--- title: WingTips | academic excellence (4) description: "academic excellence | WingTips MPCS Blog: Thought-Leadership in Christian Education (4)" --- [Skip To Main Content](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/topic/academic-excellence/page/4#fsPageContent) ## Custom Class: header-utility-outer ## Custom Class: header-utility-bar ## Custom Class: menu-toggle-container ## Custom Class: utility-bar-links - [Tour](https://www.mtparanschool.com/admission/tour) - [News](https://www.mtparanschool.com/news-and-events) - [Give](https://www.mtparanschool.com/support-mpcs/annual-fund) ## Custom Class: hp-utility-est EST. 1976 ## Custom Class: utility-shield-icon shield\_divider.png ![](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/hubfs/finalsite_assets/c1qytvpcecnqjrq3jmik.webp) ## Navigation - [Tour](https://www.mtparanschool.com/admission/tour) - [News](https://www.mtparanschool.com/news-and-events) - [Give](https://www.mtparanschool.com/support-mpcs/annual-fund) ## Navigation - [About](https://www.mtparanschool.com/about) - 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But, one might recognize it when setting foot into Dr. Bonnie Stephens’ high school science classroom at Mount Paran Christian School. Dr. Stephens, who received a B.S. in Applied Biology from Georgia Tech and a Ph.D. in Biology from Georgia State University, is known to enliven content for her classes. Here, she shares how she brings learning to life for her students.   ![AP biology students working](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/hs-fs/hubfs/AP%20biology%20students%20working.jpg?width=844&name=AP%20biology%20students%20working.jpg) [![5 Tips for Making the Middle to High School Transition](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/hubfs/Middle%20school%20students%20group.jpg)](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/5-tips-for-middle-to-high-school-transition) ## [5 Tips for Making the Middle to High School Transition](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/5-tips-for-middle-to-high-school-transition) August 24, 2022 While parents may shed a few tears when their kindergartener heads off to the first day of school, for students, the biggest transition in learning comes much later. Students often find that the move from middle school to high school is especially daunting. These rising freshmen are full of hopes and dreams, as well as fears and freedom. Here are five tips that can help any rising freshman make for a smooth transition into the high school years.   ![Middle school students group](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Middle%20school%20students%20group.jpg?width=844&name=Middle%20school%20students%20group.jpg) [![From the Teacher's Desk: What Families Should Expect](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/hubfs/IMGL6247.jpg)](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/from-the-teachers-desk-what-families-should-expect) ## [From the Teacher's Desk: What Families Should Expect](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/from-the-teachers-desk-what-families-should-expect) August 12, 2022 Between preschool and their senior year of high school, children grow, learn, and develop at an astounding rate. When families entrust their children to schools to partner in shaping the worldview of these future citizens, it is essential that the relationship between home and school be one of open communication and true partnership.    We all enter relationships with our own set of expectations, based on our personal experiences and values. The learning process requires effort from both the teacher and the student. What follows is a guide from the leaders at Mount Paran Christian School to help families navigate expectations from teachers, and vice versa, all with the ultimate aim to ensure the best possible outcomes for students.   ![IMGL6247](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/hs-fs/hubfs/IMGL6247.jpg?width=844&name=IMGL6247.jpg) [![How to Prepare Today's Learners to be Tomorrow's Leaders](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/hubfs/senior%20college%20day%20closeup%20crowd.jpg)](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/prepare-todays-learners-to-be-tomorrows-leaders) ## [How to Prepare Today's Learners to be Tomorrow's Leaders](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/prepare-todays-learners-to-be-tomorrows-leaders) June 09, 2022 “...