OUR “TEAM”

 

Mr. Wailand Groenendyk (AKA Mr. G)

Wailand was hired in August of 1980. Presently he teaches 6^th – 8^th Bible classes and 7^th grade History.

GHCS Experience:

          5^th & 6^th Grade Self contained classes

          6^th - 9^th Grade Bible

          6^th Grade Social Studies

          7^th Grade History

 

Mr. Mark Brondyke (AKA Mr. B)

Mark was hired in 1988.  Presently he teaches 6^th – 8^th Science and 8^th Grade History.

GHCS Experience:

          6^th, 7^th, 8^th Science

          6^th Social Studies

          8^th History

          6^th Bible

 

Mrs. Rosemary Geertsma

Rosemary was hired in 1997.  Presently she teaches 6^th – 8^th English/Literature and 6^th Grade Social Studies.

GHCS Experience:

          4^th & 5^th Grade Self contained classes

          6^th – 8^th English/Literature

          6^th Social Studies

          8^th History

 

Mr. Tim Annema

Tim was hired in 2008.  Presently he teaches 6^th & 7^th math, 8^th Algebra, and 6^th Social Studies

GHCS Experience:

          6^th – 8^th Mathematics

          6^th Social Studies

 

Mrs. Laurie King

Laurie was hired as a paraprofessional in 2000.  Presently she is part of the ESS staff with specific responsibilities for 5^th – 8^th grade students.

 

         

OUR MIDDLE SCHOOL PHILOSOPHY

 

In 1994 we graduated our last  9^th Grade Class. With the end of offering 9^th Grade at Grand Haven Christian came the opportunity to revamp the Middle School program. A Middle School philosophy was developed and a program was designed and implemented to most effectively meet the needs and learning styles of adolescent students.

 

OUR MIDDLE SCHOOL PHILOSOPHY STATEMENT

 

þ    We recognize the VALUE and GIFTS of each INDIVIDUAL child of God.

þ    Our school ENVIRONMENT reflects an understanding of ADOLESCENT development, taking into account the SPECIAL NEEDS of children at this stage of life.

þ    The staff’s TEACHING METHODS include cooperative learning, hands-on techniques, research, enrichment opportunities, interdisciplinary studies, as well as many others.

þ    We develop/enhance STUDY SKILLS and ORGANIZATIONAL SKILLS while encouraging each student to become more RESPONSIBLE and ACCOUNTABLE for his or her actions.

þ    Our SCHEDULE allows for FLEXIBILITY.

þ    We provide varied OPPORTUNITIES for individual participation as well as team work type challenges. 

þ    SUCCESSES and ACCOMPLISHMENTS of students are celebrated.

þ    The STAFF works as a TEAM to meet the needs each student.

 

 

 

SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT

 

We are aware that a person’s spiritual development is a journey not an achievement. To that end we also recognize that the students we teach are not only experiencing physical changes associated with adolescence but also experiencing various stages of spiritual development.  We provide encouragement and opportunities for this journey through classroom devotions at the beginning of the school day, before lunch and at the end of the day.  We have chapel each Wednesday morning that includes singing praises, spiritual instruction/challenges, prayer and celebration of God’s grace.  We encourage each student to give twelve hours in Kingdom service over the course of the school year.  As a middle school, we annually serve the community by raking our neighbor’s leaves.

 

 

ACADEMICS (classes per week)

 

Sixth Grade                               Seventh Grade                          Eighth Grade

Bible (5)                                   Bible (5)                                   Bible (5)

Science (5)                               Science (5)                               Science (5)

English/Lit (5)                           English/Lit (5)                           English/Lit (5)

Math (5)                                   Math (5)                                   Algebra (5)

Social Studies (5)                      History (5)                                History (5)

Computer (1)                            Computer (1)                            Computer (1)

Physical Ed (2)                         Physical Ed (2)                         Physical Ed (2)

Spanish (2)                               Spanish (2)                               Spanish (2 – 1 semester)

Music (2 – 1 semester)              Music (2 – 1 semester)              Art (2 – 1 semester)

Art (2 – 1 semester)                  Art (2 – 1 semester)                  Choir (2 – optional)

Choir (2 – optional)                  Choir (2 – optional)                  Band (3 – optional) 

Band (3 – optional)                   Band (3 – optional)

 

We use the Pinnacle grading software through Grand Haven Public Schools which allows us to post grades online. Parents and students can access grades 24/7.  We distribute Report Cards at the end of each quarter and Midterm Reports part way through each quarter.  We print “grade reports”(current grades and missing assignments) twice a week for students and hold them accountable for completing their assignments.  Work that is turned in late is typically graded down in fairness to those who completed their assignments on time and to encourage student responsibility.

