Logic & Rhetoric Curriculum

English and Literature

A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver. Proverbs 25:11

Literature Composition 6, 7, 8

7th Grade

The goal of this class is to read a variety of literature from many books considered to be Great Books. As we read through each book we will look at it through the light of God’s Word. Students will further develop their reading, thinking, writing, listening, speaking, and vocabulary skills by completing practical assignments on a daily basis.

The writing curriculum will include exercises in Progymnasmata, training in the Institute for Excellence in Writing and cover the following: story elements, drama, poetry, personal narrative, mini mock trial, persuasive writing; guided research report, independent research report, and the five-paragraph essay.

The following books will be read: The Magician's Nephew, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, The Horse and His Boy, Prince Caspian, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, The Silver Chair, and The Last Battle.

8th Grade

The goal of this class is to read a variety of literature from many books considered to be Great Books. As we read through each book we will look at it through the light of God’s Word. Students will further develop their reading, thinking, writing, listening, speaking, and vocabulary skills by completing practical assignments on a daily basis.

The writing curriculum will include exercises in Progymnasmata, training in the Institute for Excellence in Writing, and cover the following: story elements, personal narrative, persuasive writing; debating, guided research report, independent research report, the five-paragraph essay, short story, drama, and poetry writing.

The following books will be read: The Hobbit, The Gospel of John, Robin Hood, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Macbeth, and Pilgrim’s Progress.

7th and 8th Grade Omnibus

Classical Composition covering the Progymnasmata - Chreia, Maxim, Refutation and Confirmation. story elements; personal narrative; persuasive writing; guided research report; independent research report; note taking; essay writing; poetry writing. Literature study includes in Year 1(2008-2009) Excerpts from Chosen by God - Sproul; Till We Have Faces - CS Lewis; The Magician's Nephew, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, The Horse and His Boy, Prince Caspian, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, The Silver Chair, The Last Battle all by CS Lewis; Best Things in Life; Unaborted Socrates; Isaiah; Jeremiah; Minor Prophets; Galatians; Romans; James; The Eagle of the Ninth; The Screwtape Letters by CS Lewis; and The Holiness of God.

English I Honors - 1.0 credit, required for graduation

Classical Composition covering the Progymnasmata -Refutation, Confirmation, Commonplace and Encomium. This course is designed to acquaint students with world literature in the context of history, to acquaint them with the key elements and genres of literature, and to develop critical thinking, writing, and speaking skills. Students will demonstrate their understanding through discussions, presentations, and essays. They will research many topics throughout the year and will produce a major research paper. Educational materials include The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and The Adventures of Tom Sawyer - Mark Twain; The Autobiography of Ben Franklin; excerpts from Gulliver's Travels - Jonathan Swift; excerpts from Foxe's Book of Martyrs; The Pit and the Pendulum - Edger Allen Poe; A Tale of Two Cities - Charles Dickens; Hamlet - Shakespeare; various poetry and short stories.

English II Honors - 1.0 credit, required for graduation

Classical Composition covering the Progymnasmata - Fables, Narrative, Chreia, Maxim, Refutation, Confirmation, Commonplace, Encomium, Vituperation and Comparison. This course uses literature to teach students about worldviews. Other topics taught include College Prep Writing; Newspaper Writing; Comparative essay; Scholarship Portfolio Creation; and Research Paper Writing. Literature includes but is not limited to: The Case for Faith - Lee Strobel; Mere Christianity - CS Lewis; The Case for Christ - Lee Strobel; Lord of the Flies - William Golding; excerpts from Leaves of Grass - Walt Whitman; Animal Farm and 1984 - George Orwell; Anthem - Ayn Rand; various poetry and short stories.

English III and IV Honors - 1.0 credit, required for graduation

HONORS/ADVANCED PLACEMENT:

English III & IV is offered as an honors level class for all students, but students who wish to take the class at the AP level may take a qualifying exam prior to the school year to determine eligibility. The Advanced Placement curriculum is rigorous and recommended only for motivated students who are independent learners. Self-discipline is required. AP students will have the opportunity to take the AP English Language & Composition exam and the AP English Literature & Composition at Cornerstone Academy in May for a fee of $84 per test. Taking the course at the AP level and attempting the test in May earns students high school AP credit; passing the exam in May allows students to earn college credit as well.

