Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Below are updates as of March 16, 2020 regarding SAT, ACT, AP Exam, and College Admission Dates scheduled for March through the Spring. Please save the links for future updates from the College Board and ACT.

SAT Dates

• The May 2, 2020 SAT is cancelled.
• The March 14, 2020 make-up SAT (scheduled for March 28, 2020) is also cancelled.
• Students who have already registered for May, whose March test centers were closed, or who do not receive March scores because of any irregularities will receive refunds.
• The June 6, 2020 SAT is not yet canceled.
• College Board will continue to assess and share details directly with registered students and test centers.

ACT Dates

●  The April 4, 2020 ACT has been rescheduled to June 13, 2020.

●  Students registered for the April 4, 2020 ACT will receive an email from ACT.org over the next few days informing them of the postponement and instructions for next steps.

AP Exams

● The College Board just announced that traditional face-to-face AP exams will not take place this year. Rather, students will take a 45 minute exam online. We are hopeful Crean Lutheran students will return to campus prior to AP exams; however, all students throughout the country will be taking AP exams online. The College Board will release another update on April 3. Click here to read the full update from College Board.

●  As of March 13, 2020, AP Exams remain as scheduled for schools that will be open on May 4-8 and 11-15, with late testing scheduled for May 20-22.

Class of 2020: College Admissions Postponements

●  Seniors: Due to campus closures, the release of admissions decisions may be delayed.

●  Some colleges have postponed their deposit deadlines to accept offers of admission to June 1, 2020.

● Contact your colleges directly for date and procedural updates.

Crean Lutheran teachers will continue to deliver daily planned lessons with the same content as they would on-site via Canvas. Below is a set of actions with resources to help implement a plan that works best for each course to promote the welfare of our students.

Each parent has a personal login for Canvas, through which student progress may be tracked.  If a parent is unable to restore a lost or forgotten password through the “forgot password” link, he or she may email Mr. Ben Fisher for assistance.

The Counseling Department will be posting a handful of resources and updates for students on the Counseling Services Canvas page. Resources and updates include; time management videos, stress & anxiety management videos, COVID-19 updates from the CDC, AP, SAT and ACT updates from the College Board, and more! Counselors are also staying in touch with students via Instagram and Tik Tok posts that encourage student engagement, as well as texting using the Remind 101 app.

As we transition to our online learning modality, please remember our Academic Integrity Policy: students value learning for its own sake, and that we therefore demand personal integrity and intellectual honesty in all academic work. Having academic integrity means valuing and demonstrating Intellectual honesty, personal truthfulness, learning for its own sake, and the creations and opinions of others. Students act with academic integrity when they represent your own work honestly and accurately, collaborate with other students only as specifically directed and authorized, and report breaches of academic integrity to a teacher, counselor, or administrator. 

Mrs. Mary Oliver will continue to work with our teachers to meet LSP needs. Students will continue to receive their accommodations for their assignments, quizzes, and tests in an online setting. Students interested in receiving extended time must make their request to their teacher in writing, a minimum of 48 hours prior to the date of the test.

Communication with teachers is important during this time. Please note that teachers are expected to respond to email within 24 hours (two business days) Monday through Friday.

Temporary loaner laptops are available for students and are to be used for academic-related activities while the student’s laptop is repaired or replaced. The program shall not be used for the permanent replacement of a device.  Upon the request for a loaner laptop, an electronic signature form will be sent out to the student, and then the parent. This form must be electronically signed by both the student and parent before the loaner laptop is checked out. Students may check out loaner equipment twice per academic year and loaner equipment must be returned within 14 days after receiving the loaner equipment.

Should your student need a loaner laptop, please reach out to Mr. Rutherford.

Notify the attendance office (949-398-6563) if your student is sick during online instruction.  We realize that while work may be able to be completed at home when sick, we would like to partner with students, providing them time to rest and recover. In addition, many absences may be considered excused, including those for illness, medical/dental appointments, bereavement, court appearances, pre-approved college visits. When emailing the attendance office, include the following:

• Parent/Guardian name and relationship to the student
• Student's name and grade

• Parent or guardian’s phone number

• Reason

For planned absences, please submit an email (from parent). Emails should be directed to the attendance office. If and when the request is approved by the student’s counselor, the student will be asked to contact their teachers prior to the absences.

