High School - 10/23

Dear High School Families,

It’s been an exciting week here at MCA as our students have been fully engaged in College & Career Week! Juniors kicked things off on Monday by meeting with representatives from North Central University, where they enjoyed donuts, some school swag, and great conversations about college life. On Tuesday, we were honored to have the President of the University of Northwestern speak in Chapel. Yesterday, students took part in the Game of Life, a hands-on budgeting simulation that opened their eyes to the realities of adult life—complete with car payments, housing costs, and groceries! Today, students will join in a fun medallion hunt with career-themed clues, and we’ll wrap up the week with the National Christian College Fair right here on our campus.

Looking ahead, our College Information & Financial Aid Night is coming up on Thursday, November 6—save the date! This event is open to all high school families and will provide valuable insight into the college application and financial aid process, including recent updates to FAFSA. Whether your student is beginning their college search or preparing to apply, this evening will be a great opportunity to learn more. Additional details can be found in the College and Career Center Updates section below.

As we look ahead, Veteran families—please save the date! Our Veterans' Day Chapel will take place on Tuesday, November 11, from 11:00 a.m. to noon in the Youth Space. We would love to have you join us as we honor and celebrate those who have faithfully served our country.

Finally, PSEO course registration for both J-term and Spring Semesters through Bethel University is coming up soon. Please see the details below for important advising dates and registration timelines.

Sarah Rothstein, Ed.D.

High School Principal

This week in chapel, we were blessed to have the president of the University of Northwestern, Dr. Corbin Hoornbeek, speak with our High School students. He spoke on leadership and looked to Joseph in the Bible as an example. Joseph experienced horrific circumstances, yet he stayed true to God. He had every excuse to abandon the truth, but Joseph decided to follow the Lord. Dr. Hoornbeek had the students read with him Genesis 50:20 that states, "As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today." We are blessed to have leaders outside of MCA who not only care about our kids but also ultimately want our students to follow God's plan.

For His Glory!

~Mr. Agrimson

On Tuesday, November 11, from 11:00 am–12:00 pm, our high school will hold a special Veterans Day Chapel in the Youth Space. We would love to invite any parent or grandparent of our high school students who has served—or is currently serving—in the military to join us for this meaningful time together.

We are excited to celebrate and honor the brave men and women who have sacrificed and served our country. It will be a special opportunity for our students to express gratitude and learn from those who have demonstrated courage and service in such significant ways.

Parent-Teacher Conferences are just around the corner! These upcoming conferences are a wonderful opportunity to connect with your child’s teachers and discuss their progress so far this school year. We value the partnership between home and school and look forward to collaborating together to support each student’s academic, social, and spiritual growth. Please review the information below carefully for conference dates, times, and details specific to your child’s grade level.

When you arrive for conferences, please plan to pick up your child’s progress report at the table located outside the gym before entering. Please note that this is not a report card as in previous years, but rather a snapshot of your student’s current grades as of Monday, November 3. This update allows teachers and parents to have timely conversations about student progress during conferences. This change applies only to High School students—report cards will still be distributed at the end of Semester 1.

We’ve had a great College and Career Week filled with engaging activities and real-life learning experiences! Yesterday afternoon, students participated in the Game of Life, a hands-on budgeting simulation where they were assigned a career, salary, and family situation—some were even “married” with kids! From there, they had to make decisions about housing, transportation, insurance, food, entertainment, and other expenses that come with adult life. It was fun listening to their conversations as they realized just how much it costs to live on your own and manage a budget responsibly. See below for pictures from this event!

PSEO Registration with Bethel University is coming up! Students taking PSEO course(s) through Bethel will meet with Bethel representatives and Mr. Jensen for a 15-minute advising session on October 30–31 (students should sign up in advance with the CCC). Following advising, students will register for Spring semester courses on Monday, November 17. Students planning to take a J-Term course should also register on November 17. Questions about advising or registration? Please contact Mr. Jensen at jacob.jensen@mcamustangs.org

Step into the pages of Scripture on this unforgettable journey through the Holy Land! From sailing the Sea of Galilee to walking the ancient streets of Jerusalem, every moment will bring the Bible to life. We will celebrate Palm Sunday in Jerusalem and share in Communion at the Garden Tomb, retracing the steps of Jesus and experiencing His story in powerful ways. Deepen your faith, build lasting memories, and experience Israel in a way you’ll never forget. The tour highlights biblical history—from the ancient world to the modern fulfillment of prophecy in Israel today—and includes Palm Sunday in Jerusalem and Communion at the Garden Tomb.

his is a life-changing journey designed to:

• Deepen your faith and understanding of the Bible
• Explore ancient and modern Israel—from Jerusalem to the Galilee
• Learn from on-site teaching, cultural experiences, and local voices
• Build lasting friendships and spiritual insight

Open to students, alumni, families, and community members
Spaces are limited—early registration encouraged!

Please note: any student wishing to participate in the Israel Tour must be accompanied by a parent both at the meeting and on the tour.

