Middle School
Mr. Stage
mstage@trinityhudson.org
My Favorite Bible Verse
This is what the Lord says: Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom or the strong man boast of his strength or the rich man boast of his riches; rather let him who boasts boast about this: that he knows and understands me - Jeremiah 9:23-24
My Greatest Joy in working in a Christian School
The Christian school enviornment is attractive; it encourages both teachers and students to creatively dovetail Godly values into all subject areas.
I Love Trinity Academy because
The cooperative efforts of both church and school, along with the active support of families all help to make Trinity a vibrant learning community.
About Me
In 2003 I was awarded an undergraduate degree in social studies education from Evangel University. Since that time I have found that my love for people, and my passion for truth have assisted me most in my teaching career. My wife and I currently live in Saint Paul with our two daughters.
Algebra
Pre-algebra
Math Course II
Math Course I
Math Triumphs
Physical science
Life science
Earth science
Language focuses on three components
- English: spelling, grammar, vocabulary, composition (essays, research papers, narratives, journals), speech
- Literature: classic texts, literature circles, battle of the books, reading logs
- Spanish: vocabulary, compsition, speech
Ancient World History
Medieval World History
US History
World Geography
Old Testament Literature I: Israel's Law and History; Genesis - Ester
Old Testament Literature II: Israel's Writings and Prophets; Job - Malachi
New Testament Literature: Gospels, Epistles, Revelation
Boys and Girls Bible Studies
Worship Band
Art
Music
Band
Home economics
Newspaper
Blogging
Faith Formation
Grades 6-8
Old Testament Survey I
Text - NIV version of the Bible
Description - this course is the first half of a two year study of the 39 books of the OT. Students will be exposed to the general history and chronology of the Old Testament as well as its main personalities.
Core units of study include
Authorship - traditional and historical authors of the books of the Bible
Characters - roles of leading personalitites of the Biblical narratives
Chronology - order of events recorded in the Biblical narrative
Geography - significant countries, cities, seas, rivers, mountains, deserts, plains, etc.
Historcity - the historical accuracy of the Biblical narratives
Inspiration - the operation of the Spirit of God in cooperation with human writers
Tradition - how scripture has been viewed and used over the centuries of church history
Unity - how from Genesis through Malachi scripture has a unified message and purpose
Assessment - Tests, projects, written reports, memory work, in class discussions and participation.
Old Testament Survey I
Text - NIV version of the Bible
Description - this course is the first half of a two year study of the 39 books of the OT. Students will be exposed to the general history and chronology of the Old Testament as well as its main personalities.
Core units of study include
Authorship - traditional and historical authors of the books of the Bible
Characters - roles of leading personalitites of the Biblical narratives
Chronology - order of events recorded in the Biblical narrative
Geography - significant countries, cities, seas, rivers, mountains, deserts, plains, etc.
Historcity - the historical accuracy of the Biblical narratives
Inspiration - the operation of the Spirit of God in cooperation with human writers
Tradition - how scripture has been viewed and used over the centuries of church history
Unity - how from Genesis through Malachi scripture has a unified message and purpose
Assessment - Tests, projects, written reports, memory work, in class discussions and participation.
Language Arts
Grades 6-8
Text - Abeka and supplemental materials
Description - This course provides students language experiences in the areas in the listening, writing and speaking as well as spelling, vocabulary and grammar skills.
Core units of study include:
Composition - Writing process, expressive, informative, formulaic, imaginative, and persuasive.
Grammar - Sentence structure, editing, identification of nouns, pronouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, and word usage.
Mechanics of Writing - Spelling, punctuation and capitalization
Genre - Narrative, descriptive, expository and persuasive
Refrerences and research skills
Poetry
Speeches
Assessment - Selected responses, writing essays and poetry, conventions and content, discussions and participation.
Text - Abeka and supplemental materials
Description - This course provides students language experiences in the areas in the listening, writing and speaking as well as spelling, vocabulary and grammar skills.
Core units of study include:
Composition - Writing process, expressive, informative, formulaic, imaginative, and persuasive.
Grammar - Sentence structure, editing, identification of nouns, pronouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, and word usage.
Mechanics of Writing - Spelling, punctuation and capitalization
Genre - Narrative, descriptive, expository and persuasive
Refrerences and research skills
Poetry
Speeches
Assessment - Selected responses, writing essays and poetry, conventions and content, discussions and participation.
Literature
Grades 6-8
Text: Abeka and supplemental reading materials
Description - This course exposes students to different forms of text, or genres including narrative and expository or nonfiction materials. They are taught strategies to help them both enjoy and comprehend the materials they read. During the course students will be required to repsond to the reading materials through activities such as speaking, writing and listening. Spelling and vocabulary will be part of each unit.
