WINGSPAN | Volume 3 | Issue 2 | Summer 2017

Department

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Department

From the first day your child steps into a classroom at MCS, the process of developing their God-given talents begins. Our community of teachers and staff view each child as a unique individual with the potential to become the person God wants them to be. Each teacher is dedicated to helping your child excel in academics, arts and athletics so that they are prepared to travel on the pathway to college.

From Preschool and Elementary to Junior High and High School, your child will become well equipped to attend the college of their choice.

Congratulations to the Class of 2017! Our students have spread their wings and are attending colleges all across America. Transformed lives are transforming the world.

WINGSPAN | VOLUME 3 | ISSUE 2 | SUMMER 2017

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Department

Summer 2017 | Volume 3, Issue 2 EDITOR IN CHIEF

Francine Good PRODUCTION MANAGER

Kathy Wall COPY EDITORS

Francine Good Kathy Wall Nicole Shepard CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Jess Hetherington Superintendent Pete Plotnik High School Principal Bryce Forrester Junior High Principal Mary Cook Elementary Principal Patrice Andrews Director of Early Education Nate Jackson Director of Biblical Studies Steve Whitley Director of Athletics Jayne Howard Director of Performing Arts Francine Good Director of Marketing Soncee Partida Director of Development Kathy Wall Marketing Coordinator CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Nicole Shepard, Trevor O’Keefe GRAPHIC DESIGN

Nicole Shepard Featured on the cover is one of our outstanding lifelong learners, Jessica Xu. Jessica has attended MCS since the 1st Grade. Having won multiple awards and accolades in academics and the arts, Jessica has earned the title of Class of 2017 Valedictorian, having achieved an impressive 4.48 GPA overall. In addition to being a National Merit Scholar Finalist and recipient of the Superintendent’s Award, Jessica has received the Athena Pinnacle Scholarship Award, the Don Diego Exhibitor Scholarship, the Salute to Education Scholarship, and a scholarship from the San Diego Chinese American Science and Engineering Association. Along with co-founding the school’s first student newspaper, Jessica has also led a prestigious youth space program that conducted experiments aboard the ISS. Jessica’s college acceptances include Princeton, MIT, Vanderbilt, UC Berkeley, UCLA and more. She has chosen to pursue her studies at MIT and plans to major in Bioengineering.

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College Acceptances Map

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Graduation 2017

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Heart for the World

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Campus Life

DEPARTMENTS

FEATURES

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6

6

Development

8

Biblical Studies

12

High School

20

Junior High

22

Elementary

24

Preschool

26

Athletics

28

Performing Arts

30

Marketing

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Admissions

WINGSPAN | VOLUME 3 | ISSUE 2 | SUMMER 2017

NOV 18, 2015

MAY 13, 2016

& K D C R A A B W G R N I O K F O G O N L OVI M

CLICK FOR VIDEO Groundbreaking on High School Building & Launch of Answering the Call Campaign

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CLICK FOR VIDEO

Following tradition, a Bible signed by all the pastors at Maranatha Chapel was buried in the NE corner of the foundation of the new High School building (located in the first classroom).

CLICK FOR VIDEO

Click to watch the timelapse video of the building going up!

PRAISE THE LORD FOR WHAT HE IS DOING AT MCS!

What an exciting time this is as we see His Vision growing before our very eyes!

Thanks you for “Answering the Call” as we partner together in prayer and financial support to build Lives, Leaders, Legacy at MCS! We need your help to Finish Phase I of our Capital Campaign. Exciting details are on the horizon.

For more information, contact our Development Department: Soncee Partida, Director of Development Amy Youssi, Development Coordinator

SAVE THE DATE

CLICK FOR VIDEO

CLICK FOR VIDEO Ribbon cuttting ceremony to celebrate temporary occupancy

17 JUNE 20

MAR 21, 2017

NOV 2016

APR 2017

AUGUST 13, 2017 MARANATHA CHAPEL & MCS PICNIC AND CELEBRATION!

New Sports Courts thanks to a generous donor! A tremendous blessing during the rainy winter!

ermit upancy p Final occ

d! approve

Mezzanine classes are in!

WINGSPAN | VOLUME 3 | ISSUE 2 | SUMMER 2017

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Biblical Studies

Nate Jackson, Director of Biblical Studies and Discipleship

When the invitation to join a mission trip to Panama was given at the High School retreat last September, students had a lot to consider – including giving up part of their Easter Break. In spite of the inconveniences, the Holy Spirit was at work, stirring hearts to take a leap of faith – and eventually several students stepped forward to take the Gospel to Panama. Selah Campbell, Matthew Helfer, Bella Segoria, Lorraine Koska and Nathan Self agreed to represent MCS on a mission to deliver shoes and fellowship with people who live far away in a tropical jungle somewhere near the equator.

