Department
Winter 2018 | Volume 4, Issue 1 EDITOR IN CHIEF
Francine Good PRODUCTION MANAGER
Kathy Wall COPY EDITORS
Francine Good Kathy Wall CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Jess Hetherington Superintendent Pete Plotnik High School Principal Julie Carlson Academic Advisor Mary Cook Elementary Principal Patrice Andrews Early Education Principal 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 Kelly Rodriguez Director of Curriculum CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Francine Good Gabino Guerrero Alan Reyes MCS Parent Volunteers GRAPHIC DESIGN
Nicole Shepard Maranatha Christian Schools (MCS) is an extension of the ministries of Maranatha Chapel. Senior Pastor Ray Bentley had a vision to establish a Preschool - 12th grade school. MCS was founded in 1991 because of that vision. 2
CONTENTS
10
Leading Change
18
Dynamics of an Inspiring Space
28
Campus Life
DEPARTMENTS
FEATURES
10
18
4
Superintendent’s Article
6
Development
8
Biblical Studies
12
High School
14
Junior High
16
Elementary
20
Preschool
22
Athletics
24
Performing Arts
26
Marketing
30
PAC
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CREATING community Jess Hetherington, Superintendent
Over the past few years we have witnessed an incredible surge in our enrollment – God is clearly blessing MCS! What makes this so exciting is all of the new faces and families that have joined our community – the MCS family. Our prayer over the past few years was to grow as a community of learners, to experience the amazing love and fellowship that exists, together and for one another, in Christ. Growing up in a strong community where we can all share the same core values is a tremendous gift from God; it is His design and hope that His children would experience the richness of such a thing. Your children are benefitting from the relationships with their peers, their mentor teachers, student mentors, and the multitude of parents that have linked arms with other parents to show our kids ‘the way.’ Their education is being extended into this community context.
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“Home wasn’t a set house, or a single town on a map. It was wherever the people who loved you were, whenever you were together. Not a place, but a moment, and then another, building on each other like bricks to create a solid shelter that you take with you for your entire life, wherever you may go.” -Jennifer L. Lane, Faith Adventures: Stories of Learning with an Unseen God When I became Superintendent here five years ago, one of my chief prayers was for MCS to be known for its thriving family and Christ-oriented community. Primarily partnering with PAC leadership, Katie Scherpbier and Brigit Sheng, we’ve been able to build up the existing events and platforms while dreaming up new ways to allow families to get to know each other better. I love seeing parents lingering in long conversations in the courtyard every morning and walking out to their cars while laughing and fellowshipping with one another. It blesses my heart to see the many faces show up at our Friday Night Lights football games, Koinonia Breakfasts, All-School Chapels, Family Luncheons and all of the various PAC events that have been designed to build quality relationships.
“Christian community is the place where we keep the flame of hope alive among us and take it seriously so that it can grow and become stronger in us.” –H. Nouwen
“As the church, we are in a community together trying to fulfill this Great Commission that Jesus left us with. As we gently press into each other, we form one united thing, His church. As we work together, sharing the space God gives us to do His work, we all become shaped a little differently. We all become a little more like Him.” -Jennifer L. Lane, Faith Adventures: Stories of Learning with an Unseen God A school devoid of this kind of community dynamic would, in my opinion, come well short of meeting the expectations and the reflecting nature of God. The Trinity bears witness to the concept of community being inherent within the very nature and being of God. I believe we have happy, healthy families that are truly experiencing God’s presence here on campus, and we are genuinely reflecting God’s nature to the surrounding communities through an authentic caring for one another. I believe my prayers are being answered!
Lastly, I view community life similar to scaffolding that surrounds a structure that is being built up. Workers are propped up on scaffolding that surrounds the building, enabling them to raise the structure as it was designed and intended. Similarly, our children’s formative years need the ‘community scaffolding’ to help them grow up into what God designed them to be. As we partner together, one family to the next, we collaborate on behalf of our children’s current and future success!
“No one person can fulfill all of your needs. But the community can truly hold you. The community can let you experience the fact that, beyond your anguish, there are human hands that hold you and show you God’s faithful love.” – H. Nouwen
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Development
GOD LOVES A CHEERFUL GIVER “So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.” 2 Corinthians 9:7
One thing is clear at Maranatha Christian Schools – we have a community of cheerful givers! From outfitting The Makery to supporting the EAGLE FUND; from donating time in the classroom, to praying for our students, to volunteering, to making sure every student has the opportunity to attend the High School Retreat, to cheering our team to State victory, as well as supporting the Arts, Athletics and Academics, we see time and time again, God blessing the gift and the giver. Gifts seem to multiply! When cheerful givers give what they believe to be a small gift, God blesses it, and turns it into something greater for His Glory! The heart of our givers reflects the Theology of Giving here at Maranatha Christian Schools. We are truly grateful for our generous, cheerful givers at Maranatha Christian Schools and continue to pray the Lord will bless both the gift and the giver.
