RESOURCES
Mount Paran Christian School is a nondenominational, covenantal school that is unapologetically Christian in its mission, vision, and programs. All staff, students, and parents sign the following Statement of Faith identifying their shared commitment to the Christ-centered purpose of MPCS:
- We believe that the Holy Bible is the inspired, infallible, and authoritative source of Christian doctrine and precept.
- We believe that there is one God, eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
- We believe that man was created in the image of God, but as a result of sin is lost and powerless to save himself.
- We believe that the only hope for man is to believe in Jesus Christ, the virgin-born Son of God, who died to take upon himself the punishment for the sin of mankind and who rose from the dead, so that by receiving him as Savior and Lord, man is redeemed by His blood.
- We believe that Jesus Christ, in person, will return to earth in power and glory.
- We believe that the Holy Spirit indwells those who have received Christ for the purpose of enabling them to live righteous and godly lives.
- We believe that the Church is the Body of Christ and is composed of all who, through belief in Christ, have been spiritually regenerated by the indwelling Holy Spirit. It is the responsibility of the church to nurture Christians and to spread the Word of Jesus Christ worldwide.
To access the MPCS General Parent, Student, and Volunteer Handbook, as well as each of the division handbooks, parents and students must sign in to PlusPortals first. To keep handbooks secure, they are hidden behind your student or parent PlusPortals login.
You can find the link and generic Email/Password for access under the "school links and files" PlusPortals home dashboard.
Click here for detailed instructions on how to access the handbooks.
Once you are logged in to the online handbooks, you will see:
- 2021-2022 MPCS General Handbook for Parents, Students, and Staff
- 2021-2022 MPCS Volunteer Handbook
- 2021-2022 MPCS Preschool Handbook
- 2021-2022 MPCS Lower School Handbook
- 2021-2022 MPCS Middle School Handbook
- 2021-2022 MPCS High School Handbook
- 2021-2022 MPCS Athletics Handbook
*Note: Staff may access all handbooks plus the Employee handbook in Eaglenet under the HR Employee Information tab.
Mount Paran Christian School instills an organized classroom environment with the use of school uniforms. Our students are presentable, unified, and ready to learn each day.
Please remember that daily-approved outerwear must be adorned with a full MPCS square logo, MPC over eagle head logo, academic seal logo, or Arts logo. Outerwear MUST be SOLID black, navy, or royal blue quarter or full zip jackets with NO hood and large color panels.
This visual MPCS UNIFORM GUIDE is provided to help choose from the many uniform options available for students in K/TK through grade 12.
*NOTE: A new crewneck sweatshirt with pocket-area logo has been approved for uniform daily outerwear. These are available in the Eagles Nest and at Land's End.
MPCS Approved Uniform Vendors:
- Mills Uniforms 404-255-2133 / https://www.millswear.com
- Uniform Source 770-919-9976 / www.uniform-source.com
- Land's End 800-963-4816 / www.landsend.com
- BSN Sideline Store (MPC Spiritwear store) / www.sideline.bsnsports.com
Click here to learn about the MPCS Eagles Nest, school gear and swag, and to see what's hot "in store."
MPCS is blessed to offer a catered lunch service as part of your tuition. SAGE Dining has partnered with our school to provide the finest meal service available. From protien-rich menus for athletes, soup/salad/deli bars, to gluten and allergy free options, there is something for everyone in the MPCS dining hall.
We encourage parents to bookmark the daily menu as well as download the SAGE app. Use the links below as resources
Download the "Touch of Sage" mobile app to favorite and recommend menu items, create a custom allergen profile, plan meals, provide feedback, view events, and more.
Mount Paran Christian School is proud to offer a wide variety of activities for students to get involved before and after the regular school day. Our extended-day programs include Early Care, Eagle Adventure Zone (EAZ) extended-day program, The Zone for middle schoolers, Conference and Holiday Camps, as well as Summer Programs.
In addition to after-school arts lessons, shows, and sports teams, students may participate in many grades K-12 clubs and groups.
To learn more about all options for families, please click here.
The school clinic is available to your child in case of emergencies and ongoing conditions requiring daily administering of medications. Our registered nurses provide a safe, loving environment for students who need medical care.
