The Saintsation

TEACHER INSERVICE 2008

Teachers said goodbye to summer vacation and hello to teacher inservice on Monday, August 4th. Embracing the theme "It's a Jungle Out There," teachers braced to prepare their classrooms for smiling new faces and a brand new school year. Beginning each day with devotion, teachers were urged to consider the example they set in and out of the classroom and reminded of the significance of the relationships they develop with their students. Along with sessions and departmental meetings, teachers were given time to decorate and set up their classrooms for the first day of school. MJCA faculty is prepared for an awesome 2008-2009 school year!

Casey Clanton, MJCA guidance counselor, studies her schedule for the day.

Mrs. Shoemaker and Mrs. Mulliniks discuss important matters before inservice!

Mrs. Echols and Mr. Presley are ready for another great year with their elementary students!

Mr. Casey Colter soaks it in during one of the sessions.

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Fifth grade took their annual trip to Camp Hillmont, a Christian camp near Nashville in White Bluff, Tennessee. Fifth grade teachers, Chelli Mosier and Tina Eastin spent time planning this fun time away from the regimented classroom environment. Bible teacher, Mrs. Patsy Cameron, helped bring the truths of the scripture to light through games and activities during the two day retreat. Students were led through worship with music and spiritual sessions to draw close to the God who created them. Activities focused on teamwork and relationship with others. This fun time is becoming a tradition for the fifth grade class, and a wonderful way to get the school year started on the right foot for all!

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The sanctuary of First Baptist Church Mt. Juliet filled quickly Thursday night (8/7) as MJCA elementary and secondary parents arrived with their children to usher in a new school year. The crowd of expectant parents was addressed by Headmaster Greg Scheck as he welcomed old and new faces alike. Mr. Scheck reminded the crowd of the value of Christian education while highlighting some important changes in the MJCA mission and vision statements along with our a revision of our core values. He spoke of the centrality of Christ to our mission and our desire to see young men and women walk out of our doors prepared to change the world for God.

Amanda VanVactor, elementary principal and Kathy Kitchen, secondary principal both addressed their specific parent groups and prepared students for the process of meeting new teachers and acquiring schedules. Coach Christensen, athletic director, made sure to highlight the unique opportunities students have at MJCA to get involved in sports.

A final special guest speaker, Brother Billie Friel, whose vision to begin a Christian school in the Mt. Juliet community helped launch MJCA over twenty years ago, spoke to the crowd about the tremendous growth and value he has seen in this ministry of First Baptist.

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Juniors Noa Stroop and Dylan Bradshaw prepare for a fun day supporting the Saints!

Friday (8/22) marked the MJCA Saints varisty football team home-opener against Lancaster Christian School. Students came dressed to supoprt their Saints by wearing blue and gold all day in classes. The MJCA cheerleading squads prepared a pep rally that also celebrated all fall sports athletes. Each team was brought on the gym floor and players were introduced to the school. The game itelf began with a tailgate party sponsored by the PTO. What a great way to start out a fantastic year of Saints Spirit!!

The MJCA Pep Band prepare to play for the first home varisty football game!

Cheerleaders pump the crowd up with high flying routines!

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The MJCA Spirit Store opened for the first time on the night of Parent Orientation 2008. The Spirit Store is sponsored by the PTO, and it provides students the opportunity to buy MJCA t-shirts, hoodies and spirit merchandise to support the Saints. MJCA hoodies are an acceptable part of school dress code, and the store will be open periodically in the school cafeteria. Call the school office to find out the next time to purchase your Saints gear!

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Seniors prepared for their first full day of classes (8/11) above by visiting homeroom and saying hello to old friends. The first day of school is filled with new beginnings, but the comfort of familiar faces and classrooms brings peace to a hectic day. The hallways swarmed with students in between classes finding their way in new schedules and adjusting to their new lockers. Judging by the excitement in and out of the classroom, students are ready to get started on a great 2008!!!

Students crowd the secondary hallway after the bell rings.

Mr. Spence helps some middle school students with their lockers.

High school seniors enjoy their first day of the "long lockers"!

Junior girls have fun seeing each other on the first day!

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Students were pumped up to celebrate in the first pep rally of the year! Our MJCA cheerleaders put together a fun and exciting session of routines and activities to get students involved. Fall athletes were recognized during this time, and our football team received some much deserved support! The pep rally was a great culmination for Blue and Gold Day!

Cheerleaders prepare to lead the crowd!

Teachers know how to have fun!

Quarterback Chris Frazier knows how to get ready for action!

Fall athletes receive recognition!

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