Maranatha Christian Academy

2 A t Maranatha, our kindergarten teachers lean on Luke 1:80: "The child learned and grew strong in spirit." Elementary Assistant Principal Chenaye Sutton explains, "The kindergarten year is a huge milestone for children—spiritually, physically, mentally, and socially. It's so important for these young children to have a strong foundation to grow in Christ. The Maranatha kindergarten teachers do a great job of developing the whole child. Everything we do is about knowledge and faith, and teaching God's wisdom is the ultimate goal." Academic excellence in the kindergarten classroom is rooted in faith at Maranatha. "Our kindergarten teachers work diligently to give our students a storehouse of spiritual treasure. Children learn all the disciplines, and academics are important to us. But through it all, we're presenting Biblical truths." This becomes particularly significant in teaching children how to treat each other, Mrs. Sutton shares. "At the kindergarten level, this is their whole world! So we're helping them learn how to work together, how to play games together, how to communicate with each other, and how to care for each other well. In many kindergarten classrooms, technology is a key focus, but Mrs. Sutton shares, "I love that our teachers don't depend solely on technology, but they use it as a supplement for their learning. We vet every app, every item, and every tool. The use of technology is structured so it enhances what they're learning in the traditional sense." Maranatha maintains a low student-to-teacher ratio in kindergarten classrooms so every student's individual needs can be met. If a student isn't meeting objectives, teachers step in immediately to make a plan for student success. "As our children are learning and growing, we're guiding them in God's wisdom," says Mrs. Sutton. "Our kindergarten teachers work to keep God as the center of the picture, bringing their classrooms to life." For more information on MCA's kindergarten program, e-mail info@ma-kc.org Maranatha FaMily Kimberly Portale '03 received a scholarship from the USAF for medical school and now serves as an OB/GYN physician for the Air Force. Her first station is Aviano Air Base in Italy, and she hopes to be stationed in Germany in 2018. Kim and her husband, Daniel, welcomed Eliana Iris in December 2016. Brien Reinke '96 and his wife, Amy, live in Branson, Mo., and have two children, Bryce and Madyson. Brien is a firefighter/EMT for the city of Branson. Christopher Orndorff '99 and his wife, Wendy, have two children, Katherine and Hannah, and live in Edwardsville. He works for Hitachi Data Systems as a solution specialist. B.J. Hannah '01 works in sales support for Americo. He lives in Shawnee, Kan., with his wife, Sandra, and children: Millie, Marty, Isaac, and Kimberly. Andrea House '01 and her husband, Dustin, have two children, Melina and Cameron, and live in Shawnee, Kan. She is a stay-at-home mom and temps from time to time as a dental hygienist. Krystle Barnett Peinado '11 and her husband, Jon, were married in February 2016. Krystle graduated at the top of her class from Haskell Indian Nations University in 2015 with a teaching degree and is pursuing her master's degree in special education at KU. She teaches kindergarten on base at Ft. Leavenworth, where her husband is stationed. Emerald Barnett '13 graduated in May from Central Christian College with a business degree in organizational leadership. Caleb Henderson '13 graduated in May from Morehouse College in Atlanta, Ga., with a bachelor's degree in political science and minor in economics. He has been accepted to George Washington Law School and was admitted to Georgia Tech for their master program.

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