✅ May 15 - Senior Chapel | 11:45am

✅ May 20 6th - 11th Awards | 1:00pm

Friday, May 23rd - PK - 4th Grade Programs
All will take place at the Upper Campus (100 Aero Lane., Sanford)  

No  regular school for these grades.  Attend program slot only.  See email from Mrs. Binkley
8:30-9:00am  VPK

9:30-10:30am  KP & K

11:00-11:45am 1st 

12:15-1:00pm 2nd

1:30-2:30pm 3rd & 4th

8:00-10:00am 5th Grade EOY Party (at Lower School)

May 23 | 6PM | Class of 2025 Graduation

Holy Cross Lake Mary 960 Paul Hoyer Way, Lake Mary

May 27th - 5th Grade End of Year Program at Upper Campus 9:00 - 10:00am
No regular school for 5th grade.  Attend Awards Program only. See email from Mrs. Binkley.

Early Release Days: 5/27 & 5/28 (Last Day of School)

May 30 - All-Staff meeting - offices closed

Check the School Calendar above for many other events and important dates

The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace. Numbers 6:24-26

Dear HCLA families,

Congratulations to all of our Crusaders on a banner HCLA school year!  It’s such an exciting time of the year as we wind down and celebrate tremendous growth and accomplishments schoolwide.  During  the final days  of school - across all grade levels we acknowledge and celebrate our students' academic and spiritual growth and achievements!

As we come to the close of another school year, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for your continued partnership, support, and prayers throughout this academic journey.

It has been a year filled with growth, learning, and the grace of God in every step. Your encouragement at home, your involvement in school activities, and your unwavering commitment to your child’s education have been vital in making this year a success.

Proverbs 22:6 reminds us to “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” Together, as educators and parents united in Christ, we are planting seeds of faith, wisdom, and character that will last a lifetime.

Thank you for entrusting us with the privilege of nurturing your children—not only academically, but spiritually and emotionally. May God bless your families abundantly during the summer break, and may His peace be with you until we meet again in the new school year.

With love and gratitude,

Cindy Moon

Executive Director

MRS.  BINKLEY, LOWER SCHOOL PRINCIPAL UPDATE

This year completes my 5th year as HCLA’s Elementary Principal. What astonishing things I have seen God do here at Holy Cross. I started during Covid lockdown and met our fantastic team of teachers on a zoom call. We opened that year with our Learning Advantage Hybrid option with students sitting sit feet apart and some students working from home on Zoom. We had roughly 100 students at lower campus my first year. Since then, God has been at work. He brought us amazing new students and families, so many that we needed more teachers and a bigger building! He provided that too. Today we have just under 300 students on lower campus and a thriving community.

As I walk the halls and visit classrooms, I am reminded daily of God’s goodness. We truly have the best faculty, staff, students and families any school could ever ask for. Thank you for partnering with us. This has been the best year yet, but I know God is just beginning.

We wish everyone a restful summer and hope to see many of you on campus for summer camp, sports camp, and/or robotics camp this summer. There is a lot to choose from. Enjoy the change of pace and we look forward to seeing you in the fall.

DR. LUNARDI, UPPER SCHOOL PRINCIPAL UPDATE

By Friday evening this week, we will have celebrated graduation for our 29 seniors, the largest and most decorated class in school history. At Lower Campus, 45 of our 5th graders are ready to move to Upper Campus as the largest incoming 6th grade class in school history. In 3 short years, our overall school enrollment has roughly doubled to the point that we have wait lists in almost every grade. Jesus said “seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Matthew 6:33). When Pastor and Mrs. Hoyer decided to start a school at Holy Cross 25 years ago, I believe they were seeking to follow Jesus’ command here and we can confidently say that He has been faithful to His promise.

On behalf of our entire faculty and staff at Upper Campus, thank you so much for trusting us with your children. It’s our honor and privilege to serve them and steward them as the gifts from the Lord that they are. We are so grateful for the opportunity to walk alongside our families as we strive to transform their lives through Christ, to train them up in the way they should go (Proverbs 22:6), and lead them to grow up into Him in all things (Ephesians 4:15). 

