Mariners Christian School   

All-School E-News
January 15, 2016

 

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

 

 
MCS Spellers Shine at Today's 
2nd-8th Grade ACSI Spelling Bee
  

Congratulations to 8th Graders/Spellers Rebecca Li and Evan Smith who advanced to the next competition level and will represent MCS in the Regional Spelling Bee in Pasadena in February!




We want to congratulate all MCS Spellers who participated in this year's ACSI Spelling Bee. 
We are proud of you for representing our school well!
 
 
 

No School - Monday, January 18th

illustration of Martin Luther King Day background.
In observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, there is no school on Monday, January 18th. Enjoy your three-day weekend.
 

Thank You - We're Grateful!


We're Grateful!

Because of contributions to our Annual Fund: "UNITY" from our generous parents, grandparents, alumni, faculty, and friends, over $210,000 is now available to transform into key advancements including EXPANDED LITERACY PROGRAMS, STEM/21ST CENTURY LEARNING, FINANCIAL AID, TEACHER ENRICHMENT, CAMPUS IMPROVEMENTS, and much more. 

Watch for updates on how your support is helping to create tremendous growth opportunities for students! 

"Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever." 1 Chronicles 16:34
 

Re-Enrollment 


All families should have received an email with details regarding enrollment for 2016-2017 from our Admissions Department this week.  

If you have any questions regarding the re-enrollment process, please contact Germaine Kaufman at [email protected] or Ashlee Cowell at [email protected].

 

Calling All Volunteers!
Auction Kick-Off Meeting - Thursday (2/4) at 8:30AM

Please plan to attend the kick-off meeting for this year's 
SPRING GALA AND AUCTION.
Mark your calendar for THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 4th, at 8:30 AM in the MPRCome hear some great ideas from our auction steering committee and find out how you can be involved.  

While you're at it, mark your calendar for FRIDAY, APRIL 29th, and join your friends at the Balboa Bay Resort for a night of celebration.
 

1st-5th Grade iRead Turn In Day January 20th

1st-5th Grade Parents - 

Please turn in your student's total minutes on Schoology on Wednesday, January 20th

For complete iRead Turn-in Instructions on Schoology, click here.

 

An Evening of Fun for the Whole Family!
1st-5th Grade Talent Show Friday (2/5)

All MCS families and friends of MCS are invited to come out and support our talented students.

 

MCS Moms - Save the date for our first Valentine's Tea!

We will have tea and snacks, a chance to create a Valentine for your kids (one more item checked off our "mom list"!) and most importantly, the gift of time together.  Save the date and watch for more details!

Blessings,

 Ali Bray
Community Connector
Mariners Christian School
 

Elementary Bake Sale Coming Soon

We will be offering a bake sale for the Elementary students on Friday, February 5th during their lunch recess. Elementary students will be able to purchase one treat and the proceeds will benefit our friends in Gulu.We have created this as a leadership opportunity for our 3rd - 5th grade students, and they heard about the invitation to participate in the Bake Sale during chapel today. 

Because we know that the process of baking treats will have an impact on parents as well, we have asked 3rd - 5th grade students to turn in a permission form in order to participate in the Bake Sale. The permission form is attached. Permission forms should be returned to Ali Bray or the front desk on or before January 29th.  Questions? Email Ali Bray at [email protected].  Thank you.
 

Seasonal Sings - "Songs of God's Love" February 8th

-click for flyer with details-

Sing your favorite February songs as we celebrate Valentine's Day and God's love for us. The class will be held on Monday, February 8th, from 3:00-4:00PM, and is open to all students in grades 2-5. The cost is $10.

Space is limited. Register before 2/5, by contacting Sophia Brand at [email protected]





 
 

Yearbook Dedications for Your TK-7th Grade Children
Due February 9, 2016

The MCS Yearbook is offering parents the opportunity to personalize the yearbook in a very special way with a dedication ad for all TK-7th grade students.  Your ad provides a great way to recognize a student or event in a special and unique way. 

All dedications must be submitted and paid for by February 9, 2016.  To reserve your space, follow these step-by-step instructions at the link below. If you have questions, please contact Sam Roupe at [email protected].  Thank you.

Click here to place your yearbook dedication:  http://marinerscs.org/yearbookdedications

 

2nd & 3rd Grade Patriotic Mini Concerts 
and Curriculum Overview


Parents, Grandparents, and special friends of 2nd and 3rd grade students are cordially invited to attend these special Patriotic Concerts.

