STATE CAPITOL FIELD TRIP

4TH GRADE

On Tuesday, February 5th, MJCA fourth graders experienced a special treat by taking a trip downtown to visit the legal and judicial buildings that make up our State Capitol.  The trip began with a ride on the Music City Star.  After they arrived at the Capitol, they were able to tour the facility as well as meet with Susan Lynn from the Tennessee House of Representatives.  After a question and answer session, the students were even allowed to walk in the "tunnel," a large concrete structure that connects all state-owned buildings.  This tunnel is reserved for important guests and is used by the State Senators and members of the House of Representatives when they come to the Capitol building.  This unique trip planned by Mr. Presley and Mrs. Turner is meant to provide a supplement to students as they work on their Tennessee State Notebooks.

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CLAY LADY

KINDERGARTEN

The "clay lady" made her annual trip to the MJCA kindergarten classroom today (2/12).  After a brief instruction regarding dinosaurs, the children are given the clay material to mold their own creation, and then they exercise their creative muscles by painting their own masterpieces.  After a trip to the kiln, the newly fired dinosaurs are brought back to their makers!  What an exciting opportunity for some of our youngest Saints!

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JOSEPH:  FROM THE PIT TO THE PALACE

4TH AND 5TH GRADE

On Tuesday and Wednesday (2/19-2/20), the upper elementary classes of Mrs. Turner, Mr. Presley, Mrs. Mosier and Mr. Spence performed the musical Joseph:  From the Pit to the Palace.  This humorous musical's take on the Biblical story presented an overview of the life of Joseph while focusing on God's provision and protection.  Some students performed in a "stomp" band, others coordinated props, some sang solos, and everyone sang along in the chorus.  Many thanks go the students, families, and teachers who all were a large part of this program!

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HOMECOMING 2008

On Friday evening, February 1st, MJCA played host to an exciting night of basketball accompanied by faces from the past.  Approximately 60 alumni from the last nineteen graduating classes were on hand to catch up with old friends and old teachers while watching the traditional Homecoming festivities.  The MJCA varsity basketball squads had their hands full with District 8-A rival Watertown, but nothing could dampen the spirit of kinship felt by the returning students and families.  Between the boys and girls games, our high school female ambassadors were presented along with their escorts.  The culmination of the ceremony was the presentation of Miss MJCA 2008, Madison Lowery.  Madison was escorted by two seniors, Matt Watkins and Justin Branim. 

Freshman Ambassador Ivanna Johnson

Sophomore Ambassador Hailee Hammonds

Junior Ambassador Hannah Mummert

The crowning of Miss MJCA!

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ART CORNER

ELEMENTARY

Students in Mrs. York's third, fourth and fifth grade art classes have been producing some exceptional pieces of art as of late.  Using classic art as inspiration, students have been experimenting with mode and materials to complete assignments.  These modern day classics are on display in the art room on the track.  Come by and see for yourself!

Third-graders create "Van Gogh Sunflowers" using pastels and glue.

Fourth-graders create mosaic trees.

Fifth-graders complete mosaic self-portraits.

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VALENTINE'S BALLOON DAY

SENIORS

Every year on February 14th, the MJCA hallways are filled with colorful bouquets of balloons.  The annual senior fundraiser known as Valentine's Balloon Day is an opportunity to send that special someone a reminder of just how much they are loved.  Seniors receive and fill orders during the day to elementary and secondary students alike.  There is always much joy that accompanies this day, and we thank the seniors for putting in the effort to make this day even more special.

Seniors stand in a "sea" of balloons waiting to be delivered. 

Always time for play!

Two seniors deliver to middle school.

Students contemplate their balloons of love.

A middle school student shows the Valentine's spirit.

Despite the fun, there is always work to do.

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HIGH SCHOOL SCIENCE

DISSECTION DAY

Mrs. Harris prepares for a class presentation.

Part of the intrigue of learning about the body and all of its intricate systems is the joy of dissection.  Secondary science students have been up close and personal with several dissections of animal specimens, including the cat pictured above.  Even though the disgust is apparent, students are getting valuable hands-on experience in detailing, identifying and assessing parts of the body.