As summer approaches, I’m reminded of Jeremiah 29:11, which I just learned is the most common graduation and end-of-year verse in the Bible: “For I know the plans that I have for you says the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future”. My prayer for our students and families during this break is from the two verses that follow, that we all would heed the prophet’s encouragement: “call upon me and come and pray to me and I will hear you (says the Lord). You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:12-13). I love you all and can’t wait to see you in August, and if you have a chance, stop by school and visit us at school this summer!

2025-2026 TUITION PAYMENTS BEGIN IN JUNE

Families have received FACTS notifications regarding payment plans for the 2025-2026 school year over the next week.  If your amount doesn't reflect the Step Up Scholarship, please be sure to send us your award ID # as soon as possible to finance@thehcla.org so that we can make that correction.  This is a great opportunity to confirm your amounts prior to the first tuition draft.   We will be using this year's Step Up Award amounts to set up your initial payments.  Once Step Up provides the updated award amounts this summerwe will adjust your tuition payment plans.

If you are requiring before care, after care, lunch bunch or lunch bunch extended please be sure to utilize 2025-2026 Childcare Registration Form.  This form is also used should you have any changes throughout the school year.  While tuition starts in June, aftercare payments will not begin until August. All child care changes will take affect on the 1st or 15th of the month and require a 15-day notice (using the same link) to be changed. 

FACTS assesses a per family fee of $25 for families that set up a pay-in-full draft or $55 for families that set up a monthly payment plan.  You will see that fee assessed through your FACTS account when your plan is set up.  You will receive an email notification when this occurs.

As a reminder, families are responsible for checking that their tuition amount is accurate and assume responsibility for the full amount owed.  If you have any questions or see any discrepancies, please notify finance immediately at finance@thehcla.org. 

UPPER SCHOOL TECHNOLOGY FEE

1:1 Technology Fees Due May 30th.  All parents with 2025-2026 enrolled 6th - 12th graders should see an invoice on their FACTS account for the $400 technology/computer fee and $100 insurance fee (if you opted in for the insurance).  This payment will draft May 30th.  You are also welcome to log into FACTS to make payments toward that between now and then.  If you have questions regarding payments, please contact Finance at finance@thehcla.org.  If you did not already opt in for the insurance, you can do so here.

IT'S TIME TO DONATE THOSE OUTGROWN UNIFORMS

Our PALS is doing a uniform drive the week of June 2nd - June 6th.  You may drop off clean/wearable condition uniforms between 9:00 and 3:00 at your respective campus office that week.  You will receive a raffle ticket for your chance to win a ticket to Skool Style.  These items will be used for our uniform re-sale prior to school starting.

THANK YOU FROM UPPER PALS would like to thank all of our amazing parents, teachers, staff, and families for another wonderful school year. The parents/guardians that show up to meetings and volunteer for events, those that donated money and/or showered our amazing teachers with gifts and cards, those the provided snacks for the teachers lounge,

those that served on the PALS board and gave so much of their time and treasures, the teachers that support our kids each and every day and then show up to help with PALS events, and the support of our amazing administration team through the year.  

It is because of this support PALS was able to give back to the school community by hosting our annual Picnic, supplying some additional water fountains, serving our teachers through snacks, birthday lunches, and appreciation events. We planned some fun events for our kids and families with the Winter Mingle - Snow Ball and a Mother - Son bowling event.  We decorated the campus with Christmas cheer.  Tried our hand at a garage sale, launched a loyalty card, and even sold some HCLA swag.  It was a busy and rewarding year!  

Holy Cross is such a special place, a truly God-centered community I’m so thankful to be a part of.  This feeling is unmistakable through the campus. It was an honor for me to serve as PALS Chair for upper campus this year. I am eternally grateful for all of the love and support.  

Next year’s PALS registration, event schedule, and signup will be shared over summer and we would love for you to be a part of the fun!!  Feel free to reach out to upperpals@thehcla.org any time. 

Wishing everyone a great summer!

