“For I know what I have planned for you,” says the LORD, “I have plans to prosper you, not to harm you. I have plans to give you a future filled with hope.”-Jeremiah 29:11 Dear MCS Family & Friends, I hope all of you had a great Christmas break and are fully rested and enjoying the New Year! In our first issue of WINGSPAN, I shared a brief history of our school, and described the future plans that emerged from last year’s Strategic Planning process. After collaborating with parents, alumni, the school board, the student body, and faculty and staff, we have succeeded in creating a new Strategic Vision. Though our time of reflection was challenging and stretching – it resulted in a beautiful new vision that caused a positive impact on our campus that will continue for many days and years to come. One topic that continued to surface during all of our dialogues with families and personnel was the school’s facility limitations, and the strong desire to build-out the remainder of our originally proposed Master Plan. While we can benefit immediately by expanding our facility in every area of our program, the High School building in particular was a recurring discussion and point of emphasis. Currently, our High School students conduct most of their education in our portable classrooms and we agree the time has come to focus our efforts on building a new High School for our students to better facilitate their God-given gifts in the area of arts and academics.
Our desire is to complete and occupy the High School building by the fall of 2016, which will also mark our 25th year as a school. We are very excited to begin this journey, and I pray you will join us in asking the Lord to grant us wisdom and favor throughout the planning and building phase! Please continue to read for more detailed information, and to see our building renditions. For His Glory,
Jess Hetherington MCS Superintendent
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THREE-YEAR STRATEGIC VISION MCS is an authentic Christ-centered learning community, passionate in pursuit of our mission and clear in our identity as we build a premier college preparatory program with outstanding faculty, staff, and facilities.
STRATEGIC GOALS Goal #4 - A growing High School with expanded curricula and programs that promote innovative learning and optimal college readiness. Goal #6 - Expanded facilities according to a comprehensive campus development plan that supports growth in academics, arts and athletics.
BASED ON THE MISSION, VISION AND STRATEGY WE ARE EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE THE FOLLOWING: 1. After months of careful planning, and discussions with a top architect, building contractor, and a development counsel, we are finalizing plans to build a new High School. 2. The Maranatha Christian Schools Board and Maranatha Chapel Board have been engaged in the process and are fully supportive of the plan. 3. The building will help us meet our two strategic goals (#4 and #6). 4. The building is part of a larger, long-term campus development plan that includes four new buildings: High School building, Library/Media Resource/ Administrative building, Junior High building, Performing Arts/Gym/ Multi-Purpose building. 5. Our goal, with God’s help, is to have the High School building occupied by the fall of 2016. 6. You will hear more about this project in the coming months. 7. Please pray for these plans and for how God may prepare you for supporting this new project. For more information on this project, contact Francine Good, Marketing and Development Director: francine.good@maranathachristianschools.org | 858.759.9737 x114
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Campus Security Update Did You Know?
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Bring on the Bacon Bots
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An Interview with Milo Fowler
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An Interview with Jolene Quinn
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DEPARTMENTS
FEATURES
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Biblical Studies & Discipleship
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Curriculum, College & Career Planning
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Admissions
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Marketing and Development
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High School
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Junior High
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Elementary
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Athletics
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Performing Arts
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Preschool
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After School Care Program, PAC
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CAMPUS SECURITY UPDATE COMMITTED TO SAFETY By Bryce Forrester and Mark Waldorf
The safety and well-being of our students, parents and staff are of great importance to all of us here at MCS. For this reason, we are continually working to employ the best campus safety and security practices possible.
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The following are some of the ongoing or new security measures in place: • Classroom doors are always locked when students are present. • All staff members are required to wear a photo ID and/or specific apparel that readily identifies them as an MCS employee. • The campus gates are closed from the first to last bell; open gates are monitored by the MCS management team during drop-off and pick-up. • Employees receive annual training to promote vigilance and proper response should an emergency occur. • Visitors are expected to sign in at the front desk and must wear a school issued volunteer photo ID or receive a one-time-use visitor’s badge.
“School should be a safe haven…we want to build a legacy of school safety here at MCS.” • A privacy fence has been installed across the gate and fence between the Kindergarten playground and our parking lot. • A roll-up window has been installed in the front office that opens to the main C-building entrance. • An automated lock-down announcement system was installed, and all school staff have been trained in reference to its activation and how to respond to it. MCS conducts regular fire drills, as well as lock down drills – including staff and student participation – with review and debriefing after each event. Fire Department and Law Enforcement personnel periodically attend these drills. • MCS maintains a solid relationship with our local Fire Department and Law Enforcement representatives. They are provided with access to our campus on a 24/7 basis, 365 days a year. This includes specific confidential information that enhances efficient entrance and clearance in the event of any emergency. A digital video ‘virtual tour’ of our school campus was recorded by the Sheriff’s Department, and is readily available should the need arise. • Exterior signage will soon be posted stating our campus is equipped with live-feed security cameras throughout the property. School safety is everyone’s responsibility. Please help us keep the MCS campus safe and secure by adhering to policies currently in place, and by alerting our staff when you see anything that concerns you or your family.