Because the clinic keeps a record of all students, please remember to contact the clinic with any medical updates for your child, such as:
- changes or developments in existing medical or psychological conditions;
- newly diagnosed illness requiring medication or special diet;
- recent surgery or hospitalization;
- broken bones or severely sprained limbs;
- any contagious illnesses such as COVID-19, chicken pox, strep throat, flu, head lice, etc.;
- any major events in your child's life that may affect his/her ability to have a successful school day.
72-hour illness policy: If your child is experiencing symptoms of illness such as fever, chills, cough, congestion or runny nose, shortness of breath, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, lost of taste or smell, sore throat, nausea, vomiting, stomach ache, or diarrhea — they must be symptom-free for 72 hours prior to returning to campus.
The nurses will keep parent consent information (provided via the school admission/re-enrollment application or through forms below) on file for reference, should your student need to visit the clinic during the school year. This consent allows nurses to dispense parent-approved over-the-counter medications kept in the clinic (acetaminophen, ibuprofen, Benadryl, Tums, antibiotic ointment, hydrocortisone cream, cough drops, Sting Stop swabs, Loratadine (grades 6-12), and Phenylephrine PE (grades 6-12).
In accordance with current CDC recommendations, MPCS nurses will not be administering nebulizer treatments in the school clinic this year. We will continue to administer inhalers with appropriate spacers as needed.
Healthy Kids, Healthy School
Remember, if your child is sick or has a fever above 99.9°F, do NOT send them to school. If your child is experiencing symptoms from seasonal allergies, please keep them home until the symptoms are well-controlled.
If your child(ren) are absent for any reason, please be sure to fill out the MPCS Student Absence Form so nurses can alert teachers or require contact-tracing.
Medications in the Clinic
If your child will have MEDICATIONS IN THE CLINIC (prescription or over-the-counter), the nurses must receive a Medication Authorization Form in order to dispense it. Please provide all medications in their original container. Prescription medications must be labeled by the pharmacist with the student and medication name, dose, physician name, date filled, and expiration date. Over-the-counter medications must be in the original packaging and include manufacturer's dosing instructions. No medications will be given from a baggie or envelope. Whenever possible, medications should be given at home. If a medication needs to be taken during the school day, it is the student's responsibility to come to the clinic at the appropriate time. Remember to include the Medication Authorization Form if we will be keeping any medications (prescription or over-the-counter, e.g. Epipens, Inhalers) in the clinic.
Please note: Students are not allowed to self-carry medications while at school and must come to the clinic to receive all medications from the nurse. The only exceptions are life-saving medications for children who have been trained to self-medicate (e.g. insulin, epipens, inhalers). Please notify us if you would like your child to self-carry any medication, as we will still need the appropriate paperwork on file in the clinic.
Questions?
Email nurse@mtparanschool.com if you need assistance or would like to arrange a special meeting.
Julie Baute, R.N.
Ashlea Shumpert, R.N.
Tonya Westmoreland, R.N.
Heading into the 2021-2022 school year, MPCS will not mandate COVID-19 vaccinations. However, understand that guidelines may require certain steps for those who are not vaccinated and who come in close contact with another person who has contracted COVID-19. For those who have been vaccinated, it appears there will be no contact tracing or time away from campus, even if coming in contact with someone infected with the virus.
Currently, we do not foresee mandating mask-wearing, though we respect everyone’s decision to wear – or not wear – a mask. Our position on this issue is that it is not a political statement one way or another, but rather a health choice that is made after considering the benefits and the drawbacks of whatever choice is made. We will also ask that you respect whatever decision others within (and outside of) our community make, as they only want what is best for their families and themselves.
As it pertains to COVID-19 sanitization, we will keep each of our successful protections in place. We will mitigate risks by continuing to require frequent handwashing and supplying hand sanitizing stations throughout campus. MPCS operations will also continue with daily and quarterly classroom sanitization protocols. This involves wiping of surfaces, daily fogging in each learning space, upgrading and cleaning filters, and air purification in buildings through our fully-installed Synexis system.
We will physically-distance when it is possible, though this is difficult with our growing population of students and staff. However, we plan to bring our community back on campus, to hold indoor and outdoor activities as we have in the past, and to worship together joyfully and frequently. We plan to re-establish the community feel that makes Mount Paran, Mount Paran. We plan to gather, love, and rejoice in the fact that we have been created for relationships and celebrate this ideal as often as possible.