LITERATURE & COMPOSITION (FOCUS FOR BOTH HONORS AND AP STUDENTS, SCHOOL YEAR 2014-2015)

Students read a range of genres of literature including short stories, poetry, plays, and novels from ancient to contemporary authors. Literature covered includes, but is not limited to, the Bible's Job, Spenser's Faerie Queene, Austen's Pride and Prejudice, Dickens Oliver Twist, Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby, and Griffin's Black Like Me. Interpretation of these works includes a look at Scripture and the standards set forth in God's word. Focus in writing is on mastery of the five-paragraph essay form, including literary analysis; expository writing; descriptive writing; persuasive writing; narrative writing; the comparative essay; poetry; and the college research paper. Students write approximately 500 words weekly, including an in-class SAT or AP practice essay every third week, plus a class weblog.

LANGUAGE & COMPOSITION (FOCUS FOR BOTH HONORS AND AP STUDENTS, SCHOOL YEAR 2015-2016)

Students focus on reading and discussing great literature, as well as grammar, writing and vocabulary. Literature covered includes Sophocles' Oedipus Rex; Shakespeare's Much Ado about Nothing; Hemingway's The Old Man and the Sea; Shelley's Frankenstein; Bronte's Jane Eyre; Bradbury's Fahrenheit 451; and various non-fiction readings. Interpretation of these works includes a look at Scripture and the standards set forth in God's word. Focus in writing is on mastery of the five-paragraph essay form, including literary analysis; expository writing; descriptive writing; persuasive writing; narrative writing; the comparative essay; and synthesis writing. Students write approximately 500 words weekly, including an in-class SAT or AP practice essay every third week, plus a class weblog.

History

God wants us to know history. A large part of the Bible is the recorded history of God’s people, and God expects us to learn from our study of the past. History records the progress of God’s plan for nations and individuals. From it we learn that God is sovereign; no man or nation can overrule Him; God is never taken by surprise; He controls the rise and fall of rulers; He has purpose in all He does and He will lead rulers when they look to Him for guidance.

6th Grade American History (1815-Present)

Our objectives for this course are focused on forming a foundational, working knowledge of the major events and people that have shaped American history, and beginning to develop students’ higher order thinking skills, namely logical progressions. This is an important time for students, when they have become proficient memorizers, and are increasingly ready to put into use the facts that they have internalized in more advanced intellectual work and training. This training, especially within a Christian framework, will serve students well as they enter the ‘Logic’ phase of their curriculum and young adulthood generally.

7th and 8th Grade Omnibus

Omnibus is Latin for "all encompassing." The goal of this class is to read a variety of literature from many books considered to be Great Books. As we read through each book we will look at it through the light of God’s Word. Students will further develop their reading, thinking, writing, listening, speaking, and vocabulary skills by completing practical assignments on a daily basis. Texts include Wordly Wise 7, Jensen’s Format Writing, Omnibus 1, The Magician’s Nephew, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, The Silver Chair, The Last Battle, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, The Call of the Wild, excerpts from Chosen by God, and various poetry and short stories.

Omnibus III World History Honors - 1.0 credit, required for graduation

I am God, and there is none like me. I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times what is still to come. I say, 'My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please. Isaiah 46:9-11

This course is designed to give students an overview of world history from the perspective that God is in control of history and that biblical principles must be taken into account in the affairs of nations, as well as individuals. The students will study the history of major western civilizations in their philosophical, political, cultural, and geographical contexts. They will appreciate the importance of knowing the past in order to understand the present, the rich heritage with which we are blessed.

Western Civilization- 1.0 credit, required for graduation

Western Civilization is designed to help students clearly understand the tenets of the biblical Christian worldview, as well as key apologetic issues, and how they compare to the competing worldviews of Secular Humanism, Marxist-Leninism, Cosmic Humanism (New Age), Postmodernism and Islam. Texts include Thinking Like a Christian - David Noebel and Chuck Edwards; The Case for Christ - Stroebel;Understanding the Times - David Noebel; The Humanist Manifesto I, II and 2000; The Communist Manifesto - Marx; other primary sources;Breakpoint - Colson (for current events); Citizen Magazine from Focus on the Family (for current events); Citizen Issue Alert from Focus on the Family (for current events); Imprimis - Hillsdale College Publication.

