Educating Minds ~ Transforming Hearts for Christ
Elementary School
Building Blocks for a Firm Foundation
Ambitious Academics
Our elementary school provides an encouraging environment where students can blossom into eager learners. RCCA uses a mixture of the BJU Press & A Beka curriculum. Class schedules include core subject classes, enrichment classes, daily Bible class, and weekly chapel. Students are held to high expectations, with compassionate teachers guiding them to reach their goals.
Individualized Learning
With small class sizes and teacher-student ratio, our students are able to receive a more thorough education. We utilize a variety of educational strategies to be sure that all learning styles are addressed. Our teachers are able to provide the individual support that the students need in order to reach new goals and prepare them for the future of their academic career.
Faith Focus
Faith is integrated into all of our learning here at RCCA. With daily Bible class, scripture memorization, and weekly Chapel services, our elementary students benefit from an environment that encourages spiritual growth. Additionally, we aim to teach our students the importance of doing good for others through service projects and community outreach.
Elementary Teachers
.jpg)
Melanie Hovancik
BS Elementary Education, SUNY Cortland
First Grade
Mrs Hovancik has been teaching at RCCA since 2019. She is married to Rich and they have three children. She earned a bachelors degree in Elementary Education from SUNY Cortland. Prior to coming to RCCA, Mrs. Hovancik worked as an early elementary classroom teacher for the Rochester Central School District for several years. She also served as the Assistant Director at Tutor Time (Vestal), and taught in multiple elementary classrooms for the Braided Cord Cooperative (Vestal).
​​
Mrs. Hovancik has a love for teaching reading and literacy. With her experience in early elementary classroom management, multi-level teaching, and a desire and heart to be an instrument of Jesus Christ in children's lives, she is an wonderful member of the teaching team at RCCA. The Hovancik family attends Grace Point Church in Vestal, NY.
Melissa Brink
BS Elementary Education & Bible, Clarks Summit University
Second Grade
Mrs. Brink has been on the RCCA teaching team since 2021. She received her Bachelor of Science in Bible and Elementary Education from Clarks Summit University. She taught both 5th and 6th grades at Bethel Bible Christian School and Grace Bible Baptist Christian School in Maryland.
​
Mrs. Brink currently serves as the Women's Ministry Director and Children's Ministry Leader at Park Avenue Baptist Church where her family attends, and her husband serves as the lead pastor. The Brinks have spent many years home educating their six children, and they are excited that the Lord opened the door at RCCA for Mrs. Brink to teach full time again in a Christian school.
Stacy Ernst
Third Grade,
K-12 Choir
Mrs. Stacy Ernst began teaching at RCCA in 2018. She graduated from Elmira College and brings 25 years of experience in teaching elementary and middle school and K-12 music.
Mrs. Ernst taught at Corning Christian Academy and area home school educational cooperatives. Prior to coming onto the teaching staff at RCCA, Mrs. Ernst served as the Children's Ministry Coordinator at Calvary Tabernacle Baptist Church.
​
Mrs. Ernst has spent many years directing musical theaters/dramas.
​
Mr. and Mrs. Ernst's are very involved in their local church, CalTab in Vestal, NY. Their three children graduated from RCCA.
BS, Elementary Education and Theater, Elmira College
Jill Smith
MS Elementary Education, BS Music Education Pensicola Christian College
Fourth Grade
Mrs Smith grew up here at RCCA. She attended RCCA for PreK through 12th grades. She went on to Pensacola Christian College in Florida, where she obtained a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Music and History Education. She went on to receive her Master’s Degree in Elementary Education. Mrs. Smith taught PreK4 at RCCA in 2016-2019, and has been RCCA's 4th grade teacher since 2019.
​
Mrs. Smith and her husband have 3 children. All three children attend RCCA. She feels "blessed to have their children attend RCCA where they know the Bible is being taught to them on a daily basis."
​​
Mr. and Mrs. Smith attend First Baptist Church of Newark Valley and are very active in serving in music ministry at church. They love to garden, tend chickens, and can their own produce, as well as fish as often as they can.
Jill MacFadden
M.Ed., Elementary Education, Grand Canyon University
B.R.E, Church Ministry, Missions and TESOL, Davis College
A.A., Church Ministry & Bible, Columbia International University
Fifth Grade
Mrs. Jill MacFadden has been a faithful substitute teacher with RCCA since 2008. She recently served as a long term elementary substitute teacher in the Union Endicott Central School District. She taught ESL for many years in private and public schools. Mrs. MacFadden and her husband, David, also served as full-time missionaries in East Africa and Germany for nearly 10 years. Mr. and Mrs MacFadden are members at Gracepoint Church in Vestal, NY.
Lisabeth Colton
M.Ed. Curriculum Design and Mathematics, Concordia University
BS Early Secondary Math Education, Faith Baptist Bible College, SUNY Cortland
Sixth Grade
Mrs. Colton began teaching 6th grade at RCCA in 2020. She graduated from Concordia University with a Master of Education in Curriculum Design & Instruction and Mathematics. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Early Secondary Math Education from Faith Baptist Bible College and SUNY Cortland. Mrs. Colton served as Assistant to the Registrar and Faculty at Davis College while she coordinated the Davis College "Teacher Prep Emphasis Program" in collaboration with SUNY Oswego.
Prior to coming to RCCA, Mrs. Colton taught college courses in Mathematics, Mathematics for Elementary, Philosophy of Education, Child Development, and Applied Research and Statistics, and she brings with her many years of experience in Learning Management System applications and distance learning. Her authentic passion for Christian community in her classrooms is a gift and blessing to her students.
Mrs. Colton also taught 5th grade at Faith Christian School in Sterling, VA. She has been married to Dr. Charles Colton for 34 years and they have three grown children.