Table of Contents. Admissions Information p f

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2 Welcome 3 Take Me There Philosophy and Mission/Administration and Faculty 4 Take Me There About SPCS 5 Take Me There Accreditations and Distinctions 6 Take Me There Our Campus 7 Take Me There Academics 8 Take Me There Tuition and Assistance 9 Take Me There Curriculum and Course Offerings Lower Division 10 Take Me There Curriculum and Course Offerings Upper Division 11 Take Me There Standardized Test Results: Reading and Math 12 Take Me There Standardized Test Results: Thinking Skills and Science 13 Take Me There Standardized Test Results: Social Science and Language 14 Take Me There Standardized Test Results: Spelling and Writing 15 Take Me There Schedule A Tour Download Our Application Take Me There Take Me There Admissions Information p f admissions@stpetechristian.org

3 We are honored that you are considering St. Petersburg Christian School (SPCS) as the educational home for your student. We are certain that you both will benefit from your choice and look forward to celebrating your student s successes with you. Within this packet you will find information that highlights the student experience at SPCS as well as information about our education fundamentals and student achievements. We are excited about what God is accomplishing at our school. We strive to in all ways acknowledge Him and He will direct our steps." With our National Blue Ribbon School status, classes that reach all student abilities, and a full sports and activities program, we look forward to partnering with you in providing a safe, Christian environment and an excellent education for your student. The SPCS family is filled with dedicated administration, faculty and staff, supportive alumni and friends, and wonderful parents working together to provide the best possible education for each student. We invite you to be a part of this family! Our doors are always open and we encourage students and parents to make an appointment to visit our campus for a tour and first hand look inside our classrooms. We also offer prospective students the opportunity to shadow and share the "real" experience of a typical day at SPCS. We do our best to match each shadow with a student that has similar interests. Please contact us if we can answer any additional questions. We look forward to welcoming you to SPCS soon! Admissions Information p f admissions@stpetechristian.org Welcome

4 Philosophy and Mission/Administration and Faculty Purpose - Founded in 1971, St. Petersburg Christian School embraces a Christ-centered philosophy of education with the Bible being the standard for all moral, social and ethical training, and the guideline for discipline. The program is built upon a tradition of excellence that provides strong academic skills, an accelerated curriculum and a variety of enriching programs dedicated to student achievement. The school was established to be an evangelical outreach to the community. It serves families representing many churches, nationalities and creeds. While seeking to be ecumenical, the purpose of St. Petersburg Christian School is to provide educational excellence in a Christ-centered atmosphere. Mission - The mission of St. Petersburg Christian School is to provide an excellent education in a nurturing environment, equipping students to fulfill God s plan for their lives. Philosophy - St. Petersburg Christian School presents Christian education as its basic philosophy and the reason for its existence. This view of education holds that God is central and everything else exists in relation to Him. The fear of God is the beginning of both knowledge and wisdom (Proverbs 1:7 and 9:10). Meaningful education must have reverence of God as its starting point and the will of God as its goal. Since knowing Christ as a personal Savior, Lord and Companion is the prime essential in life, St. Petersburg Christian School seeks to present Him in the entire program. The purpose of all instruction, however, may be found in the greatest commandment, that tells us to love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength (and to) love your neighbor as yourself, Mark 12: Administration and Faculty - God has brought an exceptionally qualified team of professionals to St. Petersburg Christian School. Each has a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and a commitment to young people. In addition to a Bachelor s Degree, all faculty members are state certified or meet SACS/Florida teaching requirements. A commitment to life-long learning is evidenced in the number of faculty who hold advanced degrees. All teachers are actively involved in on-going staff development. With a strong commitment to students of all abilities, St. Petersburg Christian School has over thirty-seven teachers in core and elective classes. As one can see, SPCS has an outstanding faculty and staff committed to excellence in academics, in spiritual growth, and in preparing students to fulfill God s plan for their lives. Lead Administrator Robert Hunter Lee College, B.S. Liberty University, M. Ed. Administration /Supervision Upper School Principal Amy Kraus University of South Florida, B.A. Liberty University, M. Ed. Administration/Supervision Lower School Principal Kathleen Spangler Pensacola Christian College, B.S. Liberty University, M. Ed. Administration/Supervision