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Department

WINGSPAN | VOLUME 3 | ISSUE 2 | SUMMER 2017

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Department

Before the trip was to take place, the students launched a school-wide shoe-drive (in partnership with Maranatha Chapel’s Youth Ministry) to provide the Panamanians with desperately needed foot protection. The shoe drive allowed the students to share the love of Christ through the simple gesture of placing shoes on the feet of the needy during the trip.

Enduring jam-packed schedules every day, the students were constantly on the move, visiting as many schools as time would allow. With the assistance of translators, the students ended up sharing God’s plan of salvation with literally hundreds of Panamanian students in less than a week’s time. The journey was exhausting but gratifying, Junior Selah Campbell commented, “...the Lord worked amazing things in the hearts of the children today, and it was a blessing to experience it first-hand!”

“...THE LORD WORKED AMAZING THINGS IN THE HEARTS OF THE CHILDREN TODAY, AND IT WAS A BLESSING TO EXPERIENCE IT FIRST-HAND!” At the end of the trip, freshman Matt Helfer summed it up by describing one of his last days in Panama, “Today is a day I will remember for a long time. Sharing the word of God was not only amazing but I was also able to serve students who were above my grade level. The amount of excitement that was on their faces was inviting...and helped relax me.

I had an amazing time with these students today!”

After touching hundreds of new lives and hearts for Christ, all of the students heartily agreed the trip was well worth a few less days of Easter Break. Mission accomplished!

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Department

WINGSPAN | VOLUME 3 | ISSUE 2 | SUMMER 2017

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High School

STEPPING UP TO COLLEGE PREP Pete Plotnik, High School Principal

In what practical ways does an education at Maranatha Christian Schools truly prepare students for postsecondary education and move beyond the ‘college preparatory’ label? What exactly are the components of a college preparatory education and how are those met at MCS? SURPASSING THE UC AND NCAA REQUIREMENTS Our program is designed to meet and surpass the University of California “a – g” academic requirements. Many local high schools provide alternative paths to graduation which require fewer credits and less rigor. Our program is designed so that all MCS graduates meet this basic scope and sequence of academic readiness. According to the UC website which describes the “a – g” requirements, “the intent of the “a – g” subject requirements is to ensure that students have attained a body of general knowledge that will provide breadth and perspective to new, more advanced study.”

Additionally, MCS students surpass the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division 1 initial eligibility standards, which require a student-athlete to “complete 10 core courses, including 7 in English, math or natural/ physical science, before your seventh semester (senior year).” Maranatha students complete a minimum of 12 core courses and 8 in the areas of English, math, or science before entering their senior year.

ACADEMIC READINESS THROUGH AP, HONORS LEVEL AND DUAL CREDIT CLASSES Since breadth and perspective alone do not establish a rigorous academic environment that promotes university success, MCS offers as many as 17 College Board approved Advanced Placement (AP) classes in the “a – g” content areas.

Further, additional honors level and dual credit classes combine to generate academic readiness, wherein students experience college level coursework, much of which has the capacity to accelerate a student’s progression through college.

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CONNECTING STUDENTS TO STRENGTHS AND LONG TERM GOALS These characteristics help to create a collegiate/university bound culture. To further promote this culture, MCS hired a full-time College and Career Advisor, Joe Mireles, three years ago. In addition to creating opportunities for individual student counseling, group sessions, and parent meetings to guide our families through all aspects of the college planning process, he has made a concerted effort to encourage students to engage with Naviance, “a college and career readiness platform that helps connect academic achievement to post-secondary goals…and it improves student outcomes by helping them connect their strengths and interests to those long term goals.”

Mr. Mireles has been instrumental in achieving substantial Naviance participation among our students.

STUDENTS ARE WELL PREPARED FOR PSAT/NMSQT All sophomore students are required to take the Preliminary SAT test, also known as the PSAT/NMSQT, administered in mid-October. This preparatory version of the SAT exam also qualifies students for the National Merit Scholarship. Two students, Jessica Xu and Antonio

High School

“Each year we add to a growing and prestigious list of university acceptances...this year Princeton, Vanderbilt University, and MIT.” Partida (Class of 2017 Valedictorian and Salutatorian respectively), received Certificates of Merit and advanced to Finalist standing in the National Merit Scholarship Program, representing the top 1% of nearly 1.5 million students who took the exam. What an astounding accomplishment and testimony to the academic support provided through our programs.

This year, MCS hosted its first Spring College Fair, taking advantage of visiting universities to facilitate multiple information gathering sessions for our students. University representatives are also welcome visitors for casual lunchtime presentations.

