High School - 4/23

Dear High School Families,

Serve Day was a tremendous success, and it was incredible to see our students out in the community serving in such meaningful ways. From picking up trash around Brooklyn Park to serving in local nursing homes through spring cleaning and spending time with residents, our students truly lived out what it means to be the hands and feet of Jesus. Other groups helped organize and sort shoes for those in need, supported local churches and community organizations with spring cleanup projects, and completed projects here on campus at MCA. We are so proud of the way our students represented our school and their faith through service.

As we head into the final weeks of the school year, the calendar quickly fills with exciting events like Mental Health Week, Spring Splash, Experience Maranatha, and the Upper School Awards Ceremony. With so much happening, this is also an important time to stay on top of academics. I encourage families to regularly check grades in Schoology and have conversations about finishing the year strong. Throughout May, I will be reaching out regarding any students who are currently failing a class, along with the supports we have in place. We strongly encourage students to take advantage of WIN Time study halls and subject-specific support rooms, as well as after-school teacher office hours, as these resources can make a meaningful difference as we approach the end of the year.

Sarah Rothstein, Ed.D.
High School Principal

This week’s chapel was a worship chapel, where students spent the entire time praising the Lord through music. We intentionally build in these moments a few times each year, and they continue to be a meaningful opportunity for our students to slow down, reflect, and engage in worship and prayer together.

We have had an increase in students being tardy to class throughout the school day. Moving forward, the tardy policy will be as follows:

• 5 Tardies = 1 Unexcused Absence, Lunch Reflection
• 8 Tardies = Lunch Reflection
• 10 Tardies = 1 Unexcused Absence, After-School Detention
• 12 Tardies = In-School Suspension (ISS)

Tardies are recorded per class period and reset at the beginning of each semester.

Next week, our school will be recognizing Mental Health Awareness Week with activities focused on connection, appreciation, self-care and support. One of the highlights will be our “You Matter Grams,” which give students the opportunity to acknowledge someone meaningful in their lives. Students can purchase a You Matter Gram that includes a Crumbl Cookie, a drink, and a handwritten note to brighten someone’s day. Pre-orders will take place this Thursday and Friday during lunch in the Mall Hall, with deliveries happening next Tuesday. This is a simple but powerful way to spread kindness and remind others that they matter. Cash & Credit Card will be accepted.

*Middle & High School Only

~ Mrs. Shoup & Mrs. Flaaten

Upper School Counselors

Experience Maranatha is right around the corner, and we are looking forward to a great day celebrating the Arts within our school community. This is always a special opportunity to showcase the many gifts and talents of our students, and we are excited to see their hard work on display throughout the day.

A full schedule of events will be shared soon. We strongly encourage all students to remain on campus and take part in supporting their peers. It is a meaningful way to build community and celebrate the creativity that makes our school so unique.

If any high school student needs to be released early, a parent or guardian must sign out their student by filling out the dedicated Experience Maranatha Release Form, indicating their approval. Please fill this form out at least a day in advance to help streamline the process.

Any high school student approved for early release (via the above-mentioned form) must report to the weight room to connect with the designated staff member before being allowed to leave class or campus. Students who do not verify their release will not be permitted to leave the campus.

The 2026 Prom will be held on Saturday, April 25 at Medina Entertainment Center from 8–10:30 pm.

Registration:

• MCA students who did not purchase a Dance Pass and non-MCA guests will need to complete online registration via MCA's GoFan site no later than Friday, April 17, 2026.
• If an online payment option is not accessible, MCA students may bring exact cash or a credit card to pay the night of the dance.
• Non-MCA students must register and pay online. In addition to registration, non-MCA students will need to complete and submit a Guest Form to Mr. Agrimson (High School Assistant Principal) within ONE WEEK of the dance.

Dance Expectations:

• Please refer to Maranatha's Prom's Dress Code while shopping for dance attire. Visual aids for ladies and gentlemen have been created for easier understanding. Ladies, please submit you dress for approval to your D-Group leader by Friday, April 17th. Guests will also need their dress approved.
• Students are expected to conduct themselves respectfully and appropriately for the entire evening.
• If a student wishes to leave the dance early, they must call a parent (with a school admin present) for verbal approval.
• Students may be asked to leave due to behavioral or dress code issues and may lose future dance privileges.
• Students may be held liable for any damage incurred to property or persons.
• Maranatha students (and their parents/guardians) are responsible for their non-MCA guest's behavior. If there is a problem with a guest, the MCA student will lose the privilege of bringing a guest to any future dances. If the guest is asked to leave, the MCA student will be as well.

This guide explains how parents can navigate Schoology, Maranatha’s Learning Management System for grades 5–12. It outlines how to view assignments, grades, and teacher feedback, adjust notification settings, and stay informed about your child’s academic progress throughout the semester.

ACT offers a variety of free preparation and engagement tools designed to help students know what to expect and feel ready on test day. These resources are linked below.

Please see the ACT website below for information on ACT testing dates. All Juniors and Seniors will be invited to take the ACT at Maranatha on April 21st, 2026. We strongly encourage all juniors to take this opportunity to take the ACT this coming April on campus. More information will be coming out in the coming months.

• April 29: Decision Day Lunch
• April 30: Signing Day @ 8:30AM (MCA Gym)
• May 1: Seniors Mom's breakfast @ 8:15AM (Rush Creek Golf Club)
• May 16-17: Senior Class Party (see information below)
• May 18: Senior Day Away
• May 19: US Awards Ceremony @ 8:30AM (LW Sanctuary)
• May 19: Senior Chapel @ 11AM (LW Youth Space)
• May 22: Last Day of School for Seniors
• May 26-28: Commencement Rehearsals (schedule to come)
• May 29: HS Commencement @ 6PM (LW Sanctuary)

Planning for the 2026 Senior Party is underway and we are excited about the fun night in store

for the students. It will be a memorable way to celebrate and wrap up their senior year.

Senior Party: May 16-17, 2026

Please see the attachment below for more information and to sign-up!

*Please note that this is NOT an MCA-run event. Please see the flyer for contact info.

• Complete college applications with the help of your college counselor
• Work with your college counselor, as needed, to finalize your application essay(s) and supplemental resources
• Check early action application deadlines for your college(s) of choice

The Common App is live for students to begin submitting their college applications. Students can stop by the CCC if they need help navigating the common application website. Feel free to email Mrs. Shoup (andrea.shoup@mcamustangs.org) with any questions or to make an appointment.

This week’s classroom highlight is AP U.S. History. Students examined Lyndon B. Johnson’s Great Society, identifying key policies and comparing them to the New Deal of the Great Depression. Through group research, discussion, and writing, students engaged deeply with the material while practicing how to analyze and synthesize historical ideas.

This work not only prepares students for success on the AP exam and the opportunity to earn college credit, but also strengthens essential critical thinking skills. By evaluating policies, listening to peers, and constructing written comparisons, students are learning how to think analytically and communicate effectively, skills that will serve them well far beyond the classroom.

• Saturday, April 25: Prom
• April 27-May 1: Mental Health Week
• May 4-8: Spring Splash Week