First Day of School and Second Day Update – 9/17/2020

Dear Families,
The first day of school is in the books and what an amazing day it was! We are soaking in God’s goodness, answered prayers, and heavenly blessings! Just as part of our theme verse, Psalm 23 says, our cup overflows. Surely His goodness and love follows us. We hope your child(ren) came home celebrating the day and excited to be back tomorrow!
I want to take a moment to publicly acknowledge and thank our amazing staff. They are, by far, the best team, one that has been assembled by God. Your children are in amazing hands. They will be loved, nurtured, challenged, and known. They will grow spiritually, academically, and relationally. They will thrive and flourish under their care. There is no better staff, of this I am confident and I want to thank each of them for an amazing first day.
I also want to thank all of you, our parent community. Thank you for entrusting your precious children to our care. Thank you for your support and partnership. Thank you for extending grace as we navigate the start of the school year not only in a unique season but at a different location. And thank you for the tremendous blessing of continual prayers.
For the second day of school, we will be making a few adjustments to morning and afternoon carpool. Please review the details provided below.
Morning Carpool 
  • All cars are to enter off Bonita Canyon. A new route has been created in the parking lot to ease traffic congestion on the street. Staff will direct this routine tomorrow.
  • A second line has been created in the parking structure to increase the efficiency of health screening and students exiting cars.
  • More carpool ambassadors have been added to assist students after they exit the car.
  • Beginning tomorrow, all parents must drop off through carpool. Parents may not park and walk students in.
Afternoon Carpool 
  • Lanes delineating first and second carpool have been added and a member of the staff will direct traffic accordingly. Ensure you have the correct carpool color sign on your dashboard to help us direct to the correct lane. Orange for carpool 1, Yellow/green for carpool 2.
  • Please turn off your engine and keep it off until the car in front of you is moving. Car engines should not be idling at any time.
  • Ensure your child knows the correct carpool, first or second, where they will find you.
  • All parents must remain in the car at all times.
  • Write your family’s last name on the colored sign for easier identification.
Other Reminders: 
  • Send each child with plenty of water and a large morning snack.
  • Elementary students should have a towel with them at school. It will be left at school during the week and sent home on Friday. Please send a towel with your child tomorrow if they did not have one today. Middle school students were not previously asked to bring a towel. We are now encouraging them to do so. Towels are used when on the grass during snack times and chapel.
  • MCS Reception has been established in the second floor of the kid’s building. To access, park in the upper lot. The same parking lot where carpool occurs. Because the church is a closed campus, parents may only enter this area during the school day.
The joy and excitement for this year only grows! Looking forward to the year ahead!
For His Name’s Sake,
Heather Harrison
Head of School
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MCS at Mariners Church – 9/10/2020

Mariners Church baptism pool

Dear Families,

We hope and pray you are enjoying the final days of summer and are excited for the start of the 2020-21 school year.

As you are aware, we will begin the year on the campus of Mariners Church, Irvine. The church will host us from the first day of school, Thursday, September 17th through Friday, October 9th. The following information is provided to ensure preparation for this time.

Reopening Plan and Guidelines @ Mariners Church

  • The full reopening plan communicated in August will be implemented while at the church. In addition, we will comply with all church guidelines and requirements.
  • Cooperation and support from all members of the MCS community is expected. This includes:
    • Face covering guidelines: strongly recommended for grades Tk-2, required for grades 3-8, required for all staff and all adults when on campus including when visiting the front desk.
    • Adults on the church campus: Only school or church personnel are allowed to be on the church campus. Parents must check in at the MCS front desk area and remain in that area when on campus. Parents may not enter the church campus.

Communication, Front Desk, Health Office @ Mariners Church

  • MCS has established a front desk, or reception area, at Mariners Church. This area is located off the upper parking lot in the Kid’s Ministry Building. The carpool video provided indicates this location. Late arrivals, early dismissals, health office check out, supply drop offs are to be conducted at this location.
  • Communication can be relayed and staff reached by calling MCS at 714-437-1700. The call will then be forwarded to the MCS front desk line at Mariners Church. The front desk at the church can also be reached directly by calling 949-402-6149. This number has been specifically established for our time at Mariners Church.
  • A designated area has also been established for our Health Office. This area will be supported by health office staff and will provide all necessary care. As always, parents will be contacted by the school nurse in the event a child is sick or injured.

