Middle School Information Booklet

Bradenton Christian School 3304 43rd Street W. Bradenton, FL 34209

941-792-5454

Middle School Orientation

for ALL 6th Grade Students and NEW 7th & 8th Grade Students

Welcome! We are eager to kick off an exciting school year for our middle school! This booklet is your guide to better understanding how to navigate middle school to ensure a smooth transition. This can be a stressful time for middle school students coming into a new environment. Communication is the key to a successful transition! Please take the time to carefully read through this booklet for school supplies as well as expectations from the teachers and the administration.

During this evening, families will:

meet the teachers

receive locker assignments

share pertinent information we should know about your student

ask questions

walk through your student’s schedule

Mrs. Barber (Secondary School Secretary) and I are here to assist you with any questions. We are blessed and honored to educate your child and look forward to a successful school year! Yours in Christ, Mike Van Hoven Secondary Principal 2

Schedule

7:45 – There will be a group

going to Fine Arts if you are interested in seeing the classrooms.

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6th Grade

Group 1 Caldwell 6:20 Hodges 6:35 Kliewer 6:50 Specials 7:05 Lockers 7:23

Group 2

Hodges 6:20 Kliewer 6:35 Specials 6:50 Lockers 7:05 Caldwell/Smith 7:23

Group 3

Kliewer 6:20 Specials 6:35 Lockers 6:50 Caldwell/Smith 7:05 Hodges 7:23

Group 4

Specials 6:20 Lockers 6:35 Caldwell/Smith 6:50 Hodges 7:05 Kliewer 7:23

Group 5

Lockers 6:20 Caldwell 6:35 Hodges 6:50 Kliewer 7:05 Specials 7:23

7th Grade Smith 6:20-6:32 Clark 6:32-6:44 Van Ryn 6:44-6:56 Bobitz 6:56-7:08 Cespedes 7:08-7:20 Specials 7:20-7:32 Lockers 7:32

8th Grade Van Ryn 6:20-6:32 Smith 6:32-6:44 Bobitz 6:44-6:56 Cespedes 6:56-7:08 Clark 7:08-7:20 Specials 7:20-7:32 Lockers 7:32

Important Information to Know *Please read your online Handbook for more details.

Absence Policy: Please contact the secondary school office to report your student’s absence from school. This may be done via voicemail or email. It must be reported for it to be considered excused. Contact Judy Barber at 792-5454 ext. 110 or jbarber@bcspanthers.org Extracurricular Absence Policy: If your student misses more than 20 minutes of a class, then he/she is considered absent in that class and will NOT be permitted to participate in any extracurricular activities for that day (practices, games, music, drama, etc.). Students who show a doctor’s note will be permitted to participate. Students may not be in the Health room and miss over 20 minutes of a class or they are considered absent. Excessive Absences: Students may miss up to 10 absences in each class (period) per semester. This includes doctor appointments. Each absence over 10 will result in one letter grade reduction per extra day absent. Please inform the office if there are extenuating circumstances. (i.e. under a doctor’s care). Extended Absences: Days missed for a vacation will be counted towards the 10 total allowed for the semester. Please contact the school office in the event of a planned absence. It is recommended that students let the teachers know ahead of time in order to get their work done early. Tardiness: Tardy to School: Students are tardy at the 8:10 am bell and must sign into the office for a tardy pass prior to going to 1st Period. There are no “excused” tardies to school other than having a doctor’s note. 4