\[I\]f education is to succeed in its tasks, curriculum as its core should be restructured or repacked around the four pillars of learning: learning to know, learning to do, learning to live together, and learning to be.” *-Zhou Nanzhao, Ph.D., Director, International Center of Teacher Education, East-China Normal University, and Advisor to the Chinese National Commission for UNESCO* Globalization. A 24/7 news cycle. The growing influence of social media. Ever-changing technological advances. These are but a few of the challenges facing today’s teachers and their students. While the field of education may find it challenging to keep pace with the rapid changes in communication and technology, all is not lost in equipping 21st-Century learners for future success. In addition to providing a strong educational foundation - to include learning important facts, reading, writing, and arithmetic - it is crucial, according to the UNESCO International Commission on Education, that education today needs to teach students to be lifelong learners.   ![Classof22 MPCS5766 for WW](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Classof22%20MPCS5766%20for%20WW.jpg?width=844&name=Classof22%20MPCS5766%20for%20WW.jpg) [![4 Benefits of Choosing a K-12 Independent School for Life](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/hubfs/MOJO8895.jpg)](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/4-benefits-choosing-k12-independent-school) ## [4 Benefits of Choosing a K-12 Independent School for Life](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/4-benefits-choosing-k12-independent-school) January 26, 2022 For families who have decided on an independent school education for their children, the private school choices seem endless. Options range from religious to secular, co-ed to single sex, day or boarding. One especially important consideration for families is the school’s organization – the grades/school levels offered. Schools vary from solely primary or secondary offerings to a combination of preschool through high school. For families choosing one school for their children’s entire academic experience, the benefits are many.   ![MOJO8895](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/hs-fs/hubfs/MOJO8895.jpg?width=844&name=MOJO8895.jpg) [![3 Reasons Why I Believe in Christian Schools](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/hubfs/preschooler%20praying.jpg)](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/3-reasons-why-i-believe-in-christian-schools) ## [3 Reasons Why I Believe in Christian Schools](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/3-reasons-why-i-believe-in-christian-schools) January 06, 2022 Why do I believe so strongly in Christian education, and particularly in independent Christian schooling? There are numerous reasons, starting with my perspective on education in general, specifically, K-12 education. Beyond that, the benefits of an independent Christian education for today’s learners are eternal.   ![Preschool worship](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Preschool%20worship.jpg?width=845&name=Preschool%20worship.jpg)  [![Innovation Outside the Classroom](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/hubfs/blog%20masks%20innov%20MPCS8023.jpg)](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/innovation-outside-the-classroom) ## [Innovation Outside the Classroom](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/innovation-outside-the-classroom) October 07, 2020 Real classroom innovation at Mount Paran Christian School starts from within; from the open hearts and minds of the teachers, students, parents, and school leadership. Never has this been more true than during the 2020 academic year, when the coronavirus pandemic put the innovative practices of MPCS to the test.   ##### ![blog masks innov MPCS8023](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/hs-fs/hubfs/blog%20masks%20innov%20MPCS8023.jpg?width=845&name=blog%20masks%20innov%20MPCS8023.jpg) [![Why Are Schools Cursing Cursive?](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/hubfs/MOJO9568.jpg)](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/why-are-schools-cursing-cursive) ## [Why Are Schools Cursing Cursive?](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/why-are-schools-cursing-cursive) March 05, 2020 With the shift towards more technology in the classroom, it should come as no surprise that the majority of states—more than 40—no longer require handwriting instruction, especially *cursive* handwriting. According to a report from 11Alive news, Georgia requires instruction of cursive writing, typically beginning in grade three. However, since cursive writing is not assessed at the state level and is left to local determination for assessment, in most Georgia schools, cursive writing is no longer being taught.   ### ![MOJO9568](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/hs-fs/hubfs/MOJO9568.jpg?width=845&name=MOJO9568.jpg) [![Letter to My Alma Mater: Servant-Leadership](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/hubfs/LegacxyLR-9415.jpg)](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/letter-to-alma-mater-servant-leadership) ## [Letter to My Alma Mater: Servant-Leadership](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/letter-to-alma-mater-servant-leadership) November 14, 2019   One of the many benefits of an independent school education is that school leadership has the freedom to choose curricula, which can include biblical teaching and religious discussions. The benefits of such an educational opportunity have an eternal impact on young lives, with students deepening their faith and developing servants’ hearts. **In this final installment of the “Letter to My Alma Mater” series, alumni share how their relationship with God transformed during their time at MPCS and how developing a strong belief system has shaped their future.