 

COMMUNICATION

 

We value communication between ALL those involved in the education of our students.  We meet with our students during Home Room time to go over schedule changes, make announcements, share the Test/Quiz schedule, discuss issues, and answer questions.

 

We regularly meet as a staff TEAM twice a week. One of those meetings is used for planning events, reviewing curriculum, discussing schedule changes, evaluating components of the program and preparing for the coming school year.  The other meeting is dedicated to discussing students; their needs, successes, progress and anything else that might impact their education.  Laurie King, Shelly Feddema (ESS) and Mr. Geertsma (Principal) also routinely attend this second meeting.

 

Of course we want to communicate with our student’s parents so that we can best understand and teach our students. There are a variety of forms of communication we use such as:

• Daily Emails with assignments, reminders, lesson overview, review materials, etc.
• Phone calls
• Report cards
• Mid Term Reports
• Conferences
• Written notes
• Middle School News Brief
• Face to face in the Hall before, during or after school
• Teacher web sites
• Team Meetings (parents are welcome to meet with the staff to voice concerns or share pertinent information regarding their child)
• Open House
• September Informational Meeting
• Student Handbook
• Parent Handbook
• Discipline slips

 

DRESS CODE

 

Because we want our students to practice the Christian principles of modesty and appropriateness in dress as in other areas of life, the school board has adopted the following dress code for school and school related/sponsored activities:

• Students are expected to wear clothing that is neat, clean and in “good taste.”
• Clothing and accessories that are distracting or inappropriate are not allowed.
• Clothing which advertises tobacco/alcoholic products, gambling, secular musical groups or has offensive slogans/pictures are not to be worn at school.
• Shorts may be worn until the CEA Convention date and after Spring Break
• Shorts shall be “finger-tip” length or longer to be deemed appropriate school wear
• Midriffs shall remain covered at all times (while standing, bending, or reaching)
• Undergarments shall remain covered (for example “sagging” of pants is not allowed)
• Hats are not to be worn in the school building.
• Skirts will be at least “knee length”

 

SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

 

Our school is a community.  Not only are our students gaining an academic education, they are learning how to interact with their peers and adults. We begin the school year with a camp experience and offer many and varied opportunities throughout the year to participate in activities with others.  We encourage students to participate in these activities. Each experience provides a learning environment different from the typical classroom experience.  Lessons in team work, leadership, positive interaction, perseverance, practice, self discipline, success, defeat, and reaching personal goals can be learned while “playing.”  

 

Interscholastic Sports (between Schools)

Basketball

Baseball (Boys)

Softball (Girls)

Volley Ball (Girls)

Soccer

Track & Field

 

Competitions

Spelling Bee (Local)

Geography Bee (National)

Bible Bowl (School)

Battle of the Books (School)

Science Olympiad (National)

Team Challenges (School)

Spirit Days (School)

 

Performance Opportunities

Play

Lip Sync

Choir Concerts

Band Concerts

 

Enrichment and Prime Time Activities

Year Book Layout                    Badminton                       3 on 3 Basketball  

Checkers                                  Speed Ball                      Free Throws

Chess                                       Wiffle Ball                       Rockets

Hobbies                                   Bunco                             Student Advisory Council

Magic Tricks                            Volley Ball                      Grace Adventures Camp

Balloon Twisting                       Kick Ball                         Service Projects

Soap Carving                            Theme Week                   Sledding

Knitting                                    Darts                              Geography

Fantasy Football                       Foos Ball                        Monopoly

Newspaper                               Improvisation                  Backgammon

Soccer                                     Flag Football                   Juggling

SPORTS & OTHER EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

 

We view sports (as well as other extra curricular activities) as opportunities for children to try new things or extend skills/interests they already have.  In order to provide that opportunity we do not “cut” students from teams. All who want to participate and are willing to commit the time and effort are afforded the opportunity to be on the “team.” We do however put first things first in that we have “eligibility” requirements that have to be met for participation.  A student’s academics, attitude, and behavior must meet acceptable standards before being allowed to participate in school sponsored extra curricular activities.  Due to the make up of our sports league, interscholastic basketball, baseball and soccer are open to 7^th and 8^th Graders. If a team cannot be filled out with those two grade levels, then 6th Graders (with experience and interest) may be asked to join the team.

