NorthCreek Academy will be participating in the exciting program called Odyssey of the Mind. This an extra curricular program that will meet once a week in the fall. The program is open to 1st-5th grade students who choose to participate.
Below is a brief description of what this program offers students (taken from the Odyssey website):
The Odyssey of the Mind teaches students to learn creative problem-solving methods while having fun in the process. For more than twenty five years, this unique program has helped teachers generate excitement in their students. By tapping into creativity, and through encouraging imaginative paths to problem-solving, students learn skills that will provide them with the ability to solve problems — great and small — for a lifetime. The Odyssey of the Mind teaches students how to think divergently by providing open-ended problems that appeal to a wide range of interests. Students learn how to identify challenges and to think creatively to solve those problems. They are free to express their ideas and suggestions without fear of criticism. The creative problem-solving process rewards thinking “outside of the box.” While conventional thinking has an important place in a well-rounded education, students need to learn how to think creatively and productively.
In the Odyssey of the Mind . . .
Grandparents of all K-5 students are invited to our campus for a themed day of crafts, carnival style booths, and a special program. Grandparents and their grandchildren spend the day learning, playing and hearing God’s word together.
Beginning as early as January, K-5 students prepare for a bible story themed musical which is then put on display for family and friends in June. 4th and 5th graders audition for a cast member while the younger grades make up the choir.
The K-5 students caravan over to a local park during the last week of school to enjoy a rotation of all sorts of games.
Students are challenged at the end of the previous school-year to keep their brain sharp throughout the summer by completing daily tasks. They may choose to either read, exercise, type, pray or work on their math skills for a specific amount of time per day. Those who complete their daily tasks throughout the summer qualify to participate in a special themed event hosted by Mr. Steele.
Preschool through 8th grade families are invited to attend our annual Pancake Breakfast. This is an opportunity for fellowship and fun.
The student body is governed by student council members who are elected each year by the student body themselves. Most positions are held by junior high students except the K-5 Chapel Coordinator or Publicity position which may be filled by a fifth grade student. Other positions include: President, Vice President, Corresponding Secretary, Recording Secretary, Publicity, and Special Events Coordinator. After speeches are given and signs are hung throughout the campus, the students vote for their choice candidates. Council members must exhibit exemplary Christian character including Fruits of the Spirit, servant-like hearts, a regular prayer life, and unity with other members.
Students are given the opportunity to invite one of our country’s Veterans to our annual assembly where we honor our Veterans with songs, a special message and desserts.
Our 4th through 8th grade band students are out on display each Christmas and spring as they put on their own band concerts.
The 4th through 8th grade students compete each year in a Geography Bee testing their knowledge of our beautiful world God created for us. Students compete amongst their peers in their own classrooms until the top student in each class is decided. The top 4th through 8th grade students then compete together in an assembly until our final winner is decided. The winner travels to compete against other schools and may continue to compete all the way up to the national level as he or she continues to win.
This is a special day where students walk through Jesus’ death on Good Friday. The day highlights 3 stations and concludes with a praise chapel highlighting Jesus’ resurrection.
Our student council leads the student body in a special morning of prayer for groups such as our nation’s leaders, community leaders, churches, armed forces, schools, etc.
We offer a wide variety of electives offered by the JH teaching staff as well as other NCC or NCA staff members. Students are required to fulfill at least 3 trimesters of a fine arts course and one trimester of beginning computers. Electives are offered 2 days a week from 8:30-9:10 on either Monday/Thursday or Tuesday/Friday. Elective courses include but are not limited to:
Eligible junior high students are given the opportunity to try out for our after school sports teams. We offer softball, basketball, volleyball and soccer for girls and flag football, basketball, soccer and volleyball for boys. Students may also run in a cross country meet in October if interested.
The cost is $125 per season to play against other Christian schools in the area with a league tournament at the end of each season.
Our coaches are hand selected based on their experience and relatability with the kids. All coaches are professing Christians representing NorthCreek Church or other Bible-believing fellowships. The coaches not only teach the fundamentals of the game but instill important moral values within each child in a team environment.
