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Pc Lower School: grades k-5 Private Christian Education
8509 Westport Road, Louisville, Kentucky 40242
8509 Westport Road, Louisville, Kentucky 40242
Portland Christian Lower School
Welcome Back for the 2024 - 2025 School Year!
This is going to be the best school year yet!
No matter if this is you first year at PCS or if you are part of a long line of PCS students, get ready because this year is going to be like nothing you’ve ever experienced before.
At PCS, we understand the vital role that parents and caregivers play in a child's development. Our mission is to partner with you in this journey, offering a comprehensive educational program that complements the values and principles you instill at home. Through our collaborative approach, we strive to create a seamless and supportive environment that nurtures both academic excellence and moral integrity. By working together, we can provide your child with a consistent and holistic education, ensuring they grow into well-rounded individuals ready to face life's challenges with confidence and faith.
Dear students, we are eager to welcome you back for another great year...
It is my pleasure to welcome you to Portland Christian Lower School!
My desire is for you to grow academically, spiritually and emotionally and make huge strides towards preparing for your future education at Portland Christian School. I am eagerly anticipating getting to know you better and helping you enjoy and navigate through the upcoming school year!
Parents, I know this is a time of mixed emotions. I hope that you find peace in knowing your child will be loved, cherished, protected and educated to the best of our ability.
Thank you for entrusting us with your child!
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Lower School Principal
Mike Shanks
What's New at PCS Lower School?
REMINDER: School Supply Fee
In lieu of a supply list for each class, PCLS charges a $65 supply fee. This fee is charged through our FACTS system. On the first day of school, your student(s) should bring headphones and a backpack. Students are also encouraged to bring a sealable water bottle to use during class. Teachers will distribute classroom school supplies to students as needed.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact the elementary office.
On-Campus Events & Activities
Kindergarten Cookie Social
Tuesday, 8.6.24 | 12:00 - 1:00 PM
This will be an opportunity for our new kindergarten students and families to stop by the school, find their classroom, meet their teacher, and enjoy a cookie or two!
This is an informal opportunity to meet your teacher. Please understand that teachers will still be working to set up their rooms and finalize activities for the first day of school. This should not be a time to conference with teachers. You will have an opportunity to schedule a conference time with your teacher as the year unfolds. This is also a great opportunity to take that first day of school picture without actually having to walk your child into the building on the first day.
When you arrive, please enter through Door 1 (Foyer into the auditorium) and proceed to the cafeteria. There you will pick up your back-to-school folder with carpool information, teacher assignment, and several other items from Mrs. Dana. She will then direct you to your classroom.
Parent Teacher Fellowship (PTF)
The PTF plays a vital role in fostering a strong sense of community, enhancing communication between parents and teachers, and organizing events and programs that benefit our faculty, staff and students. As a new member of the PTF, you have the opportunity to get involved in various activities, from volunteering at school events to participating in fundraising efforts and supporting the school community. We believe that a strong partnership between parents, teachers, and school is key to providing the best possible education for our children. Your involvement and support are crucial to our success.
If you have any questions or need more information, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at ptf@portlandchristian.org. We look forward to getting to know you and working together to make this a fantastic year for our students.
You can also access PTF information through the following link: PTF Info
First Day of School - Carpool
Tuesday, 8.7.24
MORNING AND AFTERNOON DROP OFF/PICK UP: Please have patience with our carpool line during both drop-off and pick-up as we begin the new school year. Drop off of students will be alongside our main Lower School building. For morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up, please have your carpool tag displayed prominently for our carpool workers to see. This will help our attendants better assist you in what line you should be in for carpool. We will again dismiss students from Door 7 this year.
KINDERGARTEN WALK-IN: We would like to encourage families to drop off their kindergarten students through the carpool line beginning on the first day. However, if you would like to walk your student to the room on the first day you are welcome to do so. Please park in the lower front lot on the hill above the playground and walk your students into the building through Door 5. Also know that parking is limited especially on the first day. Student walk-ins will not be permitted after Friday, August 9th.
IMPORTANT INFO: There will be a limited number of parking spaces available in the morning and afternoon along with carpool lines weaving throughout our parking areas. If at all possible, please drop off and pick up students utilizing our carpool system. Should you choose to walk up and pick up your student(s) in the afternoon, please do so at Door 7. Please have your carpool tag so that our caller can identify and send for your student(s).
School Supplies
In lieu of a supply list for each class, PCLS charges a $65 supply fee. This fee is charged through our FACTS system. On the first day of school, your student(s) should bring headphones and a backpack. Students are also encouraged to bring a sealable water bottle to use during class. Teachers will distribute classroom school supplies to students as needed.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact the elementary office.
Portland Christian Spiritual Life
Summer Chapel
Wednesday, July 10th | 10am. Come and worship with us! Chapel will be held in the auditorium. Please enter through the Foyer (Door 1)
Summer Service at Lifeline Christian Mission Tuesday, July 16th at 10am. There are about 10 spots remaining. You can register for this event here.
