Mariners Christian School   

All-School E-News
October 9, 2015

 

"Building a firm foundation through Christ-centered education."

 

Elementary Chapel with Mrs. Shahabi
& Dinner Table Questions


Today in Elementary Chapel, Mrs. Shahabi closed our back-to-school series on this year's theme, Unified. The students were challenged to think about the "wardrobe" God has picked out for them and were encouraged to dress in compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forgiveness, and love (Colossians 3:12-14).  

Students were challenged to think about what it looks like to live out these grace-filled attitudes of the heart and they reflected on what happens when we choose to do the opposite.  When we choose to wear these "garments of grace" it's not just about behaving differently, but allowing God to change our heart.

Dinner Table Questions:

As a family, go around the dinner table and ask:
    1. How am I dressed?
    2. What garment/attitude do you need to remove in order to live out God's love?
 
Elementary NWEA MAP and Compass Learning

We have successfully completed MAP fall testing and Compass Learning is now ready to provide your student with his/her own personalized learning pathway based upon individual learning needs. Please look for a letter from me in your child's "Friday Folder" today, October 9th, with personal login information and password for Compass Learning. All students will be logging on to Compass Learning by the end of next week during their technology time to become familiar with the program. I hope you are able to log on with your child over the next few days to experience this fun and engaging interactive program. 
  

4th and 5th Grade MAP Results will go home today (Friday, October 9th).  Please check your student's backpack for a letter from me along with your student's MAP reports.

Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Grade MAP Results will be presented to parents and reviewed during Parent Teacher Conferences in November. Because MAP is new to our K-3rd grade students, we would like to provide you the opportunity to review the results with your child's teacher during conferences.

Thank you so much for your support, we look forward to a wonderful year!

Blessings,

Reggie Biancalani
Elementary Principal
 
Come! Gather! Fellowship!
Be UNIFIED with MCS Families


    • Only two days left until Fall Fest Fifteen.
    • Thank you to those of you who purchased your tickets online. All pre-purchased tickets will be at Will Call at the Door.
    • NEW! Please feel free to park at AnaJet across the street on Sunday. AnaJet has graciously opened up their parking lot for us to use for the Fall Fest.
    • Thank you to those of you who have already volunteered to bring in homemade cakes, bringing back the Cake Walk to the Fall Fest!
    • If you have not purchased tickets yet, don't worry...$10 Activity Tickets are still available at the door. Sorry, no food will be sold at the door.
With much anticipation for an awesome afternoon of family fun,

The PTF Fall Festival 15 Committee
 
We'll See YOU-ALL at the Fall Festival on Sunday!




 

Cyber Education Presentation for Parents
MONDAY, October 12th, at 8:30AM and 6:30PM 

-click for flyer-
 
MCS parents are invited to hear Cyber Education Consultant Lori Getz, M.A. on Monday, October 12th, at 8:30AM or at 6:30PM. The identical sessions will be held in the multipurpose room.

Parents are also invited to attend any of the student workshops. Please note the schedule below:
  • 8:30-10:30 Parent Session (MPR)
  • 10:45-11:30 5th Grade Session (MPR)
  • 12:54-1:50 6th Grade Session (5th Period) (MPR)
  • 1:54-2:50 7th/8th Grade Session (6th Period) (Auditorium)
  • 6:30-8:30 Parent Session (MPR)
 

AM Carpool Reminder

Please remember that parents are asked to remain in the car while students exit.  If your child requires assistance, please park instead of exiting your car while in the carpool line.  Thank you for your help each morning in ensuring that our carpool runs smoothly and that all students are able to arrive at school safely.
 
Picture Day is This Wednesday (10/14)
Jeans Are Allowed

Picture day for all MCS students (grades TK-8th grade) will be held this Wednesday, October 14th. There are two ways to order:

1. visit: www.mylifetouch.com; enter RO305527Y0, then order your perfect package. No need to return any paperwork.

2. Complete the Lifetouch form that was sent home with each student this afternoon and return it to school on Picture Day.

Revised Picture Day Dress: 
Students may wear nice (especially on the top) clothing for the day. JEANS ARE (YES) ALLOWED and uniform guidelines apply such as skirt length and generally modest and honoring God. 

 
Revised Dress Guidelines For Picture Day (10/14)

Students are allowed to wear jeans.

Students may wear nice (especially on the top) clothing for the day. Jeans ARE (YES) allowed and uniform guidelines apply such as skirt length and generally modest and honoring God. 
 

Elementary Parent Coffee With Administration
Thursday, October 15th

-click for details-
 
The Elementary Coffee will be held this Thursday, October 15th in the multipurpose room at 8:30AM.

If you were not able to attend the middle school parent coffee with Mrs. Harrison and Mr. Moore, the attached presentation will provide you with all of the information shared at the meeting.

We look forward to seeing you at this week's Elementary Coffee.