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BIBLICAL STUDIES & DISCIPLESHIP - LOVING GOD BY SERVING OTHERS Creating a Culture of Grace In our current day and age where ‘self’and ‘entitlement’ are emphasized through culture’s relentless influences – the Bible provides a stark contrast, commanding those who are ‘renewed in Christ’ to live selflessly. Nate Jackson
At Maranatha Christian Schools we instruct our students to think about the needs of others before themselves. They are taught the value of placing the concerns of others before their own individual pursuits, in order to become more ‘Christ-like’. Director of Biblical Studies & Discipleship
What a blessing it is then, to see this being displayed throughout our school community. More so, what a blessing it is to see this fundamental spiritual principle being ingrained in children at such early stages of their lives! Just recently, our students completed their second annual Operation Christmas Child efforts. By filling small shoe boxes with hygiene items, school supplies, small toys, and Gospel literature, our students sought to be a blessing to impoverished children all around the world. Our MCS students were able to nearly double their efforts from last year by packing over 430 boxes! Through Operation Christmas Child, our students learned about the loving nature of God – who demonstrated His love by giving us His Son, Jesus Christ, as a substitute who died on our be-
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half to forgive our sins. By understanding they are made in God’s image, our students are then called to be a reflection of God’s holiness in a fallen world.
“We believe the whole purpose of education is to produce a balance in the soul between the rational, ethical and aesthetic capacities of each individual… “By their fruits you will know them.” In December, our Director of Performing Arts, Jayne Howard, led our Victorian Christmas Carolers to an assisted living facility to perform for the elderly. The carolers sang beautiful choral arrangements of Christmas classics, causing the residents to feel the joy and love of the season. In partnership with Maranatha Chapel’s High School Youth Ministry, several of our High School students recently spent a weekend in San Francisco for an Urban Missions Outreach. By connecting with the local YWAM (Youth With a Mission) ministry, our students ministered to the homeless by delivering packed lunches and sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ through conversation. One of our primary goals at MCS is to see the formation of a Christ-centered soul in every student. We believe that the whole purpose of education is to produce a balance in the soul between the rational, ethical and aesthetic
capacities of each individual. And yet, how do we determine if the student is truly balanced? Jesus said in Matthew 7:20, “By their fruits you will know them.” We feel the development of the moral character of the student is central. The moral character demonstrates whether the rational side of the person is balanced with the emotional or aesthetic side. Therefore, serving our fellow man is an important component of developing this ethical/spiritual side of each student. For the last 2,000 years, we as Christians have lived in an economy (or dispensation) of grace, where people who have been blessed with much are called to give what they have to those who are less fortunate. In turn, the people who don’t have much are to receive their gifts as… gifts! That is grace! It is in the act of giving that we cultivate a sense of the needs of others as more important than our own. At MCS, we are fostering a new generation of students who will continue to actively live out a culture of grace in the midst of a prevailing secular society of entitlement. This gives us great hope today as we anticipate a more selfless world in Christ tomorrow.
MCS Students packed over
430 BOXES!
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CURRICULUM - CRITICAL THINKING AND WRITING
Autumn Gray
Director of Curriculum & Instruction
This past year has brought many new and exciting changes to our educational program. We are charging forward in pursuit of even higher levels of excellence for our Christ-centered and rigorously academic college preparatory school.
Critical thinking and writing have been a major focus of the Elementary and Junior High Divisions – since the implementation of new curriculum in support of Language Arts standards. The new material and applications will also support continuity between the grades. It’s been so much fun to visit the classrooms to see what the students are doing! Be sure to ask your child, “What is your question for the week?”, “What are your amazing words?”, and, “What are you writing about?” Prepare to be impressed by their answers. You may find yourself in the middle of a thought-provoking and in-depth discussion!
TEACHERS GET TECH SAVVY In the High School Division, we have been busy enhancing and improving the use of technology and digital curriculum. Some of our teachers have been mastering the most current editions of their textbooks, while others have gone to seminars and trainings that specialize in their content. In addition, they have participated in professional development classes for iPad usage, which included training in online educational technology. I look forward to seeing what God has in store for us next semester as we continue to explore new applications for technology and STEAM related curriculum. Most importantly, we are dedicated to discovering the best ways to serve our amazing students here at MCS!
COLLEGE & CAREER PLANNING - EARLY APPLICATIONS RESULT IN ACCEPTANCES
Joe Mireles
College & Career Advisor
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What an exciting time to be involved in College and Career Planning at MCS! With roughly half of our senior class applying to colleges under early priority deadlines, we have already begun receiving our first round of acceptances. From large public universities to small Christian
colleges – our students are already gaining admission to their top choices. Arizona State, Baylor, Biola, Kansas, Maine, Oregon, and Ohio State University are only a few of the schools where our students have already been accepted. With a month or so left before the majority of the college admissions decisions are released, our students are off to a great start. If this is only the beginning – imagine what lies ahead!
