Bright Future The Campaign for Mariners Christian School

Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good deeds and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

M AT T H E W 5:1 6

C AMPAI G N M A S T E R PL A N

GE T R E A DY M C S CO M M U NITY:

O UR B R IG H T FU TURE IS N OW! Trailblazing into its fourth decade, Mariners Christian School is impacting the lives of children from the inside out: capturing their hearts, challenging their minds, and caring for their spirits.

And not just today’s students - imagine future generations yet to come. MCS students become Difference Makers for God’s Kingdom - and no matter their calling or vocation of choice, the firm foundation they receive at MCS will steer them well on their course for life.

We are thrilled to present “BRIGHT FUTURE: The Campaign for Mariners Christian School!” Years of prayer, vision-casting, research, and collaboration from all segments of our school community have brought us to this incredible moment in MCS history!

On the following pages, you will see renderings and building plans for the next iteration of the Mariners Christian School vision, with exciting details on new programs and state-of-the-art campus features that will facilitate an educational environment where students will flourish and deepen their faith.

What is not visible on these pages is the eternal impact you will have on young lives through your involvement. Inside our modernized classrooms, labs, and innovative spaces brimming with natural sunlight, the true excitement takes place: students discovering the joy of learning, curious minds exploring and creating, teachers fostering a tender love for Christ, and a community making connections to last a lifetime.

Thank you for investing in the BRIGHT FUTURE at MCS!

Kevin Martin Troy Moore Head of School

Kevin Martin Campaign Co-Chair

Jeff Read Campaign Co-Chair

Lewis Brewster Chairman of the Board

V ISIO N FOR THE FUTUR E

VIS ION

Our vision is to provide students with an exemplary faithbased educational experience, developing their spiritual and academic strengths in preparation for high school, college, and their professional callings.

This $15MM Comprehensive Campaign will place Mariners Christian School on the map as the premier source of independent,

As we transform our current campus into a thoroughly

private Christian education: a

modern 21st Century learning environment for children, we

phenomenal campus alive with

will create spaces where our remarkable staff carry out the

research–based teaching practices,

MCS mission in new and innovative ways, where students

award-winning curriculum and

flourish and discover their God-given talents and passions,

programs aligned with the rigor

and where families find connection and belonging with other

of college acceptance standards,

Christian parents.

and an extraordinary staff and

Perhaps most significant of all, our vision is to build upon MCS’s 30-year legacy as a leader in Christian education and establish a reputation that can serve as an exemplar for other schools, a model resource and training ground for best practices in Christian education.

community devoted to raising Difference Makers for His Kingdom.

MC S IS READY TO TRANSFOR M Within our Vision, we have infused T HR E E F OUN DATIO N A L R E F INEMENTS to prepare for the growth ahead. Our faculty and staff are ready to launch!

Foundational Refinement #1

P R OFESSI ONAL LEARNI NG COMMUNI T Y

To support our remarkable educators in their ongoing pursuit of professional excellence, we have developed a thriving Professional Learning Community focused on collaboration, goal setting, classroom lab sites, data-proven strategies, and accountability. Through weekly PLC meetings, access to high level professional training, and investment in onsite development, our teachers will continue to have the resources they need to fulfill their calling as educators for the Kingdom.

Foundational Refinement #2

IN DI VI DUALI Z ED LEARNI NG ENVI RONME NT

What distinguishes the MCS academic program is a strategic focus on providing individualized learning opportunities to allow all learners to reach their greatest potential. Through an intensified focus on individualized learning, our teachers now facilitate carefully planned one-to-one opportunities, individualized learning paths, and integrated student passion as an important step in helping students become scholars.

Foundational Refinement #3

DATA-DRI VEN PROCESSES

Teachers capture real-time student data to make informed academic decisions, and our culture has shifted to embrace this philosophy. Through high-quality interim assessments, MCS teachers use data to inform student instructional progress and needs, engage and motivate students by encouraging them to track their own progress, set their own academic goals, and empower students to take responsibility for their progress in meeting academic objectives.

BRIGHT FUTURE CAMPAIGN VISION AND PLANS

I NSP I RI N G DIFFERENCE MAKERS

INT RO D UCI N G THE FUT UR E OF M CS M I DDL E SC H O O L

The middle school years are pivotal in terms of engaging with a child spiritually. This is also the time for students to explore their giftings at a deeper level, as well as grow in confidence and understanding of their true identity.

