Middle School

Academics
 

Grades 3-8

 

Criteria for Honor Roll

 

 

Distinguished Honors

 

  • 95% or higher general average and no grade lower than 90% in any major subject
  • VG or higher in all minor subjects
  • S or higher in conduct and effort

 

First Honors

  • 90-94% general average and no grade lower than 85% in any major subject
  • G or higher in all minor subjects
  • S or higher in conduct and effort

 

Second Honors

  • 85-89% general average and no grade lower than 80% in any major subject
  • S or higher in all minor subjects
  • S or higher in conduct and effort

Grades 6 - 8

Religion

Cognizant of the challenges facing youth, the middle school religion program endeavors to instill a living faith in our adolescent students. The Rosary is led by a student at the beginning of religion class. Students offer intentions at that time thus building the faith community. The middle school students actively participate in the Liturgy as altar servers, readers, choir members, and cantors. Students are responsible for being familiar with the Sunday readings. The sixth grade focuses on studying the Old Testament. The life of Jesus and the sacraments are examined in seventh grade. In eighth grade, Church history, social justice, and the Ten Commandments are explored. The sacrament of Confirmation is received in the eighth grade; therefore, instruction also focuses on the gifts of the Holy Spirit and the role and responsibilities of a fully-initiated Catholic.

The students learn through lecture, independent projects and activities, student-developed presentations, and cooperative learning projects. Technology is integrated for research as well as presentation purposes.

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Reading and Language Arts

The reading and language arts curricula provide students with the strategies necessary to expand their oral and written communication skills. Grouped by ability, the students receive two daily periods of instruction dedicated to this area. The literature and language arts texts provide an integrated approach to learning. Supplements to the program include vocabulary and spelling exercises and the Accelerated Reader Program.

Through direct instruction, group projects, and the application of learned strategies, the students develop writing, grammar, and public speaking ability.

Each student has a writing portfolio which contains a variety of writing samples completed in each grade. This writing portfolio follows the students from grade level to grades level.

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Math

The math program is leveled to insure the correct placement of each student. We offer on-level, accelerated, remedial, and honors placement. Our curriculum ranges from review and extension of basic arithmetic skills through pre-algebra and algebra. Problem solving along with the written solution to mathematical problems is stressed on a regular basis. Dated samples of these written solutions are collected in a math portfolio and are passed from grade level to grade level. Geometry is integrated at all levels of the curriculum.

Classroom instruction includes drill and practice, board work, lecture, and verbal and written quizzes. Computer instruction is also used to support, reinforce, and extend the curriculum.

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Science

Middle school science courses are built on inquiry-based science in the areas of life, earth, physical science, and health. This is accomplished through lecture, reading, audio-visuals, discussion, demonstrations, and laboratory investigations. Scientific Method, critical thinking, the writing of laboratory reports, and the use of the metric system are stressed. This course provides the foundation for science courses that the students will encounter on the high school level, and encourages the students to be more aware and knowledgeable of God's gifts in their world.

Through the cooperation of local government, universities, businesses, and professional societies, our students have many opportunities to participate in science fairs, competitions, workshops, and field trips. These opportunities include Project Monarch (Lehigh Valley Zoo), Jason Project (Jason Foundation, EDS, Lehigh Valley Engineering Society), Idea Fair and Essay Contest (Lehigh Valley Engineering Society), Lehigh Valley Science and Engineering Fair (Lehigh University), C.H.O.I.C.E.S. Workshop for Girls, (Lehigh University Women Engineers), Learning for Life (Boy Scouts of America, Minsi Trail Council).

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Social Studies

Our sixth grade social studies curriculum focuses on the study of the ancient civilizations, the Middle Ages, and the geography of modern Europe. Greek Day, where students participate in Olympic Games, create and perform fables, and enjoy Greek food, is one of the highlights of the year. Seventh grade social studies addresses the geography and culture of the world with emphasis on the continents of Asia, Africa, Australia, and South and Middle America. The eighth grade curriculum concentrates on United States history from the English colonial period through reconstruction. Current events and geography skills are an integral part of the course work.

Various teaching methods are used in this curriculum area including: lecture, class discussion, projects, research, videos, and Internet exploration. Map skills are taught as well. All eighth grade students complete a historical research paper.

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