ARTS | ACADEMICS | ATHLETICS
WE LOVE MATCHING PEOPLE WITH THEIR PASSION, AND THEN WATCHING GOD WORK THROUGH OUR GENEROUS DONORS! Soncee Partida, Director of Development Amy Youssi, Development Coordinator SUPPORT US Maranatha Christian Schools is a ministry of Maranatha Chapel Maranatha Christian Schools, Inc. is a qualifying 501(c)3 non-profit tax exempt religious organization. FEDERAL TAX ID: 27-0091420 www.maranathachristianschools.org 6
Development
EAGLE ALUMNI ALWAYS PART OF OUR COMMUNITY Once an Eagle — always an Eagle! We love our Alumni Family! The Alumni Association of Maranatha Christian Schools keeps graduates and family members connected — so we can keep up with all the exciting ways our Eagle Alums are transforming the world and our Alumni Family can keep up with how God is growing MCS! Follow us on Instagram@mcs_alumni or check out our page on the new MCS website. We love hearing stories of how God is using our MCS Alumni to transform the world. Keep us updated via Instagram message or email!
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Biblical Studies
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.� - Galatians 5:22-23
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Department
THE FRUIT THAT’S ALWAYS IN SEASON Nate Jackson, Director of Biblical Studies
Maranatha Christian Schools has many traditions that seem to sweeten through the years. At the top of that list is the Elementary School’s ‘Fruit of the Spirit’ program. Every day our Elementary teachers are on the lookout, trying to ‘catch’ our Elementary students in the act of displaying the fruit of the Spirit. Based on Galatians 5:22-23, students are able to earn a ‘Fruit of the Spirit’ ticket from their teacher (or Teacher’s Assistant) by displaying one of these characteristics. These tickets can be earned while they are in class, at the lunch table, or out at recess. The ticket is then placed in the Elementary Principal, Mary Cook’s basket for a chance to be selected in the weekly drawing at the Elementary Chapel every Wednesday. Students look forward (with great anticipation) to the possibility of being recognized for displaying the life and nature of our Lord Jesus Christ. Even more so, the rest of the elementary students love to cheer very loudly for the chosen winner. The winner is rewarded with a gift card to Chick-Fil-A …and who doesn’t love Chick-Fil-A! Keeping these spiritual characteristics at the forefront of the students’ minds, and rewarding them in a positive manner, has played a huge role in establishing the Biblical atmosphere in MCS’ Elementary School. In a day and age when so much emphasis is placed on ‘self,’ Maranatha Christian Schools provides a Biblical alternative by emphasizing esteem for God and our neighbors first. Therefore, it is not by mistake that the Elementary students here at MCS are striving to find ways to say encouraging words, help a classmate pick up their books, give a hug, or pray for one another – it’s a crucial part of our discipleship, and ultimately the way God intended us to be.
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LEADING CHANGE
Meet our new Director of Curriculum, Kelly Rodriguez, and hear her fresh perspective on becoming a school that is focused on building lifelong learners. Foreword written by Kathy Wall, Marketing Coordinator
KELLY RODRIGUEZ
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When you meet Mrs. Kelly Rodriguez for the first time, you almost feel like you’re with family. And in truth, Mrs. Rodriguez has been part of the Calvary Chapel family since her first day of Kindergarten at Calvary Chapel School in Costa Mesa. With her warm smile and approachable personality, it’s easy to see her as a much loved teacher, having returned from college to teach at Calvary Chapel Schools for 12 years in Honors World Literature while maintaining the role of ASB Advisor. But there’s a bigger twist to the story – she also happened to be Calvary Chapel’s Vice Principal of Staff Development and Curriculum. An expert in Curriculum, Mrs. Rodriguez holds a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction. Her background includes leading Calvary Chapel High School into two six-year clear Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) accreditations, working with some of the best educational trainers in the world. She also worked as a WASC Chair for several different schools, where she learned, in her words, “...in everyday life there is a lesson to be learned, a lesson to make us better and more equipped for the journeys that lie ahead.” A newlywed who recently moved from Huntington Beach to San Diego, Mrs. Rodriguez is thrilled to be part of the MCS family as our new Director of Curriculum. “...I have a passion for finding victory in Christ as we daily strive to be His disciples, being a lifelong learner from the most difficult Calculus problem to finding beauty in a painted sunset,” she said recently, and we couldn’t agree with her more! LIFELONG LEARNERS By Director of Curriculum, Kelly Rodriguez Babe Ruth. He might be the greatest baseball player of all time. At least, he is the most talked about—a modern day legend. When The Babe was asked how to hit home runs, he said, “I swing as hard as I can, and I try to swing right through the ball... The harder you grip the bat, the more you can swing it through the ball, and the farther the ball will go. I swing big, with everything I’ve got. I hit big or I miss big. I like to live as big as I can.” And live big he did. But, no matter what your opinion is of ‘ole Bambino, he gives us a good lesson. He tells us to swing as hard as we can. To grip the bat with all we got. And, to give every swing our best efforts. He’s not the first to give us this advice. The apostle Paul did, hundreds of years before The Babe was ever at the bat. Philippians 2:16 says, “I hold firmly to the word of life; then, on the day of Christ’s return, I will be proud that I didn’t run the race in vain and that my work was not useless.” THE PERFECT BLUEPRINT FOR LIFE It’s the perfect blueprint for life—live for Christ, swing for the fences and work hard at perfecting the skills the Lord has blessed us with. It is through the examples seen in Babe Ruth and the apostle Paul that I see Maranatha Christian Schools, our teachers, and our curriculum. We can practice our skills through our Strategic Plan, our curriculum and our student learning goals. We can work-out our minds to strengthen our abilities in the areas of academics, sports and the arts. And, we can give it our best swing: all of our talents from the tip of our cleats to the top of our batting helmet, and become a showcase of God’s glory and good work in our lives. That’s what our job is, to promote innovative learning and optimal college readiness for all of our students, starting in Preschool.
