Middle School - 10/22

Dear MCA Families,

Looking Ahead at MCA! We have some exciting events coming up!

Annual Pancake Breakfast, Friday, October 23: Join us in the cafeteria beginning at 7:00 AM for a delicious breakfast and time together as a school community!

Fall Service Project, Tuesday, October 27: Students in grades 4 through 6 will put their faith into action as they participate in a fall cleanup service project.

House Games, October 28: Middle school students will have an opportunity to enjoy their second round of house game competitions.

Parent Teacher Conferences, November 5 and 6: We look forward to connecting with families to celebrate student growth and discuss progress. For those parents who attend, you will have the opportunity to earn house points for your child's team. When you check into the front table, our staff will hand you a Conference Passport. For every teacher you visit, have them initial in one of the boxes (up to 8 signatures). For each signature provided your child will receive 2 points for their House. Additionally, students will receive 5 bonus points if you meet with 6+ teachers. When you are done, simply turn your passport at the check-in table at Door 2 before leaving.

We're grateful for the many opportunities our students have to learn, serve, and grow together!

In His Service,

Dr. Rachel David

5th & 6th Grade Principal

Maranatha Christian Academy

Dear 7th & 8th Grade Families,

As we approach the end of October, it is hard to believe how quickly the school year is moving! It has been wonderful to see our students growing academically, building friendships, and finding ways to get involved in our MCA community. As we look ahead to November, we are excited to welcome families to Parent-Teacher Conferences. During conferences, parents will receive their child's mid-semester progress report, providing a valuable opportunity to celebrate successes, discuss areas for growth, and partner with teachers to support continued progress. Be sure to review the conference information included in this newsletter, along with a fun opportunity for families to earn House points for their students by connecting with teachers!

As parents, your encouragement and involvement make a tremendous difference in your child's educational journey. Take time this week to ask your child what they are proud of, what has been challenging, and how you can support them. Sometimes the simplest conversations have the greatest impact. Thank you for the many ways you partner with us as we work together to help students grow academically, spiritually, and personally. We are grateful for our MCA families!

Sarah Rothstein, Ed.D.

Grades 7-12 Principal

This week in chapel, Ms. Flaaten reminded students that God created each of us uniquely and intentionally, with special gifts and a purpose. Rooted in Psalm 139:14 and 1 Corinthians 12:18, students explored how our differences are something to celebrate rather than compare. Through interactive activities, they reflected on their individual strengths and how God can use those gifts to make a difference.

Continue the conversation at home: Ask your child, “What is one thing you love about how God made you, and how can you use that gift to bless someone else this week?”

This week in chapel, we had a representative from the FACES program come in and speak to the students. They shared with us the international student program and gave the students an opportunity to travel to Guatemala in the summer as an international student, as well as a chance to serve the community. This is an opportunity to experience life at a Guatemalan school, live with a host family, and develop Spanish-speaking skills. Students have to be ages 11-17 and eager to go and learn about Guatemalan culture. There is a two-week program in June and a two, three, or four-week program in July. Students do not have to speak Spanish in order to go, but are required to go with a servant's heart, ready to help.

~ MCA Chapel Committee

We are excited to share that House t-shirts will be sent home with students by Tuesday, October 27! Students should wear their House shirts to school on Wednesday, October 28, for our next House Games!

MCA is providing each student with a complimentary House t-shirt to keep. We hope students will wear their shirts proudly as they represent their Houses and build community throughout the school year!

A few important reminders:

• House Games Days: Students are expected to wear their House t-shirts with dress code-approved pants on all House Games days.

• Replacement Shirts: Each student's first shirt is provided by MCA. If a student outgrows or loses their shirt, families will be responsible for purchasing a replacement.

We can't wait to see our hallways filled with House colors next Wednesday!

Families, it's your turn to help your student's house earn points toward the House Cup!

During parent-teacher conferences, families of students in grades 5–12 can participate in our House Conference Challenge. When you arrive, you'll be handed a House Conference Passport and bring it with you as you visit your student's teachers. For each teacher you meet with, ask them to sign your passport. Each signature earns 2 points for your student's house, with a maximum of 8 signatures (16 points). Families who collect 6 or more signatures will earn an additional 5 bonus points, for a total of 21 possible House Points!

Before leaving, be sure to turn in your completed passport so your points can be added to your student's house total. Thank you for partnering with us in your student's education and helping build a strong MCA community!

Registration is now open for MCA Middle School Movie Night!

Students in grades 5–8 are invited to join us Friday, Oct. 23, from 6:30–8:30 p.m. for pizza, popcorn and the PG-rated movie YES DAY!

The evening will begin with a pizza party in the cafeteria before students head to the gym for the movie. Students should bring a blanket, pillow or something cozy to sit on.

• Cost is $15 per student and includes two slices of pizza, a beverage and popcorn.
• Registration is open to MCA students in grades 5–8 only and closes Friday, Oct. 16.
• Please note: Students may not be dropped off before 6:20 p.m.

Register here: https://givebutter.com/2026-middle-school-movie-night

We are looking for enthusiastic parents to help plan a Middle School Retreat Day this winter! We are seeking two parent representatives from each grade (Grades 5-8) who are eager to contribute their ideas and energy.

If you love planning engaging games, organizing delicious food, and thinking through all the special details that make a retreat successful, we want to hear from you!

Please reach out directly to Dr. David at rachel.david@mcamustangs.org or Dr. Rothstein at sarah.rothstein@mcamustang.org to express your interest.

Attached below is the 2026-2027 Clubs & Activities Handbook for your reference.

Attached below is the Schoology Parent Guide for your reference.

Please see attached letter regarding attendance grade reductions and a link to submit an absence.

With increased AI use, it is a priority for us to teach acceptable AI use at school with regard to assigned coursework. Please take a few minutes to read through the AI Use Policy as this is what will be taught to students and enforced in the classroom.

This year we are strengthening our enforcement of the cell phone policy. In order to help us enforce the policy, if your child 1) does not have a cell phone, or 2) does not bring their phone to school, please complete the attached form and return it to Mrs. Andrea Shoup, Assistant Principal, by email or dropping it off at school.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to Mrs. Shoup directly.

Below is the Weekly Schedule for Grades 7-12 for the 2026-2027 school year (with lunch times).

As a new school year is upon us, please take a moment to refresh your memory on our parking lot flowchart and assigned parking areas for families.

Attached is the BYOD Guide for your reference.

• October 23: Pancake breakfast

• October 23: Middle School movie night

• Monday, November 2: NJHS/NHS Induction
• November 5-6: No School, Conferences
• Thursday, November 12: NHS Blood Drive
• December 7-10: NWEA/MAP Testing Window