American History Honors – 1.0 credit, required for graduation

This course will use American history to construct a logical and rational framework for the student as a citizen of the United States. Students will be continually challenged to think through ideas and concepts and to verbally explain and defend their reasoning. The cultural, political, and economic climate of the US today will be explained in light of the influences of individuals and movements of the past. Stress will be given to the contrasts between the strengths of the US from its Christian faith and heritage versus the current assault by those who seek socialistic internationalism. The text is United States History for Christian Schools. Numerous source documents will be used including: The Magna Carta; The Mayflower Compact; Fundamental Orders of Connecticut; Federalist Paper #10-James Madison; The Declaration of Independence; The Constitution of the United States of America and Amendments; The Monroe Doctrine-James Monroe. Speeches will include; Washington's Farewell Address; Thomas Jefferson’s First Inaugural Address; Abraham Lincoln’s First Inaugural Address; Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation; Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address; Abraham Lincoln’s Second Inaugural Address.

American Government Honors - 0.5 credit, required for graduation

This course will ground students with an understanding of the original intent of the Framers of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. A thorough study of the structure of the federal government today and how it differs from the Framers’ intent will provide a clear understanding of the challenges for the student-citizen in this constitutional republic. The role of Christianity and the Christian culture in the proper functioning of our nation will be reviewed in depth through the use of biblical principles. The primary text for the course is Constitution of the United States and 27 Amendments, Common Sense by Thomas Paine, many of the Federalist Papers, and other original documents including the Magna Carta, English Bill of Rights of 1689, Fundamental Orders of Connecticut, Virginia Declaration of Rights, Declaration of Independence, Judicial Acts of 1789 and 1801.

Economics Honors – 0.5 credit, required for graduation

This course will equip students with a correlation between classical economics (labor, wealth, capital, supply and demand) and present-day monetary and fiscal policies. The resulting correlation will be circumscribed by man’s relationship to God and God’s provision for mankind. Common and recurring economic fallacies will be rigorously discussed. Together, the materials will supply students with a personal economic decision-making framework that is both biblically grounded and prudent. Text: Wealth of Nations-Adam Smith; Andrew Jackson’s Veto of the Bank Bill;. Copious materials will be drawn from current economic news and articles.

Mathematics

But even the very hairs of your heads are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value that many sparrows. Luke 12:7

See the Math Department Guide.

Logic - 1.0 credit, required for graduation

This course is designed to train students in their ability to think and reason clearly. The lessons cover logical statements, fallacies , syllogisms, and many other elements including topics in logic. This course is a thorough introduction and serves as both a self-contained course and a preparatory course for more advanced studies. Texts used: Introduction to Logic - Mars Hill; Using the book The Fallacy Detective, students learn to recognize poor reasoning. Examples include Red Herring Fallacy, Ad Homimem, Genetic Fallacy, Tu Quoque, Faulty Appeal to Authority, Appeal to the People, Straw Man, Assumptions, Circular Reasoning, Equivocation, Loaded Question, Part-to-whole, Whole-to-part, Either-Or, Statistical Fallacies, and propaganda techniques such as Appeal to Fear, Appeal to Pity, Bandwagon, Exigency, Repetition, Transfer, Snob Appeal, Appeal to Tradition or Hi-Tech

Science

The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows his handiwork. Psalm 19:1

Nature is but a name for an effect whose cause is God. ---William Cowper, 1731-1800

Earth Science - 1.0 credit

This course consists of a study of space and the atmosphere, lithosphere, and hydrosphere of planet earth, with an emphasis on the myriad of finely tuned factors that make life possible on it. It includes introductory level astronomy, meteorology, geology and oceanography. Textbook study at home, and lecture, discussion, and hands-on activities in the classroom are used to teach the basics of each of these fields of study of the earth.

Life Science - 1.0 credit

This course consists of a study of the foundations of Life Science, life and cells, cell structure, activities of cells, cell division, genetics of organisms, genetic changes, biblical creationism, biological evolution, and concepts in microbiology and plant biology.

