Mariners Christian School

Building a firm foundation through Christ-centered education.
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MCS Community Update – Reopening plans :: August 7, 2020

Friday, 07 August 2020 by MCS
MCS Middle School Chapel
Dear MCS Community,
We continue to work diligently and tirelessly as we plan for the re-opening of Mariners Christian School this fall. As I’ve always stated, the goal and greatest desire is to re-open on September 15th for in-school learning. This remains unchanged and all attention is aimed toward this effort. This communication provides the context for current planning and to outline what parents can expect over the next few weeks.
What programs will be offered for next year? 
It is exciting to confirm that MCS will offer parallel educational programs: in-school learning and remote learning, for the duration of the 2020-21 school year. Details outlining the remote learning program, requirements for length of commitment to the program, and the process for enrolling will be provided next week.
What are we doing right now? 
Important steps are being taken to ensure we are able to open and remain safely open. Hundreds of hours of research, collaboration, consultation, and planning have occurred over the last several months. Most notably:
  • Understand all guidelines and requirements for a safe re-opening
  • Monitor OC health statistics and facts and collect data from both staff and parents to inform decisions
  • Consultation with legal counsel, Western Association of Schools and Colleges (MCS’s accreditation body), and school insurance agents
  • Collaboration with a consortium of Christian and independent private schools
  • Consultation with medical experts
  • Complete multiple trainings: health, safe practices, workplace and employee protections
  • Establishment of a “Fall Reopening Planning Committee” with 17+ individuals representing all MCS stakeholders
  • Order necessary safety-related supplies and equipment
  • Completion of the school re-opening waiver released 8/3/2020. Important Note: though the waiver only applies to TK-6th grade, 7th and 8th grade parents, do not lose heart! We are working to provide in-person learning for all of our students. Additional details regarding the waiver approval and in-person learning opportunities for all students will be provided as possible over the next couple of weeks.
What are the priorities guiding our decisions and planning? 
We endeavor to make the most informed and best decisions for our entire school community. These are our priorities guiding all decisions:
  • Prayer and seeking God’s wisdom and will above all
  • Fulfilling the school’s mission to “build a firm foundation through Christ-centered education” and our core values of a Love for Christ, Exemplary Academics, Whole Child Focus, Culture of Innovation, and Connected Community
  • Returning to in-school learning
  • Seeking the best interest of our students to meet spiritual, academic, emotional, social, and physical needs while also considering the best interest of families
  • Seeking the best interest of our staff as we understand and prioritize their health and safety needs, assumed risks, comfort levels, as well as the best interest of their families. MCS staff interests are vital and will be prioritized as we open the school. It is vital families recognize the importance of our staff’s well-being.
  • Protecting the long term stability and sustainability of MCS. This is temporary. Our current situation related to COVID-19 will pass, therefore we will make decisions that meet current needs while balancing the long-term interests of the school. Current decisions can not and will not jeopardize or negatively impact the future of our school.
  • Opening safely AND remaining open which will provide the most stability, best meet needs, and ensure the greatest success for all.

 

What are we humbly asking of our MCS families? 
We are truly in this together. How we respond individually and collectively sets us apart and ensures unity and peace within our community. We each have an important role to play.. Be confident that we are with you, for you, love you, and are fighting for you and our school. We ask the same from our families. Specifically:
  • We humbly ask for your faithful commitment to praying with us and for us. There is power in a praying community and we fully recognize our need for prayer. It is vital to each of us and it binds us together in unity. And, with great confidence we trust that God answers prayers! So we ask that you, “Pray in the Spirit on all occasions, with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people” Ephesians 6:18.
  • We ask for your continued understanding, grace, kindness, patience, and trust. Rest assured we are working diligently on your behalf and no stone is left unturned. We fully recognize the need for clarity, information, and, as much as possible, certainty about the year ahead. It is vital that families understand our complete efforts and investment in providing information that is needed. In addition, we ask that parents know we will do everything and anything necessary to ensure our students can return to campus. With sincere hearts we ask, just as Peter did of the church, “Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate, and humble” 1 Peter 3:8.
  • We thank you for your commitment. Just as MCS will not make temporary decisions that could potentially have a negative impact on our long term future, we ask parents to prayerfully consider all decisions and remain committed to MCS. Our admissions team is busier than ever as we continue to enroll new students. We currently have waitlists in several grades with other grades very close to full capacity. We will continue to enroll students according to our enrollment and operating plan. As always, current families have  priority for 2021-2022 reenrollment. Given the extreme interest we have experienced in the past several years to attend MCS, we cannot guarantee future enrollment unless you are currently enrolled for this school year. Please understand and trust, this is only shared to ensure families can take all information into consideration as decisions are made for the upcoming school year and beyond. We love our community and our genuine hope is that we remain together through this storm and we will be stronger for it!

