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ABOUT
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CURRICULUM
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EXTRACURRICULARS
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RESOURCE
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Contra Costa Christian Middle School helps students understand who they are in Christ and how God has gifted them to impact the world.
Contra Costa Christian Middle School is a three-year accredited program for grades 6, 7, and 8 helping students make the transition between Elementary School and High School academically, emotionally, socially, and spiritually. Our Middle School program includes a rigorous academic program with multiple elective choices to develop students' skills and allow them to explore their interests.
We also offer students a full range of sports programs and the opportunity to participate in many social events throughout the year. Extracurricular activities include the opportunity to participate in Student Council, the Chapel Worship team, a Fine Arts Festival, Science Fair, and the Spelling and Geography Bees.
Contra Costa Christian Middle School is a three-year accredited program for grades 6, 7, and 8 helping students make the transition between Elementary School and High School academically, emotionally, socially, and spiritually. Our Middle School program includes a rigorous academic program with multiple elective choices to develop students' skills and allow them to explore their interests.
We also offer students a full range of sports programs and the opportunity to participate in many social events throughout the year. Extracurricular activities include the opportunity to participate in Student Council, the Chapel Worship team, a Fine Arts Festival, Science Fair, and the Spelling and Geography Bees.
Language Arts
Sixth & Seventh Grade Language Arts includes grammar, fluency, writing, spelling, vocabulary and literature components. Students will spend time in each area each week. Tests and written assignments accompany each unit. All research reports are completed collaboratively with other disciplines. Students are expected to pursue regular outside reading. Students will also complete projects such as book reports and longer writing assignments such as reports, short stories and expository writing as well as written formats such as the five-paragraph essay, business letters, and poetry.
Weekly homework typically entails components of grammar practice, spelling, vocabulary, and writing. Projects and more extensive writing assignments generally have a longer time period for completion.
Eighth Grade Language Arts continues to expand on skills learned in prior years. Students continue to spend time in grammar, fluency, writing, spelling, vocabulary, and literature. Tests and written assignments accompany each unit. Students will work more in depth to dissect the components of literature and poetry to understand its’ characters, theme and symbolism. Writing continues to be an integral part of the curriculum with students continuing to develop skills such as expository and descriptive writing as well as written formats such as the five-paragraph essay, short stories, poetry, and short stories.
Weekly homework typically entails components of grammar practice, spelling and vocabulary, and writing. Projects and more extensive writing assignments generally have a longer time period for completion.
Textbooks
6th Grade - MacMillan McGraw-Hill
7th Grade & 8th Grade - McDougal, Littell
Weekly homework typically entails components of grammar practice, spelling, vocabulary, and writing. Projects and more extensive writing assignments generally have a longer time period for completion.
Eighth Grade Language Arts continues to expand on skills learned in prior years. Students continue to spend time in grammar, fluency, writing, spelling, vocabulary, and literature. Tests and written assignments accompany each unit. Students will work more in depth to dissect the components of literature and poetry to understand its’ characters, theme and symbolism. Writing continues to be an integral part of the curriculum with students continuing to develop skills such as expository and descriptive writing as well as written formats such as the five-paragraph essay, short stories, poetry, and short stories.
Weekly homework typically entails components of grammar practice, spelling and vocabulary, and writing. Projects and more extensive writing assignments generally have a longer time period for completion.
Textbooks
6th Grade - MacMillan McGraw-Hill
7th Grade & 8th Grade - McDougal, Littell
Mathematics
The sixth, seventh and eighth grade courses provide opportunity to review and solidify basic arithmetic skills, to develop algebraic and geometric strategies and tools for problem solving and practical application.
Sixth grade students all take a general math course to lay the foundation for future work in algebra and geometry. In seventh & eighth grade, students are placed at the appropriate level based on their ability. Student placement is determined through an assessment test, grades in previous math courses, and teacher recommendation. The majority of students graduating from our middle school program will be well prepared to enter high school Algebra I or Geometry.
Textbook
The math curriculum utilizes the Glencoe/McGraw-Hill textbook series.
Sixth grade students all take a general math course to lay the foundation for future work in algebra and geometry. In seventh & eighth grade, students are placed at the appropriate level based on their ability. Student placement is determined through an assessment test, grades in previous math courses, and teacher recommendation. The majority of students graduating from our middle school program will be well prepared to enter high school Algebra I or Geometry.
Textbook
The math curriculum utilizes the Glencoe/McGraw-Hill textbook series.
