November Edition

First-graders take a fun harvest field trip to Walden Pumpkin Farm.

PRESCHOOLERS LEARN ABOUT EMERGENCY VEHICLES

MJCA preschool students got a special treat during a recent fall morning.  The Mt. Juliet Fire Department dispatched a fire truck and ambulance to our parking lot for the kids to see and hear.  Licensed EMT's and trained firemen talked to the students about the jobs they do in an emergency.  They even stayed around to answer questions from the curious onlookers.  Students were reminded what to do when an emergency takes place, and everyone enjoyed watching the big trucks roll in!

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A MISSION OF LOVE

KINDERGARTEN

MJCA's kindergarten classes have been working on a mission of love for one of our school families who have been experiencing the sacrifices that occur during war.  LtC. Bobby Hibbett, son of long-time pre-school director Mrs. Hibbett and father of middle-schooler Carver Hibbett, has been stationed in Iraq since July.  The kindergarten teachers decided to collect donations for a care package that would be sent to Mr. Hibbet overseas.  After collecting the gifts, the care package filled with items like movies, snacks, candy and devotional books was shipped overseas to brighten the days of a soldier far from home.  We thank all of our service men and women for their great sacrifices and look forward to the day when they can all return safely!

Kindergarten students from the classrooms of Mrs. Moore and Mrs. Scott pictured with Carver Hibbett.

Kindergarten students from the classrooms of Mrs. Mulliniks and Mrs. Steele pictured with the care package.

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GRAND CANYON ADVENTURE

OUTDOOR CLUB

Outdoor Club sponsor, Mr. Walsh, is currently advertising for the next big adventure at MJCA.  The Grand Canyon trip would be open to grades 7-12, and would combine both education and fun.  If you are interested in finding out more information about the details of this trip and looking for an adventure of a lifetime, please contact Mr. Walsh.

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PIONEER WEEK

SECOND GRADE

Second-graders at MJCA are learning all about the pioneer days this week in preparation for the Thanksgiving holiday.  In addition to studying what life was like for America's early settlers, students are engaged in creative activities that reinforce the concepts and lessons that teachers are covering.  On Wednesday, Mrs. Wilson and Mrs. Martin had their classes dress up in colonial wear and learn how to bake homemade bread.  Each student was given a baking tin, and each student was responsible for mixing the right ingredients for the perfect batch of homemade bread. 

On Friday, Mrs. Webster's class will spend a day in a pioneer classroom.  Desks will be replaced with wooden benches, and old-fashioned slates will replace paper.  Students will most certainly leave for the holiday with a new-found appreciation for the conveniences of the modern world!

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THANKSGIVING CELEBRATION

KINDERGARTEN

The gameroom was transformed Tuesday morning (11/20) as all of the kindergarten classes combined for a Thanksgiving feast with their families and classmates.  Some students were dressed up to celebrate the event, and the food was prepared and served by volunteer parents.  What an exciting day to celebrate the blessings of life!

Mrs. Steele's kindergarten class getting ready for Thanksgiving feast!

Students sample all of the holiday goodies!

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MJCA DRAMA PRESENTS

SCROOGE'S CHRISTMAS

Mark your calendars for another spectacular MJCA drama production.  Drama teacher Joel Walsh has been working with secondary students this semester preparing for a fall production of Scrooge's Christmas, just in time for the holiday rush.  This adaptatation from Charles Dickens's Christmas Carol serves as an annual reminder to cherish the most important parts of life.  Performance times are 7:00 pm on Friday, November 30th and 4:30 pm and 7:00 pm on December 1st.  Make plans to come out and support MJCA drama!

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WALDEN PUMPKIN FARM

FIRST GRADE FIELD TRIP

Mrs. Robbins took her class on an exciting fall field trip.  Her first-graders got to explore Walden Pumpkin Farm and learn all about growing and harvesting our favorite fall decoration!  Students had the opportunity to enjoy one another and a beautiful day away from the normal routine of school life. 

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SHOPPING EXTRAVAGANZA

2007

The MJCA PTO cooperating with area vendors put on a special event for the Mt. Juliet community last week.  The MJCA gym was converted into a shopper's paradise lined with arts, crafts, and a variety of other goods.  Through booth rentals and a silent auction, the PTO was able to raise approximately $6, 000 for the school.  We thank our PTO for their dedication to all things MJCA!!

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CAMP GARNER CREEK

ACTIVITIES AND ADVENTURE

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THANKSGIVING FEAST

THIRD GRADE

In preparation for next week's holiday, Mrs. Parker's students dressed up today (11/16) to celebrate a traditional Thanksgiving feast.  Students enjoyed friendship stew and corn cakes.  They also learned how to make homemade butter.  This activity provoked students to remember the many blessings that we all have to be thankful for during this time.

