Summer Programs

Summertime at Arma Dei

We offer a variety of enriching opportunities in the summer both inside and outside the classroom. Our goal is to provide a Christian, educational, challenging, and fun-filled summer experience to our students.

Summer Reading, Math, & Latin

Summer Reading

A child’s summer should be filled with adventure, learning, growth, and wonder. What better way to start the adventure than by diving into a great book?

What is required?
Students entering grades 3-9 will have one required book to read (see the list below). Each teacher will have a graded activity based on the book during the first week of school. Students should be ready to discuss the characters, setting, main idea, themes, key details, and overall plot of the book.

Entering 3rd – The Cricket in Times Square (Seldon) 
Entering 4th – Door in the Wall (de Angeli)
Entering 5th – From the Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler (Konigsburg)
Entering 6th – The Magician's Nephew (C.S. Lewis)
Entering 7th – The Hobbit (Tolkien)
Entering 8th – The Scarlet Pimpernel (Orczy)
Entering 9th – Out of the Silent Planet and Perelandra (C.S. Lewis)

Tolle Lege is Latin for “Take up and read!”
All students K-9 are encouraged to compete against one another in our annual Tolle Lege reading contest. Students who read at least 1000 minutes over the summer will be able to participate in an ice cream party during the first week of school. Awards will be presented for the students who read the most minutes in their grade, as well as the top three readers in the school overall. Here are a few guidelines:

  • Students entering grades 3-9 should only keep track of the minutes they personally read.
  • Students entering grades K-2 may also include minutes someone else reads to them.
  • While audiobooks are wonderful, students may only count audiobook minutes if they are reading along at the same time.
  • Students are not required to read from a certain list of books, but rather are free to read what interests them and fosters a love for reading and learning.
  • Parents are encouraged to be sure their students are reading quality literature that fulfills the school’s overall mission to build a biblical worldview which equips students to live purposefully and intelligently in service to God and others. If you’d like ideas for what to read, please refer to the Banquet of Books list.
  • Reading minutes must be entered through the parent portal on June 1, July 1, August 1, and August 15 in order to count for the contest.
  • Download the math and reading tracker here.

If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Knedlik.

Enjoy the adventure!!!

Summer Math

Each school year, students work hard memorizing facts and strengthening problem-solving skills. These math skills can be compared to a muscle; the more you use it, the stronger it gets. The opposite is also true; the less it is used, the weaker it gets. Studies have found that students who do not practice math over the summer lose 2 to 3 months of ability. Working on math over the summer, even 5 to 10 minutes a day, helps prepare your child to start the next school year well.

Each grade-level teacher has put together a review packet and skill practice activities for students to help them retain their abilities over the summer. However, if you have specific materials you would like to use (e.g., a workbook, app, or website) that strengthens your child’s skills, please feel free to use them in lieu of the provided materials.

While reviewing math content and practicing skills is optional over the summer, we strongly encourage students to spend 5 to 10 minutes a day, four days a week, engaging with math materials. Students benefit most from a little practice most days throughout the break. It is not beneficial for students to wait until the second week of August to spend multiple hours completing the summer packet all at once. To aid students and parents in committing to frequent, quick practice, you will be provided a record sheet. Please have your child write down the activity completed, time spent working, and then have a parent initial it.  You can download the math and reading tracker here. Once a month (on June 1, July 1, August 1, and August 15), please log the minutes on the Parent Portal. Those who complete the summer review packets will be treated to a donut party during the first week of school. Awards will be presented to those cumulating the most math minutes.

Albert Einstein once said, “It’s not that I’m so smart, it’s just that I stay with problems longer.” Practice and dedication help one grow in his or her proficiency in math, and we are grateful for your help in continuing this over the summer.

Summer 2021 Math Packets

If you have any questions, please contact Josh Catron.

Latin Intensive

New students entering grades 5-8 are asked to attend two days of intensive Latin instruction on August 5 & 6, 2021 from 9am - 12pm in the 341 building. Sign up for Latin Intensive with Dr. D! 

Designed to help students practice the skills that they’ve learned during the school year. These summer programs have helped students grow in his or her proficiency and prepare students for the next school year.

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