The Saintsation

On the first Tuesday in November (11/3), the Class of 2010 laid the foundation for their Capstone Project. This class will be the first group of seniors to complete this project as a part of their community service initiative. Each senior class will choose an opportunity to serve their community and leave their lasting legacy. This year, seniors have chosen to assist the Wherry Community Housing Project. Partnering with Community Servants, Incorporated of Smyrna, seniors put on their work clothes, grabbed their tools and joined together to begin the process of rebuilding a home in that community. This project will take all year to complete, but this hardworking group was able to make their mark on the first day. Look for more updates to come on Capstone 2010!

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MJCA ELEMENTARY BOOK CLUB

Members of the MJCA Elementary Book Club, recently renamed The Almighty Book Club by its members, performed a short skit during chapel on Tuesday, 11/3. First through fifth graders acted out roles as book club members talking about The Chocolate Touch, the first book completed by the club, and as characters from that book. The students enjoyed sharing their enthusiasm for reading with the other elementary students and invite all first through fifth graders to join their club on Tuesdays after school.

VETERAN'S DAY CHAPEL 2009

GRAMMAR CAN BE FUN! MIDDLE SCHOOL

SENIOR CAPSTONE WHERRY HOUSING PROJECT On the first Tuesday in November (11/3), the Class of 2010 laid the foundation for their Capstone Project. This class will be the first group of seniors to complete this project as a part of their community service initiative. Each senior class will choose an opportunity to serve their community and leave their lasting legacy. This year, seniors have chosen to assist the Wherry Community Housing Project. Partnering with Community Servants, Incorporated of Smyrna, seniors put on their work clothes, grabbed their tools and joined together to begin the process of rebuilding a home in that community. This project will take all year to complete, but this hardworking group was able to make their mark on the first day. Look for more updates to come on Capstone 2010! _____________________________________ MJCA ELEMENTARY BOOK CLUB Members of the MJCA Elementary Book Club, recently renamed The Almighty Book Club by its members, performed a short skit during chapel on Tuesday, 11/3. First through fifth graders acted out roles as book club members talking about The Chocolate Touch, the first book completed by the club, and as characters from that book. The students enjoyed sharing their enthusiasm for reading with the other elementary students and invite all first through fifth graders to join their club on Tuesdays after school. The Almighty Book Club Members_____________________________________ VETERAN'S DAY CHAPEL 2009 Middle school and high school students gathered for a special joint chapel today in honor of Veteran's Day (11/11). The history classes prepared a short presentation that was designed to remind all of us of the great freedoms we enjoy at the expense of so many soldiers both past and present. The sacrifices that define our liberties cannot be taken for granted. Students led in pledges, Mrs. Cindy Roberts sang the National Anthem and short video clips prepared by history students brought home our need for gratitude on this special day. In addition, Mr. Anderson, father of Tristin Anderson, spoke about his experiences in the United States Navy during Desert Storm. On this special day commemorating our veterans and active duty service members, we want to remember those who have given the greatest sacrifice to their country and pray for the protection of those who are currently in harm's way. _____________________________________ GRAMMAR CAN BE FUN! MIDDLE SCHOOL Mrs. Runyon's 7th grade English class completed a project that made the study of common and proper nouns come to life. Students were required to identify nouns in their neighborhood and design a display board that identified those common and proper nouns correctly. Students put much effort into the construction of their boards, and the students pictured above are holding a few examples of this hard work. Even grammar can be fun!! _____________________________________	HORTON HAVEN 2009 This year, secondary students were blessed with two beautiful days at Horton Haven Christian Camp outside of Chapel Hill, Tennessee. Last week (11/4-11/5), students and chaperones loaded the bus and traveled south for MJCA's annual high school retreat. Each year, students bring enthusiasm and excitement, making memories with their friends and opening their hearts to live a stronger life for Christ. Class competitions continued this year with the senior class desperately trying to defend their title from last year's Horton Haven. However, the juniors would not be denied, bringing their best to each competition. Even though canoeing was called off this year because of treacherous conditions in the river, students found many ways to enjoy this time away from the traditional school environment. This year's speaker was Justin Heap of Nashville, Tennessee. Formerly a youth pastor in the Nashville area, Justin brought a powerful message about learning to live a better life through Jesus Christ. His engaging message reminded us all about our status as "wounded healers" and called each of us to examine the condition of our hearts. We want to say a special thanks to David Spence for organizing and planning this year's Horton Haven for our students. What a wonderful opportunity to come closer as a school community while also coming closer to Christ! ________________________________________________ MJCA ANNUAL EXTRAVAGANZA On Friday (11/6), the Parent Teacher Organization held the MJCA Annual Extravaganza. The Extravaganza is the largest PTO fundraising event and was a huge success again this year, raising thousands of dollars for the school while promoting our school name in the community. Visitors shopped from over 50 vendors in the gym and bid on silent auction items on the gym stage. From 5 - 8 pm on the track, children played games and did crafts led by student & parent volunteers. Thank you so much to Tamara Griffin for coordinating the event and the vendors, Stephanie McMillian for obtaining the Silent Auction items, Kelly Turney for planning the games & crafts, and all of our wonderful MJCA parents and students who donated auction items, money, baked goods and especially your TIME to make this event such a big success for MJCA. ________________________________________________	HORTON HAVEN 2009 LIVING, LAUGHING, LEARNING Juniors perform their class talent. Finding the courage! Taking a leap of faith! Building friendships. Holding on for dear life! Keeping friends close! Sophomores perform during class competitions. Keeping watch! Seniors win class talent! Bonfire means marshmallow fight! ____________________________________ THE COYOTE SONG ELEMENTARY DRAMA Mrs. Keen's third grade class performed the play, The Coyote's Song, for preschoolers and kindergarteners last week. The play was from a story they read in their classroom about a coyote who must learn to sing his own song and not try to be like everyone else. With Mrs. Keen's help, the students worked together to memorize their lines, create the scenery, costumes, and programs for the production. The play was a fun, educational experience enjoyed by all. ____________________________________ HIGH SCHOOL CHORUS PERFORMS AT RUTLAND PLACE MJCA's high school chorus had the opportunity to perform for the residents of Rutland Place at a luncheon on Tuesday (11/10). Mrs. Cindy Roberts directed the students as they sang three selections: a spiritual, a Christmas song and "You Raise Me Up" as a tribute to the veterans in the audience. ____________________________________ STUDENT COUNCIL SERVICE PROJECT Student council representative Garrison Boyd and our student council president, Noa Stroop, dressed as pilgrims all day last Friday (11/13) in order to collect for the Nashville Rescue Mission. Student council members are taking up a collection from the student body to donate to this worthy cause during the holidays. Students had fun interacting with our very own MJCA pilgrims all day long. Thanks to the student council for embracing the spirit of the season! ____________________________________