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PENNY WAR PRESENTATION

GALAPAGOS ISLANDS

The annual elementary penny wars took on a new perspective in elementary chapel this month.  Bible teacher Patsy Cameron organizes the elementary penny wars each May in order to support a local or foreign ministry.  This last May, the elementary money supported a First Baptist Church Mt. Juliet youth mission trip to the Galapagos Islands.  The youth group took that trip this summer and worked with a non-profit organization named Galapagos ICE.  This organization is dedicated entirely to improving the health and educational systems of the Galapagos Islands. 

In a very special chapel presentation this month, the leaders of Galapagos ICE, Emily and Mauricio, came to thank the elementary students for their financial support and to show each student exactly what their money helped to accomplish through the youth of First Baptist.  Elementary students listened and watched a video presentation intently as before and after shots demonstrated the immense improvements made to a school facility there.  Each student left with the assurance that even the smallest sacrifices can promote great change among people of need! 

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THANKSGIVING CELEBRATION

SECOND GRADE

Second grade students and their families gathered together to hear a holiday message delivered by Mr. Scheck before heading next door for a holiday feast prepared by volunteer parents.  Many students clad in pilgrim attire listened carefully as Mr. Scheck encouraged each one to give thanks to a Heavenly Father who provides for all of our needs on a daily basis. 

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THANKSGIVING LUNCH

Faculty enjoy a Thanksgiving feast together before the holiday.

Our MJCA cafeteria staff prepared a fabulous feast on Wednesday (11/21) before the holiday break.  With homemade turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes and rolls, MJCA faculty and students enjoyed a taste of home before the holiday began.  Thank you to our cafeteria staff for the outstanding job they do for our staff and students every single day of the year!

High school students enjoyed seconds on "feast" day!

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MJCA STUDENT SELECTED TO PERFORM IN THE NUTCRACKER

Serena Campeau is a nine-year-old MJCA student in Mrs. Turner's fourth grade class.  She has been dancing since she was two years old.  She studies ballet, tap and jazz.  Recently, she received a high recognition for her dedication. 

After auditioning with over 200 dancers, Serena was one of the talented children selected to be a part of Nashville Ballet's The Nutcracker.  This is Serena's second time to appear in the Nashville Ballet production.  Last year she appeared as an Angel, but this year, she has a role as a "Drosselmeyer Helper."  She has already put in many hours of rehearsal time for this annual holiday production, and she is looking forward to the performances.  We are so proud of Serena's hard work and talent!

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CAMP GARNER CREEK

MIDDLE SCHOOL RETREAT

2007

Middle school students experienced another fun and exciting retreat this year at Camp Garner Creek near Dickson, Tennessee.  Initially braving some tumultuous weather, our students boarded buses headed for camp.  The storms didn't last for long as students were able to enjoy the excitement of indoor/outdoor games, talent show, tug-o-war, and zip line.  Most importantly, students were able to worship together in sessions led by speaker Megan Strange.

The emphasis of the retreat involved the importance of making good choices in life, and many of the activities served to reinforce that truth.  A student-led worship team provided the praise music before each session.  Thanks to all of the teachers who worked hard to organize and provide this awesome opportunity for our students.

Middle school student-led worship team.

Time spent being creative.

Time spent being silly.

Time spent together.

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FOOTBALL BANQUET

2007

Thursday evening (11/15) was a night of celebration for the courageous MJCA Saints football squad.  Parents and athletes were invited to a catered dinner to honor those who have worked so hard this season.  Coach Paul Townsend addressed the crowd and congratulated his team on both their work ethic and their heart this year.  The hope for our football program is bright as students and coaches have established a solid foundation upon which to build.  Congratulations on a hard fought season!

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THANKSGIVING CELEBRATION

FIRST GRADE

First graders rotated through three classrooms yesterday (11/19) completing Thanksgiving activities in preparation for today's celebration.  Mrs Ramey, Mrs. Robbins and Mrs. Leuice coordinated three hands-on activities that got the kids involved and also taught valuable lessons about the holiday.

First graders make Indian vests with Mrs. Robbins.

Students make feathered headbands with Mrs. Leuice.

First graders fill homemade baskets with objects that symbolize themes of the holiday with Mrs. Ramey.

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ART CORNER

Mrs. York has her high school art class working with canvas these days.   Students are masterfully creating their own oil painting masterpieces.  Using shapes and vivid color, students are working diligently to complete individual projects.  The variety of design and vivid color schemes makes the art room a fun place to be right now.  Stop by and watch our young artists at work!

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