Welcome to the Family

INFORMATION FOR NEW MOUNT PARAN CHRISTIAN SCHOOL PARENTSpreschool ö lower school ö middle school ö high school

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WE’RE GLAD YOU ARE HERE Welcome to Mount Paran Christian School! We are excited your family has chosen to join our family. Please review this information to help answer any questions about your transition. Also visit www. mtparanschool.com for the latest school information.

ON CAMPUS Monitored by 24-hour on-site security, the 65-acre campus is nestled in the shadow of Kennesaw Mountain and is accessible by three entrances off Stanley and Stilesboro roads.

Sewell Cottage - preschool building with surrounding preschool and lower school playgrounds

Mulkey Building - houses grades K-8 classrooms, lower school gym, Hughes Gymnasium, two media centers, dining hall, exploratories, and administrative offices

Myrick Media Center - our media center for lower school is located on the first floor of the Mulkey Building

Weber Media Center - our media center with computer lab for middle and high school is located on the second floor of the Mulkey Building

Dozier Hall - high school academic building

Murray Arts Center - performing arts center; chapel, and middle and high school classes

Century-old Cabin - located by the lake; used for classes and summer camps

Athletic Facilities - our campus includes baseball fields for both middle and high school, a softball field, covered outdoor batting cages, multi-use practice fields, four tennis courts, two gymnasiums, a stadium field, a fitness center, and an indoor athletic and training center.

TUITION PAYMENTS Tuition payments may be paid in the main office in the drop box or in the student accounts office beside the clinic in the Mulkey building.

VISITORS AND CHECKOUT Visitors (parents included) must sign in at the front office when on campus. High school students must sign in or be checked out through the high school office in Dozier Hall. Should you need to check out your child during the school day, please come to the front office. Allow time for your child to be called from class and report to the office. Checkouts must occur before 2:00 p.m. After this time it is difficult to park and maneuver through carpool traffic.

TRANSPORTATION In addition to dropping off and picking up your child at school, bus routes to locations in East Cobb, North Cobb, Woodstock, and Canton are available. For questions regarding the bus reservations, please contact Steve Ross at [email protected]. If you live close to the school and plan to have your child walk, a permission form is available in the main office. High school student drivers must obtain a parking permit from the high school office.

CARPOOL We run multiple carpool lines each day for dismissal. The routes are determined by the age of the child and whether there are multiple riders or a single student in the carpool. We will mail specific details for your family pertaining to carpool prior to the first day.

SCHOOL CLINIC MPCS provides a full-time clinic staffed by registered nurses. The clinic is open during school hours to provide emergency first aid treatment and to distribute medications. Parents are asked to update the clinic with any changes in health conditions, medications, or surgeries throughout the school year. The nurses can be contacted at [email protected].

SAGE DINING Lunch is included in the tuition for grades K-12. Our full-service catering program provides wide menu selections each day, including a choice of hot entrees, a deli and salad bar, fresh fruits, and a daily soup. Menus are posted online and parents are always welcome to enjoy lunch with their child. Meal tickets may be purchased for guests in the school office.

UNIFORMS AND DRESS CODE All Mount Paran Christian School students wear uniforms daily. Preschool uniforms are optional. Chapel days require a specific uniform. The dress code for each grade level is outlined in detail on the school’s website and is included in the student handbook. Taking the time to carefully read through these guidelines will ensure you have a thorough understanding of the MPCS dress code. Items must be purchased through a uniform store or through other approved retail vendors and must meet guidelines.

SCHOOL HOURSpreschool (half day) 8:00-11:45 a.m. preschool (full day) 8:00-2:45 p.m.

kindergarten – fourth grade 8:00-2:45 p.m. fifth grade 8:00-3:00 p.m.

middle school 8:00-3:00 p.m.

high school 8:00-3:10 p.m.

www.mtparanschool.com

ACADEMIC FASHIONS 678.494.0114

www.academicfashionsuniforms.com

BUCKHEAD UNIFORMS 404.303.8600

www.buckheaduniforms.com

UNIFORM SOURCE 770.569.1200

www.schooluniformsource.com

LAND’S END1.800.963.4816

www.landsend.com

Uniforms

getting started

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2012-2013 Family Calendar

MONDAY, AUGUST 65:00-7:00 p.m. — BACK-2-SCHOOL NIGHT

TUESDAY, AUGUST 7 9:00 a.m. — New Student 101 Orientations Lower School (grades K-5): Myrick Media Center Middle School (grades 6-8): Weber Media Center High School (grades 9-12): Murray Arts Center, KLT

