Topics include: Christian Leadership through service and example, the Mass revisited as a middle school student, Church history as based on the Acts of the Apostles from Pentecost through the Golden Age of Chrisiantiy, persecutions, the Schism of the West, and then the modern church in relationship to Protestant faiths, including saints and the roles they have played in our Church and in our lives. A special project will be included. We colebrate and learn about Liturgical seasons and keep special days like St. Nicolas Day by providing stockings and treats for the younger students (Kindergarten - 1st grade).
Service Requirements: 15 hours
A parent letter explains our philosophy and expectations.
Text: Blest Are We: The Story of Our Church by Silver Burdett Ginn Religion.
The Language Arts curriculum in the middle school at St. Paul is designed to expose students to a variety of text selections across genres in each year. As students progress through middle school they read and study elements of fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and drama with increasing knowledge and sophistication. In addition to the selections in the adopted text resources, together students participate in an in-depth novel exploration at each grade level. Developing skills in composing written work is an integrated part of our students’ Language Arts studies. Students complete frequent, in-class writing on topics related to the literature studied in class. Students are expected to provide evidence of learning through classwork, exams, essays, speeches, and multi-media presentations.
Text: Mirrors & Windows ©2009 by EMC Publishing, LLC
8th grade students will explore pre-algebra and algebra concepts covered in three separate text books offered through SMC Curriculum:
Linear Equations
In this course, students learn about the connections between number patterns, lines, and linear equations. They analyze and solve a variety of types of linear equations and pairs of simultaneous linear equations. They define, evaluate and compare linear functions and use functions to model relationships between quantities. At the end of the course, students investigate patterns of association in bivariate data.
Geometry
In this course, students learn that there are numbers that are not rational, and approximate them by rational numbers. They work with radicals and integer exponents and use this knowledge to understand and apply the Pythagorean Theorem. Students use transformations to show congruence and similarity. At the end of the course, students solve real-world and mathematical problems involving volume of cylinders, cones and spheres.
Functions & Data
In this course, students learn about non-linear functions covered in the Common Core State Standards for Algebra I. Students learn how to transformations of functions based on parent functions. They construct exponential and quadratic functions and use them to solve problems. Students also summarize, represent and interpret data for a single variable.
Through a combination of daily assignments, quizzes, chapter tests and periodic STAR tests and review, students will be well prepared mathematically for their journey into high school and beyond.
Students learning about science using scientific inquiry and hands-on activities such as making cars, baking cakes, the use of chemicals, and field trips. Units include chemistry, physics of waves, history and advancement of technology, energy (the transfer of energy, types of energy), electricity and magnetism. Complementing their education, students spend a day in Portland at OMSI in the chemistry lab and exploring other the exhibits.
Text: Physical Science by Holt Science and Technology.
As students learn to make healthy decisions for every aspect of their life we also examine how to develop quality friendship and the skills necessary to maintain healthy relationships. We also examine potential negatives that students will confront and how to properly deal with them. In addition we address various conditions, illnesses, or health issues that they have questions about (diabetes, organ donations, hepatitis).
Text: Teen Health, Publisher: Glencoe
U.S. History is the favorite social studies focus of middle school students. This is a chance for students to gain an understanding about the formation and process in which their country has developed. Students can expect a wide array of activities as they learn our history. Important people, places, and events are examined during the colonial period to the Civil War era. This class meets daily and increases the need for students to apply the academic skills they have acquired, especially managing their time and remaining organized.
Text: The American Journey, Early Years Publisher: Glencoe
The basic elements of Art are covered using a variety of mediums including pencil, charcoal, crayon, tempera paint, watercolor, and mixed media. Artistic styles and eras are discussed as well as comparisons of different features of famous art prints.
Resources used: Art In Action Enrichment Program, The Usborne Book of Art Skills by Watt, Web page: incredibleart.org.
Activities focus on specialized skills and sport activities. Students continue learning and improving sport skills while participating in cooperative games of different types. Students are given the opportunity to participate in a wider variety of individual and team sports. Tournaments are held within specific sports to encourage teamwork, cooperation, and healthy competition. One example of this is the annual badminton doubles-tournament. Greater emphasis is placed on muscular and cardiovascular, strength and endurance. Fitness routines are established and implemented to focus students on making personal improvements in different fitness areas. Instruction is given to guide students in making decisions on personal approaches to maintaining physical fitness levels and enhancing their mental and spiritual outlook on life. Students are guided to understand and gain an appreciation for living an active life style and our Schoolwide Learning Expectations are woven throughout the program.
Presidential Fitness Testing: Students are administered fitness testing twice a year. Ample class time is dedicated for students to practice and prepare for these fitness tests as they approach. The Presidential Fitness Testing includes a pull-up test, a sit and reach flexibility test, the shuttle run, a one-minute sit-up test, and a one-mile run.
Cooperative Learning: Throughout the school year students in all grades participate in different cooperative learning exercises and games to promote, practice, and encourage teamwork, communication, and cooperation with classmates. Building relationships within each class and enhancing the school environment is a primary focus.
We explore the richness of Spanish-speaking cultures in support of the experience of learning the Spanish language. Games, stories, puppets, songs, skits, art projects, cooking and cultural information all supplement the study of Spanish. All students use Spanish workbooks and cultural notebooks created especially for Saint Paul School. Middle school students also use a three-part middle school textbook and an interactive DVD.
Goals for students in Middle School:
1. Hear, understand, speak, read and write in Spanish
2. Participate in cultural activities from the Spanish-speaking world
3. Recognize and use Spanish vocabulary and phrases
4. Participate in games, songs and skits that teach Spanish grammar and vocabulary
5. Participate in Spanish conversational exercises called Solo Español Study of vocabulary, pronunciation and grammar through the authentic experiences of a group of young people in Latin America and Spain, design, film and present Spanish Mystery Theater, create traditional meals from Spanish speaking countries.
Students in Grades 5 - 8 participate in improving performance standards in the All the Right Type keyboarding curriculum. In addition to All The Right Type curriculum, instructional time in the Computer Technology program is devoted to gaining experience and skills that support learning in the content areas curricula such as research, digital presentation, and word processing skills. Students learn and utilize the following programs: Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Publisher, All the Right Type, Accelerated Reader and Internet Explorer