Middle School - 10/29
October 29, 2026
5–6 Updates
Dear MCA Families,
Looking Ahead at MCA! We have some exciting events coming up!
Book Fair: Get ready to saddle up for a reading adventure at MCA's Fall I:55 Book Fair! This year's theme, "Reading Round Up!", invites students and families to discover exciting books and develop a lifelong love of reading. Join us as we round up some great reads, celebrate the joy of reading, and support MCA with every purchase!
College Wear Wednesday, November 4th: We encourage middle school students to begin thinking about their futures through College Wear Wednesday! Students are invited to wear apparel representing their favorite college or university. Whether it's a school they dream of attending, a family member's alma mater, or simply a college they enjoy cheering for, this is a fun way to spark conversations about future goals, opportunities, and the unique gifts and talents God has given each student.
Parent Teacher Conferences, November 5 and 6: We look forward to connecting with families to celebrate student growth and discuss progress. For those parents who attend, you will have the opportunity to earn house points for your child's team. When you check into the front table, our staff will hand you a Conference Passport. For every teacher you visit, have them initial in one of the boxes (up to 8 signatures). For each signature provided your child will receive 2 points for their House. Additionally, students will receive 5 bonus points if you meet with 6+ teachers. When you are done, simply turn your passport at the check-in table at Door 2 before leaving.
We're grateful for the many opportunities our students have to learn, serve, and grow together!
In His Service,
Dr. Rachel David
5th & 6th Grade Principal
Maranatha Christian Academy
7–8 Updates
Dear 7th & 8th Grade Families,
We look forward to connecting with families at parent-teacher conferences next Thursday and Friday! This newsletter includes details to help you prepare. Classroom maps and mid-semester progress reports with current grades will be available when you arrive. Conferences are a valuable opportunity to celebrate growth, discuss questions, and partner with teachers to support your child. They are also a great way to earn points for your child’s House!
Please also save the date for Thursday, January 21, for our annual Welcome to High School Parent Meeting, held from 5:30–6:30p.m. for all 8th Grade parents and students. The Sophomore Parent Meeting will follow at 6:30p.m. Both meetings will take place in the coffee house. Thank you for your continued partnership and the many ways you encourage your children as they learn and grow!
Sarah Rothstein, Ed.D.
Grades 7-12 Principal
CHAPEL HIGHLIGHTS
5th & 6th Grade
This week in chapel, we explored what it means to overcome fear through the story The Thing Lou Couldn't Do by Ashley Spires. Students learned that being courageous doesn't mean we are never afraid, but rather that we can trust God and take brave steps even when things feel difficult or uncertain. Through Joshua 1:9, we were reminded that God is always with us, even when we face challenges. We encouraged students to recognize their fears, talk to God, and take one brave step forward. Our big takeaway: Fear doesn't get to be the boss! We can trust God and be brave!
Family Connection: Ask your child, "What is something that makes you nervous or afraid, and how can trusting God help you take a brave step?"
Grades 7-12 Chapel Recap
Tuesday, October 27
On Tuesday's chapel, we had an outside speaker come in for our students to share Gods word, the President of Northwestern Dr. Corbin Hoornbeek. Dr. Hoornbeek brought a special message talking about God's position in our lives and where we choose to allow Him. He told us that we can and are the next generation of leaders and showed us that we should prioritize God over our wants and idols. He used Matthew 6:19-21 and Matthew 6:24 to explain to us that our heart can't be in two places, and that our heart should be with the Lord and not serving two masters. Dr. Corbin also ended up sharing a couple of stories from his life about how God showed him that his heart should always be in the Lord's hands and not away. At the end of his message, he told the students to remember that the Lord should be first in our lives and that He should be our Master. After Chapel was coming to a close, the students were invited into a time of worship and reflection where everyone could spend time with the Lord, meditating and rejoicing in His peace.
~ Esteban Ordaz Aguero, MCA Chapel Committee Member
COUNSELOR CORNER
As the school counselor, one way I support and work with students is through classroom lessons. This past week, I joined our 5th grade students and explored the power of two words: "I am." We talked about how easily negative thoughts like “I'm not smart enough” or “I'm not good at anything” can sneak into our minds and begin to feel like truth. Using Jesus' powerful “I Am” statements, we explored the difference between what we sometimes believe about ourselves and what God says is true. I also reminded students that sometimes those negative thoughts don't just disappear, and that's where I come in! My job isn't to fix students, but to walk alongside them, help them recognize what's true, and support them when anxiety, comparison, friendships, or life feel overwhelming. I'd encourage you to continue the conversation at home by asking your child, “What's one thing you sometimes tell yourself that might not be true, and what does God say about you instead?”
House Games Recap - October 28
Yesterday’s House Games brought students together for friendly competition and community! Students spent half their time in the gym playing a large-group game and the other half in classrooms taking on Minute to Win It challenges. See pictures below!
Our heart behind House Games is for every student to participate and feel included. By offering a variety of activities, we aim to create opportunities that are fun and draw on students’ different strengths. We welcome student ideas, too! If your student has a suggestion for a future game, please encourage them to share it with administration.
Fall Conferences Information - November 5-6
Earn House Points at Parent-Teacher Conferences!
Families, it's your turn to help your student's house earn points toward the House Cup!
During parent-teacher conferences, families of students in grades 5–12 can participate in our House Conference Challenge. When you arrive, you'll be handed a House Conference Passport and bring it with you as you visit your student's teachers. For each teacher you meet with, ask them to sign your passport. Each signature earns 2 points for your student's house, with a maximum of 8 signatures (16 points). Families who collect 6 or more signatures will earn an additional 5 bonus points, for a total of 21 possible House Points!
Before leaving, be sure to turn in your completed passport so your points can be added to your student's house total. Thank you for partnering with us in your student's education and helping build a strong MCA community!
Veteran's Day Chapel Invitation - November 10
Please join us for our Grades 7-12 Veterans Day Chapel on Tuesday, November 10, from 11:00AM-Noon as we honor those who have served our country. All families are welcome to attend, and we especially invite the veterans in our MCA community to join us for this special time of gratitude and recognition.
Parent Resources
Grades 7-12 Club & Activities Handbook
Attached below is the 2026-2027 Clubs & Activities Handbook for your reference.
Schoology Parent Guide
Attached below is the Schoology Parent Guide for your reference.
Attendance Information (Grades 7-12)
Please see attached letter regarding attendance grade reductions and a link to submit an absence.
AI Policy (Grades 7-12)
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.
Cell Phone Policy & Opt-Out Form (Grades 7-12)
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.
Grades 7-12 Weekly Schedule
Below is the Weekly Schedule for Grades 7-12 for the 2026-2027 school year (with lunch times).
Parking Lot Instructions
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.
BYOD Guide 2026-27
Attached is the BYOD Guide for your reference.
Middle School Calendar
November 2nd - 6th: Book Fair (5th & 6th)
- Monday, November 2: NJHS/NHS Induction
- November 5-6: No School, Conferences
- Thursday, November 12: NHS Blood Drive
- December 7-10: NWEA/MAP Testing Window
- Thursday, January 21: Welcome to High School Parent Meeting @ 5:30PM (Coffee House)