High School - 9/11

Dear High School Families,

Excitement has been in the air all week as we look forward to our 40:31 retreat tomorrow! From our teachers’ “underground spirit week” that kicked off with “Anything But a Cup Day” and “Socks with Sandals Day,” to students sharing about their outfits and talking about how they hope to grow in serving one another, the anticipation has been building. Our prayer is that the retreat will not only be a time of fun and community but also an opportunity for students to learn something new about their peers and to strengthen relationships. Be on the lookout for pictures and highlights in next week’s newsletter!

Next week also marks the beginning of clubs during W.I.N. Time. Monday will launch with Art Club, and additional opportunities such as Tabletop Games Club, Israel Club, and the Black History Student Committee will roll out in the following weeks. Students can sign up for these directly in Flex—the system they use to select their W.I.N. Time activities. Clubs are open to everyone, and spots will remain available until each day’s activity is full.

In this newsletter, you’ll also find important information about the Orlando Mission Trip, NWEA/MAP testing for 9th graders, dance passes, and updates from our College and Career Center. We are grateful for your continued partnership as we move into this exciting season together.

Sarah Rothstein, Ed.D.

High School Principal

This week in chapel, we looked to Christ's example to build a community that is authentic, transparent, and God-honoring. In John 13:1-17, Jesus took the time to wash His disciples' feet before the Passover Festival. Jesus was willing to serve and love His disciples even when He knew that some of them would betray him. Peter, the disciple who was commissioned by Christ with a great call in Matthew 16:13-20, would deny Jesus three times. We, as a school, were challenged by Christ's example in chapel.

As we participate in community-building events such as 40:31 in the High School, let's look to Christ and his demonstration of service. Our greatest prayer is that the students and staff of MCA would not only know Jesus but would be transformed by Him.

On Monday, mandatory study halls will begin during W.I.N. Time.

What is Mandatory Study Hall?

Dedicated time for completing assignments, reviewing material, and improving academic performance.

How are students assigned to Mandatory Study Hall?

Every Monday morning at 8AM, administration will run a grade report of all students' classes. If a student has a D+ or lower in any of his/her classes, he/she will be assigned to a mandatory study hall for that Monday and Wednesday during W.I.N. Time. Mandatory study hall will replace any choice activities for that week.

NWEA MAP Growth testing is an adaptive assessment that adjusts the difficulty of questions based on each student’s responses, giving teachers a detailed picture of what a child already knows and what they are ready to learn next. Unlike a traditional test, it is not about passing or failing—it’s about measuring growth over time. Maranatha's teachers use MAP Growth results to set learning goals, differentiate instruction, and provide targeted support so that each student is challenged appropriately and able to make progress at their own pace.

Before Testing:

• Rest is best: Ensure your child has a full night’s sleep before testing days.

• Healthy start: Provide a nutritious breakfast that includes protein to help with focus and stamina.

• Positive encouragement: Remind your child that this assessment is simply a tool to show what they know and what they are learning—there are no grades attached.

After Testing:

• Celebrate effort, not just results: Encourage your child by praising their hard work and perseverance.

• Ask open-ended questions: Instead of “How did you do?” try “What part of the test felt easiest or hardest?”

• Keep reading fun: Continue daily reading at home. Celebrate progress and foster joy in reading beyond testing.

We encourage parents to support their child with encouragement and reassurance rather than pressure, remembering that the purpose of the test is to show progress and highlight areas for growth

It’s important to know that test results are just one piece of the puzzle in understanding your child's learning. While the scores provide teachers with valuable insight into academic growth and help guide instruction, they do not define your child’s intelligence, worth, or God-given potential. Scripture reminds us that we are “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14), and each child is uniquely gifted by God. MAP Growth and Fluency results are simply tools to celebrate growth, set meaningful goals, and guide instruction, while we continue to partner with you in helping your child flourish academically, spiritually, and personally.