Core Activities:
Word meaning and analysis
Text organization
Critical reading and thinking
Character analysis
Listening and speaking
Assessment - Responding to text in writing, oral discussion and projects.
Science
Grades 6-8
Science General
Text - Observing God's World
Description - Students begin a journey in science and will study Life Science, Earth Science, Physical Science and current events.
Core units of study include - Cells, bacteria, protists, fungi, plants and animals, forces of the earth, earthquakes, and light and sound.
Assessments - Science projects, classroom tests, assignments, discussions and lab activities.
Life Science
Text - Life Science for Christian Schools, Science Order and Reality, Foss kits
Description - Life Science is a year long introductory course to introduce students to the importance of living things. Students will study the six kingdoms of living organisms, the earth's environment, biomes and genetics.
A unit on the human body will provide understanding of the mechanics and physiology of the human body as well as issues that affect health and well being.
Core units of study include - Cells, plants, protest, fungi, bacteria, viruses, animals, human body, genetics, ecology, classification of living organisms.
Assessment - Science projects, classroom tests, assignments, discussions and lab activities.
Earth Science
Text - Earth Science for Christian Schools, Science of the Physical Creation in Christian Perspective.
Description - Earth Science is a year long course in which students will use the scientific method to gain information about the earth, the location in the universe, the changes that occur on and around our planet and its composition.
Core units of study include - Astronomy, rocks and minerals, plate tectonics, volcanoes and earthquakes, earth history, meteorology, soils/weathering and erosion, land use, fresh water and mapping.
Assessment - Science projects, classroom tests, assignments, discussions, and lab activities.
Science General
Text - Observing God's World
Description - Students begin a journey in science and will study Life Science, Earth Science, Physical Science and current events.
Core units of study include - Cells, bacteria, protists, fungi, plants and animals, forces of the earth, earthquakes, and light and sound.
Assessments - Science projects, classroom tests, assignments, discussions and lab activities.
Life Science
Text - Life Science for Christian Schools, Science Order and Reality, Foss kits
Description - Life Science is a year long introductory course to introduce students to the importance of living things. Students will study the six kingdoms of living organisms, the earth's environment, biomes and genetics.
A unit on the human body will provide understanding of the mechanics and physiology of the human body as well as issues that affect health and well being.
Core units of study include - Cells, plants, protest, fungi, bacteria, viruses, animals, human body, genetics, ecology, classification of living organisms.
Assessment - Science projects, classroom tests, assignments, discussions and lab activities.
Earth Science
Text - Earth Science for Christian Schools, Science of the Physical Creation in Christian Perspective.
Description - Earth Science is a year long course in which students will use the scientific method to gain information about the earth, the location in the universe, the changes that occur on and around our planet and its composition.
Core units of study include - Astronomy, rocks and minerals, plate tectonics, volcanoes and earthquakes, earth history, meteorology, soils/weathering and erosion, land use, fresh water and mapping.
Assessment - Science projects, classroom tests, assignments, discussions, and lab activities.
Math
Math Course 1
Text - Glencoe and McGraw Hill Course 1 - Math Connects
Description - Concepts, skills and problem solving
Core units of study include -
Number operations and statistics
Decimals and fractions
Patterns, relationships and algebraic thinking
Measurement and geometry
Number, operations and algebraic thinking
Assessment - Daily work, tests, quizzes, unit assessments and participation
Math Course 2
Text - Glencoe and McGraw Hill Course 2 - Math Connects
Description - Concepts, skills and problem solving
Core units of study include-
Introduction to algebra and functions
Number sense - fractions
Number sense - Proportions and percents
Statistics, data analysis and probability
Geometry and measurement
Assessment - Daily work, tests, quizzes, unit assessments and participation
Pre Algebra - Grade 7 or 8
Text- Glencoe and McGraw Hill - Pre-Algebra
Description - This course is designed to provide students practice in the fundamentals necessary for success in Algebra.
Core units of study include-
Rational numbers
Proportions and similarity
Linear and non-linear functions
Two and three dimensional space
Data sets
Assessments - Daily work, tests, quizzes, unit assessments, participation
Algebra - Grade 8
Text - McDougal Littel - Algebra I
Description - Students will explore the various forms of the language of which Algebra is basic in the understanding to advanced mathematics. Students will gain confidence in using variables and functions to model numerical patterns and relationships. Students must have mastered the arithimetic of whole numbers and fractions to be successful in Algebra.
