DrVal.jpg
School Calendar
In the Classroom: Middle School
Welcome to Middle School

Welcome to our Middle School webpage!

 

 

Social Studies

 

8th Grade:

 

 

The study of history is never a simple memorization of names and dates. As we rapidly approach the expectations of high school, the 8th grade Social Studies class will challenge themselves in advanced intellectual thinking, as they move beyond history as a static discipline. Rather than conform to this former way of learning, we will dig deep into the history of our nation and ask why these particular events occurred, and what impact they have upon our present day. In order to answer these questions, we must examine the significance of each event as independent units in a collective study through analyzing primary documents, engaging in discussion and debate, as well as articulating our thoughts through the written word. The 8th grade's study of history will prepare St. Joan of Arc's upcoming alumni to represent their nation in an informed and academic way.

 

7th Grade:

 

 

In order to better understand our own lives and existence, we must first understand the international world around us. 7th grade Social Studies is primarily based upon the study of geography - the discipline that allows us to prove that we in fact can identify Timbuktu on the map. Together, we will dive into an in-depth study and analysis of our surrounding nations, their locations, physical boundaries and land formations, government structure, economy, culture, and human demography. By the end of the year, the 7th grade Social Studies students here at St. Joan of Arc will possess the knowledge fundamental for the foundation of both an intellectual and actual survival in our rapidly globalizing society.

 

6th Grade:

 

 

The study of ancient history in 6th grade Social Studies this year will be dusty, old, and over the span of many years! In class we will discuss the start of civilization in Mesopotamia, the colonialization of Africa, the impact of the Enlightenment on European society, and everything in between! As we embark upon the events of the past, we will also develop the skills necessary to become effective social scientists. In order to do so, our class will master using timelines, interpreting the cause and effect of various events, and analyzing the significance of global events that occur in the news today. By the end of the year, St. Joan of Arc's 6th grade may be on the next flight to Egypt's upcoming archeological dig!

 

Religion

 

6th Grade:

 

In all Middle School Religion courses, the study of our faith will develop in a dichotomist fashion. While 6th grade will develop a better understanding of Scripture, the teachings and stories of the Old Testament and they way they tie into our Catholic church today, we will also expand upon our faith on a personal level Each student will have various opportunities to reflect upon his or her religious life through a written prayer journal, mental reflection, and classroom discussion. We hope to use this two-fold religious teaching to better understand ourselves as people of faith in addition to the teachings of our Holy Catholic church.

 

7th Grade:

 

In all Middle School Religion courses, the study of our faith will develop in a dichotomist fashion. While 7th grade will develop a better understanding of the life of Jesus through the Gospel, his teachings, and how we serve as his disciples, we will also expand upon our faith on a personal level. Each student will have various opportunities to reflect upon his or her religious life through a written prayer journal, mental reflection, and classroom discussion. We hope to use this two-fold religious teaching to better understand ourselves as people of faith in addition to the teachings of our Holy Catholic church.

 

8th Grade:

 

In all Middle School Religion courses, the study of our faith will develop in a dichotomist fashion. While 8th grade will develop a better understanding of the history of our church, its struggles, triumphs, and religious advancements, we will also expand upon our faith on a personal level Each student will have various opportunities to reflect upon his or her religious life through a written prayer journal, mental reflection, and classroom discussion. We hope to use this two-fold religious teaching to better understand ourselves as people of faith in addition to the teachings of our Holy Catholic church.

 

more >