Tardy to Class: A 30 second warning bell alerts students they are about to be tardy between classes. Students who are tardy to class will be marked "tardy" by the classroom teacher. A total of 4 tardies in one quarter, combined in all classes, will result in a Saturday morning detention. (8:00 am – 9:30 am). Students should get permission from teachers prior to being late to their class for any reason (restroom, health room, etc.). Dress Code: Students who do not wear a BCS collared shirt Monday – Thursday are subject to a detention. Students who are not in proper dress code on Chapel Day may be subject to a detention. (Please read the handbook for all details.) Students may only wear the BCS standardized collared shirt with the “Paw” on the sleeve, purchased only from our school vendor, Classroomcolors.com. Boys: may wear pants, jeans (no holes) or shorts. On Chapel Day (Thursday), boys must wear long pants/khakis (no jeans or shorts). Athletic shorts/pants or pajama pants are NOT allowed. BCS t-shirts are permitted on Fridays. Students who are playing a sport may wear their sports jersey to school only on game days. Girls: may wear pants, jeans (no holes), skirts, capris or shorts. On Chapel Day (Thursday), girls must wear pants, capris or skirts (no jeans, shorts or skorts). Skirts may NOT be shorter than 2 inches above the knee. Shorts may NOT be shorter than 4 inches above the knee. BCS t-shirts are permitted on Fridays. Students who are playing a sport may wear their sports jersey to school only on game days. Demerits/Detentions A total of 4 demerits in a quarter will result in a detention. A total of 4 detentions in a semester will result in a 1 day out-of-school suspension. Students may receive demerits for minor infractions (unprepared for class, behavior, talking, etc). Students may receive a detention should the teacher or administration feel the situation warrants it.

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PE Students are required to wear the following for PE class: Girls: choice of BCS PE shorts or basketball length athletic shorts and any BCS t-shirt. Boys: Athletic shorts and any BCS t-shirt. Students MUST be dressed out for PE! Hot Lunch Program The hot lunch program will begin Monday, August 17th. Lunch menus are available on RenWeb. Orders need to be placed one week in advance for the following week. Details regarding lunch were sent in the summer mailer packet. Any questions, please contact Angela Hamilton at 792-5454 ext. 141 or ahamilton@bcspanthers.org. Cell Phones Students are permitted to have cell phones; however, the phones are NOT allowed to be seen or heard during class or anytime during school hours with 1 exception. The ONLY place and time students may use their phone is during lunch in the lobby. Students may check messages at that time. Please see the handbook for details should this policy be abused. RenWeb Parent Preferences Log in to RenWeb. Go to Web forms, Family Demographic, under custodial parent information at the bottom is preferences. Please set your custom settings to receive emails regarding progress reports (i.e. notify when a grade is below a certain amount or a missing assignment, etc). Middle School teachers will have all assignments for each week on RenWeb by noon each Monday. 6

The following policies are specific for Middle School Only Middle School Policy for Late Work Late work will be accepted 3 days late for the following credit: 1 day late – 75%; 3 days late – 50%. Zero credit will be given for work turned in after 3 days. Middle School Policy for Make Up Assignments: You will receive 1 day for each day you miss to make up assignments that were given on the day of the absence. Tests, quizzes, homework or projects that were scheduled to be due on the day(s) absent are expected to be completed/due on the day of return. Final Exams Middle school students will take their final exams during the last 3 days of each semester. Please keep this in mind when planning trips. Parents will be charged $25 for each final exam that needs to be rescheduled. 6th Grade: Exams will count for 10% of their semester grade. 7th & 8th Grade: Exams will count for 20% of their semester grade. 7th & 8th Grade: students who earn a 95% or higher in each quarter will be exempt from taking the exams and do not need to come to school during the week of exams. Class Preparedness It is vital that students are prepared every day for each class. Students are expected to bring their textbooks, paper, pens and any other assignments. Students may lose participation points or receive demerits should they habitually come to class unprepared.

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Service Hours 6th Grade: 5 hours 7th Grade: 8 hours 8th Grade: 10 hours Students are required to serve others. They may receive service hours for volunteer work at non-profit organizations (non-paid) through activities such as church volunteer work, American Red Cross, animal shelters, Salvation Army, etc. Lost and Found Items left in hallways, on shelves, etc. after school hours, will be placed in Lost and Found, which is located in Mr. Van Ryn’s room. Students will have to pay $1.00 for each item claimed from Lost and Found. Miscellaneous

Middle School students should only use the upstairs restrooms (with the exception of during lunch).

During lunch, students need to stay at their table until their table is picked up and they are dismissed.

Back Doors: The back doors may be used only in the event of an emergency.