Physical Science Honors with lab - 1.0 credit

For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities - his eternal power and divine nature - have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse - Romans 1:20

This course is an introduction to the basic concepts of chemistry and physics with an emphasis on the orderliness of matter and the predictability of its behavior. It includes the structure, classification, properties, and interactions of matter in the chemistry component. The physics component includes mechanics, thermal energy, electricity and magnetism, sound, and the electromagnetic spectrum. Textbook study at home, and lecture, discussion, and demonstrations are used to teach the concepts in class Turesday, Wednesday and Friday. Thursday class time is used for hands on laboratory activities which enable the students to apply the concepts, thus increasing comprehension and enjoyment of science.

Text - BJU Press Physical Science

Biology and Biology Honors with Lab - 1.0 credit

This course is an introduction to the field of Biology with an emphasis on the diversity and irreducible complexity of living creatures. The areas of study include cellular biology, genetics, taxonomy, microbiology, botany, zoology, and ecology. The course is taught using textbook study at home, and lecture and discussion in class on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. Thursday laboratory sessions include microscope work and dissection of several invertebrates and vertebrates, including the frog. The course is taught from a Biblical viewpoint, with emphasis on the intelligent design features apparent throughout God's creation, as compared to the claims of Darwinian evolution. Several students who have completed this course with a 90% or higher have been able to earn up to six college credits in biology through taking the CLEP (College Level Examination Program) test through Santa Fe Community College.

Text - BJU Press Biology with Laboratory Exercises

AP Biology

Description Pending

Human Anatomy and Physiology Honors with Lab - 1.0 credit (prerequisite Biology)

This course is an introduction to the anatomy and physiology of the human body with emphasis on its irreducible complexity and responsibility of the individual for good stewardship. The structure and function of each organ system and how they coordinate with each other will be studied using textbook and workbook study at home, and classroom lecture and discussion on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. Thursday laboratory sessions include microscope work in histology and dissection of sheep organs and fetal pigs. Students who earn 90% or better for their final grade will be eligible to take a college level final exam at Santa Fe Community College for three college credits.

The text used is Essentials of Human Anatomy and Physiology by Marieb along with Anatomy and Physiology Coloring Workbook - Marieb.

Chemistry Honors with Lab - 1.0 credit (prerequisite Biology and must have completed Algebra II or be taking it concurrently)

Chemistry is about understanding the atomic and molecular makeup of the astonishing world in which we live. Chemical reactions are easy to provoke and were studied hundreds of years earlier than nuclear reactions. A vast amount of our common everyday experience is dependent on chemistry, from cranking the car to keeping the pool from turning green. This course will help the student understand how all those everyday plastic or chemical objects work or were made. Students will make things, take things apart, and learn how to predict reactions. Chemistry will be related to the real environments of home, industry and working world at every turn -- human blood gases, acid base balance, pool pH chemistry, car batteries, automobile engines, dishwashers, cleaning products--everywhere in life chemistry is encountered. There will be a field trip to either an industrial or medical working chemistry lab. At completion students with an 80% or better will be eligible to take a final exam at Santa Fe Community College and earn three college credits. Text used - Introductory Chemistry by Tro

• 5 Reasons to Thrive in Chemistry

AP Chemistry

Description Pending

AP Physics with Lab - 1.0 credit (prerequisite, Algebra II)

Physics is about learning how God made the universe and how it works learning to see the finger of God in what He created. It opens your eyes to the immensity and complexity of the universe. Beginning with simple Newtonian principles, one can move on to fathom particle physics. Once Thermodynamics is grasped one can critique the Big Bang, and examine Relativity. An understanding of subatomic physics and radioactivity leads to understanding electromagnetic radiation and to understand light itself. By learning to measure radioactive particles one can understand, perhaps for the first time, exactly how a breeder reactor works. When we are finished a student will be able to take a toy ruler and a special 35mm slide and measure how many billionths of a meter make up one wavelength of light. In between all this a student you will begin to grasp why only an ignorant person would think this universe was not created. Physics is about learning just how great is our God. The class will include field trips to the following: the Human Patient Simulator, the Model Airplane Flying Field, the Graphite Reactor and possibly to SunNFun. There will be many hands-on labs.