OUR CURRICULUM MEETS AND EXCEEDS PUBLIC SECTORS MCS has a firm foundation in our Christian teachers, who teach Biblical principles through strong, standard-aligned curriculum from Preschool through High School. Our curriculum aligns not only with the state of California, but meets and exceeds the standards that are being taught in the public sectors. We have so many exciting learning opportunities around every corner, from brain-based learning in Preschool through High School Physics students finding the rate of speed a bowling ball picks up, to Junior High students learning how to write lines of poetry. There are endless opportunities for students to find their passions and begin their own blueprints for future successes. As we continue to teach the 21st Century learner, I want to continue to engage them in digital citizenship, technology that enhances learning, and the furtherance of MCS students becoming global citizens who affect the world for Christ. Our foundation is strong and our future is bright. TEACHER TRAINING IS CRITICAL MCS will continue to train our teachers to become facilitators of knowledge, so our students can become disciples of Christ who affect the world both inside and outside of the classroom walls. It’s more than reading a book on your iPad or working with a digital calculator, it is making this vast world a little smaller so they can achieve excellence in all areas and become the lifelong learners, dreamers, and thinkers of tomorrow. And, I will continue to look at the blueprints and advice left from the apostle Paul and The Babe. They made history. And, my prayers are that MCS and our students will too. With God on our side, I know we will continue to grow in teamwork, self-discipline, perseverance, and sportsmanship. But, most of all, I want MCS to live as BIG as it can, creating legends around every corner. With the power of God on our side, a seasoned staff, well aligned curriculum, intentional technology and a zest for learning — I see nothing but Home Runs. Whether a student is in our Preschool or about to graduate, I want the curriculum to be seen as a playbook for life. As they walk through these halls it is my heart that they learn their ABC’s, a second language, upper division mathematical calculations and a love for literature. But, more importantly I want them to graduate as MVP’s.
A LIFELONG LEARNER IS A: • Passionate and compassionate member of their community. • Risk-taker—not afraid to speak their opinions and share their voice with the world. • Problem-solver. A person who can think critically and look at the world differently. • Vital member of the community. Someone who can work independently and with others. • Creative citizen of the world who cares about their community and wants to give back. • And, most importantly a member of society who has high integrity and self-respect who can truly enjoy their life and their work and use their talents to better their community for the Lord.
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High School
MAKING AN ‘AH-HA’ MOMENT CRITICAL THINKING: AN ESSENTIAL SKILL THAT MCS TAKES SERIOUSLY Pete Plotnik, High School Principal
At MCS we consistently refer to the development of critical thinking skills among our students, but we can sometimes be flippant in our use and/or reference to the term ‘critical thinking’. What do we actually mean by that term and how is it relevant to society today and in our classrooms?
An official Google blog described their search for talent: “At the highest level, we are looking for non-routine problem-solving skills. We expect applicants to be able to solve routine problems as a matter of course. After all, that’s what most education is concerned with. But the non-routine problems offer the opportunity to create competitive advantage, and solving those problems requires creative thought and tenacity.”
The Foundation for Critical Thinking defines it as “the intellectually disciplined process of actively and skillfully conceptualizing, applying, analyzing, synthesizing, and/or evaluating information gathered from, or generated by, observation, experience, reflection, reasoning, or communication, as a guide to belief and action.” You are likely most familiar with these concepts from Bloom’s Taxonomy of Learning Objectives, where they are identified as higher order thinking skills in his continuum of learning.
In Video Production and Photography classes at MCS, students dive deeply into viewing God’s creation through a camera. Looking through the eye of the lens requires one to purposefully see from the unique perspective of the framed image. A student must decide and utilize proper camera techniques while creating compelling content. When analyzing captured images, students engage in ongoing assessment of their work.
According to P21, The Partnership for 21st Century Learning, “critical thinkers possess the ability to ask the right questions, recognize the existence of problems, read between the lines, recognize implicit and explicit assumptions, identify relevant and irrelevant information in arguments, and recognize bias in yourself and others.”
