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.

For success in middle school, organization is imperative. We would like you and your child to discuss what might be the best approach to organizing notes, handouts and work. Pick one of the organizational options below:

• A spiral-bound notebook that has a pocket for each of the 6 subjects in middle school
• A three-ring binder divided into 6 sections, with pockets/folders for handouts, or a three-hole punch to organize handouts
• Folders for each class for handouts and lined paper upon which to take notes

DO NOT use large rolling backpacks. It is our experience that students 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 for class ahead of time 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.

Supplies your child will need all year: Check weekly with your child to make sure they have everything, and replenish throughout the year.

• 2 packages college-ruled lined paper
• 2 packages graphing paper (81/2 x 11, any size squares per inch)
• Pens – black or blue (students should always have two available) for all student work except in math
• Pencils (students should always have two available) Mechanical is preferred. **Avoid plastic-coated pencils.**
• Red or other color pens for correcting
• 2 fine-tip black Sharpies
• 1 box washable markers (thick or thin) OR 24+ colored pencils *Do not bring anything that bleeds through paper.
• 1 Texas Instruments TI-30XIIS calculator (for 7th- and 8th-graders)
• Scissors
• 1 bottle glue and 1 glue stick
• Headphone set with a microphone for use with the foreign language program (Must have a USB plug to connect to the computer; 2 prong will not work with laptops.)

Clearly labeled with child’s name: 

• New American Bible (one-time purchase in 6th grade but used in 7th and 8th grade)
• ELA – 1 two-subject college-ruled notebook for bell ringers and/or journals and grammar
• 1 8×10 spiral-bound Mixed Media Sketchbook (for Ms. Lamb)
• 500 index cards to use as flashcards

Optional:

• sticky notes

Please bring these items on the first day of school: 

• Jumbo-size book covers (8th grade needs 2, 6th and 7th need 1)
• Last name A-J: 2 boxes Ziploc bags (quart size and gallon size)
• Last name K-Z: 2 packages baby wipes
• 4 boxes tissues
• 2 rolls paper towels
• 2 containers Clorox Wipes
• 1 ream white copy paper (500 sheets) (Please bring to the front office.)