5 About SPCS Grade Levels - Kindergarten through Grade 8 Student Body - A ministry of Suncoast Cathedral, St. Petersburg Christian School serves young people representing more than 80 churches as well as many nationalities and creeds. School Hours - Kindergarten 8:30AM 2:45PM Grades 1 4 8:15AM 3:00PM Grades 5 8 8:15AM 3:15PM For convenience, drop-off is up to 30 minutes prior to start time and pick-up is up to 15 minutes after end time without extended care fees. Extended Care is available at a nominal fee from 7:00AM 6:00PM if needed. Dress Code - School colors of red, white and navy are reflected in the dress at all grade levels. Khaki and navy bottoms provide a pleasing option in combination with embroidered polo shirts of school colors. School uniform is required at all grade levels. Physical Education Uniforms are required in grades 4-8. Cafe - Our full service cafeteria is available to students before school and during lunch. Hot and cold options are available for both breakfast and lunch. Extraordinary Achievement - At all grades, challenging curriculum stretches children to above grade level performance. Classes routinely score significantly above grade level on the standardized test that measures student achievement annually. Those scores continue to place St. Petersburg Christian School in the top 10% of the nation in both Reading and Math, a key qualification of a Blue Ribbon School. Athletics - Good sportsmanship and winning teams go hand-in-hand at SPCS! The following competitive sports programs promote both skill development and teamwork: Boys: Basketball, Baseball (both Varsity and JV) Girls: Volleyball, Basketball, Softball, Cheerleading Co-Ed: Golf, Soccer, Track, Flag Football An extensive Intramural program in volleyball, basketball, and Tiny Saints Soccer is ongoing and sports camps are offered each summer. Our school hosts the Saints Classic, an annual Basketball Tournament for both boys and girls teams. Fine Arts - The Fine Arts Program provides a means of developing the talents God has given SPCS students. All elementary students receive weekly instruction in Music and Art while additional opportunities include the following: Band Program - 3rd Grade Recorder Band, 4th Grade Band, 5-8th Grade Concert Band Art - Middle School Advanced Course Musical Theatre - Grades 5-8 Leadership and Ministry Opportunities - Many opportunities are provided for students to develop leadership skills at SPCS. Some of those include: Student Government Association Toy Drive and Food Drive National Junior Honor Society Safety Patrol WSPC Morning Show Production Team Popcorn Company Peace Keeper Mentor Middle School Community Service Hours

6 Accreditations and Distinctions Accreditations and Memberships - AdvancED/Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) Accredited since 1996 SPCS was the first Christian elementary school in Pinellas County to hold this distinction. Florida League of Christian Schools (FLOCS) Active membership and accreditation maintained since Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) Active membership maintained since Exemplary School Programs - SPCS has been recognized by the Association of Christian Schools International for providing commendable and unique programs for its young people. Featured in its national publication, the following programs were deemed worthy of replication by other schools across the country: How to Create STAR Readers - an Individual Reading Program that encourages prolific reading, breaks grade level barriers and promotes high reading achievement. The Learning Resource Center A Source of Hope and Help - a program that supports students who experience learning challenges and assists them in achieving success. The Peacekeepers Commission A Model of Christ-like Leadership - a program that trains and commissions student mentors to give kindness, encouragement and assistance to younger children. Exemplary Volunteer Program - Singled out by the U.S. Department of Education s Blue Ribbon School Program, SPCS was invited to present its Volunteer Program to other Blue Ribbon School administrators in Washington, DC. More than 350 hours a month are given to helping children and teachers by dedicated parents and members of the community. For the safety of all children on campus, all volunteers are required to have a valid Level II background check on file with the school office prior to volunteering in the classroom or attending a field trip. Guidance - Two Christian Counselors provide monthly Peace Keepers guidance instruction to all grade levels. The Peace Keepers Program encourages students to shine for Christ through mentoring, groups, individual meetings and Shining Stars. Peer mentoring fosters a sense of family in our school across grade levels where older students mentor younger students. Groups increase peer accountability to speak up for those in need. The Shining Stars Program recognizes elementary children who display exemplary Christian character. Individual guidance provides focused care. Blue Ribbon School - St. Petersburg Christian School has been recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as a No Child Left Behind - Blue Ribbon School! A preliminary requirement is that students standardized test scores be in the top 10% of the nation in both Reading and Math. SPCS continues to exceed this standard! Other considerations included breadth of curriculum (Fine Arts, Spanish, Technology), specialized programs (Learning Resource Center) and involvement of the community in the school. Test scores for all grade levels over the previous five years were also reviewed. St. Petersburg Christian School Established 1971