All middle and high school students recieve a school-issued Microsoft Surface Pro device at the beginning of each school year. Upon admission (whether new application or re-enrollment), parents agree to the requirements of the Connected Learning Program guidelines. Optional device insurance is available for purchase at the start of each school year. Contact the EagleTech (IT Services) department with any questions. Click below to read details concerning student devices:
-
Technology and Device Policies Section of Parent-Student Handbook
- Connected Learning Program 1:1 Device Insurance (available at the start of each semester)
If you have questions for EagleTech or need tech support, feel free to call 678-504-7020.
MPCS makes it simple to access the online Student and Parent PlusPortals! Parents in grades PK3-12 receive an e-mail with instructions on how to set up your personal login as a parent (different than the student login information). Once your credentials are entered, it's easy to sign in via the homepage of the main MPCS website.
The safety and security of your family while on campus is a top priority for MPCS. We keep all building entrances locked during the school day. Cameras are installed at each of the main school building entrances as an added security measure. The front desk will grant visitors access and "buzz" them in during regular school hours. We appreciate your support of our efforts to enhance security for the increased and utmost safety of all students and staff!
Key Fob Access for Students
MPCS will issue all middle and high school students a personal key fob for entry to the buildings required for their classes. The fobs are for use during school hours only. As in the past, all teachers have key fobs to each entrance access point.
Frequently Asked Questions about student fobs:
Q. What hours will the building entrance doors be locked?
A. 7:50 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Q. When will my middle or high school child receive their fob?
A. Students will be issued individual fobs soon after the start of school.
Q. What do the fobs look like?
A. Middle school students will receive a bracelet-style fob, and high school students will use a keychain fob.
Q. How will my child keep track of their fob?
A. We advise that your student keep the fob on their keychain or wear it daily like a watch. **The Eagles Nest School Store has great new options in stock for attaching them to backpacks, computer sleeves, belt loops, or bracelets.
Q. What happens if my child loses their fob?
A. Report lost fobs to John Sess, Director of Operations, for deactivation and replacement. E-mail jsess@mtparanschool.com
Q. If my child loses the fob, are we required to get another one?
A. Yes
Q. How much does it cost to replace the fob for my child?
A. $10
Q. Who do I contact about replacing a lost fob or fob that is not working correctly?
A. The Director of Operations
Q. Do we have to return the fob at the end of the year?
A. No, the fob stays with the student while enrolled at MPCS, except for seniors and non-returning students.
Q. Are parents also issued a fob?
A. No
Q. Can friends or family use or borrow the fob?
A. Fobs are not to be used by anyone other than the student it has been issued to. The fob is registered by name and number to each student. The fob tracks each time a student enters the buildings.
Q. If my child forgets a book, can they use their fob to get into the school to access their locker?
A. No, the fob only unlocks the doors during regular school hours from 7:50 a.m.-3:15 p.m. However, you may contact security at 770-843-3938 to help after hours.
TRANSPORTATION
There may be times during the school day when, as a parent, you need to come onto campus—lunch with your student, checking out a sick child, appointments with staff members, volunteer work, or other meetings. Entry to campus during the school day is only through the main Stanley Road entry gate.
As a part of our security program, all parents are issued annual car security decals (one per parent). These decals should be displayed in the driver’s side lower corner of the windshield. Parents or other visitors who come to campus without a decal between 7:50 a.m.-2:40 p.m. should be prepared to stop and sign in at the security office at the main entrance to campus.
We request parents refrain from checking students out after 2:30 p.m. due to carpool traffic.
MPCS offers bus transportation from several locations throughout the metro Atlanta area, which include the following cities: Buckhead, Vinings, Smyrna, Canton, Woodstock, West Cobb, and East Cobb. To learn more, please click here for Bus Transportation information.
Carpool Cards and Decals
A carpool card and an MPCS security decal is provided to our families before the start of school. If changes are needed, please feel free to e-mail carpool@mtparanschool.com.
Group Carpools
A zip code list of MPCS families is available in the front office if you are interested in being a part of a carpool group. Sign up for a group carpool by clicking here to inform us so your cards may be prepared.
