Academics

Mack Elementary Curriculum

Kindergarten–6^th Grade

The Classroom 

Our classrooms are alive with learning! Tour our classrooms and you will see children actively engaged in their own learning.  There is an excitement of discovery and exploration, collaborative small group experiences and rigorous thinking in every subject.  Instruction is designed to take children far beyond rote memorization and test-taking to a level of critical thinking that will help them be lifelong problem solvers and learners!  Children learn how to evaluate, analyze, and compare and contrast what they learn through the lens of Biblical truth. Teachers assess each child’s ability and classroom instruction is designed to meet each child where they are. Caring relationships between teacher and students make the classroom a safe place to learn. Kindergarten class size is limited to 20 students and 1^st -6^th grade class size is limited to 25 students. Classroom teachers work with the help of an aide.

Bible

Children are given an overview of the Old Testament through stories, and learn about the life and work of Jesus Christ. Essential truths of the faith are shared with students: Each child is uniquely and wonderfully made in His image. Each child has God-given gifts and talents. Our mission is to help our students live fully for God in a rapidly changing world. Our children are a valuable part of a community. Our Bible study is rooted in God’s truth. 

Most importantly, our students are challenged with spiritual truths and practical application of the teachings of Christ in their daily lives. Christian Schools International (CSI) curriculum establishes God's Word as the final guide and source for our lives. Daily devotions, chapel, Bible memory, its application, and prayer all make God an integral part of all classroom studies.

Mathematics

Read about the "Math Expression" Curriculum here

The three pillars of mathematical thinking, problem solving, computation and concept development, are the basis for our rigorous math curriculum, Math Expressions. The goal of the BCS Math program in primary grades is to teach math concepts through hands-on materials.   Along with supplementary Kuske materials, students explore the use of manipulatives, sort and classify objects, work at number stations, and perform patterning and graphing activities. This approach helps children move from the concrete to the symbolic level as they see the underlying patterns found in mathematics. Intermediate students learn flexible mathematical thinking, problem solving strategies, algebraic thinking, logic, probability and statistics as they tackle increasingly complex mathematical problems.  In addition, students in grades 1-6 can expand their mathematical skills online and beyond their grade level through the individualized Accelerated Math program.

Reading and Writing

Children entering kindergarten are discovering the magic of reading and writing together! Our reading program for young learners teaches phonics by having children learn the 44 sounds of the English language. Students participate in learning stations which include hands-on reading and writing activities to strengthen phonics and comprehension. In each grade, students learn sight words from the Dolch word list. Children learn the many components of early literacy in a hands-on, supportive, loving classroom.

Creative journal writing strengthens the connection between reading and writing. D’Nealian print is used as children put their thoughts on paper. In 2^nd and 3^rd grades, students learn cursive handwriting. In upper grades, children participate in fiction and non-fiction book studies in small groups, across genres, as they develop a love of reading and writing. At each grade, the children can progress through a curriculum that’s engaging and in line with their skill levels. Students in grades 1-6 can also test their comprehension and increase their reading motivation through participation in the Accelerated Readers program.

Science

Meaningful science instruction helps children understand the fullness of God’s world. Creation comes alive through hands-on projects designed to lead children through the discovery of scientific exploration. Our classrooms use Foss kits to bring science experiments alive. From the study of animals and balance and motion in the younger grades, to the study of the forest, water systems and magnetism in the middle grades, and then followed by the study of variables, nutrition and body systems in the upper grades, our students learn about the intricacies and wonder of this planet.

Social Studies

Students learn about ancient and American history, geography, different cultures, and social issues through a combination of simulations, stories, biographies, text books and field trips. 

Enrichment Activities In and Out of the Classroom

There is a multitude of enriching opportunities for all students. They include musical concerts, dramatic performances, leading worship during weekly chapels, the Washington State Math Olympiad, the National Geography Bee, local and regional Speech Meets, service projects, After School Programs, a student-written campus newsletter, field trips, school yearbook, jog-a-thon, 5th grade outdoor education, track meet for grades 4-6, Imagination Celebration Open House and much more.

Enrichment Pull-Out Program

The enrichment program is a pull-out class designed to provide highly capable students in second through sixth grade with enriching experiences in the areas of their strengths. To participate in this program, children must qualify through testing or be recommended by their classroom teacher.   The program includes high interest activities, rich with critical thinking skills, in thematic units.  Themes include but are not limited to engineering, forensics, Bubbleology, architecture, rocketry, broadcasting, and creative dramatics.  Math enrichment classes are designed for children who are gifted in math.  These pull out sessions include high level thinking in probability, logic, statistics and problem solving. We offer enrichment options for grades 2-6, math enrichment for grades 2-6, and independent learners in grades 3-6.

Click here for the Enrichment page

Specialist Classrooms

Each child will participate in a variety of specialist classes at Mack Elementary. These include instruction in Spanish, art, music, band, PE, and library for all students. Formal computer instruction begins in 2^nd grade.

Spanish

All students participate in Spanish instruction 20 minutes each week. Our Total Physical Response Spanish program engages students in learning and familiarizes them with the vocabulary, music, customs, and cultures of Spanish speaking countries.

Art

Mack students have a rich exposure to art activities including drawing, painting, sculpture, and pottery.  Studies in line, contrast, color, form and design give our students a wonderful foundation of the elements of art. 

Music

Kodaly music instruction teaches the fundamentals of music through rhythm, dance, and song. Students learn music history, theory, and music appreciation, as well as vocal and listening skills. Third and fourth grade students learn to read music and play the recorder. Performance is important to students and parents and is used to enhance the educational program.

Band and Choir

Beginning in the fifth grade students may opt to learn a band instrument including brass, woodwinds, and percussion. Under the band director's baton students rehearse twice a week and perform several times throughout the year. Fifth and sixth graders may also join the choir that performs at school concerts, chapels, and community venues, under the music teacher's direction.

Library

Students visit the library weekly. Our librarian prepares age-appropriate activities including story time, oral readings, and lessons in library and research skills. Students have time to select and check out books for assignments and leisure reading

Physical Education

Students attend PE two times per week. The PE teacher plans and leads activities aimed at developing coordination, strength, flexibility, balance, fitness, sport-specific skills and knowledge through demonstrations, play, exercise, and games.

Computer Education

The computer is a wonderful tool for communicating the work that students produce.  Students in grades 2^nd-6^th grade attend formal instruction in the computer lab, once per week, for thirty minutes. In computer class the children learn how to utilize the Office Suite programs. From formatting Word documents in 2^nd grade to PowerPoint in 3^rd grade and Publisher/Excel in 4^th, 5^th, and 6^thgrades, our students learn the importance and power of the computer as a tool for producing exceptional work

If your child needs academic support in the classroom: Student Academic Services

A pullout academic therapy program is available, at an additional cost, for students who have been diagnosed as having difficulty in learning. Therapists are trained to use the program developed through the National Institute of Learning Disabilities (NILD). Separate information is available upon request

Reading Resource

Our reading resource specialist provides supplemental assistance in the area of language arts with an emphasis in reading skills fluency in a small-group pullout program. Eligible students are those who need an extra boost in reading skills at their respective grade level

Standardized Testing

Standardized testing begins for students in 1^st and 2^nd grades with the Stanford Reading Assessment. 

Each year, all students in 3^rd-6^th grades take the IOWA Test of Basic Skills (ITBS) in math, reading, language, and other subjects. Our school does very well in comparison to others. Test results over a number of years show that most BCS elementary students perform significantly above grade level on this assessment.