If your student or someone who has contact with your student will be traveling outside the United States in the coming days, weeks, or months (prior to graduation), complete this travel form.

Staying active and exercising daily is essential to mental and physical health. In order to align with orders from the Health Department we have created workouts that can be completed at home. The workouts provide options based upon equipment available to you at home. Along with the Workout Resources there will be a Workout of the Day posted Mondays-Friday. These workouts will have a video to review the exercises listed. We encourage everyone at home to get involved and stay active.

https://tinyurl.com/creanhomeworkout

Workout Disclaimer

As with all exercise programs, when using these workouts, you need to use common sense. To reduce and avoid injury, you will want to check with your doctor before beginning any fitness program. By performing any fitness exercises, you are performing them at your own risk. Crean Lutheran High School will not be responsible or liable for any injury or harm you sustain as a result of our workout programs, online fitness videos, or information shared on our website. This includes emails, videos, and text. Thank you for your understanding.

Our dance teachers have sent our students some fun warm-ups and dance videos to stay active. We encourage you to take a break and learn with the whole family. These links are just some ideas to stay active by using music and fun movement. One of our favorite tools is CLI Studios because you can take some fun classes by famous dancers and choreographers in the industry. Enjoy!

• CLI Studios Free Live Classes

• Warm up and Stretches

Workout Disclaimer

As with all exercise programs, when using these workouts, you need to use common sense. To reduce and avoid injury, you will want to check with your doctor before beginning any fitness program. By performing any fitness exercises, you are performing them at your own risk. Crean Lutheran High School will not be responsible or liable for any injury or harm you sustain as a result of our workout programs, online fitness videos, or information shared on our website. This includes emails, videos, and text. Thank you for your understanding.

• Tips for Protecting Your Mental Wellness

• Pacific Southwest District LCMS Coronavirus Resources

• LCMS Resources for Coronavirus Pandemic

• LCMS Church Worker Wellness Resources

• LCMS Coffee Hour: Mental Health Mondays

• National Association of School Psychologists (Parent Resource): Talking to Children About COVID-19

• CDC Guidelines for Managing Anxiety and Stress

• SAMHSA:Coping with Stress During Infectious Disease Outbreaks

• Young Adult and Family Center Self-care Toolkit

• Coping Strategies

Workout Disclaimer

As with all exercise programs, when using these workouts, you need to use common sense. To reduce and avoid injury, you will want to check with your doctor before beginning any fitness program. By performing any fitness exercises, you are performing them at your own risk. Crean Lutheran High School will not be responsible or liable for any injury or harm you sustain as a result of our workout programs, online fitness videos, or information shared on our website. This includes emails, videos, and text. Thank you for your understanding.

Prevention Strategies

• Clean your hands often.
• Avoid close contact.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover coughs and sneezes.
• Wear a facemask if you are sick.
• Clean and disinfect.

Saints families,

We pray you are all keeping safe and healthy during this uncertain time. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of those who have been adversely impacted. Since our last update and the suspension of Crean Lutheran athletic operations, we have continued to hold onto hope that athletic operation would start again soon. Saints athletics and our coaches are committed to doing our part to slow the spread of COVID-19, representing a responsible partnership with our local and global community.

It remains our prayer that we will see a resolution in the coming weeks, thus allowing our student-athletes to have the opportunity to return. If we do return, our in-season student-athletes and coaches will be ready. Spring sports student-athletes have remained involved in a daily commitment, continuing to work out and sports train remotely. Using the Saints Athletics Hub, Coach Shumate posts the “Workout of the Day” and each head coach posts their daily “Sports Specific Training” exercises for their student-athletes to complete. Each team has their own specific page,the athletes simply access the Hub each day and check in for the training and practice plan. In the Hub coaches can have video chats and team meetings as well as video analysis sessions with their team.

We were blessed to finish the winter season with the exception of some of the banquets, which have been postponed. All of our spring sports have had some competitions to begin the year, but now we have missed two weeks. Our hearts go out to the athletes, parents, coaches, and fans. There is a possibility the spring season will not resume.  The Athletic Operations Fee for athletes involved in sports only for the spring season was scheduled to be billed to April 1. This billing will not take place at this time. If we are blessed with the opportunity to return and finish the season, a prorated AOF will be billed. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to me.