When entering the building, middle school students should use the stairway on the right. (The left stairway is for high school.)

7th & 8th grade students should use the back stairway by their lockers when going to and from Wichers for assembly, chapel, lunch & study hall.

NOTE: Students are prohibited from opening another student’s locker, taking another student’s book off of the shelf, taking any item of another student, or taking another student’s item out of Lost and Found. 8

Matthew 18: 15-18

15 “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault,

between you and him alone. If he listens to you,

you have gained your brother. 16 But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with

you, that every charge may be established by the

evidence of two or three witnesses. 17 If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if

he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be

to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. 18 Truly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be

bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth

shall be loosed[a] in heaven.

Based on Matthew 18: 15-18……It is our desire for parents to contact teachers directly should they have any questions

regarding a situation that occurred in a teacher’s classroom or under their supervision. If the situation needs to be

discussed further, a meeting may be set up with the parent, teacher and Principal. It is our prayer that parents will model the Matthew 18 Principle to their students. Please encourage

your child to go to the teacher should they have an issue, instead of having their parent advocate for them. We

believe Middle School is a wonderful time to teach students how to advocate for themselves. Students are encouraged to

talk to their teacher, guidance counselor or Principal for advice.

6th, 7th & 8th Grade - Math

Mrs. Smith

Room Number: 202 Email: bsmith@bcspanthers.org Phone Number: 792-5454 ext. 179 This will be my 12th year teaching and my 4th year at BCS. I have 3 children that attend BCS as well (grades 11th, 7th, and 6th). I am really looking forward to having you in my class this year! What you need to know:

Homework will be given 3-4 times a week. There will usually be about 3 tests a quarter. Students will have their notes, specific pages from their book, or a test review sheet to help prepare for the tests. On the weeks that there is no test, there will usually be a quiz. ALL homework, tests, and quizzes will need to be done in PENCIL only! Please contact me through email.

Supplies: (Bring to Class Daily)

1 inch binder 3 dividers for binder

dividers for binder labeled: POD Notes Homework

Paper Pencils Colored pen for reviewing homework Ruler Textbook Workbook (grades 7th and 8th) Protractor (Not Algebra 1) Scientific Calculator (For only Math 7, Pre-Algebra and Algebra 1) 6th and 7th grade: one box of tissues 8th grade: disinfecting wipes

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7th & 8th Grade - Social Studies

Mr. Van Ryn

Room Number: 204 Email: jvanryn@bcspanthers.org Phone Number: 792-5454 ext. 152 7th graders - Exploring Our World: People, Places, & Cultures 2008 or 2010 edition 8th graders - The American Journey 2009 or 2012 edition SUPPLIES:

Pens—blue or black (assignments/tests should never be done in red) Notebook paper A two-pocket folder (just for this subject) Some type of planner/agenda/assignment book

Recommended items:

A notebook/binder/organizer to keep a lot of items (including the supplies above) together

A ruler A highlighter A box of tissues

Expectations:

Remember to bring your textbook to class each day. Check RenWeb regularly and the weekly planning calendar by the door in

my room every day. Give your best effort. Make regular use of the website for your book (specifics, including pass

codes and access codes will be given at the beginning of school) . Take your seat upon arrival to class, take inventory of what you need for

the period, and quickly get anything you do not have before you relax and socialize.

Put your name on all assignments, quizzes, and tests. Do not touch anyone else’s stuff without specific permission to do so. If you choose to hydrate during class, you do not bother anyone in the

process and only do so with bottled water you have with you. Students should act and speak in ways that promote respect and

orderliness, which honors our Lord.

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7th & 8th Grade - Science

Mr. Bobitz

Room Number: 206 Email: abobitz@bcspanthers.org Phone Number: 792-5454 ext. 191 Textbook:

Students will be given a textbook and an online code. Accounts will be charged $50 for the book rental fee and online access. The textbook must be returned undamaged.