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ELEMENTARY SCIENCE

STALAGMITES

Mrs. Wilson's second graders are learning about stalagmites and stalactites this week in their science classes.  Students are participating in a scientific experiment by forming a hypothesis and constructing an environment that is conducive to the creation of stalagmites.  Students began this project today (2/11), and hope to see the fruit of their labor by the end of the week.

Students create a mineral rich environment.

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DUKE TIP PROGRAM

7TH GRADE TALENT SEARCH

 

One of our MJCA seventh graders, Jesse Mulliniks, was selected by the Duke TIP program to take the ACT Assessment exam conducted last Saturday (2/9).  Gaining recognition through this program is the result of hard work and high achievement test scores throughout elementary school and middle school.

The Duke 7th Grade Talent Search is now beginning its twenty-eighth year and is the largest program of its kind in the nation, representing participation from 6,000 junior high and middle schools in the Duke TIP 16-state region. The goal of the Talent Search is to identify academically talented 7th graders based on standardized test scores achieved while attending elementary or middle school. Candidates are then invited to complete either the SAT Reasoning Test or the ACT Assessment college entrance examination. Duke TIP then provides the participants with comparative information concerning their academic abilities and resources for unique educational opportunities.

Congratulations to Jesse for his notable accomplishment!

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OPEN HOUSE FOR OPEN ENROLLMENT

MJCA hosted its third Open House event of the school year Monday evening (2/11).  As open enrollment begins, MJCA has started expanding its invitation beyond our present school family to the community at large.  These events have been well-attended by families considering the move to Christian education.  During these events, potential students have learned about the mission and vision of MJCA and have toured the facility.  Monday night, faculty and staff were on hand to answer questions and give tours to newcomers.  As enrollment numbers are on the rise, MJCA looks forward to greeting an expanded school community in the year to come! 

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NATIONAL YOUNG LEADERS STATE CONFERENCE

Two of MJCA's eighth graders, Zach Pollock and Will Gibson, are attending the National Young Leaders State Conference in Nashville this week (2/14-2/15).  This is the third conference they have attended, and they will be traveling to Washington D.C. this summer for a fourth.  As a part of this unique training program, they will also be able to attend the January 2009 Presidential Inauguration Ceremony.

The NYLC is a national organization designed to give students hands-on, experiential instruction that will breed a lifetime love and pursuit of leadership.  Conferences provide students the opportunity to talk with policy makers as well as the chance to work through simulated scenarios that encourage problem solving skills.  This is a unique opportunity for two of our students, and we are proud of their interest and participation in such an outstanding program!

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MJCA SCHOOL WIDE PRAYER

On Tuesday (2/19), students gathered in the gym to show their support and to pray for Dustan Gammon and his brother, Dylan.  Dustan, an MJCA senior who is fighting cancer, needed a bone marrow transplant to battle leukemia more effectively.  His brother, Dylan (MJCA sophomore) was a match.  On Tuesday morning, Dylan was able to donate his bone marrow to his brother and offer life-giving help.  Both boys made it through the transplant successfully.

MJCA students wore their red BeatCancer shirts to school on Tuesday, and after all had gathered in the gym, three students led in prayer.  After the prayers, the school assembled on the gym floor for a photograph.  Ryan Dunnewold, a junior at MJCA took the shot on the track above the gym floor.  Mr. Scheck closed the ceremony with the reminder that Dustan was a special young man and praised Dylan for taking the opportunity of a lifetime to help his brother out.  We will continue to pray as a school family for Dustan as he walks through this challenging time!

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CUDDLE UP WITH A BOOK

On Thursday, February 28th, the MJCA PTO sponsored a social event for preschoolers through 5th graders and their families. "Cuddle Up with a Book" night featured readings by Mrs. Hibbett, Mrs. Steele and her mother, and Mr. Spence. In her footed pajamas, Vicki Oberg greeted the 150 participants and helped to direct proceedings. The children came dressed in their pajamas and carrying pillows and blankets. They enjoyed milk and cookies while reading with their parents and listening to the great storytelling by teachers. PTO members decorated the gym with "beds" to enhance the bedtime story hour theme. Thank you to the teachers for reading, the PTO volunteers, and all who attended for making this a fun night for our elementary students!

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