“...at the highest level we are looking for non-routine problem solving skills.” –Google Critical thinking is among the four C’s typically associated with essential 21st Century Learning Skills, which also include collaboration, creativity, and communication. Evermore, business and education consider the development of these skills as paramount to corporate and individual success. 12
MCS Mathematics students are continually presented with opportunities to develop and improve their critical thinking ability. Every time a student is presented with a new problem, whether on a test or a classroom activity, they are required to apply their mathematical knowledge to these problems, which is the ultimate test of their concept mastery and mathematical reasoning ability. Some examples of the classroom activities students are presented with are: Computer Lab assignments in AP Computer Science, investigative tasks in AP Statistics, AP type free response questions in AP Calculus, and in-class worksheets in College Algebra. In Graphic Design, students are continually honing in on their critical thinking skills. For example, they analyze which fonts are appropriate for use in specific situations by examining font characteristics, such as kerning and serifs. They defend their font choice decisions through a series of debates. Students then apply this knowledge when creating their own projects.
KNOWLEDGE identification and recall of information
COMPREHENSION organization and selection of facts and ideas
“...critical thinkers possess the ability to ask the right questions, recognize the existence of problems, read between the lines, recognize implicit and explicit assumptions, identify relevant and irrelevant information in arguments and recognize bias in yourself and others.” —The Partnership for 21st Century Mrs. Schwartz loves to engage the students in Socratic seminars instead of reading quizzes to test how well they understand and process the novels they are reading in class. Through this technique, she is able to see how often students have those “AH-HA!”moments. For example, one student may point out something that is thought provoking, which will result in a group debate, driving students deeper into an analysis of themes, character analysis, symbolism and more. “I also encourage students to relate their reading topics to what they see in society, and in their own lives – providing for a deeper level of connection to the text.” Critical thinking skills are one of the key qualities that will help our students ‘stand apart’ at a time when society and technology seem to be compelling young people to take things at face value. At MCS, we are continuing to explore innovative ways to ensure that our students are thinking and reasoning independently. This essential skill will help them thrive as positive Christian role models, community leaders, and productive citizens – well beyond their high school years, and into adulthood.
APPLICATION use of facts, rules and principles
ANALYSIS separating a whole into component parts
SYNTHESIS combining ideas to formulate a new whole
EVALUATION developing opinions, judgments or decisions 13
Junior High
IMAGINING THE FUTURE
NAVIANCE HELPS JH STUDENTS FIND OUT WHAT MAKES THEM UNIQUE Julie Carlson, Academic Advisor
Each student’s path is unique. How does MCS help our students connect their passion to their future? We use a specially designed software platform called Naviance to create a personalized plan that helps them make the right decisions throughout their academic journey. In September 2012, MCS purchased Naviance, considered to be the world’s leading college and career readiness platform. We first started using it to help our High School students to research and apply to colleges and explore careers. In addition, MCS had the ability to send transcripts and letters of recommendation to colleges, and track college acceptances. Naviance was so effective, that in 2014 we decided to start using the platform with our Junior High eighth grade students to get them ‘pre-prepped’ for high school career planning. The JH module includes detailed assessments that help students understand their unique personality styles, interests and strengths, while helping them understand how it relates to future college planning.
NAVIANCE HELPS JUNIOR HIGH STUDENTS TO: • Gain college awareness • Learn about admissions requirements • Explore college majors • Get excited about postsecondary education Each year the eighth grade students take two assessments in Naviance/Family Connection: ‘Do What You Are’, which identifies their personality type and what careers they may find interesting, and ‘Strengths Explorer’, which builds on their personality traits and helps them understand their strengths and natural talents. After taking these assessments, the students participate in a pizza lunch and interactive workshop about their ‘future strengths’ success. The students write down their top 3 talents based on their Strengths Explorer report and then set goals for each strength. The students fill in the squares, “How will I achieve my goals?”, “Which themes will I use?” and “Who are my partners in achieving these goals?” Students then share their themes with the group along with the goals they would like to achieve. Parents and students have given us a tremendous amount of positive feedback on Naviance. One parent wrote, “this was a very cool test. I think Katie learned a lot about herself. I am glad the school has such smart people who found this test to show the students where they are coming from.” Another parent commented, “This has been so excellent! Brianna loved reading the results and it was astonishing how accurate it recorded! We met with a college counselor last year and she mentioned that many other high schools use Naviance as a tool for college and career counseling. I was thrilled when I read that MCS was investing in this program as well.” Early academic planning is critical in helping younger students achieve long-term success by aligning their interests with their chosen path. Naviance is one of the key tools MCS utilizes to help keep students focused on their objectives and creating plans that match their unique interests while keeping a keen eye on graduation requirements. College is just around the corner!
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HISTORIAN
DANCE TEACHER
ENTREPRENUER
WHAT DO I WANT TO BE WHEN I GROW UP?
