Middle School - 8/7

It’s hard to believe summer is already winding down. Our summer programs are wrapping up, and the building is beginning to buzz again with life as fall athletics return to campus.

Next Monday, we kick off New Teacher Orientation and are excited to welcome two new faces to our Middle School team. Be on the lookout for a brief introduction to them in an upcoming update. We’re thrilled about the gifts and talents they will bring to our classrooms.

The next few weeks are a great time to begin easing back into school-year routines. Whether it’s adjusting sleep schedules, setting up study spaces, or talking together as a family about goals for the year—these small steps help students feel confident and ready for day one.

One creative idea I came across recently: do a “practice run” of your child’s morning routine—wake up, get ready, pack the bag—but instead of ending up at school, treat them to breakfast or a donut stop. It’s a fun way to connect while setting a positive tone for the year ahead.

Let’s make it a great year, Middle School!

Blessings,

Allen Banks

Middle School Principal

If you’re new to our community, we hope you’ll join us—we’d love to connect with you, give you a chance to explore the campus, and answer any last-minute questions.

Join us for our New Student Open House on Monday, August 18th, where you’ll have a chance to meet our administration, explore classrooms, ahead of our whole school Back to School event. For students in grades 6-8 you can also bring your device and get assistance from our IT department in setting up your student accounts during this time.

Our New Families webpage can be a helpful resource as we enter a new season at MCA.

Come join us on Monday, August 18th from 5–7 pm for our Band and Orchestra Open House held in the Upper School Learning Lane classrooms. (this event is held at the same time as our New Student Open House)

Students can meet our music team, test out a variety of musical instruments, and explore the different elective options for music prior to the start of the school year.

Whether your student is a returning musician or considering joining for the first time, this is a great chance to learn more about the opportunities available at MCA. 🎶🎵

One of the highlights of starting middle school is receiving your class schedule and getting a glimpse of what the year will look like. Students receive a copy of their schedule at our Back-to-School Night event on Thursday, August 21, from 5–7 pm. This event is a great opportunity to hear from our Head of School, meet your teachers, walk your schedule, and begin getting familiar with your daily routine. (schedules will be picked up from your Advisor's classroom on that night)

Your child’s advisor will reach out next Friday via phone call and email. Please be on the lookout for this crucial information leading into Back-to-School Night.

Our goal for the Summer Reading Program is to instill the love of reading and to expand students’ literacy by exposing them to great literature during the quiet days and evenings of summer.

As a reminder, summer reading needs to be completed by the first day of school. (here is a link to the summer reading assignments by grade level: Summer Reading 2025)

Serving others is a big part of how we grow in our character development. All middle school students are expected serve and log service hours throughout the year—and yes, all those summer hours you served these last few months will count!

These will be submitted and tallied up during Bible class this year.

Grade 5–6:
✅ 15 hours for the year

Grade 7–8:
✅ 25 hours for the year

Registration for X-Tended Experience (Grades 5–6) opens August 15th. You can find more information by visiting our X-Tended Day webpage.

Student Council Retreat: August 15–16, 2025

New Student Open House: August 18 from 5–7 pm

Band/Choir Open House: August 18 from 5–7 pm

Back-to-School Night: August 21, 2025 from 5–7 pm

First Day of School: August 25

Picture Day: September 3

NWEA Map Testing: September 15–19