Supplies:

Textbook or Device Composition Notebook Folder to keep handouts and lab papers in Two Writing Implements (pens or pencils, any color but red)

Information for Parents:

Tests will be taken directly from the notes, labs and chapters in the book. 7th - Tests will be 45% of the grade and Homework and lab reports will be

55% of the grade. 8th – Tests will be 50% of the grade and Homework and lab reports will be

50% of the grade. Extra credit will not be given. I expect students to do the required work

when assigned. However, a student may come for extra help and retake any test. Both grades will be averaged together to make up their test grade.

All grades and homework assignments will be posted on RenWeb. Please check there often for current information.

A review sheet will be given to each student. All the information for the test is on this hand-out. All review sheets will also be posted on RenWeb so you can print out extra copies.

General Course Information:

In addition to the information above, there will also be a unit on Evolution and Creation with an emphasis on how creation fits into each specific discipline being studied. There will also be a unit on lab safety. All science classes are hands-on lab classes. Being a lab class, there is always a risk of injury. Every effort will be made to keep everyone safe. The lab is equipped with safety equipment. Fooling around is never allowed in the lab. Failure to comply with this rule could result in a student not being able to participate in the lab activities. A safety contract will be sent home and will also be posted on RenWeb. The contract must be signed and dated before a student can participate in a lab.

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7th & 8th Grade - Language Arts

Mrs. Pignotti

Room Number: 208 Email: jpignotti@bcspanthers.org Phone Number: 792-5454 ext. 206

Textbooks:

7th – Grammar and Language Workbook (red book); Pearson Literature Textbook (blue book) – Students will have access to an online version of the text and are provided with a hard copy in class.

8th – Grammar and Language Workbook (green book); Pearson Literature Textbook (red book) – Students will have access to an online version of the text and are provided with a hard copy in class.

Both – Any novels we read will be distributed in class and charged to your BCS account.

Supplies:

Pens (dark blue or black ink only) Red pen (for peer corrections) Color Pencils 1-inch, 3 ring binder WITH NOTEBOOK PAPER IN IT. 4 dividers (for grammar, literature, vocab, and writing workshop) USB flash drive Pocket folder to keep in the classroom 7th Grade (optional) – Bag of Jolly Ranchers & box of tissues 8th Grade (optional) – Bag of Hershey Kisses & roll of paper towels or

container of Lysol wipes.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: Tentative Weekly Schedule: Monday – Grammar; Tuesday - Lit; Wednesday –

Writing Workshop; Thursday - Lit; Friday – Vocabulary. (Our weekly schedule may change depending on what day we have access to the media center computers.)

Objectives: In Language Arts, students receive an in-depth focus in the four areas of grammar, literature, vocabulary, and writing. Grammar – Grammar instruction consists of weekly grammar lessons

from our textbook. Literature – Students will read and analyze a broad scope of short

stories, novels, poetry, nonfiction, and drama from both classic and contemporary authors.

Vocabulary – Vocab lists will come from the literature we read in class as well as SAT words and STEMS.

Writing – During weekly writing workshops, students will develop writing skills necessary to equip them for high school. These skills include the following: 1) Producing clear and coherent sentences, paragraphs, and essays; 2) Writing for a variety of purposes and audiences; 3) Researching for the purpose of presenting information as well as constructing ideas. Students will also be introduced to Modern Language Association (MLA) requirements for properly formatting all English papers.

7th & 8th Grade - Bible

Ms. Clark Room Number: 210 Email: dclark@bcspanthers.org Phone Number: 792-5454 ext. 195 Welcome to Bible Class! It is my privilege and joy to be your teacher! This will be my 10th year teaching at BCS. God has great things to show us (check out Jeremiah 33:3!): 7th Grade focuses on Jesus’ ministry in the 4 Gospels and the early church in Acts. 8th Grade focuses on developing a Christian worldview. All classes emphasize applying God’s word to our lives today – being doers not just hearers of the Word (James 1:22). I can’t wait to get started! Supplies: (Bring to Class Daily)

An ESV (English Standard Version) Bible A Composition Notebook A Pocket Folder WITH PRONGS Notebook Paper and Pencils/Pens

Also, if possible, please bring the following items the first week of school to share with everyone throughout the year:

7th Graders: One box of tissues or a roll of paper towels 8th Graders: One bag of your favorite wrapped candy (no Jolly Ranchers please as they come too sticky).