Through their relationship, professionalism, and influence, our dynamic MCS faculty capitalize on the 6th to 8th grade season to harvest seeds sown in the elementary years and grow students into AMBASSADORS FOR CHRIST for high school and beyond.

Our PLAN includes spectacular goals for program enhancements and a progression toward full block scheduling (a major academic advantage for students), yet we are limited due to lack of space. Ultimately, our Middle School Vision includes a transition to an Academy Format based on student passion/interest, something so unique that MCS would be one of a handful of schools in the country pioneering this format.

MCS WILL PROVIDE THE ULTIMATE MIDDLE SCHOOL LEARNING EXPERIENCE Within our current middle school structure, instructional space is a major hindrance to our goals for expansion. Currently, five middle school teachers share classrooms, and several are located in a manner that makes collaboration within academic departments challenging. The classrooms lack natural light, which is a major element in optimal learning environments. Hallway congestion, location of core classes, overall middle school flow and floor plan, and lack of distinct middle school “social space� are all areas of need.

BRIGHT FUTURE CAMPAIGN VISION AND PLANS

FOR MIDDLE SC HOOL T RA NS FORMATI ON:

“

Our vision is to create an academy-based

“

MA S T ER PL AN SPECI F I CS

6th-8th grade program that combines

student passions with individual gifts and abilities developed within a culture of

innovation. This academy program will truly

•

Implement campus-wide State-of-the-Art

be one of a kind!

security system •

Add 8 new classrooms with 7 additional

Heather Harrison

learning spaces to accommodate growing

MIDDLE SCHOOL PRINCIPAL

needs of academic program •

Introduce two new atriums plus window installation in majority of new classrooms as

•

embed next-generation technology including

primary sources of natural light •

newest digital displays and device-controlled

Redesign entire middle school layout to

temperature/lights

incorporate appropriate classroom sizing for maximum teacher collaboration and

Update furnishings in all classrooms and

•

Expand classroom sizing by capturing 11,000 square feet of currently unused space

effectiveness in all departments •

Widen flow and traffic throughout Middle School

•

Introduce a dedicated teen-friendly “hangout” with ping-pong and game options to encourage community during lunch and free time

•

Build an outdoor covered middle school walkway for quick access to Arts and electives wing

•

Install an elevator to assist families with physical disabilities

•

Redesign gym to include 2nd story spectator viewing, fresh air accessibility, Athletic department suite, and premier hardwood flooring

BRIGHT FUTURE CAMPAIGN VISION AND PLANS

INT RO D UCI N G THE FUT UR E OF M CS E L E M E NTA RY S C H O O L I NN OVATI VE AND INSPIRING EN V IR ON M E N TS C A N IGN IT E ST U D E N T IM AG I NATI O N! The MCS Elementary program provides highly engaging learning experiences for children, where students are challenged to think creatively, use problem-solving processes, and make connections to their learning in meaningful ways; our goal is to nurture the creative confidence in all students while instilling a passion for learning in their hearts.

Additionally, natural light is a key missing ingredient in 90% of our lower school classrooms. According to the US Department of Education, “Classrooms with the most daylight had a 20% better learning rate in math and 26% improved rate in reading compared to classrooms with little or no daylight.” Our new floor plan introduces a healthy environment incorporating natural lighting throughout, which research validates as critical for educational settings.

MASTER PLAN SPECIFICS FOR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL REDESIGN: •

Implement campus-wide State-of-the-Art security system

•

Introduce two new atriums and significant window installation as primary sources of natural light for all classrooms, increasing percentage of classes with direct sunlight exposure to 90%

•

Transform entire elementary layout to incorporate appropriate classroom sizing for maximum teacher collaboration and a well-thought out design to capitalize on instructional space in all grades

•

Feature 2 new outdoor exploration areas for TK/K students

•

Update furnishings in all classrooms and embed next-generation technology including newest digital displays and device-controlled temperature/lights

•

Redesign entire outdoor physical free space for students with exciting ‘whole child’ options for play

BRIGHT FUTURE CAMPAIGN VISION AND PLANS

DESI G N I N G SPACES FOR

F UT UR E GROW TH I N E L E M E NTA RY SC H OOL

Our TK and K programs are recognized by parents as Orange County’s best. This is a critical age where students are beginning the academic and spiritual journey of a Mariners education! They deserve creative and intellectually stimulating spaces to spark their curiosity, develop positive peer relationships, and build the fundamental skills needed for academic and spiritual success.

