ALUMNI RELATIONS
Over 75 Alumni from the past 25 years had a blast reconnecting at the Reunion in May: old friends, former teachers, volleyball, and tasty cookies provided by Drive Me Cookie owners Taylor McSunas and Kohlman Verheyen
Todd Perkins, Interim Head of School
Reggie Biancalani, Elementary Principal
Heather Harrison, Middle School Principal
MCS teachers fostered high achievement by encouraging students to stretch their intellectual capacity, educating the whole child, and providing a nurturing, Christ-centered environment for all learners.
Twelve MCS students competed in the 8th Annual Math Matters contest, with Grace Jones and Gigi Minasian placing 1st and 2nd respectively.
“Best projects yet” according to Science Chair Mrs. Filakouridis, with 1st place awardees Spiro Stameson and Kaitlin Seapy and 3rd place Preston Martin and Emma Hammond.
MCS students excelled in competitions like Spelling and Geography Bees, ACSI Speech Meet, and Math Olympics
Twelve 4th graders competed at the district level with one final team progressing on to the highest State level possible.
Students shone in a number of local writing contests, including “Why My Mom Deserves a Diamond,” the Chapman Holocaust Art/Writing Contest (winner Avery Page!), the Daughter’s of the Revolution essay contest, and two poetry competitions including Nikki Grimes and the Library of Poetry.
Terra-Nova test results helped MCS assess academic performance as compared to local/national public schools. Consistent with past years, MCS scores were strong, placing us above the threshold used to identify top performing schools nationwide in both math and reading.
MCS Students / National Average
This year MCS introduced the STEM Initiative, pursuing strategic expansion in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics to benefit students in all grades.
Students showcased their talents in a wide variety of performances throughout the year – vocal and instrumental, drama and musical theater, and worship.
Three superb Band and Orchestra concerts
Patriotic Concert
“Jesus, Light of the World” Christmas Concert
Veterans’ Day program with over 100 grandparent guests
Rousing performance of “The Pirates Who Stole Christmas,” written by 6th grader Hannah Novakovich
“Inspiring talented students and promoting the arts as a distinctive part of the MCS program”
The launch of MIA provided vision and resources for MCS students to receive a tremendous performing arts experience. This year, MIA made these experiences possible…
Sold out performances at Middle School Musical Theater production of “Bye, Bye, Birdie!
Disney workshop with recording a soundtrack for Disney Movie
Band earned prestigious “Blue Ribbon Superior Rating” at the ACSI Band Festival
New instruments for band and orchestra
*MIA is moving forward with more than 75 volunteers strong!
This year, 4 former students received the prestigious OC high school MACY Awards, bringing our total to 25 MACY and 5 CAPPIE awards for Alumni!
MCS athletes are exceptionally prepared for high school athletics not only because they are skilled and well-trained but also because of the emphasis on character and Christ-like sportsmanship. Our alumni continue to excel in competitive athletic programs at both private and public high schools in Orange County. Our competitive team rankings from the year were strong:
Playoffs
Playoffs
N/A
1st Place
Playoffs
1st Place
N/A
1st Place
2nd Place
2nd Place
1st Place
2nd Place
1st Place
Playoffs
1st Place
1st Place
1st Place
2nd Place
1st Place
1st Place
2nd Place
2014 7th grade girls’ and boys’ volleyball champs.
MCS is a standout in soccer!
Read the article in the Daily Pilot.
From September to June, students were equipped with Biblical worldview training and unique opportunities for growth…
“Love Does” author Bob Goff inspired students and teachers to rethink what it means to truly love others as Jesus loves
Students in all grades served the community with their time and talent
Equip
and Empower leader (and MCS Mom) Christine Caine, telling stories of the battle
against human trafficking, inspired over 100 parents at the Ladies Luncheon.
Read the article...
Caught Doing Good! Elementary Principal Mrs. Biancalani introduced the “Treasure Chest” for students to receive recognition for making good choices
The MCS community adopted the theme of “Love Does,” with chapels and devotions focusing on the simple concept that our actions reflect an authentic faith in Jesus Christ – even in the small things like respecting teachers and classmates and serving one another on the playground.
