Middle School

Middle school occupies a special place in a student’s life, a meaningful connection between childhood and adolescence. It is a three year journey, full of opportunities and lessons to develop independent and confident students of faith. At Holy Family, we simultaneously challenge students with the academic rigor needed to prepare them for high school and provide them with a nurturing, learning environment along the way. We push our middle grade students to develop study skills, to think critically and creatively, to grow spiritually, and intellectually, while also allowing them time during the school day to be “just kids” with fun and games, open gyms, and down time. It is this kind of balance-including a thoughtful, manageable homework load that we feel is essential to a successful middle school experience.

Being part of a preschool-through-eight school gives our older students the opportunity to be examples and leaders for our younger grades. School-wide events like Mass, morning prayer, and spirit rallies bring students of all ages together. We follow a true middle school model at HFCS which also allows our middle school to maintain an identity all its own.

English Language Arts

6th Grade

“Literacy begins in hearts, not heads. There is a story to raise a goosebump on even the toughest skin, and we are well advised to try to find it. A child never thrilled to words will remain indifferent to reading or writing them.” My goal is to help my students find that story, that novel, that poem that will raise those goosebumps and turn them into lifelong readers, writers, and thinkers.

6th grade ELA encompasses all the domains of Language Arts. As beginning middle schoolers, the 6ers read a wide variety of literary genres including science fiction, realistic fiction, nonfiction, historical fiction, poetry, song lyrics, essays, and articles. With each text, we focus on literary analysis, literary devices, critical thinking skills, and author’s craft. As the students read, they analyze the characters, the settings, the plot structures, and the themes. Culminating projects and essays are completed as part of each unit of study. Students also participate in the Accelerated Reader Program which increases their reading skills over the year.

Writing skills are developed through regular writing instruction and practice. Students apply new writing skills in Try It Writes, and continue to develop them as they work toward the culminating essays. Grammar lessons and activities help them to understand the structure of language, and they build vocabulary with regular vocabulary units. We focus on literary analysis, autobiographical narrative, argument, and expository writing.

6th grade novels: A Wrinkle in Time, The Phantom Tollbooth, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry, Medieval Literature circles: Crispin, the Cross of Lead, The Midwife’s Apprentice, Catherine Called Birdy, Perseverance Literature Circles: The Boys in the Boat, A Long Walk to Water, I am Malala

7th Grade

Seventh grade is a transitional year in which students grow in wisdom and grace. Seventh graders are an amazingly wonderful combination of the children they were and the young adults they are becoming. Seventh grade ELA is designed to foster that growth and development.

7th grade focuses on coming of age literature exploring the different concepts through novels, short stories, poems, essays, nonfiction articles, dramas and folk literature. With each text, we focus on literary analysis, literary devices, critical thinking skills, and author’s craft. As the students read, they analyze the characters, the settings, the plot structures, and the themes. Culminating projects and essays are completed as part of each unit of study. Students also participate in the Accelerated Reader Program which increases their reading skills over the year.

7th Grade novels: Touching Spirit Bear, A Christmas Carol, The Giver, The Cay, Flowers for Algernon, Shakespeare (Romeo and Juliet, Twelfth Night, A Midsummer’s Night’s Dream) literature circles

8th Grade

8th graders are preparing to transition to the exciting world of high school. As such, their study of ELA prepares them for the rigors that are to come. 8th grade focuses on classic literature that aligns with their study of US history and writing activities that foster analysis and enhancement of the ideas presented in those books.

8th grade ELA encompasses all the domains of Language Arts. As more mature readers, they read a wide variety of classic literature, including novels, short stories, poetry, lyrics, nonfiction articles, essays, and speeches. With each text, we focus on literary analysis, literary devices, critical thinking skills, and author’s craft. As the students read, they analyze the characters, the settings, the plot structures, and the themes. Culminating projects and essays are completed as part of each unit of study. Students also participate in the Accelerated Reader Program which increases their reading skills over the year.

8th Grade novels: Johnny Tremain, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer,The Gift of the Magi, To Kill a Mockingbird, The Diary of a Young Girl, The Outsiders

Math

Course 1 (6th grade)

HFCS Course 1 Mathematics Grade 6 2022/23

Course Description:
Some years back, there was a book published called “All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten”. Well, that is not quite true in this case, but most of the Math this instructor used in his marketing career before becoming an educator will be taught this year in this class. First of all, the students will need to know their times tables, as it provides the foundation for most of this year’s curriculum. We will then turn our attention to Multi-digit computations, followed by Rates and Ratios. The focus will then be on what I believe to be the most important learning of the year: Fractions, Decimals, and Percentages. The other learning will deal with Integers, Plotting on a Plane, Equations, Inequalities, Measuring, computing Area and Volume, and finally concluding with Statistics.