SCIENCE
Studying creation allows students to see how the world was made and how it works. The study of science helps Christians learn three important things:
About God - His creation and involvement in the world. Creation tells us about God.
About Ourselves - We are part of creation set aside to be God's stewards of creation.
About the World - Learning about living creatures and the materials God has given us and how to use them wisely.
Classes include practice in using scientific tools for discovery and problem solving.
Sixth Grade Science studies both life and earth science units. We will cover earthquakes, volcanoes, stars, comets/asteroids/meteoroids, rocketry/space travel, weather, flowering plants, and the body. There will be explorations, demonstrations, some experimentation, skill building, and problem solving. Homework involves reviewing notes, studying for tests, doing projects, and writing some research papers.
Seventh Grade Science In 7th grade Life Science, following California State Standards, students will learn about cell biology and division, genetics and reproduction, natural selection and changes over time, ecology and adaptations, rocks and geologic time and finally the structure, function and physical properties of living systems. See www.glencoe.com for many online resources.
Eighth Grade Science In 8th grade Physical Science, following California State Standards, students will learn about Physics through Motion and Forces, Chemistry through the structure of matter and chemical interactions, and Astronomy through studying the earth in space. See www.glencoe.com for many online resources.
Textbooks - In addition, students are issued a CD ROM version for use at home.
Glencoe Focus on Earth Science
Glencoe Focus on Life Science
Glencoe Focus on Physical Science
About God - His creation and involvement in the world. Creation tells us about God.
About Ourselves - We are part of creation set aside to be God's stewards of creation.
About the World - Learning about living creatures and the materials God has given us and how to use them wisely.
Classes include practice in using scientific tools for discovery and problem solving.
Sixth Grade Science studies both life and earth science units. We will cover earthquakes, volcanoes, stars, comets/asteroids/meteoroids, rocketry/space travel, weather, flowering plants, and the body. There will be explorations, demonstrations, some experimentation, skill building, and problem solving. Homework involves reviewing notes, studying for tests, doing projects, and writing some research papers.
Seventh Grade Science In 7th grade Life Science, following California State Standards, students will learn about cell biology and division, genetics and reproduction, natural selection and changes over time, ecology and adaptations, rocks and geologic time and finally the structure, function and physical properties of living systems. See www.glencoe.com for many online resources.
Eighth Grade Science In 8th grade Physical Science, following California State Standards, students will learn about Physics through Motion and Forces, Chemistry through the structure of matter and chemical interactions, and Astronomy through studying the earth in space. See www.glencoe.com for many online resources.
Textbooks - In addition, students are issued a CD ROM version for use at home.
Glencoe Focus on Earth Science
Glencoe Focus on Life Science
Glencoe Focus on Physical Science
SOCIAL STUDIES
History involves human perspective and as such is subjective. The recording of events does not make history. History always involves a perspective on the events. As Christians we attempt to understand and evaluate historical events in the light of God’s Word. Students will build their skills in examining history from multiple perspectives. Ultimately, students will critically evaluate the past in order to make sense of the present.
Sixth Grade Social Studies introduces students to ancient civilizations such as Mesopotamia, Egypt, India, China, Greece and Rome. We will be studying a variety of topics from how history builds on itself to what we can learn from archaeology. Students will be doing group projects and a variety of activities to learn about these civilizations. Special emphasis will be placed on the factors that cause civilizations and nations to rise and fall which should give students a basis on which to critically examine the modern world. In conjunction with English class, we will learn how to gather information and present a basic research report.
Seventh Grade Social Studies is the study of World History. Students will explore the ancient cultures and civilizations of Rome, Islam, Africa, China, Japan and Medieval Europe. They will examine the effects of expansion, cultural diffusion, technology, economics, exploration and religion on these cultures and civilizations. They will also examine the processes by which the civilizations studied either fell or were forced to change and modernize. Students will study the maps and geographies of these civilizations in order to understand the influence they have left on modern day regions. Current events that involve these civilizations and regions will be discussed as applicable.
Eighth Grade Social Studies is the study of American History which will explore the people and events used by God to create and develop our nation. The course will introduce students to how the American government was established, the concepts of political freedom and the principles of democracy. It will prepare students to be informed citizens and future political participants in the democratic process.
In this course students will explore the development of the United States from early European colonization through the Civil War and Reconstruction period. Students will learn how our nation was established. They will study in detail our Constitution and the three branches of our government. They will also study maps and the impact of geography on our history. Students will follow the growth of our Republic through the 18th and 19th centuries and see how the issues of slavery and “states rights” threatened to split the country. Finally, through the Civil War and Reconstruction periods, students will begin to learn how America took on a national identity rather than remaining a confederation of states.