2015 - 2016 SCHOOL YEAR
SAVE YOUR
SPOT
FEBRUARY 1 - 28 REGISTER AND PAY ONLINE • Registration fees are $350/student • All tuition is collected through FACTS tuition management • Already using FACTS? Admissions will contact you when your ‘15-16 agreement is ready to review Questions? Contact Jennifer Mixer: jennifer.mixer@maranathachristianschools.org
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MARKETING & DEVELOPMENT - LAYING A NEW FOUNDATION FOR 2015 A heartfelt thank you to every individual and family who responded to our 2014 – 2015 Eagle Fund mailing. We are inspired and touched by the generous gifts that continue to come in. Our MCS community is a wonderful group of people who gracefully support us whenever we have a need. Francine Good Development/Marketing Director The faithfulness and goodness of God is sustaining us through the love of others. We are so grateful!
Please continue to pray for our new High School building as we move forward in the planning process. We will soon be asking you to join us in accomplishing this vision – to nurture our current students and to prepare for future generations. Our Marketing Department has been hard at work, spreading the good news about MCS to our local media and community. Be sure to read about our top-notch Performing Arts Director, Jayne Howard in 92128 Magazine – and don’t MCS’ Performing Arts Director, Jayne Howard, was featured in a full page article in 92128 Magazine
Fine Arts teacher, Gracie Rhoads, graced the pages of 92127 Magazine
miss the article on our gifted Fine Arts teacher, Gracie Rhoads, in 92127 Magazine. Even more MCS news was posted in the U-T San Diego this month when the newspaper ran an article on the Bacon Bots, our award winning HS Robotics Team. KPRZ radio station joined in the buzz by announcing the team members’ names live on the air.
The excitement and activity is building as the new enrollment season begins, and MCS’ direct mail campaign rolls out to the local community. Our key message is an invitation to new families asking them to join us for Elementary Open House and High School Information Night on February 12. Please remember to invite your friends and neighbors to join us – it is a pleasure for us to open up our doors and share our program offerings with everyone. Would you like to get to know MCS a little better? Marketing is kicking off a new section in WINGSPAN, called, ‘Did you KNOW?’ This segment will cover some of the many fascinating tidbits of MCS’ 25 year history, starting with a mystery item that is buried in the foundation of our school... We want to know you better, so please keep on ‘liking’ us on Facebook and following us on Instagram – and don’t forget to tag your photos with #mcseagles15, we always enjoy seeing your pictures! We’re thrilled to invite you to join us in building our fresh new vision. Look for future updates on the groundbreaking news!
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By Kathy Wall and Francine Good
Nine years ago, a small circle of people, along with Pastor Ray Bentley, gathered together on an empty dirt lot in North County, and joined hands.
The growth and success of our school makes it evident that God’s hand is upon our Christ-centered program. In just nine short years, our student population has grown, and it continues to increase each year. Without a doubt, this is due to many answered prayers. A member of the original construction team recalled the first MCS prayer gathering as a sacred one, and he said, “God set miracles in motion that day”. During the event, there were some curious onlookers – mostly construction workers. Many of them asked why the Bible was buried in the foundation. This opened the door for Maranatha Chapel staff members to witness to the men. Years later, several of the workers said God used that day to change their lives and hearts forever – and they have since come to a saving knowledge in Christ.
God set miracles in motion that day.
Together they prayed, calling out to the Lord to consecrate the land. To solidify this occasion, a Bible was then pressed into the foundation, and afterwards fresh concrete was poured over it. This was the humble beginning of Maranatha Christian Schools’ new campus. With the Bible set in place as a symbolic cornerstone, our founders intentionally built our school upon God’s WORD. With the help of the former Construction Administrator, we now know where the Bible is located. It rests in the foundation of the west C-Building between Mrs. Prout’s and Mrs. Kilpatrick’s first grade classrooms. Just as the Bible placed in the physical foundation of our school makes a statement of faith; our staff lays the spiritual foundation with their unwavering commitment to Christ. “Unless the LORD builds the house, the builders labor in vain.” -Psalm 127:1
And just as on that special day, MCS is calling upon God to continue to bless and anoint our new building plan, so that more lives can be transformed. Though the architectural plans are exciting, the most important element is not made of wood or stone, it is contained in the Word of our Lord. With the Bible as our cornerstone, MCS has the strongest foundation of all - in our Savior Jesus Christ.
In our first issue of WINGSPAN, our Superintendent, Jess Hetherington, invited everyone to take a moment to read the Three-Year Strategic Plan. In keeping with the prayer request from our founders almost a decade ago, MCS’ fresh new vision also confirms our desire for God’s blessing. WINGSPAN | VOLUME 1 | ISSUE 2 | WINTER 2015
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Concrete being poured over the Bible
HIGH SCHOOL - INTERNATIONAL PROGRAM: WIN, DISCIPLE, SEND As a ministry of Maranatha Chapel, MCHS shares in the mission to ‘make disciples’.
