Welcome to the Family

We're so Glad You're Here!

Welcome to the Mount Paran Christian School family. We are so excited your family has chosen to join ours!

We have organized this information in order to help answer your questions to begin the new school year with a smooth transition. We encourage you to toggle through each of the tabs below and familiarize yourself on all the information, policies, and logins you will need to begin successfully.

Be sure to visit NEWS tab (bottom left corner) to see recent announcements and up-to-date school news and event updates.

Getting Started

Check out this general information to help prepare you for the first day of school.

Before the First Day

Summer Reading

Homeroom Teachers and Class Schedules

Preschool and lower school students typically check class rosters and visit with their teachers at Meet-and-Greet in early August.

Grades 6-12 parents will receive academic schedules via email in mid-July, which are created by administration based on past academic records and spring registration for courses and exploratories or electives.

High school parents will be contacted by the Admission Office to discuss placement testing and new student scheduling during the summer, upon completion of registration.

School Supplies, E/Textbooks, and Technology

Supplies

Basic school supplies are provided through tuition for all students in grades PK3-8 and will be available in their classroom on the first day.

NIV Bibles are also needed in middle and high school. High school students receive a list of any additional needed supplies in each class within the first week.

All students will need to bring their own backpack, water bottle, and optional snack.

Textbooks and E-books

Preschool and lower school textbooks or workbooks are provided through tuition.

Middle and high school students are required to purchase textbooks and e-books. E-books are used as part of the Connected Learning Program (1:1 device). Parents will receive log-in information via email for the eCampus bookstore website specific to your child(ren)'s course selections and as soon as book sales begin in mid-July.

Technology

Preschool and lower school uses laptop computers, iPads, and technology provided in the classroom during the school day.

E-books are used as part of the Connected Learning Program (1:1 device). Personal 1:1 computers will be issued to middle and high school students at 101 events or on the first day of school depending on grade level.

Uniforms

*New uniforms are exclusively sold through the Eagles Nest school store. Please inquire with the store to begin shopping early!

MPCS Uniform Consignment Sale
On May 18, new families may shop the consignment sale with deep discounts on gently used items. Stock up and save! (NOTE: There will be a new blue plaid this upcoming year.)

Summer Uniform Shop
The Eagles Nest will have a fully stocked uniform shop located in our Murray Innovation Center (new high school building). We'll have everything you need to shop, try on, and get fitted for uniforms July 7- August 5, from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. weekdays. After school begins, uniforms may be purchased in the Eagles Nest store.

Also, view the current 2024-2025 Uniform Guidelines at the link below. (Please check back for the updated guide in late spring).

MPCS Uniform Consignment Sale

Eagles Nest Summer Uniform Shop

MPCS Uniform Dress Code Information

101 Events and Orientations

Before the school year begins, NEW students in grades K-12 will have the opportunity to acclimate to their new school through 101 sessions. Some grade levels will require a parent to attend (K, 9).

Preschool, lower, middle, and high school Parent Orientation nights for parents only are held after school has begun. Kindergarten parents have orientation at the K-day event prior to school starting.

See the “key dates” section further down on this page for exact times for each grade level, as well as the 101 sessions for new students.

High School PMI

After-School Program (Extended Day Grades PK-8)

The Zone After School Care

MPCS offers early-care supervision and an extended-day program for students in preschool through eighth-grade.

Click below for information. and registration for all extracurricular and extended day programs:

Auxiliary Programs

*All high school students must be picked up in carpool after school or attend a supervised activity such as club meetings, arts rehearsal, or athletics practice.

Tuition

Tuition payments may be paid via the drop box in the Mulkey Hall main office, the student accounts office on the third floor of the Murray Arts Center, or the through the convenient online FACTS payment system.