MCS STUDENTS ARE PREPARED TO ATTEND TOP COLLEGES Some forget that MCS’ short history includes only nine graduating classes and 271 students (including the Class of 2017). Yet, each year we add to a growing and prestigious list of university acceptances.

Jessica Xu, who was accepted by UC Berkeley, Vanderbilt University, MIT, and Princeton (among other fine universities) reminds us that our community “can feel assured (by MCS’ level of preparation), as these four institutions rank among the Top 20 National Universities

by US News… Maranatha has so much to offer students.”

We are proud of our programs that prepare our students for post-secondary education. At MCS, ‘college prep’ is more than a label, it is a culture!

US News & World Report publishes and distributes a ranking list every year, featuring the top colleges across the nation.

A significant number of these schools have accepted MCS students over the past 9 years fulfilling our mission to train up the next generation of leaders who will be well prepared to attend top colleges and universities.

VOLUME 3 | ISSUE 2 | SUMMER 2017 13

EAGLES SPREAD TH

TO TRANSFORM T M C S C O L L E G E A C C E P TA N C E

WESTERN WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY

SEATTLE PACIFIC UNIVERSITY

UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON

WHITWORTH UNIVERSITY CENTRAL WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY

GONZAGA UNIVERSITY

UNIVERSITY OF IDAHO CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY PORTLAND STATE UNIVERSITY GEORGE FOX UNIVERSITY

PACIFIC UNIVERSITY

CORBAN UNIVERSITY OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY

MULTNOMAH UNIVERSITY

MONTANA STATE UNIVERSITY

UNIVERSITY OF OREGON NORTHWEST CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY

UNIVERSITY OF ST. THOMAS BETHEL UNIVERSITY

BOISE STATE UNIVERSITY HUMBOLDT STATE UNIVERSITY

UC BERKELEY UC SAN FRANCISCO SANTA CLARA UNIVERSITY

SIMPSON UNIVERSITY

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA COLLEGES (alphabetical)

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH DAKOTA

CREIGHTON UNIVERSITY

UNIVERSITY OF NORTHERN COLORADO

SIMPSON UNIVERSITY UC MERCED

UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO BOULDER COLORADO CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY

CAL STATE FRESNO

AZUSA PACIFIC UNIVERSITY BIOLA UNIVERSITY CAL POLY POMONA CAL STATE FULLERTON CAL STATE SAN MARCOS CALIFORNIA BAPTIST UNIVERSITY CALIFORNIA LUTHERAN UNIVERSITY CAL POLY CALVARY CHAPEL BIBLE COLLEGE CHAPMAN UNIVERSITY SAN LUIS OBISPO LA SIERRA UNIVERSITY LIFE PACIFIC COLLEGE LOYOLA MARYMOUNT UNIVERSITY MIRAMAR COLLEGE PALOMAR COLLEGE PEPPERDINE UNIVERSITY PLATT COLLEGE POINT LOMA NAZARENE UNIVERSITY SAN DIEGO CHRISTIAN COLLEGE SAN DIEGO CITY COLLEGE SAN DIEGO STATE UNIVERSITY SANTA BARBARA CITY COLLEGE THE MASTER’S UNIVERSITY UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, IRVINE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, RIVERSIDE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SANTA BARBARA UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, LOS ANGELES UNIVERSITY OF REDLANDS VANGUARD UNIVERSITY

DORDT COLLEGE

UNIVERSITY OF WYOMING

UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA, RENO

SAN JOSE STATE UNIVERSITY

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA SANTA CRUZ CAL STATE UNIVERSITY MONTEREY BAY

IDAHO STATE UNIVERSITY

WILLIAM JESSUP UNIVERSITY UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, DAVIS UNIVERSITY OF THE PACIFIC HOLY NAMES UNIVERSITY

UNIVERSIT OF IOWA

METROPOLITAN STATE UNIVERSITY OF DENVER UNIVERSITY OF DENVER COLORADO SPRINGS

UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS

UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA, LAS VEGAS

FORT LEWIS COLLEGE

ADAMS STATE UNIVERSITY

SOUTHWEST BAPT UNIVERSITY EVANGEL UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF THE O NORTHERN ARIZONA UNIVERSITY

ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY, TEMPE

UNIVERSITY OF TULSA

OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO

HARDING UNIVERSITY

GRAND CANYON UNIVERSITY

LETOURNEAU UNIVERSITY

THE UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA

ABILENE CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY

TEXAS CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY

HAWAII PACIFIC UNIVERSITY

SOUTHERN METHODIST UNIVERSITY BAYLOR UNIVERSITY

UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS OF THE PERMIAN BASIN TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY

UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS SAN ANTONIO

UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS SAN ANTONIO

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UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI

