Lower School - 11/6

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?

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.”

5. 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

As the colder months approach, it's important to ensure that all students are properly prepared for winter weather. To help with this, we have outlined the specific winter gear requirements for each grade level below. Please take a moment to review the information and ensure your child is equipped with the appropriate clothing to stay warm and comfortable during outdoor activities.

1. HAIR COLOR: As a gentle reminder, please note that per our policy students should not have unnaturally colored hair, including braids.
2. DRESS CODE: On Spirit Wear Fridays, please note that pants and shorts need to still fall in the color scheme of dress code pants.

"My name is Samantha Valder, and I am honored to be a Kindergarten teacher at MCA. This is my seventh year of teaching, and I have had the privilege of teaching wonderful students throughout this journey. I was brought to MCA right out of college and was ecstatic to have been brought in to such an amazing Christian School.

I grew up in Lincoln, Nebraska, before I went to college at North Central University in Minneapolis. Throughout my life, I have felt a calling in my life to be with kids and help mold them in their educational journey. This started from a young age when I started babysitting and became an aunt to my first nephew in high school. As my education journey progressed, I only felt the calling from the Lord stronger to be in the classroom, and I have loved every year of it.

Outside of the classroom, my husband and I love to enjoy the outdoors hiking, camping, and walking our dog, Maverick. I also love to spend time with our families, trying new restaurants, along with traveling. We just went on a dream vacation of ours over the summer, traveling to Ireland and Greece. It was an incredible experience.

I feel truly blessed to be in such a loving and Godly environment for the last seven years. I look forward to seeing how God continues to work, molding MCA students into who they are created to be." -Samantha Valder

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

November 10–14

• November 10: Toy Drive Begins
• November 11 & 13: LS Help Sessions

November 17–21

• November 17: Friendsgiving
• November 18 & 20: LS Help Sessions
• November 21: Principal for the Day

November 24–28

• November 24: Head of School for the Day
• November 25: Thanksgiving Class Parties
• November 26–28: NO SCHOOL (Thanksgiving Break)

This week in chapel, Mrs. David talked with students about anger—a feeling everyone experiences from time to time. The message reminded students that it’s okay to feel angry, but it’s not okay to respond in anger.

Using James 1:19–20, students learned that the Bible encourages us to be “quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” When we take time to pause and think before reacting, we can make choices that honor God and show kindness to others.

Students were also introduced to a helpful strategy called “Pause and Pray.” When they start to feel angry, they can pause their body and stop what they’re doing, take three deep breaths, use their words to say “I feel mad because… I need…,” say a short prayer asking God to help them respond in the right way, and then make it right by forgiving, apologizing, or showing love.

Through this lesson, students were reminded that they don’t have to handle their emotions alone—God is always ready to help. When they choose patience, kindness, and forgiveness, they not only honor God but also spread His light to others through their words and actions.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for loving me, no matter how I feel. Sometimes I get angry, and it’s hard to know what to do with those feelings. Please help me to pause, take a deep breath, pray, and think before I speak or act.

Teach me to understand why I am angry and to express my feelings in a way that honors You. Help me to forgive those who hurt me, to say I’m sorry when I have hurt someone, and to make things right. Fill my heart with patience, kindness, and self-control, and remind me that I can always come to You when I feel upset.

Lord, help me to let Your light shine through me, even when I’m frustrated or mad, so that the people around me see Your love in how I respond. Help me to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry, just as Your Word teaches.

In Jesus’ name I pray,
Amen.