In 8th grade, after a study of Pop Art, students create a large expressive self-portrait using acrylic paint. They take expressive pictures of each other and then mix different values of paint to fill in the shapes that make up their face. It generally is their favorite project of all of their years in middle school art.
Each year, our 8th graders put their creativity to the test, crafting intricate structures using glue and toothpicks, all in a daring attempt to safeguard their precious eggs as they plummeted from the roof (aka the tallest window in the building!)
In 8th grade literature, students participate in a book club unit where there are several books offered. The student groups create their own reading assignments, lead themselves in discussion, and finish by creating a book trailer with the focus on theme.
In our literature 7 class, at the end of the Shakespeare unit, the students choose to make a project based on what they have learned. They may use whatever creative means they choose to show the class that they have learned something about Shakespeare and the Elizabethan time period. Using food, film, Legos, architecture, sewing, and many other techniques, the students enjoy this project.
In science, students build a mousetrap powered car to help them learn about power, motion, energy, perseverance. We see how far each car can go - most usually hit 70-90 feet.
Students create statues of the various Renaissance leaders that they will showcase in our class museum. Student created statues will then guide students to learn more about each leader.
A unique aspect of CCLS is that we are a multiple campus school; however, we are united together in ministry and vision. We share in providing the same cohesive values and academic foundation. Our middle school is composed of grades fifth through eighth, purposefully leveraging fifth grade as a transitioning year. A subtle use of block scheduling and increased class length prepares students for the next few years in middle school.
Communication between teachers, students, and families is critical in the middle school years. Our teachers facilitate 21st Century teaching and learning practices by seamlessly integrating the use of Google Classroom, Blackbaud, blogs, Peardeck and other methods for communicating grades and assignments.
Students use their school-provided Chromebook in almost every facet of their daily learning. Whether it's in math, literature, or science class, you will find students working hands-on in their peer groups collaborating and exploring new topics. At CCLS, the student is an active participant in the learning taking place. Enhancing the collaborative teaching and learning approach, is the unique design and layout of the new middle school campus. The design, from the layout of the common spaces to all furniture being mobile, was created for collaboration, problem-solving and development, to prepare students to be life-long learners and productive members of the community God has placed us in.
With a variety of technological resources at our fingertips, we remain convinced of the primacy of face-to-face interaction. Our teachers consistently offer students support as they form strong relationships.
My child received an excellent education in the classroom from loving and caring staff and in the community of this school. Greater still, he is grounded in his faith and continues to be the hands and feet of Christ as he heads to college."
Students are encouraged to grow beyond their core classes and explore the individual gifts God has given them. CCLS offers a number of different electives and co-curricular options to explore unique interests.
Electives such as Creative Writing, School News, Robotics, Academic Team, Coding Club, Student Leadership, Handbells, Basic Training, Aerodynamics, Book Club, TED Talks, Speech and Drama, Musicals, Choir, Band, Advanced Spanish, Coding, Peer Tutoring, Ceramics, Esports, Podcasts, Service Projects, Yearbook, and more lend students a chance to shape their own story at CCLS.
Along with a growing number of academic electives, students can participate in extracurricular activities such as academic team, soccer, cross country, volleyball, basketball, track, field hockey, golf, musicals, drama and coding.
Block scheduling allows our students to prepare for the rigors of a secondary school schedule. Our specialized teachers are able to more fully develop engaging, relevant lessons for our students in longer periods of time that meet on an every other day basis. Students learn about time management, responsibility, and careful scheduling as they balance an A/B schedule with their co-curricular activities.
While standardized tests are only a snapshot of a much bigger picture, our upper grades consistently score well above the National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence standard. To view where our students attend high school click here.
No matter the choice of high school the CCLS graduates select, our graduates continue to experience success at the next level. CCLS graduates repeatedly earn places in high honors classes, assume leadership roles on athletic teams, musical groups, and academic clubs, and even become valedictorians of their high school graduating classes.
