Features that can be found in all curricular areas for our middle school students:
The religion curriculum of our Sixth, Seventh and Eighth Grade classes analyzes moral and ethical issues through the lens of the Catholic faith; explores Jesus as a role model; examines the guidelines of faith (Beatitudes, Ten Commandments, etc.); explores developing a personal relationship with God through different types of prayer; explores a community relationship with God through the Mass.
Sixth Grade engages in discussions about themes present in our faith.
Seventh Grade increases knowledge about Saints through projects and discussions.
Eighth Grade increases the knowledge of different religions.
Sixth Grade explores basic algebraic concepts including expressions, equations, ratios and proportions.
Seventh Grade explains pre-algebraic concepts including two-step equations, slopes, percentages and formulas.
Eighth Grade defines algebraic multi-step equations, slopes, fractions, monomials, polynomials, formulas. Students leave our school ready for high school level math.
NGSS alignment
Scientific illustrations
Student-centered learning
Exploration and observations
Student reflection journals
Warm-ups and exit tickets
Formal and informal assessments
Choice boards
5E lesson model
Project-based learning
Nature observations
Model creation
Dissections
STEAM learning
LEGO building
Engineering
Introductory robotics
The language arts curriculum for our middle school students explores student-centered reading and writing workshops; develops interpersonal communication skills through small-group and whole class discussions and activities; focuses on higher order thinking skills such as evaluation and analysis; allows students to self-select reading and writing topics.
Sixth Grade introduces key reading skills such as main idea, point of view, characterization, and plot; experiences creative projects throughout the year; introduces and practices various types of writing, including narrative, argumentative, and informative styles; exposure to various reading and writing pieces.
Seventh Grade expands and explores more in-depth reading skilsl taught in Sixth Grade; practices writing skills weekly.
Eighth Grade is exposed to short stories and classical works.
Middle school students have a social studies curriculum that encourages students to do their best at all times; prepares them for the rigors of high school; provides an opportunity for students to learn about life.
Sixth Grade social studies explains the importance of the hunter-gatherer societies; distinguishes the characteristics of early agriculture; discusses the rise of the Egyptian and Greek religion, art and learning; explains the conquest of the Roman Empire and how Christianity was originated.
Seventh Grade social studies explains the contributions from the Roman and Byzantine Empires; explores the diffusion of Christianity throughout the Middle Ages; distinguishes changes and conflicts in the medieval world; discusses the evolution of early modern Europe.
Eighth Grade social studies identifies and descrlibes the 13 English colonies; explores the road to revolution and analyzes specific battles that were influential to our independence; discusses and communicates the importance of the Constitution; distinguishes the early members that contributed to the republic; explains the similarities and differences between the past and present.