 

CELEBRATING STUDENTS

 

We strive to recognize individual and corporate student accomplishments even if it is just “trying” something through participation. Each quarter we hold a Celebration Assembly where we distribute “award certificates”.  These certificates are kept in individual student notebooks which leave with the students when they graduate eighth grade.

 

 

DISCIPLINE

It is important that parents, staff and students work together to maintain a Christian educational environment.  In order to achieve such a positive learning atmosphere and develop responsible students, we follow a discipline system has been adopted by the staff and school board.  While the majority of discipline is handled on the spot there are times when it is necessary to document isolated infractions or repeated acts of disobedience, bullying, classroom disturbance, playground misbehavior, or other inappropriate behavior. In these cases a Discipline Report will be filled out with a copy sent home to parents and a copy forwarded to the principal. Points will also be assigned to the infraction which will be applied to the Discipline Code.

 

ORGANIZATIONAL SKILLS

 

Being able to keep track of tasks and completing those tasks in a timely fashion in an important skill to develop. We strive to offer our students a variety of tools to use for organization as well as instructional help to them stay organized and complete their assignments. Typically a student will have three days to make up missing work before it becomes a “zero” that is averaged in as part of the student’s final grade.

We monitor the amount of homework assigned. We coordinate when we give tests, quizzes, and projects so that students do not become overwhelmed with work or preparations to be completed at home. We encourage students to think ahead, plan ahead, prepare ahead and manage their time efficiently and effectively.

 

 

MIDDLE SCHOOL FEE

 

At registration, a $150 fee is charged for expenses unique to the Middle School program. A portion ($115) of this fee pays for athletic coaches, referees, Science Olympiad, the Spelling Bee, the Geography Bee, the Play, enrichment expenses, team activities supplies and other miscellaneous costs.  Each year we take the entire Middle School to Grace Adventures Camp. The Middle School fee pays $30 toward this camp experience.  The last portion ($5) goes toward textbook purchases, rebinding and repairs.

 

GRADING SCALE USED IN OUR MIDDLE SCHOOL

           

    PERCENT          GRADE

                     101+                    A+

                   97-100                   A

                   94-96                    A-

                   91-93                    B+

                   87-90                    B

                   84-86                    B-

                   81-83                    C+

                   77-80                    C

                   74-76                    C-

                    71-73                    D+

                   67-70                    D

                   64-66                    D-

                                        0-63                     E      

 

MAGAZINE SALE

 

The Middle School students (along with the 4^th and 5^th Graders) have partnered with QSP to offer magazine renewals or new subscriptions to our school “family.”  This is a unique fund raiser for several reasons:

ü     All the money raised (40% of gross receipts) by the class stays with the class through out Middle School (4^th & 5^th Grade classes also carry forward their funds)

ü     This is not a door to door sale; students are encourage to only contact family and friends

ü     Much of the sale involves renewals of magazines already being purchased

ü     Magazines are a good value (many are offered at discounted prices)

ü     Students can earn various prizes and rewards based on sales

ü     Students do not need to deliver purchased products

ü     The sale only lasts two weeks

ü     Ordering of magazines can be done on line through the school’s web site

ü     Profits from this sale are used for Camp expenses, classroom celebrations, Michigan Adventure Class outing (6^th & 7^th Graders) and other related costs.

ü     8^th Graders who participate in the Magazine Sale during their 8^th grade year can earn money toward their individual class trip expenses (approximately $150).  For example, if a student sells $375 of new/renewal magazine orders, he/she will earn $150 toward her class trip.

