The objective of the St. Mary's Middle School Program is to help students develop to their fullest potential through engaging in a program in which the core curriculum, exploratory and extra-curricular activities are based upon the special academic, emotional, spiritual and social needs of adolescents in the 6th, 7th and 8th grades.
Math
Students will build on the skills that they have already learned in sixth grade. They will use a Math Notebook for their daily notes and example problems. These notes can be used daily to help with their assignments. Tests will be given at the end of each chapter. Through example problems on the board and repetition of homework students will be able to solve problems at a higher level. Also, some Algebraic concepts will be introduced.
English
Students spend time reading, writing, speaking and listening. We begin to spend more time presenting our ideas to our classmates and use more project-based learning. Three different novels are taught in the seventh grade to sharpen the students’ skills of citing text evidence, supporting analysis, and writing summaries free from personal opinions and judgements. In the early Spring, students spend time on a persuasive project in which they create their own business and present these projects to the class. Each quarter students do a book project on a book of their choosing that ends with a presentation. As a class we are always working to strengthen our grammar, punctuation and spelling skills as practice makes perfect!
Social Studies
Students will continue to explore and understand Minnesota History, Government and Social Studies Standards that include but are not limited to Minnesota, United States and World history, government and geography. The framework of the standards are based on five concepts: 1) Choices have consequences 2) Individuals have rights and responsibilities 3) Societies are shaped by identities, beliefs, and practices of individuals and groups 4) Societies experience continuity and change over time 5) Relationships among people, places, ideas, and environments are dynamic. Our main focus is on Minnesota culture, history, and geography but we will utilize many other sources expanding on the use of Primary and Secondary sources and original works.
Science
Students will explore scientific methods to solve real world problems and will expand their understanding of design processes as well as become familiar with biological processes. They will continue to study and expand their knowledge of ecosystems and how human and non-human interactions affect the world that we live in utilizing textbooks, workbooks, and online resources. In addition students will have the opportunity to research a variety of topics that they find of interest including careers in scientific fields.
Religion
The focus of the seventh grade religion program is to study the basic truths of our faith as put forth in the Apostles' Creed. The class also covers the liturgical year, seasons of the Church and major feast days.