WILLIAM WOOD UNIVERSITY

COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY - PUEBLO

Teacher Feature

HEIR WINGS

THE WORLD S 2009-2017

WASEDA UNIVERSITY TOKYO

UNIVERSITY OF MAINE

UNIVERSITY OF VERMONT

ROCHESTER INSTITUTE OF UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY ROCHESTER

CALVIN COLLEGE

MARIST COLLEGE

MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY WAYNE STATE UNIVERSITY WHEATON COLLEGE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO

THE KING’S COLLEGE

UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH

PENN STATE UNIVERSITY

BOWLING GREEN STATE UNIVERSITY VALPARAISO UNIVERSITY

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ASHLAND UNIVERSITY

UNIVERSITY OF FINDLAY

PENN STATE ALTOONA

OHIO WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY

INDIANA UNIVERSITY ROSE-HULMAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY GORDON COLLEGE NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY SUFFOLK UNIVERSITY

JOHNSON & WALES UNIVERSITY QUINNIPIAC UNIVERSITY FORDHAM UNIVERSITY PARSONS THE NEW SCHOOL FOR DESIGN ST. JOHN’S UNIVERSITY NEW YORK UNIVERSITY PRATT INSTITUTE SCHOOL OF VISUAL ARTS PRINCETON UNIVERSITY BRYN MAWR COLLEGE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY

CEDARVILLE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY UNIVERSITY OHIO BUTLER UNIVERSITY UNIVERSITY

PURDUE UNIVERSITY

BOSTON UNIVERSITY

CALVARY CHAPEL BIBLE COLLEGE HUNGARY

UNITED STATES NAVAL ACADEMY GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY LIBERTY UNIVERSITY VIRGINIA POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE AND STATE UNIVERSITY

DS WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY

TIST

MISSOURI UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

OZARKS

VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY

UNIVERSITY OF SAINT ANDREWS SCOTLAND

BELMONT UNIVERSITY TREVECCA NAZARENE UNIVERSITY

UNIVERSITY OF SAINT ANDREWS

Y

SAMFORD UNIVERSITY

GEORGIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA

LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY

PALM BEACH ATLANTIC UNIVERSITY UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI

WINGSPAN | VOLUME 3 | ISSUE 2 | SUMMER 2017

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Senior rgest ever la r u o to 26. The dbye y said goo Friday, May tl n n o e c d e re at e u W bond grad the unique 5 students 4 to n e h te u w ib ss tr cla f 2017. hing ave a touc ing Class o g at y u n d o ra m G re ’ ce MCS Partida, legacy of n Antonio g a ri in st to la ta lu d a n a Xu, S warming an Jessica gave heart ri in to M ic d id le av a V 100% nt D classmates. ional Stude w at o rn ll te fe In ir e d n a to th fulfilling g speeches er bound, in re ir a c sp / in e g d e n ll a is co r Christ. e world fo ss of 2017 la th C e rm o th sf f n o tra gic vision to MCS strate

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WINGSPAN | VOLUME 3 | ISSUE 2 | SUMMER 2017

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HEART Every now and then you may catch a glimpse of the Director of our International Program, Suzi Rodgers – but it may be brief because she’ll need to quickly scurry back to her office to run our thriving International Program. Tucked away in the cottages, there’s an exciting global vision being realized. After launching the International Program ten years ago with only one student, the program has accelerated so rapidly that MCS finds itself having to now set limits on the number of students who are enrolling. The 99-100% retention rate indicates the staying power of an ever expanding program that Mrs. Rodgers would describe as a ‘calling, not just a career.

With a big heart and an intense passion for the success of the students, Mrs. Rodgers dove into the work of building the International Program from the ground up seven years ago. Under Mr. Plotnik’s watch and while juggling her other job as a High School Administrative Assistant (until last year), Mrs. Rodgers single-handedly turned the budding program into the success it is today. In the upcoming 2017-2018 school year, MCS will have 52 international students, who have traveled from all corners of the world to be educated here.

Overall, students from 12 countries have been able to attend MCS to experience the adventure of living in the U.S. in a safe environment where they can be challenged academically and learn about the love of Christ.

Read on and learn more about this incredible program and its dedicated director. Spanning the world to fulfill our mission of a transformed world for Christ is a tall order – but Mrs. Rodgers makes it look easy. In spite of the mountains of paperwork and countless hours of diplomacy, she chooses to focus on her students, “I LOVE what I do!” she says emphatically, “...and I love every one of my kids.”

Therein lies the true secret to her success.

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How did the Program start? How were you assigned to this program?

Mr. Frey (a former Superintendent) started the International Program in spring of 2007 with one student. The program quickly grew to 3 students in the fall of 2009. I was hired in October of 2009 to oversee the program. We are an approved SEVP (Student Exchange Visitor Program) school, which means the US Government has authorized MCS to provide the documents necessary for a student to obtain an F1 Student Visa.

