Good Company Tutorials

THURSDAY COURSE OFFERINGS (2023-2024)

HISTORY THROUGH STORIES: This is a middle school class on American history that will help your student understand how the United States became a nation, established a new type of government, and grew as a nation under God. Through reading, class discussion and projects, students will learn about the American colonies, the Declaration of Independence, the Revolutionary War, the Constitution, Lewis and Clark, westward expansion, the War of 1812, the growing United States, industrialization, and the Civil War. Each week, students will discover the important people and events from a historical time period by reading a book from my “book box”. Both nonfiction and historical fiction books are used to help students understand the people and the period. In addition to reading, weekly homework may include answering questions, making timeline cards, working on maps or a project. Flexibility is allowed for the reading.  Students may read independently, with a parent, or listen to audio books (which is my favorite way to learn history).  During the year, five or six creative projects are assigned, where the students will do some more in-depth reading and research on a person or topic and share it with the class: an American hero project, a diorama project, a president project, and others. Making a timeline of events is a project that is done throughout the year.  Additionally, we use maps on a regular basis to get a picture of U. S. geography and how it relates to the historical events that we’re studying. The more students read about history, the more they will understand and remember.  So, I give the students a history reading challenge with prizes for all, based on their reading and/or listening to books. Each year my students surprise themselves and even their parents with how much history they read or listen to for this class. That’s the best way to learn history! Materials: $12.00. Taught by France Vivenzio

HISTORY: THE NINETEENTH CENTURY: (high school) This course is based on Tapestry of Grace, Year 3: The Nineteenth Century, and includes both US and world history, to make more sense out of both. Why learn history? Because it helps us understand God’s work, our own place, and how to make history in our own age. (Our post-modern world does not study history the way we used to because they don’t see any “big picture”, the ways ideas have influenced history; while we look at everything that way.) This year reviews the federalist period and the foundations of our nation, then covers the Napoleonic era, Industrial Expansion, Nations Dividing and Uniting, and the Gilded age, and we spend a good part of the year considering the issues around slavery and the Civil War. Each week students will be assigned vocabulary, map work, biography/timeline characters, history reading (stories; lots and lots of stories!), and some research. On Thursdays we will have discussion and presentations based on the week’s work, and related videos and activities, always with an emphasis on making the class time lively and the information relevant to life today. We include several field trips and a Civil War ball if the resources and interest are there. This course should provide a full high school credit in history; easily more credits could be logged, in subjects such as theology, church history, philosophy, history of science, etc., simply by doing more of the work that we will just cover briefly. (You may want to look at the various Tapestry “spools” for the time period in case you want to cover some at home.) Grades are based on completion of the homework and quarterly exams. In Sept, 2024 we will begin the 4-year rotation with Ancient History. Materials: $20.00 licensing fee (which you will pay directly to Tapestry of Grace, also making available many of their resources) and $15.00 materials. Taught by Julie Shorey

UNDERSTANDING THE TIMES: (1½ hour tutorial) (1½ hour tutorial) How can you best help your student navigate the influences in this changing world threatening to squeeze them into its mold? Don’t let your high school student graduate without this course by Summit Ministries which focuses on comparing six fundamental worldviews dominant in Western Civilization: Marxist Leninism (communism), Secular Humanism, Cosmic Humanism (New Age movement), Islam, Post-Modernism, and Biblical Christianity, all easily discovered in the current culture. Students learn the basic beliefs of each of these, often looking at their own writings, and compare them with Christianity. Some take the course because they are questioning what they’ve been taught; others because they want to effectively defend their own faith. Students have reported feeling confident in their faith and able to defend it to others because they understand the various worldviews better. (And what matters more than that?) Explore the Summit Ministries site and try taking this excellent (and free) worldview test yourself and then have your high schooler do it, to perhaps obtain some real insight into the need: http://www.secretbattlebook.com/checkup.html. While Apologetics is mostly studying the basics of the Christian faith from the Bible, this course involves studying what the other worldviews believe and how they compare to Christianity, also using the Bible as the final authority. According to Summit Ministries, 70% of Christians leave the church by age 22, 40% of GenZ claim no religious affiliation, and only 4% of GenZ holds a biblical worldview. Instruction in the worldviews dramatically changes these statistics. The lively discussion/application format is very effective in encouraging students to interact about the things that really matter, and it is what the students love most about this class, along with the video lectures by experts in every field we study. Check out the college credit option at http://understandingthetimes.com/college-credit/. The material was written for juniors and seniors in high school, but not strictly limited, although it is challenging. Materials fee includes hard cover textbook, student manual, access to online video lectures, and copies. Materials: $75.00. Taught by Julie Shorey.