Your Tuition Includes:

Full-service lunch program by Sage Dining (grades K-12)
Connected Learning Program 1:1 Device (grades 6-12)
School-wide yearbook (grades PK-12)
Basic classroom school supplies (grades PK-8)
Nap mat (full day PK, TK)
Textbooks/workbooks (grades PK-5)
High school retreat (grades 9-12)
Student activity fees* (grades PK-12)
Senior dues* (12th)

*Student activity fees are for daytime, academic activity-related costs

**Senior dues offset cost of graduation fees (individual orders or needs for graduation are at the expense of the senior)

Additional or Optional Fees:

Textbooks/e-books (grades 6-12 only)
Uniforms (grades TK-12)
Co-curricular/overnight trips (optional, but encouraged)
Special services (optional)
Arts or Athletic player packs (optional)
1:1 Device Insurance (optional)

*Special services include Directed Studies, extracurricular activities, after school care, speech, ENCORE; fees assessed per service

MPCS Lingo

Learn these common terms used on campus by staff and students:

11:1 - High school mentorship program with lower school
Black Box - The Black Box Theater on the second floor of the Murray Arts Center
Blue & Black Bash - Sports pre-game tailgate festivities
The Cabin - Rowland Cabin, Historic cabin by the lake
CLP - Connected Learning Program (1:1 Device and Google Classroom curriculum)
CommUNITY - The diversity and belonging initiative to encourage school community
The Cottage - Sewell Cottage preschool building
CRR - Choral Rehearsal Room in the first floor of the Murray Arts Center
DS - Directed Studies program
Eagles Nest - school store
Guard House - the security guard building at the front gate entrance
Grand Lobby - second floor main lobby area of the Murray Arts Center
KLT - Kristi Lynn Theatre of the Murray Arts Center
Knox - Also known as the "barn," the Knox Athletic Performance Center (sports medicine, training, and weight room)
Lake McDonald - the MPCS six-acre lake
The Landing - the turf play area next to the football field
MAC - Murray Arts Center
MIC - Murray Innovation Center, high school addition
Morning Devotion - Every morning staff and students share announcements and devotion to begin the school day
MPAC - Mount Paran Arts Council, parent arts group
MPC - Mount Paran Christian (acronym used in athletics)
MPCS - Mount Paran Christian School
PK, LS, MS, HS - preschool, lower school, middle school, high school
PMI - Peer Mentor Initiative, high schoolers mentoring freshmen and new students
PTF - Parent Teacher Fellowship, parent group supporting academics and fellowship events
Shelton - The MPC Eagle mascot name
Shelton Circle - the circular drive on the middle school side of Mulkey Hall near the double-eagle statue
Upper School - the combined middle and high school
Weber Collaboratory - the upstairs media center and collaboration space

In the First Weeks

Start and End Times

School Day Start Times
Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays	7:50 a.m. (all grades)
Wednesdays	8:35 a.m. (all grades Late-Start)

School Day End Times
Preschool (half-day)	11:45 a.m.
Preschool (full-day)	2:45 p.m. (3:00/3:10 p.m. for students with older siblings)
Kindergarten-Fifth Grade	3:00 p.m.
Middle School	3:05 p.m.
High School	3:15 p.m.

Late-Start Wednesdays

Late-Start Wednesdays are when students, staff, and faculty begin their normal school day at 8:35 a.m. instead of 7:50 a.m. on Wednesday mornings. This delayed start provides dedicated time for many more opportunities for professional development of faculty and staff, multi-grade level teacher collaboration, and parent or student-led Bible studies.

Instructional time is maximized. This model is a proven best-practice, enabling ongoing teacher training, which leads to higher student achievement across all levels.

Students may be dropped off during late-start Wednesday morning carpool from 8:15–8:35 a.m. The official school day will begin with the morning devotion and announcements at 8:35 a.m. Bus route pick-up times will remain the same every day.

If needed, parents may still drop off students as early as 7:00 a.m. for morning early-care/study-hall sessions. Any students arriving on campus before 8:15 a.m. must attend the monitored, early-care areas. Locations can be found on the Eagle Family Portal.

Visitors and Check-Out

Visitors (parents included) must sign in at the front office when on campus. Should you need to check out your child during the school day, please come to the main office of Mulkey Hall. Allow time for your child to be called from class and report to the office.

High school students must sign in or be checked-out through the high school office in the Murray Innovation Center.

All check-outs must occur before 2:30 p.m. After this time, it is difficult to park and maneuver through blocked carpool traffic.

Lockers, Key Fobs, and Computers (middle and high school)

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

Door fobs are also distributed at the start of each year to all upper school (middle/high school) students. Since building side entrances stay locked for security, students may use their fob for entry between buildings during school hours.