Pete Plotnik High School Principal
“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you...” - Matthew 28:19-20.
At present, MCHS’ enrollment includes 35 international students – most of whom have not had any previous
with peers and staff, and expert instruction from godly teachers, the seeds of truth are being planted. To support this important part of our student population, MCHS has instituted several sheltered classes that assist in the learning process: Sheltered Bible 1 & 2, ESL, Sheltered U.S. History, and Sheltered World History. These courses are being taught under the care and compassion of dedicated ESL teacher, Maria Tena (who also serves as a spiritual counselor, mentor, and disciple). Day-to-day operations are handled by our dedicated International Coordinator, Suzi Rodgers. International student, Dustin Zhu, gets baptized by Pastor Shawn Stone
background in Christianity. This diverse group, which represents approximately 22% of our student body, currently includes representation from Korea, Vietnam, China, Russia, Mexico, and Japan. Many of these students are hearing about Jesus Christ in meaningful ways for the very first time in their lives. We are currently working with several agencies in an effort to further diversify our International Program with students from Lithuania, Kazakhstan, Russia, and Ukraine. Through weekly chapel and Bible classes, daily interaction
“…we sincerely hope our students will be inspired to carry the Gospel in their hearts and return to their homelands to share the good news!” Through this growing, thriving program, we sincerely hope these students will be inspired to carry the Gospel in their hearts and return to their homelands to share the good news! “Go into all the world and share the gospel with all creation.” -Mark 16:15
BRING ON THE BACON BOTS! By Kathy Wall
MCHS’s Robotics Team, the Bacon Bots, smoked out the competition to clinch 1st place at the FIRST Tech Challenge Competition on December 6. Winning this event qualified the team to compete in the San Diego Regional Championships on February 21, 2015 at Canyon Crest Academy.
Congratulations Travis Knufman, Alex Rogge, Alex Azeka, and Emmy Cook on this outstanding accomplishment! MCS is greatly anticipating the regional competition in February – bring on the Bacon Bots!
This is especially noteworthy since the Bacon Bots consist of a team of only four students, while many of the competitive teams consist of an average of eleven students.
MCS is thrilled to have its very first Elementary Robotics program in place for 4th-5th grade students. This brand new club featuring Lego® robots will be coordinated as a pilot program throughout the year. Depending on student interest and parent involvement, MCS plans to have a ‘roll-out’ next year to include 1st-5th grade students. Getting Elementary students involved in Robotics is a great way to get them excited about science and technology at a young age, while teaching them life skills like teamwork, problem solving and respect. With continued support from the MCS community, we are prepared to make Robotics bigger and better each and every year!
NEWSFLASH - A sparkling new trophy has just been awarded this weekend, January 10, for the incredible design of the Bacon Bots robot. That’s four trophies this season! In addition, many high schools have Robotics as a class requirement – while MCHS’s Robotics Team is strictly voluntary.
ELEMENTARY ROBOTICS IS RAMPING UP
In addition to this incredible achievement, the Bacon Bots have also won the prestigious ‘Think Award’, in honor of their ability to overcome engineering obstacles through creative thinking.
WINGSPAN | VOLUME 1 | ISSUE 2 | WINTER 2015
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AN INTERVIEW WITH
MILO FOWLER
Good teachers teach…great teachers inspire. At MCS we are blessed with a staff of deeply caring individuals who are dedicated to awakening the love of learning in children. Being a teacher is a special calling – it’s a ministry unto itself.
When did you decide to become a teacher, and why did you choose this field? After High School, I didn’t know what career I wanted to pursue, and I didn’t want to go to a four-year college because I wasn’t a big fan of school. So I attended Mesa College and…sure, it was fun learning Spanish and Meteorology and playing tennis, but after four semesters, I didn’t have any clear direction for my life. Frustrated, I prayed the prayer that’s landed many a missionary in the heart of Africa, “Lord, do with me as you will. Seriously, I’ll go wherever you want, and do whatever you
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Teaches: Junior High English Years at MCS: 16 years Fun Fact: He has completed over 101 short stories and has just completed a novel that will be released later this year want me to do. Even if that means going to Africa.” For me, Africa turned out to be a four-year college — the last place I wanted to go. But the Lord made it clear that He wanted me to be a teacher, and I’d need both a degree and a credential. I told Him…if He got me through college…I’d teach wherever He wanted me to. Even Africa. How long have you been teaching? How long teaching at MCS? This is my 16th year, all at MCS.
