Lower School - 10/29

Dear MCA Families,

Looking Ahead at MCA! We have some exciting events coming up!

2nd Grade Field Trip, Friday, October 30: Our second graders are heading to The Works Museum for a day of hands-on learning and exploration!

Book Fair: Get ready to saddle up for a reading adventure at MCA's Fall I:55 Book Fair! This year's theme, "Reading Round Up!", invites students and families to discover exciting books and develop a lifelong love of reading. Join us as we round up some great reads, celebrate the joy of reading, and support MCA with every purchase!

Parent Teacher Conferences, November 5 and 6: We look forward to connecting with families to celebrate student growth and discuss progress.

We're grateful for the many opportunities our students have to learn, serve, and grow together!

In His Service,

Dr. Rachel David

Lower School Principal

The way we speak to ourselves matters, and it's something we can help our kids recognize from an early age. Think about how easily thoughts like “I'm not smart enough,” “I'm not good at anything,” or “I'll never get this right” can sneak into our minds and slowly begin to feel like truth. As a school counselor, I often see how negative self-talk impacts students' confidence, friendships, and willingness to try new things. These thoughts don't always disappear on their own, but we can help kids learn to recognize them, challenge them, and replace them with truth. Throughout Scripture, God reminds us of who he created us to be and how he loves us. When we or our children struggle with negative thoughts, turning to Scripture can help us challenge those lies with God's truth. Psalm 139:14 reminds us, “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”

Here's a simple conversation starter for home this week: “What's something you sometimes tell yourself that might not be true? What does God say about you instead?”

Helping our kids develop a healthy inner voice is a powerful gift. When we consistently speak truth and encouragement into their lives, we help them begin to recognize that same truth for themselves. As always, I'm here to partner with you and support your child as they navigate these challenges!

This week in chapel, we explored what it means to overcome fear through the story The Thing Lou Couldn't Do by Ashley Spires. Students learned that being courageous doesn't mean we are never afraid, but rather that we can trust God and take brave steps even when things feel difficult or uncertain. Through Joshua 1:9, we were reminded that God is always with us, even when we face challenges. We encouraged students to recognize their fears, talk to God, and take one brave step forward. Our big takeaway: Fear doesn't get to be the boss! We can trust God and be brave!

Family Connection: Ask your child, "What is something that makes you nervous or afraid, and how can trusting God help you take a brave step?"

This week, we are sharing a read aloud called The Pumpkin Patch Parable by Liz Curtis Higgs. It is a heartwarming story about a farmer who carefully chooses, cleans, and transforms a pumpkin into a shining light. Through this story, students were reminded that God lovingly created each of us, works in our hearts, and calls us to reflect His love and light to others.

Continue the conversation at home: Ask your child, “What are some ways you can let God's light shine through you this week?”

October 30th

• 2nd Grade field trip to The Works Museum

November 2nd-6th

• Book Fair (PreK-6)

November 5th

• No School/Parent Teacher Conferences

November 6th

• No School/Parent Teacher Conferences

November 12th

• NHS Blood Drive (located in the mall hall)

Student Council Members will meet in Mrs. Peterson's 4th grade classroom from 3:00-4:15 on the first Wednesday of each month! After the meeting concludes, students will be brought down to Door 1 (covered entry) for pickup. Any student not picked up by 4:25 will be brought to X-tended Day where fees may apply.

• November 4th
• December 2nd
• January 6th
• February 3rd
• March 3rd
• April 7th
• May 5th

Dear God,

Thank You for always being with me. Sometimes I feel afraid, and sometimes things seem too hard.

Help me remember that I am never alone, because You are always by my side. When I feel scared,

help me put my trust in You. Give me courage to try new things, even when I might make mistakes.

Help me take one brave step at a time and remember that fear doesn't get to be the boss!

Thank You for loving me, helping me, and giving me courage.

In Jesus' name, Amen.