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6th, 7th, 8th Grade Curriculum

History

The Middle School social studies curriculum begins with the history of colonization and Revolution and carries through westward expansion to the closing of the American frontier. Students explore economic, military and social developments in different regions of the country, with particular emphasis on Texas.  Eighth graders undertake a comprehensive study of world geography.

Texts:

Oxford University Press – A History of Us  (Grades 6 and 7)

Glencoe – Texas and Texans (Grade 7)

Holt, Rinehart and Winston – World Geography Today (Grade 8)

Science

Students investigate fundamental concepts of earth, life and physical sciences using the facilities of the Middle School science lab. Topics include the Earth and its oceans, weather and climate, structure and functions of cells, classification of organisms, body systems, properties of matter, electricity and magnetism. Students compete in annual school and regional science fairs.

Texts:

Glencoe – Earth Science (Grade 6)

Life Science (Grade 7)

Physical Science (Grade 8)

Mathematics

Middle school students use manipulatives and various kinds of calculators to enhance their problem-solving skills.  Understanding of mathematical concepts is directed toward readiness for the study of Algebra and Geometry.  All eighth graders are enrolled in Algebra I for high school credit.

Texts:

Prentice Hall – Math Course I (Grade 6)

Pre-Algebra (Grade 7)

Algebra I (Grade 8)

Language Arts

In these years, students complete their study of English grammar and sentence structure. They learn to recognize the various types and forms of essays, and techniques for producing each, and students are guided to produce more sophisticated writing.  The study of literature emphasizes interpreting, analyzing and understanding different types of text and film. Emphasis on spelling continues, and includes vocabulary development based on novels studied in class.  Students memorize poetry and prose selections and participate in two recitation performances each year.  All sixth through eighth graders enter several competitions each year:  a middle school essay contest, a national cursive handwriting competition and a middle school spelling bee. Eighth grade students are enrolled ina one-semester speech course for high school credit.

Texts:

Loyola Press – Voyages in English (Grade 6)

Zaner-Bloser – Spelling Connections 7 (Grade 6)

Grammar/Language Workbook (Grades 7 and 8)

Sample Literature:

Where the Red Fern Grows  by Wilson Rawls (Grade 6)

The Tale of Troy by Roger Lancelyn Green (Grade 6)

Little Worlds: Short Stories by Peter Guthrie (Grade 7)

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee (Grade 7)

The Adventures ofTom Sawyer by Mark Twain (Grade 7)

Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson (Grade 8)

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte (Grade 8)

Lord of the Flies by William Golding Grade 8)

Religion

Students examine the teaching of the Catholic Church from several different perspectives:  the Life of Christ, Creation and Revelation, Liturgy and Sacraments and the history of the Church. Students participate in daily Communion services and weekly Masses and have the opportunity for monthly confessions and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.

Texts:

Circle Press – The Treasure of My Catholic Faith (Grade 6)

Ignatius Press – The Life of Grace (Grade 7)

Our Life in the Church (Grade 8)

Foreign Language

Sixth and seventh graders continue their studies in Latin and Spanish grammar, and culture. All students sit for the Nation Latin Exam each spring. Eighth graders choose between Latin I and Spanish I for high school credit.

Texts:

SRA – Adelante! (Grades 6 and 7 Spanish)

Houghton Mifflin – Dime Uno (Grade 8 Spanish)

Cambridge: Latin Unit 1 (Grade 6)

Latin Unit 2 (Grade 7)

Harper Collins   Wheelock Latin (Grade 8)

Fine Arts Electives

MUSIC

The middle school music program is designed to develop musical sensitivity and appreciation. Students may elect to be part of a performing ensemble in band, music theater or chorus classes. Others learn music fundamentals through listening activities, sight-reading, keyboard or guitar instruction.

ART

Students learn to produce and evaluate visual art forms in a variety of two- and three-dimensional materials. They master art vocabulary and techniques while they create original pieces using a variety of media.

DRAMA

The middle school drama program focuses on individual and small ensemble performance.  Students learn fundamental techniques of voice, gesture and blocking as they prepare and present dramatic monologues, dialogues and one-act plays. Drama students participate in several speech tournaments during the school year.

Technology

Middle school students strengthen their ability to access information electronically.  They advance their skills and knowledge of Microsoft Word through performance-based application problems.  They are introduced to spreadsheet functions and learn to produce Power Point presentations.

Library

The librarian and subject teachers work collaboratively to provide students with research opportunities utilizing print and non-print media.  In addition, students visit the library to select books and magazines for independent reading.  They participate in the Lone Star Books program each year.

Physical Education

Students participate in exercises, games and drills designed to enhance their strength and coordination to teach them skills they need to play individual and team sports. Participation and good sportsmanship are emphasized.

Interscholastic Sports

The athletic Department provides opportunities for middle school students to compete with students from other schools and develop their athletic talents. Boys’ teams include soccer, basketball, football and baseball.  Girls’ teams include soccer, basketball, softball, volleyball and cheerleading.  The program is open to all students, regardless of ability, and middle school students are encouraged to try and enjoy a variety of athletic experiences.