What you need to know:

Your student will have Bible memory verses. They will be posted on RenWeb approximately 2 weeks or more in advance. Please review these verses with your child so they don’t wait until the last night. (Plus you will be following Deuteronomy 11:18-19!)

As we begin each unit, your child will be given a review sheet. He/she should use this review sheet and their class notes to study for the unit tests.

Feel free to contact me about anything, as we work together in your child’s education.

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6th Grade - Bible

Mr. Kliewer

Room Number: 209 Email: jkliewer@bcspanthers.org Phone Number: 792-5454 ext. 172 I have been a Bible teacher at BCS for the past four years and have been a youth pastor for the past 17 years. One of my favorite things to do is teach middle school and high school students about the Bible and about our awesome God. This year we will be using a curriculum called Walking With God. We will learn about people from the Old and New Testament and how God used them to impact the world around them. You will also learn how you as a sixth grader can impact the world around you like the people we study about. Below is a small list of things you will need for class. Keep in mind some things will be shared with our class, so pay careful attention to what you have to get depending if you are a boy or girl. You will need these things by the end of the first week of school. I can't wait to see you at school!! Enjoy the rest of your summer!

Bring to Class Daily Bible (ESV - not on tablets or phones, sorry) Lined journal that reflects your style (it could be a standard composition

book if you want but no spiral notebooks, please) 1" 3 ringed binder with pockets and paper. A USB memory stick (this can be shared for other classes too)

Classroom supplies:

Girls: 3 x 5 index cards & 1 set of color sharpies Boys: Post-it notes & Expo skinny dry erase markers Kleenex

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6th & 7th Grade - Math

Mrs. Caldwell

Room Number: 211 Email: jcaldwell@bcspanthers.org Phone Number: 792-5454 ext. 193 I am beginning my fifteenth year of teaching, and my third year at BCS! I am married and have three wonderful children who attend BCS as well (grades 3rd, 6th, and 10th). I am really looking forward to having you in my class this year! What you need to know:

Expect to receive homework 3-4 nights a week. Weekly assessments in the form of a quiz or test. Students will have their notes, specific pages from their textbook, or a test review sheet to help prepare for tests. ALL homework, tests, and quizzes must be done in PENCIL only! Work submitted in pen will not receive credit, and must be redone. Email is the best method of communication and usually gets the quickest response time during the school day.

Supplies: (Bring to Class Daily)

1 inch binder with pockets inside both covers

4 dividers for binder labeled:

POD

Notes

Homework

Quizzes/Tests

Paper

Pencils

Colored pen for reviewing homework

Ruler

Protractor

Scientific Calculator

Textbook

Workbook

Girls: one box of tissue

Boys: 6th grade - disinfecting wipes; 7th grade – paper towels

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6th Grade - Science

Mrs. Caldwell

Room Number: 211 Email: jcaldwell@bcspanthers.org Phone Number: 792-5454 ext. 193 What you need to know:

Sixth grade science focuses on Earth and Space science including geology,

weather, environmental science, astronomy, and oceanography.

Homework, quizzes, test dates, and grades will all be posted on

RenWeb. Please check RenWeb weekly to help your child learn to

budget their studying and nightly homework time accordingly.

Keeping a weekly planner or agenda is highly encouraged, but not

required.

Reading over class notes nightly (when given) will be expected.

A review sheet will be given for chapter quizzes/unit tests and will

also be posted on RenWeb.

Supplies:

Textbook

1 inch binder with pockets inside both covers

5 dividers labeled:

Unit 1 Earth

Unit 2 Geology

Unit 3 Weather

Unit 4 Water

Unit 5 Universe

Paper

Pencils/Pens (must be erasable)

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6th Grade - English

6th Grade - Social Studies

Ms. Hodges Room Number: 211 Email: thodges@bcspanthers.org Phone Number: 792-5454 ext. 168 I am looking forward to exploring ways to integrate the English and Social Studies curriculum to enhance the students’ learning. Textbooks:

English Textbooks: Students will be issued an online textbook access code for assignments and homework. A class set of texts is available in during class. Accounts will be charged $40 for the online access. [Codes will be provided by the teacher.]

