Lower School - 9/9
Dear Lower School Families,
We are off to a great start of the year and are so proud of your students. Our youngest learners have been hard at work this week taking the NWEA fluency test. The results of your student's scores will help teachers to group students strategically into reading groups and targeted practice.
As a reminder, our K-4 students will embark on taking the NWEA MAP Growth test next week. Below is some additional information regarding the assessment as well as how you can help support your student during testing.
What is NWEA MAP Growth testing?
NWEA MAP Growth testing is an adaptive assessment that adjusts the difficulty of questions based on each student’s responses, giving teachers a detailed picture of what a child already knows and what they are ready to learn next. Unlike a traditional test, it is not about passing or failing—it’s about measuring growth over time. Maranatha's teachers use MAP Growth results to set learning goals, differentiate instruction, and provide targeted support so that each student is challenged appropriately and able to make progress at their own pace.
How can I, as a parent, support my child?
Before Testing:
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Rest is best: Ensure your child has a full night’s sleep before testing days.
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Healthy start: Provide a nutritious breakfast that includes protein to help with focus and stamina.
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Positive encouragement: Remind your child that this assessment is simply a tool to show what they know and what they are learning—there are no grades attached.
After Testing:
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Celebrate effort, not just results: Encourage your child by praising their hard work and perseverance.
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Ask open-ended questions: Instead of “How did you do?” try “What part of the test felt easiest or hardest?”
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Keep reading fun: Continue daily reading at home. Celebrate progress and foster joy in reading beyond testing.
We encourage parents to support their child with encouragement and reassurance rather than pressure, remembering that the purpose of the test is to show progress and highlight areas for growth
As we step into week four of our school year, I wanted to provide a couple of gentle reminders to our families:
- Please make sure that if you are expecting to be absent or tardy that you complete the attendance form found on our MCA app.
- Dress code checks are conducted daily. Please make sure that when layering your student that the apparel is branded. As a reminder, students are asked not to wear cardigans and zip-ups as part of the layering. Please refer to the dress code guidelines to help answer any questions you may have.
- Please make sure that if your child is bringing any smart device(i.e. cell phone, watch, ear buds) to school that it is placed in their backpack. Use of personal devices during school is prohibited.
In His Service,
Dr. Rachel David
Lower School Principal
Welcoming Emma Anderson
We are pleased to introduce Emma Anderson, who has joined our amazing Grade 3 team.
"Hi everyone! My name is Emma Anderson, and I am thrilled to be serving as a Third Grade Teacher here at Maranatha! I graduated from North Central University in 2021 and began my teaching career at MCA. From teaching second grade to third grade, I have fallen in love with spreading the Word of God and guiding the hearts and minds of little ones. It is my desire that each and every student would know Jesus and have a personal relationship with Him.
Being at MCA is a true honor and privilege. It is a place where I have felt God in every corner. The students bring so much joy and light to my heart, and I treasure every moment I get to spend with them. I have been teaching for five years now, and I love every moment of it.
My husband, Aaron, and I live in New Prague and got married in 2024. In my free time, I enjoy going for walks, spending time with our families, reading, and drinking iced coffee." -Emma Anderson
Parents—are you interested in theater and have a heart for children? If this is you, would you be interested in partnering with Maranatha in developing our lower school theater program?
Reach out to Rachel David (rachel.david@mcamustangs.org) for more information!
APPLICATIONS DUE MONDAY!
Campaigning has begun! Posters are up on the walls and the next Grade 3–4 leaders are working toward promoting themselves and all the ideas they have and good the will do if elected!
Timeline:
- September 9th - 26th: Posters on display in the Grade 3 Wing
- September 24th - 25th: Voting Days!
- September 26th: Both elected and non-elected students will be made aware of their status via an email to their parents after 4:00 p.m.
- September 29th: Elected students will speak briefly at the chapels to introduce themselves to the student body and inform them why they are excited to be in this role.
What is Student Council?
Student Council is a group of students who represent their classmates, meet once a month to share ideas, and help make our school an even better place. It’s a chance to show leadership, teamwork, and kindness while growing in your walk with Christ.
In Mark 10:42-45, Jesus explains that unlike secular rulers who lord over their subjects, Christian leaders must be servants. He states, "Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be a slave of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give His life as a ransom for many." In Philippians 2:3 it advises, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility calue others above yourselves." Leaders are called to humble service, valueing others' needs above their own.
X-Tended Day Registration
If your family is in need of care beyond the school day, we invite you to register for MCA’s X-Tended Day program. This program provides students with a safe, loving, and Christ-centered environment after school hours.
In addition to daily care, students have the opportunity to join a variety of Enrichment Clubs—including cheer, robotics, LEGO building, art, and more! These activities allow students to explore their interests and grow in community with peers.
Registration for X-Tended Day opened on August 15.
Visit our X-Tended Day Webpage to view:
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Pricing information
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Drop-In Care details
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Pre-Paid Short-Term and Long-Term care options
Release Days
Half Days
We look forward to partnering with you in extending both care and enrichment opportunities for your child at MCA!
If you have additional questions, please reach out to:
Lettie Fundanét - Pre-K - lettie.fundanet@mcamustangs.org
Dane Wellens - K-4th - dane.wellens@mcamustangs.org
Alyssa Faust - 5-6th - alyssa.faust@mcamustangs.org
What a great start to the school year! Students and staff are settling back into routines, and our guidance lessons are off to a wonderful start. We’ve been exploring what a school counselor does and how students can reach out for support. I’ve especially enjoyed meeting your children, playing our “What’s in the Counselor’s Bag?” game, and hearing their thoughtful questions. Feel free to check out the upcoming events and counselor resources below:
Upcoming Events: In September, I’ll continue to be visiting our K–Grade 4 classrooms for our "Meet the School Counselor" guidance lesson. During this lesson, students will learn:
Who the school counselor is
How I can help them at school
When and how they can come see me for support
Participate in a group activity
Counselor Resources: Check out these books that focus on back-to-school anxiety to read/process with your student(s):
First Day Jitters by Julie Danneberg
The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson
If Jesus Came to My School by April Graney
Please contact me at katie.welhouse@mcamustangs.org if you would like your child to receive services or to inquire for more details! I look forward to partnering with you and getting to know your student(s) more this school year!
Prayer for My Child’s Future and Purpose
Faithful God,
As my child continues their education, I pray that You would begin to reveal to them the gifts, talents, and calling You have placed on their life. Help them to discover their passions and interests, and guide them toward the future You have planned for them.
Jeremiah 29:11 promises that You have plans for them, plans to prosper and not to harm them, to give them hope and a future. Help my child to trust in Your timing and Your perfect plan for their life.
Use their education to prepare them for the work You will call them to do, whether in ministry, business, education, healthcare, or any other field. Help them to see their future career not just as a way to make money but as an opportunity to serve others and glorify You.
Give them a vision for how they can make a positive difference in the world and use their life to serve others. Help them to develop the skills, knowledge, and character they will need to fulfill their calling.
When they face uncertainty about their future or pressure to make decisions before they’re ready, give them peace and patience to wait for Your guidance. Help them to take one step at a time, trusting You with the bigger picture.
May their education be a foundation for a life of purpose, service, and faithfulness to You. Prepare them for the good works You have planned for them to do.
Amen.