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 88:00 a.m. — First Day of School7:45 a.m. — Headmaster’s Breakfast (only new MPCS parents)

TUESDAY, AUGUST 146:30 p.m. — Parent Orientation (grades PK-1)

TUESDAY, AUGUST 215:30 p.m. — Parent NetClassroom Training (grades 3-5)6:30 p.m. — Parent Orientation (grades 2-5)

THURSDAY, AUGUST 235:30 p.m. — Parent NetClassroom Training (middle school)6:30 p.m. — Parent Orientation (middle school)

FRIDAY, AUGUST 24 12:00 p.m. — High School New Student Pizza Luncheon

THURSDAY, AUGUST 30 5:30 p.m. — Parent NetClassroom Training (high school)6:30 p.m. — Parent Orientation (high school)

Go to www.mtparanschool.com for up-to-date school event information.

First Day of School

Labor Day Holiday

Parent-Teacher Conference Day PK-8 students do not attend classes High school students DO attend classes

Parent-Teacher Conference Day for PK-12Students do not attend classes

Election Day–School Holiday

Thanksgiving Holidays

Early DismissalsEnd of First Semester Staff 1⁄2 Work Day

Christmas and New Year Holidays

Students Return, Second Semester Begins

MLK, Jr. Day Holiday

Winter Holiday and Presidents’ Day Holiday

Good Friday Holiday

Easter Monday Holiday

Spring Break–No School

Last Day of School, Early Dismissals

August 8

September 3

October 18

October 19

November 6

November 19–23

December 19

December 20–Jan. 2

January 3

January 21

February 15-18

March 29

April 1

April 8-12

May 24

Wednesday

Monday

Thursday

Friday

Tuesday

Monday–Friday

Wednesday

Inclusive

Thursday

Monday

Friday–Monday

Friday

Monday

Monday–Friday

Friday

DATE DAY (S) EVENT

key dates

EAGLE ADVENTURE ZONE MPCS offers an after-school-care program for students in preschool through grade five. The preschool after-school care program is licensed through Georgia’s “Bright From the Start.” The session begins at 2:45 p.m. All students must be picked up by 6:00 p.m. Drop-in space is limited. Required applications are available on our website.

AFTER-SCHOOL STUDY HALL Middle and high school students should report to the Weber Media Center from 3:00-6:00 p.m. after school if they do not have transportation to go home at dismissal. A staff person supervises this area. There is no fee for this service.

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BACK-2-SCHOOL NIGHT Each school year is kicked off with a school-wide “Back-2-School Night.” Please join us for this event which includes a new family orientation, “meet and greet” with your teachers, and an information fair in the Hughes Gymnasium with representatives from all school-wide activities. Be sure to come by to find out more about all aspects of MPCS. Preschool, lower, middle, and high school orientation nights for parents are held once school has begun. Check the school calendar for dates.

COMMUNICATIONS Parents are informed of school activities and developments through several methods of communication. The school website, www.mtparanschool.com is the best source of information on MPCS activities and events as well as updates on athletic news and schedules. The Weekly Word is an e-newsletter sent out with weekly updates. When necessary, school-wide announcements will be made via an e-blast in which announcements are delivered using e-mail and/or a “calling post” in which prerecorded announcements are sent over the phone. MPCS will also communicate with families through the school’s bi-annual magazine, Wingspan. Teachers will relay important school and classroom information through daily or weekly folders for some grade levels, and using the online tool, NetClassroom.

SUPPLIES Basic school supplies are provided for all preschool through eighth grade students and will be available in the classroom on the first day. All students will need to bring their own backpack. High school students receive a list of needed supplies in each class.

BOOK SALES Middle and high school students are required to purchase textbooks. Book sales begin in July using the new online purchase system at www.mbsdirect.com/mpcs.

LOCKERS Locker assignments are provided on the first day of school for high school and throughout the first week for middle school students.

ROOM MOMS Preschool through eighth grade classes have “room moms” who serve the class in many ways. In addition to coordinating classroom activities and parties, these moms also keep in touch with the class parents, serving as a liaison to PTF and the classroom teacher.

SCHEDULES FOR GRADES 6-12 Middle school parents should have received exploratory scheduling forms in the registration materials. Schedules will be created by the administration based on past academic records. Upon completing registration, high school parents should contact Mr. Eric Bradley at [email protected] to discuss placement testing and student scheduling.