2nd Grade Concert
Thursday, February 25, at 8:30AM 

-click for flyer-

3rd Grade Concert
Wednesday, February 24, at 8:30AM

-click for flyer-


Dress for 2nd and 3rd student performers:

Girls: Please wear dresses or nice skirts and tops in the colors red, white, and navy.

Boys:
Please wear white collared shirts (MCS Polo is acceptable) and dark slacks (blue, black, gray). No jeans please.
 

Preview Night for Prospective Families

-click and forward flyer -
Preview Flyers are included in this week's Friday Folders. 

MCS Parents -

Please tell your friends, family members, and acquaintances who are interested in Christian Education about our upcoming Preview Night. Our best publicity comes through you, our current families. We appreciate you!


Thank you in advance for helping us get the word out.  

The MCS Admissions Department


 

Refreshing Your Marriage
(20% discount for MCS couples)


Dear MCS Parents -

We are excited to be able to share a special invitation to attend the Refreshing Your Marriage conference offered by Doug Fields and Jim Burns. They have generously offered a 20% off discount code to MCS couples [promo code: MCSmarriage].  You can apply this code at either the Orange County (January 29-30 at Mariners Church) or Los Angeles (March 11-12) events. 


Visit www.refreshingyourmarriage.com for more information and to register for the event! Reminder: The special promo code is MCSmarriage.

We hope that this will be a blessing to many of our MCS families!

Ali Bray

Community Connector
Mariners Christian School

"My husband and I attended Refresh Your Marriage last year and we had a great time! Setting aside one night and one day to connect, learn, and talk about our marriage was so valuable, and it set the tone for a great year together.  The speakers are engaging and funny, and the whole experience is worth your time and money. You won't regret this!" 
Megan Shahabi

 

Upcoming Faculty & Staff Birthdays

Happy Birthday candles balloon shape isolated on back background


January Birthdays
Robin Walker: 1/1
Sue Celek: 1/2
Troy Moore: 1/5
Lynelle Harding: 1/6
Jennifer Crowell: 1/12
Kristin Knecht: 1/12
Dianne McVay: 1/16
Melissa Pena: 1/18
Lynda Lynch: 1/21
Allison Skelly: 1/22
Gina Hanson: 1/26
Trang Nguyen: 1/31

February Birthdays
Kristen Chandler 2/2
Lisa Collier 2/9
Brandi Becker 2/17
Amy Green 2/27
Jan Bryant 2/28

This list is provided by your Parent Teacher Fellowship.



 

Needs Based Tuition Assistance for 2016-17

Current families interested in receiving needs-based tuition assistance for the 2016/17 school year may now apply at www.factstuitionaid.com.  This is the first mandatory step in applying for aid. The deadline for applications is March 1, 2016. If you have questions, please contact Todd Perkins at [email protected].  Thank you!

Middle School E-News
January 15, 2016

 

Raising Money for Gulu - Twins Day


Middle School teachers sport their stylish vests for Twin Day
- raising money along with their students for Gulu!

 

TK Burgers Take Out Tuesday  - January 19th!
Deadline to Place Orders - Tomorrow (1/16) at 11:45PM

The TK Burgers truck will be coming to our campus next Tuesday, January 19th, for Middle School Take Out Tuesday this month. Students will have their choice of a hamburger, cheeseburger, veggie burger, or the gluten free option of a lettuce-wrapped burger, plus chips and a bottle of water. The cost is $8. The deadline to order is Saturday (1/16) at 11:45pm. 

Click on the link to order: marinerscs.org/tot.  Please print out your receipt and send it with your child on Tuesday, 1/19 to help expedite the process.  Thank you!
 

"Grub for Gulu" 7th Grade Bake Sale January 20th

snowflake-cookies.jpg

Our next "Grub for Gulu" fundraiser will be a 7th Grade Bake Sale happening Wednesday, January 20th! The 7th graders will be bringing in delicious treats to sell for $1 per item during lunch.  We will have gluten-free options as well.  

7th graders, we are looking forward to seeing what awesome treats come out of your kitchens!  

Middle School Parents, please be sure to send your child with a few dollars $$$ so we can Go Big for Gulu!!! Reminder, this is for Middle School students only. 
 

