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We believe that we have something
special at Milford Christian Academy. The typical MCA
student will find both academic and spiritual challenges
the diversity of the MCA curriculum. The following are
kinds of activities and programs that typify the MCA
experience.
Values
Much is said these days about values. Though there is
a clear call to Christian values, the emphasis is living
and experiencing the Christian life, not merely trying
to obey rules and regulations. This most simply stated
as loving God first, and your neighbor as yourself
Comprehensive Academic Requirements
We provide a full comprehensive program for college
prep. (See curriculum requirements.) The MCA experience
is different from larger schools in that students are
well known and cared for individually. This sometimes
means tapping outside learning opportunities. A general
course of study allows vocationally bound students opportunities
to pursue their interests.
Biblical Worldview Curriculum
and Methodology
Every teacher is trained in Biblical world view that
we believe will intentionally find its way to each student.
This does not mean the teacher's personal bent, but
a way of looking at each subject that corresponds with
the Biblical truth as it applies to the world in which
we live.
Learning Community
Staff and Church foster an atmosphere in which learning
is enjoyed. The staff are active lifetime learners and
continually are engaged in activities that extend their
base of knowledge and experience. MCA believes that
inviting the students into their passions for learning
will also excite similar interest in their students.
Project Learning
This type of learning brings the content of the text
and classroom to a place of application and understanding.
Projects vary in length and breadth and are coordinated
within a framework that allows flexibility and use of
educational resources outside MCA. Parents, state agencies,
and private resources supply the essentials of this
these programs. The Outdoor Learning Program is one
example.
Outdoor Learning
These activities are not intended to be just "fun"
optional field trips. They are a vital part of the curriculum.
Anyone unable to attend these trips for health or behavioral
reasons will be given alternative assignments dealing
with the subject matter covered on the trip.
Senior Project
Senior Projects are a requirement for graduation. It
is recommended that students begin working on their
projects during the summer as they will be presented
in March. A new project handbook is currently being
developed; however, last year's packet is available
to help students get started. See Mr. Sontag if you
have any questions.
Spiritual Emphasis
Academic excellence is an important focus of MCA; however,
we also believe that Spiritual growth is equally important.
It is vital that each MCA student willingly participates
in spiritual activities. We place an emphasis on discipleship,
learning to follow the example of our Lord and Savior
Jesus Christ. Our discipleship program consists of the
following components:
Prayer
Our day begins with prayer and worship. Staff and students
who
arrive early meet in the chapel at 7:40 each morning
to dedicate our day to the Lord. Parents are welcome
to join us.Each morning in homerooms students use the
monthly prayer calendar as a schedule for praying for
MCA families.
Bible Study
15 minutes each day is planned into our schedule for
personal silent Bible
reading.
Small group Bible studies meet
weekly during the chapel period. Bible classes are held
three days a week as part of our core curriculum. Chapel
is held on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays featuring
a word of encouragement from God's Word given by teachers,
students, and guest speakers. A time of praise and worship
is also part of the chapel experience.
Worship
Over the years MCA has developed a strong worship team.
Every year there is Godly competition to minister to
the Lord in this area. There is training both vocally
and instrumentally. We are blessed with many ministry
opportunities each year. This definitly one of t he
hallmark areas of MCA.
MCA has a worship/praise team that ministers regularly.
Community Involvement
We recognize that part of our calling as Christians
is to serve, especially in the communities where we
live. Community service provides a window into the world
that engages a student's mind in thinking about how
his life can count for something substantial. These
experiences shape a student's decisions for future training,
both for secular jobs and ministry.
Community service is a requirement
for all high school students. Students are required
to serve 20 hours in grades 9 and 10 and 30 hours in
grades 11 & 12, for a total of 100 hours of service.
Some of this may be done at school-- assisting teachers
in classes, helping in the office, tutoring, etc. The
rest should be done by volunteering to help in libraries,
day cares, fire departments, emergency facilities, and
other service providing ministries in the community
in which the students live.
We also recognize the need to
be a part of local community activities, so we make
the most of every opportunity to serve at such events
as the Milford Pumpkin Festival, the National Day of
Prayer celebrations, Milford Garden Show, etc. and to
volunteer our services to organizations such as SHARE,
the Boys & Girls Club, Girl Scouts, etc.
