Traditionally, the middle school years seem to be about making decision for high school.  In fact, middle school is still about seeking the wonder of learning.  A middle school student might feel like they have done it all by these grades, yet now, the discussion and questioning of ideas becomes essential.  All the pieces of math, science, and history are forming a bigger picture of the world. The world is also becoming bigger than the family or the school around them.   The middle school becomes about communicating opinions and listening to the opinions of others.  The middle school is about expressing feelings and learning acceptance of the differences that make each person unique.

Curriculum

Religion
Martin Luther wrote in his Large Catechism, “And I must still read and study daily, and yet I cannot master it as I wish, but must remain a child and pupil of being taught as Luther wrote. The 6th, 7th and 8th graders of Zion Lutheran school are being taught as Luther wrote,  a pupil and child of the Gospel.  Religion in these years a centered on Luther’s Small Catechism.  The students dig deeper into the six chief parts.  How do these parts apply to my life, now and the future are discussed.  A life of prayer, service, and their personal statement of belief are a part of the class.

Memory Work
Students memorize and recite Bible verses as well as prayers two times per week.

Reading
Students develop the ability to comprehend varied genres. Phonics, grammar, vocabulary, writing, and sight words are practiced. The Accelerated Reading Program is introduced.

Grammar/Writing
The 6th, 7th and 8th grade grammar classes continue the parts of speech in depth.  A good writer uses  the parts of speech actively and with confidence.  Writing is another layer of grammar.  The students are given a chance to create narratives, poems, stories, as well as essays, and research papers.  Each writing assignment is supported with Student/Teacher writer  conferences.

Math
By the 6th, 7th and 8th grade  the math curriculum is individualized for each student.  Courses range from reinforcement of basic math skills: multiplying, dividing, decimals, equations and expressions, and geometry to Introductions to Algebra and Geometry (9th grade Algebra).  Students work through their courses at their own pace. The course is challenging for the students.  For the first time, they are learning in an online classroom, with a classroom teacher for daily support.  The challenge each day comes from their own initiative not from assigned book work.

Science
The science program for the 6th, 7th, and 8th grade are centered around the divisions of science.   The students, beginning even in 4th grade are rotated by year through Life Science, Earth Science, Physical Science and Chemistry.   Experiments, projects, and demonstrations are the center of the science day.  The seven cross-cutting concepts: Patterns, Cause and Effect, Scale, Proportion, and Quantity, Systems and Models, Energy and Matter, Structure and Function, Stability and Change; are embedded throughout the curriculum.  These seven concepts are the bases for many ideas in STEM programs.

Social Studies
Who am I? And how do I belong in the world? These are questions commonly asked and studied in Social Studies.  This curriculum uses Geography, American History, and the study of civilizations to prepare students for high school.  In most cases the students participate in high school honors classes.

Technology
Our students have access to computers, iPads, Chrome Books, and Smartboards on a daily basis. They have technology class two times per week.

Enrichment Programs

  • Recess
  • Physical Fitness
  • Music
    Music is an integral part of Zion Lutheran School.  The site of our church and school housed a band hall in 1901.  Music used in worship is a part of each student’s day.  Music in choirs or instrumental band happens twice a week.  Music begins in Kindergarten and the students gets older, more musical opportunities are offered.
  • Spanish
    By the 8th grade year, a student from Zion Lutheran School will have had almost nine years of Introduction to Spanish.  The students learn, colors, numbers 0-100, body parts, clothing, family relationships, and the parts of the home.  By the upper elementary years, the students are beginning conversations in Spanish.  The proper use of pronouns and verbs are the capstone to the 6th, 7th, and 8th grade year.  Intermixed with the language, the classes learn about the Spanish culture and heritage.
  • Library
  • Art
  • Chapel

2022 -2023 Supply List

  • 1 – Laptop Computer or Chrome Book
  • 1 – Headphone or Earbuds (Required)
  • 1 – Box (16 ct.) Crayons
  • 1 – 8 oz. Bottle Elmer’s Glue
  • 1 Eraser
  • 1 – Box Colored Pencils
  • 3 – Boxes Kleenex (200 ct.)
  • 1 – Container Disinfecting Wipes
  • 1 – Notebook binder for paper
  • 1 – Notebook for Math
  • 3 – Pkgs. Notebook Paper
  • 2 – Reams of Copier Paper
  • 2 –  12 pkgs. – #2 Pencils
  • 1 –  Pkg. Markers (Colored)
  • 1 –  12” Ruler/Metric Measurements
  • 1 –  Pair of Scissors (Pointed)
  • 1 –  Calculator (Optional)
  • 1 – School Bag / Backpack to fit in locker
           Note: Wheeled book bags do not fit
  • Gym Shoes to be left at school
  • Sweater / Sweatshirt to leave at school
  • Gym Clothes – Shorts/Sweatpants/T-shirt
  • Bible (ESV Version)

Put Names on ALL Student Items

I want my students to have a school year to remember.  One of my first goals is that our class work together as a family unit, with our parents in the background.  I want the students to know that I expect their best effort and behavior in school, on the playground, and when they go out into the world and their homes.  I expect the students to discover their parents are their best cheerleader, support system, and are always willing to listen and help.  My goal is to get everyone to work together through success and problems.

We move our desks every week; this keeps my students from becoming bored or distracted.  It also encourages the students to work with the new classmates in their area each week.  The students get to know one another, look out for one another, and are willing to help one another.    I also have a large lending library.

Much of who I am as a teacher has come from I have learned from my students.  I Thessalonians 5:16-18 tells us to rejoice, pray, and give thanks continually.  The three most important parts of being a student are to build joy in your life, pray God into your life, and to be thankful for all the things God has put in your life.  “Be strong and courageous, the Lord is with you wherever you go!” Deuteronomy 31:6 tells us.  These are verses that have resonated in my classroom, because the classroom for middle school is no longer just four walls.  The classroom is a world viewed on a device.

I believe every student is a life-lesson from God.  My students are people I will train to go out and impact the world.  It is my job to get their message of faith ready to plant in another heart sometime or many times throughout their lives because they were apart of my classroom.

Julie Glumm
Teacher and Principal

Education

I have a major in English and a minor in history, but as my teaching style has matured, I find my classroom be structured around the wonder of just opening students’ minds to new information.  Through books, experiments, discussion my lessons are centered about the things we can explore together that will impact our learning and change how we perceive the world.

My claim to fame so to speak is I have read all the books I recommend for a student. I am a reader, and I want students to find their own love of story through books. 
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