Middle School Finals - January 28th & 29th
Early Dismissal - 11AM (Middle School Only)

Middle School finals will be held on Thursday and Friday, January 28th and 29th! As we prepare students for this important time in the semester, we ask parents to join us in supporting their child's success on the finals. Home support can be provided in these very simple but meaningful ways:
  1. Ensure your child is not absent on the days of finals! Attendance is extremely important.
  2. Make sure your child gets a good night sleep -- rest is vital for brain power!
  3. Provide a healthy breakfast that will assist with sustaining focus and attention.
  4. Build confidence through great encouragement and affirmation.
  5. Study with your child to help with their understanding of the material
Important Note: On both days, middle school students will be dismissed at 11:00AM (regular dismissal for elementary students)


 

Winter Athletics Schedule

Lion Mascot
 GO LIONS - 

Girls Volleyball and Boys Basketball!


Come out and support our home games!

Home Games Week of January 19th

Thursday (1/21) at 3:15: JH 'Teal' Volleyball vs. Shoreline
Thursday (1/21) at 3:15: 6th 'Black' Basketball vs. Huntington Christian
Friday (1/22) at 3:15: 8th Grade Basketball vs. Huntington Christian
 

Lunch Time Clubs Continue

The middle school lunch time art club was a huge success and we have launched two additional lunch time clubs for our students. Joining a club is a great way to explore a passion and connect with other students! These exciting new clubs are: 

Word Nerds Book Club
For 8th graders only, this lunch time club will meet on Tuesday's in Mrs. Thurston's room. Together, club members will select a novel to read together and journey through that reading with thoughtful lunch time discussions. Meet in Mrs. Thurston's room this Thursday for more details. 6th and 7th grade students can look forward to a Word Nerds Book Club offered to them at a later time. 

Chess Club
This is for all 6th through 8th grade students! Do you love chess? Do you want to learn how to play chess? Whether you are a novice or an expert, if you have an interest in chess, this club is for you. Chess club meets every Thursday in Mr. Bahadoor's room. 

 

SAVE THE DATE

 
 

Schoology Video Tutorials for Parents

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. Below you will find six video tutorials to explain a different aspect of Schoology. We are confident this support will ensure all parents are becoming fully trained and Schoology experts: 

 

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]
 

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 see Miss Spurgin, MCS Musical Theater Director, or email her at [email protected].  


Pacifica Christian High School

For more information about their upcoming Admissions dates, visit their website at: www.pacificaoc.org.

 

Local High Schools


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

 

Come learn about Newport Harbor High School and tour our beautiful historic campus. Join us on Tuesday, February 9th, from 10:00 am - 11:15 am. Meet Principal Sean Boulton, learn about Harbor's rigorous International Baccalaureate & Advanced Placement courses, 27 athletic teams, 34 clubs, and take a campus tour led by student leaders. Arrive early to find street parking near 15th St. and Irvine Ave. in Newport. Sign in at the front reception desk (directly under the bell tower) before 10am. Reservations not required. Questions? Contact Diana Long at 949-646-1556 or [email protected]

 

Wednesday, January 27th is a Student Visitation Day.
Students will visit 12 actual classes in session, attend a Chapel service and be hosted to a complimentary lunch. The program is from 8:45 am - 1:05 pm. This also requires an advance reservation at the link above.

Preview Night - Wednesday, February 3rd, at 7:00pm.
Parents and students will visit classrooms and learn about all aspects of a Brethren Christian High School education. A complimentary BBQ is provided at 6:00 for families that RSVP in advance.

Reservations for each of these events may also be done at www.BCHS.net on the right side of the home page, under "Admission Events".



The Pathway to Excellence High School Placement Testing Prep Workshop will be held at Crean Lutheran High School and are open to any student who has already applied or those that are prospective students for the 2016-2017 school year.  We are offering two sessions on January 5th and January 12th from 6:30pm to 8:30pm. Students can register for one of these sessions on our website under the News & Announcements section towards the bottom of the main page. Please note: each workshop will be limited to 60 students total and the selection will be determined on a first come, first serve RSVP basis.

  • Regular Decision and Scholarship Applications Due: January 22, 2016
  • Admissions Entrance Exam: Saturday, January 23, 2016 at 8:30AM
Please contact Cornelia Connelly School at 714.776.1717 ext. 221 or email [email protected] for more information.


Applications are now available. The Entrance Exam takes place Saturday, January 23. For admissions information call (714) 754-1175 or visit their website at: http://www.materdei.org/ and go to Admissions.

 

 

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

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