Middle School - 8/27

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School begins at 8:15 AM. Students should drop their personal belonging to their locker and report directly to their first period class when they arrive. For families who need an earlier arrival option,

E.A.R.L.Y. Care opens at 7:00 AM. Students participating in E.A.R.L.Y. Care should report to the cafeteria. The gym opens for middle school students at 7:35 AM. Students arriving before the school day begins should remain in the appropriate supervised location until it is time to transition to class.

Afternoon Dismissal

Dismissal for 5th and 6th grade begins at 3:10 PM. Students are picked up at Door 2.

Please follow the designated traffic flow and pickup procedures shown on the MCA dismissal map.

After School Expectations

For student safety and supervision, all 5th and 6th grade students are expected to have a clear after school plan. Students should either:

• Be picked up after dismissal, or
• Report to X tended Day if registered

Students are not permitted to remain in the building or roam around campus after dismissal.

If a student is being picked up by an older sibling, they are expected to leave the building shortly after being picked up. Students are also not permitted to go to the Coffee House after school.

These expectations help us maintain appropriate supervision and ensure that we know where students are at the end of the school day.

Sunday Night Checklist

☐ Know your first period class

☐ Plan your morning arrival

☐ If attending E.A.R.L.Y. Care, report to the cafeteria

☐ Decide whether you want to stop for a first day picture

☐ Know your after school transportation plan

☐ Confirm X tended Day registration, if applicable

☐ Know that dismissal is at 3:10 PM at Door 2

☐ Review the expectation to leave campus promptly after pickup

Rachel David

Maranatha Christian Academy

Picture day attire is dress code or Sunday best.

August 29 | 5th Grade's Summer Reading Project Due Date

September 2 | All School Picture Day

September 3 | Bus Safety Training

September 4 | No School (PreK-12)

September 7 | No School (PreK-12)

Dear 7th & 8th Grade Families,

What a wonderful first week it has been! From our very first Chapel to the excitement of the inaugural House Games and our first House Huddle (Advisory), it is clear that this is going to be an incredible year for our school community. It has truly been a joy to get into classrooms, connect with students, and see the hallways come alive again with energy and excitement. There is truly nothing quite like the buzz of a brand new school year!

As we settle into the rhythm of the new year, I want to take a moment to share a few important policy updates with you this week. Please take a few moments to review the information below, as it will be helpful for both you and your child as we move forward together. As always, please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns, I am always happy to connect with you!

Sarah Rothstein, Ed.D.

Grades 7-12 Principal

What an exciting day it was for our school community! We kicked off our much anticipated House System with an unforgettable House Launch Day! The festivities began in the gym, where students were introduced to our four houses. Students were excited as they opened their envelopes to discover which house they would be representing! Once the big reveal was complete, students organized themselves with their fellow house members and made their way out to Inspire Field for the very first House Games! Students competed enthusiastically, giving their all to earn valuable points for their houses.

With increased AI use, it is a priority for us to teach acceptable AI use at school with regard to assigned coursework. Please take a few minutes to read through the AI Use Policy as this is what will be taught to students and enforced in the classroom.

This year we are strengthening our enforcement of the cell phone policy. In order to help us enforce the policy, if your child 1) does not have a cell phone, or 2) does not bring their phone to school, please complete the attached form and return it to Mrs. Andrea Shoup, Assistant Principal, by email or dropping it off at school.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to Mrs. Shoup directly.

To ensure the safety and well-being of all students and staff, we have implemented an updated bag policy.

What You Need to Know

• Students will not be permitted to carry backpacks or messenger bags throughout the school day
• This policy applies to all hallways, classrooms, cafeteria, etc...
• This decision was made in response to increased student population in our building, which has resulted in more crowded common areas and classrooms

Why This Policy Matters

The safety of every student and staff member is our top priority. With our growing school community, it is important that we take proactive steps to:

• Keep hallways and classrooms clear and accessible
• Reduce overcrowding in shared spaces
• Create a safer environment for everyone

What You Need to Know

• Each student has been given 15 hallway passes per quarter to use during class time.
• We are continuously evaluating this number to ensure it is the right number of passes and may make adjustments as needed.
• Students are encouraged to utilize passing periods between classes for bathroom and other hallway needs.

Why This Policy Matters

Over the past couple of years, we have noticed a significant increase in students spending time in the hallways during instructional time, including extended absences from the classroom. This policy was created to:

• Keep students engaged in their learning during class time
• Reduce unnecessary time spent in the hallways
• Help students develop important time management skills
• Maximize valuable instructional time

Working Together

We believe that partnership with families is key to success of this policy. Your support in encouraging your child to:

• Plan ahead and use passing periods wisely
• Use passes responsibly throughout the quarter
• Communicate with their teachers if they have concerns

Below is the Weekly Schedule for Grades 7-12 for the 2026-2027 school year (with lunch times).

On Tuesday, September 29th, Dr. Rachel David and I will be hosting a Parent Meeting for all Middle & High School students (Grades 5-12). This meeting will include a deep dive into the House System as well as other important update.

Time: 5:30PM

Location: MCA Cafeteria

As a new school year is upon us, please take a moment to refresh your memory on our parking lot flowchart and assigned parking areas for families.

• Wednesday, September 2: All School Picture Day
• Friday, September 4: No School, Professional Development Day
• Monday, September 7: No School, Labor Day
• Tuesday, September 29: Middle & High School Parent Meeting (5:30PM)