SPANISH 1: Learning a second language should be as natural as mastering our first. Teaching Proficiency through Reading and Storytelling is a method based on the idea that the brain needs an enormous amount of Comprehensible Input to acquire a new language. This method uses stories to circle vocabulary and structure. Students hear and read high frequency words and phrases repeated in stories. We will use storytelling, visuals, realia, manipulatives, and other concrete materials as well as the conventional methods of language learning: vocabulary lists and grammar explanations. The 4 skills of learning: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking will be incorporated every week. Culture adds spice and interest to our curriculum and will be woven throughout each term. Expectations: This is a high school level course. Students must complete one hour of practice and study per day. Language learning is time-consuming and cumulative; it is imperative that students complete all assignments throughout the week and maintain consistent attendance. The course covers 5 days’ worth of material each week; personal responsibility at home is absolutely necessary. Students use Spanish for Mastery 1 by Valette & Valette (on loan from instructor). There is no book fee, but materials fee covers supplemental copies. Copies: $50. Taught by Alicia Bailey

SPANISH 2: This high school level class picks up where the Spanish 1 leaves off, quickly reviewing vocabulary, pronouns, present-tense verb conjugations, and noun/adjective agreement. Students should have completed level one successfully and will now begin building upon prior knowledge. Similar to learning one’s native language, we will learn through stories to reinforce vocabulary and structure. Students hear and read high frequency words and phrases repeated in stories. In addition to storytelling and reading, we will use conventional methods of language learning: vocabulary lists and grammar explanations. The 4 skills of language learning: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking are incorporated every week. Culture adds spice and interest to our curriculum and will be woven throughout each term. Prerequisite: Successful completion of our Spanish 1 or demonstration of the equivalent. Expectations: This is a high school level course. Students must complete one hour of practice and study per day. Language learning is time-consuming and cumulative; it is imperative that students complete all assignments throughout the week and maintain consistent attendance. The course covers 5 days’ worth of material each week; personal responsibility at home is absolutely necessary. Students use Spanish for Mastery 2 by Valette & Valette (on loan from instructor). There is no book fee, but materials fee covers supplemental copies. Copies: $50. Taught by Alicia Bailey

(6^th grade) EXPLORING CREATION WITH CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS: This class is an exciting bridge between the elementary Exploring Creation series and Apologia’s General Science.  Geared towards 6th graders, or middle school students who are not yet ready for General Science, students will be introduced to the fascinating world of chemistry and physics.  The topics include atoms, molecules, simple chemicals, laws of motion, electricity, magnetism, and simple machines.  Class time will be packed with fun hands-on experiments and projects to make the concepts come alive!  Students will have weekly reading (approximately 7-9 pages/week) and complementary work in the Student Notebook. Required materials: Apologia Exploring Creation with Chemistry and Physics Textbook by Jeannie Fulbright; Exploring Creation with Chemistry and Physics Notebooking Journal. Materials: $50.00. Taught by Sheri Harrington 

DESIGN ENGINEERING: For students in 5th-7th grades. This is a hands-on science class that will lead students through the Design Engineering Process that helps develop research & analysis, teamwork, and communication skills. Mechanical Engineering, Aeronautical/ Aerospace Engineering,Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering will be covered in units during class with homework that supports each unit. Students will use an Engineering Design Notebook (provided) for their weekly reading, research assignments and at-home design challenges. Supplies will be provided and recycled materials will be used as much as possible. In addition, students will be asked to write 6 biographies on assigned famous engineers. Curriculum was developed using a variety of resources including Teachengineering.org, Design It!, Middle School Engineering Projects and online videos.  Please note Engineering Units are rotated between two years, so students may take Engineering for two years without repeating units. Materials/Copies: $45. Taught by Denise Mudge.