Text - BJU Press Physics

"Would it not be strange if a universe without purpose accidentally created humans who are so obsessed with purpose?" -- Sir John Templeton

"It is hard to resist the impression that the present structure of the universe, apparently so sensitive to minor alterations in numbers, has been rather carefully thought out...The seemingly miraculous concurrence of these numerical values must remain the most compelling evidence for cosmic design." --Physicist Paul Davies

Robotics Team - 0.5 to 1.0 credit

The middle and senior high school robotics course is an introduction in the design, construction, and programming of small autonomous robots that serve a variety of tasks. The materials covered include:

Electrical measurements using digital multi-meters and oscilloscopes; electronic components such as resistors, LEDs, comparators, and transistors, DC and gear-head motors, solderless breadboard prototyping and fabricating component breadboards, Operating power tools such as Dremel rotary tool, soldering iron, drill press, bandsaw, and an assortment of hand tools, building many different robots using the LEGO Mindstorm Invention System 2.0, constructing from scratch simple robots that interact with their environment, opportunities to program robots in interactive C IV and LEGO Mindstorm Invention System 2.0. This class has very few openings and therefore has a selection process.

Foreign Languages and Rhetoric

Unless you speak intelligible words with your tongue, how will anyone know what you are saying? You will just be speaking into the air. Undoubtedly there are all sorts of languages in the world, yet none of them is without meaning. - I Corinthians 14:9-10

Foundations of Latin (Latin IA/ IB)

This introductory level Latin course is designed for logic and rhetoric students. Completion of the IA/IB sequence takes two years and satisfies the credit requirement of Latin I.

Text - Ecce Romani I

Latin I - 1.0 credit, required for graduation

The primary goal of this course is for students to develop skill in comprehending written Latin and translating it properly into idiomatic English. The students will learn syntax, basic grammar, and vocabulary and will spend considerable time analyzing the inflectional patterns of the Latin language. They will be assigned written exercises both in class and for homework which will reinforce these patterns and aid in memorization. Students will be given regular practice reading Latin, translating into English, and composing Latin sentences. Oral drill and recitation will establish proper pronunciation. Discussions arising from assigned reading will focus primarily upon classical literature, mythology, and Graeco-Roman history.

Text - Ecce Romani I

Latin II - 1.0 credit, required for graduation (prerequisite Latin I or IB)

Students will continue their study of Latin in this intermediate level course. Attention will be directed to more complex grammatical constructions and translational nuance, as students are introduced to various Roman authors. Students will be assigned written exercises both in class and for homework which will reinforce concepts taught in class and aid in memorization. They will be given regular practice reading Latin, translating into English, and composing Latin sentences. Oral drill and recitation will establish proper pronunciation. Discussions arising from assigned reading will expand upon the students' knowledge classical literature, mythology, and Graeco-Roman history.

Text - Ecce Romani II

Latin III - 1.0 credit (prerequisite Latin II)

Latin 3 will review Ecce Romani Book 2 and delve into Book 3. This class assumes significant prior knowledge of Latin. It will complete students' knowledge of grammatical structures of the language. Students will learn to translate complex Latin passages, while also gaining knowledge of the history, culture, and mythology of the time.

Text - Ecce Romani III

Greek I - 1.0 Credit

An introduction to basic elements of New Testament Greek. Students will learn basic principles of Greek syntax, grammar, the use of lexical, grammatical and syntactical tools, and vocabulary. The course includes translation of passages from the Greek New Testament. Discussions arising from assigned reading will focus primarily upon classical literature, mythology, and Graeco-Roman history.

Text - Basics of Biblical Greek - Bill Mounce

Spanish I - 1.0 credit (prerequisite Latin II)

This course is an introduction to the sound system and grammatical structure necessary to develop listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in Spanish. An appreciation of Spanish-speaking culture underlies the orientation of the course. Puntos de Partida (Chapters 1-7) is used as the primary text, along with the accompanying Lab manual. Classroom time emphasizes communication in the target language.