Snacks and Water @ Mariners Church

  • Mariners Church is a nut free campus and we ask that all families comply with this requirement. Students should bring a midday snack that they can enjoy during morning recess but please ensure the snack is nut free. In addition, students should bring plenty of water each school day as there will not be access to drinking fountains.

Uniforms @ Mariners Church

  • Though a different location, uniform guidelines will still be enforced. Students are expected to be in the appropriate school uniform each day.

Morning and Afternoon Carpool @ Mariners Church

  • Morning and afternoon carpool procedures have been adjusted for the time at the church. To view a video of these carpool procedures, click here. Detailed written instructions can be found here and maps of both carpool routes can be found here.
  • Morning carpool will be held 7:30-7:55 and afternoon beginning at 12:20. Please do not arrive before these carpool times avoiding any standing traffic on the Mariners Church campus. Please abide by all procedures outlined in the instructions and video.

Thank you for your continued support and partnership. Here’s to a great year together!

For His Name’s Sake,
MCS Administration Team

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Preparing for the Start of the School Year – 9/2/2020

Dear Parents,
The first day of school  is quickly approaching and we are excited to welcome students to the 2020-21 school year. With great confidence, we trust that God will move mightily throughout the year. We are confident every child will grow and mature academically, spiritually, and relationally. We are committed to continual partnership with families as, together, we “build a firm foundation through Christ-centered education.”
As announced last week, we will begin our school year on the campus of Mariners Church. We are grateful for the support and generosity that has provided a home for in-person learning from the first day of school, Thursday, September 17th through Friday, October 9th. It is with great excitement that we look forward to returning to the completed MCS campus on Monday, October 12th.
In preparation for the upcoming school year, please carefully review all information included in this communication as it outlines important details for all learners as well as specific information for in-person and remote learning.

Important Details for All Families and Students: In-person Learning and Remote Learning

Meet the Teacher Day

Save the date for this year’s Meet the Teacher Day on Wednesday, September 16th from 9:00-12:00 at Mariners Church. Check out the save the date flyer here and be on the lookout for additional details coming soon.

Return to Campus Consent Form

All families, whether in-person or remote, are required to complete a Return to Campus Consent Form. The form is to be completed by logging into the parent’s portal, selecting the “You have forms to complete” notification, electronically signing the form (only one parent required), and submitting. The form is due no later than Friday, September 11th.
The Return to Campus Consent Form is based upon the guidelines outlined in the MCS Reopening Plan. The entirety of the plan will be implemented from the first day of school.

Daily At-Home Health Screening

Whether in-person or remote, all families are expected to be familiar with the Daily At-Home Health Screening requirement. Parents are expected to complete this health screening every morning before arriving to school. In the event that a student transitions from remote learning to in-person, families are expected to immediately implement these procedures. The Daily At-Home Health Screening can be found here.

School Hours Thursday, September 17th through Friday, October 9th

School hours for all students, in-person and remote, will follow this daily schedule for the first few weeks of school:
Start Time: 8:00 am
End Time: 12:30 pm
Note: We will NOT have Late Start Wednesday until Wednesday, October 14th.
The daily schedules during this timeframe can be viewed here for elementary and here for middle school.
We will resume the normal, full day schedule on Monday, October 12th including staggered start and dismissal times. To review this schedule, click here.

School and Classroom Supplies

The required school supply lists for each grade previously provided and can be found here. However, at this time, no classroom supplies will be collected. Instead, until our return to MCS campus, only personal supplies will be required for each student as follows:

Important Information for In-Person Learning

Daily Arrival Procedures

Morning drop-off at Mariners Church will begin at 7:30 am. All students must be dropped off no later than 7:55 to allow for a prompt start time of 8:00.
Upon arrival, all students will remain in the car until their temperature is checked by school staff. Those with a temperature above normal, will be directed to receive a secondary temperature check by the school nurse. Upon confirmation of a fever higher than 100.4, the student will not be permitted to attend school. We ask that all families do not bring their child to school with any form of fever. This will eliminate any concern upon arrival.
Next week, a Carpool Tutorial Video will be provided demonstrating designated carpool entrances at Mariners Church, driving route, drop-off area and procedures, health screening practices, and exit routes. Carpool will be different and we will make sure all are prepared for these new procedures. In advance, we ask for your patience and flexibility as adjustments may be necessary once school begins.