Students will also need Grammar for Writing – Level Red NEW edition. Social Studies Textbook: Students need to order a copy of the textbook.

Supplies:

Black, blue and red pens and pencils Highlighters (package of four ‘skinny’ highlighters) Binder large enough to contain handouts from both subjects with two sets

of dividers. Two spirals, preferably three hole punched so they can be inserted into

the binder. Box of colored pencils Package of small white poster boards Glue stick and small scissors I package of college ruled loose leaf, three-hole punched paper Color assortment of Sharpies Kleenex and hand sanitizer

Optional: Stickers (any kind-BCS appropriate) or bookmark(s) Additional note: we have space for a reading corner, so if anyone is thinking of clearing out any unused love seat, chairs, beanbags, etc., please let me know! The most important key to your student’s success is the partnership we will develop. I am blessed to be called to serve at Bradenton Christian School and look forward to helping your children realize their God-given potential and getting to know the 6th grade families. It will be a great year!

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6th - 8th Grade Enrichment & Testing

8th Grade Pre-Algebra - Mrs. Simpson

6th – 12th Grade Enrichment &

Testing - Mrs. Jordan

Room Number: FA130 Email: lsimpson@bcspanthers.org & wjordan@bcspanthers.org Phone Number: 792-5454 ext. 212 This will be my 15th year working as an educator, and my second year teaching at Bradenton Christian School! My oldest son will be entering the 4th grade, and my youngest son will be starting 2nd grade here at BCS. We are thrilled and feel very blessed to be part of the BCS family! I am a certified Exceptional Student Education (ESE) Teacher and have taught all subject areas to students in grades Kindergarten – 12th grade in many settings, which include resource, one-on-one, small group, self-contained, inclusion and co-teaching environments. I value the importance of developing the whole child, discipleship, goal setting, understanding our identity in Christ, and academic excellence. I look forward to partnering with parents, students, teachers, and administrators again this year for student academic success!

Supplies:

Pencils Notebook paper 4 Expo Brand dry erase markers Clorox Wipes Hand sanitizer Kleenex Accordion style pocket file folder (enrichment only) 2 or 3 – 3 prong pocket folders (pre-algebra only) 1 composition notebook (pre-algebra only) Calculator: Texas Instruments TI-30X or TI-30XIIS (pre-algebra only) 3 ring binder with 4 dividers

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

I hold high expectations for all of my students. Procedures and expectations will be taught from day 1, and re-taught as needed.

Enrichment is a non-graded class. I plan to meet with each student’s parent(s) before the end of quarter 1. If you have a question or concern, please do not hesitate to call or email me!

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7th & 8th Grade

Foreign Languages

Mrs. Birney

Room Number: 108 Email: jbirney@bcspanthers.org Phone Number: 792-5454 ext. 190

Hola… Bonjour…Hello! I am Mrs. Birney and this will be my 15th year teaching foreign languages here at BCS. I love teaching languages and culture and I use my background in missions to help give students a vision for God’s heart for the world. I’m looking forward to introducing you to some fantastic languages and cultures this year!

Middle School Courses:

Invitation to Languages for 7th and 8th graders. We begin with an overview of language and language families and progress to studying each of the 3 languages offered for high school credit: Spanish, French, and Latin. You will need the textbook Invitation to Languages (Glencoe McGraw-Hill) and the workbook.

Spanish I: 8th graders can receive high school credit for Spanish I. You will need the textbook Así se dice (Glencoe) and the workbook.