In Christ,
Mr. Eric Olson, Athletic Director

My heart goes out to you as you adjust to being at home with your sons and daughters. Unfortunately, in the present reality, our teams are not able to practice together or attend competitions, which is extremely disappointing to student-athletes, parents, fans, and coaches. At this time, with unknown expectations for the weeks ahead, it is important for us to maintain connectivity; therefore, in partnership with our coaches, we have instituted the following plan for our athletics program, which involves engagement, connectivity, and innovation.

At Crean Lutheran, our mission is Proclaiming Jesus Christ through Excellence in Education. I take this mission to heart as I work with coaches to ensure the best possible spring for our student-athletes, given the present conditions. While on-ground classes and face-to-face meetings can be suspended, excellence cannot! Our coaches have a great opportunity to rise above the present restrictions and support our student-athletes to the best of their ability.

Our athletes, coaches, and teams will not meet in person at least until April 6; however, our spring coaches will be strategizing to coach remotely. Some coaches have already done something similar, creating custom practice and nutrition plans for student-athletes who were unable to come to school, but moving forward, all of our spring coaches are expected to be more actively involved in the lives of their student-athletes.

• Each day, Coach Shumate will send coaches a customized daily workout. Spring coaches will review this workout plan and then distribute it to athletes. When possible, Coach Shumate will create sport-specific workouts designed for various situations, including bodyweight, lightweight, and traditional (for athletes who have access to weights and appropriate supervision).

• Each day, your student-athlete’s spring season coach will send out a daily plan. The daily plan may contain (a) a video from the coach, (b) one or more videos to watch, (c) drills to complete, (d) information related to sport-specific techniques or strategies, (e) articles related to performance psychology and mental fortitude, (f) and more. Our coaches will strive to be creative and utilize resources that are available to your student-athletes. The simplest stretch, movement, drill, or technique can be helpful and provide a student-athlete an advantage when he or she is able to return.

• As the days ahead progress, we have asked coaches to make contact with their athletes, to provide them with feedback, words of encouragement, and to further foster the relationships that our Crean Lutheran families are thankful for.

I have asked the coaches to include me on daily emails so that I may follow along and share best practices with other coaches.  We are in this together, partnering to provide the best environment possible for our students. I personally thank you for that partnership. Prayerfully, parents will appreciate the added engagement for their sons and daughters that comes through this addition. Please reach out to me by email or phone if you have any questions or concerns. I expect these new opportunities to improve each day as our coaches further investigate available resources. To God be the glory!

Addendum: While this new protocol is expected for our spring coaches, it is optional for our fall and winter coaches. If your son or daughter is involved in a fall and/or winter sport and you would like to learn more about home workouts, please email his or her coach and CC me.

Parent Information Night (for Cheer, Song, Mascot, etc.) will take place April 20th at 6:00 p.m. via Zoom. Access information will be distributed next week. Tryouts will be conducted via video submissions due May 1, 2020. If you would like to receive an invitation to the meeting, please fill out this form  Spirit Parent Conference Meeting.

All participants will need to fill out the Spirit Application Form by May 1. Each participant will also need two letters of teacher recommendations, which must be completed by May 1.

Spirit tryouts have been postponed from May 1 until further notice. Our Spiritline, TCC, Stunt, and Competition Song coaches are working together to create plans, which will be emailed to all prospective students and families. 

It breaks my heart that our students may not have their final performances for the year. I know our students look forward to having that special show or concert. Although there may not be a final special show or concert, our department is working hard to foster student learning. Also, our faculty members are naturally relational and will continue to foster relationships with their students.

Each of the performing arts teachers is a part of a larger team and we are supporting one another in an effort to provide the best education possible to our students. We are continuing to share resources and keep our programs thriving, engaging, and creative. I pray your students are seeing the results of these efforts. In addition to a standard curriculum, our teachers are working on additional plans, which will come to fruition in the coming days. Some of our teachers have even created spaces in their own homes to continue teaching dance, music, and acting monologues.

• Our dance teachers will be providing physical warm-ups through Zoom, Youtube, and/or other resources. They will also continue teaching choreography and other essential elements as if preparing for a showcase. Students will be invited to send video submissions, which will be assessed by our teachers. Feedback will be provided.

