Nationally recognized as a Blue Ribbon School, Mariners Christian School is a coeducational independent Christian school of over 700 students located in Costa Mesa, California. Established in 1987, the school’s mission is “building a firm foundation through Christ-centered education” in the heart and mind of each child. Each student’s development is nurtured in an academically rigorous and Christ-centered environment.
MCS Community! Valentine’s Shopping event, organized by PTF to support the amazing MCS staff starts TODAY at 10am! There is an IN-STORE time from 10:00am to 6:00pm TODAY ONLY (make sure to mention Mariners Christian School at checkout). There is also an ONLINE time from Today, February 9 through February 11th (enter Mariners Christian School at the Special Instructions box)! TWO LOCATIONS to choose from, Fleur De Lys and Common Thread!
Dear MCS Families,
As you may be aware, Governor Newsom announced a new Regional Stay at Home Order that will go into effect when Southern California counties dip below 15% hospital ICU availability.
If implemented, TK-8th grades at Mariners Christian School will remain open for in person learning based on the following:
- Regional Stay at Home Order stating “schools that are already open for in-person learning” may remain open “with appropriate infectious disease preventative measures.”
- MCS’s Waiver approval dated Aug. 20, 2020
- CDPH’s School Reopening Framework which states “schools that have already reopened if the county was in a less restrictive tier do not have to close.”
- Adherence to operating guidelines outlined by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH)
It is important to understand, in order to remain open for in-person learning, MCS is bound to strict adherence of all guidelines and protocols established by the CDPH as outlined in our waiver.
As previously communicated, recent MCS community exposures have necessitated implementation of some of these protocols. Most significantly:
- A single exposure within a cohort (entire grade level for middle school and class for elementary) requires a 14 day quarantine period and transition to remote learning for all exposed students and staff. This has been implemented with our 6th and 8th grade cohorts.
Note: We are aware that the CDC has changed quarantine guidelines from 14 days to 7-10 days depending on exposure and positivity. However, according to the CDPH’s School Reopening Framework, its guidelines supersede all other health agency guidelines including that of the CDC. MCS cannot change quarantine protocols or duration until the CDPH updates its guidelines to match that of the CDC’s.
- MCS will be required to shut down and transition to remote learning if >5% of the MCS community (approximately 42 students and staff) test positive over the course of 14 days.
- Face covering requirement for grades 3-8.
It has always been our priority to remain open for in-person learning. Since this past summer, the entire school team has done everything possible, even fervently battled, to ensure that goal is accomplished and maintained.
We are asking that the entire MCS community continues to partner with us to follow all guidelines including:
- Keep your child(ren) home if exhibiting any symptoms. Students should remain home 48 hours beyond symptoms and consult your pediatrician.
- Keep your child(ren) home if anyone in the family is exhibiting symptoms. In this case, we ask that you consult your family doctor and follow all medical guidance including any recommended testing.
Note: In the event of any prolonged absence, our desire is to support each student to minimize disruption to the learning. If your child(ren) must remain home, please contact Mrs. Drevlow (elementary) or Mr. Joo (middle school) to develop a plan for temporary remote/at-home learning.
- Report honestly and quickly to the school regarding any exposure or positive family case(s). As a Christian community, we are called to honesty and to care for others. Our staff and MCS families rely on this.
- Comply with face covering requirements for grades 3-8 and communicate this expectation with your child(ren). If doing so creates concern for any family, we will fully support a transition to remote learning.
Again, it is our highest priority to remain open and ensure every child has the opportunity to benefit from in-person learning for the remainder of the school year. This is a shared community responsibility that can only be accomplished together. Let’s be unified in all efforts to prevent additional cohort shutdowns, or worse, a school shutdown. You can trust that our entire staff remains wholeheartedly committed to our students and families. We humbly ask for your returned, wholehearted commitment.
For His Name’s Sake,
Heather Harrison
Head of School
Dear MCS Community,
Each one of us, whether parent, grandparent, alumni, teacher, or friend, has a connection that binds us to Mariners Christian School. Since 1987, these powerful connections have all been part of God’s plan to “build a firm foundation through Christ-centered education.” Our school’s mission thrives because of our community’s steadfast commitment, fervent and unceasing prayer and support.
Today, we present Mariners Christian School’s 2021-2022 Annual Report, a review of the previous school year and how He repeatedly presented us with A New Thing! Thank you for reading each page carefully, giving thanks along with us and share this link with others who might benefit from knowing what God has done and continues to do at Mariners Christian School.
As always, we are so grateful for each of you, your faithful support throughout the 2021-22 school year and for your continued partnership.
Respectfully,
Heather Harrison
Head of School
Dear MCS Community,
Each one of us, whether parent, grandparent, alumni, teacher, or friend, has a connection that binds us to this amazing school that was established in 1987. These connections are powerful and part of God’s plan to “build a firm foundation through Christ-centered education”. This mission and our school thrives because of the unwavering commitment from you, our faithful partners, who cover MCS in prayer and support.
Today, we are excited to present Mariners Christian School’s 2020 Annual Report, a one year look-back on how God moved our MCS Community to accomplish His good works as we prayerfully endeavored to Reflect the Son. We encourage you to read from cover to cover, giving thanks along with us and share this link with others who might benefit from knowing what God has done and continues to do at Mariners Christian School.
Thank you for your faithful support throughout the 2019-20 school year and for your continued support and partnership.
For His Name’s Sake,
Heather Harrison
Head of School
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