Harmony
In 2003, Jackson
Christian School initiated a program to provide educational
services to students with special needs.
It was created to meet the needs of students who wanted to attend Jackson Christian School but were unable to successfully meet the high academic expectations. Thus, The Harmony Class was born. This program is designed around the student by assessing the needs of the individual and developing a curriculum to benefit them. JCS believes that students with special academic needs can experience success and should be challenged to strive toward their maximum potential.
Curriculum in The Harmony
Class is much the same as any other class at JCS. Harmony
students are educated about literature, earth science, algebra,
basic math, English, chemistry and geometry. Creating a
learning environment where students are given individualized
instruction allows the students to experience success.
Students also have an Independent Living class where they learn
valuable life skills they will use after graduating from high
school. Working in the library, cafeteria or the school office
provides an opportunity to learn and practice job skills.
Harmony students are also very involved in student life at JCS
through participation in band, cross country, tennis, football
and basketball.
The name, Harmony, came
from the admonition of Peter in I Peter 3:8, “Finally, all of
you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as
brothers, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with
evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this
you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. The Harmony
Class has been and continues to be a great blessing to the JCS
family.
Parents Sing the Praises of Harmony
"The JCS harmony program
has truly been a God-send for our daughter, Kelsie, and our
family. She is able to receive a high quality education in a
safe environment with the benefit of Christ-centered
instruction. Harmony encourages Kelsie to strive to reach her
full potential and for that we are forever grateful."
-- Bob & Kellie Layman
"The
Harmony class has been wonderful for our son. He was one of
those students that 'fell through the cracks.' He finished
elementary school on target with the regular class. However,
when he went into intermediate school, it seemed that he was
going to be left behind with no help in sight. The work was
either too hard or too easy. After several years of frustration
and concern, we were told about the founding of JCS Harmony
class, and it was an answer to our prayers. This program not
only provides our child with an education that is geared to his
individual needs, but also is a program that provides an
appropriate balance of challenge and support. " --Carol Sims
"Talk about an
answer to prayer, the Harmony class at JCS has been the best
educational tool Denver has ever experienced. They’ve taken the
time to help Denver excel in his gifted areas,
like creative writing and communication skills.
Equally important, the other kids at JCS seem to love the
Harmony class students. I am amazed at their level of maturity
as they mentor the Harmony class at every opportunity. A deep,
positive impact has been made on our son. We are forever in
your debt."
--Seth and Ashley Chandler
"We noticed in 7th grade that Charley was struggling in some areas at school. We knew that we had to so something. That is when we learned about the Harmony class. We enrolled him for a couple of hours a day to get additional help in areas that he needed and almost immediately we began to notice a difference in not just his grades, but in him. He started feeling better about himself and his ability to do the work. Charley continues to be in the Harmony class and he is also in regular classes throughout the day and just as involved with other school activities as anyone else. I am very proud of Charley for his hard work, he is now a junior and I am happy to say that he is an A-B student. I am very thankful for Miss Roberts and Mrs. Swims for everything they have done. Harmony is not just an educational help but it also gives a self-esteem boost in knowing that they can do their work…it might just take a different approach in getting it done."
--Cindy Cherry