 

What can families expect next? 
Next week, the full “Fall 2020 Reopening Plan” will be provided to families. This plan will outline all health and safety guidelines for in-school learning including, but not limited to, health protocols, hygiene practices, face coverings, cleaning procedures, and health screenings. In addition, full details regarding the in-person and remote learning programs will be provided. Beyond next week, families can expect weekly communication providing necessary and timely information related to the start of the 2020 school year.
One of MCS’s greatest markers and distinctions is our Christian community. We are forever grateful for every member of this community. We give continual thanks for your partnership, prayer, and commitment to MCS.
In Him,
Heather Harrison
Head of School
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MCS School Re-opening Plan :: July 22, 2020

Wednesday, 22 July 2020 by MCS
MCS Middle School Chapel
Dear MCS Parents,
Praying all are well, healthy, and able to fully enjoy this very unique summer. We know God is good and ever-present in every season and I pray you fully experience this truth!
We continue to closely monitor and assess the constantly changing situation so that we are prepared for all situations. This includes studying and understanding governmental guidelines and requirements, necessary protocols to mitigate health risks, and direction from health agencies and the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is important that every member of MCS understands that though we are a private school, there are specific mandates and restrictions we may be required to follow but we will always do so by prioritizing the best interest of our school community. To that end, we are pursuing all possibilities that will allow us to fully reopen school in the fall. These steps include discussions with our school attorney, pursuing the viability then applying for a school re-opening exemption waiver, collaborating with other Christian schools in Orange County to petition local government authorities, and developing a specific plan to achieve the outlined safe re-opening requirements issued by the state of California.
Our collective goal is to re-open for in-school learning this fall. This goal requires much work, preparation, flexibility, and collective action as well as an understanding that all must be continually fluid and flexible.
Preparation for a safe re-opening begins with a comprehensive strategy that considers the best interest of our staff and students. This is of utmost importance and we will not compromise in doing so. It is with this in mind that MCS is planning for the implementation of parallel educational program possibilities for the fall of the 2020-21 school year including both in-school learning and remote learning. In addition to these two programs, we are pursuing other possibilities that could provide in-person learning and support for our students. Every option is being pursued for the benefit of our students and families while maintaining our primary goal and hope to resume in-school learning.
We are confident all program offerings will fulfill our mission and core values with excellence as has been clearly proven. As we pursue all educational program offerings, families will be afforded the opportunity to choose the one program that best meets individual needs for the extent of time options are offered. Specific details regarding each program, any required guidelines and practices, and program enrollment process will be provided no later than mid-August. Providing full details within this timeframe will ensure each family is able to make the best and most informed decision with ample time before the start of the school year on September 15, 2020.
We remain committed to serving our MCS families through every season. We are thankful for the commitment and support from each member of the MCS community. And, we are genuinely grateful for continued grace, patience, flexibility, and trust as we navigate these extremely difficult and very uncertain times together. Please continue to pray with us as we pursue God’s wisdom above all.
In Him,
Heather Harrison
Head of School
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MCS Update – Important Details for 2020-21 School Year :: June 25, 2020

Thursday, 25 June 2020 by MCS
Mariners Christian School

Dear Parents,

The entire MCS community is continually on my heart and mind; from our beloved staff, our amazing students and their parents, to our faithful partners. I have specifically prayed for God’s presence to fill you to overflowing as you rest, relax, and enjoy quality family time this summer. We all recognize our need for His presence in our daily lives, communities, and the world and I pray that you experience Him in ways that are unique and specific to you.

Also, at front and center is the 2020-21 school year, which I am sure is on your minds as well. Thank you for the extension of patience as we navigate through all matters related to the Fall reopening.

As previously communicated, our plan and intention is to fully reopen this Fall. This plan has not changed and, barring any significant changes in local health or mandated restriction, this plan will not change. We eagerly look forward to Meet the Teacher Day on Tuesday, September 15th and welcoming our students on campus the next day for the first day of school in our newly-completed campus! We are unwavering in our dedication to the school’s mission of “building a firm foundation through Christ-centered education” as we pursue our core values of Love for Christ, Exemplary Academics, Connected Community, Whole Child Focus, and a Culture of Innovation. These are our highest values and being together, on campus, is vital for achieving these and fostering the academic, social, spiritual, and emotional growth of our students. We want nothing more than to be back together with our students and community!

