2017-2018 ACTS Needs Assessment
| 2017-18 Class Lists for Second Needs Assessment Updated.docx |
| 2017-18 Class Lists for Second Needs Assessment Updated.pdf |
Changes to Courses for 2017-2018
- Deb Howard will be teaching Policy Debate and Trail Guide to Geography
- Barbara Hannold will be returning in 2018
- Violin is on hiatus
- Beginning Band will not be offered
- Allison Reed will be one of the Preschool teachers
Potential New Courses for 2017-2018
| Teacher Bios for Potential 2017-2018 Classes.pdf |
| Teacher Bios for Potential 2017-2018 Classes.docx |
Courses listed with stars next to title are new since the first Needs Assessment
MathSmith Algebra 1 * (meets two days per week)
Teacher: Diane Auger Smith
Grades: 8+
Yearly tuition: TBD, comparable to 2, 90-minute classes per week.
3:30pm-4:40pm
Algebra 1 is the gateway to higher mathematics. A solid foundation in Algebra 1 provides students with the building blocks necessary for more rigorous and challenging mathematics. Algebra 1 also develops students’ analytical and problem-solving skills necessary in making many personal/financial decisions encountered in life. Algebra 1 also provides students with the basic language of most sciences. This course covers several concepts including algebraic expressions and equations, linear and quadratic equations and inequalities, graphing, word problems, polynomials, and rational expressions and equations.
MathSmith Geometry * (meets two days per week)
Teacher: Diane Auger Smith
Grades: 9+
Yearly tuition: TBD, comparable to 2, 90-minute classes per week
9:10am-10:35am
Prerequisite: Algebra 1
Geometry teaches students to identify and investigate relationships between lines, angles, triangles, circles and polygons. This course covers several concepts, such as the properties of polygons, angles, arcs, chords, tangents and secants, and their application to practical real-world problems. Students are also taught the methodology of proof by deductive reasoning. Through this course, students will enhance their problem solving skills, and logical reasoning.
MathSmith Algebra 2 * (meets two days per week)
Teacher: Diane Auger Smith
Grades: 9+
Yearly tuition: TBD, comparable to 2, 90-minute classes per week.
10:40am-12:05pm
Prerequisite: Algebra 1 and Geometry
Algebra 1 and Geometry introduce students to the basic math tools necessary for performing higher level math. In Algebra 2 students begin applying these tools to expand their knowledge of higher mathematics, and to use this knowledge in solving real-world problems. This course covers several concepts including linear functions and inequalities, linear systems, matrices, quadratics, polynomials, exponential and logarithmic functions, and rational functions. Sequences and series will be introduced. Real-world applications will be examined.
Algebra Made Simple*
Teacher: Wendy King
Grade: 8-10th
Yearly tuition: free materials fee: $40
Requirement: Students are required to do the weekly assignments! Should be about 1.5-3 hours a week.
Struggling with grasping math concepts necessary for further math? Need a strong basis to go further in Algebra?
Math is a part of every adult’s life. You will use it.
We will learn all the concepts necessary to be successful in future math classes. We will work with positive and negative numbers (+, -, x, ÷) and their absolute value. We will learn about squares, square roots and exponents. We will learn/review the order of operation. We will work with word expressions, to make deciphering word problems easier. We will learn to solve 1 variable equations, starting simple and getting harder. We will learn about graphing: plotting points, graphing equations, and finding the slope/y-intercept. We will work with inequalities. We will learn about foil and factoring. If time permits we will also get to ratios and proportions.
We will not use a textbook. We will use lots of worksheets. The student will have approximately one worksheet to complete a day. In class, I will teach a new concept and we will work with it in class. I will send home a worksheet to practice that concept for the next three days, and a review sheet for Friday. All worksheets will need to be completed each week. I will also include links to videos and games to reinforce and review topics covered in class, if student needs additional help. At the end of the school year, teacher will make a recommendation as to what this class should be considered for each individual student for the following year.
Graphic Design*
Teacher: Kate Wittig
Grades: 9+
Yearly tuition: $270 materials fee: TBD
Graphic design is a challenging and multi-disciplinary field, at its essence, graphic design is about finding visual solutions. Students will learn graphic design techniques, skills and tools This course has four main goals: first to provide students with a comprehensive foundation in design, second to apply learned skills to design projects, third to introduce and teach the basics of software used by graphic designers, lastly to encourage creativity and problem solving.
Students will begin by learning the elements and principles of art and design. Throughout the year, students will be presented with various design challenges. Initially, these design challenges will focus on teaching and enhancing the student’s knowledge of the software required in order to produce designs. By the end of the course students should be proficient in vector illustration software and layout software. They should also have developed a working knowledge of image editing software.
This course is fundamentally practical and students should expect weekly design projects and assignments that should be finished and printed for presentation and inclusion in a portfolio. A laptop is essential and required in class.
