Lower School - 10/2
Dear Lower School Families,
Now that we are well underway into the school year, I am going to shift my communication a bit so that it is easier for you to grab the information you need. So here are this week's "NEED TO KNOWS":
- With parent teacher conferences right around the corner, please make sure to register for release days (no school days & half days) if you need student care. You can find more information below.
- Student scores for NWEA MAP testing will be sent out by the end of this week, so please be on the lookout for your student's reports via USPS.
- As we round out week six of programming, you may be noticing that the learning is shifting from review toward asking students to learn *new* content. In lower school, one thing we are experiencing is students sitting in a "fixed mindset" when things get difficult in their learning. We are asking for your partnership to help students break free from this thinking. What God's Word teaches us is that "...[we] can do all things through Christ who strengthens us." Below are some ways to shift our student's thinking.
In His Service,
Dr. Rachel David
Lower School Principal
Emma Clausen (Grade 2)
“My name is Emma Clausen, and I feel incredibly blessed to be teaching second graders here at Maranatha! This is my second year at MCA, and I truly consider it a gift to be part of such a Christ-centered, encouraging, and joyful school community.
I graduated from the University of Sioux Falls. I’ve always felt a calling to pour God’s love and truth into the lives of young learners, and I’m so thankful that I get to live out that calling each day in the classroom. I’m passionate about helping students grow not only academically, but also spiritually and emotionally. I love creating a space where students develop a growth mindset and form Godly habits that will guide them throughout their lives.
When I’m not in the classroom, you can usually find me enjoying time with friends and family, enjoying God’s nature, or caring for my ever-growing collection of plants.
Thank you for letting me be a small part of your child’s journey. I’m looking forward to another amazing year filled with growth, laughter, and lots of learning!” -Emma Clausen
X-Tended Day Registration
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
The beginning of October marks National Bullying Awareness Month. As a school community, we will continue to focus on spreading kindness, fostering inclusion, and modeling respect, all rooted in God’s love for us.
Upcoming Events:
In October, I’ll be visiting our K–Grade 4 classrooms for our "Bullying Awareness" guidance lesson. During this lesson, students will learn:
Definition of Bullying
Types of Bullying
The Impact of Bullying
Steps to Recognize, Report, and Refuse Bullying
Counselor Resources:
Check out the books below that focus on spreading kindness and bullying awareness to read/process with your student(s):
- Be Kind by Pat Miller
- The Invisible Boy by Trudy Ludwig
- Strictly No Elephants by Lisa Mantchev
Feel free to apply these conversations at home by talking about kindness, empathy, and ways to include others. Together, we can help every student feel safe, respected, and included at school.
_________________________________________________
Please contact me at katie.welhouse@mcamustangs.org if you would like your child to receive services or to inquire for more details! I look forward to partnering with you and getting to know your student(s) more this school year!
Prayer for Finding Joy and Purpose in Learning
Heavenly Father,
I come to You with a grateful heart for the gift of school and the opportunity to grow in knowledge and wisdom.
Please help me discover the joy of learning. Guide me to find subjects that spark my curiosity, teachers who inspire me, and friends who encourage me.
When learning feels hard, give me strength. When school feels overwhelming, give me peace. Help me see my potential the way You see me — full of promise, creativity, and purpose.
May school be a place where I grow not just in knowledge, but in confidence, kindness, and joy.
Most of all, remind me that I am never alone. You are always with me, guiding me, calming my fears, and walking beside me every step of the way.
In Jesus’ name I pray,
Amen.