• Our music teachers have provided music for students to practice at home. These resources are available on Canvas. Our choral and instrumental music teachers will also be connecting with students via email and Canvas. Students will continue to work on vocal warm ups, learning new music, and practicing instrumental music.

• Our student actors are working on creating a play. Their screenplays require writing, the drafting scene work, lighting, and other stage production elements. Our advanced student actors continue to work on “The Odd Couple” and record various scenes.

This medium does not compare to a live audience and our performing art students crave the audience response to the work they are doing. It is the heartbeat of our performing arts program. We know our God is a good God and a creative God. He created each of us and we are able to be creative. That is exactly what we will continue to do! Please continue to reach out to me by phone or email. I’m here for all our students and families. I appreciate all the hard work that has been created so far.

We continue to lift up our saints families during this time. We understand the impact, especially our performing arts students. At this time, our teachers are using technology to create a showcase platform. Our dance program is encouraging students to post videos on their social pages #CLHSsocialdisDANCING & @creanlutheranperformingarts. Our music department is working to record one of their spring concert pieces. 

We have not been informed about how the OC Register will continue the Artist of the Year program; however, please join me in congratulating the following students for becoming this year’s finalists.

• Elias Kim - Clarinet (Concert Band)
• Aaron Jin - Oboe (Chamber Orchestra)
• Stephanie Chung - Viola (Chamber Orchestra)
• Izzy Nelson -Commercial (Dance)
• Mia Diaz- Digital Art (Visual Art)
• Thomas Cho- Handcrafted (Visual Arts)

The musical, “Beauty and the Beast,” is still being monitored. We are looking to possibly perform this show in our school gym in mid-May or June. There are myriad variables to consider when producing the show. Please know it is our priority to perform this show when the campus opens; however, patrons may exchange, donate, or receive a refund for their ticket. To receive a refund, email boxoffice@creanlutheran.org. In the meantime, our cast members are working to record a virtual song.

Visual Arts Updates

• Spring Art Show - May 14th

  • The exhibition of our students' work will be happening virtually. Students will be notified of instructions when the time comes. We are excited to still show off our students' work!

• Art Museum Visits 

  • Students are still required to virtually visit an art museum. All resources for virtual tours and assignment instructions are available on Canvas. 

Joyfully in Christ, Mrs. Alyssa Jones

Director of Performing Arts I Spirit Advisor, Dance Department Chair

Joshua 1:9 is a popular memory verse,and reads: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

These words were spoken to Joshua by the Lord at the time of the death of Moses. Joshua was the next anointed leader and the Lord was giving him explicit instructions. Joshua would prepare his people to take possession of the land the Lord had promised and it would mean war. The Lord commanded him to “be strong and courageous” [Joshua 1:7] and to remember the law that Moses had commanded them. “You shall meditate on it day and night and then it will make your ways prosperous, and then you will have good success” [Joshua 1:8]. These are words to live by as we go to war with our enemy, this invisible virus.

To especially our beloved seniors at Crean Lutheran, we are praying for you! We know these times are precious. You are undoubtedly sad and feel as though you are being robbed of your senior year experience. Our hearts break with you. And, so far as it is in our hands, we pledge to do everything in our control to make these upcoming weeks as fun and memorable as possible. We pray for the opportunity to fully engage once again -- and as soon as possible -- and yet in the interim wait, watch, and monitor as is being done around the world.

Seniors, and the entire Saints community, “Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” [Joshua 1:9b]. It is comforting to have our Lord with us now, and to know He is there wherever we go! Yes, He is even with us through this and any other pandemic or crisis. During this national reset, enjoy time together with family, have rich discussions, read God’s word together, be encouraged, and stay well Saints.

Only be strong and courageous!

In Christ’s love,
Jeffrey S. Beavers
Chief Executive Officer, Crean Lutheran High School  

Saints Families:

Christ’s peace and joy to you as we quickly approach the celebration of Christ’s resurrection!