AIRLINE
PILOT
HMM ...LAW DOC TORY?ER ...
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Elementary
STEAM EDUCATION — IT’S ELEMENTARY Mary Cook, Elementary Principal
The Makery opened up with a bang this year, and it has been full STEAM ahead ever since. When polled by teachers and parents, students said their favorite part of the school day is spending time in The Makery. So why is this? Children are naturally curious and creative, and like to figure out how things work. When given a fun classroom full of stuff to build with, glue together, draw and measure – student learning and enthusiasm takes off! And thanks to the tremendous financial support from our parents, the Makery now has brand new kid-sized furniture, science equipment and technology to further the completion of the room. So how did this room get started, and why, you may wonder? The vision of building an elementary makerspace came together a few years ago after researching the growing movement of STEAM education in America. After visiting other locally recognized STEAM elementary programs with teachers and administrators, it became 16
clear that the dream was attainable. Parents also caught onto the vision, and they gave their approval with a resounding, ‘Go for it!’ As our High School moved out of the portables and into their new building, The Makery room was available to start building that dream. With the help of a consultant who designs makerspaces/STEAM rooms for schools, a plan was pulled together to equip the room. The need for STEAM curriculum–science, technology, engineering, arts and math–is crucial to the success of our students in the years to come. Not only does MCS serve many families that are employed in STEAM related fields, but employment data shows that our graduates need to be prepared to snag the hundreds of jobs waiting in the STEAM areas. In 2015, there were nearly 8.6 million STEM jobs in the United States, and that number is growing every year. In fact, STEM job growth in the past 10 years is three times that of any other field, but by this year, it is projected that 2.4 million STEM jobs will go unfilled.
Elementary
Our STEAM program starts in Preschool and builds into Elementary, giving students a foundation that will spark their interest and build their confidence in the sciences. But it takes more than just a new classroom to inspire! Our teachers are skilled professionals who are trained in the implementation of new CA math and Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). Not only are they gifted in knowing how to create those ‘AH-HA!’ moments, they understand what is needed to guide their classes through open ended challenges using problem solving techniques. Students are being taught to approach science using methodology that draws students to think critically, problem solve, collaborate with their peers, and write and document their opinions. Mrs. Werner, 4th grade teacher, sees teaching new standards as a breakthrough to learning. “No longer are the students doing experiments that are done step by step, but the students are asked to solve real and relevant problems. The students love it! One of the challenges we did was asking kids to use math skills and logic to create a container that would hold 173 popped popcorn kernels. Students problemsolved in groups and built containers with paper and tape that would accomplish the task. In the end they tested their designs, and all failed the challenge. But failure became the instigator for pursuing a workable model. The kids begged me for more time. Challenges spark more critical thinking and logic. I love the excitement and engagement that is happening. I’m sure this is why The Makery is called the coolest room on campus!” And the experts agree. “Beyond mastering content, individuals need to be innovators, learn from failures and keep moving on. You need to cut across disciplines and be able to ask the questions that help build connections. People need to be lifelong learners and be driven by an intellectual curiosity to try to figure things out.” – Ted Wells, Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer at STEMconnector®, in Washington, D.C. MCS is dedicated to instilling the passion and drive to learn at its most crucial stage during the elementary years. The Makery is another example of MCS’ dedication to being a STEAM powered school with a keen eye on our students’ future.
MCS ROBOTICS STUDENTS GIVE THE GIFT OF CLEAN WATER Kathy Wall, Marketing Coordinator
The HydroBots Robotics Team enjoyed full access to The Makery in November and presented a science lesson to their fellow 5th grade students. The team researched and created a water filter from a turkey baster, cotton balls, activated charcoal and a crumpled paper coffee filter. All of the supplies used for the project were readily available in The Makery: pencils, paper (for funnels) and a projection screen. After the lesson was taught by the students, classes went to work on constructing additional filters to be included in Operation Christmas Child boxes sponsored by the HydroBots Robotics Team. The gift of The Makery kept on giving when the water filters were distributed around the world to bless underprivileged children.
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Elementary
THE DYNAMICS OF AN INSPIRING SPACE Mary Cook, Elementary Principal & Kathy Wall, Marketing Coordinator
Great spaces don’t just happen! Careful thought and planning went into MCS’ dedicated, in-school makerspace – designed to get Elementary students ‘making and tinkering.’ More of a mindset than a toolset, a successful makerspace inspires students to be engaged and use their hands and minds to create and solve problems. Here are just a few ways The Makery will enhance our STEAM program this year:
SCIENCE Students will be able to use existing curriculum like FOSS kits to explore science and have the space to spread out and store their work from one day to the next. Teachers will have ready access to supplies needed for experiments to be able to efficiently use teaching time.
TECHNOLOGY Students will be able to design, create and share their work using laptops, Chromebooks for classrooms, iPads, and two GoPro cameras. Teachers can use technology in the room to teach using digital curriculum or videos.