What led you to choose MCS versus other schools in the area? I completed half of my student-teaching at an inner city school, and that was rough. The kids were great, but I didn’t get along with the staff, who were vocally anti-Christian and went out drinking together in the evenings. I completed the other half of my student-teaching at MCS, and I instantly fell in love with the Christian family who worked here. I felt like I belonged, and the Lord has made it clear ever since that it’s His will I stay. That may change in the future, but I can say without reservation that He wanted me at MCS for the past 15.5 years. What has surprised you most about working at MCS? We’re never satisfied with the status quo. We may like to reinvent the wheel, but at least we’re never stagnant. What do you love about teaching students at the Junior High level? They’re hilarious, and they’re at an age where they want to start thinking for themselves. They’re very opinionated, and they like to argue. All good things.
demic subjects, and students who write well will achieve success in many of their classes. What part of the school day is your favorite? Why? My Creative Writing Elective—I would teach that class all day long if I could get away with it! I thoroughly enjoy coaching students in their creative writing endeavors and encouraging them to improve their craft. We were made in our Creator’s image to create, after all. How would your students describe you as a teacher? What do you hope your students remember most about you as a teacher? I’ve heard them call me strict but fair and serious but funny—so I guess I’m oxymoron-ish. I hope they remember that I don’t take myself too seriously and that I value them as the people God’s molding them to be. My favorite teachers were the ones who set clear boundaries but were entertaining and unpredictable within those boundaries. That’s what I’m going for. In what ways do you hope to change the lives of the students this year?
I hope to change the way they think about; 1) the Bible; 2) writing; and 3) literature. 1) The Bible isn’t just another We live in a morally pluralone of their textbooks. It’s istic culture. There are no real, living and active, and absolutes (except for that “I thoroughly enjoy coaching students in we can’t live without it. 2) As statement, apparently). their creative writing endeavors and a kid, I hated writing because Christian students today face encouraging them to improve their craft.” I didn’t understand it—and a lot of internal and external being an ‘all-or-nothing pertension regarding scriptural fectionist’ didn’t help mattruth. The ability to focus is another challenge; attention ters. I want my students to be able to write fast and edit spans are nowhere near what they used to be. slow, to churn out sloppy copies that get all of their ideas down and then chisel that mess into something meaningful. What is something you tried for the first time in your 3) Reading fiction is an important way to understand the classroom this year? How did it go? human condition. It builds empathy and helps us to see Well, we have all-new curriculum this year. I’ll let you know beneath the surface of the people around us—many of next year… them aching for our Savior’s unconditional love. What do you think is the greatest challenge facing students today?
What would you say is your strongest belief about the subject you teach? Why? Students are expected to write papers in all of their acaWINGSPAN | VOLUME 1 | ISSUE 2 | WINTER 2015
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JUNIOR HIGH - FINISHING STRONG FIRST SEMESTER “Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” -Joshua 1:9 Is it really 2015? Checking our rearview mirror, MCS’ Junior High had an amazing finish to the first half of the school year. Here are some highlights: Mrs. Quinn’s Math Club grew to twelve students our first semester. On November 18, they competed in the 2014 American Mathematics Bryce Forrester Competition and we now have the Junior High Principal results. All 12 students performed well, with David Sun and Alan Shen finishing in the top 25% and Maya Sinha finishing in the top 1%! Our JH Robotics Teams’ continuing success has sparked the beginning of an Elementary Robotics Club starting second semester. David Sun, Maya Sinha, and Alan Shen are all smiles with Mrs. Quinn after their incredible results were announced!
The students in band, orchestra and choir worked diligently to put on a wonderful Christmas Concert at Maranatha Chapel on December 12. Continuing the Christmas spirit, our Victorian Carolers performed at more than a half dozen locations in the weeks leading up to Christmas – they even sang live on KYXY 96.5 radio while performing at Balboa Park for December Nights. In theatre, Peter Pan Jr. is taking flight with about 25% of the cast consisting of JH students. Be sure to read Mrs. Howard’s WINGSPAN article on Performing Arts. As we look down the road, a couple of changes will begin second semester. The first change is that Junior High will no longer be sharing chapel with High School, except on special occasions. This change was implemented to effectively meet the needs of both groups.
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The second significant change is the activation of the ‘RenWeb Automated Attendance Parent Notification System’, which notifies parents/guardians of unexcused absences and each unexcused classroom tardy via e-mail. These policies have not been modified, only the process and frequency of informing you has changed. On the fourth and fifth unexcused tardy for each subject, students will be assigned a detention, and a BEN will be sent home; on the sixth unexcused tardy, parents will be sent a notice to contact me. This program was piloted by our HS during first semester with great success. We appreciate your patience as we refine the process at the JH level while we collaborate with RenWeb programmers to finetune the notification system. Any questions or comments can be directed to me, Mr. Forrester, Junior High Principal. Finally, JH parents know all too well how much their students are growing… growing right out of their uniforms! Please take the time to inventory your students’ uniforms, skirts, etc. to be sure they are still in compliance. We recommend the 3x5 card quick-check method (the three inch side, of course), or as we like to call them here at MCS, ‘modesty cards’. Now may be the right time to donate your ‘too small uniforms’ to the re-sale rack. Re-sale clothing is reasonably priced and a convenient way to keep your student dressed according to code. And we’re off…have a great second semester! Our first ever JH choir performs at Maranatha Chapel
ELEMENTARY - TEACHING IS A WORK OF HEART “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” -Proverbs 22:6 “I love my teacher!” I’ve heard this enthusiastic endorsement from our young boys and girls more often than I can count. And it’s true! The special bond between students and teachers is where the magic of learning occurs. The moment when a child finally understands a concept – the ‘light bulb’ Mary Cook Elementary Principal moment – is what educators dream of. Our teachers love their students, and want nothing more than to create the best learning experiences possible. Albert Einstein once said, “It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge.” I’ve also heard from many parents how their children can’t wait to come to school. I believe they are excited about their day because they are immersed in an active and engaging learning environment, and this is due to our outstanding teachers. We have an exceptional team of
administrators, office staff, and facilities employees who keep things running behind the scenes – but the ‘stars of the show’ are in the classroom!