Just as on-ground teachers have different teaching styles and modalities for their instructional practices, online teachers also tailor their learning experiences according to their students’ needs. During this unprecedented time, we cannot expect that the schedules and situation of all families are aligned to make synchronous instruction feasible for all students. In fact, the vast majority of schools across the world are not able to deliver 100% of instruction synchronously for this very reason. However, unlike other schools, Crean Lutheran has not opted to fall back on enrichment activities, but rather has continued to serve CLHS families by maintaining curricular standards and rigor. Asynchronous online education has been a successful means of educating students for decades, but it takes a little time and adjustment on everyone's part. Our teachers are working diligently to ensure high-quality delivery of content through means such as recorded videos, interactive presentations, office hours via Zoom, and collaborative opportunities for assignments. For students, we recommend that they create a schedule to assist with time-management, that they use online resources posted by the teacher, and that they take advantage of teacher office hours via Zoom or reach out to their teachers to schedule a Zoom meeting if they have questions or need help. As you can see, teaching and learning in an online setting look a little different than in a face-to-face setting, however, it can be a successful means of education if one understands the differences. If you have questions related to one of your student’s classes, please reach out to your student’s teacher. If you have questions related to our philosophy related to our delivery of instruction, please reach out to me.

In Christ,

Mrs. Eun Chu Kim, Vice Principal of Academics

His will be done.

In Matthew 6:9-13, Jesus teaches us how to pray. He says, “Pray then like this: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.”

In this prayer, Jesus asks us to consider and pray that God’s Kingdom will come and to pray that His will may be done here on earth as it is in heaven. It's a hard thing giving up our will, isn’t it? Specifically, if I trust God’s will is done here on earth, then I must give up my own will and trust Him. For example, during these trying and turbulent times, it is difficult to trust that somehow this is God’s will and that He is in control. If it were mine, my will, I’d certainly want to will everything back to “normal.” But, is that God's will?

In my devotional reading today, a devotion from A.W. Tozer, “Our Wills Must Surrender,” Tozer reminded me that part of being a sincere Christian means submission, submission of my will and being willing to surrender to God’s will. The text used for this devotion is from Romans, “Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness?” Romans 6:16.

These times do cause angst. They also drive us to our knees. Perhaps part of God’s desire is for the world to know Him. Part of knowing God is studying the Bible, God’s Word. There, in Scripture, we learn more about God. We know God is absolute and has many attributes. He is sovereign, holy, wrathful, righteous, loving...and more. Martin Luther said this five centuries ago: 

“Now in our day, having seen that Scripture was utterly neglected and the devil was making captives and fools of us by the mere straw and hay of man-made laws, we have tried by God’s grace to offer some help in the matter. With immense and bitter effort indeed we have brought the Scriptures to the fore again and released the people from man-made laws, freed ourselves and escaped the devil, although he stubbornly resisted and still continues to do so.” (LW V.37:13-14)

As we continue to pray for God’s mercy during this pandemic, it is comforting to know that He is a God of compassion and love. Ultimately, He loves us so much he gave His very own Son to die for us. Jesus Christ died on a cross for our sin (Peter 2:24). That’s how much God loves us (John 3:16). The Son gave His life doing His Father’s will, and in doing so, He willingly died for our salvation. 

During this solemn season of Lent leading to the hallelujahs of Easter Sunday, may we together attempt to give up our will daily, and live our Father’s will. Let us pray together, “Lord, help me daily to surrender my will. My salvation is a gift of Your grace and not of my efforts, thank You for giving Your Son to die for me that I may live forever with You in heaven. Be with us during this troubling time, reminding us You are always near, and You love us. Help us to share Your great love and the sacrifice of Your Son Jesus with others, so that they too may know Him and be saved. Amen.”

In Christ,

Jeffrey S. Beavers, CEO
Crean Lutheran High School

Dear Saints Students and Families:

Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen. He named it Ebenezer, saying, “Thus far the Lord has helped us.” 1 Samuel 7:12

I was Called to Crean Lutheran High School in the summer of 2012 and one of the first things that I became familiar with was the importance of 1 Samuel 7:12, which you can read above. Crean Lutheran has a literal Ebenezer, or “stone of help.” It sits in our Fireside Conference Room and reminds us that the Lord has helped us every step of the way. Prior to 2007, Crean Lutheran existed in the hearts and minds of believers, but the doors didn’t open until the 2007-2008 academic year, when we were blessed to host about 100 students at St. Paul's Greek Orthodox Church. Since that time, Crean Lutheran has grown in size, both in terms of physical facilities, but also in terms of the number of students we are able to expose to Jesus Christ. It is only through the Lord’s great goodness that this has happened.