Spanish II - 1.0 credit (prerequisite Spanish I)

This course continues the development of skills learned in Spanish I. More complex grammar is presented as well as more extensive vocabulary. Puntos de Partida (Chapters 8-16) is used as the primary text, along with the accompanying Lab Manual from Spanish I. The target language is used almost exclusively in the classroom in order to promote a more communicative environment, and Hispanic culture is integrated into the language learning experience.

Rhetoric and Debate - 1.0 credit, required for graduation (prerequisite Thoughts Captive)

This course is designed to allow students to organize and participate in a variety of forensic and debate activities through the Catholic Forensic League. Participation in tournaments is integral to the course. All students will learn the method and will participate in Lincoln-Douglas Debate whether at a tournament or in class, and each will prepare a speech event. Students will also prepare speeches for an event called Apologetics.

Physical Education and Health

General Fitness and Conditioning

The purpose of this course is to develop general fitness while promoting participation in a variety of sports. The value of proper stretching and conditioning is emphasized. Participation in the President's Physical Fitness Challenge is required.

Personal Fitness - 0.5 credit, required for graduation

The purpose of this course is to enable students to extend their knowledge of fitness concepts; design, implement, and evaluate a personal fitness program; and develop an individualized level of health-related fitness. Participation in the President’s Physical Fitness Challenge is required.

Biblical Applications - 1 credit, required for graduation

The purpose of this course is to develop and enhance critical life management skills necessary to make sound decisions and take positive actions for healthy and effective living. Students learn to understand finances from a biblical perspective using material by Dave Ramsey, Financial Peace for the Next Generation. A year long unit in college and career preparation from a Biblical stand is also covered.

Electives

Drawing I

This course introduces students to the basic skills of drawing which will include the measuring technique, composition, perspective drawing, and use value to express light and shade to create the illusion of volume in their drawings. The student will also be able to complete a finished compositional drawing.

Drawing II

This course will further the artist in completing creative art projects and begin an introduction to color theory and other media such as pastels, ink, and charcoal.

Drama I and II - 0.5 credit each

These courses are designed to give students the opportunity to enjoy theater acting, but more importantly to present the art of theater as a ministry that can be used to share the Gospel, encourage and entertain believers, and bring honor and glory to God. The students will be required to audition for a part in the Fall production or have a designated job as a technician

Technical Theater I: Foundations of Technical Theater - 1.0 credit

The purpose of this course is to introduce the student to technical theatre, the "behind the scenes" work that goes into a theatrical production. It is a year-long course covering a brief history of theater as it relates to technical aspects of drama production and the essential players behind the scenes. A job description of each position will be presented to each team member. This class also involves the study of set design and construction, lighting, audio, props, and costume design. It may include a field trip “behind-the-scenes” of a local amateur or professional production. Participation is required in the Tech Crew of the fall and/or spring production and/or other school-sponsored theatrical work.

SAT Prep

This course is designed to strengthen the student's test-taking skills so as to enhance his/her scores on the Scholastic Assessment Test. Students will practice thinking strategies, become thoroughly familiar with the structure of standardized exams, and build verbal competence and mathematics reasoning. Each student can contact an instructor to receive personalized lessons and guidance as he/she pursues higher test score goals.

The objectives of the course are to:

1. Assess strengths and weaknesses in testing skills and strategies to personalize instruction.
2. Demonstrate the use of organizational skills by submitting weekly action plans.
3. Differentiate among strategies necessary to successfully complete standardized tests.
4. Become familiar with test, test directions, answer sheet and different type of questions by taking actual sample tests.
5. Apply critical thinking skills.
6. Apply problem solving techniques and strategies
7. Apply fundamental mathematical principles to unfamiliar problems.
8. Apply knowledge of successful study and reading strategies.

Transformational Leadership

Description Pending

Honors Choir

Description Pending

Journalism - 1.0 credit

This course is designed to give students the opportunity to create and produce Cornerstone's Yearbook using the latest technology, such as InDesign and Adobe Photoshop, and intensive training. Being a member of the yearbook staff requires dedicated commitment. While there will be many times when our work is enjoyable, meeting deadlines and producing a quality product must always be our primary goals. In order to avoid unnecessary conflicts concerning expectations and requirements, all staffers and their parents must read and sign a contract regarding their duties. Students serve as photographers, ad salesmen, editors, and produce a beautiful hardbound book that brings glory to God.