7 Our Campus Location - St. Petersburg Christian School is located at nd Avenue N, St. Petersburg, FL It is in the northeast quadrant of St. Petersburg and is easily accessed by I-275, US 19 and 4th Street North. Gymnasium - The student body takes advantage of one of the finest athletic facilities in St. Petersburg. The site of seasonal sports and tournament games, its stage and audio/visual system invite dual use of the facility for Fine Arts events and other special large group assemblies. This facility is the home to our Physical Education Department and is completed by two locker rooms and coaches offices. The gymnasium is also used weekly for Chapel Services for all grade levels. Computer Laboratory - The 2014 updated computer lab is equipped with 30 Lenovo computers with the most up-todate operating systems and productivity software available. From Kindergarten through Grade 8, students develop technology prowess, gaining skills in typing, use of business applications, and experiencing the newest developments in technology. Technology integration into core curriculum is a primary focus for all grades. The curriculum is enhanced using a variety of software programs including Brain Pop, Education City, Comic Life, and Microsoft Office Media Center - The 2014 updated Media Center consists of over 9,000 books and resource materials. It is a welcoming environment for all nine grades. Elementary classes gather in the inviting instructional area to enjoy stories and participate in SmartBoard activities, while middle school and faculty groups use the multi purpose area for study groups and professional development. Our InfoCentre database provides computerized book searches and check out system for all books, while student computers are provided for online research. Our Media Specialist also coordinates the student executed WSPC morning TV Production. The WSPC studio is located across from the Media Center. Classroom & Technology - Classrooms meet the instructional needs of Kindergarten through Grade 8. All have multiple student computers. Teachers also use Smart Boards, Promethean Boards and LCD projectors to enhance their instructional content and provide a technology rich learning environment in combination with their curriculum. Fine Arts - Our school supports the arts and has dedicated facilities for art, band, and vocal music classes that have all been recently updated. Kindergarten - Our Kindergarten Classrooms are self-contained in our East Wing. The East Wing has four instructional classrooms and a multi-purpose room used for lunch and special activities.

