7th Grade

Religion
The class focus is on Jesus' life and how we can actively follow his example. Students learn how to deal with peer pressure and how to have a sense of pride in living as Christians. Each class creates a set of goals to accomplish over the year. Students study the Bible, the sacraments, prayer and the Church.

English
The class focuses on four aspects of English: reading, interpretation, writing and speech. Students participate in innovative reading, writing and grammar projects that allow them to think critically and develop original thoughts in written form. Students are assigned spelling and vocabulary words to assist them in mastering the language.

Reading *Taken if student is not enrolled in French or Spanish
The course covers a variety of reasons for reading (enjoyment, information, analysis). Students learn how to read different styles of literature using various reading strategies. Reading material is often selected to correspond with studies in other subjects. Students also work on vocabulary and spelling.

Writing
This course emphasizes sentence and paragraph structure using the four steps in the writing process (select, collect, connect and correct) in the four categories of writing (creative, expressive, explanatory and persuasive).

Drama
This course develops the students’ abilities in speaking, listening, following directions and working cooperatively. Students take part in various activities such as tongue twister competitions and charades to help the students overcome their shyness or inhibitions.

Math *Students are placed according to mathematical ability.
Basic Math: This course reinforces basic math principals. It also demonstrates the relationship between mathematics and other areas of study. The program strengthens basic math skills to ease students into more advanced studies.

Pre-algebra: This course teaches students to apply algebraic concepts to problem solving situations. Some concepts covered include: Algebraic Equations, Solving Equations and Inequalities, Algebraic Fractions, Graphing, Polynomials and Functions. Students who complete this course successfully generally advance to Introduction to Algebra in grade 8.

Pre-algebra (Advanced): This course is designed for those students who have an exceptionally strong foundation in basic math. The course covers the same concepts as listed above but advances at an accelerated pace. Students who complete this course successfully generally advance to Algebra in grade 8.

Science
Life science develops an understanding of the following: scientific analysis of data, the chemistry of living things, the cell cycle, Mendel’s laws of heredity, classification of organisms, human body systems, photosynthesis and ecology. As the students investigate the various topics they develop an awareness of a divine plan and the interconnectedness of living things.

Social Studies
The World Geography course is the study of the interaction of the earth and its people. Human geography, including population patterns, cultures, government and economic systems is studied. Current events and issues are analyzed, applying the principles of Catholic social teaching. This course helps students to comprehend global issues and become involved and productive citizens for the twenty-first century.

French & Spanish
This course introduces the basics of the language. Listening, speaking, reading and writing in the language are developed. Students are also introduced to the culture of the people. This is a two-year program.

Computer Technology
This program is a two-year course that enables students to learn about computers using a hands-on approach. Students learn the basics of Microsoft windows, word, publisher, powerpoint and excel. Students will also explore and navigate the internet.

Art
Students study the elements of art and the principles of design in order to acquire a vocabulary for discussing the creative process. In-class projects include contour and perspective drawings of personal objects, a color wheel, paintings of mythical creatures, a marker drawing based on motifs from an ancient culture, a linoleum block print, and a three-dimensional assemblage.

Physical Education
Students are exposed to activities that challenge their physical fitness and develop their motor skills by participating in a variety of sports and physical activities. Students develop life skills such as self-esteem, fair play, and how to win or lose graciously. Students learn to function as a member of a team and to accept challenges.

Sewing
This course is an introduction to sewing both by machine and by hand. It teaches students the fundamentals of operating a sewing machine, including the coordination of hands, eyes and feet to develop better motor skills. Students develop an eye for color and texture and a sense of creativity.

Band
The band rehearses four days a week and is open to all students who have at least one year of band experience. The band performs a holiday concert, spring concert and at the St. Joseph's Variety Show at the Palace Theater. The band also travels to various places throughout the school year to perform.

8th Grade

Religion
The program consists of a course in Church history. The course is taught four days a week and is supplemented on the fifth day by the liturgical journal called "Visions." Students experience Christ through the Mass, prayer services, videos and service projects.

English
The curriculum has four components: reading, writing, grammar and vocabulary. Course activities explore works from several genres - short stories, poems, plays, biographies and folk tales. As they encounter important works of literature and learn vital language skills, students are encouraged to find their personal voice as a means of empowerment in all areas of their life. The students prepare a formal research essay. The editing segment of the writing process is designed to improve knowledge of grammar and mechanics.

Reading *Taken if student is not enrolled in French or Spanish Silent and oral reading is practiced daily. The class covers a cross section of genres analyzing character, setting, plot and theme. Reading material is often selected to correspond with studies in other subjects. Reading comprehension, spelling and vocabulary are also part of the weekly curriculum.

Writing
This course incorporates persuasive, expository, creative and letter writing into various activities. Students are required to do a research paper using the MLA style of documentation.

Drama
This course builds upon the foundation of 7th grade drama by employing more challenging material with respect to pronunciation, body language and the history of drama. The importance of audience involvement in live theatre and its differences from other forms of entertainment (television, film) is stressed.

Math *Students are placed according to mathematical ability.
Basic Math II: This course builds upon principals learned in basic math. Some concepts covered include: scientific notation, place value, rounding and estimating, order of operations, prime versus composite numbers, least common multiple and greatest common factor, fractions, mixed numbers and improper fractions.

Introduction to Algebra: This course covers integers, solving one-step and multiple-step equations and inequalities, factors and fractions, patterns, functions and graphing. The course also covers ratios, proportions, percents, statistics and polynomials.

Algebra: This course introduces students to word problems with a variety of structures; everyday problems, applications and open-ended questions. The program includes investigation and discussions of patterns, relationships and problem solving strategies with situations represented verbally, numerically, graphically, geometrically or symbolically. Students also learn about radicals and quadratics. Extensive use of a TI-83 graphics calculator is required.

Science
The goal of science education is to prepare today's students for tomorrow's world. Although science is a lifelong process of questioning and learning, students should be actively engaged in exploring phenomena around them. The curriculum focuses on the four major areas of earth science: meteorology, geology, oceanography and astronomy.

Social Studies
The course material begins with a cooperative unit on Native Americans with the English classes, and continues through the explorers, Colonial America, the American Revolution, American Expansion, the Civil War, etc.— as far into our history as time will allow.

French & Spanish
This course is for students who have successfully completed the 7th grade curriculum in their chosen language. It begins with a review and uses the same textbook. The course includes work in the four basic language skills with an emphasis placed on oral comprehension and speaking. Language structure and grammar are taught and reinforced through the conversational experience.

Computer Technology
This course continues developing the skills and knowledge students obtained in 7th grade. Students gain in-depth knowledge of Microsoft windows, word, publisher, powerpoint and excel through teacher directed assignments.

Art
Students explore the following topics in art history; gothic cathedrals, renaissance art, and French impressionism. Hands-on activities include work with acrylics, watercolor, scratchboard, papier-mâché, pastels, markers and charcoal.

Physical Education
Students are exposed to activities that challenge their physical fitness and develop their motor skills by participating in a variety of sports and physical activities. Students develop life skills such as self-esteem, fair play, and how to win or lose graciously. Students learn to function as a member of a team and to accept challenges.

Sewing
Students learn detailed functions on a sewing machine. Projects incorporate measurements and calculations applying many math skills to sewing.

Band
The band rehearses four days a week and is open to all students who have at least one year of band experience. The band performs a holiday concert, spring concert and at the St. Joseph's Variety Show at the Palace Theater. The band also travels to various places throughout the school year to perform.

Lastly, students will have fun.