Congratulations to this week's Heroes Chris Carpenter and Kristen Chandler! We hope you enjoy your up-close parking spot.
A Note to Chris Carpenter, Science Teacher:
"Chris Carpenter is a great addition to our middle school team. His stint as a sub at MCS gave him an "in" with the kids, and he was able to make an immediate impact on the kids because they felt like they knew him and he knew them. He's also very creative. He does his best to make his subject interesting and engaging. As a homeroom teacher, he puts special emphasis on being part of a family. His sense of humor makes him fun to be around, and the kids enjoy his class a great deal. He is extremely organized, and he plans ahead. He takes his job seriously, but he makes sure the kids have fun while they learn. Being new to MCS is a challenge, but because he is like-minded with the rest of the staff, he's made a smooth transition. He's a great middle school teammate.
A Note to Kristen Chandler, TK Teacher:
Kristen is a hero to us because we benefit from her hard work, passion for teaching, and love for kids every day. At the beginning of every year we are always so thrilled to have the kids that havecome from TK. They have such a wonderful academic foundation, as well as a love for learning. They are of the highest caliber. Kristen gives our students the best possible experience to start their school journey. That's one of the best things about MCS, the TK program.
Not only does Kristen build a strong academic foundation with the TK students, but she also works with our elementary students in the afternoon, who need a little extra support. Kristen knows how to use many different strategies to help students succeed. And they succeed under her tutelage. If that isn't enough, Kristen trains teachers in "Words their Way" and has tested the students of all the new teachers to determine their F&P levels. She is totally a team player. We are not quite sure what MCS would do without her!!!
Above all, Kristen reflects the heart of Christ each day to all of us. Even when Kristen has gone through tough personal times, she turns to God and walks by faith, looking for ways to reflect His character to all who are around her.
The following verses are reflected in Kristen's life. "She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future." Proverbs 31:25. "God is within her, she will not fall." Psalm 46:5. "Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails." 1 Corinthians 13:7
MCS ANNUAL FUND FAMILY PARTICIPATION is nearing the 40% mark, and we are so grateful for each and every contribution to help us reach the 100%
"joyFULL" goal. Thank you!
To give your tax-deductible gift to MCS prior to 12-31-17, visit
marinerscs.org/annualfund. Your invaluable support makes a direct and immediate impact on students and is essential to the growth and success of our academic/spiritual programs.
Follow us on
Instagram to watch the progress daily!
Mariners Christian School 2017 Annual Fund Update
Sibling Applications Due Now! Applications Open to New Families!
REMINDER: Now is the time to complete your sibling applications. We are receiving numerous new family applications and we need to know about current siblings (2018-19 students) so we can give you priority! Thanks for taking the time to complete the application today!
If you have not yet had the opportunity to read the letter from our Admissions Director Ashlee Cowell,
click here. If you have questions, please email or call Ashlee Cowell at
[email protected].
Upcoming Events & Activities
Parents in Prayer Meets Weekly on Monday | 8:15AM
Sibling Applications for 2018-2019 Now Open
MCS Annual Fund Campaign | Now through December 31
All-School Christmas Toy Drive | December 4 - 11
4th-5th Grade Christmas Celebration | December 12th, 6:30PM
6th-8th Grade Christmas Concert | December 14th, 6:30PM
All-School Green & Red Dress Day | December 21st
No School | December 22-January 5
All-School Toy Drive Ends on Monday December 11th
Thank you to our Elementary ASB for providing this fun promo about our Toy Drive!
Thank you for the donations we have received to bless our community through Project Giving Ligt! Just three days left! MCS families are invited to participate by providing an unwrapped toy or gift card [suggested value is $10-20] for children ages 5-15 years old.
There will be drop locations conveniently located outside of the gym (kiddos can drop their gifts after walking through morning carpool), outside of the front of the lobby, and in the middle school homeroom classes.
Shopping suggestions:
TK-5th Grade: purchase for any gender or age 5-15
6th Grade: age 5-8/same gender as student purchasing
7th Grade: age 9-11/ same gender as student purchasing
8th Grade: age 12-15/same gender as student purchasing
Looking for some shopping inspiration? Project Giving Light has provided a "starter list" of gift ideas:
Anything skateboard related Vans and Adidas brand anything Sports equipment Cool socks Sweatshirts, T-shirts Art stuff Craft stuff
Play makeup Dolls Play jewelry Gift cards Emoji stuff Card games Minion stuff
Pokémon stuff Baseball style hats Remote control cars Lalaloopsy toys Shopkins toys Board games Spinner toys
MCS Families and Friends of MCS are invited to celebrate the birth of Jesus with us!