GROWTH FOR STEM VS. NON-STEM EMPLOYMENT 2005 9.8% STEM
ENGINEERING Students will be able to design while developing and tinkering with science challenges to create prototypes as they please. Teachers will link engineering to current curriculum, while giving students free time and choice to build using the space. This allows students to explore their talents, set goals and overcome project challenges.
ARTS Students will be able to illustrate their projects or incorporate art without going to art class. Art supplies will be readily available for teachers to easily pull together without extra planning. The Art teacher will also be able to use the room when available to assist students with STEAM projects.
MATH Students will be able to access digital math curriculum in the STEAM room as it relates to the science concept/project being taught. Teachers will be able to guide students to a deeper understanding of math standards.
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4.5% NON-STEM 2015 10.1% STEM 6.5% NON-STEM Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, JobsEQ®
FLEXIBILITY AND AGILITY is created when an environment can be reshaped quickly to meet a wide variety of learning conditions while promoting student movement.
ADDING COLOR makes space more interesting and engaging.
DIGITAL SPACE connects students to the classroom cloud to add another dimension to the physical space.
STORAGE SPACE allows better organization of materials to help prevent visual clutter and promote creativity.
9.2 MILLION STEM JOBS IN 2020 COMPUTING & MATHEMATICS
4.6 million
ARCHITECTURE/ENGINEERING
2.8 million
MATHEMATICS
2.8 million
LIFE SCIENCES
0.6 million
SOCIAL SCIENCES
0.6 million
PHYSICAL SCIENCES
0.4 million
INVITING ATMOSPHERE welcomes learners into an experience, and visual cues inform students that learning is about to happen! A special thanks to Tara Pritchett, Robotics Coordinator and TK-5 lead teacher for STEAM education. Her creative ideas and hard work have been instrumental in the success of The MAKERY.
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Preschool
MATH MATTERS IN PRESCHOOL Patrice Andrews, Early Education Principal
Mathematics is a natural part of the Preschool environment. Mathematics learning grows naturally from children’s curiosity and enthusiasm to learn and explore their environment. Young children have an innate sense of informal mathematics. During the preschool years, children continue to show a spontaneous interest in math and further develop their mathematical knowledge and skills related to numbers, quantity, size, shape, and space. With the growing evidence and studies about children’s math capacities in the early years and the significance of early math experiences, early math skills are shown to be the strongest predictor of later academic performance (reading was next, followed by attention).
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Maranatha nurtures children’s natural enthusiasm and interest in learning mathematics. Our teachers help children build their knowledge and skills over time by providing a mathematically rich environment, by modeling mathematical thinking and reasoning, and by introducing children to the language of math. Maranatha offers a high-quality, challenging, and sensitive early Mathematics Preschool Program. Our program encourages inquiry and exploration to foster problem solving and mathematical reasoning through everyday activities as well as introducing new concepts through intentionally planned experiences. Teachers do this by focusing children’s attention on particular mathematical concepts
and methods, as well as the language of math. These activities are planned in advance, allowing teachers to present concepts in a logical sequence, forging links between previously encountered mathematical ideas and new applications. Math is integrated into all interest areas in the Preschool classroom and can be seen in these areas: block area, puzzles, dramatic play, science exploration table, math table manipulatives, and in the library. Real life objects appear throughout the classroom such as a tape measure, a telephone, a calculator, scale, puzzles, stickers, and books. Maranatha Preschool is intentional when planning a math-rich environment, and focuses on providing a classroom learning experience that shows how different math related objects in the classroom can be utilized to promote meaningful mathematical exploration and reasoning. Our teachers help students reflect on what they are doing, and extend their learning and discoveries through questioning and mental challenges. This provides an excellent platform for learning in later grades, and has proven to help the important transition to Elementary school.