Moms in Prayer
Would you be interested in being a part of a Moms in Prayer group here at PCS? Praying once a week for our school - leaders, teachers, and students. Interested? Email us and let us know!
First Chapel Series - Mystery Manor
In this series, kids will be like detectives as they search for the answers to mysterious questions they often have about God, Jesus, the Bible, and heaven. They will learn that all the evidence we need to solve these mysteries is found in God’s Word — the Bible! This series is designed to grow kids’ faith and teach them how to search for God in His Word. Check out the promo video here.
Meet the Teacher - Open House
Tuesday, 8.6.24 | 1:00 - 3:00 PM
This will be an opportunity for our new students and families to stop by the school, get their teacher assignment, and find their classroom.
This is an informal opportunity to meet your teacher.
Please understand that many will still be working to set up their rooms and finalize activities for the first day of school. This is not a time to conference with teachers. You will have an opportunity to schedule a conference time with your teacher as the year unfolds.
When you arrive, please enter through Door 1 (Foyer into the auditorium) and proceed to the cafeteria. There you will pick up your back-to-school folder with carpool information, teacher assignment, and several other items from Mrs. Dana. She will then direct you to your classroom.
Bible Bowl
First Practice: Tuesday, 8.13.24 | 3:30 - 4:45 PM @ PCS
Practices will be held at school on Tuesdays through October 29
Practices will be held at school on Tuesdays through October 29
Our first ever Bible Bowl Team at PCS was a huge success! Congratulations to our team and BIG thank you to their Head Coach - Rachel Rolston for a great season! We are excited to launch our sign ups for the Fall. Students will be covering the second half of John this semester. We will compete against teams in our city and around the nation in three different tournaments - all held at Southeast Christian Church.
Fees: $135 (Includes registration, books, snacks, prizes, and cost of Nationals.)
Who: Rising 3rd - 5th Grade Students
Tournament Dates: Sept 15, Oct 13, and Nov 2
Parent Involvement: Bible Bowl teams are made up of 4 students and 1 coach. This is a very small ratio, which allows for great discipleship opportunities for our students AND it also allows for parents to grow in their knowledge of God's word alongside their child. We will need lots of parents to help make Bible Bowl happen! Please prayerfully consider this ministry opportunity.
Interested? If your son or daughter wants to participate in the fall or if you are interested in being a Bible Bowl coach, sign up here.
Please feel free to reach out with any additional questions, we are so excited to see what the Lord does in and through Bible Bowl.
Special Events & Activities
Hearty Party
Daddy Daughter Dance
Feb 21, 2025
Mother/Son at Main Event
Date: TBD
Grandparent's Week
Date
Book Fair - Fall & Spring
Dates
APEX Fundraiser
November
Field Trips through the year
Dates through the year
Explore Lower School Clubs
Chapel Crew
led by PCS Spiritual Life Director Jaclyn Miles, is open to 4th & 5th grade students.
This club meets on Friday mornings.
The cost for this club is $25 per student.
Bible Bowl
led by PCS parent Rachel Rolston, is open to our 4th & 5th grade students. This club will meet on Tuesdays The cost for this club is $130.00 per student.
TippiToes
TippiToes is a dance class offered to our K-2nd grade students. This club will meet on Tuesdays.
Please click on the link for more information and to register.
Register NOW: TippiToes Registration
2024-2025 Curriculum Information
All Lower School students will take the following five classes: Bible, Reading/Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies.
Lower School Academic Offerings
Kindergarten
Reading/Language Arts - McGraw Hill Wonders
- Phonics/letter sounds & blending/decoding Oral & silent reading
- Manuscript & creative writing
- Listening skills
Bible - Purposeful Design
- Creation and focus on Old Testament characters
- Life of Christ
- Life of Paul
Math - Sadlier Oxford Progress in Mathematics
- Number concepts & place values to 100
- Recognition and attributes of shapes
- Identifying money & values
- Telling time/linear measurements
- Beginning addition & subtraction skills
Science - A Beka
- Weather and seasons
- God's plan for animals and seeds
- Health and our five senses
Social Studies - McGraw Hill Wonders
- Our country and the world we live in
- Life long ago and today
- All about work
1st grade
Bible - Purposeful Design
The first grade Bible lessons guide students to trust God and to apply His principles to everyday life. Lessons follow a thematic, chronological study of the Old & New Testament.
Reading/ Language Arts - McGraw Hill Wonders
- Phonics/Phonemic awareness
- Reading comprehension
- Reading fluency
- Encoding
- Basic writing skills
Math - Sadlier Oxford Progress in Mathematics
- Number concepts
- Computational skills
- Accuracy/Speed
- Money values
- Measurement/Time
Science - A Beka
- Animals
- Physical Science
- Life Science: Human Body Earth & Space
Social Studies - BJU Press
- Family and community
- Jobs
- Our land and nation
2nd grade
Bible - Purposeful Design
Second grade Bible lessons teach Old & New Testament truths through a chronological study of the Word. Students are encouraged to live faithfully with courage, compassion, joy, and giving service to other.