At times like this, when you may be feeling that you’ve been caught up in an alternate reality, it’s important to remember that the Lord has held you close throughout your life and every step of the way. He will continue to hold you, to guide you, to lead you, and to bring you -- and us all -- through this stressful season. Trust in His presence and the love He has for you and your family.

Our mission is Proclaiming Jesus Christ through Excellence in Education. Although the school has grown, we have not and will not drift from that mission. A few weeks ago, I reviewed the results of the stakeholder survey, which was sent out in January. Each year, when I review the results, I am reminded that families come to Crean Lutheran for predominantly three reasons, (1) our Christian culture and identity, (2) relationships with one or more faculty and/or staff members, and (3) the quality of our academic environment and our academic offerings. This week, I’ve been reflecting on these primary reasons, while considering the challenges that are associated with an online learning environment.

The faculty and staff members of Crean Lutheran High School are committed to our mission, whether we are educating students on-ground or online. We are committed to Christian worldview integration. We are committed to fostering relationships. We are committed to excellence in academics. We will not make sacrifices in these areas, especially at a time when many families are already facing increased stress and anxiety. In an effort to ensure that our standards don’t slide, we’ve not only been providing resources to teachers, supporting them, and monitoring student-teacher interactions through Canvas, but also endeavoring to be innovative at a time when some in the world may be content with a lackadaisical approach.

Please also remember the words from 1 Samuel 7:12. In a world greatly impacted by fear and panic, the Lord will continue to guide and lead us. He is our Cornerstone.

In your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect. 1 Peter 3:15.

Dear Crean Lutheran Students, Families, and Stakeholders,

Last night, we were made aware that a family member of a Crean Lutheran High School student has been tested for COVID-19. While the test has not been confirmed, doctors have assumed, based on ruling out the common flu, that the family member and family, which includes the Crean Lutheran student, have COVID-19.

The family learned that they were exposed through community transmission on Saturday, March 7, while in Riverside County. The Crean Lutheran student has not been in attendance or on campus since exposure on March 7; however, on the evening of March 7, the Crean Lutheran student had dinner in Irvine with four other Crean Lutheran students. We have contacted the families of each of these students. At this time, none of the Crean Lutheran students who attended the dinner are symptomatic. Please keep these families, and all those impacted by COVID-19, in your prayers.

We have reached out to the Orange County Health Care Agency and they recommend no further action at this time.

If you or a member of your family are exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 and/or have tested positive for COVID-19, please email our attendance office. This communication assists us in assessing the impact on the Crean Lutheran community. As a reminder, Crean Lutheran High School is closed to students, families, and visitors at this time. If you have a special need that necessitates your presence on campus, please reach out to Vice Principal of Student Services, Mrs. Christine Cosenza. To view all updates from Crean Lutheran related to COVID-19, visit creanlutheran.org/updates.

In Christ,

Dr. Daniel Moyer, Principal

By our love.

A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so also you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another. John 3:34-35

Growing up, I loved the hymn “They’ll Know We Are Christians” by Peter Scholtes, a priest from the south side of Chicago. Although it wasn’t played much in my church growing up, our youth leaders sang it often, especially around the campfire. This song is also known as “One in the Spirit.” The lyrics are simple, and the chorus, “And they'll know we are Christians

By our love, By our love. Yes, they'll know we are Christians By our love” is compelling (letssingit.com) and even a little convicting. 

These past few weeks have been culture building weeks on the Crean Lutheran campus. First the loss of a beloved faculty member and now this pandemic. These times have undoubtedly caused uncertainty, question asking, and a time of deep reflection among many. It has also served as an opportunity to live our faith, and remind each other what we believe and why we believe it. Most importantly, it is an opportunity to share our faith and our message of hope. 

According to St. John, Jesus gives us this commandment saying, “A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so also you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another” (John 3:34-35). In this verse, Jesus declares His love for us by reminding us that He loves us, and instructs us to love one another. He also reminds us that others will know; they will know whose we are [disciples of Jesus] by our love. The community, our neighbors, our city, our country, and the world will know who we are by our love. 

We as Christians and as leaders in the world have this opportunity and honor to lead at this time. We are reassured by our faith and respond by our love. People are anxious, afraid, trying to understand what this pandemic will mean for their lives. We can utilize this anxiety, panic, and fear to educate, reassure, and love. The tendency during times like these is to turn inward, protect, and take care of what’s mine. Although taking care of family is important, at this time we have the opportunity to lean into this, care, share, and reflect the “light of Christ” to others. 

