Special Programs at
Valley Presbyterian School		  

FIELD TRIPS

General Information: The children are occasionally taken on field trips to an area of interest. If chartered buses are used, a charge will be made. Parents who are licensed, insured drivers are sometimes requested to share the driving and accompany the children. Parents who share in the driving must have on file in the school office the following: a) copy of a valid California Drivers License, b) copy of proof of insurance—this needs to show the dates that the insurance policy is in effect. Signed permission slips are required to be on file in the office. Parents sharing in the supervision may not bring younger children on field trips.

Valley Presbyterian School offers numerous field trips to many different location. The following is a list of web sites for a few of the field trip destinations:

  • Wildlife Way Station (2nd) in Angeles National Forest, California The Wildlife Waystation, situated on 160 acres in California's Angeles National Forest, is internationally recognized for its ongoing, charitable efforts to rescue and rehabilitate wild and exotic animals. We are a 24 hour "around-the-clock" operation.
  • SeaWorld (3rd) Students learn about fascinating marine animals and meet animal experts during presentations developed especially for education groups. Subjects include ecology and conservation and animal behavior and training. Informative booklets and teachers’ guides written by SeaWorld education specialists are available to all grade levels.
  • Sacramento (4th & 5th) California Railroad Museum, California State Capitol, Stutter's Fort, and other sites of importance in California History.
  • Griffith Observatory, Planetarium and Museum: (4th) "The Observatory is divided into three main areas: the Hall of Science astronomy museum, the telescopes (see below), and the planetarium theater. All are open to the public and, except planetarium shows, are free of charge."
  • Outdoor Education at Big Rock Creek: (4th) 3 day educational trip in the San Gabriel Mountains.
  • San Fernando Mission (4th): One of the early Spanish missions located about a mile from school. "San Fernanado was founded by Father Fermin Lasuén on September 8, 1797. It was the seventeenth mission to be built and it was named after Saint Ferdidnand III, a king of Spain who lived in the1200's. The mission was supposed to be farther north, but there was more water and friendlier natives at this spot. This very succesful mission was famous for its beautiful convento, which was started in 1810 and finished in 1822."
  • California Science Center: The new Science Center is located across the street from USC, and replaces the former Museum of Science and Industry.
  • Los Angeles Zoo (5th) Students can view more than 1,200 mammals, birds, amphibians and reptiles representing more than 400 different species. The L.A. Zoo participates in more than 30 cooperative breeding programs for endangered species.
  • Washington D.C. (5th & 6th). Students have the opportunity to travel to Washington D.C. and visit a variety of museums such as Air and Space Museum, and Smithsonian Institute; monuments such as the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, Vietnam Veterans Memorial; government buildings such as the Capitol Building, Library of Congress, and the White House; and historic locations such as Jamestown, Colonial Williamsburg, and Monticello.
  • California State University Northridge Science & Computer Labs (various grades). Dr. Norm Herr, an elder at Valley Presbyterian Church and parent of VPC children sponsors field trips to the science and computer laboratories at CSUN.

 

PRODUCTIONS

Each class performs in a special program each school year. These programs provide wonderful opportunities for children to use their gifts. Parent help on stage, sound on general organization is always welcome.

Programs are conducted on a weeknights during the Christmas and Easter seasons and are based upon biblical themes or principles. The Winter and Spring Programs are held in the sanctuary of Valley Presbyterian Church on the campus adjacent to the school. Check the school calendar for the dates of the programs.

When inviting friends and relatives you may wish to print a map to the school. Come early as the sanctuary generally fills rapidly.

SUMMER ACTIVITIES

Summer School: Valley Presbyterian School offers a summer school session. Please call the School Office for details.

Vacation Bible School: Valley Presbyterian Church offers Vacation Bible School for children in the church and school.

Summer Reading Program: VPS offers a summer reading program for all students. Please see the school librarian for details. Some recommended reading follows:

 

SCIENCE FAIR

The Science Fair is held each winter in the upper room at Valley Presbyterian Church. Finalists go the ACSI regional Science Fair at Biola University. Check the calendar for the date of the ACSI Math Olympics.

Valley Presbyterian Science Fair

ACSI MATH OLYMPICS


The objectives of the Math Olympics are:
1.To stimulate an interest in mathematics.
2.To recognize the achievements of students in mathematics.
3.To provide these students an opportunity to meet and have fellowship with other mathematics-oriented students.
4.To offer students an opportunity to glorify God in the use of their mathematics abilities beyond that of the classroom situation.

The ACSI Math Olympics is a series of tests, with each test considered as a round, for students enrolled in grades 3-8. Two students in each category (computation and reasoning) from each grade level may compete. Testing in each category will consist of 3-4 rounds.

