Our Philosophy
The middle-school years at St. Francis are fun, challenging and productive. There are many curricular and social activities that make these years memorable. Seventh and eighth graders have the exciting job of making the critical transition from elementary school to middle school and eventually to high school. This means more independence, increased responsibilities, higher expectations, balancing school life with busy home schedules and dealing with those very special emotional, social, and physical changes that occur during these years. St. Francis School believes that the K-8 structure builds leadership, confidence and compassion in middle-school students. At the foundation is a commitment to growing in faith and love of God. They are actively involved in service and weekly liturgies. The highly qualified and committed staff is keenly aware of and sensitive to the unique needs of these students during their middle-school years.
Math
7th Grade Pre-Algebra Course Overview
Our study this year begins with integers. We will move on to statistics, rational numbers, powers/roots, and similar figures. We will finish the year with an examination of percents, statistics, probability, linear functions, and algebraic expressions. Students will be challenged to work independently and in groups to develop a critical understanding of math concepts and math vocabulary.
8th Grade Algebra Course Overview
Eighth Grade Algebra begins with a study of real numbers. We will examine equations in one and two variables as well as functions. Next, we will explore triangles and the Pythagorean Theorem. Lastly, we will study volume and surface area, transformations, and congruence and similarity. Students will be challenged throughout the year to apply previously developed math skills to new functions as they prepare for high school math.
8th Grade Algebra 1 Course Overview
Students will begin studying algebra with linear functions and their equations, linear inequalities and the systems of linear equations and inequalities. We will then move into quadratic expressions and equations, quadratic functions and equations, and rational functions and equations. We will finish the year with exponents and exponential functions.
Science
7th Grade Course Overview
In this class, students will explore both life and physical sciences. They will begin the year with a launcher unit, Diving Into Science, in which they explore the practices of scientists as they address physical science challenges. Their next unit is a study of the human body, Good Friends and Germs. They will learn how germs make people sick and how to prevent epidemics. Students will study viruses and bacteria, cell theory and the structure and function of body systems. The next unit, Vehicles in Motion, is a physical science unit. In this unit, students design and build vehicles with specific properties while exploring the principles of motion and force. Finally, students investigate water quality in Living Together, a life science unit. They work in groups to determine how water quality affects the ecology of a community.
8th Grade Course Overview
Students continue their study of life and physical sciences in their eighth grade year. They begin the year with a launcher unit, Animals in Action, in which they explore the practices of scientists while observing animal behaviors and designing animal enclosures. Second, students study chemistry through investigations and case studies in Air Quality. They apply their knowledge to investigate air quality and pollution in different communities, as well as researching and presenting a recommendation to implement technology to reduce air pollution in the Ann Arbor area. Third, they study Genetics, in which they learn about heredity, natural selection and the promises and dangers of genetic engineering as they come up with a plan to grow more rice to help alleviate world hunger. Finally, students learn skills to design a Rube Goldberg invention in the Energy unit. They learn about different types of energy, as well as how energy is transferred and transformed.
History
7th Grade Course Overview
Our focus this year will be on geography. While we examine the Earth and its people, students will think critically about how people, place, and environments came to be and how they affect each other. Our new, interactive text, Geography Alive! Regions and People, includes an online subscription for all students, which we will use to study the tools of geography, Canada, urban sprawl in the United States, Latin America, Europe, Russia, and Asia. In addition, students will participate in weekly current event discussions.
8th Grade Course Overview
The focus in 8th grade is on US History. Students will study the earliest days of the United States from colonialism all the way through industrialization. Geographic, civics/government, and economics content is integrated within the historical context. Our new, interactive text, History Alive! United States through Industrialism, includes an online subscription for all students. In addition, students will participate in weekly current event discussions and blogs.
English Language Arts
7th Grade Course Overview
The purpose of this course is to develop and encourage students’ competence, confidence, and enthusiasm as readers, writers, listeners, and speakers. We will be reading several literary genres, including six whole-class books: Nothing But the Truth by Avi, The Outsiders, by S.E. Hinton, Lord of the Flies by William Golding, A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry, Chasing Shadows by Ann Rinaldi, and The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank. Poetry will also be a part of the weekly curriculum, with a focus on poets Edna St. Vincent Millay, Edgar Allen Poe, and Robert Frost. Students will be required to read novels of their own choice throughout the year and produce several independent book projects. A Writing Workshop approach will be used daily to explore various forms of writing, and students will be required to publish several of their pieces throughout the year. Vocabulary, sentence diagramming, and public speaking activities will also be included during both semesters.
8th Grade Course Overview
In this class, students will read for a variety of purposes and across a wide array of genres. We will read three whole-class novels: Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson, To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, and Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck. In addition, students will be asked to read novels of their choice throughout the year. We will also write for multiple purposes and in many different genres. By engaging in all stages of the writing process, students will practice the conventions of writing, including grammar and mechanics. They will experiment with new vocabulary and writer’s craft to develop their unique writer’s voice. Lastly, students will work in groups and individually to think critically about reading, writing, and learning.
Religion
7th Grade Course Overview
Using the text Spirit of Truth: Living as a Disciple of Christ (Sophia Institute Press), students will begin the year exploring emotional, intellectual, social, and spiritual personal growth. Through this study, students will discover how they are created in the image and likeness of God and how they can use the virtues as well as the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit to aid their personal growth. Students will then examine the Gospel message in light of both the New and Old Testaments. They will also engage in an in-depth study of the Sacraments. Students will also learn how to practice many different types of prayer and will begin to understand the importance and meaning behind specific prayers. They will have opportunities throughout the year to pray individually and corporately as well as to watch the Youth Alpha series in order to develop their relationships with God.
8th Grade Course Overview
Eighth grade religion students will begin the year studying the mystery and history of the Church. We will use Spirit of Truth: The Communion of the Faithful (Sophia Institute) to explore how we are called to know, proclaim, witness, and share the Catholic faith and tradition. Students will critically examine Scripture, Catholic doctrine, and the Church’s social teachings. Confirmation preparation will begin in January. We will use Decision Point with Matthew Kelly to think deeply about our lives and embrace our Catholic faith with conviction. The goal of Confirmation preparation is to help young people make the serious decision to follow Christ as active members of His Church and to become true missionary disciples.
Spanish
7th Grade Course Overview (Spanish 1A)
In middle school Spanish class, students will meet for three 45 minute periods. We will continue to use the Avancemos 1A textbook that we started in sixth grade. Students will focus on developing vocabulary, grammar, speaking and listening skills. Curriculum will also focus on learning about the cultures of Mexico, Spain, and Puerto Rico. Additionally, there will be several projects throughout the year that lead students through hands-on learning.
8th Grade Course Overview (Spanish 1B)
In middle school Spanish class, students will meet for three 45 minute periods. Eighth grade Spanish class will begin to use the Avancemos 1B textbook and will continue to concentrate on vocabulary, grammar, speaking and listening skills. Curriculum will also focus on learning about the cultures of Ecuador, the Dominican Republic, Argentina, and Costa Rica. Students will complete their two year Spanish study with an excellent understanding of basic Spanish and be able to place into Spanish II in high school.
Advisory
Advisory is a class that meets twice weekly during the middle school elective time. It provides students an opportunity to meet individually with teachers, make up missed tests, or work ahead on projects. Band students do not participate in advisory.