GENERAL SCIENCE: This Apologia junior high school level course is the foundation for all the upper level Apologia high school science courses due to its easy introduction to areas of biology, physical sciences, and anatomy and physiology in a simple and approachable manner. Labs and fun projects will be done in class while bi-weekly tests will be proctored at home. Apologia science courses follow a routine and rhythm that helps the students and that routine is established effectively in this foundational course. Required Materials: Apologia Exploring Creation with General Science, 2nd edition, by Jay Wile; 1 inch 3-ring binder with college ruled filler paper and 16 insertable dividers with tabs. Materials/lab fee: $40.00. Taught by Dana Cloutier

PHYSICAL SCIENCE: (1½ hour tutorial) For students in 8th/ 9th grade. An Apologia science, this course begins with detailed discussion of what makes the world work, and then travels to the universe for further appreciation of God’s creation. Topics include air and the atmosphere, weather, the physics of motion and Newton’s laws, gravity, magnetism, atoms, sound, light, and an introduction to astrophysics. Students will do labs and learn how to write a lab report. Class instruction, discussion and labs are completed in class while tests proctored at home. Prerequisite:  Students should have completed Pre-Algebra or be taking it concurrently.  Required Materials: Exploring Creation with Physical Science, (2nd edition required) by Jay Wile, 3 ring binder divided into 3 sections: Notes, Labs, Tests. Materials and copy fee $25.00. Taught by Denise Mudge

BIOLOGY (1½ hour tutorial):  This well-narrated Apologia high school biology course covers numerous topics including the science of life, the chemistry of life, ecology, cell structure and function, cellular energy, DNA, proteins, genetics, prokaryotes, viruses, fungi, plants, and animals. The students observe both microscopic and macroscopic specimens and learn how to write lab reports.  Dissections include the earthworm, crayfish, fish, frog, and flower (pending availability). The classroom experience covers lectures, games, discussion, and laboratory work. Homework includes reviewing vocabulary and a quiz and test for each unit.  Required Materials: (1) Apologia – Exploring Creation with Biology, 3rd edition, Dincher (hardcover or now softcover). (2) Apologia – Exploring Creation with Biology, 3rd edition Student Notebook (softcover). Please note:  This is a change in the edition from last year and has great updates!  Christian Book Distributors offers competitive pricing.  Required Communication:  Each student (or parent) must have an email account for weekly updates and submit work and view assignments on Google Classroom.  This process will be explained in the class.  Materials/Lab fee:  $25.00 Taught by Renee McInnis. 

CHEMISTRY (1½ hour tutorial):  This Apologia high school chemistry class provides each student with an introduction to measurement, matter, atomic structure, chemical equations, acid and base chemistry, thermodynamics, kinetics and reduction/oxidation reactions.  A basic knowledge of Algebra is needed to master the mathematical equations.  The experiments include building models, measurement, and observing changes in matter.  Classes include lectures, experiments, and games. Homework includes a written study guide and test for each unit.  Required Materials: (1) Apologia – Exploring Creation with Chemistry, 3rd edition. (hardcover or now also available in softcover), (2) Apologia – Exploring Creation with Chemistry Student Notebook, 3rd edition. (softcover), and (3) Calculator (Christian Book Distributors offers competitive pricing for books.) Required Communication:  Each student (or parent) must have an email account for weekly updates and submit work and view assignments on Google Classroom.  This process will be explained in the class.   Materials/Lab fee:  $25.00.  Taught by Renee McInnis.