• Questions? Contact Pastor Deb Campbell (deb.campbell@lwcc.org)

To register, click here.

Attached Itinerary (And stay tuned—surprise stops and bonus experiences may be added to make this tour even more unforgettable!):

Date: Thursday, Nov. 6th at 6:30-8:30 (during Conferences)

Location: Coffee House

4 Strategies for a Smarter College Search

The college search continues to become more complex, making it harder for families to identify right-fit schools. Challenges include:

• Admission trends and how colleges admit students

• ACT/SAT Testing - some require it now, and some don't - what path makes sense?

• The number of schools on the “more selective” list continues to grow

• Substantial changes to the FAFSA, Dept of Education, and financial aid may make college more expensive

Join Maranatha Christian Academy as we partner with national college expert, Cozy Wittman, from College Inside Track, to learn how these changes may impact your family, and new strategies to consider to give your student the best opportunity to be admitted and maximize scholarships and financial aid.

If you are the parent of a high school student in grades 9-11, this is incredibly important info you will not want to miss.

The transition from high school to college can be both exciting and overwhelming — especially for students with mental health or learning challenges. As teens step into more independence, they also face new academic pressures, social changes, and the responsibility of managing their own schedules, support systems, and well-being.

Parents, educators, and students — please join us for this expert-led discussion.

Sign-up below!

Come for pancakes, stay for the fair! The NACCAP Christian College Fair will be hosted by Maranatha on Friday, October 24 from 9–11am in the Fellowship Hall (LW).

This event is open to the public, including all local churches, youth groups, schools, and co-ops. Over 20 local and national college and universities will be in attendance.

Please see the ACT website below for information on ACT testing dates. All Juniors and Seniors will be invited to take the ACT at Maranatha on April 21st, 2026. We strongly encourage all juniors to take this opportunity to take the ACT this coming April on campus. More information will be coming out in the coming months.

• Deepen your commitments to your favorite community activities, seeking leadership positions as appropriate

• Meet with college admission officers when they visit MCA to learn about your college options and which campuses you would like to visit

• Attend National College Fair Minneapolis Convention Center: October 7

• PSAT Testing: October 8

• Attend College and Career Week at MCA: October 20-24

• Attend NAACAP Christian College Fair: October 24

• Meet with your college counselor in the Spring to discuss your letter of recommendation

• Ask 1-2 teachers to write a letter of recommendation for you in the Spring

• Finalize the list of colleges you will apply to

• Begin applying for scholarships and create application templates for various scholarship databases (check weekly)

• ACT Testing: April 21

Diploma Name (DUE ASAP):

• If you haven't already done so, please fill out this form so that we have your child's name printed correctly on his/her diploma: Diploma Name & Years at MCA

Cap & Gown Orders (Due December 12)

• Every graduate/family needs to place an order through Herff Jones for their graduate's cap/gown/tassel set. All orders are sent directly to MCA and handed out during a rehearsal the week of graduation. Graduates keep their caps/tassels are theirs to keep; gowns are rentals and returned after the commencement ceremony.
• Here are the ordering instructions, that include a link directly to Herff’s website: Herff Jones Online Ordering.pdf

Below is the link to the MCA Senior Page with all to-do list items for the school year.

See below regarding information to submit senior portraits for the year - Due November 1!

• Complete college applications with the help of your college counselor
• Work with your college counselor, as needed, to finalize your application essay(s) and supplemental resources
• Check early action application deadlines for your college(s) of choice

The Common App is live for students to begin submitting their college applications. Beginning Tuesday, September 2, students can stop by the CCC if they need help navigating the common application website. Mr. Jensen has a practice account that he can walk them through. Feel free to email Mr. Jensen (jacob.jensen@mcamustangs.org) with any questions or to make an appointment.

Kevin McMullin, founder of Collegewise, is taking the mic to share expert advice on what truly matters in college applications. From crafting standout essays to understanding what admissions officers value most — this session delivers clarity and actionable insights.

If you have any questions or would like additional support in the scholarship process, please don’t hesitate to connect with Mr. Jensen.

• Current high school seniors, or the equivalent, who are citizens of the United States are eligible to apply.
• Applicants do not need to be related to a member of the Elks.
• Applicants must be citizens of the United States on the date their applications are submitted; permanent legal resident status does not qualify.

• October 24: NACCAP Christian College Fair (Grade 9–2)
• October 24: All-School Pancake Breakfast
• October 24: HALF DAY (last day of Q1)
• October 24: Powderpuff Football Game (Inspire Field)
• October 29: Mustang Rally (WIN Time-Gym)
• November 3: NHS Induction & Reception @ 7:30PM (LW Chapel)
• November 4: Senior Chapel (Youth Space)
• November 5: College Wear Wednesday
• November 6-7: No School - Parent/Teacher Conferences
• November 6: College Information & Financial Aid Night (Coffee House)
• November 10: Toy Drive Starts
• November 11: Veteran's Day Chapel