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What skills in your background helped you put this program together? I worked for four years in the Guidance Department at Calvary Murrieta High School and worked closely with the International Program Director and was always fascinated with the

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for the

process. That, combined with my 10 years of experience working in Christian Education has prepared me for my current role. One of the most important skill sets to have in my role is a meticulous organizational ability. It is crucial that I dot every ‘i’ and cross every ‘t’ on the students’ SEVP documents.

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How do you find the students? How do they find us? How are they screened? We do not actively recruit for our JH/HS Program. Our students come to us from several sources, i.e. relatives that live in the area, current student referrals, community reputation, the SEVP website (study in the states) and various agencies. The parents, relatives, guardians, agencies, or students complete an extensive application and submit supplemental documentation. The students also must meet established English Proficiency Results and submit scores from a TOEFL or SLATE Exam.

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What are they (their parents) looking for? One of the most frequently asked questions is about college acceptances and average SAT scores. Followed by the number of AP courses offered and if we have ELD courses. Parents are also very concerned with school safety and disaster preparedness.

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How many students have found the Lord? Several of our students come to us with a Christian faith. However, since 2009 we have had four students commit their lives to the Lord.

Where do they live while they are here? What are the countries of origin? Some students live with American Host Families, some live with relatives, and some live with their parents. We have had student representation from the following countries:

AUSTRIA

CHINA

FRANCE

GERMANY

JAPAN

LEBANON

MEXICO

RUSSIA

S. KOREA

SPAIN

TAIWAN

VIETNAM

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To what do you attribute the great success of this growing program? First and foremost, I truly believe that God has brought every student to our school for His purpose, and He is blessing this program for His glory. Secondly, I have worked very hard to foster and nurture relationships with agencies, families, and the students. Over the last seven years, I have worked closely with Mr. Plotnik to improve the High School International Program by adding ESL, Sheltered Bible 1 & 2 classes, and Sheltered US History course offerings.

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What is the most challenging part? The most challenging aspect is that students can have multiple people (i.e. parents, guardians, agencies, relatives, & host parents) involved in their education.

It requires diligence and diplomacy.

Feature Article

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What do you absolutely love about it? I absolutely love the students. They are on my mind and heart 24/7, and I obsess over ways to make their experience more meaningful here at MCS.

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What do you see for the future of this program?

My goal for the future of the International Program is diversity and integration. I would like to have students from non-impacted countries represented. This might involve traveling to different countries to promote our program. I am very encouraged this year with integration; we have had great representation at HS events and athletic participation.

WINGSPAN | VOLUME 3 | ISSUE 2 | SUMMER 2017

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Junior High

SMART GROWTH

Bryce Forrester, Junior High Principal

God has been very faithful in continuing the growth across all areas of Maranatha Christian Schools. Looking forward to the 2017-18 school year, Junior High will be reaching a new milestone, adding a third section to each grade level.

complement the new language arts and math curriculum we have implemented over the past two years. The Junior High School now offers three courses that allow JH students to receive High School credit: Algebra I, Geometry, and Spanish I.

Our Performing Arts program continues to grow in all areas, including theater, instrumental music, and choir. Next year we will offer This will immediately reduce overall class sizes to an average of students the opportunity to take year-long band, drumline, and choral 1 teacher to every 20 students, and allows for a significant amount classes, occupying two additional of anticipated growth. We have classrooms with equipment that is already hired 2 new teachers to specifically purposed for Performing “Junior High will be reaching cover the additional classes. With Arts classes. MCS’ Performing Arts stuthe completion of the new High a new milestone...that will dents continue to represent our school School building, we will gain the use immediately reduce overall class throughout the community, participatof five more classrooms – a much ing in local parades, the Poinsettia Bowl, sizes...and allows for a significant needed relief for some teachers who and numerous other venues. Theatre were double-up in classrooms. amount of anticipated growth.” performances are attended by thouOf course the classroom we are sands in the community. Junior High most excited about is the science sports continues to grow and feed a very room! Our JH students will now have twice the space, with real successful High School program. The addition of three new sports lab tables and facilities to conduct experiments. Along with courts were greatly needed – and are already in use! this new classroom, we are reviewing new science curriculum Based upon the High School’s success with their PSP program and that will be rolled out over the next two years. We will take in response to our community’s request, Junior High also offers a our time to ensure a well-chosen long term investment in an ever PSP program which gives students the option of homeschooling growing STEAM related program. The new science curriculum will under the umbrella of MCS. This program offers homeschoolers and students with unique needs the opportunity to take specific classes on campus and participate in extra-curricular activities.

