 Compassion International
It is our belief that service to others is at the heart of our relationship with God. The Bible specifically directs us to care for the orphans and widows. Students in grades K-5th grade participate in the Compassion International program headquartered in Colorado Springs. This program began in 1952 when Rev. Everett Swanson had contact with the Korean War orphans. Since then more than one million children in 20 different countries have been helped. Each grade level sponsors one boy and one girl who are in need. Classes will continue to sponsor these children until they graduate from high school. Our sponsorship allows these children to participate in a non-denominational church-based program that offers direct benefits, such as education, health care, Christian training and social skills. Students write letters to these children and pray for them on a regular basis.
 Good Will Tours
Each December our 3rd-5th grade students visit local nursing homes to sing and visit with the residents. This act of service not only uplifts the residents but brings a blessing to the students as well.
Souper Bowl of Caring
 Each spring semester students participate in the city-wide Souper Bowl of Caring. Students provide a service to the community by collecting canned goods for those in need. Students celebrate the culmination of this service project by wearing their favorite team jerseys.
Elementary Chapel
Students in grades 1-5 gather together each Friday morning to spend time in praise and worship to God. Chapels are student-led and include songs, prayers, Bible readings and skits. Students are given the opportunity to develop leadership skills in these areas. Kindergarten students participate in their own individual chapel time on Fridays as well.
 Field Trips
NCS students are privileged to be able to take several educational field trips throughout the school year. Trips include plays, symphonies, museums, historical sites, etc. Most grade levels
take six trips per year. Previous destinations have included Main Street Theater, Exploration Station, George Observatory, Moody Gardens, San Jacinto Monument, George Ranch and Exxon
Mobil Refinery.
 Orchestra
Students in grades 3-5 have the option of choosing orchestra in lieu of choir. Students are taught by a Suzuki trained professional. The Suzuki method of teaching reinforces that all children have the ability to learn and play an instrument through daily listening and repetition of pieces, dedicated practice and parent involvement. Students choose from the violin, the viola, or the cello. An additional instrument rental fee is required. Training at the elementary level prepares students to be a part of our secondary orchestra. The elementary program includes school performances and off-campus community service performances.
 Stone Soup
It is an NCS tradition to celebrate Thanksgiving by making Stone Soup. Each class reads the book Stone Soup and makes its own version of the stew for lunch that day. Other traditional Thanksgiving foods are served as well. Students take this time together to focus on the blessings God has given us all.
 Christmas Programs
Students in grades 3-5 perform each December in the school Christmas program. Both choir and orchestra students are given the opportunity to perform in separate programs. Auditions for solo and speaking parts are held for all students who are interested. These programs are always a favorite of NCS students!
 Rodeo Art
It is a tradition at NCS for students in grades K-5 to participate in the annual Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Art Contest. Students are given the opportunity to creatively express themselves using various media to show their Texas pride. Many of our students earn red and blue ribbons at the show.
Spelling Bee
In coordination with the Houston Chronicle, a 1st-5th grade student from each homeroom participates in the annual Spelling Bee. The winner competes with the NCS middle school winner to determine the overall NCS champion. The champion then goes on to compete with other schools in the area.
 Physical Education Show
Students in grades K-5 spend several months preparing for the annual P.E. Show in the spring. This show is open to parents, family members and friends. Students have the opportunity to show off the amazing physical skills they learn throughout the year. Each student is showcased during the program and is given the chance to shine. This is one of NCS’s favorite traditions!
 Grandparents’ Day
An NCS favorite is our annual Grandparents’ Day. Grandparents play such a vital role in the development of our children. Weekly Chapel services, classroom visits, a special encore performance of the P.E. Show and a catered lunch provided by the PTO make this day one of the most memorable during the year.
 Science Fair
Our 5th grade students, in coordination with Exxon Mobil, participate in our annual Science Fair. Categories include life science and physical science. Projects are displayed for the rest of the school to enjoy. Judges from Exxon Mobil choose winners in each category and ribbons are awarded.
Mad Science
 The NCS PTO funds the Mad Science program for our school. Each homeroom class is treated to a special workshop from a Mad Science trained instructor. Categories include life, health and physical science. Through its innovative concept of “Edu-tainment”, Mad Science has been able to spark the imagination and curiosity of children everywhere. Their goal is to provide fun, entertaining and exciting activities that instill a clearer understanding of what science is really about and how it affects the world around them. 713.663.7623 http://www.madscience.org/houston”www.madscience.org/houston_
Mobil Education Assemblies
Each year our generous PTO funds two Mobile Ed. Productions assemblies for our students. This company has been providing assemblies throughout the US since 1979. They are members and supporters of the National Education Association. One of our assemblies focuses on a science topic and the other focuses on a history or social studies topic. Students enjoy these assembly times that bring a unique enhancement to what they are studying in the classroom.
