5th Grade thru 8th Grade Curriculum

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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 5^th Successful advancement is based on student assessments.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.