Important Community Health Update #3 :: March 12, 2020

Thursday, 12 March 2020 / Published in covid

Dear MCS Families,

The novel coronavirus, COVID-19, presents our world and the MCS community with an unprecedented public health challenge that can be intensified by uncertainties associated with its spread.

The first, and most important, piece to share is a reminder of God’s constant truth no matter the situation or circumstance. We can find comfort and peace through scriptural promises. And, as a Christian community, now is the time to now only hold to these truths as individuals, but to display them to the world. We are Kingdom citizens and our response can and should reflect the Kingdom. What does that mean? God’s word has plenty to say about this but here are just a few promises to hold on to: 2 Timothy 1:7, Isaiah 41:10, Joshua 1:9, Matthew 6:25-34, and Philippians 4:6-7.

As we hold on to these truths, knowing God is still in control and He is with us, we also must be aware, informed, and wise. We must consider all factors to make decisions that are in the best interest of not only our community, but beyond. Though there are no documented “community transmissions” in Orange County, and the risk remains low, expert analyses of proactive vs reactive school closures have been reviewed and feel it is prudent and responsible to join efforts to help reduce the spread.

It is with this in mind that I share today’s update to the MCS community. Based on multiple factors, it is the belief that proactive community cooperation is needed to stem the spread of this virus. As always, the objective to carry out our educational mission, while ensuring the health and safety of our students, faculty, staff and families remains. Rest assured, all decisions have been made through great prayer, discernment, research, and discussion.

Monday, March 16th, the MCS campus will be closed to students and families.

Tuesday, March 17th, MCS will migrate to remote learning with teachers providing the initial launch including all necessary details of daily schedule and expectations.

Wednesday, March 18th full implementation of remote learning will begin.

In these ever-changing and uncertain conditions, this is the best decision. Transitioning to online learning will bring about some challenges and bumps along the way. We recognize this will bring significant disruption to normal routines. We also recognize the hardship and impact this will present to many families, particularly to households with two working parents. We desire to work closely with all families not only to continue the education of our students with minimal disruption, but to provide flexibility to support the new routines families will have to implement to support online learning.

Next Steps
Friday March 13 teachers will be training our students on how to use the online tools for classwork all students will be sent home with a Home Learning Kit with necessary supplies, curriculum, workbooks, etc.

3rd – 8th grade students will also bring home their school-issued iPad.

TK – 2nd grade students will need their own device with internet access and a camera. If you are in need of a home device, a Google form will be sent shortly for you to let us know.

Students will be taught virtually through Zoom Video Conferencing, Google Classroom, and Schoology depending on grade level. All platforms are compatible with any device (iPad, laptops, Mac, Windows) and are both web and app-based. Teachers will provide more specific information Tuesday, March 17th.
Tuesday March 17, online training tutorials for parents will be available
Divisional Principals will communicate additional details specific to grade levels tomorrow.
At this time, all field trips and large gathering events through April have been cancelled. We will continue to monitor the situation making decisions regarding May events as we arrive closer to that time.

We are not sure how long our campus will remain closed, but anticipate a minimum of 2 week closure. Information will be provided to ensure all families are updated accordingly. Of course, we understand that there are families for which this unforeseen closure presents challenges and we will do our best to accommodate and provide support to those families. We appreciate your prayers and patience as we roll out this program.

Let us all be in fervent prayer together, trusting God is in control.

In prayer,

Heather Harrison
Interim Head of School

Additional resources:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov/
World Health Organization FAQ: https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/q-a-coronaviruses

MCS Health Update #2 :: March 5, 2020

Thursday, 05 March 2020 / Published in covid
Dear MCS Community,
As communicated last week, we continue to closely monitor guidance from local, state, and federal health authorities regarding the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and its impact within the community. Since this last communication, the following steps have been taken to ensure MCS is as informed and prepared as possible:
  • Communication with several administrators from local public and private schools, district personnel, and the OCDE to align to best practices and decision making protocols
  • Consultation with Orange County Health Care Agency (OCHCA) and participation in an update call offered to k-12 schools with continued participation in their weekly update calls to ensure most current guidance is followed
  • Consulted with health care professionals including pediatric specialists
  • Continual research monitoring guidance from reputable sources including CDC, WHO, and OCHCA to ensure we are as informed as possible during these rapidly changing circumstances
  • Update of MCS Emergency Preparedness Plan with a newly established School Closure Response Plan to ensure we are as prepared as possible with a flexible response
  • Multiple school team meetings to ensure all staff are informed, appropriately trained, and equipped to implement procedures and plans as necessary
According to guidance from the CDC, which can be reviewed here, we continue to follow the direction of local health agencies. Currently, the Orange County Health Care Agency states the risk to the public is low and there is no recommendation to cancel schools, business, or social events. Rather, OCHCA is recommending no change in daily activity. Be assured we remain vigilant and committed to prioritizing the health and safety of the entire MCS community.
Proactive and Preventative Measures 
Increased deep cleaning and sanitizing of the school will continue indefinitely. As a reminder, the following measures are recommended to help prevent the spread of viruses, including the coronavirus:
  • Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Click here for handwashing tips from the CDC
  • Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick
  • Cover cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces
We continue to advise the following to all students, staff, and parents:
  • As always, remain home if symptoms of fever, body aches, chills, respiratory issues are present
  • Remain home until symptom free for 24 hours
  • Students or staff with an absence longer than three consecutive days are asked to provide a note from a physician releasing the student back to school
  • If symptoms present during the school day, the student or staff member will be sent home
  • All illness-related absences are excused and attendance monitoring procedures have been adjusted accordingly
We would also like to remind you to please take all necessary precautions to protect yourselves and our community from this and any illness. MCS can not and will not monitor travel of families but we do ask that all travel advisories and guidelines from the CDC and US State Department are followed.
School Preparedness
At this time, there are no plans to alter daily school routines. Any future changes, if necessary, would be made in consultation with CDC and OCHCA. In an effort to be prepared, we have established a sound School Closure Plan and all faculty and staff are being actively trained for implementation. This plan includes virtual, or remote, learning alternatives so that we are prepared should the situation change. Just as the safety and health of our community is paramount, we are dedicated to preserving high-quality education and support. We will always remain fervently committed to the academic success of each student despite any challenge posed.
We will continue to closely monitor this situation and work with appropriate agencies. Additional updates will be provided as necessary. In regards to the upcoming Sacramento trip, 4th grade parents can expect a separate communication later today.
In times of uncertainty, we are thankful that we can rely on God’s sovereignty and peace. We pray for protection and health for our community and for the world. We pray for Divine intervention as we trust in God’s mighty power. We also pray for God’s peace to rule and reign over our hearts and minds casting out all fear.
We are grateful for a community that joins together in these prayers and grateful for a community that is willing to be flexible and supportive of our efforts in an unpredictable time. Thank you for your continued support and confidence.
In Him,
Heather Harrison