DIGITAL LITERACY (A semester) This class, designed for 7th- 12th grade students, introduces practical digital skills to improve a student’s overall digital literacy.  Digital literacy is the computer knowledge that a person needs to use technology and digital tools. Through creative projects students will learn the Foundational Skills of creating & enhancing a document/ presentation and file management; Advanced Skills in creating formulas in spreadsheets & writing programs to automate tasks; and Safe Technology Usage in identifying cyberbullying, avoiding internet scams, and creating strong passwords (referred to as digital citizenship). Additional skills such as creating hyperlinks, sharing documents, digital collaboration, and safe internet searching will also be covered. This course uses Google’s Digital Literacy Curriculum.  Required: access to a laptop (& charging cord) with internet capability for each class, a 2″- 3 ring binder; a notebook. Optional material: headphones.  Copies: $30. Taught by Denise Mudge

FUNDAMENTALS OF MATHEMATICS: (1.5-hour tutorial) This is a middle school math course designed to bridge students between their elementary math studies and Pre-Algebra. This course will focus on fractions, decimals and percents. Fractions, in particular, are often something that students struggle with, and this struggle multiplies as they move further into higher math. The goal of this course is to help students understand and conceptualize these topics so that can move forward with greater confidence. We will approach the material through a variety of learning approaches which makes the material

accessible to all learning styles. This course requires about 30 – 45 minutes of DAILY work outside of class. Required Materials: 1 inch 3-ring binder for organizing books and handouts. Materials fee includes the worktexts, copies, and other miscellaneous materials: $95. Taught by Dana Cloutier

PRE-ALGEBRA: (2 hour tutorial) This class will meet twice a week, allowing for more in-depth interaction with the concepts. The course requires about 45 minutes to an hour of DAILY work outside of class. There will be required summer assignments to get students warmed up for the beginning of the school year. Prerequisites: Admission into this course requires passing a readiness test administered by the instructor.  If a student is not ready for this class, Fundamentals of Mathematics would be an excellent course to begin with. Topics covered in Pre-Algebra include: variables, expressions, integers, order of operation, simplifying variable expressions, solving equations, multi-step equations, inequalities, factors, greatest common factor, rules of exponents, scientific notation, equations and inequalities with rational numbers, ratios and proportions, the percent equation, percent applications, simple interest, relations and function, graphing, linear equations in two variable, slope, graphing a line in the slop-intercept form, the Pythagorean Theorem, distance and mid-point, circumference and area of circles, basic statistics. The goal of this course is to help students understand the concepts and the connections between them, to avoid the some of that frustration for students thinking they are memorizing many, many concepts. We use a variety of approaches which make the material accessible to all learning styles, building a strong foundation for high school math and science. This course is designed for middle school students who have completed their basic elementary math work (7th and 8th graders, although some 6th graders may be ready for this course). Required Materials: Pre-Algebra, by Larson, Bosewell, Kanold and Stiff, published by McDougall Littell, Copyright 2005, ISBN 0618250034; a 3-ring binder with 5 dividers; lined and graph paper; a calculator that can handle trig. Functions and logarithms (I would highly recommend the Texas Instruments TI-30xs MultiView). Do not purchase a graphing calculator. The use of a phone is not allowed.  Materials: $40 – includes one year subscription to IXL, summer review assignments and practice workbook. Taught by Sandy Tracy 

ALGEBRA 1/HONORS ALGEBRA 1: (2 hour tutorial) This class will meet twice a week, one hour on Tuesday and for one on Thursday. The course requires about 45 minutes to an hour of DAILY work outside of class, and can be taken at an honors level or a standard level. Required summer assignments will review the Pre-Algebra topics in chapters 1 and 2 and we will begin the year with chapter 3. Topics covered in this class include polynomial arithmetic, factoring polynomials, transforming formulas, algebraic fractions, negative exponents and scientific notation, functions and lines, equations and graphing, systems of linear equations, inequalities, rational and irrational numbers, and quadratic function. Prerequisites: Admission into this class requires either successful completion of Pre-Algebra or passing an Algebra readiness test administered by the instructor. Students should have a good command of order of operations, evaluating simple and complex expressions, solving linear equations, problem solving process, signed number arithmetic, positive exponents, and the distributive property. Required Materials: Algebra 1, by Larson, Bosewell, Kanold and Stiff, published by McDougall Littell, Copyright 2007, ISBN 0618594027; a 3-ring binder with 5 dividers; lined and graph paper; and a scientific calculator (I highly recommend the Texas Instruments TI-30XS MultiView). Do not purchase a graphing calculator. The use of a phone is not allowed. Material fee: $40 – includes one year subscription to IXL, summer review assignments and practice workbook. Taught by Sandy Tracy. 

