8th Grade Celebration - Posted 5-5-2015

One of the most enjoyable evenings of your a child's life at Grace Academy, is the celebration of the culmination of junior high. Our "8th Grade Celebration" is just that; we take an evening to pause and recognize what God has done in the lives of our soon-to-be high school students.

The "Celebration" is an evening of fun, food, fancy clothes, picture taking (lots of picture taking), entertainment and reflection. It is an opportunity to say thank you to your parents and other family members for the countless hours of homework help, carpools, laundry, emotion and love that they have poured into your life.

An invitation will be arriving soon. Please make sure to RSVP once you get your invitation.

From Pearce's Pen - May 4, 2015

Happy May! I hope that you are all experiencing the wonderful sights, smells and sounds of spring. We are truly blessed to live in our little corner of the world.

I might remind you that "The Best of Junior High Fair" approaches rapidly. Remember that you can find Fair instructions below in the Beak Blog. Also, if you have a question about anything dealing with the Fair, ask sooner than later. It is best to not wait until set-up to ask for electricity or to get approval for additional space, etc.

If you do need electricity at your booth, you need to supply the extension cords, power-strips and duct tape.

I am looking forward to an excellent evening.

Friendship Week - updated 02/07/15

Hey Junior High,

This coming week is Friendship Week!

Each student that wanted to participate filled out a questionnaire with their favorites treats and hobbies. The questionnaires were then drawn by the students so that they could have all the details on their friendship week buddy. Each day next week the students will be responsible to delight their buddy with something special, all while keeping their identity a secret. They can bring treats, cards, or other creative ideas. Please do not spend more than $3.00 each day. On Thursday (due to no school Friday) the students can reveal their identity to their buddy.

We hope that this week reminds the students to think of others before themselves and look for ways to bless those around them.

Questions, Curiosity & Conflict

As an administrator at a Christian school, I am a firm believer in going directly to the person involved in any issue as a first step. It is certainly the model that Christ set for us in His dealings with people of all walks of life; He met them where they were. I would ask that if a perceived or potential conflict arises that you first visit the teacher involved. I ask this of my teachers in regard to each of our families. In the event that you need further help along the way, then I would be happy to meet with you.

If you are simply curious or have questions, please seek out your child’s teacher. If you have a question about and event or program, please seek out the person in charge. In these instances, feel free to contact me, if I do not know the answer, I can at least put you in touch with the person who can help you.

God Bless,

Timothy Pearce

Secondary Vice Principal

Junior High Winter Olympics - (updated 01/27/15)

Every year our high school students go to the mountains for a week at the beginning of second semester. During that week the junior high takes the opportunity to do something a little different. We do academics in the morning and then on four of our afternoons the classes compete in the Junior High Winter Olympics. The students have the opportunity to participate in events such as; chariot races, obstacle courses, the shoe kick, the acclaimed Great Ice Melt, among many other enjoyable rivalries.

Each class selects a team name and a theme song, creates a flag, and selects something to wear that shows unity. Each class is assigned a portion of our bleachers and they may decorate as they see fit. The classes earn spirit points based on the competitions as well as team unity, team spirit and obedience.

Students need to wear their uniform in the morning, but they may change at lunch, into clothing that is better suited for the event.

FINAL EXAMS - (updated 01/27/15)

In junior high we begin preparing students for high school and beyond. One of the ways in which this is accomplished is by the administering of final exams. These exams will take place at the end of first semester which is also the end of second quarter and at the end of second semester which is also the end of fourth quarter.

During final exam week we will have a two and a half day special finals schedule. Each teacher will have approximately an hour and forty minutes in which to administer that class's final exam.
It is good to be aware of this week of testing, so that families can make sure that they do not schedule other events or vacations at this time. Making-up a missed final can be done, but it can be very difficult.

Throughout the year, it is a good practice to save all tests and quizzes from each particular class, as more often than not final exams will be created from a collection of questions or type of questions that the student has already seen or experienced.

Final exams count for 1/7 of the student's semester grade. This score will be averaged with the two quarters of the semester. Each of that semester's two quarters will count as 3/7 of the semester grade.
Most of your child's classes will administer a final exam. It is possible, however, for a quarter class or an elective, not to have a final exam. Study Hall, student aid and other such classes will most likely not have a final exam, but your child will still attend those classes for an extended period of time during the final exam week.