As Christians, we have greater responsibility and even greater capacity than we often realize, not because we are superhuman -- because we are not, as this virus clearly reminds us -- rather, because we have something to point to, something to share - hope. Our hope is not in this world, a world of sickness and despair; instead, our hope is knowing our Lord is sovereign. By His amazing grace He loves us and gave Christ to die for us, and when His Kingdom comes and His will is done we will be with Him in paradise forever. This is the Good News we can share.     

Amidst this unsettling and inconvenient time, we are blessed to be so prepared. Our faculty and staff have been instructing online learning days now for over ten years. They are well-equipped and prepared to forge ahead in an environment they are very familiar with and well-trained in. Our students too are well trained and prepared for this learning environment. We hope this temporary online modality provides a chance for families to connect and have time together. 

In being good stewards, beyond providing effective online instruction, we hope that these efforts are helping our neighbor by doing our part to prevent virus transmission. We also hope for special opportunities to share about where our hope comes from, Jesus. And we hope that “they'll know we are Christians by our love” as we keep each other, our Saints family, and our world in prayer. May God bless you and your family during these difficult times.   

In His love,

Jeffrey S. Beavers
Chief Executive Officer, Crean Lutheran High School

Strength & Conditioning Update

In your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect. 1 Peter 3:15.

Dear Crean Lutheran Students, Families, and Stakeholders,

We have been closely monitoring the development of COVID-19, a coronavirus the World Health Organization has declared a global pandemic. While the CDC has stated that “for the majority of people, the immediate risk of being exposed to the virus that causes COVID-19 is thought to be low,” there are active efforts in place across the nation to slow the spread of the infection. Mitigation efforts, such as the provision of online classes to facilitate social distancing are said to assist in reducing the disease caseload, thus keeping the healthcare system from becoming overwhelmed.

Adapted from CDC/The Economist/The New York Times

Crean Lutheran stands in support of these mitigation efforts and the health and well-being of the Saints community. Therefore, out of an abundance of caution for our community, as well as the broader Orange County community, and with the approval and support of the Pacific Southwest District of the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod, Crean Lutheran High School, in solidarity and through a collaborative effort with our sister school, Orange Lutheran High School, is transitioning our on-ground and blended classes to an online learning modality, effective Monday, March 16, 2020. 

While no cases of COVID-19 have been reported on our campus and our campus remains open, the safety of our students, their families, and our employees is our top priority; therefore, we have activated this response to limit the spread of the virus. This situation remains fluid and we will update you each week. At this time, we are not specifying a date of return.

Along with on-ground and blended classes, field trips, mission trips, and other Crean Lutheran sponsored excursions are suspended. With regard to the planned New York and Jamaica trips, we ask for your patience as we assess the potential for reimbursement or postponement. Please reach out to Mrs. Eun Chu Kim if you have questions related to these trips.

With the exception of Track & Field, spring sports typically have a reduced number of both spectators and players at both games and meets; therefore, at this time we are mirroring many of the strategies currently being implemented by IUSD and mandating the following guidelines for athletic practices and events.

• Routine athletic practices may continue.

• Routine athletic events may continue without spectators in attendance.

• Larger events, such as tournaments, invitational meets, and track meets will be canceled or postponed.

• Fans and spectators will not be permitted to attend any of our athletic events.

• To support social distancing efforts, students, parents, faculty, and staff attending athletic events will be asked to sit 6 feet apart.

Several additional and relevant details can be found below. Please be sure to review this email fully. The Psalmist reminds us where to turn when we are feeling scared and fearful: God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear (Psalm 46:1-2a). May God provide you and your families a measure of comfort and strength in the coming days.

In Christ,
Dr. Daniel Moyer, Principal

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

Instruction: CLHS teachers will continue to deliver daily planned lessons with the same content as they would on-site via Canvas. Below is a set of actions with resources to help implement a plan that works best for each course to promote the welfare of our students.

Each parent has a personal login for Canvas, through which student progress may be tracked.  If a parent is unable to restore a lost or forgotten password through the “forgot password” link, he or she may reach out to Mr. Ben Fisher for assistance. 