8 Academics St. Petersburg Christian School is committed to providing an excellent academic program for each young person it serves. Each child is respected as an individual, challenged as a learner and nurtured as a child of God. Children s successes are celebrated! Positive calls are made to parents, commendations are made on our WSPC morning show and successes are announced to the entire school community via our school website and Lead Administrator s. Academically Gifted - The academically gifted child has a need to be challenged while seeing him/herself as a part of his peer group. St. Petersburg Christian School seeks to do both. An accelerated program is offered in Kindergarten which teaches phonics and promotes early reading. An Individualized Reading Program in Grades 1 through 5 allows children to read beyond grade level, choosing books which are both interesting and challenging. An Enrichment Math Class is offered for those children who qualify in Grades 2 through 5. This program focuses more on critical thinking, problem solving, group projects and has a strong writing component. Science, Social Studies and Health units go beyond the textbook, incorporating projects and Internet research, giving an open-ended approach to learning. While Middle School classes are inherently challenging, Honors Math for Grades 6-8 is a full year above grade level. It isn t the only advanced Middle School course, however. An additional grade quality point is given to those who take Honors Math, Physical Science, and Spanish 2. Students who complete these classes with an A or B are eligible for high school credit. Students in Grades 5 and 7, who qualify, may be invited to participate in Duke University s Talent Identification Program (TIP) Learning Resource Center (LRC) - A team of several teachers and assistants serve children referred to the Learning Resource Center. Needs range from simply catching up (remedial needs) to working with children who are experiencing a learning disability (LD), Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) or Attention Deficit with Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Instruction is offered on a part-time or fulltime basis, determined by the child s needs and in consultation with parents. A diagnosis of academic skills helps to direct the formulation of an Individual Education Plan (IEP). The program s goal is to build needed skills as quickly as possible so the child may successfully return to the mainstream. Attending LRC is seen as a privilege and meets with respect from the student body. Significant growth and Honor Roll status are the norm for LRC students. There is an additional cost to participate in the LRC program. LRC is offered part-time for grades 1-8 and full-time for grades 2-8. Reporting Progress - 9 week grading period 3 and 6 week academic progress reports ParentsWeb (online access to grades, classroom activities, homework, etc.) Recognition of Achievement: Dean s List, Honor Roll, Most Improved & Christian Character Awards Communication With Parents - SPCS parents, teachers and administrators form a strong team in support of each child. Communication is a key to effectively working together. Principle ways in which parents partner with faculty and staff include: Personal interchanges or written messages ParentsWeb SPCS Website School Advisory Team (SAT) Parent Teacher Fellowship (PTF) Ambassador Program

9 Tuition and Assistance Full-time LRC,7-8: $10,095 Annual Tuition for School Year Elementary Kindergarten: $7,920 Grade 1: $8,320 Grades 2-5: $8,420 Part-time LRC Gr.1-5: $9,320 Full-time LRC Gr. 3-5: $9,620 Middle School Grade 6: $8,795 Grades 7 & 8: $8,995 Part-time LRC,6: $9,595 Part-time LRC,7-8: $9,645 Full-time LRC,6: $9,845 Registration and Re-enrollment Fees - $160 per student for returning and new students if paid by February 28, Beginning March 1, 2015 the fee is $250 per student. This fee must accompany the completed re-enrollment form or new application. Miscellaneous Fees - Testing - $40 (due at time of testing for a new student without current standardized test scores) Graduation - $35 for Kindergarten; $50 for Grade 8 Grades 5-8 Band - $30 per semester Grades 5-8 Musical Theatre - $30 per semester Middle School Art - $80 per semester Varsity Track & Field - $70 Varsity Baseball, Varsity Basketball, Soccer, Golf, Varsity Volleyball, Cheerleading - $90 per sport Junior Varsity Sports - $70 per sport Extended Care: Before/Aftercare Program - Registration Fee is $50.00 and the rate is $4.25 hour. Siblings are billed $2.50 per hour. Before/Aftercare charges are billed monthly and due when billed. Payments - Full payment by July 1, 2015 will result in a 3% tuition discount; otherwise, tuition will be divided into 11 monthly payments. The payments are due the 1st of each month, July 2015 through May All payments must be made via personal check, cashier s check or money order. No cash or credit card payments are accepted. Tuition Assistance - Applicants in need of tuition assistance may complete a financial aid application available from the Registrar. Information provided is handled in strictest confidence. Individual awards are based on need and availability of funds. Scholarships Accepted - McKay Scholarship Step up for Students Scholarship

