field trip. It's a great way to relax after a long school year, and I love the rides!

Something that has made a great impact on me during my time at Seacoast is all the support I have received throughout my high school journey, whether it be individual support from my teachers or the support from my class. It changed the way I look at true support: encouraging others, even when you are lacking that same thing in the moment.

Some advice I would give to myself in freshman year is to set yourself up well for the future.

I plan to go to college for a bachelor's in civil engineering. I enjoy the process of making the things we use every day that most people don't even think about, like roads, buildings, dams, and bridges. It requires so much math, science, testing, and planning that goes unacknowledged.

If I could summarize my high school experience in three words it would be: determined, focused, and fun.

Hello, my name is Lorita Mwiseneza. I am 17 years old, originally from Kigali, Rwanda, and currently serve as the Vice President of the National Honor Society. I've been attending Seacoast since my freshman year in 2023.

My favorite memory so far has been Homecoming. It was such a fun experience getting to celebrate and make memories with all of my friends.

If I could go back and give my freshman self some advice, it would be to keep pushing forward, even when things get tough and you feel like giving up. Persistence always pays off.

What I'll miss most about Seacoast is how close-knit and driven our class is. We all genuinely support each other and know how to collaborate to make things happen.

After graduation, I plan to attend college to pursue a degree and career as an optometrist (eye doctor). I am really excited to dive deeper into biochemistry and explore how science applies to human health and vision.

If I had to summarize my senior year in three words, it would be: fun, memorable, and transformative.

Treats at the Plaza: Join Seacoast This Halloween!

Come out in costume, cheer on your Seacoast family, and help us fill the candy bowls for the kids of Jacksonville.