Religion & Social Studies

In sixth-grade religion, students study the Old Testament in order to grow in their love for God through a deeper understanding of God’s plan of salvation. Students increase their knowledge of salvation history and the different books of the Bible. They begin the year studying Genesis and discuss the creation stories. Students also focus on the Israelites and how they were the chosen people, and they learn about Abraham and Moses and how they relate to our lives today, specifically with the Ten Commandments. Scripture is integrated daily into each lesson, and events from the liturgical calendar are incorporated into lessons throughout the school year.

In seventh-grade religion, students study the New Testament and how Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. By studying the New Testament, students learn about the Gospels in order to come to understand how the words and actions of Jesus apply to the lives of believers today. They also examine the Beatitudes, parables, and the mystery of our redemption through the death and resurrection of Jesus. Scripture is integrated daily into each lesson, and events from the liturgical calendar are incorporated into lessons throughout the school year.

In eighth-grade religion, students study Church history and are encouraged to think in profound ways about Catholic truths. By studying Church history, students deepen their understanding and appreciation of the Church. They examine the four marks of the Church — one, holy, catholic and apostolic — and they are able to identify key people and events in the Church’s history. Scripture is integrated daily into each lesson, and events from the liturgical calendar are incorporated into lessons throughout the school year.

In sixth-grade social studies, students study ancient civilizations and expand their understanding of history by studying the people and events that accompanied the beginning of the major Western and non-Western ancient civilizations. The school year starts with the very first humans and how they came to be. Students go on to learn about the Agricultural Revolution and Mesopotamia, and then they move into Ancient Egypt, the Israelites (from the social studies perspective), and Ancient Greek and Ancient Rome.

In seventh-grade social studies, students study the medieval and early modern period and the social, cultural and technological changes that occurred in Europe, Africa and Asia in the years A.D. 500 to 1789. Students dive into Rome and the Rise of Christianity, the Islamic Civilization, the Americas and world religions during the Middle Ages. Seventh-graders end the year discussing the Age of Exploration and trade to transition smoothly into U.S. history in eighth grade.

In eighth-grade social studies, students study U.S. history and government. They trace the development of the new nation by diving into American politics, society, culture and economy. Students learn about how the nation began with colonial America, the fight for independence, the shaping of the Constitution, and how the nation faced many challenges, concluding the school year with the Civil War.

Organization System – Pick One:

• Spiral notebook with pockets (6 subjects)
• Three-ring binder with 6 sections
• Individual folders for each class with lined paper
• Accordion folder with at least 6 pockets and lined paper

Supplies:

• Backpack – NO rolling bags
• College-ruled lined paper (2 packs)
• Graph paper (2 packs, 8½” x 11”)
• Black/blue pens (minimum 2)
• Pencils (mechanical preferred)
• Red or colored pens for corrections
• 2 fine-tip black Sharpies
• Washable markers (thick or thin) or 24+ colored pencils
• TI-30XIIS calculator
• Scissors
• 1 glue stick and 1 bottle of glue
• Headphones with microphone with USB plug (for language program)
• Composition notebook (approximately 9¾” x 7½”)
• New American Bible (purchased in fifth grade)
• 1 notebook for ELA bell ringers/journal
• 1 notebook for grammar/literature

Do NOT label these items:

• 4+ boxes Kleenex
• 2+ rolls paper towels
• 1+ containers Clorox wipes
• 1 ream white copy paper (Please drop off at the front office.)

Optional:

• Sticky notes
• 500+ index cards

Art Supplies

• 9×12 Mixed Media Sketchbook
• Basic Sketching and Drawing Pencil Kit