Lt. JG Jon Weissberg gives students a closeup look at life as a Navy pilot.
“Love Does” culminated in a school-wide adoption of the U.S.S. Harry S. Truman, facilitated by Lt. JG Jon Weissberg, MCS Alumnus Class of '04, who served as an officer on board the aircraft carrier for its 9 month deployment. As a result, “Team Truman” was born, and students rallied all year long to support sailors on the other side of the word with encouraging letters, $15,000 in phone cards, and care packages.
Read the full article.
MCS’s annual Veterans’ Day program welcomed more than 100 grandparents and veteran guests. The Dr. Ben Friedman Leadership Award was presented to MCS Grandparent Beate Wilder-Smith.
Fine Arts students showcased their talent in the Faith Through Art and Holocaust Art contests.
.jpg)
.jpg)
MCS fine art program highlights.
Over 75 Alumni from the past 25 years had a blast reconnecting at the Reunion in May: old friends, former teachers, volleyball, and tasty cookies provided by Drive Me Cookie owners Taylor McSunas and Kohlman Verheyen
MCS graduates are living testimonies of a firm foundation built on faith. This year’s graduating high school seniors gained entrance to the following colleges and universities, in addition to generating hundreds of service hours to church and community including Young Life, Varsity Athletics, Mission trips, volunteering as VBS small group leaders -- to name just a few:
Auburn University
Berry College
Boise State University
Butler University
Cal Poly SLO
Chapman University
Clemson University
Dallas Baptist University
Emory University
Fordham University
George Washington University
Indiana University
Ohio State University
Pennsylvania State University
Pitzer College
Puget Sound University
Southern Methodist University
Texas Christian University
UC Berkeley
UCLA
UCSB
United States Naval Academy
University of Arizona
University of Colorado
University of Hawaii
University of Mississippi
University of Oregon
University of San Diego
University of Washington
University of Wyoming
USC
Vanderbilt University
Wheaton College
First graduating class of Young Women of Vision -- all but
one were MCS graduates!
Alumni parent DeAnn Carroll and daughter Cassidy, as well as
fellow Alumni parents Lara Lanfried and Connie Schroeder and current parent Kristen
McGuinness, led the formation of YWOV, a dynamic mother-daughter Christian
Service organization in OC.
Read the article about them...
The School Board of Trustees and PTF Board members partnered with Administration faithfully throughout the year to provide exemplary leadership in all areas.
Kelly Kannwischer, Chair
Andrew Accardy
Bill Daily
Pat Daniels
Beth Ganem, Vice Chair
Ruth Kobayashi, Secretary
John Laskey
Kevin Martin
Lisa Morsey, Treasurer
Jason Mowery
Jeff Read
Bob Sladek, Head of School
Kathy Herold, President
Laurie Kelly, President-Elect
Brenda Read, Secretary
Dana Binford, Treasurer
Holly Bradford, Teacher Enrichment
Lorna Laskey, Family Connection
Sally Daily, School Services
Kristen Morrissey, Room Mom Chair TK-5th grade
Kirsten Aleman, Room Mom Chair 6th-8th
Kathy McGuire, New Families
Thank you for your faithful service.
Throughout 2013-14, Board and Administrative leaders continued working diligently on finalizing a comprehensive strategic plan for MCS, strengthening our position as a leader in private Christian education. Our CORE VALUES provided the backbone for every step of the planning process:
Partnership with parents
Academic Excellence in a nurturing environment
Changed lives, and changing lives through Christ
Teaching total truth
Individual and foundation gifts to fund teacher professional growth, academic program improvements, and financial aid.
Directly benefits our library program.
Provides emergency financial aid funds for struggling families.
Advancement of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics in all grades.
Awards exemplary MCS Alumni with college scholarship.
This fund was established by Alumni parents Mr. and Mrs. George Nichols, in memory of their beloved son and treasured MCS Alumnus Matthew Nichols
2014 Parent Survey results highlight MCS’s greatest strengths.
1. Is successful in fulfilling its mission of “building a firm foundation through Christ-centered education.”
2. Provides a strong, theologically sound spiritual emphasis in all grades.
3. Offers ample opportunities for family involvement.
4. Supports a positive, Christ-centered environment for students.