OUR INSTRUCTION IS GUIDED BY THE CALIFORNIA PRESCHOOL LEARNING FOUNDATION IN MATHEMATICS IN FIVE DEVELOPMENTAL AREAS: NUMBER SENSE
concepts of numbers and their relationships to include counting skills, the understanding of quantities, more or less comparisons, and basic addition and subtraction operations
ALGEBRA AND FUNCTIONS classification and patterning
MEASUREMENT comparing, ordering and measuring
GEOMETRY
shapes and spatial relationships
MATHEMATICAL REASONING reasoning and applying mathematical knowledge and skills to solve problems in the everyday environment
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Athletics
A SEASON TO REMEMBER Steve Whitley, Director of Athletics
Oftentimes in sports, hopes are high at the start of a new season, but as the year rolls on, those dreams are shattered and the year ends with the team limping to the finish line. If you are a Padre or Charger fan, you know exactly what I am talking about. When practices started last August for Maranatha’s fall sports teams, there was a higher-than-normal level of excitement in the air for the upcoming season. The football team was starting with their largest roster ever, and the team’s level of play was clearly bolstered by several key transfer students who could prove to be impact players. Their goal was a Pacific League Championship. The volleyball team returned the majority of players from their CIF Championship team and had a state title on their minds from day one. The cross country team had a potential CIF Champion runner in sophomore Riley Burns who was coming off a standout freshman season. But when Maranatha’s fall season wrapped up, there was no limping. In fact, there were limo rides, banners, trophies and medals. There were newspaper articles, TV interviews, standing ovations, and many prayers of thanks. The hopes each team had at the beginning of the season were never crushed and the Eagles pulled off their most successful season of sport ever. GIRLS VOLLEYBALL After becoming the first Maranatha team to win a CIF championship last season, it was clear to anyone who analyzes the sport that the lady Eagles should easily repeat as CIF champions. It was theirs to
2017 GIRLS VOLLEYBALL Record Overall Pacific League
W-L 34-1 8-0
NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS Pacific League Champions CIF D-IV Champions CIF D-V State Champions
ALL-LEAGUE SELECTIONS 2nd Team 1st Team Jordyn Ward Alysha Buffini Amy Buffini Brianna Young HONORABLE MENTION Faith Pacis Sydney Sheng
Mary Wood Mikayla Mayou
lose. Many teams have been in that position before and fell short, but not these girls – losing was simply unacceptable to them. Because of this tenacious approach, they nearly ran the table, losing only one match the entire season. Their 34-1 record was the best record of any school in California. They finished the regular season by winning their third consecutive league championship in undefeated fashion (8-0). They swept through the CIF playoffs to become the first Maranatha team to win two CIF titles. They rose to a higher level and played even better in the state playoffs, losing only 1 of 16 sets, to walk away with the first CIF State Championship in school history. With all the banners they’ve garnered over the past three years, we will need to build a new gym to showcase them!
“Their 34-1 record was the best record of any school in California.” 22
Athletics
FOOTBALL Four seasons ago, the Eagles won their first-ever 11-man football title when they won the Ocean League Championship in 2014. Following that season, the majority of their Ocean League opponents transitioned to 8-man. The holdovers, including Maranatha, were promoted to the tougher Pacific League and the road has been a bit rough – until this season.
2017 FOOTBALL Record Overall Pacific League
WL 6-4 3-1
NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS Pacific League Champions OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR James Shannon
“The team earned their first ever Pacific League Banner”
ALL-LEAGUE SELECTIONS 1st Team (offense) 1st Team (defense) Josh Allen Joey Dowdy Josh Cheigh Logan Godwin James Shannon 2nd Team (offense) Nick Glenn Logan Godwin Ryan Popat Josh Price Josh Simpson
2nd Team (defense) Matt Simpson Josh Thiry Ryan Trent
Following a successful summer program, the Eagles parlayed that momentum to three decisive wins to start their season. After a pair of tough non-league losses they entered Pacific League play with a 3-2 mark and pulled off solid wins in their first three league matchups which clinched them a share of the league championship. In their bid to win the title outright, they lost their final game to a tough Francis Parker team and finished league play in a tie for firstplace, sharing the championship with Tri-City Christian. Nonetheless, the team earned their first-ever Pacific League Banner. Because they beat Tri-City in league play, CIF recognized them as league champions and they qualified for playoffs. They lost a nail-biter in the opening round to Classical Academy 13-7 in a tight game that wasn’t decided until the final moments. It was their best playoff appearance to date.
CROSS COUNTRY In a rebuilding year for the cross county program, who finished second in the Pacific League in 2016, the Eagles remained competitive overall. The boys team finished 4th of 9 teams and the girls finished 4th of 5. Several runners, most notably Justin Gray, Isabelle Monroy, and Amanda Corey had standout seasons, but sophomore Riley Burns was simply in a class of his own. He was named the Pacific League Runner of the Year when he walloped the competition in the League finals by defeating the nearest runner by :26 seconds. In the CIF finals at Morley Field in Balboa Park, Burns was not the favorite to win because he had been outkicked at the finish by Julian’s Ethan Elisaria in a prior race. The game plan designed by Coach Peter Gregory was to stay back and take the lead at the halfway point and extend from there on. Burns executed the plan flawlessly, eventually extending the lead by such a great margin that the other runners lost heart and only hoped for a second place finish. When Burns turned into the final stretch, no other runner was in sight and he crossed the finish line once again, :26 seconds ahead of his nearest competitor. The win earned him a berth in the CIF State Cross Country Championships in Fresno where he finished 38th of a field of 207 Division V runners. He finished fifth among sophomore runners.
“...Riley Burns was simply in a class of his own. The win earned him a berth in the CIF State Cross Country Championship...”