 Field Day
Students in grades K-5 look forward to the annual Field Day. The P.E. coaches and parent volunteers prepare many events in which all students are given the opportunity to compete. Ribbons are awarded as well as good sportsmanship certificates. The focus is on team work and encouragement.
Recess
We believe it is extremely important for children to participate in free play to develop social skills and creativity. Exercise also promotes good physical, mental and emotional health. Students in grades K-5 participate in 30 minutes of outdoor recess per day, weather permitting.
 Library
Our library houses a wonderful selection of fiction and non-fiction selections on every grade level. New books are added each year. Accelerated Reader books are clearly marked so that students know immediately which books will have quizzes available. A full-time librarian is available to assist students in checking out age-appropriate books and research materials. Several computers are located in the library for student use.
 Book Fairs
The school hosts two Scholastic Book Fairs during the year. Students and parents are able to purchase top quality books at reasonable prices on our campus. Proceeds benefit the NCS library.
Read-A-Thons
Many grade levels enjoy several Read-A-Thon days throughout the school year. Students often wear comfortable pajamas and bring pillows and sleeping bags. A relaxed environment for reading is a big hit with our students!
Accelerated Reader Program
The on-line version of Accelerated Reader was recently adopted. This allows students to take quizzes from any computer with Internet access. This flexibility allows students to test from school or home. Each child reads books at his or her own assessed level to earn points toward an individual goal. Top level readers are awarded medals at the end of the year.
Nursing Services
A full-time registered nurse is on campus for your child’s medical needs.
Guest Author Day
Guest authors are invited to speak to the students each year. It is important for children to interact with published authors to create excitement for continued reading and writing. These authors are great examples of people who have often tried and failed, but were not willing to give up on their goals and dreams.
 Red Ribbon Week
Each October our students participate in Red Ribbon Week to learn more about saying “no” to drugs and standing up for what is right. Fifth grade students are given the opportunity to prepare a Power Point presentation that is shown to the entire school. Students enjoy dressing up during the week to reinforce the importance of remaining pure.
Homecoming
Each fall the elementary campus joins with the secondary campus to celebrate Homecoming Week. Students enjoy activities that surround the Homecoming theme. Special dress days, an elementary pep rally and the Homecoming football game are always favorites.
 Fall Festival
Each year our school celebrates the beginning of the fall season with a special Fall Festival celebration. Our students always look forward to this family-friendly event. Students from the high school plan and run all booths.
 Breakfast With Santa
Each December the NCS senior class hosts Breakfast with Santa. Elementary students are given the opportunity to eat a special breakfast and to sit on Santa’s lap to reveal their wish lists! The younger students look forward to this event where they can get a sneak peek at the man in red.
Student Safety Patrol
Fourth and fifth graders have the opportunity to serve the school through the Student Safety Patrol program. Students are selected to leadership positions by their teachers based on grades, behavior and work habits. Students serve one month shifts. This duty is considered an honor. Safety patrol members lead the pledges and patriotic songs every week at the end of Chapel.
Spirit Games
Once each month the entire elementary school gathers in the gymnasium for a Spirit Game. Each grade level is given one opportunity per year to show off the skills they are learning in P.E. The PTO provides free popcorn and Sprite to all the students and faculty. Parents are always invited. The elementary and junior cheerleaders kick off the games with dances routines and cheers. This is one of the students’ favorite memories of elementary school.
 See You at the Pole
Every September the elementary school gathers at the flagpole for this nationally recognized day. The services are student-led. Fifth grade students lead various prayers for our families, our government leaders and our troops. The Boy Scout troop leads the flag ceremony. We are so blessed to live in a country where we are free to gather in such a way to praise God and to ask for His blessings upon us.
TGI Fridays
Talents/Gifts Investigations Fridays are designed for students in grades 3-5. Students participate in various academic clubs on Friday afternoons. These are designed to challenge students to discover and utilize their gifts and talents to enrich their learning experience. Detailed descriptions of possible club choices are listed on page 31.
Kindergarten Graduation
Kindergarten students look forward to the day they will graduate on the big stage and receive their kindergarten diploma. The students conduct the major portion of the assembly by singing and leading prayers. A nice reception in the gymnasium follows.
Fifth Grade Graduation
The fifth grade students are always proud to receive their elementary school diplomas after years of hard work. The assembly is special, complete with a Power Point slide show of photos throughout the years. The fifth grade teachers sing a good-bye song to the students each year, sure to bring tears to even the driest of eyes. A nice reception is included, with a graduation party the following day.
Counseling Services
A full-time certified school counselor is on campus to minister to students and families. The counselor provides monthly guidance lessons for each class.
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