ü     8^th Grade Class funds are also used for graduation expenses

ü     Any left over 8^th Grade class funds are “gifted” to the school for a specific purchase

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6^th Grade

BIBLE

SEPTEMBER

Characteristics of God

Introduction to the Bible

Creation

Fall

Flood

OCTOBER

Tower of Babel

Abraham

Isaac

Jacob

NOVEMBER

Joseph

Moses

The Plagues

The Exodus

DECEMBER

The Law

The Tabernacle

JANUARY

Wanderings in the Desert

Balaam & Balak

FEBRUARY

Joshua

Conquest of Canaan (Battle Projects)

MARCH

The 13 Judges

APRIL

Ruth

Samuel

MAY

King Saul

King David

JUNE

King Solomon

 

 

7^th Grade

BIBLE

SEPTEMBER

Review Israel’s Early Monarchy

Saul/David/Solomon

Begin DIVIDED KINGDOM ERA

OCTOBER

Kings of Israel

Prophets such as Elijah, Elisha,

Jonah, Amos, Hosea

Israel’s march into Exile

NOVEMBER

Kings of Judah

PUPPET PROJECT

Isaiah

Zachariah

DECEMBER

Exile to Babylon

Obadiah

JANUARY

Jeremiah

Ezekiel

FEBRUARY

Daniel

Esther

MARCH

Return from Exile

APRIL

The Silent Years

MAY

Introduction to New Testament

JUNE

Gospel Overview

 

 

 

 

7^th Grade HISTORY

SEPTEMBER
Explorers
Native Americans
OCTOBER
13 English Colonies
Colonial Life
NOVEMBER
French Settlements
French Indian War
DECEMBER
Governing the Colonies
“Brewing” Trouble
JANUARY
The Revolutionary War
The Constitution
FEBRUARY
Setting up a Government
Job Folders
MARCH
Industrialization
Cotton Industry
Westward Movement
APRIL
American Politics
Expansion
The Gold Rush
Lewis & Clark
MAY
A Divided Nation
The Civil War
JUNE
The Presidents (1-16)

 

 

 

 

8^th Grade

BIBLE

SEPTEMBER

Review Old Testament

The Gospels

John the Baptist

Ministry of Christ

OCTOBER

The Kingdom of God

Jesus’ Miracles and Teachings

NOVEMBER

Passion Week

DECEMBER

The Resurrection

The Ascension

JANUARY

Pentecost

The Early Church

General Epistles

FEBRUARY

Paul’s Epistles

Paul’s Missionary Journeys

MARCH

More about Paul’s Letters

APRIL

Paul’s Sufferings

Titus

Peter

MAY

Hebrews

I, II, III John

Jude

Revelation

JUNE

Church History

 

 

           

 

Language Arts Curriculum

Grand Haven Christian Middle School

2009-2010

Rosemary Geertsma, language arts teacher

 

1. Student Textbooks

All three grades use Houghton Mifflin English as their basic English textbook.  Each grade level has a separate edition.  This textbook is used for grammar studies and language usage lessons.

Our seventh and eighth grades also use a literature book, Prentice Hall Literature.  The eighth grade uses the Silver edition, and seventh grade uses the Bronze edition.  The sixth grade uses Treasure of Literature by Harcourt Brace.

 

1. I follow the Michigan Content Standards for setting up my curriculum, all of which can be found on the Michigan Department of Education website:  www.michigan.gov/mde.  In addition, I use the Michigan Genre Study, and follow the genre suggestions for reading and writing in each grade:

Sixth grade:

Narrative Reading:  Action, Adventure, and Fantasy.

Narrative Writing:  Adventure, Fantasy, Personal Narrative, Poetry

Informational Reading:  Essay, How-to-Article, Research report

Informational Writing:  Personal essay, Comparative essay, Research report.

Seventh grade:

Narrative Reading:  Drama, Folktales (including fables, myths, tall tales and legends), Poetry

Narrative Writing:  Drama, Personal Narrative, Memoir, Poetry, Fable

Informational Reading:  Biography, Autobiography, Brochure, Personal Correspondence, Research report.

Information Writing:  Research project.

Eighth grade:

Narrative Reading:  Realistic fiction, Historical fiction

Narrative Writing:  Poetry, Historical fiction

Informational Reading:  Newspaper writing, Persuasive essay

Informational Writing:  Biography, Historical expository piece, Journal, Research project, Persuasive essay.

 

1. Spelling

I use an individual spelling program as described in Nanci Atwell’s Lessons That Change Writers and in her book, In the Middle.  This spelling approach involves multi-sensory practice with the goal of long-term retention of the words learned.

 

1. Other Sources

I use resources found on the TTMS website, the 6+1 Traits of Writing, Power Writing and a multitude of other personal resource materials. 

 

1. My Philosophy

My goal is to expand my student’s knowledge and experiences through reading, writing, speaking and listening. God has gifted us with the ability to communicate, and my goal is to help my students grow in their knowledge and use of language for a life of service in His world.