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.

The middle school teachers want your child to be successful. One key factor in achieving this is organization. We would like you and your child to discuss what might be the best approach to organizing papers and work. There are four options we recommend because we have seen a significant percentage of students be successful using the following tools.

Pick one of the options below:

1. A spiral-bound notebook that has a pocket for each of the six subjects in middle school
2. A three-ring binder divided into six sections, with pockets for handouts, or a three-hole punch to organize handouts
3. Folders for each class for handouts and lined paper to take notes
4. Accordion file folder with at least six pockets (You will also add lined paper.)

The deciding factor in which of these systems to pick is your child and how well he/she will stick to one of these systems.

We DO NOT recommend large rolling backpacks. It is our experience that sixth-graders have trouble the first month or so remembering what to take to each class, but our students figure it out eventually. When students have rolling backpacks, they tend to put everything in the backpack rather than learning to prepare and differentiate.

Make sure that your child has reliable access to the internet and a device with a camera and microphone to complete work digitally when at home for various assignments.

Please be aware that some of the supplies below will need to be purchased throughout the year, as needed, to be used at home and at school.

Please label the following supplies with your child’s name:

• College-ruled lined paper
• Graphing paper (8½ x 11, any size squares per inch)
• Black or blue pens (Students should always have two available. Student work should always be done in these basic colors, unless directed otherwise by a teacher.)
• Pencils (Students should always have two available. Avoid plastic-coated pencils because they break the sharpeners.)
• Red pens (or other color pens for correcting)
• 1 set markers (thick or thin)
• 1 scientific calculator
• 1 pair scissors
• 1 bottle glue
• 1 glue stick
• Headphone set with a microphone for use with Rosetta Stone (It must have a USB plug to connect to the computer.) – Clearly labeled with child’s name [such as: Logitech-Headset-H390-Noise-Cancelling]
• 2 composition notebooks (9¾ x 7½ or as close to this size as possible)
• New American Bible (one-time purchase in sixth grade but used in seventh and eighth grade)
• Personal small container of hand sanitizer

• Sticky notes
• Index cards to use as flashcards (lined or unlined for vocabulary flashcards)
• Small stapler with staples

• 2 jumbo-size book covers
• 3 boxes tissues
• 1 roll paper towels
• 1 cylinder Clorox wipes
• 1 ream white copy paper (500 sheets or more, for the office, labeled with your child’s name)