Watercolor/Acrylic *
Teacher: Kate Wittig
Grades: 7+
Yearly tuition: $270 materials fee: TBD
Watercolor is a foundational painting skills class. Students should have some background in basic drawing skills before taking this class. Students will learn classical and contemporary watercolor painting techniques, wet on wet, dry on wet, resist techniques and brush skills. The class will spend time exploring color theory and color interaction as it applies to watercolor. Students will quickly be able to create fully finished paintings with a variety of subject matter.
Supply list:
Watercolor paper (Block or pad.)
Sketch pad
Variety of brushes
Watercolor paints (tube or pan.)
Palette
Water container
Pencil and eraser
Herbs and Plants: Gifts from God
Teacher: Susan Barkley
Grades: 5+*
Yearly tuition: $180; materials fee: $35
Every week in class, students will have a lot of fun planting a seed to take home, cultivating herbs and plants, and making a wonderful herbal/plant-based product. They will learn about the history, medicinal and culinary uses of herbs and plants, including their healing properties, and how to grow them and incorporate them into their lives. Students will be encouraged to keep a prayer-filled journal based on a weekly scripture verse from the Holy Bible about these gifts from God. Homework assignments will consist of making an additional product at home after each class. In total, students at the end of the year will have 32 new herbs/plants they can grow in the garden or share with family and friends. They will also have 64 products made by their loving, faithful hands.
*Younger children are welcome to join the class if parents believe they have a strong desire to learn about these beautiful herbs and plants. Parents are always welcome to attend class with their child.
Girls Beginning Etiquette Class
Teacher: Robin Cole
Grades: 4-6
Yearly tuition: $135; materials fee: $10
The course will include teaching the proper way to sit and stand with good posture, making introductions, conduct at special occasions, setting the table, planning a meal, good manners at the table, being a gracious hostess and guest. We will practice writing letters, invitations, thank yous and cursive handwriting. There will be discussion on helping at home, caring for the sick, the elderly and animals in our care, good sportsmanship and hygiene. The final class will include high tea to practice what we have learned. Throughout the course thinking of others will be emphasized as the basis of good manners.
Advanced Etiquette for Young Women
Teacher: Robin Cole
Grades 7+
Yearly tuition: $180 materials fee: $10
The course will include teaching the proper way to sit and stand with good posture and communication skills in various social situations. There will be instruction on etiquette when traveling and cultural differences. The students will practice setting a seven course meal, napkin folds and being a gracious hostess and guest. We will practice writing letters,invitations, thank yous and cursive handwriting .There will be discussion on social media and electronic devices and the proper way to use technology in public. The final class will include high tea to practice what we have learned. Throughout the course thinking of others will be emphasized as the basis of good manners.
Government and Presidential History for Children
Teacher: Llewellyn Riddle
Grades 4-5
Yearly tuition: $180; Materials fees $20
This course will provide children a basic overview of US government including understanding the three branches (executive, legislative, judicial). It will also offer a survey of US presidents from George Washington to Donald Trump. We will create interactive posters to show checks and balances, memorize the preamble to the constitution, write bills, and much more.
Children's Literature (2nd, 3rd, and 4th graders)
Teacher: Llewellyn Riddle
Grades 2-4
Yearly tuition: $180; Materials fees $20
In this class, students will take a creative approach to reading and learning how to interpret several classic works of age appropriate fiction, such as Charlotte's Web, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, and Sarah Plain and Tall. Special focus will be given to reading fluency, comprehension, and vocabulary building. Our goal is to make the students lifelong lovers of good and wholesome books.
Introduction to Shakespeare
Teacher: Laura Ford
Grades 9+
Yearly tuition: $225; Materials fee: $20
William Shakespeare is a cultural icon, and no education is complete without understanding his impact on the past and present. In this year-long course, students will explore Shakespeare’s world as they read, discuss, and view a handful of his major plays. Students will read four plays, including Romeo and Juliet, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and Macbeth. Additionally, students will visit Blackfriars Playhouse in Staunton to view a live performance.
Students should be strong readers as this is a reading-intensive course. Class participation is expected as well.
Brick Builders
Teacher: Lacey Holmes
Grades K-3
Yearly tuition: $180; materials fee $35
Calling all LEGO lovers! Students will enjoy various LEGO themed activities. Class will include a devotional time which introduces our weekly themes. Activities will vary week to week between LEGO games, building challenges and occasional crafts. After the activity students will get some creative building time and have the opportunity to share their creation with their peers. Come build with us!