Currently, these grade levels are in a location that is not optimized for expansion and/or collaboration.

Demand for our TK Program is exploding with potential for growth! Though TK students are our #1 feeder into the K program, we are maxed at 19 seats with no room to grow.

MASTER CAPITAL PLAN POSITIONS TK/K PROGRAM FOR GROWTH: •

Vibrant new outdoor learning spaces designated for TK/K, ideal for STEM projects, small group activities, group exercise, fresh air: a “classroom with no walls”!

•

Expansion to include adding a second TK classroom, bringing our total TK capacity to (36) and strengthening our feeder system into kindergarten

•

Relocation of TK/K classrooms to conjoin with new outdoor exploration areas as well as direct bathroom access: a “must” according to TK/kindergarten teachers!

BRIGHT FUTURE CAMPAIGN VISION AND PLANS

I NTRO DUC I NG T HE FUT URE OF W HOLE C HILD E N R IC HM E N T AT M C S

MA R INERS I NS TI TU TE OF T H E A R T S MCS is committed to exemplary training in the disciplines of vocal music, instrumental music, theater, dance, fine arts, and digital arts through the Mariners Institute of the Arts (MIA). Year after year, our Orchestra and Band ensembles place in the highest rankings at peer competitions and festivals, and our graduates consistently report that their MCS experience prepared them to excel in high-level high school and college conservatories. Additionally, students explore their musical gifts through many worship team opportunities.

While our MIA vision includes expanded performance opportunities, our facility does not support the level of sophistication we would like to offer. Our current Performing Arts Center layout needs updating and is oriented in a “long tunnel view” that does not promote a top-level experience for both performers and audience members; furthermore, our esteemed arts faculty are required to share classroom space as they inspire and train our young musicians.

MASTER PLAN SPECIFICS FOR NEW CENTER FOR WORSHIP AND PERFORMING ARTS AND ARTS CONSERVATORY: •

6,770 square foot restructured Center for Worship and Performing Arts with temporary and tiered seating for an audience of 900: no bad seat in the house!

•

State-of-the-Art theater to support our weekly worship experiences, including 4K projection, dynamic sound with high-level acoustics, newest LED lighting, and modern floor to ceiling curtain system

•

Conservatory with 6 classrooms dedicated to arts education: vocal, instrumental, fine art, theater, digital arts, and video production

•

Dedicated pre-function/reception area

BRIGHT FUTURE CAMPAIGN VISION AND PLANS

M A KERS. DESIGNERS. COLLABOR ATOR S. HA N DS- ON LE A R N E R S.

I NS T IT UTE OF I N N OVAT I ON As we inspire the next generation of Difference Makers for the Kingdom, we encourage them to find their passion and to recognize the creative giftings given to each by his/her Creator.

Enhanced student programs are on the horizon, but first we need facilities and resources. Through our future Institute of Innovation, students can anticipate: MAKER EDUCATION MCS will feature two dedicated Maker Spaces offering engaging electives that

give students the time, space, and tools to tinker, collaborate, and test to further develop passions and strengthen STEM skills.

COMMUNITY SERVICE AND PRAYER GARDEN Picture a rooftop garden, chock full of possibilities for

agricultural science and hands-on learning. The children’s harvest is a perfect supply source for local nonprofit organizations in need of food to serve the homeless! The garden is also a beautiful gathering spot for prayer and spiritual connection.

DESIGN THINKING Through expanded elective courses such as woodshop, culinary arts, and more, MCS

will further embed a design thinking mindset in K-8th grades—all within the context of a God-honoring environment where skills are used to invest in the Kingdom.

...AND THIS IS JUST A TASTE OF INNOVATION TO COME! MASTER PLAN SPECIFICS FOR INSTITUTE OF INNOVATION •2 ,400 sq ft rooftop garden with opportunities to experience environmental stewardship, community service, and prayer connection •T wo fully outfitted Maker Spaces, complete with CAD Design Studio, design tools and resources, power tools, laser cutting equipment, and more •E xpanded elective course offerings to foster student passion: Woodshop, Culinary Arts, Robotics, Game Design, and more!