Culturally, our teachers have noted the increased level of maturity and respect demonstrated overall by our student body this year. We are growing and improving every year by God’s grace and blessing while other Christian schools are struggling. We are asking all of our parents, staff and students to ‘hold fast and stay the course’ during this exciting time – and to continue to be open to God’s direction, prayerfully being obedient, day by day. All things to the glory of God!

JH STEAMS THROUGH BIBLE CURRICULUM STEAM disciplines are integrated into various facets of our curriculum on a daily basis, even in our Bible courses: • MAPPING: students map the cities, regions and waters that Paul and his team traversed in spreading the Gospel • PRESENTATIONS: students work with technology to create presentations on Bible topics using Key Note & Google Slides • ARTS: students use their creativity by turning Scriptures into puppet shows that highlight the challenges of wholeheartedly following Christ • MATHEMATICS: math calculations are used by students to

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WINGSPAN | VOLUME 3 | ISSUE 2 | SUMMER 2017

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Elementary

STUDENTS LAUNCH LUNCHTIME BIBLE STUDY Mary Cook, Elementary Principal

Elementary ASB is always busy during the year leading morning prayers, pledges, and chapel announcements.

But by far their finest accomplishment is the most recent one – initiating a student-led Bible Study for the 4th and 5th Grade.

Students worked diligently during their regular ASB meetings to adjust and refine their idea with the help of ASB Director Miss Noel.

Charlotte Graham, 5th Grade ASB Fruit of the Spirit Rep shared, “We wanted to be able to experience God’s calling for us in a different way besides Chapel.”

The 12 ASB students decided to seek out Maranatha Chapel’s Director of Children’s Ministry, Jonathan Elliott, for tips and advice on launching their ministry. Jonathan met with the students at lunchtime several times during the year, and even brought pizza to keep the ideas flowing.

In the end, the ASB members crafted a truly student-driven study that would be open for all 4th-5th Graders to enjoy. Students would be free to decide if they wanted to participate since the study would be offered during their lunch break. Here is an overview of their study: • Each gathering allows students to discuss a ‘big question’ that relates to current events • Students have small group time to provide deeper discussion • A special time slot is set aside to allow students to pray for one another • Studies end with a fun game for all to enjoy 5th Grade Rep Nathan Young was genuinely excited about the results, “The Bible study was crazy fun because we talked about fellowship with God with our own grades and genders. And don’t forget the candy; we had sweet and sour goodies!” he exclaimed. Nathan’s enthusiasm is a reflection of how all of the Elementary ASB students felt about the idea, in fact they are brimming with anticipation to see how the Lord will continue to shine His light and love on our students.

And there’s even more good news – the current 4th Grade ASB members plan to keep the Bible Study rolling throughout next school year.

We are so proud of our students who took the initiative to model servant leadership, one of the MCS core values, “Living as God’s sons and daughters and leading by Christ’s example as shepherds, placing the interest of others before our own.” -1 Peter 5:2-4

MOVING FULL STEAM AHEAD! Elementary is accelerating the momentum of its STEAM program! Coming next year, Elementary will enjoy a special ‘Maker Space’ classroom dedicated exclusively to Science. Students will be able to design, create, tinker, and develop their skills in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics. Students will also focus on developing critical workplace skills such as collaborating effectively as a team member, creatively solving complex problems, communicating effectively and appropriately, and thinking critically. ‘Steam on’ MCS!

WINGSPAN | VOLUME 3 | ISSUE 2 | SUMMER 2017

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Preschool

THE POWER OF DRAMATIC PLAY Patrice Andrews, Early Education Principal

Research shows that imaginative play actually builds skills in many essential developmental areas including social/emotional, physical, cognitive, and language. Based on these findings, Maranatha Christian Preschool recently added several theme-based dramatic play bins for use in the classrooms. Boxes include: a Doctor’s Office, Veterinarian’s Office, Flower Shop, Hair Salon, Pizza Parlor, Noah’s Construction Company, Grocery Store, Ice Cream Shop, and more.

It’s so exciting to see our traditional ‘housekeeping’ area become completely transformed every month buzzing with activity from enthusiastic preschoolers who try on different roles (sometimes very intensely) in order to dramatize real life situations.

‘Building on these essential areas will help children feel a sense of confidence throughout their K-12 education, helping them to be more prepared for the highly interactive programs of the future such as STEAM.’ The dramatic play area is inviting, and it draws children in and inspires them to be creative – allowing them to take on new exciting roles while learning how to negotiate roles with

other children. Dramatic play themes include a variety of materials that inspire children to immediately start pretending, such as hats, masks, clothes, shoes, tools, vehicles, and workstations.