And why do students adore their teachers so much? The simple but profound answer is…because they love God! In my opinion, the difference between a good teacher and a truly gifted one is the Holy Spirit. The love and joy that comes from Him is evident in the way our faculty teaches and guides your children. They are devoted to praying for their students to learn, grow in Him, and become the person God wants them to be. Another reason why our students love their teachers is because they are excellent at the craft of teaching! Six of our elementary teachers have a Master’s Degree, and one has her PhD. Together they offer over 100 years of combined experience…WOW! So, I join my young friends with great admiration and respect for the incredible work our teachers do every day through the gifts of Jesus Christ.
“The special bond between students and teachers is where the magic of learning occurs…the ‘light bulb moment’… is what educators dream of.”
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AN INTERVIEW WITH
JOLENE quinn Jolene Quinn has been a blessing to our school since 1997. Before her teaching career, Jolene had an illustrious career as an Air Force captain. This was followed by the creation of a successful start-up company that specialized in working for the Department of Defense. Jolene could easily fit into a prestigious Fortune 500 company, so we are grateful the Lord is utilizing her many gifts and talents at our school! 22
Teaches: Junior High History and Algebra Years at MCS: 18 years Fun Fact: She has three children and was Mr. Fowler’s master teacher when he student taught here at MCS!
When did you decide to become a teacher, and why did you choose this field? I had been volunteering at my daughter’s school for two years – when they decided parents couldn’t help in the classroom in 2nd grade. I took a reading readiness course and helped 2nd graders who were having reading difficulties. I did this in the library since I wasn’t allowed in the classroom. I loved it so much that I decided to become a teacher. At the same time I felt the tugging to become a teacher… God spoke to my heart, and I knew it would be at a Christian school. I was already involved in Mom’s in Touch, teaching Sunday school and VBS, and working at Poway’s Crisis Pregnancy Center, so I wanted to continue serving the Lord in my profession. How long have you been teaching? This is my 18th year (all at MCS). God opened the door to teach at MCS while I was student teaching here – and I was hired while I was student teaching. (A side note: I had the opportunity to be Mr. Fowler’s master teacher when he was a student teacher here.)
History. It comes with PBS videos for each chapter. Most are just a few minutes long, but they provide a springboard for discussion. How did it go? It encourages some great discussion that leads to better understanding. What would you say is your strongest belief about the subject you teach? That it should be taught from a Christian point of view. Why? Because it is HIStory. What part of the school day is your favorite? I love all parts of my day. Why? I love my classroom, I love our school, I love the students I teach, and I love the teachers and staff I work with. How would your students describe you as a teacher? I think they would say that I am strict but fair. Maybe a little crazy!
What led you to choose MCS versus other schools in the area? Prayer! So many people were praying for the Lord to open the door where I was to teach and close all other doors. When the opportunity to teach came from MCS, I knew that was the place I was supposed to be! What has surprised you most about working at MCS? The love that is shown here. Regardless of how we feel, we still want to glorify God and love one another. What do you love about teaching students at the Junior High level? I believe God gives me a supernatural love for Junior High students. I’m sure I couldn’t teach them without that. They are so full of life. They are between children and adults; it is an amazing time in their lives.
“I believe God gives me a supernatural love for Junior High students.” What do you hope your students remember most about you as a teacher? That I loved Jesus and shared that love with them. Was there a certain teacher who had a profound impact on your life?
What do you think is the greatest challenge facing students today?
My 6th grade teacher, Mrs. Radcliff; she was strict but fair, and I learned so much from her.
While God doesn’t change (Hebrews 13:8), the world does. These precious students are dealing with a world that can be hostile to God and therefore to them.
In what ways do you hope to change the lives of the students this year?
What is something you tried for the first time in your classroom this year?