10 Curriculum and Course Offerings Kindergarten Bible: ACSI Purposeful Design Handwriting: Zaner Bloser Language: Great Source Math: A Beka Phonics: A Beka Reading: A Beka/Accelerated Reader Science: Scott Foresman & Multiple Teacher Resources Social Studies: A Beka & Multiple Teacher Resources First Grade Bible: ACSI Purposeful Design Handwriting: Zaner Bloser History: A Beka Language: Houghton-Mifflin Math: A Beka Phonics: A Beka Reading: A Beka/Individualized/Accelerated Reader Science: Scott Foresman Spelling: A Beka Second Grade Bible: ACSI Purposeful Design Handwriting: Zaner Bloser History: A Beka and Studies Weekly Language: Houghton-Mifflin Math: A Beka Phonics: A Beka Reading: Individualized/Accelerated Reader Reading Skills: People s Education Inc. Science: Scott Foresman Spelling: A Beka LOWER DIVISION Fourth Grade Bible: ACSI Purposeful Design Handwriting: Zaner Bloser History: Harcourt Language: Houghton-Mifflin Math: My Math by Glencoe/McGraw Hill Reading: Individualized/Accelerated Reader Reading Skills: People s Education Inc. Science: Scott Foresman Spelling: Incorporated Through Curriculum Learning Resource Center, Grades 1-5: Bible: A Beka/What s in the Bible Handwriting: Zaner Bloser/A Reason for Handwriting History: Steck-Vaughn/A Beka Language: SRA/McGraw Hill/Steck-Vaughn/Sanron Math: Steck-Vaughn/SRA/McGraw Hill-Real Math Reading: SRA/McGraw Hill/A Beka Reading Skills: SRA/McGraw Hill Science: SRA/McGraw Hill Spelling: Target Spelling/Vocabulary Focus GRADES K 5 participate in the following resource classes: SPANISH COMPUTER ART VOCAL MUSIC PHYSICAL EDUCATION LIBRARY BAND PROGRAM begins in grade 3: Grades 3: Recorder Band Grade 4: Band Third Grade Bible: ACSI Purposeful Design Handwriting: Zaner Bloser History: A Beka Language: Houghton-Mifflin Math: A Beka Reading: Individualized/Accelerated Reader Reading Skills: People s Education Inc. Science: Scott Foresman Spelling: Incorporated Through Curriculum

11 Curriculum and Course Offerings Fifth Grade Bible: ACSI Purposeful Design Handwriting: Zaner Bloser Social Studies: Scott Foresman Language: Houghton-Mifflin Math: Glencoe/McGraw-Hill Reading: Individualized/Accelerated Reader Reading Skills: People s Education Inc. Science: Scott Foresman Spelling: Incorporated Through Curriculum UPPER DIVISION Sixth Grade Bible: Positive Action for Christ Computer: Prentice Hall Earth Science: Glencoe Geography: Glencoe Language Arts: Prentice Hall and Sadlier-Oxford Math: Glencoe Physical Education Spanish or American Sign Language Seventh Grade Bible: Positive Action for Christ Computer: Prentice Hall Language Arts: Prentice Hall and Sadlier-Oxford Civics: Houghton Mifflin Life Science: Glencoe Math: Glencoe Physical Education Spanish or American Sign Language Electives: Grades 5-8 Grade 5: Concert Band or Drama and Theatre Choice Grades 6-8: Art Concert Band Drama and Theatre TV Production, WSPC Yearbook, The Torch Wheel Elective Courses: (Sampling of courses offered on a rotation basis) Archery Life Skills Study Hall Team Sports Christian Social Ministry Learning Resource Center: Grades 6-8 Grammar: AGS (American Guidance Service)/Pearson Literature: Selected Novels and Short Stories Vocabulary: Connection/Steck-Vaughn Math: AGS Globe/Pearson Science: AGS Globe/Pearson Social Science: AGS/Pearson Students attend grade level classes for the following subjects: Bible Computer Health Physical Education Spanish or American Sign Language Eighth Grade Bible: Summit Ministries Computer: Prentice Hall Language Arts: Prentice Hall and Sadlier-Oxford Health: Prentice Hall History: Glencoe Math: Glencoe Physical Education Physical Science: Glencoe Spanish or American Sign Language

12 Standardized Test Results 2015

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