Make-believe play promotes the development of social skills through interaction with peers, adults and others. Several children will often pretend together at the same time, playing different roles and relating to each other from the perspective of their assigned roles. Math and literacy skills are developed as children count out change as a cashier, dial a telephone, take appointments, and write out meal orders or prescriptions. Vocabularies grow as they begin to use new words appropriately, and the importance of reading and writing skills in everyday life becomes apparent.

One of the most important benefits of early pretend-play is its enhancement of the child’s capacity for cognitive flexibility and ultimately creativity. Its deepest value lies in the fact that it increases the child’s ability to understand and interact with the world around them, while it works to develop personal skills that will help them become successful throughout their lives. Creativity (arts) and cognitive skills (academics) are two of the foundational pillars in our educational program. Building on these essential areas will help children feel a sense of confidence throughout their TK-12 education, preparing them for the highly interactive programs of the future.

WINGSPAN | VOLUME 3 | ISSUE 2 | SUMMER 2017

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3CIF

CHAMPIONSHIPS

(Volleyball, Girls Basketball, Baseball)

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JUNIOR HIGH SPORTS TEAMS

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ATHLETES OF THE

YEAR

6

LEAGUE

CHAMPIONSHIPS

(Volleyball, Boys Basketball, Girls Basketball, Baseball, Boys & Girls Track and Field)

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VARSITY SPORTS TEAMS

A BANNER YEAR FOR ATHLETICS Steve Whitley, Director of Athletics

At about 3:30 on a mid-November afternoon, I was standing near the athletic fields when I felt a tap on my shoulder. Long-time teacher and PE coach Dave Navarette smiled and told me that at that moment we had 14 different teams practicing all at once. My first thought was that we don’t have enough room for that, but sure enough, as I did a slow, 360 degree scan of our playing fields, I was amazed at the sea of athletes working hard at their respective sports.

Cross Country runners who qualified for CIF were running throughout campus. Near the football scoreboard the Varsity Cheerleaders were working on stunts. The Varsity Boys and Girls Soccer Teams were sharing the football field. Two Junior High Basketball Teams were practicing on the sports courts and the Girls Varsity Volleyball and Basketball Teams were sharing the gym. A handful of off-season football players were lifting in the weight room. To top it off, the Varsity Boys Basketball Team had already practiced at 5:00am. You get the picture – there is a lot going on in the Maranatha athletic world!

On the baseball field, the Junior High Girls Softball Team was practicing on the infield. In right field was the Junior High Boys Soccer Team and the girls were in left field. The Varsity Baseball Team was hitting in the batting cages about 30 feet away from the Junior High Cheer Team who was practicing near the lunch tables.

Later when I went back to my office I calculated that somewhere between 200-210 athletes had practiced that day and then it really hit me: the Lord is doing mighty work at Maranatha. When it becomes clearly obvious that God has found favor in us and has chosen to bless us immensely, we must not hesitate to continually thank Him for what He has done – and boy, do we have a lot to be thankful for!

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21

1 TEAM ALL-LEAGUE PLAYERS ST

154

229

HS ATHLETIC ROSTER SPOTS FILLED

1278

ALL-TIME SCHOOL RECORDS SET

51

UNION TRIBUNE SCHOLAR ATHLETES

455

ATHLETIC EVENTS HELD (NOT INCL. PRACTICE)

62

213

JUNIOR HIGH ATHLETIC ROSTER SPOTS FILLED

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PAID COACHES

ATHLETIC TRANSFERS APPROVED BY CIF

114-69 OVERALL RECORD FOR ALL TEAMS (.623 WINNING %)

511

HS SPORTS PRACTICES

HOURS OF HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS PRACTCE TIME

It is an understatement to say that God blessed Maranatha Athletics this past school year. He literally gave us a ‘banner year’! Never in Maranatha’s 10-year history has a team won a CIF Championship and we won three! Our varsity sports teams won 6 League Championships.

Three years ago we had a grand total of 8 banners hanging in the gym.

This year alone our teams earned 9 banners! Without a doubt, “The Lord has done great things for us!”

Never in Maranatha’s 10-year history has a team won a CIF Championship and we won three!

As a baseball coach it is par for the course to be a stat freak. Statistics and sports go hand-in-hand and there is no better way to illustrate last year’s sports seasons than with statistics.

WINGSPAN | VOLUME 3 | ISSUE 2 | SUMMER 2017

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Performing Arts

A YEAR IN PERFORMING ARTS Jayne Howard, Director of Performing Arts

EVERY YEAR IS THE BEST YEAR The MCS Performing Arts Department had an outstanding year that was filled with new events and performances. Catch the highlights: September: The High School Worship Team under Mr. Holguin’s direction performed in the Poway Days Parade and won First Place Band. They were up against Rancho Bernardo High School, Poway High School, Westview and many other big schools in our area.

