By Kristen Kreutner
I love being the principal for third through fifth grades because I have the privilege of watching students develop ownership of their education. Students in fifth grade make tremendous progress academically, spiritually, and personally. Fifth grade is the culminating year in elementary school at Northshore Christian Academy with a variety of opportunities to lead, learn, share, and grow.
Training Tomorrow’s Leaders with NCA’s Leadership Groups
One way for students to lead is through our fifth-grade leadership groups. All fifth-grade students have two opportunities during the year to join a leadership group. Each group offers unique opportunities to serve in a powerful way.
- In ACTS, students develop, write, block, and perform skits at chapel that speak to positive Christian influences in the culture of the school.
- Gator Patrol students help keep students and faculty safe by working as morning crossing guards during busy arrival time.
- Math buddies and reading buddies partner with younger students who need a confidence boost.
- Inside Out allows students to serve the larger Everett community with hands-on service projects such as creating blankets for the hospital.
- The garden club uses a tower garden to grow fresh herbs and vegetables for local shelters.
- The prayer club meets to pray for students, the school, the state, the nation, and the world.
- Some of our students help teachers with after-school classes.
No matter which group students participate in, they learn a valuable lesson: it is better to give than to receive. Matthew 20:28, “just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
A Pivotal Year in Music Education
Students may choose to participate in band, choir, or orchestra. Students learn the value of practicing at home to improve their individual skills, while expert teachers share their passion for music, inspiring students to do their best.
Every year, families are stunned at the cohesive musical groups and exceptional growth students achieve in just a few short months. In the spring, fifth to the eighth-grade band, choir, and orchestra concerts showcase the potential learning and expectations if students stick with their instrument long-term.
Technology Education From a Christian Perspective
Beginning in fifth grade, NCA uses a 1:1 student to computer ratio to teach students how to use technology for producing rather than consuming. NCA also continues training students in using their digital citizenship to be more like Christ. Find out more here.
Student-Led Learning
Student-led conferences are a staple for NCA and begin in fifth grade. As part of students owning their learning and developing goals for their own education, students are supported in learning how to advocate for their own learning. Parents are consistently impressed at the poise students bring to this process and the accuracy of their self-reflection. As a private school team, we partner together to support students in attaining their goals and using their God-given talents and gifts.
These are a few highlights for our private school students and parents to look forward to in fifth grade, and that’s only the beginning. The love and care that each of our teachers show are powerful and inspirational. We’re praying your family has the chance to experience fifth grade at NCA.
