Minnetonka Christian Academy - A Parent's Reflections
One of the first memories of Minnetonka Christian Academy that I have is the debate over why we chose a non-public school that would cost money we definitely did not have lying around. The event that solidified our decision was listening to a Kindergartener sing Bible songs during bath time and knowing she would not have received the same influence attending a public school. I remember reading being a huge part of 1st and 2nd grade and how excited the students were when the 5th & 6th graders read with them in the hallways. Of course 3rd and 4th grade were special because friendships were forged and established in a more social network. These young people were beginning to have their own plans!
I think 5th & 6th grade were the hardest because the spiritual, emotional and physical maturity range of the group was so widely varied. This was the season of beginning to discover how really different people can be. I remember feeling grateful that the MCA teachers were following God’s plan to help guide the beginning of free-thinking individuals.
The year of growth spurts was definitely 7th & 8th grade. Bless the cooks who feed this group. Not only do we want them to be healthy but we actually want them to be happy in what they are eating! Ask a teacher about the joy of fitting all those growing legs and arms into a classroom and then ask yourself if you could do the same for 20+ students. My family was blessed that the focus wasn’t on the number of students that would fit but on the quality of education they received.
Next is High School! Here the race is on to get young people to mature into young adults so that they can feel confident in the plans they make for their college search and/or job decisions. The pressure that students have within the classroom and outside with their peers can be very difficult to observe. Our parental roles could not have been better encouraged than through the counsel of MCA staff and administrators. I found that not only was my daughter maturing and learning, but that we were also continuing our path of learning.
I know that children grow in maturity at different stages of their school years. What may have seemed like a great start may become a bumpy path, and someone may eventually find pain in growing. Sure, as a parent I wish that we could all protect the ones we love but since we are all God’s children and He lets us grow through the rough spots, I feel that we should give each other the encouragement and support to grow where God leads.
Parent of students, as you make decisions for your family, I ask you to walk on God’s path with confidence. He will ALWAYS make His path worth the trip.
By Patty Gadberry, Minnetonka SDA Governing Board Vice-Chair
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