Lower School - 9/25
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
Welcoming Back Elizabeth Jong!
"My name is Elizabeth De Jong, and I grew up in Northern Minnesota. From a young age, I knew I wanted to be a teacher and dreamed of the day I would have my own classroom. I attended North Central University in Minneapolis and had the privilege of student teaching at MCA. Afterward, I taught Kindergarten for one year before moving with my husband to Massachusetts, where he pursued his Master of Theology. While in Massachusetts, I taught Second Grade. When the Lord called us back to Minnesota, I was grateful He led me back to MCA, where I now continue my teaching career as a Kindergarten teacher.
Outside the classroom, I love being outdoors and am always up for trying something new. Some of my favorite hobbies include horseback riding, rock climbing, and hiking. In addition, I have the joy of serving alongside my husband at Riverway Church as a Youth and Young Adult Leader, as well as working as an Equine Assisted Learning Instructor at Bina Aime Farm.
I feel truly blessed to combine my passion for teaching with my faith and look forward to investing in the lives of my students both academically and spiritually." -Elizabeth De Jong
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 they will do if elected!
Timeline:
- September 9th - 26th: Posters on display in the 3rd Grade 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 value others above yourselves." Leaders are called to humble service, valuing others' needs above their own.
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:
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Pricing information
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Drop-In Care details
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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
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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!
Praying when I have "BIG" emotions
Dear Jesus,
Thank You for making me and loving me.
Sometimes my feelings feel really big.
When I feel worried, help me remember You are with me.
When I feel angry, help me take a breath and calm down.
When I feel sad, hold me close and comfort me.
When I feel happy, remind me to thank You!
Please help me use my feelings in good ways.
Teach me to be kind, patient, and full of love.
Thank You that I can always talk to You about anything I feel.
Amen.
