Kinder Prep - Middle School Fall 2024

School Calendar 2024—2025

Fall Semester 2024: Tuesdays, Aug 6-November 26
Parent Meeting July 30, 2024
Closed for Elections, November 5
Semester End Celebrations: Dec 6, Time TBD

Spring Semester 2025: Tuesdays, Jan. 7—April 29
Valentine's Exchange: February 13 during REACH class hours 
Closed for Spring Break, March 11
Year End party: May 3, Time TBD





Fall 2024 Schedule:




Class Descriptions are below. Tuitions are per student, per class, per semester. There is a family registration fee of $35 per semester. See the Parent Page for details on enrollment.

*Books shown on the blog may be linked for purchase. Clicking on the book will take you to a site outside of this webpage.*



Kindergarten Prep 9:00am-12:00noon: 
Ages 3-5 Tuition $105
Teacher
Curriculum to Purchase: none

Supplies needed: Students are asked to bring a water bottle (labeled with their name) and a healthy snack each week. Due to the high risk associated with nut allergies we ask that no type of nuts or nut products be brought.





Kindergarten  9:00am-12:00noon:
Ages 5—6 Tuition $105, plus $10 supply fee
Teacher
Curriculum to Purchase: none

Supplies needed: Backpack, water bottle and a snack each week

Our kindergarten class will be a fun adventure for your kiddo.  We will work on kindergarten standards in each subject while enjoying fun monthly themes.   We will also have seasonal celebrations and parties. I’ll provide all the materials needed, all your child needs to bring is a backpack, water bottle and a snack.  


Elementary Classes for 1st—6th Grades

Consult teachers as needed as to determine appropriate placement.

Capsule First Grade 9:00am-12:00noon,
Teacher: Billie Manderick
Tuition $105
Supplies needed: 1 Large book bag, 1 LARGE box of Crayola crayons (Please empty crayons into a sturdy container as the boxes have historically wanted to dump the crayons in the book bag!), 2 sharpened pencils, 1 small pencil sharpener, 1 pink eraser, 1 Elmer's glue, 1 glue stick, 1 small pair of sharp scissors (The kiddie plastic covered ones don’t work well), 1 school box to hold supplies other than the crayons, 1 water bottle with fresh water weekly, 1 nutritious snack weekly. No markers. Please, please check you student’s bag each week to see that all supplies are still in it!!

Mrs. Manderick will provide an additional alternative to our standard 1st-3rd schedule for 1st graders again this year!

From Mrs. Manderick: Welcome to First Grade!!

The main focus of my class is the 4 components of language: speaking, listening, reading, and writing. 
There will be a story time daily when I will introduce them to many wonderful children’s authors.
I will often assign a literature response such as a picture/writing of a favorite part of the story, a favorite character, etc. (Early in the year I will  be taking dictation with those who are not ready to write anything on their own.) Or we may instead do an art project, a poster, a play, or simply a discussion of the story.
With writing assignments, emergent spelling is rewarded with positive comments.  More conventional spelling comes with time, exposure to reading and seeing how words are spelled, and self-confidence.  Emergent writers should be made to feel proud of what they have accomplished.  I point out to such a student the parts that are correct and use that opportunity to have mini lessons on various spellings.  Our language has so many spelling irregularities

We will also have Book Time when students may choose a book from those I have placed on the table at the start of the day. There will be non-fiction, many about animals, as well as fiction. The books can be enjoyed at whatever level, sometimes by simply “reading” the illustrations. The important thing is that each takes time to enjoy the books at their own level. I will circulate, discussing the books, helping with reading, pointing out words or sounds that we have had mini lessons on, discussing the illustrations, etc.

Snack time is a beautiful opportunity for further exercising speaking and listening.  It also helps to develop a close community of learners.  I encourage LOTS of conversation.

We will have periodic math lessons including telling time, counting coins, making graphs, understanding the concepts of counting by 5s and 10s and how these apply to the above concepts.  

We will take part in physical activities (P.E.!) that promote large motor skills.  I have some fun movement songs. 

Center Time is always a favorite with students.  There will be legos and magnets to build with, supplies with which to create art, pattern and attribute blocks to work with, and games to play together.  They think that they are playing, and they are, but they are actually working on social skills, fine motor skills, creativity, problem solving, planning, and teamwork.  This play/work of the child is called Plurk!

Kindness, patience, attention to instructions, and respect for me and their classmates will be expected throughout all activities.