All-School Green & Red Dress Day December 21st
In celebration of Christmas, Thursday (12/21) will be a red and green dress day for all students. Jeans are allowed. Students must wear specified colors/theme (or the MCS uniform must be worn). Pull out your Christmas hats, scarves, jewelry and adornment as we celebrate the last day of school before Christmas break. The day will end with an All-School Christmas Celebration Chapel.
Themed Dress Guidelines Reminders: All students are to have a neat, clean and modest appearance at all times, including free dress days. Girls' shorts or skirts must be no shorter than 3 inches above the knee. If leggings are worn, tops must extend past the fingertips. Tank tops must have width of three fingers. Students are not to wear: torn clothes, pajamas, sweats or yoga pants, excessively tight-fitting clothes, spaghetti straps, tops that expose the midriff, clothing with cut-outs, or costume-type clothing.
Merry Christmas!
No School Friday, December 22nd, through January 5th
No school Friday, December 22 through Friday, January 5th. Please note that Thursday (12/21) is a regular full day of school.
School resumes January 8, 2018!
Lost and Found
If your student is missing a sweatshirt, lunchbox, water bottle, hair bow, cleats, etc., please check the elementary and/or middle school lost and found. All items not claimed will be donated on Friday, December 22, before Christmas break. Thank you!
Choice Lunch
Please remember to order Choice Lunch for your student for the remainder of December atwww.choicelunch.com.Thank you!
Under the leadership of our Vocal and General Music Teacher Victoria Boler, TK-3rd grade students presented a truly spectacular Christmas Program to a packed house! God was honored and our community was blessed. It was truly a JOYFULL celebration of Jesus' Birth. Thank you Mrs. Boler and students. Joy to the World the Lord has come!
Backstage (classrooms) students are eagerly waiting to perform.
Elementary Chapel: Christmas Traditions
This week the elementary students were treated to chapels that highlighted the Christmas Traditions of a few of our faculty. A tradition is something that is repeated and woven into the fabric of our lives to help us remember things of importance - like the Christmas Story.
The TK-Kindergarten teachers shared their traditions of an Advent calendar, angel collections, snow globes with Christmas Story characters, and an activity of adding a piece of hay to the manger when a kindness is done.
The 1st-5th graders heard from the faculty that are new to MCS this year. From a family reading of Jesus' birth in Luke 2 before opening gifts, to wacky Christmas trees, yummy Christmas cookies, family trips, crazy gift games, Christmas movies, or special ornaments that mark life's moments, the students learned about the serious and silly ways that families bond together to celebrate the Birth of our Savior!
Family Question: What is a tradition for your family during the Christmas season?
MCS Takes 1st, 2nd, & 3rd Place + at the AppJam+ Finale
We are excited to report that MCS students swept 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place and also the overall poster design competition! Click here for story.
Thank You
Thank You Parent Teacher Fellowship
We would like to thank our Under the Tree Shopping Spree PTF Committee Kim Bagramian, Irene Yonkers, Shannon Mora, Jessica Caamano, Jennifer Unkrich, Beth Giunta, Angie Wisdom, Stacie Brewster, Morgan Abboud, and Emily Archer
for the awesome job they did putting together last week's Christmas Boutique.
Because of your hard work and creativity, the atmosphere in the gym was so JOYous: background Christmas music, festive decor, cider to enjoy, snack trucks, the best vendors ever, and most importantly an opportunity for MCS Parents and Friends of MCS to fellowship! Thank you!
Book Fair Review and Thank You
-
Thank you Clifford. You made it so much fun for all-
This year's MCS Mrs. Nelson's Book Fair was a major success! As students walked into the Learning Commons, their faces lit up in excitement to see the room transformed into our very own book store. For three days the book fair was filled with parents and students of all ages seeking to find new books to dive into, gaining knowledge on a variety of topics or getting lost in a new adventure their favorite storybook character is about to embark on. It was an amazing sight to see parents and teachers helping students find books and overhear the
joyFULL conversations taking place all around the room.