Textbooks
6th Grade - A Message of Ancient Days, Houghton Mifflin
7th Grade - Across the Centuries, Houghton Mifflin
8th Grade - A More Perfect Union, Houghton Mifflin
Supporting Materials:
Sixth Grade Social Studies introduces students to ancient civilizations such as Mesopotamia, Egypt, India, China, Greece and Rome. We will be studying a variety of topics from how history builds on itself to what we can learn from archaeology. Students will be doing group projects and a variety of activities to learn about these civilizations. Special emphasis will be placed on the factors that cause civilizations and nations to rise and fall which should give students a basis on which to critically examine the modern world. In conjunction with English class, we will learn how to gather information and present a basic research report.
Seventh Grade Social Studies is the study of World History. Students will explore the ancient cultures and civilizations of Rome, Islam, Africa, China, Japan and Medieval Europe. They will examine the effects of expansion, cultural diffusion, technology, economics, exploration and religion on these cultures and civilizations. They will also examine the processes by which the civilizations studied either fell or were forced to change and modernize. Students will study the maps and geographies of these civilizations in order to understand the influence they have left on modern day regions. Current events that involve these civilizations and regions will be discussed as applicable.
Eighth Grade Social Studies is the study of American History which will explore the people and events used by God to create and develop our nation. The course will introduce students to how the American government was established, the concepts of political freedom and the principles of democracy. It will prepare students to be informed citizens and future political participants in the democratic process.
In this course students will explore the development of the United States from early European colonization through the Civil War and Reconstruction period. Students will learn how our nation was established. They will study in detail our Constitution and the three branches of our government. They will also study maps and the impact of geography on our history. Students will follow the growth of our Republic through the 18th and 19th centuries and see how the issues of slavery and “states rights” threatened to split the country. Finally, through the Civil War and Reconstruction periods, students will begin to learn how America took on a national identity rather than remaining a confederation of states.
Textbooks
6th Grade - A Message of Ancient Days, Houghton Mifflin
7th Grade - Across the Centuries, Houghton Mifflin
8th Grade - A More Perfect Union, Houghton Mifflin
Supporting Materials:
- DVDs, video and audio tapes
- Internet
- Daily newspapers and periodicals
- Primary sources
- Guest speakers
BIBLE
All students are required to take a bible study course.
Sixth Grade Bible will cover the Creation through the united kingdom of Israel. Much time is spent learning Biblical principles and applying what we learn in class to our own lives. Homework involves study for memory tests and unit tests. There will be a project assigned to build a model of a Tabernacle and write a paper on it.
Seventh Grade Bible includes an Old Testament overview, the story of God and His people, from creation to Solomon through Jesus' birth & early ministry.
Eighth Grade Bible includes a New Testament overview of the following:
Sixth Grade Bible will cover the Creation through the united kingdom of Israel. Much time is spent learning Biblical principles and applying what we learn in class to our own lives. Homework involves study for memory tests and unit tests. There will be a project assigned to build a model of a Tabernacle and write a paper on it.
Seventh Grade Bible includes an Old Testament overview, the story of God and His people, from creation to Solomon through Jesus' birth & early ministry.
Eighth Grade Bible includes a New Testament overview of the following:
- Message of the Gospels
- Jesus' early ministry
- Suffering and sacrifice
- Resurrection and ascension
- Birth of the Church
- Encouraging the Church to stand firm
- The Church finds its way
Performing Arts
In addition to participating in public performances, the performing arts program gives students an opportunity to explore who they are and develop confidence in their presentation skills. These communication skills prepare them for the expectations of teachers in their academic work both in middle and high school. It also prepares them for success at colleges and universities in the future.
Music
The music program in the middle school develops students instrumental and vocal abilities. It also develops an overall appreciation for music in students. All middle school students participate in the band or in a more general music course. All 6th graders are required to participate in band so they have at least one experience learning or practicing with a musical instrument. Middle school students participate in various performance opportunities and develop their abilities both individually and collectively. Contra Costa Christian Middle School wants all students to develop their God-given gifts in music and we use music to develop balanced, well-rounded students.
Drama
The middle school program offers an elective in drama where students are able to participate in a full theatrical production. Students have the opportunity to learn many different components of the production process, far beyond just acting a part. Performances may be held on campus or in local theatres such as the Village Theatre in Danville. Contra Costa Christian Middle School seeks to expose students to a variety of literature including classic plays, contemporary dramas, and musicals. Middle school students are encouraged to participate even if they do have not previous experience.
