Second through sixth grade students are eligible to participate in Accelerated Reader. They become eligible when they enroll in Columbia Academy.
Students will be using a computerized reading management program called the Accelerated Reader. This is an individualized program that allows each student to move at his or her own pace and level of ability.
This is how the program works. The student chooses a book from a list of carefully selected books. Most of the books are available at the school library. Some books you may have to obtain from the public library. Each book has been evaluated as to reading level and length. Based on those two factors, each book is assigned a point valve, i.e., 5 points, 8 points, etc. After reading the book, the student goes to the computer here at the library to take a test. The test measures comprehension of the book. The student will receive a given number of points for reading the book. Points are based on the point valve of the book and the student’s score on the test. Reading points are the most objective way to measure a student’s reading practice. Students must practice reading in order to improve their reading ability.
The Accelerated Reader program keeps track of the student’s performance and generates a report of reading practice. A computer printout is given to each student every week.
There will be some special recognition to motivate the students to read. After each nine weeks period, students can trade out the points they have earned for different prizes.
Each nine weeks the student earning the most points in each grade receives a prize and their picture is made for the newspaper.
At Awards Day the first and second place winners in grades 2nd and 3rd receive either plaques or trophies, gifts, and a certificate. First and second place winners in grades 4th and 6th receive either plaques or trophies, gifts, and a certificate. Their pictures are made for the newspaper. Students earning 50 points or more receive an Accelerated Reader t-shirt.
Students in K3 thru 6th grade attend art class one day per week during their activity time. Our school participated in the Mississippi Association of Independent School’s art contest each year. Over the years our students have received many district and state awards.
Students in K5 – 6th grade attend computer class one day per week during their activity time. K5 through 2nd grade learn basic computer skills. 3rd grade is introduced to keyboarding and applications. 4th, 5th, and 6th grades do assigned application projects and intro to keyboarding.
Students in K3 – 6 grades have music one day per week during their activity time. The students learn about music as well as practice for upcoming elementary musicals. Traditionally, the elementary performs two musicals during the school year.
Thanksgiving Program and Feast - The Columbia Academy Preschool/Kindergarten performs a short Thanksgiving program for family and friends. A catered feast follows the program. Tickets are sold for the feast.
Grandparents Day - The Preschool/Kindergarten children honor their grandparents with a special day at Columbia Academy. A short program may be performed by the children and then a brunch or lunch is served. Parents of the children help provide and serve the meal. Following the meal, the children take their grandparents or special friends on a tour of the school.
Year End Program/Graduation – The Preschool/Kindergarten children end the school year with a program and graduation. Each year there is a different theme. A reception is held following graduation to honor our Kindergarten Graduates. The parents of our 4 year olds host the reception. Revenue from our fundraiser pays all expenses incurred for this event.
LITTLE DRIBBLERS
“Little” Dribblers is a group of Columbia Academy 3, 4, and 5 year olds. Any preschool/kindergarten student enrolled in Columbia Academy eligible to participate. The children are taught basic ball handling skills and a routine that is performed at least four times during the basketball season. In November the group begins practicing three to four mornings a week for thirty to forty-five minutes. Following their first performance in December, practice is only twice a week throughout the month of January. Parents purchase their child’s basketball and “Little Dribblers” t-shirt.
The Columbia Academy Mini Dance Team is made up of girls, 1st through 3rd grades. In the spring an Information Meeting is held with parents, and uniforms are ordered at this time. Parents are responsible for the cost of uniforms, pom-poms, hair ribbons, and white tennis shoes.
Practice is held a few days before school begins and after school throughout the football season. The Mini Dance Team performs at “Meet the Cougars” night and four home football games.
Pee Wee Cheer is for girls in 4th through 6th grades. There is a parent/child informational meeting for any girls interested in becoming a pee wee cheerleader in April. Pee Wee football games are held each Tuesday from August through October. Cheer practice is each Monday during football season. Pee Wee Cheerleaders also perform at Meet the Cougar night and Homecoming so we have several extra practices for these performances. Pee Wee Cheer is fun and the girls have a good time, but we do work really hard and full participation is required.
All students in grades 4 through 8 are eligible to participate. Elementary teachers hold a competition for all students in their classes and select a winner and an alternate. Junior High teachers are asked to single out their top five or six spellers and hold a competition to select a winner and an alternate. Participants in the Junior High competition are chosen based on highest averages in Spelling. Contests are held according to Scripps/Howard established Spelling Bee rules available on the MAIS website.
Once chosen, winners and alternates are given copies of Valerie’s List, a supplement purchased by Columbia Academy each year at an annual cost of less than thirty dollars. Practices are held after school on set dates to familiarize contestants with rules, procedures, etc. As the Bee date nears, meeting are held in the Fine Arts Center with lights, microphone, and such to make the contestants comfortable with such environment as will be present on Bee date.
The 2008-2009 school year was CA’s first year to establish procedures for Spelling Bee prep. Of the five participants sent to District competition, four advanced to the State level. This Bee was attended by schools in our district and CA had more students advance to the next level than any other school present. The 2010 Spelling Bee was held in mid February and Ian Pittman won the 7th grade contest and Rachael Williamson won the 8th Grade contest.
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