Courses

Course Descriptions:

 ART
Students will learn about Principles and Elements of Design. They will explore a variety of media, artists and techniques. Students are encouraged to use problem solving and creative thinking to create and express their own work of art.

ENGLISH
Middle School English course includes a heavy focus on determining the parts of speech, proper grammar usage, punctuation, mechanics, and sentence structure.

MATHEMATICS
8 Pre-algebra: Students extend their study of mathematical topics into pre-algebra skills. They explore the principles of algebra through a variety of topics, such as graphs, functions, sequences, perimeter, area, volume, geometry, equations, probability and statistics. Reading, writing, and problem solving are included throughout the year. Relevance: Students who master the most essential benchmarks of Grade 8 pre-algebra will be prepared for the rigor of Algebra 1 at high school. They will have a foundation in the basic principles of algebra including integers, graphing, ratios, proportions, and problem-solving strategies. Course Standards: A. Mathematical Processes B. Number Relationships C. Geometry D. Measurement E. Statistics and Probability F. Algebraic Relationships
7^th Grade: Students extend their study of mathematical topics such as problem solving, fractions, decimals, percents, geometry, and algebra. They also study integers, rational numbers, measurement, probability, and statistics. Relevance: Grade 7 mathematics allows students to deepen their understanding of math. They extend their understanding of number relationships to integers and proportional reasoning.  Course Standards: A. Mathematical Processes B. Number Relationships C. Geometry D. Measurement E. Statistics and Probability F. Algebraic Relationships
6^th Grade: Students explore a variety of mathematical topics such as problem solving, fractions, decimals, percents, geometry, measurement, probability, statistics, and algebra. The use of technology and web resources supports student learning. Relevance: Grade 6 mathematics allows students to deepen their understanding of math. They master fundamental math concepts and develop writing and problem-solving skills necessary for success in Grade 7 mathematics. Course Standards: A. Mathematical Processes B. Number Relationships C. Geometry D. Measurement E. Statistics and Probability F. Algebraic Relationships

MUSIC
Class meets once a week, students have an average of only 9 classes per quarter. Class participation is considered a portion of all students grade. Extra credit is available in all Music classes. An extra credit grade will replace a student’s lowest regular assignment grade of the quarter. Only one extra credit grade allowed per quarter. However, if student prepares more than one extra credit, the highest extra credit grade earned will be used to replace lowest regular assignment grade (not test grade). Any exception in policy made, is made for the entire class and not for individual students.
6^th Grade: Class involves the study of music theory. Many students find this to be the most challenging year of music study. Students should expect weekly lecture/discussion and worksheets. Reviews and tests will occur at prescribed and forewarned times.
7^th and 8^th Grade: During 7^th and 8^th grade, students will study a two-year overview of music appreciation, music history, and world traditions. There are few written assignments. Reviews and tests will occur at prescribed and forewarned times.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Students have physical education class on Tuesday. Students generally walk to McAuley to use the gymnasium for a variety of activities. When weather allows students have outdoor activities behind St. Peter’s School.

READING
6th Grade
Sixth grade reading utilizes a literature text as well as novel studies to explore the elements of literature. Literature units are based on the major genres including short stories, drama, nonfiction, and poetry. Novel studies include Banner in the Sky, The Giver, Because of Winn-Dixie, and Hatchet. Literature circles are also utilized for novel study. Sixth graders are also required to earn 20 Accelerated Reader points per quarter. These points may be earned through computer quizzes, oral book reports, and written book reports.
7^th Grade
Seventh grade reading utilizes a literature text as well as novel studies to explore the elements of literature. Literature units are based on major genres including short stories, nonfiction, and poetry. Novel studies include The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle, Coraline, and Animal Farm. Literature circles are also utilized for novel study. Seventh graders are also required to earn 25 Accelerated Reader points per quarter. These points may be earned through computer quizzes, oral book reports, and written book reports.
8th Grade
Eighth grade reading utilizes a literature text as well as novel studies to explore the elements of literature. Literature units are based on major genres including short stories, nonfiction, drama, and poetry. Classic authors including Dickens and Poe are explored. Novel studies include The Outsiders, Across Five Aprils, A Christmas Carol, and The Hiding Place. Literature circles are also utilized for novel study. Eighth graders are also required to earn 30 Accelerated Reader points per quarter. These points may be earned through computer quizzes, oral book reports, and written book reports.

RELIGION
The Christ Our Life program encourages prayer and guides students to a deeper personal relationship with Christ. Through study of Scripture, Catholic doctrine, Tradition, and the Church’s social teachings students grow in faith and knowledge. In addition to participation in the Christ Our Life religion program students attend mass each Thursday morning with opportunities to serve and lector. The students participate in special lessons for feast days and pray the Stations of the Cross, rosary, and other devotionals. Community service hours are also required of all St. Peter’s Middle School students. Students also have the opportunity to participate in the St. Peter’s Middle School campus ministry group providing an opportunity to become more involved in faith sharing and community service events.
6^th Grade: Is devoted to the study of God’s saving love as it is revealed in Sacred Scripture, particularly the Old Testament. The student text, God Calls a People, is designed to help students increase their knowledge of salvation history so that they may respond to God with ever-deepening love and gratitude. Students should come to a deeper appreciation of the person of Christ and of his presence in his Church through the study of salvation history. Students should grow in their relationship with God and in giving witness to their faith.
7^th Grade: Is devoted to the study of God’s love as it is revealed through his Son, Jesus. Jesus the Way, the Truth, and the Life is designed to help young adolescents grow in their knowledge of Jesus, that they may love him more ardently and serve him more generously. The students should grow in knowledge and love of Jesus through prayer and studying the Gospels.
8^th Grade: Is devoted to the study of God’s faithful love as it is revealed in the Church founded by Jesus Christ. The Church Then and Now is designed to help young teens grow in their knowledge and love of the Church. Students should come to a deeper understanding of the Church by studying its images, history, and members. They should also grow in love for Catholic beliefs and ritual and strive to respond to God’s love through Christian morality, service, prayer, and witness.

SCIENCE
Life Science: 6^th Grade
This course discusses the classification of living things. All five kingdoms are discussed. The cells, tissues, organs and organ systems are covered and also human life. The lab includes: use of microscope, dissection of worms, frogs & four-chambered hearts.
Earth Science: 7^th Grade
This course covers Earth’s water and tides. It also covers Astronomy, and the forces that shape the Earth. We will also study rocks, minerals, wind and weather.
Physical Science: 8^th Grade
This course offers an introduction to chemistry and the Periodic Table of Element. There is also an introduction to motion, force, and work in machines. We also will learn about characteristics of sound and light waves.

SOCIAL STUDIES
Geography is taught in all grade levels. Our geography lessons focus primarily on physical and political geography of the world and the United States. We use desk maps, wall maps, globes, the text, and games.
World History: 6^th Grade
This is a complete course of World History which covers the time periods from prehistoric to the present. The class will study the record man has left in government, science, and the arts.
Early American History: 7^th Grade
This history course begins with the early inhabitants of the United States and takes us up to the expansion of the nation, including the industrial revolution and the changing south. We will also emphasize the significance of the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and our Judicial system.
Modern American History: 8^th Grade
The focus of this course is the history of our country from President Jackson to the present, giving special emphasis to the Civil War. We will devote a unit to the Holocaust, conducting research to create a project.

SPANISH
8^th Grade; includes speaking, writing, reading and learning of cultures in various Spanish speaking countries. Emphasis is placed on learning the basic vocabulary and conjugation of common verbs giving the student an ease and facility in learning a second language.