In October SSS holds the annual SSS Spelling Celebration in conjunction with CAJ's fall Thrift Shop. Each age group from kindergartners through highschoolers are assigned words to learn to spell. They are tested in a variety of ways to make this an interesting event. Details are given in the newsletters.
Sports Day
SSS holds a Sports Day in early November, usually on the day Japanese celebrate Culture Day. Children from preschoolers on up through middle schoolers enjoy learning a variety of sports. The goal of the day is to introduce children to sports that they would likely encounter if they attended a school with a full-blown physical education department.
Writers' Workshop
SSS places special emphasis on developing English language arts skills. At Writers' Workshop, SSS students are divided into classes to study different writing skills. Topics vary from year to year.
SLEW
Spiritual Life Emphasis Week is generally held the last week in January for CAJ middle and high school students. SSS students in grades 8-12 are invited to spend the week at CAJ attending chapel, working on homeschool studies, and socializing with CAJ and SSS students.
Arts & Skills Day
In February Arts & Skills Day is devoted to offering a large variety of classes to enrich the curriculum homeschoolers are able to offer their children. Preschoolers through lower elementary age students are put in classes with a variety of musical and art activities. Students in upper elementary, middle school and high school choose from classes such as flower arranging, cake decorating, wood burning, culinary arts, sketching, handbells, how to change a tire, how to make a computer spreadsheet, drama and pottery. In the afternoon we give children a time to display artwork and projects they have completed at home and demonstrate in front of others the skills they have learned.
Speech Festival
On CAJ's spring Thrift Shop day, SSS holds its annual Speech Festival. During the school year SSS students of all ages memorize poems or Scripture passages or write original speeches to present. Judging is optional.
Testing
In the spring of the year we offer achievement testing to students in grades 2-8. We use the Iowa Tests of Basic Skills. The charge is ¥5,000 per student for SSS members, ¥10,000 for non-SSS members. About a month after the test is administered, parents receive test results and a personal letter with recommendations for your child.
Visitation
One of the benefits of SSS membership is the opportunity for students to choose one day per year to visit CAJ elementary, middle, and high school classrooms. Contact the SSS office for more information.
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