Middle School

Curriculum and Classes

 

The middle school academic program utilizes a traditional approach with various textbooks. We choose from a variety of Christian and secular publishers. We are continually looking for the best for our students. Students are often given individual and group projects to assist in the building of their academic success.

 

Bible

Students engage in Bible classes four days a week. Students texts are from a variety of conservative Christian companies. The emphasis is the practicality of scripture and doctrine for everyday life. The fifth day is reserved for a Chapel day. Chapel is a mix of singing, skits, special speakers and special events that will encourage students to develop a closer relationship with Jesus Christ.

Language Arts

In Language Arts there is a major emphasis on developing writing and reading skills. Students will have regular writing instruction assignments. Throughout the year the reading instruction will include study in a variety of trade (chapter) books with an emphasis on comprehension. Besides writing and reading, students will also be given grammar, spelling and poetry instruction throughout the year.

Math

We have a two track math program, basic and advanced. Both tracks begin with General Math for sixth grade. This course develops skills in preparation for pre-algebra. The basic track moves to a geometry/ algebra preparation course for seventh grade and pre-algebra in eighth grade. The advanced track covers pre-algebra in the seventh grade, preparing the students for Algebra I in eighth grade. Students can receive high-school credit for taking our Algebra I course. CRCS uses the same texts (Glencoe) as the county public school system.

Science

All of the science classes use Christian Schools International textbooks. Classes utilize a variety of teaching approaches including experiments, demonstrations, lectures and group work. The order of study is General Science in sixth grade, Life Science in seventh grade, and Physical Science in eighth grade.

History

In each grade the goal is to teach students that God is in control over the affairs of men, and history reveals God’s will and the nature of mankind. Classes use Bob Jones University Press for their textbooks. The class emphases are Western Civilization (beginning to middle ages) in sixth grade, Western Civilization (middle ages to present) in seventh grade and American History in eighth grade.

Computers

Calvary Road is blessed with a state of the art computer lab. All students do extensive work on the computers. There is a specific class in which students are taught keyboarding as well as various computer functions both with hardware and software. Students develop interactive reports, presentations, and use the Internet for research and project development. By the end of eighth grade the students will be proficient in Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.

 

Spanish

Sixth through eighth grade take mandatory Spanish classes. Students finish Spanish I in eighth grade and can proceed to high school with one credit in a foreign language.

Fine Arts

Sixth and seventh grade students take a fine arts module, which focus on music and art appreciation. Seventh grade students assist the teacher in putting on the elementary spring music program. Individual and group lessons are also offered on various instruments.

Other Highlights

Students enjoy a variety of exciting events throughout the year that include team building, organization, interdisciplinary units, physical fitness, and academic and athletic competition. Some of the specific events include the Outdoor Education Camp at Black Rock Retreat, Spirit Week, CSI and Medieval interdisciplinary units, field trips throughout the area, King’s Dominion, Field Day, ACSI academic competition, and interscholastic sports.

Behavior Management

The middle school operates on a demerit system as well as built in rewards for good behavior. Different actions may result in a certain number of demerits that lead to a graduated system of disciplinary actions. The key to discipline is teacher/parent contact. This is largely accomplished through the Tuesday paper pack which allows the parents to see students graded papers, discipline report for the week and current grades in each subject. Rewards for no demerits are given at monthly, quarterly and yearly intervals. Rewards vary from prizes to lunch out and even an end of the year field trip paid for by the school if the student receives 6 demerits or less throughout the year.

Middle School Highlights

• Every fall the 6th - 8th grade students pack their bags and load the buses to head off to Quarryville Pennsylvania to attend Outdoor Education Camp at Black Rock Retreat. This is a three day trip that allows students to see God's handiwork up close.
• Each year the students participate in Spirit week. This is a week where the entire student body gets to dress in different themed clothes and show off our school spirit. Classes compete for the coveted "Spirit Stick" as well as the chance to earn casual dress down days.
• Interdisciplinary Units are a fun way the kids learn about various topics. For one week throughout the year, each grade level drops all of their textbooks and assimilates into their particular theme. Each subject matter is still integrated into the various topics. 6th grade goes back in time to the Medieval way of life. They become part of a caste society and enjoy tournament play and feasts while trying not to catch the Black Death Plague. 7th grade become a member of the "CSI" team and spend a week trying to solve a crime. Through hands on science analysis and field interviews they seek to figure out who, why, when and how the crime was committed. 8th grade enjoys a week of life skills. This is an attempt to get them ready for life after CRCS. Students must keep a budget, plan a trip, sew a button and use proper etiquette along with other life skills.
• Field trips are an intricate part of the teaching process. The DC area is a wealth of field trip opportunities. Students attend plays, national treasures and other various places that enhance the curriculum experience. Sixth and seventh grade always cap off the end of the year with a fun trip to King's Dominion.
• May brings about one of the most enjoyable days of the year ... Field Day. Each class in the school picks a country to study throughout the week. Friday concludes with an opening ceremony that consists of a flag ceremony. Then it's off to the competition.
• Academic competitions add special opportunities for students to be involved. Each class competes in the ACSI spelling bee, ACSI writing competition and the ACSI Math Olympics.
• The end of the year music recital is a way to show off the talents that God has given our students.
• Each month the school body tries to have a fun activity. Activities may include slipper day, book parade, Children of the World program, fall festival, scholastic book fair and various other events.
• Sports are a big part of our middle school community. Girls have an opportunity to compete in volleyball, basketball, cheerleading, and soccer. Boys have an opportunity to compete in soccer and basketball. For more information, visit our Athletics page.
• The 8th graders enjoy an end of the year pre-graduation trip just for them. Students raise money throughout the year to go on a three day trip to Williamsburg where they attend Busch Gardens and Water Country USA. It's a last chance to spend time fellowshipping with friends before Graduation.

School Day

The school day consists of 7 academic class periods plus a 30 minute lunch time. School starts promptly at 8:30 and dismissed at 3:15. Extended Care hours begin at 6:45 AM and end at 6:00 PM. Each class is approximately 48 minutes.

Grading System

Letter Grade	Score
A+	99-100
A	96-98
A-	94-95
B+	92-93
B	89-91
B-	86-88
C+	83-85
C	79-82
C-	76-78
D+	74-75
D	69-73
F	Below 69

CRCS Highlights

May 26, 2008 : Memorial Day School, Preschool, and Extended Care closed

May 28, 2008 : Eighth Grade Class Trip A great time for our almost grads. Trip lasts thorugh the 30th.

May 30, 2008 : Eighth Grade Class Trip The trip started on the 28th and our kids will be home today.

May 30, 2008 : Preschool Graduation Join us at 7:30 P.M. in the Sanctuary

Jun 03, 2008 : Eighth Grade Last Day of School Our grads last day of classes.

Jun 03, 2008 : Eighth Grade Graduation Join us at 7:30 P.M. in the Sanctuary