NEW STUDENT MENTORS All new high school students will be partnered with a current MPCS student to help them in their transition. The Peer Mentoring Initiative (PMI, freshmen) or REACH program (sophomores, juniors, and seniors) will familiarize students with their new environment and help them to bond and build relationships as the groups meet throughout the year. Students will find out more during the HS 101 on August 7.

EXPLORATORIES AND ELECTIVES Exploratories are offered for pre-k through high school. Lower school students rotate through exploratories each week as a part of their daily schedule. These classes include music, physical

education, art, Spanish, critical thinking, and technology. Middle school students are offered multiple exploratories in which they will participate. High school schedules are set with the guidance counselor and may include a variety of options for electives. All new high school students will meet with a counselor to plan their schedule.

SUMMER READING Grades six through twelve must complete required summer reading. These lists are posted online in June. The lower school media specialist provides a “suggested” reading list for students in kindergarten through fifth grade.

SUMMER CAMPS MPCS offers on-campus summer camps each year featuring a variety of faith, academic, sports, and arts camps. Camp offerings are posted on the website each spring.

PARENT TEACHER FELLOWSHIP MPCS is proud to be supported by a phenomenal Parent Teacher Fellowship. This organization is open to all parents and grandparents. Our PTF enhances the student experience by providing for classroom needs through annual fundraisers. They also promote fellowship and community for the school through such events as the Fall Eagle Fest, annual picnic, and Bible studies. Most importantly the PTF supports, encourages, and uplifts our faculty and staff. All of our parents are encouraged to join PTF. You may join online through the MPCS website, or you may sign up at the Back-2-School Family Celebration. Membership is only $10.

EXTRACURRICULARS AND CLUBS There is always something taking place on our campus! Intramural sports are offered for some lower school grades through the P.E. department. Athletic teams practice and compete throughout the year. The Murray Arts Academy offers many after-school opportunites in drama, music, and dance. Students may choose from a wide variety of academic and special interest clubs such as chess, scouting, Bible studies, robotics, mock-trial etc. Information about getting involved in these activities will be available at the Back-2-School Night and through school communications.

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SWEEKLY CHAPEL In addition to Bible instruction, students participate in chapel services on Wednesdays in the Murray Arts Center, Kristi Lynn Theatre.

Preschool (in Sewell Cottage) ...................8:15 a.m.

Lower School ..................................8:15-8:45 a.m.

High School .................................10:30-11:20 a.m.

Middle School ................................. 1:20-2:10 p.m.

PARENTS IN FAITH Parents are invited to get involved in the Moms in Prayer, 77-Time for dads, and Parent-to-Parent groups which offer faith guidance and fellowship. Parents can also participate in the school-wide Service Day each spring when all grades work side-by-side to serve the community. You may find out more about how to participate at the Back-2-School Night event.

MISSIONS As part of our goal to develop servant-leaders, MPCS offers short-term mission opportunities for students, staff, and parents. Mission trips help students see life from a different perspective, stretch them out of their comfort zones, and teach them what it means to serve sacrificially. Ongoing mission trips are made to the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Cambodia, and the inner-city of Atlanta. It is our heart to see every student attend a short-term mission trip before he or she graduates.

ATHLETICS MPCS fields more than 58 athletic teams in 15 sports for students grades five through twelve. Boys and girls teams represent our school in the Georgia High School Association (GHSA) and the North Atlanta Metro League (NAML). Sports offered for the 2012-2013 school year include: baseball, basketball, cheerleading, cross country, equestrian, football, golf, lacrosse, soccer, softball, swimming, tennis, track and field, volleyball, and wrestling. Check the MPCS website for up-to-date athletics information.

SCHOOL SPIRIT The MPCS mascot is the eagle and the school colors are blue, white, and black. Sweatshirts and spirit wear can be purchased in the Eagles Nest school store located in the main office of the Mulkey Building (open 7:30-10:00 a.m. and 1:00-3:00 p.m.) Proceeds go to PTF and Eagle Backers. Students are encouraged to wear MPCS spirit wear with approved pants on Fridays.

EAGLE BACKERS MPCS has an active Athletic Booster Club, called Eagle Backers, that works throughout the year to raise funds for the program and to support our middle and high school athletes. Parents can join at the Back-2-School event or on our website.