1:1 devices for middle and high school will be distrubuted at the 101 sessions or the first day of school.

Exploratories and Class Electives

Enrichment, exploratories, and electives are offered for all grades PK3-12.

Preschool students enjoy Enrichment as part of their daily schedule. The elements of Enrichment include art, music, Spanish, STEM, and P.E. All preschool students also participate in recess twice daily.

Lower school students rotate through exploratories each week as a part of their daily schedule. These classes include art, music, Spanish, STEAM, and Biblical Foundations. All lower school students participate in recess daily and P.E. every other day.

Middle school students are offered these and additional exploratory options, including band, chorus, drama, dance, Spanish or French, and yearbook.

High school students may choose from a vast array of electives. All new high school students will meet with a counselor to plan their schedules and electives upon completion of registration.

SAGE Dining

Lunch is included in tuition for grades K-12. Our full-service catering program provides wide menu selections each day, including a choice of hot entrées, a deli and salad bar, fresh fruits, and a daily soup. Menus are posted on the school website in the Eagle Family and Staff Portal, MPCS App, or the SAGE Dining app. Starting in September, parents are welcome to enjoy lunch with their child. Parent and guest meal tickets may be purchased in the Eagles Nest.

We also encourage you to download the SAGE Dining app for menus, allergy information, and feedback.

Weekly Chapel

In addition to daily Bible instruction, all students participate in weekly chapel services. All Preschool Chapels (PK3, PK4, and TK) are held on Wednesdays in Sewell Cottage. PK4 and TK Chapel is 8:50-9:20. PK3 Chapel is 9:30-9:55.

Lower school students attend chapel on Wednesdays, so K-5 students must wear their chapel uniforms on Wednesdays. All other grade levels have chapel on Tuesdays. Grades K-12 walk to the Kristi Lynn Theatre of the Murray Arts Center for chapel. Parents may always join us for chapel.

Check the Christian Life "worship" page for chapel times and recent chapel videos.

School Spirit

The MPCS mascot is the Eagle (who goes by the name "Shelton"), and the school colors are blue, black, and white. Spirit wear may be purchased in the Eagles Nest school store, located in Mulkey Hall.

Students may wear MPCS spirit wear with approved uniform bottoms on Fridays.

In the fall, MPCS hosts "Blue & Black Bash" pre-game tailgates, where our school family comes together for food, fellowship, and festivities prior to each home football game. Other spirit opportunities occur throughout the year.

Questions?

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New Family Events and Announcements

New MPCS Eagles Nest Online Uniform Store

The Eagles Nest is proud to launch a new way to order school uniforms! Introducing the new online uniform store. All required school uniform items are available on the site (except khaki pants). You may also find spirit wear items, accessories, and more. Our seasonal limited-edition special items may also be ordered through the uniform site. Check it out!

How to Login to the Website Eagle Family Portal

The MPCS website Eagle Family Portal is your single source for all current parent information, forms, handbooks, and links. It's easy to establish your login to the MPCS website Eagle Family Portal if you have not done so already. Just follow this step-by-step guide to gain access.

Download the MPCS Mobile App

Download the MPCS mobile app on the App Store or Google Play. Be sure to log in to the app using your same username and password from the website Eagle Family Portal sign-in. This will unlock an added feature called "Directories" under the bottom menu "More" tab.

MPCS Uniform Dress Code for 2024-2025

Uniform guidelines are updated for the 2024-2025 school year.

consignment sale graphic with uniform shirt and pants

MPCS Uniform Consignment Sale

Buy, sell, donate, and save at the MPCS Uniform Consignment Sale May 18-19! Register to become a volunteer and/or a seller at the sale. Or just donate your used uniforms to the Eagles Nest.

graphic for eagles nest summer store announcement

On-Campus Eagles Nest Summer Uniform Shop

Opening again this summer July 7-August 5, the Eagles Nest Summer Uniform Shop is your one-stop shop for both spirit wear AND school uniforms! Be sure to stop by the Murray Innovation Center in July before the rush to pickup new and pre-ordered items needed to start the school year.

101 Sessions and Orientations for the 2025-2026 School Year

Parents and students, mark your calendar for orientation and 101 sessions for the 2025-2026 school year. The 101 events are for new students and specific transitional grade levels. Also, we ask that all parents prioritize attending their student's grade-level orientation after school begins.