With the decision to reopen in the Fall in place, our next few months will be devoted to determining any necessary guidelines, practices, and programs to support our return while prioritizing the health and safety of all members of our community. We recognize the varying family situations, preferences, and needs. It is with this in mind that we invite parents to complete a survey, as your input will help inform decisions and plans. Please take a few moments to complete this survey.

As a school team, we confidently agree that there is tremendous wisdom in taking additional time to monitor, research, gather feedback from all stakeholders, and better understand local realities before determining reopening details. These decisions will be based on what is in the best interest of the MCS community including our staff and families and will be communicated in mid August, a full month ahead of reopening.

Continued patience, understanding and prayers are appreciated as we navigate through extremely unclear, continually changing, and difficult times. First and foremost, MCS is a community of believers, bonded as brothers and sisters in Christ, united in His purpose and mission. We are grateful for a united posture through an extension of grace, understanding, and love. Thank you for this vital care and unity. 2 Chronicles 20:12 says, “Lord we don’t know what to do, but our eyes are on you.” Yes and amen!

In His Service,

Heather Harrison
Head of School

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MCS COVID-19 Update :: May 14, 2020

Thursday, 14 May 2020 by MCS

Dear MCS Families,

With just a few days left in the school year, the entire staff is wholly focused on a strong and successful completion to the school year. No doubt, this year brought unexpected challenges and I am grateful for how our staff responded and persevered through these challenges. To say that I am proud of each and every one of them would be an understatement. I am also proud of our students who have risen to the challenge, exhibited great resiliency, and conquered! Our staff couldn’t be more proud of our students. And, I am grateful for the support of the MCS families as we have all truly been in this together. This has been a time for unity and grace within the body of Christ and I thank you for answering that call.

Though our primary focus is rightfully on finishing the year, the 2020-21 school year is in view. As of today, it is our intention to fully return to school in the fall. We look forward to being together and celebrating the opening of our newly completed and expanded building on Meet the Teacher Day, September 15, 2020. We excitedly look forward to welcoming our students back on the first day of school, September 16th!

Given that we are four months away from the start of school, any other decision would be premature and without relevant data. It is important that we all recognize we are in unprecedented times facing situations where no one can be expected to have all of the answers. Over the next few months, we will continue to assess and monitor data, recommendations from health organizations, guidelines provided by government agencies, and evaluate local COVID-19 scientific realities. Please understand, though we are a private school, we must comply with certain governmental issues and mandates. We will remain steadfast in balancing all information with what we believe to be in the best interest of our staff, students, and families. We take seriously the responsibility of protecting the safety and well-being of every member of our community while accomplishing our school’s mission and core values. As always, we will be uncompromising in these efforts.

To be clear, it is, and has always been, the intention and goal to return to school in September. With this current decision in place, it is also prudent and responsible to plan for a variety of scenarios should the situation drastically change. We will act decisively and as necessity dictates. Decisive and quick action was successfully taken this year and will be taken again in the future, if necessary.

Please continue to pray and trust that God has a perfect plan for MCS and each of our families. Let us hold on to peace and “hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful” Hebrews 10:23. God is sovereign and, as always, all of our decisions are prayerful, heeding His direction and wisdom at all times.

In Him,

Heather Harrison

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MCS COVID-19 Relief Fund :: April 23, 2020

Thursday, 23 April 2020 by MCS

Dear MCS Community,

Over the past month, the board and I have met extensively to discuss various matters related to the pandemic, state mandated social distancing requirements, and resulting transition to remote learning. One important topic has been the severe financial strain some MCS families are experiencing during this time. As a Christian community, it is our desire to follow the example seen in the early church described in Acts where “all believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed any of their possessions as their own, but they shared everything they had…. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all that there were no needy among them” Acts 4:32-33.

The desire to care for the MCS community extends to our staff and families alike. For our staff, it is our intention to fully utilize each staff member to support remote learning and maintain full employment of the entire staff. Through this difficult season, this is an important commitment we feel strongly convicted to fulfill.

Just as we desire to care for our staff, we also desire to support families now experiencing a financial crisis. We have prayerfully decided to focus attention and resources on providing assistance to families with true need as modeled in the early church (Acts 2:44-45, Acts 4:32-35). To that end, the Board and school administration have established a MCS Relief Fund for the purpose of providing short-term financial assistance, or emergency tuition aid, to families whose finances have been specifically affected by COVID-19. Families can apply for emergency aid in accordance with the school’s established COVID-19 Emergency Tuition Assistance process. Assistance will be awarded based upon demonstrated COVID-19 related need that has led to the inability to continue tuition payments. To support this fund and better serve and meet the needs of the MCS community, we seek donors with the capacity and heart to live out Acts 2 by contributing to the MCS Relief Fund. If your family feels particularly led to contribute, visit the MCS Relief Fund Giving page. More information regarding the MCS Relief fund and tuition assistance process can be found below.