Student morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up will be at the same locations, as indicated on your carpool card. Students may be dropped off each morning starting at 7:20 a.m.
Specific instructions for your carpool color assignment are printed on the back of your carpool card. Please read these instructions carefully. Other approved individuals may pick up students in the carpool line with a school issued carpool card provided by the parent to the individual.
PLEASE do not pull into any handicap parking spots or named/reserved parking spots, even if you are only dropping off your child. These should remain open and available at all times. If you need to check your child out early, we ask you do so before 2:30 p.m. due to carpool traffic.
If your high school student has a younger sibling who rides with them, please complete the Student Sibling Driver form here.
Student passengers(s) being picked up by sibling drivers will watch for the dismissal of “High School Drivers with Lower School and Middle School Siblings” via the "SafeDismissal" System. The passengers will then walk to the dining hall, where the high school driver will meet them. Student passengers being picked up must wait for dismissal from the "SafeDismissal" System before leaving the classroom.
Licensed high school drivers will be assigned a specific parking space through the high school office prior to the start of school.
A student driver application is available by clicking here. The application is required for all parking spot requests and must be signed by a parent. A parking space will be assigned and a security parking decal issued. These decals must be displayed on the windshield at all times.
The Senior Spots tradition of painting parking spots takes place at the start of the school year and is reserved for seniors only. Look for information during the summer concerning Senior Spots and parking spot distribution for student drivers.
If your child plans to walk or ride a bicycle to/from school, a Student Walker Permission Form must be signed and returned to the office before this routine begins. Any students going home with walkers/bikers must also have a permission form on file.
Student walkers/bikers will also be assigned to the Blue/Orange carpool. If there is inclement weather, walkers/bikers will be held until 3:25 p.m. to give parents time to pick up students in the carpool line. After that time, if safe, students will be allowed to walk/bike home.
Got a "guest" student walker with you? Please complete the Student Walker Guest form here.
COMMUNICATIONS
All MPCS families will be sent our Weekly Word online e-newsletter via email. Parents are automatically subscribed each school year. If you are not receiving the Weekly Word, please subscribe by clicking here.
We encourage you to take time to read this important communication from the school. It is the best way to stay in-the-know about all school events and announcements. In addition, when important information occurs during the week between Weekly Word editions, an “e-blast” may also be sent to the same email address.
You can always check out the News and Events tab on the top edge of our website for the latest news and announcements.
The school staff and parent directory is available in the Parent PlusPortals upon sign-in (upper right corner of our website.) Parents can search by student or teacher name to obtain contact information.
*Please note, the searcheable private directory is not to be used for any kind of solicitation. Thank you.
SUPPORT MPCS
All of our families and staff are encouraged to support MPCS in a variety of ways, such as Annual Fund, Georgia GOAL, passive giving, and more. Click here to learn more details about how your family can engage!
We invite you to become a member of our parent organizations or volunteer to serve in any capacity.
Moms in Prayer is open to MPCS moms who seek to support the school through prayer. The moms meet each Tuesday morning at 8:00 a.m. in the Murray Arts Center to pray for our school, students, faculty and staff, and families. Look for more information in the Weekly Word about start dates.
We are always looking for parents to engage in Bible studies, Serve Saturdays, chapels, Family Serve Day, and other groups on campus. For information on ways to connect, please contact the Christian Life director, or fill out our volunteer form here.
The Mount Paran Arts Council (MPAC) is a parent organization within the arts community of MPCS. MPAC represents the interests of students involved in the arts and supports their efforts through membership and volunteerism.
Learn more and become a member or corporate sponsor online.
The PTF has many exciting activities planned for each school year which support MPCS academics and community fellowship. We encourage families to become a member annually for just $25. per family. Contact PTF to sign up to volunteer for one of the events and/or complete the online membership form.
Click here to learn more about PTF, become a member, and sign up to volunteer in various areas.
Eagle Backers serves as the parent volunteer group for MPC athletics. Membership is open to all MPCS families and supports all of the school sports teams and programs. Learn more about our athletic booster club and how to become a member by clicking here.
MPCS is always looking for parents to volunteer in various ways. From being a room mom in lower school, to helping with PTF fellowship events or Bible studies, there is a place for every parent to get involved.
Please click here to learn more about the areas with the greatest need and sign up!
