Scholar Bowl
The Scholar Bowl Team features head to head competition, quick response answers, time limits on questions and use of recognition systems by participants. Fields of study include, but not limited to science, mathematics, social studies, literature, fine arts, language arts, religion, and miscellaneous/vocational education.
Zion’s Scholar Bowl team is comprised of Jr. High students. The Academic Team participates in a series of practice meets leading up to the State Academic Meet. The team is coached by a Zion staff member.
Literacy
Literacy is the ability to read, write, communicate, and interact with the world around us. It is not a natural ability; therefore, it must be taught explicitly and systematically. Our teachers provide a Structured Literacy approach to teaching these skills. Structured Literacy is based on the science of reading and years of research exploring how the brain learns to read. We focus on phonological and phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. These skills are delivered in engaging ways to effectively cultivate readers.
Zion is proud to employ a full time Literacy Program Director to support teachers in data collection and planning. The Literacy Program Director also provides small group support for students in kindergarten through third grade.
Math Tracking
In sixth grade different math classes are offered to best meet the needs of our students. Transitional Math (6TM) and General Math (6GM) will both use the same textbook. Transitional math activities will include additional review, reinforcement of concepts, and a more concrete approach. These students are on target for Pre Algebra in 8th grade. The General Math class will also have reinforcement of concepts but will delve into more abstract concepts and problem solving. These students will be on target for Pre Algebra in 7th and Algebra in 8th grade. Students will be evaluated each year to determine the best fit for their needs as learners.
Spanish Class
Bienvenidos! Welcome! Zion Spanish class is held two class periods each week in both grades 7 and 8. All students choose a Spanish name the first week of class. They also learn and list the many important reasons to learn Spanish- a fun and easy language that has become increasingly spoken around the world.
Spanish classes include a variety of units which emphasize vocabulary, grammar, and spoken conversation. A special language software program called Rosetta Stone is presented regularly in the classroom using the SMARTboard. While 7th graders focus on the country of Mexico, 8th grade students select a specific Spanish speaking country to explore and discover throughout the year. All students attend three fiestas to enjoy the food, crafts, and music of Spanish and Latin American culture.
Fifth Grade S.T.A.R.T Program
Substance Tobacco Alcohol Resistance Training (S.T.A.R.T.) is a comprehensive and adaptable substance abuse prevention curriculum for fifth- and sixth-grade students. Over nine classes, students learn about critical issues facing youth today, such as tobacco, alcohol, illicit drugs, bullying and cyberbullying, peer pressure, and citizenship. All classes are led by Community Education Officers who utilize a combination of instructional strategies for student engagement, including interactive learning, lectures, writing prompts, group exercises, and peer-led discussions. Each lesson is focused on helping students understand positive and negative decision-making and providing them with the tools necessary to confidentially express the program’s motto:
“Start by saying NO!”
Unlike other prevention programs, S.T.A.R.T. was created by SCCPD law enforcement professionals with contributions from the St. Charles County Health Department, St. Charles County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, Digital Futures Initiative, and other community partners.
Robotics and Computer Science
Students in 2nd through 5th grade participate in biweekly robotics or coding classes. Through the programs students use a hands-on, minds-on approach designed to help students take ownership of the learning process, enabling them to actively develop the problem-solving skills and collaborative outlook necessary to become creators.