Middle School

Curriculum

• Language Arts - The goal of the Middle School Language Arts program is to produce a student-centered approach aimed at creating personal reading and writing behaviors while exploring various genres of literature. Word study is studied within the context of novel units. There is additional emphasis given to Greek and Latin roots as well. Grammar is reviewed daily and is also connected to literature. In addition, middle school students focus on the process of research to create narrative persuasive and informational writing. Language Arts classes use the Scholastic Reading Counts Program. This program challenges students to read books at their individual level, resulting in higher reading levels and comprehension. 
• Math - The Middle School provides a challenging, motivating and innovative math curriculum. Prentice Hall Mathematics Course 1 includes a combination of rational numbers, patterns, geometry and integers in preparation for one- and two-step equations and inequalities. Guided Problem Solving strategies throughout the text provide students with the tools they need to be effective and independent learners. An emphasis on fractions solidifies student understanding of rational number operations in preparation for applying these skills to algebraic equations. Activity Labs throughout the text provide hands-on, minds-on experiences to reach all types of learners.
• Science - Our Middle School Science curriculum is centered on the FOSS (Full Option Science System) program. FOSS is an inquiry based program that enables our Middle School students to think critically and logically; to make connections to generate explanations that integrate the new information learned into a deeper understanding of the subject at hand. The sixth grade studies Earth History.
• Social Studies - TCI’s online History Alive! programs transform middle school social studies class into a multi-faceted learning experience. TCI lessons start with a big idea — Essential Question — and incorporate graphic note taking, group work, and step-by-step discovery. Students are the center of instruction that taps a variety of learning styles, allowing students of all abilities to learn and succeed. Created in partnership with scholars from the National Council for Geographic Education, 6th grade students focus on the Western Hemisphere and are engaged in Geography Alive! Regions and People a stimulating, case-study approach to geography.
• Enrichment - Sixth grade students participate in classes that enrich the core-curriculum including Art, Vocal Music, Spanish, Technology, Library and Physical Education.

Our Faith

• Religion- The Sadlier's "We Believe" series is used in 6th grade Religion. The sixth-grade program of the "We Believe " is devoted to the study of God’s Covenant with His chosen people presented through scripture.   Students study the early church as presented in the Old Testament through the Fulfillment of the Covenant in Jesus revealed in the New Testament.
• Faith development focuses around our “Faith First” philosophy at St. Mary School. Mass is held every Wednesday in the church and is structured to allow each grade to participate in planning the liturgy. Daily religion classes focus on the Old Testament, Jesus’ life, the New Testament, as well as the students’ personal prayer lives.

Class Experiences

• Spelling Bee - Grades 5-8 – Skill Building, Study Habits, and Non-Athletic Competition

Curriculum

• Language Arts - The goal of the Middle School Language Arts program is to produce a student-centered approach aimed at creating personal reading and writing behaviors while exploring various genres of literature. Word study is studied within the context of novel units. There is additional emphasis given to Greek and Latin roots as well. Grammar is reviewed daily and is also connected to literature. In addition, middle school students focus on the process of research to create a narrative, persuasive, and informational writing. Language Arts classes use the Scholastic Reading Counts Program. This program challenges students to read books at their individual level, resulting in higher reading levels and comprehension. 

Our Faith

• Religion - The Sadlier "We Live Our Faith" program for 7th and 8th graders is a dynamic, systematic catechetical program specifically designed for the faith development of adolescents. Each volume of this two volume program is a complete year’s course. Seventh graders are introduced to Volume I, "We Live Our Faith As Disciples of Jesus", which centers on Jesus’ life, teachings, and the sacraments he instituted. It presents Jesus’ call to each person to become his disciple and the ways in which his teachings, sacraments, and Church nourish people for discipleship
• Faith development focuses around our “Faith First” philosophy at St. Mary School. Mass is held every Wednesday in the church and is structured to allow each grade to participate in planning the liturgy. Daily religion classes focus on the Old Testament, Jesus’ life, the New Testament, as well as the students’ personal prayer lives.

Class Experiences

• Spelling Bee - Grades 5-8 – Skill Building, Study Habits, and Non-Athletic Competition

Our Faith

• The Sadlier "We Live Our Faith" program for 7th and 8th graders is a dynamic, systematic catechetical program specifically designed for the faith development of adolescents. Each volume of this two volume program is a complete year’s course. Eighth graders are engaged in Volume II, "We Live Our Faith As Members of the Church", which presents the Church from its beginning at the Pentecost event through its history, encompassing its teachings and tradition. It presents the mission of the Church, entrusted to her by Jesus, as the responsibility of all baptized Catholics.
• Faith development focuses around our “Faith First” philosophy at St. Mary School. Mass is held every Wednesday in the church and is structured to allow each grade to participate in planning the liturgy. Daily religion classes focus on the Old Testament, Jesus’ life, the New Testament, as well as the students’ personal prayer lives.

Class Experiences

• Spelling Bee - Grades 5-8 – Skill Building, Study Habits, and Non-Athletic Competition