Ribbon awards will be given to the top five students in each grade and category with all other students receiving a Certificate of Participation. The highest scoring student in each grade and each category (minimum score of 85%) will receive an Olympic style medallion.

Check the calendar for the date of the ACSI Math Olympics.

ACSI SPEECH MEET

Speech Meet
The objectives of the Speech Meet are:
1.To encourage effective speech in an audience situation.
2.To help students to speak audibly, articulately, and expressively with poise and vitality.
3.To develop effective communication which contributes to effective leadership in Christian activities.

A student demonstrates his ability by delivering a memorized poem, speech, or passage to his audience. Poems are taken from selected materials provided
by ACSI. Contestants do not compete against one another.

Check the calendar for the date of the ACSI Speech Meet.. You may wish to review these tips on public speaking from Toastmasters International.

ACSI SPELLING BEE

The objectives of the Spelling Bee are:
1.To develop skills of good spelling habits and the awareness of accurate usage of words and vocabulary by encouraging proper pronunciation.
2.To encourage students to develop the ability to remain calm under the pressure of competition and maintain clear thinking and good recall.
3.To provide an opportunity for fellowship with students from other Christian schools.

Check the calendar for the date of the ACSI Spelling Bee.

HONOR CHOIR

Honor Choir: The goal of the honor choir is to share the love of God with others through joyful song. The honor choir shares this gift through performances at Valley Presbyterian Church (VPS School Sunday), at the Northridge Mall and/or Universal Studios, at a local Convalescent Hospital (pictured), and other locations. In addition the Honor Choir participates in the ACSI regional Choir Festival. Other activities, such as taping at local studios, are occasionally scheduled.

Students in 4th and 5th grades may participate in honor choir. The school's Honor Choir is comprised of 5th and 6th grade students that have passed an audition. All Honor Choir students must maintain passing grades in all subjects and may not receive U's. Honor Choir students participate in several after school special music programs.Contact the School Office (894-3674) for details.

All students may participate in the Kings Kids childrens' choir at Valley Presbyterian Church. Call the church office (894-9200) for details. In addition each class performs in a special program each school year. Participation is mandatory and reflects in the student's grade.

Useful Music Links

  • The Cyber Hymnal: "This site has over 1,300 Christian hymns and Gospel songs from many denominations. You'll find lyrics, sound, background information, photos, links, MIDI files and scores you can download. This worship and teaching resource is provided as a public service.
  • Classical MIDI Archives: MIDI files from over 200 classical composers including J.S.Bach; Beethoven; Brahms; Byrd; Chopin; Debussy; Handel; Haydn; Liszt; Mendelssohn; Mozart; Scarlatti; Schubert;Schumann; Tchaikovsky; and many others. Listen to the works of these great composers on the web.
  • Worship Resource Center Database: Find out information regarding more than 3000 Christian hymns and songs.

    ACSI PIANO FESTIVAL

    Piano Festival

    The objectives of the Piano Festival are:
    1.To provide incentive for the motivation of high musical standards among students.
    2.To give students an opportunity to discover their own potential for praising our Lord through the medium of music.
    3.To promote the development of spiritual maturity and strength of character for Christian school students in the evaluation experience.
    4.To provide an opportunity for students to perform before their peers.
    5.To provide an opportunity for students to be challenged by other musicians.

    For this half-day event each student memorizes an approved selection at his/her own level of participation and performs before an adjudicator. The student
    is judged against a standard of excellence, not in competition with other students. Each students receives a written adjudication (constructive criticism and
    encouragement) on his/her performance.

    Check the calendar for the date of the ACSI Piano Festival.

    Music Resources:

    • The Cyber Hymnal: "This site has over 1,300 Christian hymns and Gospel songs from many denominations. You'll find lyrics, sound, background information, photos, links, MIDI files and scores you can download. This worship and teaching resource is provided as a public service.
    • Classical MIDI Archives: MIDI files from over 200 classical composers including J.S.Bach; Beethoven; Brahms; Byrd; Chopin; Debussy; Handel; Haydn; Liszt; Mendelssohn; Mozart; Scarlatti; Schubert;Schumann; Tchaikovsky; and many others. Listen to the works of these great composers on the web.
    • Worship Resource Center Database: Find out information regarding more than 3000 Christian hymns and songs.
    • Great Commission Publications: The publishers of the Trinity Hymnal that we use at Valley Presbyterian Church.
    • Music Ministry at Valley Presbyterian Church: Learn how you can minister to the Lord through music here at VPC.