A special thank you to Jennifer Moore and her volunteers for coordinating this year's book fair and for sharing her passion for books with us all! You did an amazing job! Thank you also to all of our wonderful parent volunteers for helping and supporting the book fair, to the teachers for being flexible and bringing their students in to shop for new books and helping out through the whole event.
Thanks to Clifford for stopping by and promoting our book fair for us outside before and after school!
This could not have happened without everyone's support and serving hearts for MCS!
Written by Chelsea Dogterom
Thank you Chelsea for allowing us to use your room for 3 days. We appreciate you!
Happy Birthday & Spirit Rock Fun
Happy Birthday!
December
Leilen Shelton 12/8
Christopher Lucas 12/10
Sady Amend 12/28
Crystal Willis 12/30
January
Robin Walker 1/1
Sue Celek 1/2
Keven Kroehler 1/3
Troy Moore 1/5
Kristin Knecht 1/12
Lynda Lynch 1/21
Jennifer Crowell 1/12
Dianne McVay 1/16
Melissa Pena 1/18
Allison Skelly 1/22
Gina Hanson1/26
Trang Nguyen 1/31
This list is provided to you by our Parent Teacher Fellowship.
Spirit Rock - Celebrating the MCS Family
Happy 13th Birthday Aidan and Happy 9th Birthday Victoria. Thanks for sharing your special day with the MCS family. Looks like you love to sing Victoria! :) Will you attend Ohio State Aidan?
Please email a photo of your special rock design and person to [email protected] so that we can feature them weekly.
Thank you to our Parent Teacher Fellowship for providing this opportunity to celebrate milestones in the lives of the MCS Family. If you have not yet had the chance to sign up to paint the rock, please view the calendar and sign up at this
link. There are a few spots left.
An Invitation from Broken Lance Eagle Tribe
Broken Lance Eagle Tribe invites MCS Elementary Boys to a special upcoming event on Friday (12/15) at the Discovery Cube.
If you have questions, please contact MCS Dad Nick Trautman (Chief Wave Rider)
[email protected] or Tim Broussard (Running Fox)
[email protected] 949.261.7700, ext. 245 for details.
1st Grade Daisy Girl Scout Troop 5382
1st grade Daisy Girls Troop 5382 participated in Operation Christmas Child this year. They are f
ollowing girls gift boxes going to Girls ages 5 -9 yrs old in Fiji, Philippines, and Peru.
We're happy that you girls participated in OCC. Many children will be blessed!
Middle School E-Newsletter
JoyFULL
"You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore."
Psalm 16:11 ESV
E-Newsletter: 12.08.17
Middle School
Middle School Chapel
This week the middle school students were excited to have Addie and Greg Zinone return to MCS and share a deeper part of their stories. Addie and Greg were our honored guests at the Veterans' Day Chapel in November. Our students felt such a connection with Addie and Greg, that we invited them back to speak separately at our all-girls and all-boys chapels. Addie spoke to the girls about how God uses pain and hard times in our lives to refine us. The Lord takes us through a process to make us who He wants us to be, and struggles are a very important part of that. She shared that when we pray, it doesn't mean that God will eliminate our problems, but it does mean that He will use us and help us in the midst of our problems. Greg spoke to the boys about obedience and serving, and how they go hand in hand. Serving starts with those who are closest to you, your family members. When we make serving a pattern in our lives and are consistent in our obedience, people notice that something is different about us. It allows us to point to Jesus Christ our Savior.
MCS Takes 1st, 2nd, & 3rd Place + at the AppJam+ Finale
We are excited to report that MCS students swept 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place and also the overall poster design competition! Click here for the continuation of the story.
Middle School Tacky Christmas Attire Day & Share 2 Wear
Monday, December 11th
Our December 11th Share 2 Wear combines two things that are near and dear to our hearts...helping local families in need and Christmas!!!
For our Share 2 Wear this month, MCS will host a week-long Toy Drive for local families though Project Giving Light.
All gifts will go to children who (without our donations) may not otherwise receive Christmas gifts.
The Drive will culminate with our Wrap N' Pray Chapel on Monday (12/11), in which we will wrap each gift that has been donated throughout the week and pray over the children who will receive them.In order to make this happen, the final day to Share an item is Monday (12/11) for the Wrap N' Pray chapel, so our Wear Day will also take place that Monday (12/11)!
Students are invited to bring toys/gift cards in throughout the week.
However, in order to participate in the Tacky Christmas attire, the students must bring in an item morning to Chapel on Monday (12/11).