Homework:
Each student will have a coil notebook for Math, in which all notes and homework will be written. Students will have open notebook/homework quizzes, which will assess their note taking effectiveness and their successful understanding of the homework. Students should expect homework most evenings that is expected to be complete. Full credit will be given for prompt completion of homework. Work turned in one day late will receive half credit, no credit will be given for work turned in more than a day late.

Grading:
Grading will be based on total points, primarily on homework, notebook, quizzes, and tests.

Materials/Absences/Tardies:
McGraw Hill Course 1, Volumes 1 and 2, a coiled notebook, pencils, pen, ruler, and calculator.
If a student is absent, he or she is expected to make up any missing assignments. It will be the student’s responsibility to arrange with me any make-up tests or quizzes. After two tardies, a consequence will be given. If detained by another teacher, bring a note including the time you left.

Course 2 (7th grade; advanced 6th grade students)

Course 2 math continues building on Course 1, going more in depth with topics as it prepares students for PreAlgebra. The focus is on four critical areas: (1) developing understanding and applying proportional relationships, (2) operations with rational numbers in the context of expressions and linear equations, (3) solving problems with scale drawings, geometric constructions as well as surface area and volume, and (4) drawing inferences about problems. Course 2 is typically taught in 7th grade but is also available for advanced 6th grade students.

Specific topics are as follows:

Ratios and Proportional Relationships

Ratios
Proportions
Unit Rates
Dimensional Analysis
Percents

The Number System

Integers
Rational Numbers
Expressions and Equations
Properties of Operations
The Distributive Property
Simplify Algebraic Expressions
Solve one and two-step equations

Geometry

Geometric Figures
Trigonometric Ratios
Area and Volume

Pre-Algebra (8th grade; advanced 7th grade students)

Pre-algebra provides students an opportunity to learn the complexity of algebra before hitting algebra in full. It develops a basic understanding of variables, equations, and exponents along with the knowledge of how to use the order of operations with algebraic expressions. Pre-Algebra is typically taught in the 8th grade but is also available to advanced math students in 7th grade. Specific topics are:

Rational Numbers and Exponents

Expressions
Coordinate Planes
Operations with Integers
Operations with Rational Numbers
Powers and Exponents

Proportionality and Linear Relationships

Ratios
Proportions
Similar Figures
Percents
Algebraic Expressions
Equations and Inequalities
Linear Functions

Sampling and Inference

Measures of Center
Probability

Geometry

Transformations
Congruences
Similarities
Trigonometric Ratios
Volume
Area
Surface Area

Course Description:
The goal of Pre-Algebra is to solidify prior knowledge of arithmetic and to prepare for algebra and geometry. Topics include number patterns, number theory, number types, basic algebraic and geometric concepts, proportions, percent, probability, graphing, linear equations, and polynomials.

Homework:
Each student will have a coil notebook for Math, in which all notes and homework will be written. Students will have open notebook/homework quizzes, which will assess their note taking effectiveness and their successful understanding of the homework. Students should expect homework most evenings that is expected to be complete. 5 points will be given for prompt completion of homework, one day late will receive 3 points, and a zero for two or more days later.

Grading:
Notebook/Homework Quizzes: 35%
Unit Tests and Quizzes: 65%
Homework Points: count as one 10 pt homework quiz per quarter.

For each chapter there will be three-four assessments along with homework points. A mid-chapter quiz, mid-chapter graded homework assignment, chapter test, and an end of chapter graded homework assignment. There will also be class projects throughout the year.

Materials/Absences/Tardies:
Glencoe Math Pre-algebra text, a coiled notebook, pencils, pen, ruler, and calculator.

If a student is absent, he or she is expected to make up any missing assignments. It will be the student’s responsibility to arrange with me any make-up tests or quizzes. After two tardies, a consequence will be given. If detained by another teacher, bring a note including the time you left.

