Students in junior high are assessed with letter grades. Parents can access their child's grades through the on-line Pinnacle System.

Junior high students have the opportunity to be part of the athletic programs and the junior high play. Our students participate in volleyball, basketball, track and field, cross country, and football.

Seventh and eighth graders have the opportunity to visit with representatives of area Catholic high schools to prepare for their high school decision.

The junior high students are the leaders of the school and offer important service through their work in Student Voices.

In junior high, the texts are supplemented with a lectionary based approach. 

The Grade 6 themes are:

Revelation: What is God like?

Trinity: What does God call people to do?

Jesus Christ: How is Jesus the promised leader?

The Church: How does the Church spread the Good News?

Morality: What does it mean to love God and others?

Sacraments: How do the Sacraments help us fulfill our mission?

Kingdom of God: What is the new creation?

Catholic Social Teaching: How can we preserve the dignity and rights

of all people?

Seasonal: What do we celebrate in the Church year?

Lectionary: How do the Sunday readings help us to follow Jesus?

 

The Grade 7 themes are:

Revelation: How does God reveal himself to us?

Trinity: How does the Trinity help us?

Jesus Christ: Why is the Incarnation important?

The Church: How do we belong to the Church?

Morality: How do I know the right way to live?

Sacraments: How do the sacraments affect us?

Kingdom of God: When will the Kingdom come?

Catholic Social Teaching: How can we preserve the dignity and rights?

of all people?

Seasonal: What do we celebrate in the Church year?

Lectionary: How do the Sunday readings help us to follow Jesus?

 

The Grade 8 themes are

Revelation: How do we live in friendship with God?

Trinity: How do we relate to the Trinity?

Jesus Christ: How does Jesus bring unity to the Church?

The Church: Why is the Church important?

Morality: How do we honor God, family, and all people?

Sacraments: How are we signs of God’s presence?

Kingdom of God: Why is the community of Saints important?

Catholic Social Teaching: How can we preserve the dignity and rights?

of all people?

Seasonal: What do we celebrate in the Church year?

Lectionary: How do the Sunday readings help us to follow Jesus?

 

The 6th, 7th, and 8th grade curriculum also explores the physical, emotional, and social changes that occur during puberty and offers young adolescents a Catholic, moral perspective on their emerging personality.

Interwoven into our religion curriculum are opportunities to explore the lives of Saints and people of faith who were models and witnesses of faith.

In junior high, the literature focus is on novel study, the study of primary source materials, and the development of reading strategies. In-depth novel analysis and independent reading skills are developed through this course of study.

In grade six, the novel study includes: The Giver, My Daniel, Shades of Grey, Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry, Island of the Blue Dolphin, On My Honor, Best Christmas Pageant Ever, Nextext Series (humanities): Ancient Americas, Ancient World, Ancient Greece, and Ancient Rome.

In grade seven, the novel study includes: Rifles for Waite, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, A Student Choice, A Biography, Binder of Primary Sources (humanities): Exploration to 1700, 1700 to Revolution and Independence, Revolution to Jacksonian Democracy, and Jacksonian Democracy to Pre-Civil War.

In grade eight, the novel study includes; The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, To Kill a Mockingbird, The Diary of Anne Frank, Student choice, A biography; Binder of Primary Sources (humanities): Civil War to Reconstruction, Industrialization, Immigration and Urbanization, and Into the West and the World Writing.

The texts for writing are Vocabulary Workshop by Sadlier, Grammar for Writing by Sadlier, and Write Source by Houghton Mifflin. Students use the six traits to practice the writing process, and create essays. Emphasis is also on the examination of sentence construction, grammar, mechanics, and vocabulary development. In seventh grade, students also work on development in content and ideas. In eighth grade, students ar focused on preparation for high school writing.

Our history text in junior high is McDougal Little. History is taught with a humanities approach, integrating literature into historical perspective. In sixth grade, students study ancient civilizations from early Mesopotamians to ancient Romans. In seventh grade, students study an overview of American History from 1500 to pre-Civil War. In eighth grade, students study an overview of American History from Civil War to present day. Students master a test on the U.S. constitution before graduation.

