Maranatha Christian Academy

Maranatha MATTERS FALL 2017 T his is a year of new beginnings! As our theme states, this year is about having a fresh start, a renewed passion for the educational strength and spiritual foundation of our school, and a rekindled emphasis on communication and family/community building. Isaiah 43:19 says, "See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland." In the elementary school, new Biblical standards for behavior have been instituted through the SOAR program. Each letter of the positive expectation plan stands for a specific trait; R stands for Respect Others. The SOAR expectations are listed in a table so students know what the expectations are for them in the classroom, hallways, lunch room, Chapel, and playground. 1 Corinthians 14:40 says, "Everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way." Students are expected to act in an orderly manner and follow school and classroom rules. A SOAR store has been instituted to allow students to use their SOAR bucks to earn fun items or privileges. The students have embraced this new program with enthusiasm. As a complement to our 24 credit hours of dual credit classes that students can take, which allows them to potentially enter college as a sophomore, we have added a second level of graduation requirements called MCA Honors Graduation that aligns with the Kansas Regents Scholars program. This program requires a fourth year of high school mathematics and two years of a foreign language. One advantage is that students who meet the Regents Scholars program are eligible for scholarships for college. Spiritually, we are working to enhance our climate of Christian discipleship through expanding the responsibilities of our student chaplains, hosting a Missions conference for student leadership in January, and a new program for prayer emphasis called FOCUS, which stands for Faithful, Obedient, Christ- like, United, and Serving. It's exciting to see all the great things that the Lord is doing here at Maranatha Christian Academy. MCA's motto is Wisdom Character Service. I introduced a second motto to the MCA community, which originated from Lt. Gen. Garrison H. Davidson, a former Superintendent of West Point. This motto has become a guiding force in my personal life and my leadership in the Air Force and in education. We are currently using this motto as the basis for staff development, character development, and even recognition. So many Biblical principles are embraced in these 12 words: This message was introduced to the staff during orientation and to the students during Chapels. In the military, commander and unit coins are given to recognize outstanding accomplishments or to show deep respect or appreciation. In a similar manner, our new MCA Motto Coins with the 12 words have been given to staff members, board members, and students who have exemplified one or more of the principles of this motto. One teacher has embraced this motto as her classroom expectations. As decisions regarding our school are made, we look at the Mission Statement and our Core Values. As we teach character and leadership, we reflect upon the Biblical truths conveyed through these 12 words. I am looking forward to the privilege of presenting many more coins in the future and seeing God move mightily in our awesome school. Janet Fogh Head of School Biblical Principles Influence MCA Motto Sixth graders celebrating the start of the school year with a Fun Run.

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