Middle School - 3/12

We have reached the final push of the third quarter! With only a short time remaining until March 20th and the beginning of spring break, our classrooms are buzzing with final projects and assessments. This is a great time for a mid-week grade check with your students. My recommendation is to have students pull up their Schoology courses and take a look at their grades, keep an eye out for any missing assignments, and encourage them to finish the quarter well.

Finishing Strong Before Spring Break

With Spring Break just around the corner, it's natural for students to start looking ahead. We want to acknowledge that the break is something to look forward to! But we're asking families to partner with us in keeping the momentum strong these last few days. Consistent homework routines, healthy sleep, and gentle reminders that our expectations for academic effort and Christlike character remain high right through the finish line will make a real difference.

Weekly Updates and Events

• March 12-15 MCA Theater Performance - Frozen Jr.
• March 20 End of Q3/Half Day
• March 21- March 29 Spring Break/No School
• March 30 School Resumes

Blessings,

Allen Banks

Middle School Principal

In Mr. Sherman’s U.S. Studies classes, our 8th graders aren't just memorizing dates; they are living out our Culture in Action through connection and collaboration. Recently, students have been challenged to work in teams to learn about strategies used in the American Civil War and analyze how different resources played a role in the outcome.

In our walk with Christ, we may face a difficult situation that raises doubts about our faith. These can be lonely circumstances, as it can be challenging to share our doubts. This week in chapel, we looked at John 20:24-29 and evaluated the impact doubt had on Thomas. Often deemed as "Doubting Thomas," we asked the question, "How could someone (Thomas) who doubted the resurrection of Jesus become one of the disciples who went all the way to India to spread the gospel, and would eventually be killed for their belief in Jesus?" Jesus encountered Thomas in John 20:24-29 and met him right where he was at. That meeting transformed Thomas, leading him to proclaim, "My Lord and My God." In our moments of doubt, we may never receive the answer to our questions, but what we can pray for is a peace that surpasses all understanding and mercies that are new every morning. Thomas thought he needed to touch the wounds of Jesus to believe in the Resurrection; however, we are never told that he actually did when he saw Jesus. Perhaps being with Jesus is enough, which is a comforting prospect when we face challenging moments. We pray that your child is not alone if they have doubts, but rather that Maranatha can be a safe place where students can be transparent and experience the love of Christ.

For His Glory,

Mr. Agrimson

5th and 6th grade students who are not picked up at the 11:45 dismissal will require supervision on Friday, March 20th from 11:45am - 3:15pm.

Students who remain after our half-day will need to pre-register and will be charged $24.50/student to cover the cost of pizza, sides, a drink, and supervision through 3:15 p.m.

When: March 20, 2026
Hours: 11:45am-3:15pm*
Pickup: Cafeteria

*Note: 5th and 6th grade X-Tended Day is available from 3:15 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. and our regular school-day rates apply.

Registration is required to ensure we have enough food for all those who come join! Registration deadline is at 4:00 p.m. March 17th

Click here to register

Dear Families,

We are pleased to announce that Ms. Lissa Flaaten has rejoined the counseling team at MCA alongside Mrs. Andrea Shoup. Ms. Flaaten previously served in this capacity for 9 years. Most recently she has served as a children’s pastor over the last 3 years. For this school year, Ms. Flaaten will be primarily supporting students in middle and high school. In her role, she will be available to support students with social-emotional development, academic guidance, and college and career planning. She brings with her a deep familiarity with our students, families, and student culture. We are glad to have her back on our team.

Families are encouraged to reach out to our counseling team directly with questions or to schedule a conversation via email andrea.shoup@mcamustangs.org or lissa.flaaten@mcamustangs.org.

We are confident that Ms. Flaaten's return to our team will be a benefit to our students, and we look forward to the work ahead.

The 2026–2027 course registration process will take place during the second week of March and will be built into WIN Time through what we are calling registration conferences. This approach allows us to be intentional in supporting students as they plan ahead.

During these registration conferences, teachers will walk students through the process to ensure they clearly understand graduation requirements, elective options, and what credits they still need in order to graduate. Our goal is to help students make thoughtful, informed decisions about their course selections.

UPDATED time frame:

• Monday, March 9: Students will review their transcript and receive a grade-level-specific registration sheet for the year they are registering for. They will select their desired courses and take the form home to review with a parent/guardian.
• By Friday, March 13: Please enter student course selections into FACTS at home. A step-by-step process will be sent home in the coming weeks.

We appreciate your partnership as we work together to plan well for the upcoming school year.

~Dr. Rothstein

High School Principal

Looking Ahead

• March 12-15 MCA Theater Performance - Frozen Jr.
• March 20 End of Q3/Half Day
• April 3 - Good Friday No School
• April 6 - Easter Monday No School
• April 10 - 6th Grade Field Trip to State Capital, History Center and James J. Hill House
• April 17 - Serve Day
• April 20-24 NWEA Spring MAP Testing