Know that we are in constant prayer for the MCS community. We trust God’s provision, faithfulness, and goodness at all times. We are confident God is ever-present working all things together in our lives and our community. As always, we deeply appreciate your partnership and prayers.

In Him,
Heather Harrison, Head of School
Keven Kroehler, COO
MCS Board

Important and Common Questions

Is MCS going to offer a tuition discount?
The Board, administration, and Finance Committee have had significant conversations surrounding this topic. Through much discussion, serious consideration, and prayer it has been decided that MCS will not offer a tuition discount. This decision was based on several factors. First, one of our key goals is to provide and maintain an affordable Christian education. To do so, we strive to maintain a balanced budget that manages expenses and relies upon annual fundraising (Annual Fund appeal and Spring Gala) to achieve the operational budget. As a result, the school’s budget does not have the ability to absorb a school-wide discount. Second, given that we continue to pay our entire faculty and staff through this remote learning season, the operating costs and streamlined budget of the school remain unchanged. Third, we strongly believe that the budget’s limited financial margin should be earmarked for helping families experiencing severe financial need directly related to this unprecedented season of COVID-19. As modeled in Acts 2, it is our intention to support meeting specific needs rather than provide a broad discount. Fourth, we are confident that the remote learning program maintains our core value of Exemplary Academics. While we fully recognize the added responsibility and support parents have had to assume, faculty and staff are working tirelessly to continually improve and provide high quality online instruction, support and engage all students in learning, and provide enrichment opportunities all while prioritizing spiritual nourishment and relational connection.

My family is experiencing significant financial impact as a result of COVID-19 and we are in need of assistance. What options and process can we pursue for support?
Because we are dedicated to supporting members of our community experiencing unexpected need due to COVID-19 related issues, available funds within the budget have been specifically designated for emergency, short-term financial assistance. This aid is specific to financial impact occurring within the timeframe of COVID-19 shutdowns. Though funds are limited, if you truly find yourself financially impacted by COVID-19 and therefore unable to continue tuition payments, we will do whatever we can to support through financial aid or tuition payment extensions. We care deeply about our families and want to make sure we do what we can to address any issue that is within our ability. Please do not just cease tuition payments, but reach out to learn more about our financial assistance program through the COVID-19 crisis. We are all in this together and there is help available for those who have true need. For more information, please contact Keven Kroehler.

The MCS Relief Fund was mentioned. Is there a way for my family to contribute to this fund to support staff, their families, or financial aid for MCS families in need?
Yes! To augment this fund and better serve and meet the needs of the MCS community, we seek donors with the capacity and heart to live out Acts 2 and contribute to the MCS Relief Fund. We are thankful for a generous MCS family that has already contributed to this fund and seek additional families who feel led to contribute. Further details for this fund can be found here. Contributions to this fund can be made here. Please contact Heather Harrison or Julie Hellriegel with further questions.

A prior letter mentioned continual improvements to remote learning and increase in rigor. What are some of the specific changes?
Upon returning from Easter break, our students’ schedules have changed incorporating more time with teachers to dive deeper into subjects. Teachers have developed a new scope and sequence that will guide instruction for the final weeks of the school year. Additionally, assessment practices have been adjusted to better monitor the progress of student learning. In elementary, science, social studies, and Bible are now incorporated into the weekly schedules as well as rotations in art, music, and Spanish. For middle school, students are now participating in weekly electives in addition to all core classes, Spanish, and Bible. And, all students now have PE each week. These additions provide a well rounded, full schedule experience for all students. For more information, please refer to the communication sent by our division principals last week.

Have we lost instructional days due to the extended Easter break?
While extension of Easter break may appear to be a full week, the net impact on instruction is three days. The break had always been planned to extend through Monday after Easter. The last day of school has been moved from Thursday, May 21 to Friday, May 22. Additionally, though this school calendar year felt more compressed, the earlier start in August ensured the total number of teaching days matched the 2018-19 school year. You will likely recall this was made possible by changing the holiday break schedules (Thanksgiving and Winter Break/Ski Week) and eliminating staff development days. In addition, instructional time has been prioritized by reducing the number of events that can tend to impact instruction. Finally, the last week of school is typically busy with end-of-year celebrations but the staff is planning alternative options that will allow the final week to be fully utilized for learning, moving celebrations outside of instructional time. More information regarding end of the year celebrations will be provided before the end of April.

