Our Curriculum
Curriculum Information
In keeping with the purpose of Trinity Lutheran School the curriculum is based on the Word of God. Subjects are selected with the view of enabling every child to develop himself into a whole child. Religion is not a segregated subject in the day's work rather its influence permeates and gives substance to all other subject areas taught.
The curriculum meets or exceeds the requirements of the State of Illinois. The Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS) a nationally standardized achievement test, is given annually to students in grades 1-8. Test results for individual students will be distributed to parents with the grade reports at the end of the school year. School results are published on the school website.
Students at Trinity receive a thorough education in the following areas:
Religion: Bible stories Church History, Lutheran doctrine, 8th grade confirmation class that may lead to communicant church membership.
Language Arts: Many learning experiences are offered in the language program for a student to grow in grammar, listening, speaking, com-position skills, library skills and research methods.
Spelling: Skills necessary for good spelling are taught in all grade levels.
Handwriting: Proper technique in handwriting is stressed throughout the grades. Instruction in handwriting is given in grades K-3 using the D'Nealean Method.
Reading: Students learn to read through phonics, silent and oral reading and comprehension and study skills. Vocabulary, creative writing, research and literary skills will be an integral part of the reading program.
Literature: Students learn the basic parts of a story, read classic American and English literary works and study the structure of poetry.
Mathematics: Basic skills in addition, subtraction, multiplication and division are acquired at the appropriate developmental level. In addition students gain an understanding of math concepts, computation and problem solving. In 8th grade, students are taught Pre-Algebra or Algebra.
Social Studies: Trinity offers a varied program that insures students' awareness of family and community living, geography, history, and current events. Upper grade students study and pass a test on the Illinois and Federal Constitution as required by state law.
Science: The school offers a varied science program in the areas of life science, earth and space science, and physical science. The relationship between God and His creation is explored and identified. Students use the scientific method for observation, identification, and classification of living and non-living things.
Physical Education: The gymnasium and outdoor playground provide excellent facilities for a well-rounded physical education program. Primary physical education is movement-centered focusing on the development of gross motor skill through games and activities. Grades 5-8 stress physical fitness, and teach skills and fundaments of many popular games and activities.
Music: The music curriculum offers children skills in music theory, appreciation and performance in grade K-8. We also have four singing groups: Cherub, Primary, King's Kids and Children's Choir and Joyful Noise. There is an elementary band for grades 5-8. A Strings program will be offered beginning in the fall of 2009 for students in grades 3-8. Hand Chimes and Handbells are offered after school for interested students in grades 5-8.
Art: Classroom art fosters intellectual growth through participation in art activities.
Computer: A fully equipped computer lab is available to all students. The classroom teacher or a parent volunteer supervises this room. The Media Center has eight computers available for supervised use by students. Each classroom is equipped with a student computer. Instruction includes keyboarding, use of the word processor, spreadsheets, printing, scanning, Power Point, Publisher, Word.
Technology use of the computers in the Media Center, Computer Lab, or classrooms is intended for educational purposes and all users are expected to maintain Christian ethics in making appropriate decisions regarding his/her use of the technology provided by Trinity Lutheran School. An Acceptable Use Policy on a separate document must be signed by all students in K-8 as well as the student's parent(s). Failure to abide by the AUP guidelines may cause elimination of a user account at any time or further disciplinary action.
Health: It will include such topics as nutrition, risks of smoking, alcohol, and drug use. Also covered will be instruction concerning dating and abstinence.
Drama: Drama is offered to upper grade students. It will meet once a week for one semester and includes such items as reading of plays, voice projection, acting and the upper grade operetta or play.
Spanish: A teacher-facilitated video Spanish curriculum is offered in grades 1-6. Seventh and eighth grade students receive instruction in Spanish by a classroom teacher. The seventh and eighth grade Spanish curriculum is supplemented by a video program through our membership in United Streaming/Discovery Education.
D.A.R.E.: The D.A.R.E. program is offered to the 5th graders. It is taught by an officer of the Edwardsville Police Department. A graduation ceremony culminates the program. A graduation ceremony culminates the program. D.A.R.E. is also offered on a limited basis in grades K, 2, and 4.
Metro East Lutheran High School
Trinity Lutheran Ministries is proud of its association with Metro East Edwardsville in Edwardsville, Illinois. MELHS provides a quality, Christ-centered education in an environment that enables students to find their identity, meaning, purpose, and power to live out their varying roles as people of God in a complex, changing society.
For more information, visit MELHS online.
Accelerated Reading Program
Accelerated Reader is a program that encourages students to read by rewarding them with points for tests taken on each completed book. The student can then use their accumulated points to purchase prizes in our Accelerated Reader Store. Our "store" is open the first Friday of every month during lunch and recess. There has been a lot of excitement around the prizes, and this encourages students to strive to keep earning points as they read. We keep our "store" stocked with a variety of prizes including notebooks, candy, sports key chains, Trinity shirts, movie money, McDonald's gift certificates, Blockbuster cards, computer software, and small electronic games just to name a few. We will, also, be recognizing those students with the most points at the end of the year by awarding trophies and ribbons for 1st and 2nd place in K-2nd, 3rd-5th, and 6th-8th. We have been very pleased to be able to offer the Accelerated Reader Store to our students this year.
Achievement Tests
The curriculum meets or exceeds the requirements of the State of Illinois. The Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS) a nationally standardized achievement test, is given annually to students in Grades One through Eight. Test results for individual students will be distributed to parents with the grade reports at the end of the school year. School results are published on the school website.
