5th Grade thru 8th Grade Curriculum
Academic Curriculum
Reading/Language Arts
- Continued focus on vocabulary, spelling, and grammar.
- Practice written communications skills by producing stories, poems, projects, plays, essays and reports.
- Oral language developed through speech, drama and oral presentations.
- Students examine literary texts by exploring characters, plots, setting, theme, point of view and an author’s purpose.
- Students comprehend fiction and nonfiction texts through discussion, written responses, and the application of comprehension skills.
Research/Creative Writing
- An elective course for 8th grade.
- Students learn the fundamentals of writing a research paper utilizing the five-paragraph essay format.
- Students explore a variety of writing strategies and styles to challenge their creativity.
Mathematics
- Students master mathematics through inductive reasoning, engaging activities, concise examples, thought provoking exercises, and continually building on what has been taught.
- 5th grade students continue their learning with Math Expressions
- Middle School students (6 – 8) use The Big Ideas This program offers multiple pathways through middle school mathematics:
- The Regular Pathway prepares students for Algebra I in 9th grade.
- The Advanced Pathway are for accelerated learners who will progress on to Algebra II in 9th grade.
- Accelerated 7th grade math students are invited to take the course based on 6th grade achievement in math and must have a minimum of a B average throughout the year to qualify to take Algebra I in 8th.
Science
- Science curriculum meets the Next Generation Science Standards through a blending of Foss and Project Lead the Way
- Students develop an in-depth understanding of content and develop key skills such as: communication, collaboration, inquiry, problem solving and flexibility.
- Curriculum emphasizes hands on, active learning utilizing technology.
Social Studies
- The social studies program incorporates history, geography, economics, civics, and current events.
- The focus is on Geography, Government, Map Reading, and World and American History.
 Spanish
- Â Daily Spanish curriculum incorporates listening, speaking, reading, writing and cultural activities.
- Each unit has a strong emphasis on context and conversation concepts.
- Spanish A, B, I and II are all offered in a sequential progression beginning with 5th Successful advancement is based on student assessments.
Religion
- Â All students receive instruction in the basic beliefs of Catholic faith, prayer and worship, sacraments, Christian morality, scripture and social justice.
- Students participate and serve in various roles at Mass throughout the liturgical year.
- Students participate in grade level and school wide service projects in the community.
Technology
- Inquiry based teaching – knowing how to find, verify, use, and cite information in print and on the Web.
- Computer science is integrated into classroom learning and digital citizenship is taught to our students.
- Students each have their own laptop provided by the school and also have access to iPads in various classes.
- Smart boards are in all classrooms for interactive learning.
Related Arts Curriculum
Physical Education
- Â Incorporates lifetime sports into the curriculum.
- Promotes cooperation, fair play, leadership, sportsmanship, and friendly competition.
- Students have the opportunity to participate in various individual and team activities including: archery, bowling, cross country skiing, and volleyball.
- Students go to physical education weekly which taught by a licensed Department of Public Instruction teacher.
Art
- The curriculum treats art as a subject for study yet allows students to be creative.
- Students gain an appreciation and understanding of the universal language of images.
- Student learn and understand techniques and processes using a variety of media. Understanding the characteristics of their own artwork and that of others, as well as understanding art in relation to culture and history.
- Students go to art weekly which taught by a licensed Department of Public Instruction teacher.
Vocal Music/Band
- Music education is provided to students with diverse abilities in an environment that encourages them to develop to their personal best.
- The curriculum includes singing, creating and evaluating musical performances, and understanding music in relation to history and culture.
- Students learn a musical instruments and how to read music.
- Each spring, the students in grades 6 – 8 present a full-length musical play. Performances have included: Aladdin, Annie, Peter Pan, Beauty and the Beast, The Wizard of Oz, Mary Poppins, and The Little Mermaid.
- Students go to music weekly which taught by a licensed Department of Public Instruction teacher.