MCS Administration


 
MCS In The News - Two Stories This Week

 
Mariners Christian School was featured in this week Daily Pilot and The Newport Beach Independent this week. The word is getting around about our 1:1 iPad Program. Enjoy...

Click "Mariners Using iPads for Teaching Tools" 10/2015

 Click for story "MCS Goes High-Tech With iPad Program" 10/2/15



Previous "In the News Stories":

Daily Pilot Story from September 2015
 

Ladies Luncheon Monday (10/26) Balboa Bay Club

-click to view-

Lovely Ladies -

You don't want to miss the ladies luncheon! 

This year we are focusing on connecting our MCS community. This is a rare opportunity to spend time together off campus.

New this year -- we will be auctioning off several Opportunities to Gather. There will also be a chance to fund a special on-campus project, that will be announced the day of the luncheon. 

The cost is $40 plus parking.  Click here to register for tickets as well as for the *auction.   

Please contact Joleen Bahnsen at [email protected] if you have questions.

*Please note: Auction items will not be available until the day of the event.

 

Fall Golf Classic - Monday, November 9th

-click for flyer-
 

Cub Scout Pack 360

MCS Cub Scout Pack 360 is back and we are actively seeking boys currently in 1st-4th grades and interested in adventure and fun! 

Meetings are held on alternate Tuesdays from 6:00-7:00 p.m. at MCS in the multipurpose room. If interested, email [email protected] or call 310.766.5600. 

"I have given them the glory that You gave Me,  that they may be one as We are one-I in them and You in Me-so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that You sent Me and have loved them even as You have loved Me." John 17:22-23


Middle School E-News
October 9, 2015

 

MCS Learn Forward Today - Middle School Genius Hour

 



MCS middle school students celebrated the launch of the middle school 1:1 program today with Genius Hour. The hour was a combined celebration of the launch of this historic program with an opportunity for students to connect and collaborate within their U-Groups. 

It was a great time of community building within the middle school centered around an important purpose- Go Big for Gulu-as students designed creative fundraising events to be hosted by MCS throughout the year. 
 

Schoology: Help for Parents has Arrived!


Do you need a little help and support to learn the ins and outs of Schoology? We believe Schoology is a tremendous support for all parents and want you to know how to access and use all it has to offer. In every enews throughout October we will provide a brief video tutorial to explain a different aspect of Schoology. We are confident this support will ensure all parents will be fully trained and Schoology experts by the end of October. 

Please enjoy our next two installments of tutorial videos. This week's tutorials will demonstrate how to view assignments and grades using the web based program (video #2) or using the Schoology app (video #3). If you missed last week's tutorial video click here (Video #1 - Logging In and Calendars).

Stay tuned for next week's tutorial on accessing course pages and resources.
Video #2  - Viewing Student Courses, Grades, & Assignments

Schoology Parent Tutorial Video #2-Viewing student courses, grades and assignments
Schoology Parent Tutorial Video #2

Video #3 - Viewing Student Courses, Grades, & Assignments from an iPad

Schoology Parent Tutorial Video #3-Viewing student courses, grades and assignments from an iPad
Schoology Parent Tutorial Video #3

 

REMINDER: Orders Due SATURDAY (10/10) 11:45AM!
Take Out Tuesday - October 13th 

REMINDER - Online orders are due tomorrow, Saturday (10/10), at 11:45AM.

Each meal will cost $4.50.  This will include a house chicken and white rice bowl, a fortune cookie, and a bottle of water.  You are welcome to purchase more than one meal for your child if you know they have a big appetite! A gluten-free option will be available.

Please print your receipt and send it with your child the day of Take Out Tuesday in order to expedite the process of receiving their meal!
 

"Green for Gulu" Dollar Dress Days 
Begins Tuesday (10/13)

This Tuesday (10/13), middle school students will have our first Dollar Dress Day of the year! This year, we're calling these theme dress days, "Green for Gulu." On "Green for Gulu" days students come to school dressed according to the specified theme. Those participating, and we sincerely hope all students will, are also asked to donate $1 to a specified cause. This year's cause is "Go Big for Gulu!" All donations will go directly to Christ the Center Ministries School in Gulu. 

Our first "Green for Gulu" dress day theme is GULU COLORS-RED, YELLOW, and BLACK:

Students are encouraged to go all out head to toe in one of those colors or mix and match the colors together. These colors can be worn however the student chooses, but Gulu colors must be clearly displayed. Jeans may be worn.  All dress code guidelines still apply including no tank tops of any kind, length of shorts or skirts no shorter than 3" above the knee, and modest attire is required.  

We hope all students will show how they will "Go Big for Gulu" through this fun, theme dress day!
 

Middle School Art Club Begins October 13th


Are you looking for a place to let your creativity shine? Do you love art? Are you interested in learning more about art? Then the Art Club is the place to be.  Held Tuesdays during lunch from October 13th through November 10th.