Science is a problem based, experiential curriculum through FOSS. In grade 6 the focus is on four modules or units:

1. Solar Energy (physics based)

2. Mixtures and Solutions (chemistry based)

3. Models and Designs (physics/engineering based)

4. Environments (biology based)

In grade 7 students focus on two modules: planetary science and the human brain and senses. 7th graders also use the scientific method to create and describe an experiment. These are shared at the Spring Fling.

In grade 8 students focus on two modules: populations/ecosystems and chemical interactions.

In grade 6, students use both Everyday Math from the University of Chicago and Pre-Algebra from McDougal Littell. The sixth grade math program prepares students to successfully transition into pre-algebra, Course Topics include: (Semester One): Collection: Display and Interpretation of Data; Operations with Whole Numbers and Decimals; Variables, Formulas, and Graphs; Rational Number Uses and Operations; Number Systems and Algebra Concepts. (Semester Two): Introductions to Integers, Equations and Inequalities (Variables, Expressions, and Integers; and Solving Equations and Inequalities.

In grade 7, the text is Pre-Algebra by McDougal Littell. The pre-algebra program provides students with a strong foundation in algebra, geometry, and problem solving that is needed for future success in more advanced mathematics courses. Our primary goal is to ensure that all students complete a full year of algebra in 8th grade. Pre-algebra topics include: Variables, Expressions and Integers; Solving Equations, Multi-Step Equations and Inequalities; Factors, Fractions and Exponents; Rational Numbers and Equations, Ratio, Proportion, and Probability; Percent; Linear Functions; Real Numbers; Basic Geometry - Geometric Figures and Measurement; and Data Analysis.

In grade 8, the text is Basic Algebra by McDougal Littell. The algebra program provides students with a solid foundation in algebra. Our primary goal is to help students learn the concepts and skills they will need in their first year of high school as successful students of mathematics. Algebra topics include: Working with Variables: Solving Equations and Inequalities; Positive and Negative Numbers; Formulas; Working with Polynomials; Factoring Polynomials; Graphs; Systems of Linear Equations; Algebraic Fractions; Decimals and Percent; Squares and Square Roots; Quadratic Equation.

In grade 6, the text is Mathematics: Applications and Concepts - Course 2 frm Glencoe Mathematics. Acceleratedd course topics include: decimal patterns and algebra; statistics: analyzing data; integers; linear equations and functions; fractions, decimals and percents; applying fractions; ratios and proportions; applying percent; probability; geometry; measuring two-dimensional figures; measuring three-dimensional figures. As the current 6th grade students move forward, we will be expanding accelerated opportunities beyond the current offerings.

In grades 7 and 8, the text is Pre-Algebra -- An Accelerated Course from McDougal Littell and Houghton Mifflin. Accelerated pre--algebra topics include: variables, expressions and integers; solving equations, multi-step equations and inequalities; factors, fractions and exponents; rational numbers and equations; geometric figures; ratio, proportion and percent; percents and problem solving; the coordinate plan; areas and volunes; applying algebra to right triangles; statistics and probability.

Spanish is a full course of study meeting daily for all three years of junior high. The text is En Espanol by McDougal Littell. Students will work on listening, reading and writing comprehension, as well as on vocabulary and grammar structures in the target language. Students will earn to recite and write the Glory Be, the Our Father, and the Apostles' Creed in Spanish as part of their curriculum.

6th grade themes include: Getting to know people and learning about the Hispanic community in the U.S. Describing others and discussing their likes and dislikes. Discussing family and talking about possessions. Talking about school, classes, schedules, and teachers. Asking and telling time, saying where you are going, and requesting food. Discussing plans and activities and talking about places and people you know. Culture: Spanish-speaking communities in the U.S.

7th grade themes include: Extending invitations, talking on the phone, expressing feelings, saying where you are coming from, and saying what just happened. Discussing sports and identifying sports equipment, expressing preferences, and making comparisons. Describing the weather, discussing clothes, and stating opinions and feelings. Identifying places in the city, choosing transportation, and asking for and giving directions. Culture: Living in and visiting Puerto Rico.