That they better understand History – so that they can make the world a better place. “Those who don’t know history are doomed to repeat it.” -Edmund Burke
We are using a new curriculum in 8th grade American WINGSPAN | VOLUME 1 | ISSUE 2 | WINTER 2015
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ATHLETICS - EAGLES HEAT UP THE WINTER SEASON! As the new year begins, let’s take a quick look back and recap the highlights of 2014 for Maranatha athletics: VARSITY FOOTBALL - A new banner will soon hang in the gym as the varsity football team had their finest season ever by winning the Ocean League championship with a perfect Steve Whitley Athletic Director 4-0 mark. They finished 7-3 overall and qualified for the D5 CIF playoffs as the #4 seed. Their title hopes were dashed when they suffered a first-round loss to eventual champion La Jolla Country Day. The winning did not stop on the field as several Eagle players received All-League honors capped off by senior Casey Moore who was named ‘Defensive Player of the Year’. Daniel Trent, Antonio Partida, Christian Cortes, Isaac Schwan, and Jake Bronson were 1st Team honorees. Trevor Sheng, Matt DeWildt, Metro Henning, and Corey Adkins all received 2nd Team awards. GIRLS VOLLEYBALL - The girls varsity volleyball team also qualified for CIF playoffs in division 4 but also lost in the 1st round. Senior libero Casey Poon was a 2nd Team AllLeague selection. NEXT LEVEL - Corey Adkins signed his NCAA National Letter of Intent to play baseball at Cedarville University in Ohio for the 2016 season. Adkins inked his scholarship, along with nearly 200 other area athletes, on the first day of the national signing period at the annual signing party hosted by the Hall of Champions in Balboa Park.
WINTER SPORTS UPDATE BOYS BASKETBALL – Coach Brooks Barnhard has raised the level of competition by scheduling the Eagles in 3 tough early-season tournaments and they have fared well, posting an overall 11-8 mark. The team is averaging 48.9 points per game led by 3 seniors: Corey Adkins (13.7), Casey Moore (12.5) and Metro Henning (8.8). The trio also leads the team in rebounds and assists. Henning made the All-Tournament team in the Orange Glen Tournament. 24
GIRLS BASKETBALL – In his first full year as head coach, Nate Jackson has the tough task of turning around a program ranked last in the county in 2014. With a team consisting predominately of inexperienced underclassmen, they are holding their own. Emphasizing fundamentals, the team has risen 8 places in the rankings. They are improving each outing and look to peak when league play begins. Their lone senior, Jackie Kadillak leads the team averaging 11.6 points per game. Freshman Jordan Ward is having a great rookie season pulling in 8.1 rebounds per game while averaging 6.1 points offensively. BOYS SOCCER – Off to a 5-3 start against solid competition, David Cabral’s varsity soccer team has earned the highest ranking of any Maranatha team this year as they sit 42nd in the county out of 100 teams. Sophomore Matt Schumacher leads the offense with 7 goals scored while Junior Isaac Schwan has 4. They begin Ocean League play next week and appear to be the team to beat based on early season results. GIRLS SOCCER – The recent rains have greatly impacted the start of the girls varsity soccer season as the lady Eagles have managed to get in only 4 games so far. JD Tena’s squad is off to a 2-2 start. Freshman Sarah Trent leads the team with 6 goals with Junior Morgan Wurtzler scoring 3 and Senior Sheylyn Kyllo close behind with 2.
BIG THANK YOU’S! *A huge thanks goes to Eagle Paving who renovated the softball field so the junior high girls would have a safe place to practice. It took two days of grading and truckloads of dirt to make the field playable – all graciously donated by Eagle Paving. Thank you so much for blessing our girls!! *Thanks to all the golfers and sponsors that participated in our Annual Golf Tournament. The tournament raised over $17,000. So far, we have purchased new practice goals for the soccer teams and in the next couple of weeks, new wall padding will be installed on the gym walls. *Our first annual Christmas Tree Fundraiser was a success! 160 Christmas trees were sold as well as 100 wreaths and 300’ of garland. Maranatha athletes delivered most of the trees and best of all, 50 were donated to the military and others in need. The sale raised $5,000.
PERFORMING ARTS - A SPIRITED WINTER SEASON The Performing Arts Department had a busy first semester and we are looking forward to an amazing new year! Here are some highlights from the past few months: The marching band performed their very first field show at our last home football game and it was a huge sucJayne Howard Performing Arts Director cess! We look forward to incorporating more field shows next season and building up our marching band, both in skill and numbers.
The Christmas spirit didn’t stop there! On December 12, the 5th grade band held its annual Christmas Concert at Maranatha Chapel. As an added treat, the Elementary and JH Choirs joined in, marking their first ever Christmas Concert. Our Kindergarten – 4th grade students also joined in the spirit and performed ‘A Heavenly Christmas’ on December 18 in the MCS Gym. They told the story of Christ’s birth through beloved Christmas songs and skits.
