Our Philosophy
Our focus for the middle school students is that they become intentional disciples, each with a personal relationship with God. Students are encouraged to grow to their fullest potential as sons and daughters of God as they learn, care, and lead. The middle school team strives to ensure that all students are exposed to differentiated instruction and activities. We place an emphasis on organization and cooperation as we teach our students to become critical thinkers and learners. Lastly, we strive to prepare students for academic success in high school and beyond.
7th and 8th Grade Curriculum
Religion
Using the text Spirit of Truth: The Communion of the Faithful, students explore emotional, intellectual, social, and spiritual personal growth. Through this study, students will discover how they are created in the image and likeness of God and how they can use the virtues as well as the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit to aid their personal growth. Students will engage in discussions and readings that explore the moral teachings of the Church and Catholic Church history. Students will critically examine Scripture, Catholic doctrine, and the Church’s social teachings. We will also prepare our eighth grade students to celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation using the Chosen textbook.
English Language Arts
The purpose of this course is to develop and encourage students’ competence, confidence, and enthusiasm as readers, writers, listeners, and speakers. Our novel-based curriculum includes Shakespeare, Anne Frank’s The Diary of a Young Girl, The Outsiders, Of Mice and Men, and To Kill a Mockingbird, as well as classic and contemporary short stories and poetry. Students will write for multiple purposes and in many different genres following a writer’s workshop approach. By engaging in all stages of the writing process, students will practice the conventions of writing, including grammar and mechanics, and experiment with new vocabulary and writer’s craft to develop their unique writer’s voice.
Math
Using the Savvas enVision Math, our middle school offers instruction in seventh grade pre-algebra, eighth grade algebra, and eighth grade Algebra 1. We also offer Geometry. In seventh grade students study operations with integers and rational numbers, powers and roots, applications with ratios, similar figures, statistics, probability and linear functions with algebraic expressions as well as some geometry concepts. In eighth grade algebra students study exponents and other applications of real numbers, explore linear functions through graphing and solving, and investigate geometry concepts. In eighth Grade Algebra 1 students study the curriculum of a high school Algebra 1 class including linear equations and inequalities, systems of equations and inequalities and operations with polynomials as well as graphing and solving quadratic equations. In all math classes, curriculum is differentiated to meet student needs and students are challenged to work independently and in groups to develop a critical understanding of math concepts and math vocabulary.
Science
Over two years, students will explore both life and physical sciences. They begin by exploring and utilizing the practices of scientists to solve problems. In biology, students study germs and the human body, heredity and natural selection, and the effects of different land uses on water quality. The physics units include the study of the principles of motion and force as well as how energy takes different forms and is transferred and conserved. The chemistry unit is taught in the context of air quality. Our Project-Based Inquiry curriculum by It’s About Time allows students to apply scientific skills as they gather and analyze data, use critical thinking, develop explanations, and figure out design solutions, all working collaboratively.
History/Social Studies
Our social studies curriculum is United States history using History Alive! The United States Through Industrialism and History Alive! The United States Through Modern Times published by TCI. Students will study the earliest days of the United States from colonialism through WWII. Geographic, civics, government, and economics content are integrated within the historical context. In addition, students will participate in weekly current event discussions.
Spanish
In middle school Spanish class, students meet everyday and use the SOMOS curriculum that was started in sixth grade. Students develop vocabulary, grammar, speaking, and listening skills. Curriculum focuses on learning about Hispanic cultures, too. There will be projects throughout the year that lead students through hands-on learning. Students will complete their two-year Spanish study with an excellent understanding of basic Spanish and be able to place into Spanish II in high school.