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, our departmentalized middle school program challenges students with academic rigor to prepare them for high school while providing a nurturing learning environment. We push our middle school students to develop study skills, think critically and creatively, grow spiritually and intellectually, and allow them time during the school day to be “just kids” with fun and games, open gyms, and downtime. This balance, including a thoughtful, manageable homework load- is essential to a successful middle school experience.
Being part of a preschool-through-eight school allows our older students to be examples and leaders for our younger grades. School-wide events like Mass, morning prayer, and spirit rallies unite students of all ages. We follow a true middle school model at HFCS, which also allows our middle school to maintain its own identity.
“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 various literary genres, including science fiction, realistic fiction, nonfiction, historical fiction, poetry, song lyrics, essays, and articles. Each text focuses on literary analysis, literary devices, critical thinking skills, and the 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
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. Each text focuses on literary analysis, literary devices, critical thinking skills, and the 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.
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 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. Each text focuses on literary analysis, literary devices, critical thinking skills, and the 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.
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
Course 1 (6th grade)
Some years back, a book was 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, the students must know their times tables, which provide the foundation for most of this year’s curriculum. We will then focus on 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 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, assessing their note-taking effectiveness and 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 homework, notebook, quizzes, and tests.
Materials/Absences/Tardies:
McGraw Hill Course 1, Volumes 1 and 2, a spiral notebook, pencils, pen, ruler, and calculator. If a student is absent, they are expected to make up any missing assignments. The student will be responsible for arranging any make-up tests or quizzes with me. 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 builds on Course 1, going more in-depth with topics as it prepares students for pre-algebra. 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
The Number System
Geometry
Pre-Algebra (8th-grade; advanced 7th-grade students)
Pre-algebra allows students to learn algebra’s complexity 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 the 7th grade. Specific topics are:
Rational Numbers and Exponents
Proportionality and Linear Relationships
Sampling and Inference
Geometry
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, assessing their note-taking effectiveness and successful understanding of the homework. Students should expect homework most evenings that is expected to be complete. Five 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, a mid-chapter graded homework assignment, a 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 spiral notebook, pencils, pen, ruler, and calculator.
If a student is absent, they are expected to make up any missing assignments. The student will be responsible for arranging any make-up tests or quizzes with me. 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 foundational 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 courses (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
Linear Relationships
Exponential and Quadratic Relationships
Advanced Functions and Equations
Data Analysis
6th-grade religion focuses on deepening and strengthening the students’ faith through religious instruction, tradition, mass participation, 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 the Sacred Scri[ture and the Old Testament while 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 religion focuses on deepening and strengthening the students’ faith through religious instruction, tradition, mass participation, 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, the 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.
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 learn to apply it 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.
6th Grade Social Studies – Ancient History
The Sixth Grade Social Studies class will be student-focused and hands-on with several projects, presentations, and role-playing. Not only will the students learn history, but the course 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 beforehand rather than simply reading their presentation. This will be followed by the study of Ancient Rome, emphasizing not why it fell but why it survived so long, along with a study of its accomplishments and contributions, including the legalizing and promoting Christianity during the latter stages of the empire.
An in-depth study of China will then examine the Eastern philosophies, religion, and their many inventions. The geography of Asia will be covered in detail, emphasizing how China’s isolation has been both a help and a hindrance throughout its history. They will also have the chance to learn how to write Chinese characters.
A comprehensive group project will follow, covering one of the Ancient Civilizations in Mesopotamia (Middle East). They will work in groups of three or four to draw and build key elements of their civilization. The students will teach their classmates about their assigned country and culture.
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 the 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 democracy in our country. At the end of the year, the curriculum will check back in with 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 History – World History, The Middle Ages
The 7th Grade curriculum will also be student focused and will include 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 photos and personal experiences. 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 presented information, 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 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 focus on China, from its unification to the end of 2000 years of dynastic rule. There will be particular 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, and 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 Africa will conclude our analysis 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 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. Notably, 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, and 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 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 in middle school offers an introduction to many different disciplines in science. Over three years, we investigated weather and water, diversity of life, human systems and interaction, chemical interactions, earth history, populations, ecosystems, heredity and adaptation, electromagnetic forces, gravity and kinetic energy, waves, and planetary science.
At its heart, science 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 investigate and use their science notebooks throughout the class.
Survey of the Arts
+ Weekly classes with the 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.
A well-educated person respects their body and understands the workings of that marvelous gift from God. The Catechism of the Catholic Church says, “The human body shares in the dignity of ‘the image of God’” (364). “Life and physical health are precious gifts entrusted to us by God. We must take reasonable care of them, taking into account the needs of others and the common good” (2288).
