MJCA STUDENT ORIENTATION

MJCA welcomed over a 1000 people to campus on Monday night (8/6).  Elementary and secondary families gathered to meet teachers and pick up new schedules for the year.  Administration greeted the crowd and presented important information about the year to come.  With a total school enrollment at right over 600 students, finding a place to sit down during the orientation was difficult.  However, with new growth comes great blessing.  Elementary students gathered in their new classrooms and met their teachers.  Secondary students picked up their packets and deciphered the new block schedule.  As a result of the high level of attendance and participation, the MJCA family is ready to begin another outstanding year.

Headmaster Greg Scheck greets the crowd.

Faculty wait to meet their new students.

Mr. Pickle helps secondary parents with questions about the new block scheduling. 

_____________________________________   A WORD FROM MR. SCHECK

Developing Routines

 

School has been in session for a couple of weeks, and I sense that we all are settling into the routines of school life. Each morning is a brand new day and opportunity for our students to learn and to discover some of their God given talents. Many faces are brimming with excitement, and a few faces show the signs of some who have not yet adjusted to the routines of school life.

 

I have enjoyed these first few weeks as I am getting acquainted with the faculty, student body and parents. I am impressed with the caliber of families that attend the Academy. I sense the love and commitment to train these young sons and daughters up in the reverence and respect of our loving God.

 

Many people have told me that they have been praying for my family during this transition and will continue to pray in the days ahead as we seek God's direction for our school. My wife and I are overwhelmed with the wonderful hospitality and love that has been bestowed on us.

 

God is teaching our school and its sponsoring church much about faith. Pastor Bret Robbe is challenging us to intentionally grow our spiritual comfort level by taking small steps of faith and allowing God to work in and around us. This is exciting—and a little scary at times as we love to remain “in control” of our lives and plans. Would you join with me, the Academy and First Baptist Church of Mount Juliet and pray for God's will to be revealed and followed in the weeks, months and years ahead.

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WILBUR'S BABY SHOWER

Students in the third grade celebrated a special event yesterday afternoon (8/16).  Mrs. Echols began their study of the famous children's book Charlotte's Web with a baby shower for Wilbur the pig.  Students each made an invitation to the shower, and a contest revealed the most creative one.  The celebration also included treats, and young Wilbur himself was in attendance.  With all of the excitement, students are ready to begin the adventure of reading Charlotte's Web.

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GRASS FIRE THREATENS SCHOOL

 

 

Mt Juliet firefighters battled the blaze Thursday afternoon.

 

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OFF TO THE RACES

PRESCHOOL FUN RUN

All elementary and middle school students involved in the Boosterthon Fun Run got their chance to show their running skills and earn their pledges Wednesday afternoon (8/29).  The races occurred in three different age groups, and even though the rain during the afternoon forced the upper elementary and middle school inside the gym, students worked hard to earn money for the school and to test their own endurance levels.

Preschoolers stay hydrated during the race.

Mrs. Hibbett got in on the action with a few of her preschoolers.

Students wait to get a mark on their t-shirt to record their total number of laps.

One preschooler got up close and personal during the race.

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HIGH SCHOOL ART

SELF-PORTRAITS

Mrs. York's secondary art students are creating self-portraits this week.  Using a photograph, students are drawing their own images and incorporating their own personality traits within the drawing.  Student self-portraits are on display in Mrs. York's classroom.

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TEACHER ORIENTATION

TAKING THE PLUNGE

Summertime ended abruptly for MJCA faculty and staff last week.  After a good summer break that allowed for time to rest and relax, teachers gathered to prepare for an exciting new year.  Orientation provided a chance to catch up with old faces and meet new ones.  With a theme of "Taking the Plunge," each member of the faculty was motivated to find new and creative ways to engage learners in the classroom.  Our new headmaster, Greg Scheck, delivered a challenge to his staff to focus on teamwork.  Like putting the pieces of a puzzle together, good teamwork ensures a focus on the big picture.  Using the analogy of building a house, he stressed the importance of working together with our unique, individualized gifts to achieve the ultimate goal of Christian education.  After a week of seminars and classroom preparation, teachers were ready to walk confidently into a brand new year!

Teachers work together to achieve the "big picture"!

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FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH WELCOMES HEADMASTER

Sunday night (8/12), First Baptist Church Mt. Juliet hosted a reception to officially welcome new Headmaster Greg Scheck and his family.  Faculty and staff from MJCA were invited to the evening service to be a part of a special dedication and prayer for the MJCA school year.  Teachers in attendance were introduced to church members and later in the service, teachers were enclosed by a circle of prayer.   This special time reiterated the relationship between the church and the school ministry.  Thank you FBCMJ for making Christian education a priority! 

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ELEMENTARY LIFE

TIME FOR LUNCH

One of the most exciting parts of adjusting to a new elementary school year is learning how the lunchroom works.  Some students look forward to the good meal prepared by our cafeteria staff everyday, and some can't wait to see what special treats are packed in their lunch from home.  Regardless, elementary students all love their time at lunch!

Students from Mrs. Scott's kindergarten class wait in line.

Students from Mrs. Wilson's class enjoy time together.

First graders make friends over lunch.