Algebra (Advanced 8th grade students)

Algebra is a foundational course for other math courses in high school and beyond. Typically taught in the 9th grade, it is available for 8th grade students with advanced math skills. In this class students expand on the skills they have learned in prior classes (e.g. multiplication, addition, use of exponents and powers, basic graphing, etc.). Besides equations and solving for variables, the class also focuses on graphing algebraic equations.

Specific topics are given below:

Relationships between Quantities

Expressions, Equations, and Functions
Linear Equations

Linear Relationships

Linear Functions
Equations with Linear Functions
Linear Inequalities
Systems of Linear Equations and Inequalities

Exponential and Quadratic Relationships

Exponents and Exponential Functions
Quadratic Expressions and Equations
Quadratic Functions and Equations

Advanced Functions and Equations

Radical Functions and Geometry
Rational Functions and Equations

Data Analysis

Statistics and Probability

Religion

6th Grade

6th grade religion focuses on deepening and strengthening the students’ faith through religious instruction, tradition, and participation in masses, prayer services, adoration, reconciliation, group and individual prayer, and community service. The Mass and the Bible are the center of all curriculum and instruction. Our religious education program focuses on Sacred Scri[ture and the Old Testament, while also encompassing moral education, prayers, the saints, Circle of Grace, Theology of the Body, the Rosary, Holy Days, and apparitions. Music, art, drama, and retreats are all used to foster creativity and devotion.

7th Grade

7th grade religion focuses on deepening and strengthening the students’ faith through religious instruction, tradition, and participation in masses, prayer services, adoration, reconciliation, group and individual prayer, and community service. The Mass and the Bible are the center of all curriculum and instruction. Our religious education program teaches moral education, prayers, the saints, Circle of Grace, Theology of the Body, the Rosary, Holy Days, and apparitions. Music, art, drama, and retreats are all used to foster creativity and devotion.

8th Grade

While addressing many common questions young teens have about their faith, this course also teaches the basics of liturgy (including mass) and the sacraments. After investigating ways to receive God’s grace, students then learn ways to apply this grace while making moral decisions and carrying their faith beyond school, home, and church. Students also learn practical applications of the Ten Commandments. All material is in accordance with the teachings of the Catholic Church. In addition, students explore other media (novels, podcasts, etc.) as a means of seeing both the everyday use and overarching reach of their faith.

Social Studies

6th Grade

6th Grade Social Studies – Ancient History

The Sixth Grade Social Studies class will be student-focused and hands-on with a number of projects, presentations, and role playing. Not only will the students learn history, but the class will be a vehicle for teaching them how to communicate, present, and work with others…critical skills for later in life.

The beginning of the year will start with some basic World Geography, as Geography will be an area of emphasis throughout the school year. The class will then turn its attention to European Geography, with the climax of that unit being a slide presentation of an agreed upon country. Students will be expected to know their information ahead of time, rather than simply reading their presentation. This will be followed by the study of Ancient Rome, with the emphasis not on why it fell, but why it survived so long, along with a study of its accomplishments and contributions, including the legalizing and promoting of Christianity during the latter stages of the empire.

An in-depth study of China will then follow, with an examination of the eastern philosophies, religion, and their many inventions. The geography of Asia will be covered in detail, with an emphasis on how China’s isolation has been both a help and a hindrance throughout its history. They will have the chance to learn how to write Chinese characters as well.

A comprehensive group project covering one of the Ancient Civilizations in Mesopotamia (Middle East) will follow. They will be working in groups of three or four to both draw and build key elements of their civilization. The students will teach their fellow classmates about their assigned country and civilization.

The study of Ancient Egypt will include building props, role playing and possibly an Egyptian day, where students can dress up the way of ancient Egyptians. This will be followed by the study of the achievements of the empires of Mesoamerica, along with the study of geography of North and South America, and a review of the regions already covered. The curriculum will next turn to the geography of Africa and the history of West Africa and its influences on our country, especially as it relates to the arts and music. The year will conclude with the study of Ancient Greece, how they influenced the Romans and how their system of government led to the democracy in our country. At the end of the year, the curriculum will circle back to Rome in a way that compares the Greeks and Romans and leads into 7th Grade Social Studies, which begins the year with the study of Ancient Rome.

7th Grade

7th Grade History – World History, The Middle Ages

The 7th Grade curriculum will also be student focused and will include an in-depth coverage of the history and culture of the most influential civilizations in the modern world. The instructor has had the good fortune of traveling to many of these places and can supplement his teaching with the photos and personal experiences from his travels. There will be more historically based literature, reading, and writing assignments, with the expectation that the quality of writing will be on the level expected by the ELA teacher.

