PITTSBURGH CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS | THREES PROGRAM- 8TH GRADE

Values Based Education

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724-327-6500 Ext. 135

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301 College Park Dr.

Monroeville, PA 15146

NOW ENROLLING

for 2024-25

Fifth Grade

CURRICULUM

Language: Children are given twenty spelling list words and five challenge words from the reading program. The reading vocabulary is strengthened through the spelling program. Spelling bees and other games are used for review.

Reading: The spelling words and the challenge words are incorporated into the reading stories to make for ease in oral reading. A story is read each week and phonics, as well as various focus skills (such a narrative elements, inference, summary, etc), are taught with the stories. Participation in the Book-It program is required. Additional reading support is provided by using PSSA Buckle Down Instructional Series.

Math: Instruction centers around nine units in the math textbook and concepts presented in PSSA preparation. The curriculum includes the use of whole numbers and decimals, algebra, data and graphing, multiplication and division, fractions, algebra and geometry, measurement and probability, ratio and percent.

Science: The students investigate nature, study mammals and complete individual reports and projects. The next main unit involves energy and engines, where students have an opportunity to work in groups and design or demonstrate how energy works. Other units include wonders of the sky and watching the weather. Field trip to the Carnegie Science Center.

History: A major part of the studies is in ancient to modern history in Asia, Africa, Europe, Australia, Oceania, and Antarctica. The text intertwines biblical happenings with historical accounts of the Fertile Crescent, the ancient Middle East, the area of the Nile, and ancient Greece and Rome. They study events in England, Scotland, Ireland, and other countries in Western and Eastern Europe. Christianity, the greatest force in History, spans the time from early Christians to the Reformation and beyond. Reading maps is also stressed with comparing maps in the atlas to the globe. Students provide information for the study guides through critical reading and note-taking skills. Evaluation is also made on oral and written reports.

SPECIAL SUBJECTS

Art, Chapel, Bible, Missions, Physical Education, Spanish, Music

ACADEMIC EVALUATION

Students are assessed by qualified teachers using both objective and subjective data to determine grade-level readiness. Grading is completed during four (nine-week) report periods. Parent conferences are held following the first grading period. Additional conferences are scheduled upon request.

Please write your child’s name on everything. Please bring in your child’s school supplies during parent/teacher orientation and place in your child’s locker. At parent/teacher orientation, we also need to know how your child will leave school daily, by bus or parent pick-up.

Individual Items:

  • Bookbag/Backpack
  • Lunch bag
  • Reusable water bottle (if desired)
  • Bible (Preferred Version: NIV)
  • 5 folders of different colors (OR binder with divider tabs if preferred)
  • 3 single subject notebooks
  • Pencil pouch
  • Erasers
  • Markers
  • Crayons
  • Colored pencils
  • 1 glue bottle or glue stick
  • Ruler (cm & in)
  • Scissors
  • Scientific calculator
    • Here are some examples of ones that are easier for students to use:
      • Casio fx-55 PLUS Elementary/Middle School Fraction Calculator
      • Casio fx-300ES PLUS Scientific Calculator, Blue
      • Texas Instruments TI-15 Explorer Elementary Calculator

Classroom Items that are shared within the class:

  • 2 packs of 24 count pencils
  • 1 ream of white printer paper
  • 1 ream of white college ruled paper
  • 1 pack of black dry erase markers
  • 1 pack of multi-colored dry erase markers
  • 1 pack of blue or black pens
  • 1 pack of black Sharpies
  • 1 pack of index cards
  • 1 pack of Post-it Notes (3×3)
  • 1 pack of small paper clips
  • 1 pack of small binder clips
  • 4 boxes of tissues
  • 4 paper towel rolls
  • 2 containers of Clorox Wipes
  • 1 bottle of dry erase board cleaner
  • 2 bottles of hand sanitizer
  • 1 box of Ziploc gallon size bags
  • 1 pack of bandaids