Late Arrivals, Early Check Outs, Health Office

Students who arrive after morning carpool must report to the “MCS Reception” desk located off the Upper Parking/Worship Center Lot. This is the same area as carpool. Next week’s carpool video will indicate this location.
Due to the modified school day while we are at Mariners Church, we highly encourage parents to avoid early check outs. In the event it is necessary, students can be checked out at the “MCS Reception” desk.
MCS will have a designated Health Office area while at Mariners Church. This will be staffed by our school nurse and additional health aid(s). The health of our students is paramount and will be prioritized at all times. In the event that a child becomes ill during the school day, the parent will be contacted and the student sent home. Parents picking up an ill child will check in at the “MCS Reception” desk.

After School Enrichment Camps

We are excited to offer optional, grade level, after school enrichment camps to students grades Kindergarten through 8th grade. These camps will be held beginning Monday, September 21 through Friday, October 9th. Potential offerings beyond these dates are also being explored. The enrichment camp schedule and details will be provided during the week of September 14th. All students, whether remote or in-person, are invited to participate in these enrichment activities.

Important Information for Remote Learners

Important information for remote learners will be provided by divisional principals this Friday, September 4th. These details will include the remote learning schedule for the first weeks of school, orientation and technology training for students and parents, supplies and curriculum distribution details, and expectations for remote learners and parents.

In Him,

Heather Harrison
Head of School

Sam Joo
Middle School Principal
Angela Drevlow
Elementary Principal
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Celebrating God’s Goodness – 8/28/2020

Dear MCS,
Thank you for joining last night’s community information event. If you were not able to join, the webinar can be viewed here: https://zoom.us/rec/share/z9dof4nBrVtJZoHfq0XNRoEtJ67oaaa8gHIc8_cKmE54MXc_Ykd8BZb3n2j0BsN2 Passcode: x7fSP*!F
We continue to celebrate God’s goodness and favor over MCS. Not only do we have our waiver but, as announced last night, God has made a way for us to begin the year together, in person! A construction delay cannot stop God! For those that tuned in, you are aware that we will open for in-person learning from the first day of school because of extreme generosity from Mariners Church. The church is opening their campus to us so that we can be together for in-person learning from the first day of school. We are celebrating this amazing answer to prayer and so thankful for Mariners Church. Highlights from this announcement last night include:
  • Mariners Church will host MCS for the first 3.5 weeks of school until we are back on our campus, in a beautiful new building which is another gift from God.
  • Due to specified parameters, the following adjustments will be made for the time period that we will hold school at Mariners Church:
    • Modified Daily Schedule for all Grades: 8:00-12:30, carpool will begin at 7:30
    • Weekly Enrichment Camps: Each grade level will be invited to attend a weekly after school enrichment program on the campus of MCS.
    • Meet the Teacher Day and First Day of School Adjustments: Meet the Teacher Day will now be held on Wednesday, September 16th and the first day of school on Thursday, September 17th. An additional school day has been added to the end of the year to preserve the same number of instructional days. The last day of school is now Thursday, June 17th.
Planning is underway for our in-person start at Mariners Church. We are also ready to launch our remote learning for the students whose family has made that selection. Both in-person instruction and remote learning will begin on Thursday, September 17th. Next week, families can expect full, detailed communication for Meet the Teacher Day,  in-person learning at Mariners Church, and remote learning. In addition to program specific communications, over the next two weeks families will receive information on various protocols and practices including carpool at Mariners Church and morning health screening procedures. Be on the lookout for all of those details coming your way.
And, the good news and abundant blessings continue! I am thrilled to announce the appointment of our elementary vice principal, Mrs. Sue Celek. Mrs. Celek has faithfully and lovingly served MCS for 27 years. Throughout these years she has said “yes” to every role God has placed before her from teacher, to vice principal, to principal, to Community Connector and now interim vice principal. She loves MCS, the staff, the students, and families with her whole heart and, most importantly, she loves Jesus. We are so excited she has said “yes” to this calling and in this season. Please join me in celebrating this appointment.
In the video message sent Monday, I shared a prayer over MCS from Hebrews 10:23, “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful.” We are seeing and experiencing God’s faithfulness. Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
Celebrating God’s goodness,
Heather Harrison
Head of School
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MCS Important Reopening Update – 8/20/2020

Dear MCS Community,

On behalf of the school leadership team and the Construction Committee we’d like to update the community on important start-of-school details. Our school team is working tirelessly to prepare, so we ask that you refer to the FAQ and send any questions regarding this update to the Board directly. Your grace is appreciated in allowing the school team to stay focused.