Does MCS qualify for any of the available federal assistance funds?
Yes, and we have been approved through our lender. However, MCS can only draw these funds as necessary to supplement any shortfalls in revenue required to cover operating expenses including staff salaries. MCS will fully comply with all federal funding guidelines which states “funds will be used to retain workers and maintain payroll or make mortgage interest payments, lease payments, and utility payments.”

Will we take advantage of an empty campus to pursue early Bright Future construction?
his is definitely an option we are pursuing and our Construction Committee has been exploring all options. More information on our Phase II Bright Future construction will be provided soon! As a reminder, Bright Future funds are restricted designated to construction-related work only. Donors pledged their funds toward Bright Future and there are strict guidelines by which those funds can be spent. Bright Future funds cannot be spent on the operating budget. As communicated in the fall, 5% of the annual budget is provided through undesignated giving provided by the Annual Fund and Spring Gala. These proceeds are generally used for operating needs and are separate from designated fundraising such as Bright Future or Fund a Need (Gala).

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Community Update: School Closure to End of Year :: April 1, 2020

Wednesday, 01 April 2020 by MCS

Dear MCS Community,

When we first set out on this remote learning journey, we were unsure of how long the school closure would be. Our greatest hope was for a short closure, one that would allow for the students to be with us and for the school to be full and joyfully noisy again. The original closure of two weeks extended to three and then beyond Easter break. Today, we share the final duration of the school closure.

We have been closely following the CDC, WHO, state and federal government’s social distancing guidelines, direction from the Orange County Department of Education, as well as decisions made by local districts and schools regarding school closures. Additionally, on March 31, the California Department of Education issued a statement that recommended schools remain closed and fully employ remote learning for the remainder of the year. After much consideration, discussion, and prayer, the very difficult but necessary decision has been made. MCS will not reopen but will continue remote learning for the duration of the 2019-20 school year for which the last day of school will now be Friday, May 22nd (extended from the original ending date of Thursday, May 21st).

We remain dedicated to providing exemplary academics and, as such, are committed to improving our remote learning program. Considering this dedication and long term timeline, it is imperative that our staff be given the opportunity to further plan, prepare additional home learning kits, implement program improvements and changes, and receive necessary professional development. For these important reasons, we are extending the student’s Easter Break by one week through Friday April 17th. All students will resume remote learning on Monday, April 20th with an increased level of instructional support and academic rigor. Principals will provide further details regarding improvements and adjustments before students return from the extended break.

We recognize there are many year-end events that are cherished and loved by students, families, and staff alike. It is our intention to preserve these beloved traditions regardless of the school closure. At this time, planning continues for these events including character quality awards, class celebrations, 8th grade awards and parent blessing, and graduation. Our hearts share in the disappointment over the change this may bring, particularly for our 8th grade students and families. Please know, while the dates and avenues of these important events are not yet determined, all possibilities and alternatives are being pursued. We will ensure a special end to the school year for all of our students. Families will be provided more information regarding end of the year events from the divisional principal by the end of April.

In this unprecedented time, we know that this decision is particularly difficult on the community. However, the administration, staff, and Board unanimously believe this is the best course of action for the well-being of our staff, students, and families. We also believe this decision demonstrates a genuine love and care for our community. Across the 33 years of our school’s history, we have seen and experienced challenging times. This time is uniquely challenging. Yet, no matter the season or challenge, we have remained a community that loves, supports, prays for, and champions one another. Colossians 3:14 provides a beautiful picture of this, “And over all virtues, put on love which binds together in perfect unity.” This is undoubtedly true of the amazing MCS family. The entire school team sends you love and prayers, even from afar, and we are thankful for yours!

Trusting Him,

Heather Harrison
Interim Head of School

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MCS Info

300 Fischer Avenue,
Costa Mesa, CA 92626

Front Desk: 714.437.1700

Fax: 714.437.7976


School Hours:

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday

Transitional Kindergarten

8:10am – 12:30pm

Kindergarten – 3rd Grade

8:10am – 2:35pm

4th – 5th Grade

8:10am – 2:55pm

6th – 8th Grade

7:55am – 2:55pm

School Office

7:30am – 4:00pm

*Students may arrive at 7:30am. Supervision will be provided outside at no cost.


Late Start Wednesday

Transitional Kindergarten:

9:10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Kindergarten:

9:10 a.m. – 2:35 p.m.

1st – 3rd Grade:

9:10 a.m. – 2:35 p.m.

4th – 5th Grade:

9:10 a.m. – 2:55 p.m.

6th – 8th Grade:

8:55 a.m. – 2:55 p.m.

Office:

8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

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