ALGEBRA 2/HONORS ALGEBRA 2: (2 hour tutorial) This class will meet twice a week, 1 hour on Tuesday and for 1 hour on Thursday. This format will allow for more in depth interaction with the concepts. The course requires about 45 minutes to an hour of DAILY work outside of class. This course can be taken at either an Honors level or a standard level. Topics covered include systems of inequalities, factoring quadratics, quadratic equations and functions, rational expressions, complex fractions, irrational and complex numbers, direct and indirect variation, polynomial equations, systems of equations in 2 or more variables, exponential and logarithmic functions, triangle trigonometry, and trigonometric applications We will start with Chapter 2 of the textbook because Chapter 1 reviews Algebra 1 topics, which are covered by required summer assignments. Prerequisites: Admission into this class requires either successful completion of Algebra 1 taught by this instructor or passing an Algebra 2 readiness test administered by the instructor. Required Materials: Algebra 2, by Larson, Bosewell, Kanold and Stiff, published by McDougall Littell, Copyright 2007, ISBN 0618595414. A 3-ring binder with 5 dividers, lined and graph paper. You will also need a scientific calculator (I highly recommend the Texas Instruments TI-30XS MultiView). Do not purchase a graphing calculator. The use of a phone is not allowed. Material fee: $40 – includes one year subscription to IXL, summer review assignments and practice workbook. Taught by: Sandy Tracy

APOLOGETICS: Every statistic says that Christians are walking away from the church in droves, with young people leading the charge. This class is one of our primary attempts to face that trend head-on. First, we directly and systematically work through the basic tenants of the faith, with a special emphasis of identifying the assumptions and blind spots which exist in the mind of the student. Next, we begin to create the building blocks of simple, clear and practical communication which students can use to defend and explain their faith to others. Finally, we tackle the deeper levels of philosophy and theology of the world and the church throughout history to better understand the unique and continuing challenges we face today. Throughout this process, the students will be challenged to honestly face the elements of the Christian faith which tend to be the most complex and challenging. Students will not be allowed to hide behind the “easy answers”, but every honest doubt or question will be welcomed and encouraged. In the end, we cannot make anyone believe the truth, but we can and must break down the barriers to the faith, and help to open the door for real belief. Our course structure is roughly aligned with topics align with the set of questions published by the National Christian Forensics Communications Association (NCFCA) for their competitive Apologetics category. We highly encourage students to compete at NCFCA tournaments throughout the year, which offer an excellent opportunity to put into words the things they have learned. However, competition is not mandatory for participation in the class. Required books and materials: Grudem’s Systematic Theology, a large notebook, and of course, a Bible. Taught by Aaron Filipe

DEBATE: (1½ hour tutorial) Where Apologetics emphasizes theology with the help of philosophy, Debate emphasizes philosophy with the guidance of Christian theology. As in Apologetics, our course prepares students to compete in NCFCA-sanctioned tournaments, so our primary topic is the specific resolution put out by the league each year. However, our studies are much broader than that, as we cover philosophy, rhetoric, logic, and current events. Our goal is to teach students how to logically reason through both their own positions and those of others, as well as how to develop a clear, succinct, and compelling presentation to real-life audiences and individuals. We often get students who “won’t stop arguing at home”, so we understand the challenges of having a student who has not learned how to properly use an energetic mind. If that sounds like your child, rest assured that you are not alone, and that this class is concerned with teaching the student both how and when (or when not) to argue. Competition in a formal tournament is a requirement for second semester participation in this class; what a valuable use of time this is! If students would like to study debate first semester, participating in class time debates with no formal competition, they may take the class for the first semester only. Taught by Aaron Filipe