Lower School - 10/30
Dear Lower School Families,
Next week in Chapel, we will be reflecting on students spiritual assessment results, particularly around how we respond when we feel angry or frustrated. Many shared that they sometimes “react before they reflect.” As a school that aims to cultivate Spirit-driven leaders and empathic problem solvers, we see this as a beautiful opportunity for growth — both in the classroom and at home.
At Maranatha, we use the Flourishing in the Classroom framework, which helps students grow in areas such as self-regulation, empathy, purpose, and spiritual resilience. When students learn to manage anger in constructive, faith-filled ways, they don’t just avoid conflict — they flourish.
Anger itself isn’t a sin — it’s an emotion. The key is what we do with it. James 1:19-20 says, “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.” We want our students to see anger as a signal, not a sentence — a reminder that something matters deeply and needs to be handled in a way that honors God and others.
So, what are some practical ways you can equip your child at home?
-
Pause and Name It
Help your child identify what they’re feeling before they act. A simple “I feel angry because…” helps move them from reaction to reflection. At school, teachers encourage this same pause — modeling it with calm tones and restorative conversations. -
Connect Before You Correct
Children flourish when they feel seen. Instead of jumping right to discipline, start with empathy:
“It looks like that really frustrated you. Tell me what happened.” Once emotions are acknowledged, reason and responsibility follow more easily. -
Practice the Power of Reframing
When your child faces disappointment or conflict, help them shift from “This isn’t fair” to “What can I learn from this?” At MCA, we call this transforming reaction into reflection — a hallmark of courageous change agents and critical thinkers. -
Model Grace in Motion
Kids mirror how we handle our own frustration — in traffic, at work, or when plans change. Modeling calm, prayerful patience gives them a blueprint for life. You might even say aloud, “I’m frustrated right now, so I’m going to take a deep breath and pray before I respond.” -
Pray Together
Try a nightly rhythm: “Lord, thank You for helping me calm down today when I felt angry. Help me show Your love even when I’m upset.” Over time, this teaches self-awareness anchored in faith, not perfection.
If you’d like more ideas on helping your child navigate emotions through a Biblical lens, our Student Life and Counseling team recommends the book “Good and Angry” by David Powlison and the family devotional “Indescribable for Kids” by Louie Giglio, which includes short lessons on self-control and gratitude. Together, let’s keep building a foundation where our children — and our families — can truly flourish.
In His Service,
Dr. Rachel David
Lower School Principal
PreK
K - 1st
2nd - 4th
"My name is Alexa Sanchez, and I am thrilled to be teaching second grade this year at Maranatha Christian Academy. This marks my fifth year at MCA! I previously taught first grade for four wonderful years before transitioning to second grade. There is truly nothing like our Maranatha community. I have been so blessed by the opportunity to teach and partner with such amazing students and families.
Maranatha holds a very special place in my heart. As a proud alumna who attended MCA from Pre-K through 12th grade, I feel incredibly blessed to now teach at the school that helped shape who I am today. It is a privilege to invest in the next generation of students and to partner with families in nurturing both academic growth and spiritual development.
Outside the classroom, I love playing pickleball, traveling with my husband, and, most recently, cherishing every moment with our five-month-old daughter, Aria. Becoming a mom has been the greatest blessing and other than being “Mrs. Sanchez” at school, it’s one of my very favorite titles." -Alexa Sanchez
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:
-
Pricing information
-
Drop-In Care details
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 (PreK) - lettie.fundanet@mcamustangs.org
Dane Wellens (K–Grade 4) - dane.wellens@mcamustangs.org
Alyssa Faust (Grade 5–6) - alyssa.faust@mcamustangs.org
Monthly Focus: October is National Bullying Awareness Month
As we close out Bullying Awareness Month, we’re encouraging our students to continue spreading kindness! When we choose to help instead of hurt and speak kind instead of unkind words, God’s love shines through us — reaching into the classroom, lunchroom, playground, and everywhere we go. The impact of one act of kindness can brighten someone’s entire day. So, continue to keep the conversation going at home and asking your child “what is one act of kindness you can do today?”.
Ephesians 4:29— “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”
Upcoming Events:
In October, I’ll be visiting our K–Grade 4 classrooms for our "Bullying Awareness" guidance lesson. During this lesson, students will learn:
Definition of Bullying
Types of Bullying
The Impact of Bullying
Steps to Recognize, Report, and Refuse Bullying
Counselor Resources:
Check out these resource guides below that focus on bullying prevention strategies:
_________________________________________________
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!
The Kingdom is like a treasure, starting small but growing to transform lives and communities, and we understand it by looking at Jesus and His priorities. He came to heal the brokenhearted, bring freedom to captives, and release those in darkness. Jesus wants to heal our hearts, free us from lies, and forgive our sins, and He also wants us to live out these truths by loving those who are hurting, speaking truth, and forgiving others.
Everyone, no matter their age, can participate as Kingdom Ambassadors now (Luke 18:16). Today, we are invited to receive healing, truth, and forgiveness from Jesus, and to reflect His Kingdom through love, truth, and forgiveness in our actions toward others.
Prayer to Represent Jesus
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank You for being our King and for showing us what Your Kingdom is like. Thank You for healing the sick, feeding the hungry, and caring for everyone who is hurting. Please heal the broken parts of our hearts, help us see the truth instead of believing lies, and forgive us for the ways we have made mistakes. Teach us to love others who are hurting, to speak words of truth and encouragement, and to forgive just as You have forgiven us. Help us to represent Your Kingdom in everything we do and give us courage to be Your ambassadors wherever we go
In Jesus’ name I pray,
Amen.
