Programs
Christian Education: Basic Christian teachings are taught in all grades through the study of Old and New Testament Bible stories, Luther's Small Catechism, memorization of scriptures, hymns, a weekly chapel service and especially through the examples of Christian teachers. In Grades 1-8, the VOYAGES Christian Day school series is used to assist teachers in meeting goals of an effective Christian Education program. Since Jesus said, "Let the little children come unto me do not hinder them" (Mathew 19:14) Saint Mark Lutheran School encourages students to embrace Jesus Christ as their personal Savior. At the same time, all people and their faiths are shown proper respect.
Reading: The reading program at Saint Mark Lutheran School is abased on three texts. Kindergarten relies primarily on the Scott Foresman series using the McGraw-Hill text as supplementary material. First through Sixth grades use the McGraw-Hill textbooks. Lower grades supplement the text with the Spalding method of phonics, vocabulary lists, classroom libraries and daily silent reading time. Having mastered the basic reading skills, the students in Grades 7 & 8 study Literature—Classics through contemporary writings. All grades emphasize phonetic skill and context clues in decoding. Grades 2—8 use the Wordly Wise vocabulary book. A computerized Accelerated Reader Program is utilized by Grades 1-8.
English: A basal text is used for all grades and forms the basis for the teachings of listening, speaking and writing skills. All teachers supplement the textbooks to meet the individual needs of the students. Cursive handwriting instruction takes place in Grade 3. The entire school utilizes the Shurley Method of English Instruction. Grades 7-8 emphasize grammar in writing.
Mathematics: Kindergarten uses a variety of textbooks and supplementary materials, including Holt Math and Scott Foresman. Scott Foresman Math is used in Grades 1-6. Students in the junior high grades have the opportunity to take Pre-Algebra and Algebra classes.
Social Studies: Kindergarten through Grade 2 study nature, family, community and self. Grades 3-5 study the various stages of development of the United States of America. Core Knowledge is implemented in various grade levels. Fourth Grade builds on Grade 3, including uses of American resources. They also do a study of Hawaiiana and participate in a class trip to further their study of Hawaii. Grades 6 & 7 focus on world civilizations of the past and present and their effects on our world. Grade 7 also studies the Pacific nations and Hawaiian Royalty. Grade 8 returns to U.S. History looking at the ideals and people that have shaped our country, and the direction that our country is going in today's world.
Science: Lower grade classes use the Concordia Discovery Works Science curriculum, which incorporates scientific discovery and learning with a Biblical perspective. Students in the junior high grades use Prentice-Hall Science, with Grade 6 studying Earth Science, Grade 7 studying Life Science and Grade 8 studying physical Science.
Physical Education: Physical Education is a vital part of all grade levels of our elementary curriculum. The President's Physical Fitness Test program is used in the upper grades. P.E. classes also develop skills, coordination and further knowledge of games and sports appropriate for each grade. Saint Mark Lutheran School also participates in extracurricular sports, which include volleyball, basketball and a track meet for Grades 5-8.
Music: There are two choirs, Primary and Intermediate, for Kindergarten through Grade 6. Beginning and Intermediate Band are also available for students in Grades 4-8.
Art: Weekly art instruction is offered to students at nearly all grade levels. Children are taught the elements of art as they experience working with a wide variety of media. Drama is also a part of the middle grades' curriculum.
Computer: A networked computer lab containing over two dozen computers provides an introduction to computers for all grade levels. All grades use the computer to assist instruction in areas of Math and Reading. Learning games, computer drills and simulations are made available to the students. Keyboarding and word processing are taught in Grades 3 and higher.
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