MCS will begin the school year as originally planned on September 15th. However, all students will begin with remote learning continuing through October 9th, unless we’re able to open on-campus earlier. The school team will provide further details about Meet the Teacher Day, additional community-building events, and launching the year on remote learning in the near future. Our goal always has been and remains to reopen and hold on-campus learning as soon as possible.

Our decision is driven by the following factors. Extensive details can be found in our FAQ:

  1. Despite hurdles, Bright Future Phase 2 construction has stayed close to schedule to hit our September reopening date. Yet within the last 2-3 weeks, COVID-related complications completely out of our control with respect to construction crews, city inspection bandwidth, and critical building materials/supplies have significantly impacted the schedule. Construction will not be completed in time for us to start the school year on campus, thus the necessity for remote learning through October 9. Please refer to the FAQ for more details.Know that we’ve explored every angle and relationship in an attempt to meet our September date. We remain confident that this team has and will continue to work unceasingly to get our campus open as quickly and safely as possible.
  2. As of 8/19/20, Orange County has come off the State’s Monitoring List. The county needs to remain off this list for 14 consecutive days in order for us to reopen in-person education without a waiver. Please see details in the FAQ.
  3. MCS submitted its Waiver on August 10, 2020 seeking approval for on-campus learning for TK-6th grades and we’re still awaiting the State’s approval.
As we individually navigate these uncertain times, there’s peace in knowing that the Lord is with us as an MCS family and He goes before us. We all want nothing more than to see our kids back to school, enjoying and benefitting from the incredible new campus He has provided! We’re in this together despite these unprecedented and challenging times, and we deeply appreciate you working together with us to make this a great school year!
Please specifically pray for our school team, that our inspections go smoothly and quickly and that God’s blessings remain on MCS and our entire community for safety and health.
Respectfully,
MCS Board
Lewis Brewster, Board Chair
Clifton Chang
Melinda Choi
Charlie Haggard
Jim Harmon
Aaron Hudy
Ruth Sanchez Kobayashi
Mark Nowlin
Meesh Pierce
Ben Roberson
Jason Tester
Eleanor Tang
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MCS Reopening Plans announced – 8/10/2020

MCS black teal gym

Dear Parents, 

Blessings to you and your families! Today, I am praying Ephesians 1:16-23 over our school community which beautifully says,  

“I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that God, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom so that you may know Him better. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened so that you know the hope to which He has called you, the riches of His inheritance, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. The same power that raised Jesus from the dead and seated him at His right hand, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name not only in the present but in the age to come. For God placed all things under his feet!” Praying for wisdom, hope and a filling of His great power in you. Amen! 

Preparations for the upcoming school year continue and the Fall 2020 Reopening Plan is now complete. The reopening plan was established in collaboration with members of the “Fall 2020 Reopening Committee”, consultation with health and legal counsel, guidance from CDC, American Academy of Pediatrics, and Stronger Together, and in full compliance with the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). 

With the established goal of returning to in-school learning, it is important to understand we will do anything and everything necessary to: 

  • Obtain waiver approval which requires strict adherence to requirements set forth by the CDPH. 
  • Reopen for in-person learning on the first day of school and remain open avoiding any form of closure as much as possible.
  • Mitigate risk for all community members. Decisions not only consider the health and well-being of students but that of our staff. We understand the reduced risks for younger children. However, it is our responsibility and priority to mitigate the risks for staff so they can safely and confidently return to in-person work. 
  • Remain as fluid and flexible as possible understanding that, as the situation changes, we will adjust our practices and protocols as necessary.  

Understandably, the reopening plan will prompt many questions. Over the next several weeks, we will communicate more specifically on several of the topics within the reopening plan including, but not limited to: face coverings, cohort groupings, hygiene practices, physical distancing, and arrival/dismissal protocols. We recognize it will be helpful to understand how this plan will be implemented and applied throughout the school day and further communication on individual topics will provide this clarity. The MCS Fall 2020 Reopening Plan can be found on our website

In His great wisdom, hope, and power, 

Heather Harrison 

Head of School 

 

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