Student Leadership
As well as attending a number of conferences that emphasize
leadership, MCA invites students to learn to lead and
develop those talents. The MCA curriculum anticipates
that students will respond to invitations to lead and
work in teams. Many events are planned each year that
will give opportunity for different talents to be developed.
Ex. Student Government, yearbook, school newspaper,
worship team.
Student Government
Elected students help the administration meet the goals
of MCA. It is one of main ways MCA develops and teaches
leadership skills. Class representatives are elected
on the basis of leadership qualities. These positions
are important and help students built a strong college
portfolio.
Relationships
Relational apologetics has become a catch phrase in
some Christian circles. It refers to the impartation
of truth though relationships. Someone doesn't care
what you know until you know how much you care. MCA
designs its curriculum placing emphasis on healthy student
teacher relationships. MCA intentionally teaches and
trains students in the area of problem resolution. Since
we are a Biblically based school, these standards are
taught not only in school but also at home, church,
and youth groups. We are pro-active in the pursuit of
an atmosphere that protects and provides the environment
that is necessary for healthy relationships.
We are especially concerned about
girl / boy relationships. In this area we strongly discourage
dating and hope that parents and child understand that
this is not an aspect of school life at MCA. We will
do everything possible to cultivate proper girl / boy
relationships within the context of group participation.
Mentoring and Modeling
Older students to younger student friendships are encouraged
as well as staff to student discipleship. Activities
include tutoring, hiking, games, Bible reading, and
field days. These activities help make the school family
more unified and prevent age segregation.
Family Involvement
Parents are welcome any time in the classroom and are
invited to participate in many types of recreational
and academic activities. As a rule, students look forward
to their parents participating in these events. This
is one of the ways MCA tries to improve relationships
with adult and students at a time when much of the teenage
world is not adult friendly.
Joining the Generations
Mca makes every effort to encourage the building of
relationships between the generations. This does not
mean that all activities are age or generationally integrated
but there are specific activities that cultivate communication
and joint ministry. Mission trips and community service
are two examples where joining the generations is a
specific goal.
School to Work
One of our more recent program that is still in development
is school to work. This program is conducted according
state guidelines and tries to match students with Christian
employers whenever possible.MCA believes it is important
to give student exposure to the real world where they
can begin to process a Christian Worldview. A strong
emphasis is placed on making the correct decisions for
continuing education and vocation. It is oour aim to
communicate That has a distinct desiny and glorious
plan for every believers life.
Disciple and Correction
In the context of solid student teacher relationship,
mentoring and modelling, family involvement, and all
the other components that grow a strong Christian learning
community, disciple and correction become a normal part
of school life. Even the more serious situations, when
resolved though love and clear Biblical framework, find
consistent success.
MCA follws a problem resolution
framwork found in Peacemakers Ministries by Ken Sandy.
Students and families and taught and refreshed in these
principle each year.
Stewardship
Respect and care for one's own property, the school
and others is essential. Chores are a regular part of
the MCA day. Each class has personal responsibilities
throughout the school. This also applies to personal
planner, binders, lockers and school bags. We hope that
this mind set will become a life skill that will bless
them and the community in which they live.
Integrity
Honesty is emphasized at MCA. We believe integrity is
one ofthe foundational character traits that equips
the beleiver for service. We cultivate truthfulness
in all our program offerings and activities. Cheating
or dishonesty of any kind is a heart condition that
will quickly receive ministry though home and school.
Extra Curricular Activities
In order for a student to participate in any extra curricular
activity, academic and behavioral standards must be
met.
An active Sports and Recreational
Program
We offer an intramural and interscholastic program in
which 80% of the school participates. A full schedule
of games is scheduled with local schools that compete
at the junior varsity level in both soccer and basketball.
Ultimate Frisbee has recently been added to the list.
Drama
Each year students are given the opportunity to participate
in various aspects of drama production both on and behind
the stage. At least one major production is planned
for each year along with several smaller productions.
Communication
The student planner is presently the primary medium
for communication between parents and teachers, although
we are in the process of developing a method of electronic
communication. Teachers will indicate missing assignments,
lack of preparedness for class, and minor behavior problems
through notes in the planner. Parents may also use this
method for communication with the teachers.
MCA issued planners must used
by all students to record assignments. Students in grades
9 -11 must have their planners signed by a parent on
a weekly basis. Electronic planning devices may not
be used by students at the present time.
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