Therefore, the teaching of Physical Education is an essential component of the total Catholic school program and not a “frill” or an “extra.”
In the United States, where childhood obesity has become an epidemic, schools are responsible for providing enjoyable, safe, appropriate opportunities for exercise and physical play for students. Students who enjoy participation in sports and games may develop habits of life-long physical activity.
Teaching Physical Education goes well beyond the learning and playing of games. Education of the total person includes education that supports a lifestyle that cares for and appreciates the workings of the human body. Recent research indicates that physical activity impacts brain development, increasing the ability to learn and be creative. This is especially true for school-age children. Guidelines from the National Association for Sport and Physical Education published in 2004 suggest that children should accumulate at least 60 minutes per day—and up to several hours—of age-appropriate physical activity, that this should come in bouts of exercise lasting 15 minutes or more, and that extended periods – two hours or more – of inactivity are discouraged for young children. Instruction in cooperative play and individual and team sports support an active lifestyle.
The student will:
– use correct techniques of object manipulation and movement through space using dominant and nondominant hands and feet (passing, dribbling, kicking, shooting techniques)
– demonstrate proper body mechanics of various game skills
– demonstrate proficiency in striking a variety of moving game objects
– continue to extend individual creative exploration to include rhythmic activities (dance forms, social
dances, etc.)
– engage in activities that build muscular strength and flexibility
– record the difference between resting and exercising heart rate
– discuss the reason for knowing the heart rate
The student will:
– demonstrate intermediate sport-specific skills for individual, dual, and team sports(Note: The important goal is skill development. The specific individual, dual, and team games used are less important, and several options are available. It is not an expectation that all the options will be used.)
– demonstrate intermediate sport-specific skills for dance and rhythmic activities
– engage in activities that build muscular strength and flexibility
– find and count resting and exercising heart rate
The middle school music curriculum is separated into two options: vocal music performance and instrumental music performance. In the middle school curriculum, students are offered one or both options to move from knowing about music in elementary school to performing music beautifully in middle school. The emphasis in middle school is on the outward expression of music through the curriculum, through instruments, or vocal production.
Middle School Music Curriculum Guidance and Beliefs
– Middle school students thrive in incarnational, hands-on experiences and deserve those conditions to develop their musical gifts.
– Incarnational practice, embodied practice, is important.
– The secular alternatives for music performance are largely not healthy alternatives for our middle school students. The world of music and the arts are host to post-modern ideologies in programmatic elements, instructors, and play/song choices. We provide a place for students to develop their musical and performative gifts.
– The tradition of Western music, history, and richness of the canon of Western music must be preserved and passed on to our students.
– Performing excellent instrumental music and choral music is an essential way to make historical works come alive and for children to be
immersed in them.
– Practicing instrumental and choral music performance immerses the child to love with particular pieces. It gives them the cultural knowledge of particular composers and pieces, which has tremendous academic benefits.
– The extension of skills over time teaches students to build mastery, develop expertise, and create depth in their learning, and this supports
human formation.
middle school highlights
Students embark on a journey of discovery, growth, and change in Middle School. We set high expectations because we believe in our students and their ability to succeed. Our goal is to help them grow, not just as academic students but as independent thinkers, and leaders in faith.
Top 10 Reasons to Attend Holy Family Middle School
- Faith: School, church, and community are all tied to the Catholic Faith. We plant seeds of continued faith development.
- Rigorous Academics: High academic standards, enriched curriculum with small class instruction with a focus on being prepared for high school. Enriched curriculum and advanced math classes focus on high school preparedness.
- Community: Small class sizes enable the middle school staff to guide all students individually through their academics during sometimes challenging developmental years. Students have an opportunity to create and sustain lifelong friendships.
- Excellence in Teaching: Middle School faculty has an average of 15 years of experience.
- Enrichment Classes: Music, art, technology, health, foreign language, and physical education, including archery, are all integrated into the middle school curriculum.
- Extra Curricular Activities: Sports, choir, drama, and bible study are offered. Students have many options to participate in a variety of activities that nurture spirit, mind, and body.
- Life Lessons/Character Development: Religion, priest visits, reconciliation, weekly student-led school mass, daily prayer, and retreats give us many opportunities to learn and grow.
- Leadership Opportunities: Students interact in the school environment together, allowing many leadership opportunities through planned activities and daily interactions such as student council, leading Mass, and service projects.
- MAP Scores: Our middle school programs provide a rigorous overall academic curriculum. MAP test results consistently show our reading and math placement scores well above state and national norms.
- No Stress Dress: Uniforms are at the peak of current fashion and offer the unique opportunity for later wake-up times and no worries about issues between parents and student's about what can be worn to school.
Music, art, technology, health, foreign language, and physical education are all integrated into the middle school curriculum.