Career Exploration for High School
Teacher: Mary Seymour
Grades 9+
Yearly tuition: $225; materials fee:$30
This course is designed to help students get an idea about possible careers that might fit their interests and skills. Speakers will be coming to class to discuss the education and requirements needed for varying jobs. Most of the jobs will require college degrees and speakers will address what is needed to be successful in their given careers. This course is designed to help students in choosing careers in which they will be successful. Local professors, career counselors, ACTS parents of varying careers will be tapped to come speak with the students. There will be question and answer times so students can get more info about what different careers offer them. This is a survey course to assist teens as they make major life decisions about college and career options.
MathSmith Algebra 1 * (meets two days per week)
Teacher: Diane Auger Smith
Grades: 8+
Yearly tuition: TBD, comparable to 2, 90-minute classes per week.
3:30pm-4:40pm
Algebra 1 is the gateway to higher mathematics. A solid foundation in Algebra 1 provides students with the building blocks necessary for more rigorous and challenging mathematics. Algebra 1 also develops students’ analytical and problem-solving skills necessary in making many personal/financial decisions encountered in life. Algebra 1 also provides students with the basic language of most sciences. This course covers several concepts including algebraic expressions and equations, linear and quadratic equations and inequalities, graphing, word problems, polynomials, and rational expressions and equations.
MathSmith Geometry * (meets two days per week)
Teacher: Diane Auger Smith
Grades: 9+
Yearly tuition: TBD, comparable to 2, 90-minute classes per week
9:10am-10:35am
Prerequisite: Algebra 1
Geometry teaches students to identify and investigate relationships between lines, angles, triangles, circles and polygons. This course covers several concepts, such as the properties of polygons, angles, arcs, chords, tangents and secants, and their application to practical real-world problems. Students are also taught the methodology of proof by deductive reasoning. Through this course, students will enhance their problem solving skills, and logical reasoning.
MathSmith Algebra 2 * (meets two days per week)
Teacher: Diane Auger Smith
Grades: 9+
Yearly tuition: TBD, comparable to 2, 90-minute classes per week.
10:40am-12:05pm
Prerequisite: Algebra 1 and Geometry
Algebra 1 and Geometry introduce students to the basic math tools necessary for performing higher level math. In Algebra 2 students begin applying these tools to expand their knowledge of higher mathematics, and to use this knowledge in solving real-world problems. This course covers several concepts including linear functions and inequalities, linear systems, matrices, quadratics, polynomials, exponential and logarithmic functions, and rational functions. Sequences and series will be introduced. Real-world applications will be examined.
Algebra Made Simple*
Teacher: Wendy King
Grade: 8-10th
Yearly tuition: free materials fee: $40
Requirement: Students are required to do the weekly assignments! Should be about 1.5-3 hours a week.
Struggling with grasping math concepts necessary for further math? Need a strong basis to go further in Algebra?
Math is a part of every adult’s life. You will use it.
We will learn all the concepts necessary to be successful in future math classes. We will work with positive and negative numbers (+, -, x, ÷) and their absolute value. We will learn about squares, square roots and exponents. We will learn/review the order of operation. We will work with word expressions, to make deciphering word problems easier. We will learn to solve 1 variable equations, starting simple and getting harder. We will learn about graphing: plotting points, graphing equations, and finding the slope/y-intercept. We will work with inequalities. We will learn about foil and factoring. If time permits we will also get to ratios and proportions.
We will not use a textbook. We will use lots of worksheets. The student will have approximately one worksheet to complete a day. In class, I will teach a new concept and we will work with it in class. I will send home a worksheet to practice that concept for the next three days, and a review sheet for Friday. All worksheets will need to be completed each week. I will also include links to videos and games to reinforce and review topics covered in class, if student needs additional help. At the end of the school year, teacher will make a recommendation as to what this class should be considered for each individual student for the following year.
Graphic Design*
Teacher: Kate Wittig
Grades: 9+
Yearly tuition: $270 materials fee: TBD
Graphic design is a challenging and multi-disciplinary field, at its essence, graphic design is about finding visual solutions. Students will learn graphic design techniques, skills and tools This course has four main goals: first to provide students with a comprehensive foundation in design, second to apply learned skills to design projects, third to introduce and teach the basics of software used by graphic designers, lastly to encourage creativity and problem solving.
Students will begin by learning the elements and principles of art and design. Throughout the year, students will be presented with various design challenges. Initially, these design challenges will focus on teaching and enhancing the student’s knowledge of the software required in order to produce designs. By the end of the course students should be proficient in vector illustration software and layout software. They should also have developed a working knowledge of image editing software.
This course is fundamentally practical and students should expect weekly design projects and assignments that should be finished and printed for presentation and inclusion in a portfolio. A laptop is essential and required in class.
Watercolor/Acrylic *
Teacher: Kate Wittig
Grades: 7+
Yearly tuition: $270 materials fee: TBD
Watercolor is a foundational painting skills class. Students should have some background in basic drawing skills before taking this class. Students will learn classical and contemporary watercolor painting techniques, wet on wet, dry on wet, resist techniques and brush skills. The class will spend time exploring color theory and color interaction as it applies to watercolor. Students will quickly be able to create fully finished paintings with a variety of subject matter.