Academic Integrity: As we transition to our online learning modality, please remember our Academic Integrity Policy: students value learning for its own sake, and that we therefore demand personal integrity and intellectual honesty in all academic work. Having academic integrity means valuing and demonstrating Intellectual honesty, personal truthfulness, learning for its own sake, and the creations and opinions of others. Students act with academic integrity when they represent your own work honestly and accurately, collaborate with other students only as specifically directed and authorized, and report breaches of academic integrity to a teacher, counselor, or administrator. 

Communication: Communication with teachers is important during this time. Please note that teachers are expected to respond to email within 24 hours (two business days). 

Learning Success Program: Mrs. Mary Oliver will continue to work with our teachers to meet LSP needs. Students will continue to receive their accommodations for their assignments, quizzes, and tests in an online setting. Students interested in receiving extended time must make their request to their teacher in writing, a minimum of 48 hours prior to the date of the test.

Counseling: Crean Lutheran understands that the community is experiencing various emotions at this time.  Feelings of anxiety, fear, sadness and a level of uncertainty are all normal and expected. The level of care and concern for our Saints community remains a top priority.  The counseling department will continue to support students with academic, social, and emotional needs. Counselors will be available via email or phone, and are able to make appointments as necessary.  

Attendance: Notify the attendance office (949-398-6563) if your student is sick during online instruction.  We realize that while work may be able to be completed at home when sick, we would like to partner with students, providing them time to rest and recover. In addition, many absences may be considered excused, including those for illness, medical/dental appointments, bereavement, court appearances, pre-approved college visits. When emailing the attendance office, include the following:

• Parent/Guardian name and relationship to the student

• Student's name and grade

• Parent or guardian’s phone number

• Reason

Pre-Planned Absences: For planned absences, please submit an email (from parent). Emails should be directed to the attendance office. If and when the request is approved by the student’s counselor, the student will be asked to contact their teachers prior to the absences.

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

Dear Saints,

May Christ’s ever present blessings abound in and through you.

On January 27, 2020, Crean Lutheran High School sent an email out concerning the coronavirus (COVID-19). Since that time, Crean Lutheran has continued to monitor updates related to the coronavirus, working with partner agencies in the process. This week, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) asked individuals, communities, government agencies, businesses, and schools to be prepared for an increase in coronavirus cases. On January 31, 2020, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) declared COVID-19 a public health emergency in the United States.  At this time, the Orange County Health Care Agency has noted that Orange County “...continues to have only one confirmed case of COVID-19, a man in his 50s who has recovered. There is no evidence of person to person transmission occurring here. The risk to the public in Orange County and throughout the United States remains low.”

On April 10, 2020, Good Friday, Easter Break will begin. Students will return to school on April 20, 2020. This break provides families with the opportunity to travel abroad, whether vacationing or visiting family and friends. Students who plan to travel abroad over Easter Break may be required to adhere to a quarantine, abstaining from school attendance for the duration of that time period. The current guidelines for travel, as published by the Orange County Health Care Agency, include the following points.

• Travelers to the United States, who have been in China’s Hubei province within 14 days, will face a mandatory quarantine and will be monitored by public health officials.

• Travelers to the United States from mainland China will face enhanced screening and a self-quarantine of up to 14 days to ensure they do not pose a health risk.

Students under quarantine, while excused from school attendance, will be required to take classes online. Crean Lutheran is well-equipped to facilitate online coursework in the case of a student being quarantined. In addition to the information above concerning mandatory quarantines, all families should be reminded of the following illness prevention strategies, which are recommended by the CDC.

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

• Stay home when you are sick.

• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

• Follow CDCs recommendations for using a facemask.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.

• If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.

This information is precautionary in nature and does not reflect a current large-scale outbreak of the coronavirus. In fact, the CDC has advised that the immediate health risk to the general American public is considered low at this time. We will continue to closely monitor details related to the coronavirus and collaborate with agencies. The health and wellness of our community is of the utmost importance.

As a reminder, if at any time your student exhibits flu-like symptoms (e.g. fever, coughing, and/or difficulty breathing), please contact your healthcare provider and follow-up by notifying the front desk at Crean Lutheran High School.  Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Mr. Angelo Marquez at marquez@creanlutheran.org.

In Christ,

Dr. Daniel E. Moyer

Principal