Sign up in the middle school office before the first session.

 

Middle School Parent Coffee Presentation


If you were not able to attend yesterday's middle school parent coffee with Mrs. Harrison and Mr. Moore, the attached presentation will provide you with all of the information shared at the meeting.
At the end of the meeting, parents prayed a blessing over the Administrators and asked God to keep them safe on their upcoming trips to Washington, DC (Mr. Moore and Mrs. Harrison) and to San Francisco (Mrs. Biancalani).  Please join us in prayer for God's protection over our eighth graders and their chaperones during the upcoming DC trip and for Mrs. Biancalani and several teachers who will be attending a math conference in San Francisco. 
 

Pray for our Upcoming Middle School Trips & Activities

In less than a week our 8th graders will head off to DC and New York for the annual and much anticipated 8th grade trip! The following week our 6th graders will head to Pine Valley for science camp and our 7th graders will have Unite and Serve Week where they will participate in community, global, and MCS service projects.

We ask that our parents surround each of these trips, our students, staff members, and parent chaperones with prayer. Specifically, please pray for safety, health, God to be honored in our words and actions, great relationship building and bonding within the students, and for all of our students to encounter Jesus in real ways!

Thank you for your much needed prayers! 
 

Go Lions! Fall Athletics Game Schedule

 
7th Grade Girls' Basketball Team with Coach Carlee Roethlisberger

Come out and support your LIONS - especially at the home games.

HOME GAME Schedule Below:
  • Tuesday (10/13) at 3:15: 8th Grade Boys' Football vs. Vineyard at MCS
  • Wednesday (10/14) at 3:15: 6th Grade Girls' Basketball vs. Shoreline at MCS
  • Thursday (10/15) at 3:15: 8th Grade Girls' Basketball vs. Calvary at MCS
  • Friday (10/16) at 3:15: 7th Grade Boys' Football vs. Calvary at MCS
 

Weekly Wednesday Worship Discipleship Group
Continues Wednesdays Weekly, 8:00-8:45AM


Held in the Learning Commons (formerly the library) every Wednesday morning from 8:00-8:45AM, just show up ready with a heart for worship (no need to sign up in advance).

During this time, students will learn what it truly means to be a worshipper of God with a lens for applying that knowledge toward leading worship. It will include reading and discussions on systematic theology, servant leadership, and biblical understanding of who God is and why He's worthy of worship. 

Students participating in this discipleship group do not need to be on the worship team but all who want to learn more about worshipping our God are invited to attend. All middle school students, 6th through 8th grade are invited to participate! If you have any questions, please contact Mr. McCall at
[email protected]
 

High School Fair

Mark your calendars! On Wednesday, November 4, from 3:00-5:00, MCS will host a High School Fair. All MCS families, with students of any age, are invited to attend this fair. 

Multiple private and public high schools and two college guidance counselors will participate in our High School Fair. This will be a great opportunity for you to learn more about our surrounding high schools as you explore your options for the next important step in your child's education.

Schools will set up displays in the auditorium to provide an opportunity for you to speak with individual school representatives and gather information.

We hope to see you there.
 

The Student Success Center

Did you know the middle school has a Student Success Center? The goal of SSC is to support students in achieving academic goals by providing homework help and strengthening skills in organization, time management, and test preparation. We want to teach students strategies that will help them achieve success in both their academic careers and for the rest of their lives beyond MCS. Students who want to take advantage of this tremendous resource can stop by the SSC located upstairs next to the administration office to meet Mrs. Willis, receive more information, and sign up for the after school help. The SSC is open to students during the following times:
  • Tuesday- 6th grade only: 3:00-3:30
  • Wednesday-8th grade only: 3:00-3:30
  • Thursday-7th grade only: 3:00-3:30 
  • Friday- Any grade: 3:00-3:30
To provide the best support, it is imperative students sign up prior to attending. We are excited to provide this great resource to our students and are thrilled to work with students throughout the year!
 

From The MCS Musical Theatre Director

Attention Middle School Students:  

If you are interested in receiving the announcement regarding the title of this year's Middle School Musical and information regarding the audition process, please sign the clipboard in the Middle School Office. Information will be emailed to you shortly.

Thank you,

Miss Katelyn Spurgin
MCS Musical Theatre Director
 

Local High Schools


Periodically, high schools ask us to promote events and/or admissions/registration information which we will include in this section. 

Brethren Christian High School Parent Tour & Luncheon: October 15 - 11:00AM - 12:30PM
Prospective parents are invited to attend the Brethren Christian High School "Thursday Tour & Luncheon." Parents will enjoy a campus tour and classroom observations, followed by a complimentary lunch and Q & A session. www.bchs.net 


 

Building a firm foundation through Christ-centered education since 1987.

Mariners Christian School | 300 Fischer Avenue | Costa Mesa, California 92626 | (714) 437-1700