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MT. JULIET HELPERS

Mrs. Hibbett brought an exciting and impressive visual to show students in Mrs. Tina Eastin's preschool class today (8/21).  These young students are learning about the importance of helpers in the community.  Mrs. Hibbett introduced the students to the Mt. Juliet flag that will soon proudly fly above City Hall.  She discussed the different elements of the community that are represented on the flag:  church, family, school, and lakes/recreation.  Students were able to see the necessary parts that comprise any local community, and to see the importance of working together to achieve unity.

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AN "ELECTRIFYING" AFTERNOON

Students, teachers and parents were greeted this afternoon (8/23) not only by sky high temperatures, but also sky high flames.  After an electrical wire snapped near Mt. Juliet Road, the sparks ignited the parched ground below.  With the slight breeze, the small fire rapidly became a 15 to 20 foot wall of flame.  It quickly raced down the tree line separating the MJCA parking lot and West Wilson Middle next door.  God's provision was apparent as the Mt. Juliet Fire Department worked feverishly to control the flames before they reached the playground and athletic fields.  Students and teachers moved their vehicles to avoid any damage, and most importantly, no one was seriously injured by the flames.  We are so grateful to the fire department for their diligent work, and we are so amazingly thankful that God protected the school and the school family.

The fire runs dangerously close to the MJCA playground and athletic fields.

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FIFTH GRADE RETREAT

STUDENTS BEAT THE HEAT

While at Camp Hillmont, fifth graders also participated in fun and exciting events designed to promote teamwork and unity.  Students navigated the late night trail and the flashlight scavenger hunt after dark at camp.  During the day, students stayed cool in the pool while also creating crafts and participating in gym time. 

Mr. Scheck gets in on the fun during pool time!

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OFF TO THE RACES

K-3 FUN RUN

Each race began with prayer and the "Star Spangled Banner."

Teachers wait to mark students' shirts as they finish each lap.

Parents cheer on their little racers.

Mrs. Steele leads her crew around the track.

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FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL

Students try to decipher their new schedules.

The first day of school generated an equal amount of excitement and enthusiasm.  However, as with anything new, there was also confusion.  Secondary students are adjusting to the new alternate AB block schedule.  Classes have been extended to 95 minutes, and each class meets every other day except Friday when students walk through their entire schedule in seven (45 minute) periods.  Slowly, students are getting used to the change, and most have enjoyed the extra day between classes for assignments and homework.  In addition, most students seem to feel the day goes faster in the block.  Part of that reason is due to the fact that the school day is now concluded at 2:45 pm. 

Despite the slight confusion regarding schedules, the first day of school was a huge success, and this year ahead promises to be one of MJCA's best yet!

Middle school students listen to first day instructions from Mrs. Runyon.

Senior girls stand in front of their newly issued lockers.   

Students wait for the first assembly of the year to begin.

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CREATIVE WRITING

Mrs. Michael is gearing up for the writing process in some fun and unique ways.  Students have been practicing prewriting by experimenting with different techniques.  Wednesday afternoon (8/15), students were challenged to brainstorm 100 ways to use a paper clip.  Two student judges made sure that no one repeated answers during the activity.  After filling the board with inventive ideas, students continued their practice in prewriting.  Students will also begin polishing their drafting and editing skills in the weeks to come.

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BOOSTERTHON FUN RUN

KICK-OFF!

Students in preschool through the eighth grade attended separate pep rallies on Monday (8/20) to kick-off an exciting twist on fundraising for MJCA.  Instead of selling another product, students are going to have the opportunity to actually participate in the process of benefitting the school.  Boosterthon Fun Run is a Christian-based, interactive, community program that promotes fitness, education and character.  Students were given pledge books yesterday and instructed on how to go about acquiring financial pledges for each lap they run.  As students bring in pledges, they become eligible for some cool prizes.

Next Wednesday (8/29), students will have a chance to run/walk the "fun track" on the school campus.  Parents are encouraged to attend to watch their children participate.  Pre-school will run at 8:30 am.  Kindergarten through third grade will run at 12:30 pm, and fourth through eighth grade will run at 1:45 pm. 

Proceeds raised through the Fun Run will go towards important MJCA Development Department projects that are designed to assist all three divisions of the school body:  elementary, middle and high school.  Please get involved and support a student in this exciting event!

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GETTING "CLOSER"

FIFTH GRADE RETREAT

Fifth graders got "close" last week (8/22-8/24) at Camp Hillmont, a Christian camp near Nashville in White Bluff, Tennessee.  Using the theme of "closer," speakers urged students to draw near to the things of God through the vehicles of creation, our providential purpose and our relationships with each other.  Mrs. Cameron and Keith Cameron along with Chad King and  Mrs. Van Vactor led worship for fifth graders over the three day retreat.  While there, students engaged in a variety of meaningful activities in order to drive home the themes of the week.  Fifth grade teachers, Mr. Spence and Mrs. Mosier, spent time planning this retreat, and it is the first of its kind for this age group at MJCA.  Judging by the fun had by all, this trip was a huge success!

Students sing and praise God during worship time.

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OFF TO THE RACES

4-8 FUN RUN

Rain forced the middle school race inside.

Teachers try to catch middle schoolers as they make each lap.

Middle school students take a break from the race to catch their breath.

Mrs. Butler records total number of laps for each student after the race.

Students ran each lap in creative ways.

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