Special Programs

STARBASE

Starbase is a week-long experiential program on the science of flight that is intended to increase the knowledge, skill and interest of inner city youth in science, math and technology. Fourth and sixth grade classes spend one week each year at the Minnesota National Guard Armory participating in this program.

CAMP ST. CROIX

Camp St Croix is an environmental education center. Our days there are designed to give the children experience and appreciation of the outdoor environment. Students study the water cycle and the relationship between predators and prey by experiencing them through observation and simulation games.

HALLWAY PRIVILEGES

Middle School students are able to earn a Hallway Privilege Pass when they consistently demonstrate self-discipline in classes and common areas. When they earn this pass, they are able to go to and from specialists, lunch, and recess on their own without having to line up with their class.

PROJECTS FOR CHARITY

Each year the students of Risen Christ take on projects to benefit charities locally, nationally and internationally. In the past year there have been school-wide collections for Tsunami relief, local food shelves, hurricane relief and to support school families dealing with serious illness. One of the most popular, Hoops for Heart, has become a tradition at Risen Christ School.

FUTURE CITIES COMPETITION

Students in the seventh and eighth grades are participating in the Future Cites Competition. This national competition utilizes SimCity 3000 software, an essay and abstract assignment, as well as a scale model of their city, all with the assistance of an engineer mentor. This activity incorporates technology, Language Arts, Social Studies, Math and Science Minnesota State standards.

ACCELERATED READER

In grades 1-5, the Accelerated Reader program is used outside of reading class. Students read books at their reading level and take tests on the computer for comprehension. The more practice a child gets by reading daily, the faster a childŐs ability to read at a higher level increases.

CHECKBOOK

Middle school students carry mock checkbooks. They receive a biweekly "paycheck", from which they must pay for various materials and fees, including instructional fees, textbook rental and charges for irresponsible behavior, which includes detentions, lost books and late assignments. Students learn not only basic math skills, but also how to manage money, take responsibility for deadlines, keep accurate financial records and relate to a work experience.

JUNIOR GREAT BOOKS

Each winter 3rd - 5th grade students can choose to participate in this program. Students meet in small groups led by a trained volunteer. The volunteer facilitates the group and helps students to think, ask questions and work together. This program offers the students a positive reading experience and an opportunity to look at literature in a new way.

ART ADVENTURE PROGRAM

Each year Risen Christ School participates in the Art Adventure program from the Minneapolis Institute of Art. Trained Risen Christ volunteers introduce students to a variety of pieces of art and help them explore the intricacies of the pieces. Volunteers also lead the students in an art project which complements the art work. At the end of the two-month program Risen Christ students tour the Minneapolis Institute of Art to view the art work in person.