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2025-2026 School Family Calendar

Helpful Resources

Toggle each title below for important information to get your MPCS journey started on the right foot!

Summer Checklist

A "to do" list to help you prepare for the new school year:

Complete registration and provide all required documentation to the Admission office.
Arrange placement testing for middle and/or high school course scheduling with the Admission office.
Sign up for MPCS Summer Programs.
Purchase uniforms from the MPCS Uniform Consignment Sale and/or the Eagles Nest Summer Shop.
Check the summer reading lists for rising grades K-12.
Schedule a sports physical for students in grades 5-12 who will participate in MPC sports. Complete the parent consent forms and sports interest forms found at the bottom of the athletics page. Middle and high school athletes may also participate in free summer workouts (see information in New Family Events above).
At the left arrow, sign in to the MPCS website Eagle Family Portal by using the email address you applied with, and selecting "forget password" to create a new login to access the portal.
Bookmark the calendar of current events on the website at the bottom left link "news."
Mark your calendar for the 101 student orientations for your child’s grade level.
Mark your calendar for Meet-and-Greet for preschool and lower school.
Save the date for Parent Orientation, which occurs in the first few weeks of school. K-day is the Kindergarten orientation that takes place before school begins.
You will also be invited to a Head of School Roundtable for new families (multiple date options) in September.
Download the MPCS mobile app for quick reference of news, events, announcements, directory, and forms.

Portal Logins

Eagle Family and Staff Portal

Unlock critical information for students and families by signing in on the left edge arrow of the website. This can be done in early July, once your enrollment information is loaded on the MPCS database.

To establish your login (in July), use the SAME email address that you used for enrollment, select "forgot password," and follow the steps to create a password to sign into the website and the MPCS mobile app.

School Hours
Summer Reading
MPCS Handbooks
Uniform Guidebook
SAGE Dining Program and Menus
School Clinic Information and Health Forms
Eagles Nest School Store
School Calendars
Transportation and Carpool Forms
Athletics Forms
Facility Forms and Reservations Requests
Extracurricular Programs and Extended Day (Grades PK-8)
Textbooks and E-Books
Locker and Fob information
Ways to Get Involved

Student Information Systems

MPCS uses several platforms for student information and payment portals.

FACTS Management System

FACTS is your tuition payment portal established upon enrollment.
FACTS is also used for billing of added activities such as athletics player packs, club dues, ticket order forms, etc.
Student progress and gradebooks may be found in the FACTS Student Information System (SIS).
Student report cards for all grades will be posted in FACTS at the end of each semester.

Canvas for Middle and High School

In middle school, all student assignments and calendars are managed the Canvas platform.
Students receive login information via their school-issued computer.
Parents may login using student credentials to check grades and assignments.

Communications

Find all school information on the Eagle Family Portal and through school communications resources.

Please login and visit Eagle Family and Staff Portal for all information pertaining to current families. Also check the News and Events page for the latest information on upcoming school events and announcements.

MPCS will also communicate with you through these methods:

Teachers will relay important classroom information through email, daily/weekly folders (grades PK-5), texts, and Google classroom.
Be sure to read the Weekly Word e-newsletter sent via email to families on Wednesdays with all-school weekly updates.
Follow our social media pages for fast updates and photos on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. You may also follow our other Twitter accounts for each school or area division.
When necessary, school-wide announcements will be sent via e-blast, texts, and phone messages.
MPCS also sends families the annual magazine, Wingspan, twice per year.
Download the MPCS Mobile App for quick news and event information.

MPCS Mobile App

Using your same login credentials you established on the website, view up-to-date information on the app.

Weekly Word weekly e-newsletter
Events Calendar
Athletics Schedules
Absence Form
SAGE Dining Menu
Family, Student, and Staff Directories
Important School Contacts
Contact Information Change Form
MPCS Network (the MPCS "LinkedIn" for parents, grandparents, and alumni)
Social Media Links

Getting Involved

We encourage you and your student to get involved in the life of our school, including joining one or many parent organizations.