Calendars
Quick Links
Touch of Sage Mobile App:
Stay in touch with SAGE Dining Services! Download the "Touch of Sage" mobile app to favorite and recommend menu items, create a custom allergen profile, plan meals, provide feedback, view events, and more.
Forms
FAQs
Students in all grades should arrive on campus between 7:20 and 7:50 a.m., and the school day begins at 7:50 a.m. EAZ early care is provided free of charge for grades PK-8. Early Care begins at 7:00 a.m. Students in grades K-8 must arrive at the Mulkey Building main office entrance for early care. Preschoolers must arrive at the Sewell Cottage for early care.
Students arriving after 7:50 a.m. will need to sign in online with the receptionist in their building and receive a check-in pass to give his/her teacher.
Please note that school starts at 8:35 a.m. on Late-Start Wednesdays. Early care is also provided on this day 7:00 a.m. or later.
Chapel days have changed to TUESDAYS for grades K-12.
School hours for students grades PK-12 are as follows:
- Preschool (half-day) - 7:50 to 11:45 a.m.
- Preschool (full-day) - 7:50 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.
- Kindergarten-Fifth Grade - 7:50 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
- Middle School - 7:50 a.m. to 3:10 p.m.
- High School - 7:50 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.
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 at 7:00/7:20 a.m. for morning early-care sessions. Any students arriving on campus before 8:15 a.m. must attend the monitored, early-care areas.
Wednesday Mornings Schedule:
7:00 a.m. — Early Care (Myrick Media Center for Lower School Students, Dining Hall for Middle School Students)
7:20 a.m. — Buses begin arriving
- Preschool students report to Sewell Cottage
- Grade 1 students report to Mrs. Brown’s classroom
- Grade 2 students report to Mrs. Jadlocki’s classroom
- Grade 3 students report to Mrs. Robillard’s classroom
- Grade 4 students report to Mrs. Ewell’s classroom
- Grade 5 students report to Mrs. Condra’s classroom
- Middle school students report to dining hall
- High school students report to dining hall
- Students involved in Bible studies will report to designated classrooms
8:15 a.m. — Carpool drop-off begins
8:35 a.m. — School day begins with morning devotion and announcements
*Please Note: Chapel is on Tuesdays for grades K-12 and on Wednesdays for preschool.
STUDENTS PROVIDE:
Preschool:
- Book bag or backpack and lunch (refer to pre-K e-blast for further information)
Lower School:
- Book bag or backpack, large enough to hold a folder or binder. Please use discretion with characters printed on backpacks and no rolling book bags.
- Students need to bring a healthy snack and non-spill water bottle.
Middle School:
- New International Version (NIV) Bible from home
- A backpack or book bag
- Computer compartment/sleeve
- Purchased textbooks/e-books
High School:
- Students will receive a course syllabus from each teacher to see what materials will be needed.
- Paper and pen/pencil on the first day
- Computer compartment/sleeve
- Purchased textbooks/e-books
Lockers for middle school students are assigned on the first day of school. Sixth-graders will have the opportunity to try out their locker at the Middle School 101 event.
High school students also typically recieve locker assignments on the first day or during parking registration. For fall semester of 2020, there will be no locker use.
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, K)
- 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 FEES:
- Textbooks/e-books (grades 6-12 only)
- 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
The student accounts office is located on the third floor of the Murray Arts Center as part of the school's business office suite.
To visit, park on the back side of the Murray Arts Center and enter through the lower floor lobby. After checking in with the receptionsist, take the elevator or stairs to the third floor offices. The convenience of our online FACTS tuition payment is available as well.
After-hour payments may be made to the drop box in the main office, as well as the secure payment drop box in the MAC lobby near the lower floor reception desk.
Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Students in grades 6-12 are required to pre-purchase e-books and/or textbooks needed for each course. In keeping with the committment to provide MPCS with financial savings, our book partner, eCampus, has developed a variety of services designed specifically for our families.
Student schedules are released mid-July, via email to each individual family, containing your student's login information. Once you have your student's login, you may sign on to eCampus to begin your order. Books needed for that student's classes will have been loaded on the order dashboard for your selection.
The eCampus service team is ready to answer your questions by calling 1-844-523-8980 or email bookstore@etechcampus.com.