8th grade themes include: Making purchases in Oaxaca, Mexico and bargaining in the Mercado Benito Juarez. Ordering food in a restaurant, talking about food, and requesting the check. Talking about one's daily routine, grooming, chores, and negotiating responsibilities. Planning a party and talking about past activities. Describing a city and talking about professions. Visiting the country and pointing things out. Culture: Visit and learn about Barcelona, Spain and Quito, Ecuador.

1. Demonstrate control when performing combinations and sequences of locomotor, non-locomotor, and manipulative motor patterns in selected activities, games, and sports.
2. Compare and contrast efficient and inefficient movement patterns.
3. Apply rules and safety procedures in physical activities. 
4. Apply basic offensive, defensive, and cooperative strategies in selected activities, games, and sports.
5. Identify the principles of training: frequency, intensity, time, and type (FITT).
6. Monitor intensity of exercise through a variety of methods (e.g. perceived exertion, pulse monitors, target heart rate), with and without the use of technology.
7. Identify opportunities within the community for regular participation in physical activities.
8. Follow directions and decisions of responsible individuals (e.g. teachers, peer leaders, squad leaders).
9. Remain on task, independent of distraction (e.g. peer pressure, environmental stressors).
10. Work cooperatively with others to accomplish a set goal in both competitive and non-competitive situations (i.e. baseball, choreographing a dance).

Grading: Based on students' preparedness for class (i.e. having their uniform shirt, shorts, shoes) and participation during class. Occasionally, projects and hoework will be assigned.

1. Identify and describe ways to reduce health risks common to adolescents (e.g. exercise, diet, refusal of harmful substances).
2. Explain routine safety precautions in practical situations (e.g in motor vehicles, on bicycles, in and near water, as a pedestrian).
3. Identify various careers involved in health promotion, health care and injury prevention.
4. Describe how the individual influences the health and well-being of the workplace and the community (e.g. volunteerism, disaster preparedness, proper care to prevent the spread of illness).
5. Identify potential environmental conditions that may affect the health of the local community (e.g. pollution, landfill, lead-based paint).
6. Explain how body systems interact with each other (e.g. blood transporting nutrients from the digestive system and oxygen from the respiratory system).
7. Explain the effects of health-related actions upon body systems (e.g. fad diets, orthodontics, avoiding smoking, alcohol use and other drug use).
8. Describe the relationships among physical, mental and social health factors during adolescence (e.g. the effects of stress on physical and mental performances, effects of nutrition on growth).
9. Describe possible causes and consequences of conflict and violence among youth in schools and communities.
10. Demonstrate methods for addressing interpersonal differences iwthout harm (e.g. avoidance, compromise, cooperation).
11. Apply refusal and negotiation skills to potentially harmful situations.

6th Grade includes education on and discussion of fetal stages and development during pregnancy.

7th Grade includes a unit on first aid and a unit on babysitting (caring for younger siblings, caring for children of other families, etc).

8th Grade includes a unit on relationships (Being My Brother's Keeper) where we explore the many types of relationships students will encounter and strategies to make those relationships successful.

Grading: Based on being prepared for and participating in class. Some homework or projects may be assigned.

1. Appreciation of beauty in the work through art.

2. Level appropriate exploration of elements and principles of art.

3. Appreciation of different cultures through art.

4. Appreciation of various artists and their works.

Junior high students will demonstrate knowledge and understanding of liturgical music, rhythm, melody, timbre, expression, form, harmony, and style. Grade 6 will primarily study theater. This will include history, performance types, and production. Grade 7 will primarily study historical periods in music. These will include renaissance, baroque, classical, romantic, and the twentieth century. Grade 8 will primarily study popular music. This will include copyright, auto tuning, blues, jazz, and rock and roll.

All technology will be utilized within the context of the regular classroom curriculum. Skills to be developed and topics to be incorporated include: internet safety, basic computer literacy, keyboarding, spreadsheets, and presentation software. Two laptops labs are available to the junior high throughout the day, as well as the technology center being available each period of the day for at least one day each week.