Reading/ Language Arts - McGraw Hill Wonders
- McGraw Hill Phonics
- Spelling: McGraw Hill Wonders
- Handwriting: McGraw Hill Wonders
- Creative Writing
- English/Grammar: McGrawy Hill Wonders
Math - Sadlier Oxford Progress in Mathematics
- Number concepts
- Computational skills
- Geometry/Patterns
- Fractions/Measurement
- Data/ Time/Graphing
Science - BJU Press
- Life Science
- Human Body
- Physical/Earth Science
- Earth & Space
Social Studies - BJU Press
- Geography
- Economics
- Early US History Community & Government
3rd grade
Bible - Purposeful Design
Third grade students study the life of Christ, the early church, and missions from the time of Paul until now. Core concepts include evangelism and equipping us to reach our communities and world for Christ.
Reading/ Language Arts - McGraw Hill Wonders
- English/Grammer - Wonders
- Handwriting: Zaner Bloser
- Write Now: Right Now writing program
Math - Sadlier Oxford Progress in Mathematics
- Multiplication/Division fact
- Geometry
- Fractions/Decimals
- Data/Graphing
- Measurement/Metric Units
Science - BJU Press
- Life Science: Plants
- Human Body: Systems
- Physical Science: Matter/Magnets/Motion/Electricity
- Earth & Space: Rocks/Earth's surface/Solar System
Social Studies - BJU Press
- World Regions
- Geography
4th grade
Bible - Purposeful Design
Students in fourth grade study basic doctrines of the Church including sin's consequences, salvation by grace and through faith in Jesus Christ, empowering of the Holy Spirit, evangelism, stewardship, & preparation for Christ's return.
Reading/ Language Arts - McGraw Hill Wonders
- Class Novel Studies/ Accelerated Reader Program
- Writing Program: Write Now: Right Now
Math - Sadlier Oxford Progress in Mathematics
- Multiplication/Division Skills
- Adding/Subtracting Fractions
- Adding/Subtracting Decimals
- Area/Perimeter
- Problem Solving
Science - BJU Press
- Life Science: Life Systems
- Human Body: Wellness/Body systems
- Physical/Earth Science: Energy
- Earth & Space: Balance of Universe
Social Studies - BJU Press
- Civil War
- World War II
- Geography
5th grade
Bible - Purposeful Design
Students in fifth grade study lessons from the Old Testament that emphasize choices and their consequences. The study of the rulers of Israel and the prophecies concerning Jesus are included. A Ziggurat unit and activities are completed in this grade level.
Reading/ Language Arts - McGraw Hill Wonders
- Reading: Wonders
- Class Novel Studies/Accelerated Reader Program
- Spelling: Wonders
- English/Grammar: Houghton Mifflin
Math - Sadlier Oxford Progress in Mathematics
- Addition/Subtraction/
Multiplication/Division-Decimals - Multiplication/Division of Fractions
- Geometry/Algebra
- Ratio, Percentages, Probability
- Problem Solving
Science - BJU Press
- Life Science: Cycles
- Human Body: Transitions/Balance
- Physical/Earth Science: Transformations
- Earth & Space: Predictability
Social Studies - BJU Press
- American History
- Civil War
- World War II
Hear how Portland Christian has made a positive impact.
The Lower School Mission
If you are looking for a school that offers an outstanding and rigorous educational program that unapologetically places Christ at the center of their mission, Portland Christian may be a great choice for you!
Want to Help Us Provide a Christian Education for Even More Students?
You can get involved, donate, or recommend us to someone looking to help provide a path to quality Christian education for students and families in need.
At PCS, we are committed to offering a high-quality Christian education that nurtures the spiritual, intellectual, and social growth of every student. Your involvement can make a significant difference, whether through volunteering your time, making a donation, or spreading the word to others who share our vision. By supporting our mission, you help create opportunities for more students and families to experience the benefits of a Christ-centered education, paving the way for a brighter future.
PCS Lower School Calendar
Resources
Area Contacts
If you have a specific question please see contact information listed below:
Lower School Families (K-5):
Dana Ferry
dana.ferry@portlandchristian.org
502-429-3727
General Communication:
info@portlandchristian.org
Lunch
The cafeteria DOES NOT accept cash. Money must be loaded on to your student’s lunch account through FACTS in order to make purchases. Chick-fil-A served on Mondays. La Rosa’s Pizza (pepperoni or cheese) served on on Fridays. Gluten free options are available from both Chick-fil-A and La Rosa’s Pizza.
School Uniforms
Transportation
One-Call Now
This messaging system is full of new features that will make it easier for us to keep in contact with your family!
To begin receiving text messages from PCS, please text Alert to 22300.
One Call Now allows our school to send messages using phone, email, and text messaging.