Music
The music program in the middle school develops students instrumental and vocal abilities. It also develops an overall appreciation for music in students. All middle school students participate in the band or in a more general music course. All 6th graders are required to participate in band so they have at least one experience learning or practicing with a musical instrument. Middle school students participate in various performance opportunities and develop their abilities both individually and collectively. Contra Costa Christian Middle School wants all students to develop their God-given gifts in music and we use music to develop balanced, well-rounded students.
Drama
The middle school program offers an elective in drama where students are able to participate in a full theatrical production. Students have the opportunity to learn many different components of the production process, far beyond just acting a part. Performances may be held on campus or in local theatres such as the Village Theatre in Danville. Contra Costa Christian Middle School seeks to expose students to a variety of literature including classic plays, contemporary dramas, and musicals. Middle school students are encouraged to participate even if they do have not previous experience.
Physical Education
Students have two quarters of P.E. throughout the year and it is held 5 days per week during those quarters. They will learn about and develop skills to play a variety of sports including: softball, basketball, flag football, volleyball, hockey and soccer. A variety of other sports including lacrosse, rugby and ultimate frisbee will also be covered.
Additional Courses
Computers
Students have computer class for one quarter – 5 days per week. The 6th grade is focused on building a foundation of digital literacy skills. Since the 7th and 8th grades have laptops in the classroom daily, they focus more on actualizing the digital tools accessible to them. They also focus on digital citizenship and how technology changes the world around them.
Spanish
Students have Spanish for one quarter – 5 days per week. In this course, students will develop a basic understanding of Spanish in order to glorify God. They will be speaking, reading & writing in Spanish. The class is mostly conducted in Spanish. A student that has excelled in our elementary & middle school Spanish programs may be able to skip high school Spanish I depending on the teacher and the school.
Library
While all middle school students can access the library, only the 6th graders go regularly, approximately once a week.
Art
6th graders have art once a week. 7th and 8th graders can choose Art as an elective class.
7th & 8th Grade Elective Options
Students have computer class for one quarter – 5 days per week. The 6th grade is focused on building a foundation of digital literacy skills. Since the 7th and 8th grades have laptops in the classroom daily, they focus more on actualizing the digital tools accessible to them. They also focus on digital citizenship and how technology changes the world around them.
Spanish
Students have Spanish for one quarter – 5 days per week. In this course, students will develop a basic understanding of Spanish in order to glorify God. They will be speaking, reading & writing in Spanish. The class is mostly conducted in Spanish. A student that has excelled in our elementary & middle school Spanish programs may be able to skip high school Spanish I depending on the teacher and the school.
Library
While all middle school students can access the library, only the 6th graders go regularly, approximately once a week.
Art
6th graders have art once a week. 7th and 8th graders can choose Art as an elective class.
7th & 8th Grade Elective Options
- Art
- Band
- Digital Media
- Drama
- Home Arts
- Music
- Study Skills
- Study Hall
- Yearbook
The Contra Costa Christian Middle School program is uniquely tailored to develop the gifts and talents of young adolescents as they mature into young adults.
ATHLETICS
Contra Costa Christian Middle School students participate in the Bay Area Christian School Athletic League (BACSAL). Boys participate in basketball, flag football, soccer, and volleyball. Girls participate in basketball, soccer, softball, volleyball and cheer leading. In order to support the athletic program, each student is charged a $150 sports fee per sport.
Start dates for Middle School Athletics:
Concussion Information
Physical Exam Form
Start dates for Middle School Athletics:
- Boys Flag Football and Girls Softball: August 23rd
- Boys and Girls Basketball: October 30th
- Boys Volleyball and Girls Soccer: January 29th
- Boys Soccer and Girls Volleyball: March 19th
- Girls Cheer: August 17th
Concussion Information
Physical Exam Form
Leadership
Leadership Council
Student Representatives (Elected Position)
These students are elected to represent their class on the Leadership Council. Student responsibilities include such responsibilities as helping classmates when needed, representing their class at each council meeting, giving input and planning for activities and special events.
Student Senate (Appointed Position)
One student per grade will be selected to serve based on interest, responsibility, and talents. Duties include organizing, keeping the calendar, giving direction, taking care of all sales and money throughout the year, and deciding on improvements.
Chapel Praise Team
Members are responsible for planning and participating in the weekly Middle School chapel. They work with the responsible teachers to engage students in worship. Students must apply for the praise team and will have an audition before being selected to serve.