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Department
A BUSY SEASON FOR PERFORMING ARTS Jayne Howard, Director of Performing Arts
Maranatha Christian Schools’ Performing Arts Department is once again hard at work as we prepare to take on the task of producing multiple productions that are coming in the near future! But before I mention the productions, let me share the accomplishments of our talented students so far. In November our Junior High and Elementary students performed “Willy Wonka Jr.” at Maranatha Chapel for 1,500 students who attend local schools in the surrounding area. After performing for these students, our Performing Arts students geared up for a jam packed schedule that included four weekend performances which drew an additional audience of 1,300. Let’s say…“Willy Wonka Jr. was a huge delicious success!” December was filled with our Christmas Music Concert, All School Christmas Chapel, Elementary Christmas productions “Counting Down to Christmas” and “Jingle Bell Beach”. Our Junior High Victorian
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Carolers and High School Show Choir performed at December Nights in Balboa Park, Escondido Christmas Parade, Maranatha Chapel and Macy’s UTC! In January we began the New Year with much excitement and anticipation as we waited for the opening of “The Matchmaker.”
Performing Arts
This play was written by Thornton Wilder, and is the basis for the musical “Hello Dolly”. MCS’ talented High School actors performed this very funny farce in 4-Acts for three nights to sell-out crowds! We received many comments about how well our students performed. All-in-all, the play was a tremendous success! Our spring Junior High and High School musical is “Mary Poppins” performing March 8-18 at Maranatha Chapel. This “supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” musical is one you want to bring the whole family to, so mark your calendars! We will end the year with a Spring Music Concert and an Elementary Musical production in mid-May. I am excited to see what God is doing in the Performing Arts, and to see how He is truly blessing His children!
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Marketing
MCS THROUGH THE LENS OF ADVERTISING
Francine Good, Director of Marketing
Like most professional organizations or businesses, Maranatha Christian Schools wants to be in the forefront of families’ minds when they are planning their child’s education. Oftentimes, the first question parents ask themselves is, ‘which school in San Diego is the perfect fit for my child?’ The Marketing Department also ponders that question, and then we take it one step further by asking ourselves, ‘what are the most effective ways to let families know about our educational program?’ We know that one of the most powerful methods is through local advertising – it’s an effective way to keep an organization on people’s minds. Advertising is also a way to stay connected with our community. Not only does it allow us to message who we are, but it lets people know that we are here to serve them. And that is our most important mission at MCS – to serve others! The Marketing Department looks forward to the year 2018 as we continue to investigate new advertising platforms while continuing to utilize print advertising, digital ads, social media, the website, community events, videos, radio and more.
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We want everyone to know about our Christ-centered program! Below are some of the examples the Marketing Department has submitted to publications. We are spreading the word about MCS through the lens of advertising!
Marketing
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Department
Foods of the world
M A R A N AT H A
CAMPUS LIFE 28
Evening Junior High Scavenger Hunt
Pilgrams showing their gratitude on Thanksgiving
Preschoolers learn about the fire engine and equipment WINGSPAN | VOLUME 4 | ISSUE 1 | WINTER 2018
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PAC
VOLUNTEERS ARE OUR GREATEST GIFT! Strong volunteerism is what makes our community so unique and special Kathy Wall, Marketing Coordinator
Love through service is so beautifully displayed by our parents at many events. Almost every week we see parents providing hospitality, decorating the school, feeding our families and tidying up the campus afterwards. Most of the volunteers at our events belong to our Parent Action Committee (PAC), a growing and thriving organization under the leadership of a dynamic duo, PAC Co-chairs Brigit Sheng and Katie Scherpbier. These ladies would blush at any praise since they are true servant leaders who are often found on campus picking up trash, dashing to the kitchen to make coffee, or hugging a parent who needs encouragement. Brigit and Katie have spearheaded many
PAC COMMITTEE MEMBERS
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great new event ideas, including the delicious all-school Koinonia breakfasts, informative PAC coffees, and the fun family tailgate party celebrating the first football game of the year. To Brigit and Katie and the many volunteers, thank you for all you do to make every event special for the MCS community! All parents are welcome to join PAC at any time during the year. New volunteers will be embraced by the love and fellowship of many selfless individuals who share the joy of serving our community. Membership fees are never required and there are no mandatory meetings.
AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM WE HELP WITH PARENTS’ BUSY SCHEDULES
Elementary After School Care Program TK, 12:30-4:30pm | Grades K-5, 3-6pm Fun and educational co-curricular activites all year. Located on campus exclusively for MCS children. Homework Club available daily.
Junior High Quiet Zone | M-TH 3:05-6pm
Quiet environment helps students study for tests, complete homework, and get help when needed from staff. After school classroom for studying. Tutoring available for Athletes. Quiet Zone is ½ price during team sports season.
Julie Elliott, 858.354.5727 Director of After School Care Program (ASCP) And Co-Curricular Activities
NO FEE FOR EARLY DROP OFF AT MCS AT 7AM WINGSPAN | VOLUME 4 | ISSUE 1 | WINTER 2018
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Transformed Lives...Transforming the World. 9050 Maranatha Drive San Diego, CA 92127 maranathachristianschools.org maranathachristianschools mcs_eagles @mcs_eagles1