Monday, September 15

• Mrs. Larson's class, Period E (Reading test)
• Mrs. Laing's class, Periods C, E, and G (Science test)

Tuesday, September 16

• Mrs. Larson's class, Periods D and F (Reading test)

Wednesday, September 17

• Mrs. Laing's class, Periods C, E, and G (Language test)
• Mrs. Brandstrom's class, Period E (Math test)

Thursday, September 18

• Mr. Rossing's class, Periods B and F (Math test)
• Mr. Isaacs's class, Periods F and H (Math test)

Dance passes are LIVE on our website. Click the image or scan the QR code for more information and to purchase dance passes for the 2025–2026 school year.

High school students have the chance to participate in a mission trip to Orlando, Florida, from June 1–5, 2026! In partnership with Joshua Expeditions, students will engage in hands-on ministry in the heart of the city—serving through food distribution, assisting at local food pantries, participating in light construction and beautification projects, and sharing the love of Christ with those in need. This trip is designed to deepen students’ faith while giving them the chance to serve others in meaningful and impactful ways.

More information about the mission's trip is found in the attached document below. To sign up, or ask questions, please contact Mr. Agrimson.

We’re excited for our all-high school student retreat to Camp Ihduhapi on Friday, September 12!

Students will travel by bus at the start of the school day and return before dismissal. This year’s retreat theme, “40:31,” along with the key word “renew,” is drawn from our school year theme verse, Isaiah 40:31: “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

The heart behind the retreat aligns with our Culture in Action focus of becoming Kingdom Community Builders. Our prayer is that students will deepen their relationships with one another and grow closer to the Lord as we explore the theme throughout the retreat, as well as during Chapel and D-group time before and after the event.

Part of 40:31 will be dividing the grades into class colors. We are highly encouraging students to go all-out (maintaining our modesty standards) in their class color for a full-filled day! The class colors are as follows:

• Grade 9: Yellow
• Grade 10: Green
• Grade 11: Blue
• Grade 12: Pink

Stay tuned for a Retreat Recap in next week's newsletter along with many fun pictures from the day!

Come for pancakes, stay for the fair! The NACCAP Christian College Fair will be hosted by Maranatha on Friday, October 24 from 9011am in the Fellowship Hall (LW).

This event is open to the public, including all local churches, youth groups, schools, and co-ops. Over 20 local and national college and universities will be in attendance.

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.

• Deepen your commitments to your favorite community activities, seeking leadership positions as appropriate

• Meet with college admission officers when they visit MCA to learn about your college options and which campuses you would like to visit

• Attend National College Fair Minneapolis Convention Center: October 7

• PSAT Testing: October 8

• Attend College and Career Week at MCA: October 20-24

• Attend NAACAP Christian College Fair: October 24

• Meet with your college counselor in the Spring to discuss your letter of recommendation

• Ask 1-2 teachers to write a letter of recommendation for you in the Spring

• Finalize the list of colleges you will apply to

• Begin applying for scholarships and create application templates for various scholarship databases (check weekly)

• ACT Testing: April 21

• 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. Beginning Tuesday, September 2nd, students can stop by the CCC if they need help navigating the common application website. Mr. Jensen has a practice account that he can walk them through. Feel free to email Mr. Jensen (jacob.jensen@mcamustangs.org) with any questions or to make an appointment.

If you have any questions or would like additional support in the scholarship process, please don’t hesitate to connect with Mr. Jensen.

Catch a Break Scholarship

• All scholarships are renewable, up to $11,000 per year, up to four years.
• Awarded to Minnesota residents with financial need who have faced challenges and learned from them.
• Will attend a 4-year public college in Minnesota.
• ACT of 24 or higher.

ScholarshipOwl No Essay Scholarship

• Scholarship Owl is a platform designed to dramatically speed up scholarship application time.
• $1,000 scholarship for applicants 16 or older.

Varsity Tutors Scholarship

• Varsity Tutors offers a $1000 scholarship for the best essay response to a specific prompt
• Eligibility for this scholarship is limited to individuals who are at least 16 years of age

• September 11–12: Senior Retreat (at Camp Ihduhapi)
• September 12: Grades 9–12 Retreat (at Camp Ihduhapi)
• September 15-19 NWEA/MAP Testing (9th Grade Only)
• September 15 Mandatory Tutoring Begins/Clubs Begin
• September 20 All-School Fall Festival