** ![LegacxyLR-9415](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/hs-fs/hubfs/LegacxyLR-9415.jpg?width=2400&name=LegacxyLR-9415.jpg) [![Letter to My Alma Mater: Athletics](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/hubfs/lqnvtvhzvlg2c3cwvjae.jpeg)](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/letter-to-alma-mater-athletics) ## [Letter to My Alma Mater: Athletics](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/letter-to-alma-mater-athletics) November 07, 2019   For this third installment of the “Letter to My Alma Mater” series, former MPCS athletes offer their perspectives on making the transition from the field to the real world. Along the way, these alumni have made the MPC Way a part of their core values, demonstrating humility, passion, integrity, relentless pursuit, and a commitment to excellence in all they do. ![lqnvtvhzvlg2c3cwvjae](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/hs-fs/hubfs/lqnvtvhzvlg2c3cwvjae.jpeg?width=2208&name=lqnvtvhzvlg2c3cwvjae.jpeg)           *Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images* [![Letter to My Alma Mater: Arts](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/hubfs/perssonRight42ndStreet_448-1.jpg)](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/letter-to-alma-mater-arts) ## [Letter to My Alma Mater: Arts](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/letter-to-alma-mater-arts) October 24, 2019 From encouraging creative thinking to working collaboratively, from honing skills to building confidence, the arts provide both an outlet for expression and input for developing innate artistic talent. ***For the second part of the “Letter to My Alma Mater” series, MPCS alumni share how participation in the arts at the school changed their lives and offer advice for aspiring artists.*** ### ![HammondsDSC\_0258 141](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/hs-fs/hubfs/HammondsDSC_0258%20141.jpg?width=2937&name=HammondsDSC_0258%20141.jpg) [![Letter to My Alma Mater: Academics](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/hubfs/writingiStock-524697362.jpg)](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/letter-to-alma-mater-academics) ## [Letter to My Alma Mater: Academics](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/letter-to-alma-mater-academics) October 17, 2019   To accomplish its mission of uniting with home and church to prepare servant-leaders to honor God, love others, and walk in Truth, Mount Paran Christian School focuses on four pillars in everything we do: Academics, Arts, Athletics, and Christian Life. Through participation in these key areas, MPCS students graduate with a strong foundation for beginning their adult lives. For this “Letter to My Alma Mater” blog series, we asked several alumni to share their experiences at MPCS and how their time at the school made an impact on the path they took upon graduation. ### ![writingiStock-524697362](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/hs-fs/hubfs/writingiStock-524697362.jpg?width=3600&name=writingiStock-524697362.jpg) [![Our World Needs the Liberal Arts](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/hubfs/classkidsLR2-5669.jpg)](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/our-world-needs-the-liberal-arts) ## [Our World Needs the Liberal Arts](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/our-world-needs-the-liberal-arts) March 21, 2019 **A COMMITMENT TO THE LIBERAL ARTS PART 3:** At MPCS, we see the study of the liberal arts (humanities, science, mathematics, and the arts – broadly categorized) as a vehicle for enabling our students to develop as well-rounded individuals and to mature in community with one another. We see the liberal arts as a means of delivering truly important information and providing the tools that enable our students to think and process that information, so that upon graduation they have become well-informed, civically minded, flourishing humans.  ##### ![BlackHistoryLR-2910](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/hs-fs/hubfs/BlackHistoryLR-2910.jpg?width=3600&name=BlackHistoryLR-2910.jpg) [![Technology and the Liberal Arts](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/hubfs/liberalTechLR-9630.jpg)](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/technology-and-the-liberal-arts) ## [Technology and the Liberal Arts](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/technology-and-the-liberal-arts) February 18, 2019 **A COMMITMENT TO THE LIBERAL ARTS PART 2:** Technology is playing a more significant role in the education of our students today. More specifically, the teaching and learning taking place within our schools, in many regards, is becoming dependent upon technological innovations that historically have not been necessary to produce well-rounded students. My own perspective is rooted in the liberal arts and the role they have played for centuries in building and equipping Christians for service and leadership. Mount Paran Christian School’s perspective is rooted in the knowledge that education is deeply relational and that every student must be known and loved to be effectively educated. Christianity is, after all, about relationship.  ##### ![teacherLR2-5592](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/hs-fs/hubfs/teacherLR2-5592.jpg?width=4649&name=teacherLR2-5592.jpg) [![An Introduction to the Liberal Arts](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/hubfs/classkidsLR2-5677.jpg)](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/introduction-to-the-liberal-arts) ## [An Introduction to the Liberal Arts](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/introduction-to-the-liberal-arts) January 23, 2019 **A COMMITMENT TO THE LIBERAL ARTS PART 1:** I am a dinosaur. I know it. Sometimes I am ashamed of it. Sometimes I am proud of it. I do not do technology well. If it has parts, I probably can’t fix it. If it requires batteries or electricity, the rule in our home is, “Bring it to Mommy.” I know, pathetic, right? I love paper books, libraries, and pens. I like to take notes with a mechanical pencil. Does that count as technology?  ##### ![classkidsLR2-5677](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/hs-fs/hubfs/classkidsLR2-5677.jpg?width=3600&name=classkidsLR2-5677.jpg) [![Resolute For the New Year](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/hubfs/DrWiensLSLR-8649.jpg)](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/resolute-for-the-new-year) ## [Resolute For the New Year](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/resolute-for-the-new-year) January 08, 2019   **Welcome to the New Year!** I have a lot of hope in what promises to be a wonderful year living and learning together in community. Each year, right around this time, Americans (and maybe people in other nations as well) take to setting New Year’s Resolutions. In all honesty, I have never been much of a resolution-setter, and while I could certainly resolve to lose a few pounds (or more than a few!), resolutions like that have never been effective in my life. I have always been a big-vision, long-term thinker and doer. So for me, this year I pray I will be determined, dedicated, committed, and devoted as a Christian, husband, father, friend, and employee of MPCS. ![DrWiensLSLR-8649](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/hs-fs/hubfs/DrWiensLSLR-8649.jpg?width=3216&name=DrWiensLSLR-8649.jpg) [❮](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/topic/academic-excellence/page/3) [1](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/topic/academic-excellence/page/1) [2](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/topic/academic-excellence/page/2) [3](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/topic/academic-excellence/page/3) [4](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/topic/academic-excellence/page/4) [5](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/topic/academic-excellence/page/5) [❯](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/topic/academic-excellence/page/5) ## *WingTips* Welcome to *WingTips*, a Mount Paran Christian School Blog. The MPCS Blog features many independent school contributors and thought-leaders. ### Subscribe Here! --- ### Recent Posts --- #### Learn More About MPCS ### Recommended Series #### PRIVATE SCHOOL PRIMER: - [How School Choice Programs Increase Educational Opportunities for Families](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/how-school-choice-programs-increase-educational-opportunities-for-families) - [5 Tips for Making the Middle to High School Transition](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/5-tips-for-middle-to-high-school-transition) - [What Families Should Expect](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/from-the-teachers-desk-what-families-should-expect) - [2 Most Important Things to Consider When Choosing a Preschool](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/2-most-important-things-to-consider-when-choosing-a-preschool) - [4 Benefits of Choosing a K-12 School for Life](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/4-benefits-choosing-k12-independent-school) - [3 Reasons Why I Believe in Christian Schools](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/3-reasons-why-i-believe-in-christian-schools) - [7 Tips for Affording a Private School Education](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/7-tips-for-affording-a-private-school-education) - [4 