•T hree new fully-equipped middle school science laboratories

BRIGHT FUTURE CAMPAIGN VISION AND PLANS

T H E L EG ACY FUND

S TR EN GTHEN THE MCS E NDOWM E NT One of the hallmarks of an outstanding school is the size and impact of its endowment.

The MCS Legacy Fund Endowment is an invested fund, made possible by charitable contributions, that provides an ongoing source of income for an organization without touching the principal investment.

Disbursements are taken in the range of 5% annually so it can grow over time.

The MCS Legacy Fund Endowment will make possible: •

Scholarships to qualified Christian families in the community

•

Dynamic professional growth opportunities for our masterful faculty

•

Program enhancements to keep MCS on the leading edge

LE GACY F U ND E N D OW M E NT Loyal donors have contributed to the MCS Endowment over time since its inception in 1999. By growing the Legacy Fund by an additional $2MM, we ensure that MCS’s longevity and financial stability is guaranteed for generations to come.

P OSIT IO NI N G

What does it mean to “Burn the MCS Mortgage”?

MC S FO R THE

In 1995, God led MCS on a daring faith journey to purchase the current campus, transitioning from Mariners Church to 300 Fischer where there would be ample room to establish multiple classes per grade and a full-fledged middle school.

G ROW T H AHEAD BURN THE MORTGAGE: Every dollar MCS spends on debt is a dollar not spent on spiritual formation, academics, and innovation.

Now He is leading MCS on another faith journey, not only to transform the current campus but also to eliminate the remaining building debt of $4mm. By eliminating the burden of principal and interest payments from the operating budget, MCS can leverage over $250,000 in annual expenses that can be invested directly into future student programming!

BRIGHT FUTURE CAMPAIGN VISION AND PLANS

WAYS TO GI VE We are honored to work with you in fulfilling your desire to invest in God’s work at MCS. Donations are 100% tax-deductible and essential to the success of Mariners Christian School’s BRIGHT FUTURE! CONSIDER SUPPORTING MCS’S COMPREHENSIVE CAMPAIGN WITH: •

A pledge (payable over 1-3 years) plan customized to suit y our giving needs * Please fill out pledge form or obtain online at marinerscs.com/brightfuture

• • • • •

Check or Credit Card Stock, securities, life insurance, domestic property, and other appreciated assets In-kind donations Corporate matching gifts Foundation and Corporate grants

For questions on how to structure your gift, please contact the MCS Advancement Office.

With 100% participation, together we can transform our school and our students’ hearts.

Every gift, no matter the amount, will propel us closer to reaching our goals for building a Bright Future for God’s Glory at Mariners Christian School!

J O I N US I N BUILDING

A MO D ERNI ZED C AMPUS FOR T H E NE X T G E NE R AT I O N O F MA R I NERS C HRI S TI A N SC H OOL Our future is BRIGHT! To carry out this God-sized vision, MCS is launching a $15mm comprehensive campaign that will dramatically modernize the entire campus to reflect our Core Values and unwavering commitment to excellence.

WHAT CAN WE BUY FOR $15MM?



Addition of 8 new classrooms and 7 additional learning spaces with total transformation of all classrooms, equipped with next-gen technology, providing ample space to support student learning



Capture a total of 13,000 square feet of existing unused space to create engaging areas for collaboration, access to high quality STEM labs, and enhanced arts spaces



Incorporation of natural lighting throughout campus to promote health, mental well-being, and an optimal learning environment



State-of-the-Art Center for Worship and Performing Arts with adjacent Arts conservatory of classrooms and performance spaces



Totally redesigned gymnasium and outdoor free play spaces for amazing whole child experience



Endowment Expansion to provide Financial Aid/Scholarships, Faculty Professional Growth, and Enhanced Student Programs



Burn the MCS mortgage! Elimination of building debt for future student programming

FOUNDATI ON OF EXC ELLEN CE THROU GH C OR E VALUES: A HIGH C ALLI N G Our Core Values serve as guideposts for every new facility improvement, academic or spiritual program, faculty hire, strategic decision. Every facet of our capital and vision plan has been filtered through the grid of our Core Values.

LOV E O F C H R I S T AC A D E M I C E XC E L L E N C E W H O L E C H I L D D E V E LO P M E N T CO N N E C T E D CO M M U N I T Y I N N OVAT I V E C U LT U R E

MARINE R SC S.COM / BR IGHT FU T U R E