We want to fully embrace the Christmas cheer by wearing tacky Christmas sweaters, tacky Christmas accessories, and all things red and green!
Please remember that in order to participate in the 12/11 dress day, students must bring an item for the Toy Drive that morning.
Winter Sports Tryouts Begin Next Week
Girls Volleyball Tryouts:
3:00-4:30: Monday (12/11), Wednesday (12/13) and Thursday (12/14)
Boys Basketball Tryouts UPDATED!:
Monday (12/18): 3:00 - 4:30 (6th-8th grade)
Tuesday (12/19): 6th grade (tryouts during Tues/Thurs class) & 7th grade (tryouts during PE class)
Wednesday (12/20): 6th grade (tryouts during Wed/Fri class) & 8th grade (tryouts during PE class: please note 8th grade will need to stay until 3:30)
Wednesday (12/20): 3:00 - 4:30 (6th & 7th grade)
Students need to be at ALL tryouts! Please email Mr. Thompson at [email protected] with any questions. GO LIONS!
All-School Toy Drive Ends Monday December 11th
Only 3 days left! We are continuing our partnership with Project Giving Light in December and helping local families in need by hosting a Christmas Gift Drive! MCS families are invited to participate by providing an unwrapped toy or gift card [suggested value is $10-20] for children ages 5-15 years old.
There will be drop locations conveniently located outside of the gym (kiddos can drop their gifts after walking through morning carpool), outside of the front of the lobby, and in the middle school homeroom classes.
Shopping suggestions:
TK-5th Grade: purchase for any gender or age 5-15
6th Grade: age 5-8/same gender as student purchasing
7th Grade: age 9-11/ same gender as student purchasing
8th Grade: age 12-15/same gender as student purchasing
Looking for some shopping inspiration? Project Giving Light has provided a "starter list" of gift ideas:
Anything skateboard related Vans and Adidas brand anything Sports equipment Cool socks Sweatshirts, T-shirts Art stuff Craft stuff
Play makeup Dolls Play jewelry Gift cards Emoji stuff Card games Minion stuff
Pokémon stuff Baseball style hats Remote control cars Lalaloopsy toys Shopkins toys Board games Spinner toys
MCS LYFE: Living Your Faith Everyday Instagram Feed
If you or your middle school student haven't yet followed our middle school Instagram page, we invite you to follow us at @MCS_middleschool_LYFE where you can find all of the latest and greatest happenings among our middle school! MCS LYFE stands for Living Your Faith Everyday, and as a community of believers we can do that through the power of social media! Through this Instagram page you are able to check out what God is doing in and around Mariners Christian School! You'll never have to miss another exciting sports game, concert, chapel or fun activity at MCS! You can stay connected with what your classmates and teachers are up to 24/7!
The FVSC Snack Bar will be available (food items ranging from $1-$5)
Parents may drop off any time after 4:00 pm and pick-up is promptly at 6:00 pm
MCS Staff will chaperone
Light refreshments provided
Must bring socks for rented skates, or students may bring their own skates
No need to RSVP, students just show up!
All-School Christmas Dress Day - Thursday (12/21)
In celebration of Christmas, Thursday (12/21) will be a red and green dress day for all students. Jeans are allowed. Students must wear specified colors/theme (or the MCS uniform must be worn). Pull out your Christmas hats, scarves, jewelry and adornment as we celebrate the last day of school before Christmas break. The day will end with an All-School Christmas Celebration Chapel.
Themed Dress Guidelines Reminders: All students are to have a neat, clean and modest appearance at all times, including free dress days. Girls' shorts or skirts must be no shorter than 3 inches above the knee. If leggings are worn, tops must extend past the fingertips. Tank tops must have width of three fingers. Students are not to wear: torn clothes, pajamas, sweats or yoga pants, excessively tight-fitting clothes, spaghetti straps, tops that expose the midriff, clothing with cut-outs, or costume-type clothing.
Merry Christmas!
HSPT Private School Entrance Exam Review Sessions
We are offering four review sessions to help our MCS students prepare for private school entrance exams, specifically the High School Placement Test (HSPT) and the Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE). Math and English will be reviewed in each session. All four sessions will be different, so we recommend you attend all four. Students are encouraged to purchase the HSPT or ISEE test books available at Barnes and Nobel or online. Any version of the HSPT or ISEE test book is fine. This book is recommended, not required.