ARTS The state-of-the-art Murray Arts Center is home to extensive arts programs at MPCS. Students of all ages may participate in vocal, instrumental, dramatic, or dance training through the curriculum or Murray Arts Academy extracurriculars. The Dozier School of Performing Arts offers a high school magnet program of intensive arts study in music, dance, and drama. A music production elective is offered at the SoundLab recording studio. All PK-12 students receive fine arts instruction, with additional visual art electives available to high school students. Curricular dance is available to students grade six and above. The Drama department produces professional middle and high school musicals and theater performances in the fall, winter, and spring. Younger students may participate in the children’s musical, and in select shows. MPCS music programs for fifth through twelfth grade include strings, chorus, pep band, marching band, colorguard, winterguard, and drumline.

MPAC The Mount Paran Arts Council or “MPAC” is the parent organization which supports students in the fine and performing arts. MPAC parents participate in various ways throughout the year to promote the arts program and in fund raising.

ANNUAL FUND MPCS strongly encourages all parents to participate in the Annual Fund, which directly supports “academic excellence in a Christ-centered environment.” Annual Fund dollars complete a part of the school’s operating budget, support initiatives in expanding programs, and provide financial aid to families in need. Every gift to the Annual Fund counts toward the parent participation percentage which is crucial in our efforts to access additional funding from outside foundations.

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CINDY GIBBSAssistant Director of Development

and Alumni Relations

NAOMI CROMPTONRegistrar

LINDA CLAYStudent Accounts

STEPHEN BURTONDirector of Spiritual Life

DR. DAVID TILLEY Headmaster

PAM COPELANDAdministrative Assistant to the

Headmaster

SHAUNDA BROOKSDirector of Admission

LISA HICKSReceptionist

SHANON EVANSPreschool Receptionist

SHEA BUEHLERDirector of Preschool

CARY BRAGUEDirector of Performing Arts

STEVE BOHLMANNAcademic Dean

KIM EPPS School Nurse

THERESA GERNATTHigh School College Counselor

DEBORAH DAVISCoordinator of Guidance Services

JOHN BRASWELLHigh School Dean of Students

ERIC BRADLEYHigh School Principal

Ffaces to knowThe MPCS faculty and staff is truly what keeps our families coming back. They are dedicated to the Christian faith and committed to excellence in academics, spiritual life, athletics and the arts. As a new MPCS family, we know you will soon get to know many of the staff below as well as the faculty in the various grade levels.

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On behalf of the MPCS family, I want to welcome you to ourMount Paran Christian School community. The administrativeteam, faculty, and staff are here to provide support and to answer whatever questions you may have. We are here to serve you! God bless you during this time of transition for your family. — David Tilley, Headmaster

SABRINA MOOREDatabase Coordinator

JENNIFER NEWDirector of Development

JOHN SESSDirector of Operations

JULIE RAYDirector of Business and Finance

PAM REELAdmission Assistant

SASKIA HESSSAGE Dining

DAVID LOWERYDirector of Marketing

KATY ROGERSCurriculum Specialist

Lower and Middle School

DONNA MCCOYDirector of Eagle Adventure Zone

After School Care

KATHLEEN MCCOOKManaging Director, Murray Arts Center

TINA WHITESchool Nurse

CRAIG WILSONMiddle School Athletic Director

SONYA WEBERMurray Arts Center Receptionist

MITCH JORDANHigh School Athletic Director

TAWANNA RUSK Lower School Principal

MARY BELLE THOMPSON Athletic Administrative Assistant

STEVE SHELTONMiddle School Principal

BRENDA RAYMiddle School Counselor

TIFFANY HICKSHigh School Receptionist

Student handbooks and class-specific information will be distributed by your child’s teacher. School directories will be available in late fall. We request that you notify us of any changes in your family contact information by e-mailing Sabrina Moore at [email protected].

Please visit our website at www.mtparanschool.com for the latest information on upcoming school events. STILL HAVE QUESTIONS? Feel free to call the admission office at 770.578.0182 or e-mail [email protected], and we will be happy to answer any questions you may have about getting started at MPCS. Welcome to the family!

Keep connected

Providing academic excellence in a Christ-centered environment,

unites with home and church to prepare servant-leaders

to honor God, love others, and walk in Truth.

Mount Paran Christian School

...a place where faith and intellect grow as one

1275 Stanley Road ö Kennesaw, Georgia 30152 ö 770.578.0182 ö www.mtparanschool.com