Extracurriculars and Clubs

There is always something taking place on our campus! Athletic teams compete throughout the year. The Murray Arts Academy offers after-school opportunities in drama, music, and dance. Students may choose from a wide variety of academic and special interest clubs such as Robotics, STEAM, chess, scouting, Bible studies, Legal Eagles Mock Trial, and more. Information about these activities is available on the website under each school division or on the Extracurricular Programs page.

Room Parents

Parent Organizations

Get involved in one or all of our three parent organizations to support our school mission:

PTF

Parent Teacher Fellowship (PTF) is the parent organization supporting academics at all grade levels. PTF encourages staff and teachers through fellowship initiatives and is funded through parent membership each year. PTF also sponsors the annual PTF Auction each spring. Visit PTF to get involved.

MPAC

The Mount Paran Arts Council (MPAC) is our performing and visual arts booster club supporting all areas of the arts program. MPAC includes volunteers, family memberships, and corporate sponsorships. Visit MPAC to get involved.

EAGLE BACKERS

Eagle Backers is our athletic booster club that supports ALL sports and teams at MPC at all grade levels. Family memberships and corporate sponsorships are available. Eagle Backers hosts a single fundraiser for athletics at the Annual Golf Tournament each spring. Visit Eagle Backers to sponsor, volunteer, or get involved.

Missions and Service Opportunities

As part of our goal to develop servant-leaders, MPCS offers short-term mission opportunities for students, staff, and parents. Past trips have been made to countries such as Ecuador, Peru, Dominican Republic, Guatemala, and areas of the U.S. including Appalachia. Various groups also serve monthly at partner ministry sites. We invite our parents to join students and staff in service on monthly Serve Saturdays as well as Family Serve Day each spring. It is our desire to enable every student to serve in “action and truth” (1 John 3:18).

Christian Life Parent Groups

Parent Ambassadors

Arts and Athletics Participation

Athletics

MPCS offers sports for grades 5-12. There are additional opportunities for lower school athletes, including the MPC Sports Academy clinics. For fall sports tryouts and participation form information visit the athletics page or the link below:

MPC athletics

To learn more about summer workouts:

Summer Workouts

Arts

Be on the lookout for school emails concerning extracurricular arts opportunities for grades PK-12 in late July. The Murray Arts Academy offers after-school lessons in voice, instrumental, and dance. Auditions for the performing arts productions (Grades 4-12) will be announced after school begins.

Key Dates

Check back often for updates to this calendar of new family events.

May 12: New Preschool/TK Family Meeting with Ms. Penny, 8:00 a.m OR 6:00 p.m.

May 18: New Eagle Family Cookout (and Uniform Consignment Sale), 4:00 p.m.

July 7: MPCS Summer Uniform Shop Opens

July 15: Popsicles and Play Date (PK3-5th), 6:00-7:00 p.m.

July 19: Lower School New Parent Virtual Meeting with Mrs. Baker

August 4: K-Day, 9:00-11:00 a.m.

August 4: Lower School 101 (Grades 1-5), 9:00-10:30 a.m.

August 4: Meet the Chef and Nurses, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

August 5: Middle School 101, 9:00 a.m.

August 5: High School 101 for Freshmen and Parents, 9:00-10:30 a.m.

August 5: High School PMI for Freshmen, 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

August 5: High School PMI Up (grades 10-12), 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

August 5: Meet-and-Greet (Grades PK3-5th), 4:00-6:00 p.m.

August 7: First Day of School for Grades PK4-12, 7:50 a.m.

August 8: First Day for PK3, 8:15 a.m.

August 12: Preschool/TK Parent Orientation, 6:15 and 6:30 p.m.

August 13: First Late-Start Wednesday, 8:35 a.m.

August 14: Lower School Parent Orientation (grades 1-5), 6:00-7:30 p.m.

August 15: Middle School Spiritual Emphasis Day and House Reveal

August 18: Middle School Parent Orientation, 6:00-8:00 p.m.

August 21: High School Parent Orientation, 6:00-7:30 p.m.

Our time at MPCS has literally been life-changing. The smaller school environment is just big enough to not feel stifling. We love the respect students have for teachers, and the freedom that affords the students. The campus and resources are beautiful and make school an enjoyable environment to be in. We are so blessed to be a part of Mount Paran and we feel that it is going to put our child on an academically and spiritually advantageous trajectory entering college.

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