Pre-Kindergarten
Kayla Thom, BS Language Arts Education
Endorsements: English, Communications, Jr. Academy Science

The Pre-Kindergarten program is designed to address the developmental differences and learning preferences of the emergent learner. Planned learning activities and materials appropriate to the child’s developmental age are combined with a positive, warm, healthy, safe environment to give children an opportunity to gain self-confidence and master skills. Students experience language arts, math, science, creative art, dramatic play, music, and computers through learning centers and group activities. These learning experiences enable students to achieve success in future academic endeavors and to develop essential social skills for positive interaction with their peers.

Kindergarten
Juanita Parker-Smith, BS Early Childhood Education

Kindergarten is often the first direct contact that students have with school. Our program is designed to make this initial contact a positive, happy experience. The kindergarten program incorporates classroom activities and learning centers to help students develop physically, mentally, socially, and spiritually, while nurturing their natural curiosity and desire to learn. Because students begin school at varying levels of developmental growth, student needs are met individually. Testing is done at the end of the kindergarten year to determine placement for the following year.

Pre-first
TBD

The Pre-first program is designed to create a smooth transition from kindergarten to grade one. The developmental progression of the program provides opportunities for students to experience success and promotes enthusiasm for learning that will instill a sense of well being in each child. The curriculum is designed to allow children the opportunity to mature developmentally in order for them to perform at their optimum learning ability when they move to first grade. This program is coordinated with the staff in kindergarten and grade one to avoid unnecessary repetition.

First Grade
Erline Burgess, M.A., Education, Early Childhood Education
Endorsements: Early Childhood Education, Special Education, Home Economics

The Grade 1 program lays the foundation for a successful elementary experience. Students learn teamwork through group activities. The essential first grade reading skills are presented through the Pathways reading program, Writers’ Workshop, and Saxon phonics. Mathematics concepts are enhanced through the use of manipulatives and practice drills. Science, social studies, physical education, and music round out the curriculum.

Second Grade
Karen Cerione, BS (Master’s equivalent) Education
Endorsements: Elementary Education, Reading, Jr. Academy Art

The Grade 2 program introduces students to their first structured classroom experience. Strong emphasis is placed on the language arts and mathematics. Hands-on materials, such as manipulatives, puppets, classroom pets and shared classroom responsibilities / jobs are used to facilitate learning and to provide individual attention to specific developmental and learning preferences. Memory verses, Bible stories, and sacred music round out the second grade curriculum.

Third Grade
Monique Hyde, BS Human Movement and Elementary Education
Endorsements: Elementary Education, Physical Education K-12, Jr. Academy Bible

The Grade 3 program transitions students from the primary grades into the middle grade environment. Curriculum demands are increased with a strong continuing emphasis on language arts and mathematics. The Pathways reading program and the Writers’ Workshop provide the foundation for the language arts curriculum. Through individual work and group activities students learn responsibility--personal, academic, and social. Through the God’s Kid program, students experience positive reinforcement from their peers that they are truly God’s kid. Caring for classrooms pets is an exciting integral part of the third grade experience.

Fourth Grade
Veronica Cooper, BS, Language Arts for Elementary Education
Endorsements: Elementary Education

The Grade 4 program encourages students to experience school by actively participating in the learning process. A positive, uplifting classroom environment enables students to reach their individual potential, develop a strong sense of responsibility, demonstrate Christianity, and make strides in their academic growth. Establishing a solid academic foundation in preparation for middle school is a major goal of fourth grade.

Fifth Grade
Julia Di Biase, BA, Psychology, Licensure K-8
Endorsements: Elementary Education; Kindergarten; Jr. Academy Bible, English, History, and Science

The Grade 5 program helps students become active, engaged learners, building on the skills and knowledge that have been learned in the early elementary years. Students are encouraged to think critically, be creative, and show respect for God, self, and others. The manner of instruction – motivation, grouping, pacing, reinforcing, and re-teaching – is determined by the teacher in order to meet individual student needs. Expectations are modified or expanded to meet student needs and abilities.

Sixth Grade
Linda Bates, MAT, Elementary Education
Endorsements: Elementary Education, Jr. Academy Bible

The Grade 6 program builds on the middle school skills learned the previous year. Students continue to develop research and study skills, broaden math competencies, and expand social skills through classroom activities and assigned responsibilities. Required outside reading and creative writing enhance the language arts curriculum. Service-oriented projects help develop a sense of stewardship through community outreach. Field trips and outdoor school provide hands-on learning to reinforce classroom curriculum.