Assessment - Daily work, tests, quizzes, unit assessments and participation
Text - Glencoe and McGraw Hill Course 1 - Math Connects
Description - Concepts, skills and problem solving
Core units of study include -
Number operations and statistics
Decimals and fractions
Patterns, relationships and algebraic thinking
Measurement and geometry
Number, operations and algebraic thinking
Assessment - Daily work, tests, quizzes, unit assessments and participation
Math Course 2
Text - Glencoe and McGraw Hill Course 2 - Math Connects
Description - Concepts, skills and problem solving
Core units of study include-
Introduction to algebra and functions
Number sense - fractions
Number sense - Proportions and percents
Statistics, data analysis and probability
Geometry and measurement
Assessment - Daily work, tests, quizzes, unit assessments and participation
Pre Algebra - Grade 7 or 8
Text- Glencoe and McGraw Hill - Pre-Algebra
Description - This course is designed to provide students practice in the fundamentals necessary for success in Algebra.
Core units of study include-
Rational numbers
Proportions and similarity
Linear and non-linear functions
Two and three dimensional space
Data sets
Assessments - Daily work, tests, quizzes, unit assessments, participation
Algebra - Grade 8
Text - McDougal Littel - Algebra I
Description - Students will explore the various forms of the language of which Algebra is basic in the understanding to advanced mathematics. Students will gain confidence in using variables and functions to model numerical patterns and relationships. Students must have mastered the arithimetic of whole numbers and fractions to be successful in Algebra.
Assessment - Daily work, tests, quizzes, unit assessments and participation
Social Studies
Ancient History - Grades 6 and 7
Text - History of the World in the Christian Perspective and History Alive! The Ancient World
Description - Ancient history is part of a two year study of world history. Students will explore major areas of the world from the perspective of the social sciences. Beginning from the time period Sumerian Society and completing with the fall of the Roman Empire.
Core units of study include-
Sumerian Society
Mesopotamian Empires
Egypt
China
Greece/Persia
India
Rome
Activites include - map and globe skills, study of cultural groups
Assessment - Tests, projects, written reports, in class discussions and participation
Modern World History - Grades 6 and 7
Text - History of the World in the Christian Perspective, New World History and Geography in the Christian Perspective and Medieval World and Beyond.
Description - Modern World History is part of a two year study of world history. Students will explore in depth major areas of the world. Study will begin with the time period Legacy of the Roman Empire to The Age of Enlightenment.
Core units of study include - European feudalism, Byzantine Empire, Crusades, Civilizations of the Americas, Renaissance and reformation, West Africa societies, exploration and enlightenment
Activities include - Map and globe skills, study of cultural groups
Assessment - Tests, projects, written reports, class discussions, and participation.
US History - 8th Grade
Text - America Land That I Live in Christian Perspective and History Alive! The United States
Description - US History is a full year course which uses a chronological approach to the study of America from the Native Americans through civil rights.
Core units of study include -
Colonial America and Native Americans
American Revolution
US Government
The worlds of the north and the south
Growth of American democracy
Civil war and reconstruction
Industry and immigration
Progressive era and World War I
Great depression and World War II
Cold war and civil rights
Activities include - Map and globe skills, study of cultural groups
Assessment - Tests, projects, written reports, in class discussions, participation
Text - History of the World in the Christian Perspective and History Alive! The Ancient World
Description - Ancient history is part of a two year study of world history. Students will explore major areas of the world from the perspective of the social sciences. Beginning from the time period Sumerian Society and completing with the fall of the Roman Empire.
Core units of study include-
Sumerian Society
Mesopotamian Empires
Egypt
China
Greece/Persia
India
Rome
Activites include - map and globe skills, study of cultural groups
Assessment - Tests, projects, written reports, in class discussions and participation
Modern World History - Grades 6 and 7
Text - History of the World in the Christian Perspective, New World History and Geography in the Christian Perspective and Medieval World and Beyond.
Description - Modern World History is part of a two year study of world history. Students will explore in depth major areas of the world. Study will begin with the time period Legacy of the Roman Empire to The Age of Enlightenment.
Core units of study include - European feudalism, Byzantine Empire, Crusades, Civilizations of the Americas, Renaissance and reformation, West Africa societies, exploration and enlightenment
Activities include - Map and globe skills, study of cultural groups
Assessment - Tests, projects, written reports, class discussions, and participation.
US History - 8th Grade
Text - America Land That I Live in Christian Perspective and History Alive! The United States
Description - US History is a full year course which uses a chronological approach to the study of America from the Native Americans through civil rights.
Core units of study include -
Colonial America and Native Americans
American Revolution
US Government
The worlds of the north and the south
Growth of American democracy
Civil war and reconstruction
Industry and immigration
Progressive era and World War I
Great depression and World War II
Cold war and civil rights
Activities include - Map and globe skills, study of cultural groups
Assessment - Tests, projects, written reports, in class discussions, participation
Music
General Music - Grades 6-8
Materials - A variety of music is selected by the instructor. Handouts.
