Course Descriptions and Information

Textbooks: CHESS works hard to find good prices on all of its textbooks. The textbook fees include all shipping and tax costs. Unless specified, textbooks will be used for both the fall and spring semesters. If you already own a certain textbook please contact the CHESS office to verify you have the correct edition.

Lab fees: Lab fees are determined by the number of copies and kinds of supplies the teacher will need for their course. We buy in bulk and try to keep these costs as low as possible.

Registration: To register for classes please fill out the Enrichment Academy registration form and mail to the CHESS office. For other Enrichment Academy forms, click here.

K5* & 1st Grade
*Students must turn 5 within the semester they are enrolled.

Early American History
Jenny Martin

Lab: $5

Come along with our class as we journey back in time and see what America was like for the first settlers from Europe. We will be looking at why people went to America, what they found when they got there, what the people were like back in the 1600 and 1700’s, and how God blessed America’s beginning. We will end our class with a focus on the first Thanksgiving.

Etiquette is for everyone
Kelly Wozney

Lab: $5

In this class we will learn through hands-on activities about proper table setting, table manners, greetings, phone etiquette, conversation etiquette, and many other common courtesies. Students will weekly have the opportunity to practice on their classmates and families what they have been learning.

Character for Kids
Sue Figgs

Lab: $5

Over the 12 weeks we will take a look at 12 different character qualities and see how they were demonstrated by different Bible characters and how to apply the qualities to everyday life. Class times will include stories, memory work, games, and various hands on activities.

Beginning Choir (Ages 5-8)   back to top
Teri Ong

Lab: $8/family (can be shared with Intermediate Choir)

We will be producing the musical “The Great American Time Machine” by Ron and Shelly Hamilton. In addition to learning songs from the musical, students will learn the rudiments of vocal technique, matching pitches, breath control, responding to a conductor’s direction, posture and group deportment. Students will be required to attend a dress rehearsal on Tuesday, November 16 from 9-11:30 a.m. and the performance on Thursday, November 18 at 7 p.m. to receive credit for the class.

Soccer (5-6)  back to top
Alice Ong

Lab: $7

Students will learn the basic rules of soccer as well as how to be a team-player. This is also a great opportunity for students to develop their coordination skills. Class times will include games for students to utilize their skills. Soccer for ages 5 & 6 will be held in the church yard so they do not have to walk across any busy streets.

 

Grades 2 & 3

Art   back to top
Mike Brockmann

Lab: $5 (includes all supplies for the semester)

An introduction to the fundamentals of drawing, painting, color theory, and sculpture art. The class will focus on “attitude” in art - with the goal of encouraging every student to discover that they can in fact draw, paint, letter, sculpt, etc. Art is not just for the “talented”; it is a reflection of God’s creative nature and he has given everyone, to one degree or another, abilities in art that should be developed. The desire to glorify God through our talents and a unique approach based on discipline, practice, and goal setting set this program apart.

Beginning Choir (Ages 5-8)   back to top
Teri Ong

Lab: $8/family (can be shared with Intermediate Choir)

We will be producing the musical “The Great American Time Machine” by Ron and Shelly Hamilton. In addition to learning songs from the musical, students will learn the rudiments of vocal technique, matching pitches, breath control, responding to a conductor’s direction, posture and group deportment. Students will be required to attend a dress rehearsal on Tuesday, November 16 from 9-11:30 a.m. and the performance on Thursday, November 18 at 7 p.m. to receive credit for the class.

Elementary Literature   back to top
Annie Nelson

Lab: $5

I have long had a passion to open little children’s eyes to the beauty of the written word. I believe that this is best accomplished through the reading of excellent, character building stories and poems and through memorizing hymns and Scripture. No child will be pressured or pushed (too hard). Rather my goal is to help them learn to love and delight in the way that words can come alive on the printed page. There is no homework. All work will be in class.

Colonial history   back to top
Chris Smart

Lab: $5

Students will learn about life during our nation’s founding through hands-on experiences and various crafts (tin punch, candle dipping, candlewicking, etc.) as well as stories and songs.

Soccer (7-8)  back to top
James Clifford/Mike Brockmann

Lab: $7

Students will learn the basic rules of soccer as well as how to be a team-player. This is also a great opportunity for students to develop their coordination skills. Class times will include games for students to utilize their skills. Soccer for this age group will be held at Lincoln Park (a 5 minute walk).

 

Grades 3-5

Elementary Speech   back to top
Sarah Ong

Lab/Text: None

It’s never too early to start working on public speaking skills. Students will have the opportunity to gain skill, confidence, and fluency in public speaking through this course. Students will develop an understanding of both basic communication principles and public speaking strategies through a variety of speaking assignments such as story telling, in class dramas, famous speeches, scripture reading, and persuasive speeches.

Intermediate Choir (Ages 9-12)   back to top
Teri Ong

Lab: $8/family (can be shared with Beginning Choir)

We will be producing the musical “The Great American Time Machine” by Ron and Shelly Hamilton. In addition to learning songs from the musical, students will work on harmonization and part singing and will learn to control their vocal range through proper breathing and technique. Students in this choir will be encouraged to learn the speaking parts. Those who do the speaking parts will be required to attend two Saturday rehearsals. All students in this choir will be required to attend a dress rehearsal on Tuesday, November 16 from 9-11:30 a.m. and the performance on Thursday, November 18 at 7 p.m. to receive full credit.