Elementary History Classes:
Teacher: Shayna McAlexander
History 1 (grades 1st–3rd) 9:00am–9:55am
Tuition: $40, plus $5 supply fee

History 2 (grades 4th–6th) 10:00am–10:55am
Tuition: $40, plus $5 supply fee

Curriculum to Purchase (For each class -each family needs one copy. Students do not need to bring their book to class) :
 Mystery of History Vol 1 hardcover textbook (one per family)  
Second Edition of Vol 1 will work for this class

Supplies Needed: Each student will need a 3-ring binder dedicated to history, with 4 dividers, colored pencils, 2 sharpened regular pencils, glue stick

We are continuing on in history with author Linda Lacour Hobar in the first volume in her series, Mystery of History. Linda's conversational style, heart for training students, and interesting tidbits that are not found in all history books, have made her course highly requested. Although used for all ages, Linda notes passages that parents may want to edit out for younger or sensitive students, yet you have a textbook that can grow with your child and continue to enrich them as they rotate through the history cycle at an older age. 

This year we will be studying the fascinating time of Creation to Resurrection using the Mystery of History text as well as pulling from some other resources. In addition to timeline and notebook work we will experience history hands on by doing some "Living History Days" where we act out or experience an event or the daily life of people from the past. At the end of the year celebration students act out a character from history studied this year as part of a living history museum. Don't just read about history, experience it!

 



Elementary Science Classes:

Science Lab


Teacher: Dr Amanda Lea Miracle

 

 

Science 2 (grades 4th–6th) 9:00am–9:55am 

Tuition: $40 (plus $15 fee for experiment supplies) 

Curriculum to Purchase:  Bookshark Science Experiments F

Required-- Book Shark Science F activity sheets.
https://www.bookshark.com/extra-5th-grade-science-activity-sheets


Supplies Needed: TBD

 

 


Science 1 (grades 1st–3rd) 10:00am–10:55am   Tuition:  $40 (plus $15 fee for experiment supplies) 

Curriculum to Purchase:  Bookshark Science Experiments F

Required-- Book Shark Science F activity sheets.
https://www.bookshark.com/extra-5th-grade-science-activity-sheets


Supplies Needed: TBD


Please note: the above curriculm materials will be used in both the Fall and Spring semesters.


From Dr Miracle:


Let's get ready to experiment!  In this class students should be prepared to do experiments every week. This is a messy hands-on class in which we will Hypothesize, Observe, Test, Interpret, and Report.  This class can be used either as a stand-alone lab course or in alignment with Bookshark Level F curriculum.

Students should be prepared to follow the experiments found in Bookshark Experiments F.  However, as researchers are apt to do, we will follow our creative inquiry and possibly add additional ones in which we may explore other reactions suggested by the Smithsonian and experiment with things such as Ooblec, Volcanoes, among others.  

Homework. Students can anticipate reading a few pages in their workbooks every week in preparation for the next class. This last part, the research portion of the scientific method, students will do at home.

Needed additional materials will be forthcoming.  Parents can sign-up to bring a variety of materials once the semester opens. Donated materials are a vital part of our ability to experiment, so please make sure to look for the sign-up!


Suggested for those wanting a full science-curriculum: 

 








Elementary PE Classes:
Teacher: April Stauffer
Curriculum to Purchase: None
Supplies Needed: appropriate footwear for running and active play (tennis shoes)

PE 2 (grades 4th–6th) 11:00am–11:25am
Tuition: $30

PE 1 (grades 1st–3rd )  11:30am–12:00noon                                                                Tuition: $30

Get your kids up and moving with PE class! We'll be playing games and learning good sportsmanship at the same time! 



Elementary Music Classes:
Musical Play, Bad Wolf Press', "13 Colonies"
Teacher: Dr Amanda Lea Miracle
Curriculum to Purchase: None
Supplies Needed: TBD

Music 1 (grades 1st–3rd ) 11:00am–11:25am
Tuition: $30, plus $15 supply fee

Music 2 (grades 4th–6th)  11:30am–12:00noon                                                          Tuition: $30, plus $15 supply fee


Lights! Camera! Action!  

Calling all actors, dancers, singers, and creative types!  We're putting on a play and we've saved a spot for you!

Hosted by George and Martha Washington, students will put on a musical review of early American history covering the period from before the arrival of the Europeans through the signing of the Bill of Rights (in other words, around 1500 to 1791). Everyone seems to show up, from Leif Erickson, the Iroquois, and Ponce de Leon to Ben Franklin, Sibyl Luddington and The 13 Colony Singers. Keeping all the characters in line are the History Police, crashing the party whenever it looks like the hosts have started to "mess around with history."

There will be numerous ways students can participate in this course--from participating with memorized lines as actors and actresses, to singing and dancing, to helping as stagehands.  No prior experience required!  Just bring a good attitude and willingness to try new things.

Needed additional materials will be forthcoming. Parents can sign-up once the semester begins. Donation of materials and/or parent time are a vital part of this play, so please make sure to look for the sign-up.