Description - General music meets twice a week for one semester. Students build on basic music competency from grades K-5. An extensvie unit on choral singing is followed by units on band, orchestra, time periods and genres, dance and basic keyboard competency. Students learn to read and write music, function in a group setting and share their faith through music.
Core units of study include - Basic keyboard notes/chords, ear training for recognizing notes/intervals/chord types, reading/writing music in treble clef, styles, 1-2 mandatory concerts per semester.
Assessment - Written work, performance, classroom tests
Materials - A variety of music is selected by the instructor. Handouts.
Description - General music meets twice a week for one semester. Students build on basic music competency from grades K-5. An extensvie unit on choral singing is followed by units on band, orchestra, time periods and genres, dance and basic keyboard competency. Students learn to read and write music, function in a group setting and share their faith through music.
Core units of study include - Basic keyboard notes/chords, ear training for recognizing notes/intervals/chord types, reading/writing music in treble clef, styles, 1-2 mandatory concerts per semester.
Assessment - Written work, performance, classroom tests
Band / Orchestra
Band/Orchestra Grades 6-8
Materials: Students will rent or purchase their own instrument.
Description - This is a one year elective course. Students will participate in a large group settting under the direction of the St. Pat's music director. The course will include a semi private music lesson once a week.
Core units of study include - Band rehearsal is held at St. Pats and students will be excused from study hall for this class.
Assessment - Public concerts throughout the school year. Including mandatory Christmas and Fine Arts showcase.
Worship Band 6 - 8
Materials - Instruments appropriate for the style of worship band. Selection of music is provided by the instructor.
Description - This is a one year elective course which meets once a week during study hall and some Wednesday mornings before chapel. Other outside school opportunities to lead may be possible (voluntary). Students learn responsibilities and keys to creating a successful and cohesive worship team.
Core units of study include - Worship band rehearsals are held at Trinity and students will be excused from study hall for this class.
Assessment - Public concerts and leading chapel. P/F grading.
Materials: Students will rent or purchase their own instrument.
Description - This is a one year elective course. Students will participate in a large group settting under the direction of the St. Pat's music director. The course will include a semi private music lesson once a week.
Core units of study include - Band rehearsal is held at St. Pats and students will be excused from study hall for this class.
Assessment - Public concerts throughout the school year. Including mandatory Christmas and Fine Arts showcase.
Worship Band 6 - 8
Materials - Instruments appropriate for the style of worship band. Selection of music is provided by the instructor.
Description - This is a one year elective course which meets once a week during study hall and some Wednesday mornings before chapel. Other outside school opportunities to lead may be possible (voluntary). Students learn responsibilities and keys to creating a successful and cohesive worship team.
Core units of study include - Worship band rehearsals are held at Trinity and students will be excused from study hall for this class.
Assessment - Public concerts and leading chapel. P/F grading.
Physical Education / Health
Physical Education 6 - 8
Description - Physical Education meets twice a week for a full year. A selection of individual, dual and team sports is offered. Students will have the option to change a shirt top before and after class. On gym days tennis shoes that tie and uniform clothing that is comfortable for movement is required.
Core units of study may include - Soccer, flag football, presidential physical fitness test, volleyball, rhythms, recreational games, basketball, flexibility exercises, fitness and conditioning.
Assessment - Participation, sportsmanship, group cooperation and written tests.
Health 6-8
Text - A Healthier You, Supplemental Materials
Description - Health class meets once a week for a full year. Students will be learning through text, projects, discussions, classroom activities, and guest speakers. The goal is to help students gain an understanding of what it means to lead a healthy life style and how to achieve a healthy balance physically, mentally and spiritually.
Core units of study include - Social and mental health, a healthy body, substance abuse and use and being fit spiritually.
Assessment - Assignments/projects, quizzes and exams, class participation and self assessment.
Mission Class
Missions - Grade 6-8
Text - Voice of the Martyrs Kids, articles and magazines.
Description - Missions meets once a week for a full year. Students study missionaries and mission work, both locally and globally. Studies culminate in working together to develop and carry out a mission project. Students will also keep a prayer journal and learn basics of how to share their faith.
Core units of study include - Defining "missionary", local/global missions, speakers, persecuted Christians (VOM), prayer, sharing faith, projects.
Assessment - Weekly written work, classroom tests, prayer journal, and mission project
Text - Voice of the Martyrs Kids, articles and magazines.
Description - Missions meets once a week for a full year. Students study missionaries and mission work, both locally and globally. Studies culminate in working together to develop and carry out a mission project. Students will also keep a prayer journal and learn basics of how to share their faith.
Core units of study include - Defining "missionary", local/global missions, speakers, persecuted Christians (VOM), prayer, sharing faith, projects.
Assessment - Weekly written work, classroom tests, prayer journal, and mission project