High School - 9/3

This week, our chapel message centered on the concept of character, rather than just a recitation of school rules. Dr. Rothstein emphasized that the school's focus on enforcing expectations is not about handing out consequences but is driven by a belief that our students are capable of more. She defined character as who you are when you have a choice: what you do when nobody is watching, how you respond to frustration, and whether you tell the truth even when it costs you. The message highlighted that character is built in small, daily choices, and that it is truly revealed when doing the right thing is difficult. She explored the distinction between respectfully disagreeing with a rule and intentionally choosing to disobey it, reminding students that their response to things they don't like reveals who they are becoming.

We looked to Luke 22 to see how Jesus modeled character in the Garden of Gethsemane. Facing immense suffering, He prayed, "Not my will, but yours, be done," choosing obedience over His own desires. While school rules are not comparable to the cross, Jesus provides a powerful picture of choosing what is right even when our feelings pull us in another direction. She also discussed Luke 16:10, emphasizing that being trustworthy in "very little" matters because those small choices shape our trajectory. The core challenge presented to the students was to shift from asking, "What can I get away with?" to "What is the right thing to do?" Dr. Rothstein clarified that having character does not mean being perfect, but rather owning mistakes, telling the truth, and trying again.

The 2nd Annual 40:31 High school retreat is next Friday, September 11th at Camp Ihduhapi in Loretto, MN. The cost for the retreat is $25 per student and will be billed to FACTS next week. Lunch will be provided and is included in the cost.

Students are highly encouraged to dress in their assigned class colors. The colors for the retreat are:

• Grade 9 - Yellow 💛
• Grade 10 - Green 💚
• Grade 11 - Blue 💙
• Grade 12 - Pink 🩷

All high school (9th-12th grade) MCA moms invited!!

Wednesday September 16th

7:00-8:30PM

Heather Lanari's home:

7425 Narcissus Lane

Maple Grove, MN 55311

Monday: Cozy Day

Tuesday: 2000s vs. 2020s

Wednesday: Color Wars (40:31 colors)

Thursday: Sweater vs. Denim

Friday: Rep MCA Colors/Spirit Wear

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.

To ensure the safety and well-being of all students and staff, we have implemented an updated bag policy.

What You Need to Know

• Students will not be permitted to carry backpacks or messenger bags throughout the school day
• This policy applies to all hallways, classrooms, cafeteria, etc...
• This decision was made in response to increased student population in our building, which has resulted in more crowded common areas and classrooms

Why This Policy Matters

The safety of every student and staff member is our top priority. With our growing school community, it is important that we take proactive steps to:

• Keep hallways and classrooms clear and accessible
• Reduce overcrowding in shared spaces
• Create a safer environment for everyone

What You Need to Know

• Each student has been given 15 hallway passes per quarter to use during class time.
• We are continuously evaluating this number to ensure it is the right number of passes and may make adjustments as needed.
• Students are encouraged to utilize passing periods between classes for bathroom and other hallway needs.

Why This Policy Matters

Over the past couple of years, we have noticed a significant increase in students spending time in the hallways during instructional time, including extended absences from the classroom. This policy was created to:

• Keep students engaged in their learning during class time
• Reduce unnecessary time spent in the hallways
• Help students develop important time management skills
• Maximize valuable instructional time

Working Together

We believe that partnership with families is key to success of this policy. Your support in encouraging your child to:

• Plan ahead and use passing periods wisely
• Use passes responsibly throughout the quarter
• Communicate with their teachers if they have concerns

On Tuesday, September 29th, Dr. Rachel David and I will be hosting a Parent Meeting for all Middle & High School students (Grades 5-12). This meeting will include a deep dive into the House System as well as other important update.

Time: 5:30PM

Location: MCA Cafeteria

Below is the Weekly Schedule for Grades 7-12 for the 2026-2027 school year.

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 and students.

• Friday, September 4: No School, Professional Development Day
• Monday, September 7: No School, Labor Day
• Thursday, September 10: Senior Retreat (Overnight)
• Friday, September 11: 40:31 Retreat (Grades 9-12)
• September 14: Clubs Begin (Club information coming soon!)
• September 21-25: Fall Fest
• Tuesday, September 29: Middle & High School Parent Meeting (5:30PM)