Students may attend any or all of the following sessions:
Wednesday, December 6th (3:00-4:30pm)
Wednesday, December 13th (3:00-4:30pm)
Wednesday, December 20th (3:00-4:30pm)
Wednesday, January 10th (3:00-4:30pm)
Location: Meet in Mrs. Thurston's room at the start of each session
The sessions are long, but are designed to allow review of both Math and English. We will also provide a short snack break. These sessions should provide a good stretching of our students' "test endurance." Generally, entrance exam testing periods are three to fours hours in length. Most middle school students are not used to sitting and testing for so long!
All four sessions are included in the $40 fee. Your FACTS account will be billed after the first session you attend.
Please RSVP to [email protected] if your child will be attending any sessions.
***Please let us know if you'd like to donate snack items for these review sessions. It would be much appreciated by the hungry students.
Newport Harbor High School Invite 8th Graders & Parents: Take a tour of Newport Harbor High on Friday, December 15th, at 10:00AM: Join us for an informative morning at Newport Harbor High School. Meet NHHS Principal Dr. Sean Boulton and Assistant Principal Dr. Jennifer Hays. Learn about Harbor's rigorous curriculum and take a walking tour of our 87 year old iconic campus. Arrive early for on-street parking near 15th St. and Irvine Ave. Sign in at the front office, under the bell tower. No reservations necessary. Questions? Contact Diana Long at 949-646-1556 x1.
JSerra Catholic HS Are you ready to start applying to high schools? Be sure to register for the High School Placement Test Review on Dec.2nd from 9:00-12:00 with JSerra Catholic High School. JSerra Catholic HS offers the High School Placement Test on Jan.20th and Feb.3rd from 7:30-12:00. Dr. Courtney Harkins will give a talk during each testing session entitled, "My Teen is in High School- Now What?" and campus tours will be available. Be sure to check out JSerra Catholic's Open House on January 21st from 2:00-4:00. It's not too late to sign up for a shadow day! Shadow days are offered weekly and we tailor the experience to fit your students' interests. Come visit us to learn more about the exciting opportunities available at JSerra Catholic High School!
https://www.jserra.org/admissions/visit-jserra. We hope to see you there.
Crean Lutheran High School Admissions has begun: Click on this link for details.
Crean Lutheran High School presents "The Joy of Christmas" Tuesday (12/12) at 7PM. Enjoy a pre-event Christmas Boutique and pre-show at 6:00PM.
Click here for all the details.
Orange Lutheran High School Prospective Student Open House: Wednesday, November 8, 2017 from 6:00-9:00PM. Fo
r details about OLu Admissions, click here.
Crean Lutheran High School Admissions has begun:
Click on this link for details.
Corona Del Mar High School Prospective Parent Night: Monday, December 4th. This is an informational meeting for any parents who are considering trasitioining their student to CdMHS for 2018-2019. For more details, please contact Julie Bentwood at
[email protected] or visit their website at:
http://cdm.nmusd.us/.
300 Fischer Avenue
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Phone 714.437.1700 · Fax 714.437.7976
Copyright 2017, Mariners Christian School. All rights reserved.
Shopping suggestions:
Robin Walker 1/1
Thank you to our Parent Teacher Fellowship for providing this opportunity to celebrate milestones in the lives of the MCS Family. If you have not yet had the chance to sign up to paint the rock, please view the calendar and sign up at this
Girls Volleyball Tryouts:
Only 3 days left! We are continuing our partnership with Project Giving Light in December and helping local families in need by hosting a Christmas Gift Drive! MCS families are invited to participate by providing an unwrapped toy or gift card [suggested value is $10-20] for children ages 5-15 years old.
If you or your middle school student haven't yet followed our middle school Instagram page, we invite you to follow us at 
We are offering four review sessions to help our MCS students prepare for private school entrance exams, specifically the High School Placement Test (HSPT) and the Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE). Math and English will be reviewed in each session. All four sessions will be different, so we recommend you attend all four. Students are encouraged to purchase the HSPT or ISEE test books available at Barnes and Nobel or online. Any version of the HSPT or ISEE test book is fine. This book is recommended, not required.
The sessions are long, but are designed to allow review of both Math and English. We will also provide a short snack break. These sessions should provide a good stretching of our students' "test endurance." Generally, entrance exam testing periods are three to fours hours in length. Most middle school students are not used to sitting and testing for so long!