French 1: 8th graders can receive high school credit for French 1. You will need the textbook Bon Voyage (Glencoe) and the workbook

Supplies: (Bring to Class Daily)

A binder or folder used only for this class. Textbook & workbook Notebook paper Pens/Pencils

Additional classroom items to share: Please bring one of the following items with you the first week of school:

box of tissues roll of paper towels bag of wrapped candy

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6th Grade – Spanish

Mrs. van der Kooy

Room Number: 14 (Elementary Building) Email: jvanderkooy@bcspanthers.org Bienvenidos a la clase de español. I am happy to be teaching 6th grade Spanish once again. I look forward to seeing past students and meeting new ones. WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

You will have Spanish for one quarter of the school year. The textbook ¿Cómo te va? will be provided in class. If you have not been in a Spanish class, you will learn basic vocabulary

and conversation. If you have had Spanish classes, you will reinforce and expand on what

you already know. SUPPLIES:

1-inch 3 ring binder with pockets inside notebook paper pencils

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Music – Mr. Dreise

Room Number: FA110 (Fine Arts Building) Email: bdreise@bcspanthers.org Phone Number: 792-5454 ext. 251 Welcome to the Music Department! We are pleased to offer the following genres in music performance at BCS:

Choral Music Instrumental Music – Band Drum Line Jazz Band

Instrument Rental is available for some band/string instruments at $100.00 per semester. Rentals can be made by contacting me at the above email address or my office at school 941-792-5454, ext. 129.

What you need to know:

For Junior High and High School performing ensembles (instrumental) concert dress code is black pants and white shirts.

Music department grades are determined by daily work, required concert attendance, and classroom attitude.

Pep Band / Drum Line Members will participate in Football/Basketball (girls and boys) events in the Fall and Winter seasons – students in 6th grade or up will be eligible to participate – more information to follow as the school year begins.

PLEASE NOTE: ATTENDANCE AT CONCERTS IS MANDATORY! Concert dates are noted on school calendar.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call or email! Looking ahead to a GREAT year!

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Library/Media Center –

Mrs. Thomas Room Number: FA135 (Fine Arts Building) Email: dthomas@bcspanthers.org Phone Number: 792-5454 ext. 123 I am beginning my 12th year as media specialist and 25th year teaching at BCS. Working at BCS is a very special blessing because I am able to honor the Lord and Savior by serving both students and teachers every day. The Bradenton Christian School Library/Media Center strives to compliment the instructional program. By offering the use of books, computers and media materials, the library/media center is an essential part of the learning process. The following policies and procedures are offered in the hope that all students may be best served and that the Library/Media Center is used to its fullest extent. What you need to know:

Library hours: The library is open from 8:00 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. Library conduct: The library is a quiet workplace. No food or beverages

are permitted in the library. No tampering with any of the computers or other equipment will be tolerated. The library computers are NEVER to be used for games – it is a place for research and study.

Library services for students include: Book check-out: Students may check out up to two books at a time for a

two-week time period. There are no overdue fines. However, if a book is lost or damaged there is a $20 minimum replacement fee.

Overdrive e-library: Students may also check out up to two e-books through the BCS electronic library, Overdrive. Passwords and usernames will be available through the media center.

Research resources: The SIRS database is an extension of the print resources available in the BCS library. Worldbook encyclopedia online is another online resource provided through the library. See Mrs. Thomas for the school username and password.

Computer use: 15 computer work stations are available in the library for students to use for word processing and internet access. Students may print as needed for free in black and white. A color printer is not available.

Media Specialist assistance: I am available to assist with both research and locating needed resources.

(The middle school students will be brought to the Media Center every other week with their English teacher.)

Art - Mrs. Fitzgerald

Room Number: FA104 (Fine Arts Building) Email: kfitzgerald@bcspanthers.org Phone Number: 792-5454 ext. 213