Seventh Grade
Beth Reynolds (Homeroom), BS Language Arts Education
Endorsements: English, Communication, Keyboard, Jr. Academy General Science

The Grade 7 program is designed to bring students together with their peers and teachers in a community of writers, researchers, and learners. The curriculum gives students the opportunity to broaden their understanding of themselves, God, and the world around them. The classroom is a workshop, conference room, and think tank. The approaches to work are individual as well as collective, and much of the learning and discovery occurs through collaboration and integration. The staff is committed to providing affective and intellectual experiences to our Grade 7 students.

Eighth Grade
Steve DeWitt (home room), BS Elementary Education
Endorsements: Elementary Education; Mathematics; Science; Jr. Academy Bible and Social Studies

The Grade 8 program encourages students to develop an individual and collective sense of responsibility, not only for their academic assignments, but also for their leadership roles. Students are given opportunity to acquire successful study skills, communication skills, and effective conflict resolution skills. Language arts and mathematics skills are expanded to include critical and logical thinking skills. Students learn how to present and critique oral research reports and tell stories to younger students. Field trips enhance and expand classroom learning through hands-on experiences. Grade 8 students participate in fundraising to finance their graduation, class trip, and other projects undertaken during the year.

Ninth Grade
Geofferey Hyde (Homeroom), MS Outdoor Teacher Education
Endorsements: Biology, Computer Applications, Jr. Academy Chemistry & Mathematics

The Grade 9 program gives students their first real experience of higher education. Coursework includes Bible I, English I, Algebra I, Spanish I, American History, Biology I, Computer/Keyboarding, Physical Education, and Music. The small classroom environment provides ninth graders the emotional and academic support necessary for a successful first year of high school. In addition to the classroom curriculum and activities, ninth graders participate in an Outdoor Study Tour.

Tenth Grade
Jeremy Villanueva (homeroom), BA History
Endorsements: History, Sociology, Jr. Academy Bible

The Grade 10 program is designed to build on the skills and concepts learned in science, social studies, literature, and Bible during the freshman year. Coursework includes Bible II, English II, Algebra II, Spanish II, World History, Anatomy and Physiology, Computer Education, Health, Physical Education, and Music. In addition to the core curriculum, students have opportunity to receive hands-on experience and to develop leadership skills by participating in Student Association, AV support for Chapel and other programs, and the annual tenth grade Study Tour.

Physical Education and Athletics
Randy Nomura, BA Mathematics
Endorsements: Elementary Education; Math; Physical Education; Jr. Academy Biology, Chemistry, Bible

The physical education program is required for all students in Kindergarten through Grade 10. Physical fitness, skill mastery, teamwork, and good sportsmanship are included in the curriculum for each grade.
    Several intramural sports, such as flag football, soccer, and floor hockey; JV Basketball; and girls’ volleyball make up the after-school sports program. All students in Kindergarten-Grade 10 are encouraged to participate in the after-school intramural sports program.

Foreign Language
Marty Chedalavada, MS.Ed Speech Pathology & Audiology
Endorsements: Spanish, Physical Education, Art

Spanish I & II are offered to students in Grades 9-10. Both courses develop the basic skills of understanding, speaking, reading, and writing of Spanish and increase the knowledge, appreciation, and understanding of the cultures in which Spanish is spoken as a first language. Spanish II expands grammar to include the use of a variety of verb tenses.

Music
Marilynn Peeke, MA Education, MPH Public Health
Endorsements: Elementary Education; Biology; Chemistry; Mathematics; Computer Science; Life Skills; Health; Jr. Academy Bible, English, History, and Music

The band program is designed to allow students to develop a greater appreciation of music through the development of instrumental skills within a group setting. Students in grades 5-10 participate in the beginner, intermediate, and advance bands.

Meredith Herzel

Classroom music is offered twice a week to all students in grades 1-6. This music program allows students the opportunity to explore various musical media, such as recorders, hand chimes, and world drumming. All students in grades 1-6 participate in the elementary choir. Traditionally, Christmas and spring programs are much anticipated events.
    Select Choir is designed to give students in grades 5-10 opportunity for more in depth vocal training. Select Choir allows students to experience several different genres of music and to develop the ability to sing 2- and 3- part music. Select Choir members must have instructor approval to participate.

Before & After School Care (BASC)
Mary Lynne Shaw, RN (Before-School Care)
Mary Bonchack (After-School Care)

Before-school and after-school childcare is provided for parents who need extended childcare for their children. Before-school care begins at 7:00 a.m. and after-school care ends at 6:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 4:00 p.m. on Friday. BASC fees are very reasonable.

---