Middle School - 11/5
Parent Teacher Conferences, November 5 and 6
We look forward to welcoming our families this week for Parent Teacher Conferences! This is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate student growth, discuss progress, and partner together in supporting each child's success.
Middle School Families, Earn House Points!
Parents attending conferences can earn House Points for their child's team! At check in, pick up your Conference Passport and have each teacher you visit initial a box, up to 8 signatures. Your child will earn 2 House Points per signature, plus 5 bonus points if you meet with 6 or more teachers. Before leaving, return your completed passport to the check in table at Door 2.
Fall I:55 Book Fair, Reading Round Up!
While you're here for conferences, be sure to stop by our Fall I:55 Book Fair! This year's theme, "Reading Round Up!", invites families to saddle up for a reading adventure and discover some great books together. It's a wonderful opportunity to encourage a love of reading while supporting MCA with every purchase.
We look forward to seeing you this week!
In His Service,
Dr. Rachel David
5th & 6th Grade Principal
Maranatha Christian Academy
Invisible Backpack
This week in chapel, Ms. Flaaten challenged our middle school students to consider the "invisible backpack" that everyone carries, filled with experiences, emotions, struggles, and challenges that others may not see. Rooted in Ephesians 4:32, “Be kind and compassionate to one another,” students explored how their words, actions, and choices can either add to someone's burdens or help lighten their load. Through real life scenarios involving friendships, peer interactions, and everyday school experiences, students were encouraged to look beyond what they see, extend grace, and demonstrate empathy. We encourage families to continue the conversation at home by asking, "How can you help lighten someone's invisible backpack this week?"
You Never Know What Someone Is Carrying
We all carry things others can't see. Worries, disappointments, friendship struggles, family challenges, and the pressures of everyday life can weigh heavily on us—even our kids! God's Word reminds us in Ephesians 4:32, “Be kind and compassionate to one another.”
This week in chapel, I had the opportunity to share a message about the idea that everyone carries an invisible backpack. While we may see someone's actions or attitudes, we don't always know what's happening beneath the surface. That classmate who seems frustrated, the friend who is unusually quiet, or the child who struggles to connect may be carrying something we know nothing about.
As parents, we have an incredible opportunity to model compassion and help our children look beyond someone's behavior to consider what they might be experiencing. Kindness doesn't mean excusing hurtful behavior, but it does mean choosing grace over quick judgment.
Consider asking your child, “What might someone be carrying in their invisible backpack that we can't see?” We can also encourage our kids to use simple, meaningful phrases like “Are you okay?” “Do you want to sit with me?” or “I'm glad you're here.”
And remember, sometimes our own children are the ones carrying something heavy. Creating space to listen and reminding them they don't have to carry everything alone can be just as powerful.
We may not know someone's whole story, but we can always choose kindness. Let's help our children be a light to others, making someone's load a little lighter along the way!