“MCS is dedicated to constantly raising the standard of Performing Arts for our students. Growth and development is encouraged – providing a pathway to student success.”

November: Our Junior High and Elementary students performed “Aladdin Jr.” for over 2,000 Poway Unified Elementary students as a community outreach at Maranatha Chapel. Their performance schedule included a 4-show weekend run that welcomed an additional 1,300 attendees – Aladdin Jr. was a monumental success!

December: The season was filled with a Christmas Music Concert, an All-School Christmas Chapel, several Elementary Christmas productions and performances by the Junior High Victorian Christmas Carolers.

Our Carolers performed in the Escondido Christmas Parade and won First Place Novelty Float! They also delighted football fans at the

Poinsettia Bowl, and were asked to do two live television broadcasts for NBC. What a wonderful way to promote MCS’ Performing Arts.

March: Junior High | High School launched a production of “The Wizard of Oz,” drawing over 1,500 in attendance and creating many nostalgic memories.

April: The High School Drama class presented “Play On” in the mezzanine of the gym, which was cleverly converted into a Black Box Theatre.

The students loved it so much they want to perform another play next year!

May: Elementary students performed the Spring Musicals in early May and were showered with enthusiastic applause from an audience of supportive parents. The excitement was infectious, spreading to the next venue on May 16 when the 5th Grade Band, JH Band and Choir and HS Worship Team performed a spirited Music Concert.

One of the highlights was the all-band musical presentation of a “Star Wars” medley and a grand finale of “Alexander Hamilton” featuring the choir and worship team.

LOOKING AHEAD There’s no stopping us now...next year is already shaping up to be an exciting one, starting with our fall Elementary | JH Musical “Willy Wonka Jr.” followed by another HS play and a Spring JH | HS Musical, to be announced in September. God has truly blessed our Performing Arts Department with wonderful talented students and teachers – as well as dedicated volunteer parents who help make all this possible.

We are extremely grateful for His favor!

WINGSPAN | VOLUME 3 | ISSUE 2 | SUMMER 2017

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Marketing

MARANATHA, BECOMING A HOUSEHOLD NAME

Francine Good, Director of Marketing | Development

The 2016-2017 school year was a banner year for reaching new people. Marketing intentionally focused on ways to expand awareness of Maranatha Christian Schools using: print advertising, radio, Google Ads, social media, community publications, community events, press releases, and other means.

We also stepped up our presence at Maranatha Chapel using various communication vehicles such as: the bulletin, e-Hotsheet, TV monitors (located in the sanctuary, foyer and bookstore), and the video announcement “The Latest”, along with a booth in the church foyer once a month.

The Internet is a very powerful place to increase awareness of our school. This year we added Google Ads to our advertising mix, as well as working closely with various review sites such as Niche, Great Schools, Private School Review and Yelp. Our social media platforms are thriving and increasing every month.

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From Escondido to Mission Valley and areas in between, MCS was seen around San Diego. Starting in September 2016, our HS Worship Team wowed over 10,000 people at the Poway Days Parade while perched on the back of a stake bed truck. Using that same idea, in December we drove our JH Victorian Christmas Carolers through the streets of Escondido as they charmed over 15,000 attendees by singing traditional Christmas carols during the Escondido Christmas Parade. In the same month our Victorian Carolers entertained football fans at the Poinsettia Bowl which caught the eye of NBC broadcast leading to two live television broadcasts. Kicking off the summer in June, we had a great opportunity to meet our community faceto-face at the RB Alive Expo which attracted over 30,000 people.

We have been receiving feedback from parents that they are hearing from their friends, neighbors and places of business that our name is being recognized. Now people are saying ‘Oh yes, I know about Maranatha Christian Schools!’ We are truly becoming a household name!

WINGSPAN | VOLUME 3 | ISSUE 2 | SUMMER 2017

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Three buddies take their stride of pride during Kindergarten Promotion!

M A R A N AT H A

CAMPUS LIFE 32

The Mighty Untouchables rocked the house at the Father Daughter Dance!

TK students spend time in prayer during Spiritual Emphasis Week.

Students pose for the cover of 92127 magazine.

Ribbon Cutting and Dedication Ceremony for the new High School Building with Pastor Ray.

Mr. Plotnik brings Mr. King a moving box and the good news that he’s moving into the new building!

Mrs. Thurman and Mrs. Cook twinning and representing MCS at RB Alive in June.

Congratulations to our Parent Volunteers of the Year: Laurie Collins, Kristine Shuey, and Katie Scherpbier.

Representatives from our San Diego Youth Space Program pose with Jim Young, founder and CEO of RealComm

K-8 Buddies enjoy the day at Sea World!

Transformed Lives...Transforming the World.

9050 Maranatha Drive San Diego, CA 92127 maranathachristianschools.org maranathachristianschools

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