Discovering Our Great God   back to top
Christy Wishart

Text: $5

In this class we will study the many names that God revealed for Himself so that we can better understand Him. We will explore what His names tell us about His attributes, how they apply to us, and how we are called to be like Him. We will use activities and worksheets to reinforce these concepts. The homework load will be very light.

continue to Grades 3-5 courses on right column

Grades 3-5 (continued)
back to grades 3-5 classes on left column

Creative Writing
Chris Smart

Lab: None

This two semester course will enable students to build on their composition skills while writing descriptive and narrative paragraphs along with various stories (fables, tales, fiction). Students will also re-write stories in their own words while learning elements necessary to composing quality paragraphs. This class will encourage students to have a point to their compositions, for example a moral or lesson.

Instrumental Ensemble
Teri Ong

Lab: $5 (music fee)

This group is open to all students who have played their instruments long enough to be able to read music at an intermediate/advanced beginner stage (generally 1-2 years of instruction). We will be playing patriotic music this semester and will perform before the production of “The Great American Time Machine.” If you are in doubt about your skills, auditions are available.

Literature
Laurie Wishart

Lab: $5

In this class we will be reading through Laura Ingalls Wilder’s book, Little House on the Prairie. We will discuss comprehension questions, literary device, nutrition, health, history, and science. We will do map work and learn new vocabulary words. Each week will have a strong emphasis on applying Scripture to the issues the Ingalls’ family faces. Each student will need to provide their own copy of Little House on the Prairie.

Art   back to top
Mike Brockmann

Lab: $5

An introduction to the fundamentals of perspective, shading, and depth in various mediums. The class will examine 3-4 different art mediums including pencil, watercolor, pastel and pointillism and the various techniques used to add depth and dimension to art pieces. Each student will pick their favorite medium and will spend some class time and some home-time developing an art piece that demonstrates perspective and shading in their specific discipline. Any student is welcomed, regardless of their current “skill set”. A focus on individual “artistic personality development” and a reflection of God’s creative nature provides the structure for this class. The final project will be pass/fail based on completion.

Soccer (ages 9-11)  back to top
James Clifford/Mike Brockmann

Lab: $7

Students will learn the basic rules of soccer as well as how to be a team-player. This is also a great opportunity for students to develop their coordination skills. Class times will include games for students to utilize their skills. Soccer for this age group will be held at Lincoln Park (a 5 minute walk).

 

Grades 6-8

Literature   back to top
Annie Nelson

Text: $46

This two semester literature course is designed to introduce the student to many excellent authors and stories. We will focus on the great themes found in stories such as generosity, humility, and courage. The student will move beyond the familiar genres into challenging new territories of thought and world view. The in-class work will consist of 5 minute timed writings, occasional short essays, quizzes over reading, and tests. The home work will consist of 20 plus pages of reading per week, plus a full novel that will be assigned and a report on the novel. Text: Explorations in Literature 3rd Ed.

Choir (Ages 9-12)   back to top
Teri Ong

Lab: $8/family (can be shared with Beginning Choir)

We will be producing the musical “The Great American Time Machine” by Ron and Shelly Hamilton. In addition to learning songs from the musical, students will work on harmonization and part singing and will learn to control their vocal range through proper breathing and technique. Students in this choir will be encouraged to learn the speaking parts. Those who do the speaking parts will be required to attend two Saturday rehearsals. All students in this choir will be required to attend a dress rehearsal on Tuesday, November 165 from 9-11:30 a.m. and the performance on Thursday, November 18 at 7 p.m. to receive full credit.

Creative Writing   back to top
Chris Smart

Lab: None

This two semester course will enable students to build on their composition skills while writing descriptive and narrative paragraphs along with various stories (fables, tales, fiction). Time will also be spent learning the correct form for writing dialogue. This class encourages students to have a point to their compositions, for example a moral or lesson.

Christian Worldview   back to top
Mike Brockmann

Text: $10

This class will focus on the Bible’s relevance to every area of life through a fresh approach demonstrating the Bible’s relationship to fields such as history, literature, math, and science. The goal of the class is to set a foundation for future spiritual development by enhancing the student’s confidence in God’s Word and the instruction they’re receiving at home. This class will be very interactive and paced in a way to encourage every student to interact with their teacher and peers to solidify what they believe about God and His Word. Home work will include weekly reading, quizzes, periodic take home discussion questions, and a final exam based on the reading and a short Scripture memory section.

Instrumental Ensemble   back to top
Teri Ong

Lab: $5 (music fee)

This group is open to all students who have played their instruments long enough to be able to read music at an intermediate/advanced beginner stage (generally 1-2 years of instruction). We will be playing patriotic music this semester and will perform before the production of “The Great American Time Machine.” If you are in doubt about your skills, auditions are available..

American History   back to top
Mike Whalen

Lab: $43

This course will present a chronological development of the United States from a Christian perspective. This course encourages students to evaluate the events of American history from the colonial period to the present by examining the core values of American culture from a Christian world view. Text: The American Republic 3rd Ed. BJU Press.

intro to human Anatomy   back to top
Linda Kautz

Lab $38

This class will introduce younger students to human anatomy and physiology through activities, experiments, and a study of 14 body systems. A good science course to prepare students for high school science. We will not be covering the reproductive system in class.

Art: drawing in Perspective   back to top
Chris Ong

Text: $5

This class will cover the basic principles of perspective and how to create the illusion of 3 dimensional space while drawing. Class will also cover some basics in composition and shading. Students interested in architecture will very much enjoy this class.

Soccer (ages9-12)  back to top
James Clifford/Mike Brockmann

Lab $7

Students will learn the basic rules of soccer as well as how to be a team-player. This is also a great opportunity for students to develop their coordination skills. Class times will include games for students to utilize their skills. Soccer for this age group will be held at Lincoln Park (a 5 minute walk).