Science

Middle School Science encompasses Life Science in 6th grade, Physical Science in 7th grade, Earth Science and High School GeoScience in 8th grade. Each class builds on previous knowledge to prepare students for high school courses such as biology and chemistry. Lab experiments, projects, and student presentations are integrated throughout science curriculum. Science class is designed for cooperative learning group instruction and involves a large amount of project based learning. 

English

The English curriculum focuses on the parts of speech, grammar, and writing skills. Grammar skills are practiced daily and knowledge of these skills is translated into quality writing. Students write a variety of genres including essays that involve all stages of the writing process—persuasive (which includes some research), narrative, compare and contrast, descriptive, poetry, original myths, story re-tells, journal prompts, and creative writing pieces. Eighth grade students complete a research paper, which includes MLA format and correct source citation. Writing across the curriculum activities are prevalent, where teachers from other content areas collaborate with the English teachers on writing projects involving real world problems and real world solutions.

Reading

Reading is taught through novel studies, stories and poetry using fiction and nonfiction. Vocabulary skills are practiced daily and are incorporated into the curriculum. Students participate in shared inquiry activities where they create questions from the text and then gather in Socratic Seminars or Literature Circles to answer, infer, and speculate. Students are exposed to a wide variety of literature throughout the course. 

Social Studies

United States and world geography, ancient civilization, and American history are components of the middle school Social Studies curriculum. Inquiry based projects, webquests, discussion, presentations, guest speakers, computer research, and field trips are utilized to enhance learning and critical thinking skills. Students make connections to current events to stimulate discussions and global problem situations.

Mathematics

Our math curriculum focuses on the student’s ability to utilize math in the real world. Manipulative materials are used at all grade levels to facilitate differentiated instruction. There is concentration on basic skills and problem solving while also integrating technology. Sixth grade continues to develop the student’s algebraic understanding with one step equations. Other sixth grade topics include ratio, percent, integers, and geometry. Seventh grade focuses on pre-algebra skills with integers and also includes solving multi-step equations, inequalities, linear equations and working with polynomials. Accelerated classes are offered, to include Algebra 1 and Geometry for high school credit.

Religion

The center of our Religion program is faith formation. The emphasis is placed on Christian living and the life of Jesus. This is accomplished by making a conscious effort to integrate faith into the life of each student by creating a Christ-centered atmosphere. Core topics covered in Middle School are the Ten Commandments, Salvation History, Sacraments and Church History. Middle School students participate in school masses as lectors, altar guild, altar servers and partner with younger students as mentors. Students also participate in various service projects designed to promote the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy.

Spanish

The Spanish course is designed to introduce students to develop vocabulary and grammar skills based on contexts related to daily living.

Students are immersed in the culture and language of Spanish speaking countries around the world. Students become more aware and gain knowledge of the culturally diverse Spanish speaking world.

Grade Level Outlook

• 6th - Extensive practice: speaking, reading aloud, and expressing to become a better Spanish speaker.
• 7th - Students become better speakers, readers and writers.
• 8th - Students become confident speakers, and are comfortable reading and answering/analyzing.

Physical Education

Students in middle school apply fundamental movement patterns, locomotor and non-locomotor skills to game play settings. They participate in testing for the components of fitness. Focus is on refinement of fundamental sports skills and awareness of lifetime activities. Health topics in middle school include personal hygiene, community safety and first aid, nutrition, personal and mental wellness, stress management, drug education and disease prevention and control.

Music

Rhythm, music history and small group performances are explored. At all levels, singing is emphasized through class practice.

Art

Using their art history and theory knowledge (they will be familiar with 360 pieces of famous art upon graduation), student’s then dive into the creative process, creating unique and original works of art. Many mediums are revisited and explored, from tempera, acrylic and watercolor paints to oil and chalk pastels. Clay, sculptures and paper mache delve into the 3D arena. Since we value “process” over “product”, success is achieved by all!!!!

Technology

Technology Integration at St. John’s allows us to research electronically, travel virtually, and explore globally in our classrooms and integrate across the curriculum. St. John’s utilizes a 1:1 Google Chromebook program in grades fourth through eighth.