Lower School - 9/18

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":

• We are seeing an uptick in students being tardy. To ensure your student has a great start to the school day, please have your student in class no later than 8:00. New to our policies this year - if a student is tardy 5 times, it will convert to an unexcused absence. If a student receives 3 unexcused absences, they will be considered "continually truant" and be placed on an attendance contract.

• Please make sure that when layering your student that the apparel is branded. As a reminder, cardigans and zip-ups are not part of the approved dress code. Please refer to the dress code guidelines to help answer any questions you may have.

• Please make sure that if your child is bringing any smart device (i.e. cell phone, watch, ear buds) to school that it is placed in their backpack. Use of personal devices during school is prohibited.

• We’ve noticed that some popular forms of secular entertainment are starting to make their way into the school. While we understand families may make different choices about what is acceptable at home, we ask that students not bring entertainment into MCA that carries messages or themes outside of our mission. Our desire is to keep what is pure, lovely, and honorable before our students (Philippians 4:8). We are grateful to partner with you in guiding their hearts and minds toward Christ.

In His Service,

Dr. Rachel David
Lower School Principal

On September 11, our 4th graders had the opportunity to spend the day at Base Camp at Fort Snelling for our 1st Annual teambuilding field trip. Before heading out, students engaged in a Bible lesson on showing love, kindness, and compassion to one another—setting the stage for a meaningful day together.

Throughout the trip, students were placed in mixed teams, giving them the chance to build connections beyond their own class. We watched them encourage one another during rock climbing, try something new with archery, and practice patience and teamwork during group challenges. During lunch, students reflected together on what was going well in their teams and where they could grow. It was inspiring to see many rely on God’s strength to face their fears and step out of their comfort zones.

By the end of the day, new friendships had formed, and a strong sense of camaraderie was evident across the grade level. Back in the classroom, students continued the conversation through a follow-up Bible lesson, focusing on how we can continue to grow in love for one another this year.

This field trip will serve as a touchpoint for us throughout the school year as we remind students of the lessons they learned—teamwork, love, forgiveness, and perseverance with a growth mindset. We are so grateful for this experience and excited to see how God will use it to strengthen our 4th grade community.

• Grade: 3–9
• Date: October 17
• Time: 9:00 am–4:00 pm
• Location: MCA Gym

• Cost: $150

• Register here

• Grade: 2–5
• Dates: October 11,18, 25, and November 8 and 15
• Time: 10:00 am–12:00 pm
• Location: MCA Gym
• Cost: $250
• Register here

• Make your own MCA team of 3 and compete in this league.
• Grade: 4–8
• Dates: September 29–November 5
• Registration deadline is September 25
• Cost: $200/team or $50/individual
• Click here for more information

• Tryouts will be held in early-October if there are enough interested girls to form a team.
• Grade: 4–8
• Season: October–February
• Cost: TBD (depends on roster size and number of practices/tournaments)
• Interested? Email Rachael Kaiser at rachael.kaiser@mcamustangs.org

We are pleased to introduce Yan Ashe, our amazing Music Teacher!

"Hi everyone, my name is Yan Ashe. I was born in Minsk, Belarus, and grew up in a Christian home, where both of my parents were musicians. I entered a special music school at the age of six and studied music for 19 years, eventually earning my master’s degree from the Belarusian Academy of Music.

I have extensive professional experience in choir direction, with multiple choir awards, and a strong background as a worship leader. In addition, I built my own private teaching practice as a music teacher. I am also a recording artist, with two Christian albums and two instrumental albums.

Outside of my musical work, I’m a loving husband and father to a beautiful 3-year-old girl Adele and two 1-month-old boys, Joel, and Jesse. I have a deep love for children and a passion for teaching music with enthusiasm and dedication." -Yan Ashe

Help sessions are under way for our Grade 3–4 students. As a gentle reminder, students attending help sessions are through an invite from the classroom teacher, if they qualify through one of the following criteria:

1. Currently receiving or have recently received academic support through MCA’s Learning Support Services (LSS) or an outside provider (e.g., tutoring, accommodation).
2. Have a subject grade of 72% (C-) or lower.
3. Are identified by their teacher as needing additional support based on classroom performance or assessment data.

Parents—are you interested in theater and have a heart for children? If this is you, would you be interested in partnering with Maranatha in developing our lower school theater program?

Reach out to Rachel David (rachel.david@mcamustangs.org) for more information!

Campaigning has begun! Posters are up on the walls and the next Grade 3–4 leaders are working toward promoting themselves and all the ideas they have and good the will do if elected!

Timeline:

• September 9th - 26th: Posters on display in the Grade 3 Wing

• September 24th - 25th: Voting Days!
• September 26th: Both elected and non-elected students will be made aware of their status via an email to their parents after 4:00 p.m.
• September 29th: Elected students will speak briefly at the chapels to introduce themselves to the student body and inform them why they are excited to be in this role.

What is Student Council?

Student Council is a group of students who represent their classmates, meet once a month to share ideas, and help make our school an even better place. It’s a chance to show leadership, teamwork, and kindness while growing in your walk with Christ.

In Mark 10:42-45, Jesus explains that unlike secular rulers who lord over their subjects, Christian leaders must be servants. He states, "Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be a slave of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give His life as a ransom for many." In Philippians 2:3 it advises, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility calue others above yourselves." Leaders are called to humble service, valueing others' needs above their own.

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

• Pre-Paid Short-Term and Long-Term care options

• 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

What a great start to the school year! Students and staff are settling back into routines, and our guidance lessons are off to a wonderful start. We’ve been exploring what a school counselor does and how students can reach out for support. I’ve especially enjoyed meeting your children, playing our “What’s in the Counselor’s Bag?” game, and hearing their thoughtful questions. Feel free to check out the upcoming events and counselor resources below:

Upcoming Events: In September, I’ll continue to be visiting our K–Grade 4 classrooms for our "Meet the School Counselor" guidance lesson. During this lesson, students will learn:

• Who the school counselor is

• How I can help them at school

• When and how they can come see me for support

• Participate in a group activity

Counselor Resources: Check out these books that focus on back-to-school anxiety to read/process with your student(s):

• First Day Jitters by Julie Danneberg

• The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson

• If Jesus Came to My School by April Graney

  
  

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!

• September 15–19 - NWEA MAP Growth Testing (K–Grade 4)
• September 15 - Youth Night (Boys Soccer)

• September 16 - Youth Night (Volleyball)

• September 18 - Youth Night (Girls Soccer)

• September 22 - Fall Fest week starts (dress up days below)

• Monday: PJ/Cozy Camp Fire Day
• Tuesday: Jersey Day
• Wednesday: Color Clash
• PreK (purple) vs Kindergarten (red)
• Grade 1 (blue) vs Grade 2 (pink)
• Grade 3 (white) vs Grade 4 (black)

• Thursday: Flannel vs. Denim
• Friday: Spirit Friday

• September 24 - See You at the Pole (students must be accompanied by a parent)
• September 26 - Fall Pep Fest

Lord, I lift every student who struggles to focus before You. Quiet the noise of distraction and still the storm of wandering thoughts. Let their hearts be anchored and their minds attentive. Grant them strength to concentrate, discipline to complete assignments, and joy in learning. Fill them with determination and resilience. Father, keep them steady in their studies, alert in their classrooms, and engaged in every task. Let the light of understanding shine upon them, and may they finish the day with confidence in what they have learned. I declare focus and peace over their minds. In Jesus’ name, Amen.