Our Victorian Christmas Carolers, made up of JH and HS students, performed all over San Diego, including: • December Nights in Balboa Park (with a live interview and singing “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas” on KYXY 96.5 Radio) • Poway Holiday Home Tour • Macy’s UTC • Cypress Court Senior Living Center • Maranatha Chapel
Over the Christmas break, the music room was remodeled with new paint, flooring, music chairs and a beautiful music carpet! We are so thrilled to be able to invest in our students and the performing arts. And finally, our spring musical, ‘Peter Pan Jr.’ is cast and rehearsals have begun. Over 100 students from MCS and local area schools are working hard to make the world of Peter Pan come to life on stage, and glorify God in the process. Opening night is March 13 at Maranatha Chapel – we hope to see you all there!
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PRESCHOOL - CELEBRATING HOLIDAY CHEER & STEAMING INTO THE NEW YEAR The holidays at Maranatha Christian Preschool are always a special time of year and quite active! Thanksgiving was one of those times when students gathered to enjoy a re-enactment of the first Thanksgiving meal – complete with pilgrim hats and Indian headdresses. Students also had an opportunity to use their creativity to make ‘thankful journals’, plus dine with our wonderful parents on a bountiful feast. It was truly a time to be thankful.
Patrice Andrews Preschool Director
After Preschool returned from Thanksgiving break, students began to enthusiastically prepare for the annual Christmas Pageant and classroom presentations. Pre-Kindergarten and Transitional Kindergarten students presented a heartwarming version of The Nativity Story in full costume, while our 3-year-old classes presented The Christmas Tree Story. It was a sight to behold!
THE PRESCHOOL STEAM TRAIN IS ‘OFF AND RUNNING!’ As our teachers prepare for the new year, our classrooms are now equipped to start STEAM activities (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math). All of the preschool teachers attended STEAM training for Early Childhood Education at our recent November In-Service, and are ready to begin engaging students using interesting activities and ideas to integrate STEAM into their classrooms. Wondering why STEAM is important? It is because the activities within STEAM curriculum represent many of the concepts at the heart of Early Childhood developmental practices. It is essential to bring these practices into everyday classroom activities - resulting in learning experiences which allow young children to question, discover, research, and build new skills. Our goal is to offer a quality Early Childhood Education ‘STEAM’ Program that provides children with engaging experiences, appealing to their natural curiosity and creativity – while providing opportunities to learn foundational concepts and to develop critical thinking skills. We are excited to go ‘full steam ahead’ in 2015!
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ASCP OFFERS ELEMENTARY CO - CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES Parents, are you looking for additional activities for your children after school?
Julie Elliott
Co-Curricular Activities Director
ASCP provides an excellent Co-curricular Program for Elementary Grades K-5. All classes and clubs are on campus. We are excited to announce the addition of a new baseball club, which will be headed up by our very own Athletic Director, Steve Whitley!
The advantage of Co-curricular activities begins with a teacher signing in each student who is enrolled in an activity. The ASCP provides 30 minutes ‘free’ child care before all activities officially begin at 3:30pm and end at 4:30pm. The beauty of the program is in its flexibility. If parents are
THIS QUARTER WE ARE OFFERING: • Tuesdays - Swift Kick Martial Arts • Thursdays - Chess Club (3rd – 5th Grades only) and MCS Elementary Baseball Club
NEW
• Fridays - Mad Science unable to pick up their child by 4:30pm, the coaches/ instructors will automatically sign them in to ASCP for a nominal fee. We look forward to seeing you after school!
PAC UPDATE - MAKING CONNECTIONS IN THE MCS COMMUNITY MCS’ Parent Action Committee (PAC) exists to build a vibrant community and foster deeper relationships between our school, parents, and families by providing fellowship and service opportunities throughout the year. PAC is made up of volunteer parents who participate at many different levels. Every volunteer is important and we are so thankful for those who contribute their time and gifts to bless our wonderful school. Fellowship Wednesday, held on October 22, was our first attempt at a school-wide community event. Everyone was invited to enjoy a free breakfast before school. It was so wonderful to see the administrators, faculty, staff, students and parents all together enjoying the buffet. PAC provided breakfast burritos from Yesenia’s Mexican restaurant and a variety of breakfast pastries from Panera. We are planning to add more fellowship events such as these in the coming year!
The Mother-Son Social, held on November 2, was also a new event for our community. More than 25 mothers and sons gathered at Poway Bowl for a terrific time of fun, laughter and quality time with one another. The event was so popular, we even had to request more lanes. A special thank you to Krista Falk for all of her hard work in coordinating this event! The MCS Jog-A-Thon and the MCS ArtFest are two of the main events for PAC in 2015. We will begin holding meetings to plan these events this month, starting Friday, January 30 at Panera in 4S Ranch – we’ll provide the coffee! Please sign up for e-mail notices at bsheng123@gmail.com or katie@kusjes.com to be included! Both events are sure to be great fun for all who participate – the more the merrier!
2015 PAC CALENDAR March 27 Jog-a-thon (Chair: Krista Falk) May 17 MCS ArtFest (Chair: TBD) WINGSPAN | VOLUME 1 | ISSUE 2 | WINTER 2015
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9050 Maranatha Drive San Diego, CA 92127 maranathachristianschools.org maranathachristianschools
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