Middle School
The most critical of years
Middle School
Preparing for future endeavors
At Harmony Christian School, our Christ-centered Middle School includes sixth through eighth grades. We strive to provide an environment to help students grow in wisdom and favor with God and people and to experience growth in their spiritual walk. We recognize that this period of developmental transition can be difficult for students which is why we put a great deal of effort into treating their social needs with the same level of importance as their academic goals.
Tweens are undergoing physical, emotional and intellectual changes at a pace that mimics that of an infant to toddler. In many cases the same the same inability to be still, to be attentive and to complete a task is evident. On the positive side, it is an opportunity for our children to learn self-control, to ask for and to give help, and to develop empathy. This is an exciting time of trying on new personas and exploring talents.
Our focus is a partnership between home, church and school and the importance of parental responsibility for a child’s discipline and education. We encourage our middle schoolers to be as enthusiastic about learning as they are about understanding the world around them. We want our students to prepare to live “in” the world, but not “of” the world. Students are often given the opportunity to apply problem-solving skills to non-academic situations, develop the ability to clearly articulate ideas and to critically examine different points of view. While most students continue on to Harmony Christian’s High School, students are well prepared to enter any high school, both academically and spiritually.
Harmony Christian School is a safe, loving place where students are encouraged to care for one another and to act in ways that are pleasing to God.
So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the law.
Matthew 7:12
What you can expect from our Middle School program:
- Teachers with many years of experience
- Challenging curriculum taught from a biblical perspective preparing students to thrive at any private or public high school
- Daily communication via, weekly newsletters, pictures of students sent home
- Clean and safe environment, doors secured, regularly scheduled drills
- Degreed and devoted Christian educators specializing in middle school education
- Core subjects in math, science, history, language arts, social studies, Bible and literature at each grade level
- A range of electives including Art, Spanish, PE, and more
- Small class sizes
- Competitive athletic programs in volleyball, boys & girls basketball, Co-ed Soccer and more
- Community outreach programs
Middle School Staff
Vanessa Veras
Vice Principal-Secondary/ MS Supervisor/ 7th & 8th History and English
VANESSA VERAS
Vice Principal of Secondary Education
Middle School English Teacher
Middle School US History Teacher
Why do you like teaching?
"I love teaching! I love working with the middle schoolers and seeing how much they grow over the year. It is so rewarding to watch them understand a particular topic and get excited about learning more about it. My favorite unit we do is in 7th grade with our Mock Trial. The kids love it and its so awesome to see how much effort and enthusiasm they put into it. We laugh a lot in my classes and try to have fun tied into most lessons. Our review game sessions are always a lot of fun too. I get the opportunity to see how much they've learned and how eager they are to do well. Getting to know the kids better and understanding their social needs as well as academic is so important to me. Sometimes we forget that at that age our "small" problems seemed so BIG so I try to make sure they feel like their concerns matter to me and I'm here to help."
What led you to HCS?
"My three children attend (have attended; one graduated last year) HCS. I loved the school for them so when I left my former career behind and had no idea what God would have me do next, I was asked if I would sub here at the school. I loved subbing and did that for a year and half when I was asked to take on the role on Middle School English and History teacher. It was a role I had covered for a month while the previous teacher was out on leave and I absolutely loved it so I jumped on the chance to do it full time!"
What have been your roles at HCS?
"I started out as a substitute teacher and did that for a year and a half. Last year I started full time as the Middle School English and History teacher. This year I have taken on the additional role of Middle School Supervisor."
What do you enjoy most about your time at HCS?
"My students of course! The staff is phenomenal as well but getting to work with my kids every day makes this whole experience not really feel like a "job"."
What are you looking forward to during this school year?
"I'm looking forward to navigating through all of the new responsibilities and opportunities of my supervisor role and seeing how I can work with our staff to improve the middle school and live out God's vision for this school."
What is your education background?
"I have my Bachelor's in Sociology with a minor in Psychology."
Tell us some personal information you would like to share.
"My husband and I have three amazing kids and we spend a lot of time together as a family. If I have any spare time I like to paint, read, and watch historic documentary type shows because I'm a History nerd. I also love to visit historic sites which is part of the reason I love living in such a rich historical area like the Hudson Valley."
Christi Grimm
Middle School Math & Science
What led you to HCS?
What do you most enjoy about your time at HCS?
What are you looking forward to during this school year?
What is your educational background?
Linda Whitney
7th Bible, 6th English & History Teacher
Anthony Navarro
Middle & HS Computer Teacher
Why do you like teaching?I enjoy teaching because it gives me the opportunity to build relationships with students and motivate them to learn something new each day. I believe that even as adults we are always learning and it is something that should be accepted as a part of our daily lives. I look forward to the small teachable moments that occur in the classroom each day, this is just one aspect of being a teacher that makes everything worthwhile.
Jenny Giammatteo
Art Teacher
Looking for more information?
If you are in need of more information, please either click the button below and fill out the form on the contact page or contact the school office directly.
According to Niche.com, Harmony Christian School is ranked #3 Best Private High Schools in Orange County, NY and #19 Best Christian High Schools in NY State.
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