Elementary Art Classes:
Teacher: Tessa Herman

Curriculum to Purchase: None

Art 1 (grades 1st–3rd ) 1:30pm–2:25pm
Tuition: $40, plus $20 supply fee
Supplies Needed: Sharpened pencils, pencil sharpener, large pink eraser, a large shirt/smock/apron, colored pencils, ruler, and sharp scissors.  All supplies MUST be brought to each class.

In this class, students will dive into a host of techniques and mediums as we put the FUN in the Fundamentals of Art.  From painting, to drawing, to 3-D sculptures, and fiber arts— we will learn to use our God-given creativity to make beautiful things!  God has given me a great love for children and teaching this class brings me so much joy! I look forward to getting to know your student/s and creating with them.  

Art 2 (grades 4th–6th) 12:30pm-1:25pm 
Tuition: $40, plus $20 supply fee
Supplies Needed: Sharpened pencils, pencil sharpener, large pink eraser, a large shirt/smock/apron, colored pencils, ruler, and sharp adult-sized scissors.  All supplies MUST be brought to each class.

Let’s dive into the World of Art together!  This year, students will travel through time and across the world discovering all of the beauty that is Art.  We will dive into many cultures, countries, and different points in history, studying both folk art and fine art.  My goal for this class is to inspire students to use their God-given creativity to express themselves, while teaching them the skills to do so.  We will use a variety of techniques and mediums to create works of art, which we will display at semester’s end for family to enjoy. God has given me a great love for children and teaching this class brings me so much joy! I look forward to getting to know your student/s and creating with them.  




Elementary Literature Class:
Teacher: Jessica Call
(grades 1st–3rd )  1:00pm-1:25pm
Tuition: $30, plus $5 supply fee
Curriculum to Purchase: None
Supplies Needed: Regular pencils and colored pencils, scissors and glue stick.

In this class we will read books together and then engage in meaningful discussions about what we read. Each week, students will have the opportunity to ask questions and share their thoughts with their peers. This collaborative approach not only encourages critical thinking but also develops communication and listening skills. In addition, we will explore a variety of texts (fiction, non-fiction, poetry, possibly short chapter books) and learn about different literary traits/devices. We will also do fun activities to go along with what we are learning! 







Book Club: (grades 4th–6th)

Teacher: Jessica Call

1:30pm-1:55pm

Tuition: $30, plus $5 supply fee

Supplies Needed: TBD

Curriculum to Purchase: Frindle, by Andrew Clements

https://www.amazon.com/Frindle-Andrew-Clements/dp/0689818769


In this class we will read a chapter book together throughout the semester. Each week we will discuss a chapter that we have read, and engage in meaningful discussions about themes, characters, and various literary devices. Students will have the opportunity to lead discussions (in small groups), ask questions, and share their thoughts with their peers. This collaborative approach not only encourages critical thinking but also develops communication and listening skills. For the fall semester we will read Frindle, by Andrew Clements (it's okay if they've previously read this book!). Each student will need their own copy to use throughout the semester. There will be some short assigned reading to complete at home (we will also often read together in class, and reading at home will mostly be to re-read). 


Creative Writing: (grades 4th-6th)

Teacher: Jessica Call

2:00pm-2:30pm

Tuition: $30, plus $5 supply fee

Supplies Needed: TBD

Curriculum to Purchase: None


Reluctant writer? This class is for you! Voracious writer? This class is for you! Average writer? This class is also for you! In this class students will engage in a variety of writing activities such as journaling, storytelling, poetry writing, and even writing their own books. They will collaborate with peers to receive constructive feedback and work on improving their writing through revision and editing. We will explore writing through prompts and activities that will help students find inspiration and get excited about writing. For students that have mixed feelings towards writing, we will incorporate growth mindset strategies to help them feel more empowered to write. 








Middle School Classes 
Consult teachers as needed as to determine appropriate placement.


Middle School Science 9:00am–9:55am

Teacher: Chrissy McDowell

Tuition: $40, plus $10 supply fee

Curriculum to Purchase:  TBD

Supplies needed: 


Welcome to Middle School Science!

This semester we will be  bridging the gap from elementary science to more demanding high-school curriculum.
Students will focus on  expirimentation,learning to take notes, and how to write a lab report.
 Tests are required,  but will be done in a fun and interactive way allowing a variety of learners to demonstrate their knowledge. Short weekly reading will be required. Remember!  You will  get what you put in.






Middle School IEW 10:00am–10:55am: 

Teacher: Chrissy McDowell

Tuition: $40, plus $10 supply fee

Curriculum to Purchase:  IEW Ancient History-Based Writing Lessons student book.