The class will start the year with a review of World Geography and follow that with a research and slide presentation on a country agreed upon with the instructor. As with 6th Grade, Geography will be an emphasis throughout the school year, and the expectation is that the students will be experts on the information being presented, will stand up straight and speak up during the presentation without reading it. After that, the curriculum will review the accomplishments of the Roman Empire, including the spread of Christianity. Then, following after that will be a brief coverage of the incursion of the Vikings from Scandinavia with an examination of the possible truth behind the legend of King Arthur.

Next, the students will turn their attention to China, from its unification to the end of 2000 years of dynastic rule. There will be special emphasis on their important philosophers, their influence on the Chinese way of thinking, and how their contributions and geographic isolation led them to be so far ahead of much of the world throughout history, before falling behind. Following China will be an in-depth look at Japan, how it was influenced by China yet how it is so different. The students will read at least part of the novel, The Samurai’s Tale, to better understand not just Japanese history but also the world of Japan today. The geography of Asia will be interwoven as well.

The curriculum will then focus on the early Civilizations of the New World, as students will work on projects going into detail about one of the accomplishments of the Maya, Aztecs, or Incas, along with learning about the geography of the Western Hemisphere. The class will then turn its attention to the history of Islam, how the religion spread, and how the Arab culture rivaled the accomplishments of the Chinese. The study of West African will conclude our study of the eastern hemisphere, covering its interaction with both Christians and Muslims, but most importantly its influence on modern art and especially on the genres of popular music like Jazz, Rock, and Rap, all of which originated in our own country.

Last but far from least, most of the second half of the school year will focus on Western Europe. These are the civilizations where the instructor can best lend his travel experiences and photos to student learning, having been there several times. The curriculum will start with the feudal system and a comparison with Japan’s, to the English system of government and its influence on America, to the Renaissance, when students will do comprehensive research and presentations on a key figure from that period, to the Age of Exploration, which will entail a group project on a key explorer, to the Age of Enlightenment, which will lead into the 8th Grade learning of American History.

8th Grade

8th Grade History – U.S. History

American History will cover the first approximately 250 years, from the years of later exploration and colonization through the Civil War. The instructor can lend an abundance of knowledge, given a history degree with a concentration on U.S. History. Importantly, there will be a greater emphasis on writing assignments that involve critical thinking than in the earlier grades.

Accordingly, geography lessons will focus on our country, its diverse regions, the importance of rivers, its abundance of natural resources, and how its relative isolation, protected on both coasts by oceans, has proven to be a blessing.

The study of the colonial days will include the importance of Christianity for those who risked their lives to travel to and settle in the new world, and it will culminate in a group project for an assigned colony.

The curriculum will take a closer look at primary resources and videos that cover primary resources, especially during the times of the American Revolution, the writing of the Constitution, and the journals of Lewis and Clark. There will be special emphasis on studying the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, along with the later Amendments. The role of geography will be integrated into how Manifest Destiny, with the expansion of our country from coast to coast, is linked with Native American resettlement and also the conflict over the existence and expansion of slavery.

The study of the events leading to and including the Civil War will include role playing, debating, and persuasive writing regarding the people and events of the time.

The study of history will not overlook the inventions, accomplishments, and the democratic system that has given it a proud history and a place that many still consider a land of opportunity.

Finally, there will be study and preparation for the Idaho Civics test required by the state.

Science

Science in middle school offers an introduction to many different disciplines in science. Over the course of three years, we investigate weather and water, diversity of life, human systems and interaction, chemical interactions, earth history, populations and ecosystems, heredity and adaptation, electromagnetic forces, gravity and kinetic energy, waves, and planetary science.

Science, at its heart, is about asking questions and performing investigations to answer those questions. Consequently, our science curriculum frequently will utilize hands-on learning. Students will thus learn to collect, interpret, analyze, and present data. Students will also keep notebooks as they perform investigations, and utilize their science notebooks throughout the class.

Arts

Survey of the Arts

+ Weekly classes with school art teacher

+ Quarter 1: Creative Writing

+ Quarter 2: Improv & Drama

+ Quarter 3: Art

+ Quarter 4: Think Tank

Over the course of the school year, students will have four different art classes, getting a taste of each discipline while exploring their own talents and creativity. This survey of classes is designed to be fun while still teaching important concepts; it will expose our students to different art forms and prepare them for high school.