ACSI CHORAL FESTIVAL

The objectives of the Choral Festivals are:
1.To provide opportunity for students to unite together in exalting our Lord Jesus Christ in song.
2.To permit each choral group to benefit from the experience of being evaluated by a qualified Christian adjudicator.
3.To provide occasion for our students and choral directors to present a well-planned public performance.
4.To encourage our students by giving them the benefit of sharing the ministry of their choral group with other similar groups.

Sacred or patriotic numbers selected by the director are performed before an adjudicator. There are also two or three selected combined numbers that all choirs learn and sing as a large combined choir. the festival is not a competition. choirs are adjudicated by a guest adjudicator and the results are given to the choir directors at the conclusion of the festival.

The Elementary Choral Festival entails an evening rehearsal and adjudication time, concluding with a concert program for the public. Choirs meet in the early evening for a combined rehearsal.

Check the calendar for the date of the ACSI Choral Festival.

BAND

Valley Presbyterian School sponsors a band program where students may learn to play a musical instrument. Contact the school office for more details.

BIBLE BOWL

The Bible Bowl is offered each Spring to encourage students in their study of God's Word. The following are some links. Check the school calendar for dates.

  • Bible Gateway: New International Version (NIV), New American Standard Version (NASB), King James Version (KJV), Revised Standard Version (RSV) and more. Translations of the Bible in many languages. Maintained by Gospel Communications Network. Affiliated with the International Bible Society.
  • Bible Study: Search the Scriptures in Allows for Boolean Search, phrase search, word search, verse search and wildcard search through 14 versions. Commercial site maintained by Goshen.
  • Bible Browser: Revised Standard Version, King James Version, Jerome's (Latin) Vulgate, New Translation, Darby, Weymouth New Testament American Standard Version, The Bible in Basic English, Young's Literal Translation. Maintained by the Scholarly Technology Group at Brown University. This resource has advanced search features.
  • World Wide Study Bible: Nine translations of the Bible Geneva Notes, Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary, and notes by C.H. Spurgeon, Ray Stedman, and others.Maintained by Wheaton College.

MISSIONS

  • Visit our Missionaries: Learn about our missionaries and write to them via mail or email.

  • Classes at Valley Presbyterian Church learn about missions by writing to missionaries supported by the church. In addition, children are encouraged to give to special mission projects such as the Thanksgiving Food Drive and the Angel Tree. The children at Valley Presbyterian Church are demonstrating the love of Christ by sharing their resources to help support poor and needy children through World Vision's Child Sponsorship Program. Each week collections are made in Children's Sunday School. For information on hunger statistics, please look at the Bread for the World's website. VPS and VPC Children are encouraged to Pray for the Persecuted Church: The International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church (IDOP) is a global day of intercession for persecuted Christians worldwide.

CLASS PROJECT DAYS

Check the school calendar or call the school office for dates and details.Parents and relatives are encouraged to visit the classes, view student projects, and see student presentations.

  • California History Day (4th Grade). For fun, students may wish to visit the California project site.
  • State Fair Day (5th Grade). For preparing the state report, students may wish to visit the state project site.
  • Fiesta Day (6th Grade)
  • Olympics (all Grades)

 

THE LEARNING LAB

The Learning Lab of Valley Presbyterian School seeks to provide intervention and support for students who desire additional instruction or remediation in various academic subject or general school performance. Students coming to the Learning Lab pay an additional tuition to cover the services they receive. The tuition is prorated over the school year calendar to include the Thanksgiving, Easter and Christmas vacations. Make-up sessions are provided for absences, field trips and Monday holidays.

Students attend Learning Lab during the regular school day hours. Teachers are provided with a list of available time slots, and they choose the time that best fits the classroom schedule. A program is designed for each individual student based on their particular academic needs. The Learning Lab can provide direct classroom support by helping the student prepare for tests, review material not mastered in the classroom, and teach skills needed to perform adequately in the classroom. The Learning Lab is in a uniquely strategic position to help the students because we have immediate access to the daily activities in the classroom. The classroom teachers work closely with the Learning Lab to alert us when a student is struggling in a particular area or when tests are upcoming.

A written evaluation of each students progress is provided in February and June with the semester report card. These reports review the skills mastered by the student, skills currently being taught, anecdotal comments and recommendations for the student's further growth.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss your child's needs with me, I am at school Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Please call or leave a message for me in the school office. I will try to return your call as soon as possible.

Cheryl Morgan, MA Ed.
Reading Specialist and member of California Reading Association and International Reading Association

Useful Links

Helping Your Child Succeed in School : The OERI provides a series of electronic documents for parents interested in helping their children learn to read, take tests, write well, use the library, and succeed in math, history, science, geography and other subjects. Additional information for parents is available through ERIC.
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