Jennifer McGlothin

PALS Chair - Upper Campus

Registration for Vacation Bible School at Holy Cross Lake Mary is open.  Don't miss this fun opportunity to learn about Jesus.  This is for students in Kindergarten through 5th grade.  REGISTER HERE hclm.org/vbs.  If you'd like to volunteer (teens and adults) please use the same link.

IT'S GRADUATION DAY!

We are very excited for our largest graduating class to date.  This is the first year that we will have a ticket-only admittance due to the size of our class and space limitations at Holy Cross Lake Mary.  We know there are many who wish they could be there, so we will live stream the commencement - you will find it at Holy Cross Lutheran Academy - YouTube at 6PM on Friday evening. We have a wonderful community here at HCLA and look forward to this celebration as we highlight our student's successes while here at HCLA and bless them as they journey off to their wonderful future!

HCLA's National Honor Society is committed to helping the Rescue Outreach Mission, a homeless shelter in Sanford, by providing cleaning supplies. Please bring supplies from the list on the flyer before the end of school.  

CRUSADER ATHLETICS

DON'T FORGET TO SIGN UP FOR ATHLETIC CAMPS BY JUNE 1!  

Effective May 26 all athletic paperwork/clearances will be handled through FHSAA Home Campus.  Please note we are unable to accept hard copy documents in our school office.  Instead they will be uploaded to this online portal.

⬇️ PREVIOUSLY POSTED - OUTDATED MAY INFORMATION BELOW ⬇️

THANK YOU FROM LOWER SCHOOL PALS!

As the school year comes to a close, we want to extend a heartfelt thank you for all your time, effort, and dedication to PALS. Your involvement—whether volunteering at events, attending meetings, or sharing ideas—has made a meaningful difference in our school community.

We could not have accomplished so much this year without your support!  Here's a recap of all the PALS sponsored events, contributions and fundraisers that your efforts have allowed us to achieve this year.

Book Fair & Family Night

Teacher's Lounge (new building setup & decor)

Teachers Birthdays 

Fall Teacher Appreciation Breakfast

Christmas Shoppe

Used Uniform Sale

NUTS Days

Daddy Daughter Dance

Mother Son Event

Spring Teacher Appreciation Week

Mother's & Father's Day Refreshments

EOY Skating Party

PALS Annual School Gift 

Thank you once again for being such an essential part of our success. We truly appreciate you and look forward to continuing our work together in the coming year.

ENJOY SOME PICTURES FROM AROUND CAMPUS

PLEASE TAKE A MOMENT TO COMPLETE PARENT SURVEY IF YOU HAVEN'T ALREADY

God continues to bless HCLA! As we move forward into an exciting new chapter of growth and development, we are thrilled to share with you our school’s new strategic plan. This plan has been carefully crafted with prayerful consideration, collaboration, and a deep commitment to our core values as a Christian school. Our vision is to continue nurturing our students not only academically but also spiritually, preparing them for a future grounded in faith, purpose, and excellence.  We are so very excited to share our Strategic Journey 2025-2030. 

In keeping with our goal of providing the best possible education for your child, we continue to seek ways to enhance and improve our program.  As with everything, we are intentional, deliberate, and keenly focused as we plan ahead. As valued members of the Holy Cross Lutheran Academy family, your feedback is important to us.  We are asking that you take a few minutes to fill out this brief survey by May 16th.  If you have students at both campuses, please fill out one for each campus.

Lower School Parent Survey

Upper School Parent Survey

The survey only takes a few minutes, and the information you provide will help us make our school better for our families. Your responses will be completely confidential. Also, more than one parent may receive and respond to this survey if you have furnished the school with both email addresses. As we partner to provide an outstanding educational experience for your child we are committed to continuous reflection and advancing our dynamic vision and mission of the school.

As we reflected on our 25 years that we have "strengthened students and families to live a transformed life through Christ", we are grateful for all that God has entrusted us with.  We are excited for the future as we continue to build on our faith-filled foundation.  Yesterday, today and tomorrow God always remains faithful!

ADVANCED PLACEMENT TEST SCHEDULE:

Testing Dates: Students MUST be on time!