I will be teaching elementary and middle school art. My goal is to help my students connect more with God, the Master Artist, by becoming more cognizant of this great world He created, from our stunning skies to the colorful patterns on an insect’s back. His brushstroke is everywhere! The students will explore their skills and emotions through projects that will teach techniques, history, and more. We will learn how utilizing the Principles of Design can help us put together the Elements of Art to create more pleasing work. Sound complicated? It’s somewhat like baking a cake….. We can throw the ‘ingredients’ or elements such as line, color, shape, etc., into the mixing bowl , but unless we use the ‘recipe’ or principles to guide us, such as repeating colors and shapes, creating patterns, having contrast, etc., our design may not be as successful as it could be. I seek to create a lifetime appreciation of art in my students, regardless of how naturally talented they may be. Perhaps art will grow into a hobby, an eventual career, or simply become something they enjoy viewing and having surround them on the walls of their home. Supplies: Middle school students should come prepared to each class with a #2 pencil. Fees: $10 quarter lab fee - 6th graders (wheel) $15 lab fee per semester - 7th and 8th graders

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6th, 7th & 8th Grade Computer

Mrs. Tice Room Number: 6 (Elementary Building) Email: dtice@bcspanthers.org Phone Number: 792-5454 ext. 182 What you need to know:

All computer classes will include how to be a good digital citizen and how our Christianity should influence our use of technology. Each class will be expected to "touch type" while improving proficiency of MS Office, Google Drive, and research skills.

6th Grade students will have computer class for one quarter. We will use an on-line curriculum which will review/reinforce basic word processing and research skills necessary to navigate middle school. Students will come away from this class knowing how to use RenWeb and Google Drive, compose and send a proper email, and "touch type." Computer I (one semester): Using an on-line curriculum, this class will focus on increasing student's comfort level with MS Office. In-class projects will be introduced to reinforce concepts. Computer II (one semester): Projects! Projects! Projects! This class assumes a basic knowledge of MS Office, Google Drive, and proficient keyboarding. Students will be challenged to be more creative and diversified. We will explore tech history, use various web tools, and go deeper into applications already used. Coding (one semester): This class isn't just for those interested in software development or creating games. Code affects every career, and even a basic knowledge will enhance opportunities. Learning code will also sharpen your ability to troubleshoot and solve problems. From social media, music, CSI, gaming, fashion, farming, government, education, design, and film, coding is all around us. This class will use an on-line curriculum to explore the world of coding.

Supplies:

BCS Email account (assigned) Flash Drive (any size, any brand) Earbuds/headphones (optional)

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Middle School Guidance Counselors

Mrs. Smith & Mrs. Davis

Mrs. Smith - Room Number: 202 Email: bsmith@bcspanthers.org Phone Number: 792-5454 ext. 179 Mrs. Davis - Room Number: 201B Email: edavis@bcspanthers.org Phone Number: 792-5454 ext. 135

Purpose:

To help you succeed and enjoy middle school To help you in times of worry, fear, anger To share with you in your successes, your excitement To help with problems getting along, cliques and/or harassment To listen to concerns about grades, friends or family To help you think about future plans To help you understand test results and scores To keep track of your service hours

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All 6th Graders will participate in the wheel. Each quarter they will attend one of the following classes:

PE – Mr. Mark Spanish – Mrs. van der Kooy Art – Mrs. Fitzgerald Computer – Mrs. Tice

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Dear Middle school parents,

Thank you for partnering with Bradenton Christian School in

preparing the hearts and minds of God’s children.

Middle School can be a challenging time as children seek more

independence and autonomy. Our goal is to come along side

you as parents and provide a loving, caring, nurturing yet

academically challenging environment as students grow to be

more independent. We are thrilled you are here and look

forward to working with you in the years ahead as our children

prepare for high school, college and the world ahead with a

Christian world and life view.

In Him,

Mr. Vande Pol

Notes

Administration Contact Information

941-792-5454

Superintendent, Dan Vande Pol ext. 112 dvandepol@bcspanthers.org

Business/Super. Office, Cindy Miller ext. 112 cmiller@bcspanthers.org

Secondary Principal, Mike Van Hoven ext. 110 mvanhoven@bcspanthers.org

Secondary Office, Judy Barber ext. 110 jbarber@bcspanthers.org

Athletic Director, Allan Gerber ext. 143 agerber@bcspanthers.org

Tuition/Transportation, Trish Sturiano ext. 203 tsturiano@bcspanthers.org

Hot Lunch, Angela Hamilton ext. 141 ahamilton@bcspanthers.org