Supplies needed: 

 


 For middle school writing  our goal is  to gain experience in forming a logical thought process ,  articulating thoughts and ideas orally, and in writing.  Exposure to good literature and sophisticated dictation study will help the student in the development of focus, attention , and planning that  will result in better writing.
We will implement organazation of thoughts and assimilation of text either orally as a class, artistically, and the more traditional  " pen to paper" , in an  effort to be help the student learn to think, speak, and write in a coherent manner .


This class will be designed to be  highly interactive,  utilizing a  hands-on approach with lots of opportunities for in class participation.

Workload/Time Commitment: Students can expect weekly assigned work.  Homework completion is  required and encouraged as the student will  receive the opportunity to submit and present their work with encouraging and constructive evaluation.



Materials Required are: 
IEW Ancient History-Based Writing Lessons student book.





Middle School Art 11:00am–12:00noon
Teacher: Tessa Herman
Tuition $40, plus $20 supply fee

Curriculum to Purchase: None
Supplies needed: an apron, sharpened pencils, pencil sharpener, large eraser, colored pencils, ruler, sharp scissors, and a sketchbook.  All supplies MUST be brought to each class.


From Tessa: Students who are a mature/proficient 6th grader through 8th grade will step beyond beginning art skills in this class, with new techniques and more mature expectations. This year we will explore the Principles of Design and how they apply to the art we create.  In addition to creating art, students will explore various artists and movements in Art History.  The resulting art pieces will be curated by the students and displayed at the semester’s end for family to enjoy.  There will be a minimal amount of homework relating to the academic portion of our class, and all work will be graded.  Teaching art brings me a lot of joy, and I look forward to getting to know and creating with your student!




Middle School Cooking Class 12:30pm-1:25pm

7th-12th grade

Teacher: April Stauffer

Tuition: $40 (plus supply fee dependent on class enrollment) 


Curriculum to Purchase: None

Supplies Needed: variable throughout year but will include kitchen items such as a skillet, spatula, knife, cutting board, etc 


Learn basic cooking skills in this cooking class. We'll learn skills such as chopping, how to sauté, how to use the stove and oven, following a recipe, etc. Students will need to bring various kitchen items from home, however, if a student does not have access to a certain item, I may have a duplicate they can use. There will be a minimum and maximum number of students depending on our facility space. 


*Note for high schooler students*- this class by itself would not count for high school credit. However, if you would like ideas for how this could count for a partial credit, please email me. 


Minimum enrollment requirement of 5 students. If that number is not reached, the class will be withdrawn from the schedule. (Maximum of 18)



Middle School Photography 12:30pm-1:25pm


7th-12th grade

Teacher: Amy Anderson

Tuition: $40, plus a $15 supply fee

Curriculum: Smart Phone Smart Photography by Jo Bradford

Supplies Needed: A folder with pockets OR 3-ring binder (½-1” is fine) with pockets on the inside covers, notebook paper, pens/pencils.


Take cool and creative photos with your phone, tablet, or camera! This class will be mostly taught from the perspective of taking pictures with a smartphone. Learn about all of the settings on your device's camera and understand what aperture, shutter speed, and ISO mean. Discover more about the inner workings of how a camera functions. Study reflections, angles, lighting, composition, and more! No prior knowledge of photography is needed. 


Students are expected to participate in reading assignments (homework) and emailing or uploading photos each week. The weekly assignments given will include reading, research, a little writing, and of course, picture taking! Parents may tailor the assignments to suit the student’s age and ability. Part of our time in class will be sharing our photos and hearing how their photo creations went (what went well, questions they had, additional ideas, etc). Students will need to bring their textbook to class each week.


Curriculum may be purchased at https://www.amazon.com or by clicking on the book image above.




Middle School History 1:30-2:30pm
Teacher: Skylar Estes
Tuition $40, plus $5 supply fee



Curriculum to Purchase (For each class -each family needs one copy. Students do not need to bring their book to class) :
 Mystery of History Vol 1 hardcover textbook (one per family) Second Edition of Vol 1 will work for this class

Supplies Needed: Each student will need a 3-ring binder dedicated to history, with 4 dividers, colored pencils, 2 sharpened regular pencils, glue stick

We are continuing on in history with author Linda Lacour Hobar in the first volume in her series, Mystery of History. Linda's conversational style, heart for training students, and interesting tidbits that are not found in all history books, have made her course highly requested. Although used for all ages, Linda notes passages that parents may want to edit out for younger or sensitive students, yet you have a textbook that can grow with your child and continue to enrich them as they rotate through the history cycle at an older age. 

This year we will be studying the fascinating time of Creation to Resurrection using the Mystery of History text as well as pulling from some other resources. In addition to timeline and notebook work we will experience history hands on by doing some "Living History Days" where we act out or experience an event or the daily life of people from the past. At the end of the year celebration students act out a character from history studied this year as part of a living history museum. Don't just read about history, experience it!

 


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