Refer to email from Mrs. Baechle Malone for additional information

Please consider donating your items to PALS for a Community Garage Sale.  We cannot accept drop offs outside of the times listed.  Any items not sold at the event will be donated to a local non-profit charity and not returned to the original owner.

GALA UPDATE

God’s faithfulness, generosity and mission have fueled our optimism and sense of adventure to find various ways of meeting the needs of the school and greater community.  Our Silver Soiree Gala was just one indication of that!  It was a beautiful evening celebrating our 25th Anniversary with school families, church members and people from our local community gathering to honor and pay tribute to our faith- filled past, present and future!

We are proud to announce that the school collected approximately $75,000 for this event through sponsorships, ticket sales and auction bids.  After expenses we netted $60,000!  None of this would have been possible without your generous support.  Those of you who attended the gala know that all proceeds will go directly toward acquiring brand new activity buses!  The approximate cost to acquire three activity buses is $70,000.  Many of you have reached out to say that you want to help us reach our goal - we are ALMOST there!  If you would like to be part of this great initiative you can make a donation here.   We are grateful for the additional donations we have received this week as well, and are confident we will meet our goal.   Any and every donation is welcomed and appreciated.

We thank you for your faithfulness, generosity and support of our school mission.  When you support Holy Cross Lutheran Academy you are part of something special, a Christ-centered school community dedicated to educating the whole child - mind, body and spirit.   Your donations will allow us to continue to enhance and improve our school as we meet our mission of strengthening students and families to lead a transformed life through Christ.

We are excited to announce our Cheer Squads for next year! 

Congrats to the 2025-26 Varsity Competition Squad, the newly added JV Sideline Squad and the Varsity Sideline Squad. 

Congrats to the 2025-26 New Mini Showcase Competition squad and the Jr. Crusaders and Mini Crusaders Sideline.

We are very proud of their hard work and effort during the tryouts and can't wait to see the extra spirit they will bring on the fields and courts!

UPPER CAMPUS SR46 SAFETY
We are grateful to the FLDOT for the work they are doing to add a traffic light at SR46 and Aero Lane.  This coming week they are scheduled to do some drilling for the light pole during the day on Wednesday (4/30) and Thursday (5/1).  This may affect our traffic pattern.  We will alert you to important information if needed.  Please be extra mindful of the work crew, our student drivers and other families as you enter Aero Lane.

MIDDLE SCHOOL BOYS TACKLE FOOTBALL :  We will be having a student and parent informational meeting on May 7th, 3:30-4:30 in the gym for all middle school boys interested in middle school tackle football for the 2025-2026 school year.

😍♥️Thank you parents! ♥️😍

On behalf of the entire faculty and staff, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks for the incredible kindness and generosity you've shown during Teacher Appreciation Week. Your thoughtful gestures, prayers, and support remind us daily of the strength and beauty of our school community.

Your dedication is a true reflection of Christ’s love in action. From the encouraging notes to the delicious meals and creative surprises, every detail has made us feel  valued, and uplifted. We are deeply grateful for the ways you partner with us in the shared mission of strengthening shaping hearts and minds for God’s glory.

May the Lord bless you abundantly for all you do!

With love and gratitude

HCLA teachers, administration and staff

HOW to view your TUITION/ BILLING breakdown on FACTS and to print off payment summary needed for your TAXES:

1. Login to your Family Portal account

2. Select Financial (on the left

3. Select Financial Home (on the right) - here you can view your current balance and past due balances on account

4. Select View Details (in the middle of the page) for a more in depth look.

5. Select View Payment Summary

6. Select the dropdown box with the year listed and change it to the year you need summarized.

   • If you need a specific time window of transactions you can select Date Range and input the Start and End date you need and then click View.

7. Select Print at the top right and Save as PDF.

LOWER SCHOOL TEACHER APPRECIATION - LET'S SHOW THEM HOW MUCH YOU APPRECIATE WHAT THEY DO!

Upper School Families - please refer to your emails for an update and requests from PALS to help celebrate our Upper School Teachers