Retreats
All seventh and eighth grade students participate in a 5 day trip to Hume Lake for the MS Retreat during the fall semester. Sixth grade students participate in a 5 day trip for science camp during the spring semester. CCCS also hosts various MS events during the year such as dances, ice skating, rafting, and spirit weeks. Some of these events are during the school day while others occur in the evenings or on weekends.
Student Representatives (Elected Position)
These students are elected to represent their class on the Leadership Council. Student responsibilities include such responsibilities as helping classmates when needed, representing their class at each council meeting, giving input and planning for activities and special events.
Student Senate (Appointed Position)
One student per grade will be selected to serve based on interest, responsibility, and talents. Duties include organizing, keeping the calendar, giving direction, taking care of all sales and money throughout the year, and deciding on improvements.
Chapel Praise Team
Members are responsible for planning and participating in the weekly Middle School chapel. They work with the responsible teachers to engage students in worship. Students must apply for the praise team and will have an audition before being selected to serve.
Retreats
All seventh and eighth grade students participate in a 5 day trip to Hume Lake for the MS Retreat during the fall semester. Sixth grade students participate in a 5 day trip for science camp during the spring semester. CCCS also hosts various MS events during the year such as dances, ice skating, rafting, and spirit weeks. Some of these events are during the school day while others occur in the evenings or on weekends.
OTHER ACTIVITIES
Students have a variety of opportunities to participate in extracurricular activities and participate in middle school student events. Special activities throughout the year may include dances, ice skating, river rafting, and spirit weeks. Middle school students also attend the Middle School Retreat at Hume Lake for one week, developing their social skills and building a collaborative atmosphere to foster teamwork and spiritual growth throughout the year.
Students can also participate in the performing arts through vocal and instrumental opportunities in music. Drama performances are also options for middle school students. Student government and leadership development are available to students as well.
Students can also participate in the performing arts through vocal and instrumental opportunities in music. Drama performances are also options for middle school students. Student government and leadership development are available to students as well.
The Contra Costa Christian Schools Resource program serves students with special academic needs through support and mainstream instruction.
Contra Costa Christian Schools has a long-standing tradition of educating children in Christian families. Occasionally, those children experience difficulty with one or more academic areas due to special learning needs or the need for academic accommodations. The resource program works with families to make sure every student is able to thrive and attain success. While our small class sizes and personalized learning environment meet many students needs, we have a resource teacher devoted to helping enrolled middle and high school students. We also do some consulting with elementary teachers and provide advice to families on how to help their child be successful.
Contra Costa Christian Schools has a long-standing tradition of educating children in Christian families. Occasionally, those children experience difficulty with one or more academic areas due to special learning needs or the need for academic accommodations. The resource program works with families to make sure every student is able to thrive and attain success. While our small class sizes and personalized learning environment meet many students needs, we have a resource teacher devoted to helping enrolled middle and high school students. We also do some consulting with elementary teachers and provide advice to families on how to help their child be successful.
Enrollment in Resource
If a student is referred to Resource, but has no known prior difficulty, we will start by including them in our intervention program. The Resource Director will determine areas of strengths and weaknesses, what classroom accommodations might be needed, what skills need to be enhanced, and possibly refer the student for in-depth assessment through the school district or private practice.
Program
Students who are accepted into the Resource program will meet with the Resource Director three to five times per week. These sessions will address the particular areas of concern for the student including assistance in the following areas:
Once a student becomes part of the Resource program, parents are encouraged to contact the Resource Director at any time with particular concerns that need to be addressed. Conferences may be conducted to meet with all teachers, parents, administrator and Resource Director.
- Homework
- Academic coaching
- Individualized student programs
Once a student becomes part of the Resource program, parents are encouraged to contact the Resource Director at any time with particular concerns that need to be addressed. Conferences may be conducted to meet with all teachers, parents, administrator and Resource Director.
Accommodations
Accommodation plans are drawn up by the Resource Director and shared with all teachers. Accommodations include, but are not limited to, the following:
Parents of students with recognized learning disabilities are encouraged to contact the school and make an appointment with the Resource Director.
Deborah Mogianesi
dmogianesi@cccss.org
- Extended testing time
- Oral test-taking
- Use of a calculator for math tests
- Assistance with organization
Parents of students with recognized learning disabilities are encouraged to contact the school and make an appointment with the Resource Director.
Deborah Mogianesi
dmogianesi@cccss.org