Supply list:
Watercolor paper (Block or pad.)
Sketch pad
Variety of brushes
Watercolor paints (tube or pan.)
Palette
Water container
Pencil and eraser
Herbs and Plants: Gifts from God
Teacher: Susan Barkley
Grades: 5+*
Yearly tuition: $180; materials fee: $35
Every week in class, students will have a lot of fun planting a seed to take home, cultivating herbs and plants, and making a wonderful herbal/plant-based product. They will learn about the history, medicinal and culinary uses of herbs and plants, including their healing properties, and how to grow them and incorporate them into their lives. Students will be encouraged to keep a prayer-filled journal based on a weekly scripture verse from the Holy Bible about these gifts from God. Homework assignments will consist of making an additional product at home after each class. In total, students at the end of the year will have 32 new herbs/plants they can grow in the garden or share with family and friends. They will also have 64 products made by their loving, faithful hands.
*Younger children are welcome to join the class if parents believe they have a strong desire to learn about these beautiful herbs and plants. Parents are always welcome to attend class with their child.
Girls Beginning Etiquette Class
Teacher: Robin Cole
Grades: 4-6
Yearly tuition: $135; materials fee: $10
The course will include teaching the proper way to sit and stand with good posture, making introductions, conduct at special occasions, setting the table, planning a meal, good manners at the table, being a gracious hostess and guest. We will practice writing letters, invitations, thank yous and cursive handwriting. There will be discussion on helping at home, caring for the sick, the elderly and animals in our care, good sportsmanship and hygiene. The final class will include high tea to practice what we have learned. Throughout the course thinking of others will be emphasized as the basis of good manners.
Advanced Etiquette for Young Women
Teacher: Robin Cole
Grades 7+
Yearly tuition: $180 materials fee: $10
The course will include teaching the proper way to sit and stand with good posture and communication skills in various social situations. There will be instruction on etiquette when traveling and cultural differences. The students will practice setting a seven course meal, napkin folds and being a gracious hostess and guest. We will practice writing letters,invitations, thank yous and cursive handwriting .There will be discussion on social media and electronic devices and the proper way to use technology in public. The final class will include high tea to practice what we have learned. Throughout the course thinking of others will be emphasized as the basis of good manners.
Government and Presidential History for Children
Teacher: Llewellyn Riddle
Grades 4-5
Yearly tuition: $180; Materials fees $20
This course will provide children a basic overview of US government including understanding the three branches (executive, legislative, judicial). It will also offer a survey of US presidents from George Washington to Donald Trump. We will create interactive posters to show checks and balances, memorize the preamble to the constitution, write bills, and much more.
Children's Literature (2nd, 3rd, and 4th graders)
Teacher: Llewellyn Riddle
Grades 2-4
Yearly tuition: $180; Materials fees $20
In this class, students will take a creative approach to reading and learning how to interpret several classic works of age appropriate fiction, such as Charlotte's Web, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, and Sarah Plain and Tall. Special focus will be given to reading fluency, comprehension, and vocabulary building. Our goal is to make the students lifelong lovers of good and wholesome books.
Introduction to Shakespeare
Teacher: Laura Ford
Grades 9+
Yearly tuition: $225; Materials fee: $20
William Shakespeare is a cultural icon, and no education is complete without understanding his impact on the past and present. In this year-long course, students will explore Shakespeare’s world as they read, discuss, and view a handful of his major plays. Students will read four plays, including Romeo and Juliet, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and Macbeth. Additionally, students will visit Blackfriars Playhouse in Staunton to view a live performance.
Students should be strong readers as this is a reading-intensive course. Class participation is expected as well.
Brick Builders
Teacher: Lacey Holmes
Grades K-3
Yearly tuition: $180; materials fee $35
Calling all LEGO lovers! Students will enjoy various LEGO themed activities. Class will include a devotional time which introduces our weekly themes. Activities will vary week to week between LEGO games, building challenges and occasional crafts. After the activity students will get some creative building time and have the opportunity to share their creation with their peers. Come build with us!
Career Exploration for High School
Teacher: Mary Seymour
Grades 9+
Yearly tuition: $225; materials fee:$30
This course is designed to help students get an idea about possible careers that might fit their interests and skills. Speakers will be coming to class to discuss the education and requirements needed for varying jobs. Most of the jobs will require college degrees and speakers will address what is needed to be successful in their given careers. This course is designed to help students in choosing careers in which they will be successful. Local professors, career counselors, ACTS parents of varying careers will be tapped to come speak with the students. There will be question and answer times so students can get more info about what different careers offer them. This is a survey course to assist teens as they make major life decisions about college and career options.