To view more information about our athletics program, please visit our Programs page.
Please contact our Athletic Director, Genevieve Lee, for more information.
Although debate is offered as an elective, the elective serves as time for our debate team to prepare for upcoming debates. Tryouts are held at the beginning of the year to be on the debate team. The team travels all over Northern California to compete against other schools in tournaments. It is a wonderful opportunity for students to learn how to think critically, organize their thoughts and present them in clear order.
Four to five times a year our junior high students get together for after school socials to provide a safe place for students to hang out outside of school. Some of our social events include but are not limited to an Amazing Race scavenger hunt, bowling, ice skating, roller skating, Sky High Sports Trampoline Park, Super Franks, Christmas party, Valentine’s pizza party, pool day for 6-7th grade, and Great America for 8th grade.
Each week the students walk next door to Sunrise Assisted Living and spend about an hour with the elderly. They do activities with them such as play music, games, go on walks, or sit and chat. The students are given credit towards community service.
Junior high students are split into teams to compete with all week. Teachers and volunteer parents lead their teams in cheers, attire and games each day as points are tallied based on those categories. Each morning, students are judged on themed costumes while later at lunch the teams compete in a small game. On Friday at the end of the week the students compete all afternoon in games and celebrate with a dessert party before the winning team is announced.
Every other year the 7th and 8th grade students travel to Mount Hermon, Santa Cruz, for a weeklong outdoor education camp. Students learn about different ecosystems, plants, weather, animals, as well as survival skills. Afternoon recreation is included along with many adventure hikes.
Every other year (non science camp years), the 7th and 8th grade students may visit our nation’s capitol for a week following 8th grade graduation. Our history buff, Mrs. Sauter, heads up this memorable trip with a guided tour of monuments, the White House, Capitol Building, Smithsonians, Arlington National Cemetary, etc. This is a memorable trip your junior higher will need to experience!
NorthCreek Academy is deeply committed to developing character, values and spiritual development in our students. It is with great joy, commitment and hard work that NorthCreek Academy intentionally and systemically provides our students with opportunities to grow spiritually while they are entrusted to our care. NorthCreek Academy recognizes it has an immeasurable responsibility as ambassadors for Christ. As a staff we are deeply committed to our walks with the Lord and prayerfully desire our modeling to encourage our students and school community towards a greater understanding, knowledge and relationship with our Lord and Savior. Teachers and staff integrate scripture, biblical truth, and great commission perspective in a natural and unforced manner throughout the entire curriculum and in all activities of the school. We humbly realize it must be the work of the Holy Spirit, but we intentionally offer opportunities for our students to embrace the Truth, serve others, and demonstrate Christ-like behavior.
Students attend chapel every Friday morning from 9:00 to 9:45 beginning with worship lead by our JH Praise Team followed by a message from an assigned teacher. Chapels are themed each year by a book or a topic. Past themes include missions, Peacemakers, Fruits of the Spirit, etc.
Students attend chapel every Wednesday morning from 8:30 to 9:25 beginning with worship lead by our Praise Team followed by a message from our chaplain. At the end of chapel, students break into gender divided small groups lead by JH teachers and other NCC/NCA staff members which are filled with discussion and prayer.
Home room teachers begin every morning with class devotionals and prayer.
As part of our Bible grade we are asking Junior High students to donate at least 10 hours to helping others or putting others in need above yourself. Five hours can be done this summer, but five or more need to be done during the school year. That means the students cannot receive payment for this service and it should be service beyond their regular responsibilities at home.
Our student council leads the student body in a special morning of prayer for groups such as our nation’s leaders, community leaders, churches, armed forces, schools, etc.
This is a special day where students walk through Jesus’ death on Good Friday. The day highlights 3 stations and concludes with a praise chapel highlighting Jesus’ resurrection.
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NorthCreek Academy and Preschool admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, or national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, financial aid programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.