Reasons We Chose Mount Paran Christian School](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/4-reasons-we-chose-mount-paran-christian-school) - [How to Choose the Best Private School for Your Family](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/how-to-choose-the-best-private-school-for-your-family) - [4 Methods to Meet Every Learner Where They Are](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/4-methods-to-meet-every-learner-where-they-are) #### PARENTEd. TALKS: - [Helping Students Boost Their Brain Capacity for Success](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/helping-students-boost-their-brain-capacity-for-success) - [Teaching Children Fiscal Responsibility](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/teaching-children-fiscal-responsibility) - [Tips for Parents to Help Teens Avoid Drugs and Alcohol](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/parented-tips-parents-help-teens-avoid-drugs-alcohol) - [Excelling in the Midst of Adversity](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/excelling-in-midst-of-adversity) - [3 Tips for Navigating the Hidden Dangers of Social Media](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/parented-3-tips-navigating-hidden-dangers-social-media) - [The Blessing of a B Minus](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/parented-wendy-mogel-blessing-of-a-b-minus) - [Real Talk for Moms](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/parented-real-talk-for-moms) #### COLLEGE SERIES: - [Finding the Right Fit - An Individualized Approach to College Counseling](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/finding-the-right-fit) - [ParentEd.: Here’s What You Need to Know About College Admissions](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/heres-what-you-need-to-know-about-college-admissions) - [To Save or Not to Save: 529 Plans are the Question](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/private-school-529) - [College Admissions: A Marathon, Not a Sprint](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/college-admissions-a-marathon-not-a-sprint) #### FROM THE TEACHER’S DESK: - [The Importance of Play](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/the-importance-of-play) - [What Families Should Expect](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/from-the-teachers-desk-what-families-should-expect) - [Play is Learning Through the Arts](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/play-is-learning-through-the-arts) - [4 Tips to Capture the Minds of Your Students](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/4-tips-to-capture-students-attention) #### CHRISTIAN LIFE: - [What is a Covenant School?](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/what-is-a-covenant-school) - [Seeing Through a New Lens: A Biblical Worldview](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/biblical-worldview) - [Faith and Intellect as One](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/faith-and-intellect-as-one) - [Philosophy of Belonging: 4 Tips for Fostering a Diverse Culture](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/4-tips-fostering-diverse-culture) - [Innovation in Education: Teaching Cultural Awareness](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/innovations-in-education-teaching-cultural-awareness) - [A Call to Brotherhood: Martin Luther King Jr.’s Wisdom for Today](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/call-to-brotherhood-mlk-wisdom-for-today) - [CommUNITY: How Do We Love One Another?](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/how-to-love-one-another) - [Campaign for CommUNITY](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/campaign-for-community) - [How to Raise Empathetic Children in Today’s Culture](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/how-to-raise-empathetic-children-in-todays-culture) - [Imageo Dei: Why Diversity Matters](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/imago-dei-why-diversity-matters) - [Praying for Their Future](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/praying-for-their-future) *Providing academic excellence in a Christ-centered environment, Mount Paran Christian School unites with home and church to prepare servant-leaders to honor God, love others, and walk in Truth.* shield\_divider.png ![](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/topic/academic-excellence/page/two_column_files/c1qytvpcecnqjrq3jmik.webp) best-of-cobb-footer.png [![Best of COBB Winner](https://blog.mtparanschool.com/topic/academic-excellence/page/two_column_files/ti9kmypqeyitndjq73rh.webp)](https://info.mtparanschool.com/best-private-school-in-cobb-county) #### Mount Paran Christian School 1275 Stanley Road NW Kennesaw, GA 30152 P: (470) 250-0008 [Google Maps](https://maps.app.goo.gl/GTD8r1s5SeQuPtGW6) - 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