Archive for the "News & Announcements" Category
Better Together in 2024
September 03, 2024
In our 56th year, we are committed more than every to the idea that we are "Better Together," a concept that captures how collaboration, community, and shared experiences enhance our collective journey. At FCS, we believe that individuals and groups thrive more effectively when they work together, support one another, and build meaningful relationships. This year, we celebrate the power of unity and how our combined strengths lead to greater success and fulfillment for each student.
Our graduates often reflect on their sense of belonging and the supportive community at FCS as their most lasting takeaways. Unlike typical valedictorian speeches that focus solely on academic competition, our students celebrate the care of their teachers, the opportunities they’ve embraced, and the relationships they’ve built. On graduation day, we frequently hear from grateful parents who recognize the profound value of an FCS education.
Our recent Friendzy assessment, part of our K-12 social-emotional learning (SEL) curriculum, reveals that FCS students feel deeply supported by their teachers. They recognize the value of being "Better Together" with educators dedicated to their growth and well-being.
At FCS, we emphasize the importance of mutual encouragement and love and are committed to seeing each student thrive in an environment where staff and teachers genuinely invest in their success. By celebrating achievements, supporting through challenges, and fostering a culture of unity, we help students carry these values into all areas of their lives. Our goal is to embody the love of Jesus every day, reinforcing that we are truly “Better Together.”
We’re honored that you’ve chosen to have your child join us for the 2024–2025 school year as a Fremont Christian Warrior. Thank you for your partnership in providing an education that helps your child understand their place in God’s plan and their potential to make a positive impact in the world.
Posted in
News & Announcements
New Language Programs at Fremont Christian School: Mandarin and Spanish
July 31, 2024
Fremont Christian School believes in nurturing the curiosity and expanding the minds of our youngest learners. In line with this mission, we are pleased to announce the addition of Mandarin and Spanish to our afternoon preschool curriculum. This initiative will be seamlessly integrated into our afterschool program, ensuring your child receives a holistic and enriching educational experience.
Program Details
Our new language program is designed to immerse children in a bilingual learning environment, fostering their natural curiosity and love for learning. Each week, children will engage in two hours of language instruction led by four of our native-language teachers. These dedicated educators bring a wealth of cultural and linguistic knowledge to the classroom, creating an authentic and engaging learning experience.
The program includes:
- Chinese/Spanish storytime. Stories come alive as children listen to captivating tales in Mandarin and Spanish, enhancing their listening and comprehension skills.
- Music and movement. Children sing songs and participate in movement activities, helping them to naturally acquire the rhythm and intonation of the new languages.
- Writing. Early writing activities introduce children to the basics of Chinese characters and Spanish letters, laying the foundation for literacy.
- STEAM activities. Integrating Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (STEAM) concepts, these activities provide a hands-on, interactive way to learn and apply language skills.
Offered at no additional cost to our families, the language program follows the school calendar year, with a one-month break during the summer.
FCS is committed to providing high-quality, accessible education that prepares our students for a globalized world. We also understand the importance of early language acquisition and the cognitive benefits it brings. Our goal is to create a vibrant, bilingual learning environment where your child can thrive. By immersing students in Mandarin and Spanish, we aim to broaden their cultural horizons, enhance their cognitive abilities, and foster a lifelong love for languages.
Posted in
News & Announcements
FCS Hits a High Note at State Choral Competition
May 09, 2023
On April 25, the FCS Chamber Singers traveled to Pacific Union College in Napa Valley to participate in the Golden State Choral Competition — our first time ever competing in this prestigious event. FCS is honored to announce that our very own FCS Chamber Singers placed second at the invitation-only competition and received the award for outstanding choral diction (text pronunciation). This year’s overall winners were Monte Vista High School in San Ramon. A hearty congrats to them!
In addition to two songs of their own choosing, every one of the seven invited choirs performs one common piece, to provide a better comparison between festival participants. This year, all of the choirs joined together to perform the selected piece, “Vita de la Mia Vita” by William Hawley, during the closing award ceremony. For their two chosen songs, FCS students performed “The Word Was God” by Rosephanye Powell and “Nox” by Elaine Hagenberg.
For more than 25 years, the Golden State Choral Competition has been a leading contest for high schoolers. To be accepted, choirs must submit audio recordings demonstrating a high level of technical musical abilities, often in other languages, while demonstrating artistry in performance practice. The competition’s previous winners and this year’s hosts were Castro Valley High. This year’s event was the first since 2019, due to the pandemic.
Well done, Warriors! All of your hard work and dedication to excellence was well received! Let's keep up the momentum, do our best for the Lord, and in all of our ways acknowledge Him.
Posted in
News & Announcements
5 Benefits of Play in Your Child’s Development
March 03, 2022
At Fremont Christian School, our early education program is intentionally modeled on a play-based framework. Walk outside mid-morning and you’ll hear the joyful shrieks of elementary students engaged in games on the elementary playground or field. Even our secondary students are given time during brunch and lunch to play basketball, volleyball, soccer, or other physical activities on the secondary field, in addition to the option to participate in our school’s athletic teams after-school.
Playtime at school has many educational benefits besides enjoyment and downtime from learning. Current research not only validates the benefits of play but confirms it is essential for a child’s physical and intellectual growth. Here are some of the key benefits of play in your child’s development.
Encourages Brain Development
Some crucial areas practiced during play include social skills, language abilities, learning, and locomotor development (movement). In a research study published in the Brain Research Bulletin, rats who were allowed to play for even 30 minutes daily had increased production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a key molecule involved in both learning and memory. Physical exercise in humans has been proven to have similar positive effects.
Improves Physical Health
It’s already widely known that exercise reduces the likelihood of obesity and unhealthy body mass index (BMI) levels. Studies also show that children who are physically active are more likely to carry that habit into adulthood.
Reduces Stress & Disruptive Behavior
Children who played, particularly under the supervision of a caring teacher, showed a marked decrease in the stress hormone cortisol, according to a 2017 article in Prevention Science. An article published the following year in Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews underscored additional health benefits: “[Play holds] great promise for both preventive and treatment strategies directed at psychosocial problems of children with chronic or life-threatening diseases.” In other words, play helps in the development of children who have serious diseases.
Builds Relationships
Just as in sports, play helps build relationships and strengthen social skills. Children learn how to work together and communicate in order to achieve common goals. They also form bonds through their shared experiences, whether it’s celebrating the completion of a puzzle or consoling each other over the loss of a baseball tournament.
Promotes Academic Skills
To tie it all back to schooling, playtime also has a positive influence on grades and test scores. Playing pretend improves language skills, while construction play has shown to improve math skills and problem-solving abilities, to name just two examples. “Children who were in active play for one hour per day were better able to think creatively and multitask,” a 2018 study published in the American Academy of Pediatrics stated. The study showed that physical play in 7- to 9-year-olds resulted in increased focus, cognitive flexibility, and executive control (skills that include memory, flexible thinking, and self-control), all of which are crucial for excelling in the classroom.
If all that weren’t enough reason to set aside time for play, remember: It’s fun!
Posted in
News & Announcements