Middle School - 4/29

It is a joy to partner with you as we enter the home stretch of the school year. May is always a season of high energy and transition, and I want to encourage you to help your students stay focused on the finish line. As the weather warms up, it is easy for middle schoolers to let their academics slip, but we are called to do all things unto the Lord. By working together and helping to monitor students' Schoology grades, missing/late assignments, and partnering with teachers when an issue occurs, we can help them finish these final weeks with excellence and a Christlike attitude. Once again, as our Dean of Students, Mr. Thomas, says: Be like Christ today! We are grateful for your support in reinforcing these expectations at home as we lead our students toward a strong finish.

Weekly Updates and Events

• April 27-May 1 Mental Health Awareness Week
• May 4-8 Spring Splash
• May 7-8 Upper School Experience Maranatha Rehearsals
• May 15 Experience Maranatha
• May 22 LS Field Day (including 5th Grade)

Blessings,

Allen Banks

Middle School Principal

Today was a wonderful day of mentorship and melody as our 6th-grade students performed for our current 4th-grade students, showcasing our fine arts program that begins in middle school. This practice was a powerful opportunity for our middle schoolers to act as role models, leading the younger students into the excitement of what awaits them next year.

Starting in 5th grade, students can develop their God-given talents by signing up for Band, Orchestra, or Choir. By seeing these classes in action today, our 4th graders were able to envision themselves in the ensemble, and we look forward to seeing how they will use their gifts to glorify Him through music in the years to come!

This week in the chapel, we were blessed to have our school counselors, Mrs. Andrea Shoup and Ms. Lissa Flaaten, lead us in a chapel bringing an awareness of the relationship between mental health and our walk with Jesus Christ. We worshiped together and had the pleasure of listening to one of our own students take the courage to share their testimony, a story where they had to battle with a number of mental health challenges. The student spoke about the importance of relying on Christ and having a community that supports you amidst the darkest of moments. We finished chapel with our athletic director, Mr. Drew Rongere, and a panel of students who shared how to balance the expectations of the sports environment and practice a healthy mental health lifestyle. Not only was the chapel driven by our community, but it was also a joy seeing individuals proclaim the necessity of relying on Christ.

We are excited to announce Spring Splash 2026! This is a high-energy time for our middle schoolers to build community and show their school spirit. In addition to our daily themes, the Middle School will have a special competition during character hour to celebrate together. We encourage all students to dress up, participate, and engage in the fun.

Please ensure all outfits remain in line with our school's modesty policy.

Here is the schedule for the week:

• Monday: Formal Day – Dress your best and get fancy!

• Tuesday: Tacky Tourist/Tropical Day – Think shirts, sun hats, and fanny packs.

• Wednesday: Nerds and Jocks Day – Choose a side and dress the part.

• Thursday: Color Wars

• 5th Grade - Orange
• 6th Grade - Blue
• 7th Grade - Red
• 8th Grade - Pink

• Friday: Hawaiian and Spirit Day – Show your Mustang pride

Experience Maranatha is right around the corner, and we are looking forward to a great day celebrating the Arts within our school community. This is always a special opportunity to showcase the many gifts and talents of our students, and we are excited to see their hard work on display throughout the day.

Parents/special guests will check out middle school students in the sanctuary at the conclusion of the Upper School (MS & HS) Choir Performance, approximately at 12:00 pm. The adult checking out students will need to let the teacher know if the student will be leaving campus with them.

Need to check out before the Upper School Choir Performance (10:45 am)?

If, for any reason, a middle school student needs to be checked out prior to 10:45 am, a parent/guardian must fill out the dedicated Experience Maranatha Form. Please fill this form out at least a day in advance to help streamline the process and note that an adult will need to be present to check out the student at Student Services.

Need to check out after the Upper School Choir Performance (12:30 pm)?

If, for any reason, a middle school student needs to be checked out past 12:30 pm, a parent or special guest will need to visit the grade appropriate classroom to check the student out.

• Grades 5–6 in room #216

• Grades 7–8 in room #240

Any student not checked out for the day will attend the Upper School (MS & HS) Band Performance, starting at 2 pm in the sanctuary.

Please note: middle school students will not be released without an adult present to check them out and all must be accompanied by an adult for the day.

Looking Ahead

• May 4-8 Spring Splash
• May 4-8 Teacher Appreciation Week
• May 11-15 Book Fair
• May 15 Experience Maranatha
• May 22 LS Field Day (5th Grade Included)
• May 25 No School - Memorial Day
• May 26-29 Out of Dress Code Week
• May 29 Last Day of School