Middle School

The years of Middle School are a time for tentative attempts at self-understanding, ever-changing relationships with peers, development of values, and early attempts at real scholarship. The Middle School at Sacred Heart tries to provide an atmosphere of love, concern, and support in which all of these changes can emerge, where the turbulence of development can be guided, false starts forgiven, and hurts mended--all within an environment directed toward the scholastic foundation required for college preparatory study in the High School. The curriculum is directed toward this end.

Religion

The total educational program is directed toward the Christian formation of the child. The school community as a worshipping, loving, and sharing community provides a spiritually enriching setting for this formation. The religion classes continue the sequence begun in the Lower School. Grade 5 studies the Catholic tradition; Grade 6 studies an introduction to the Bible; Grade 7 studies sacraments, prayer, and spirituality; and Grade 8 studies an introduction to morality and Christian lifestyles.

English

The English curriculum concentrates on grammar and communication skills. Students focus on writing and listening skills, and vocabulary development.

Reading

The reading program in Grades 5 and 6 employs a multi-faceted approach to meet the varying needs of students. The Middle School continues the sequence begun in the Lower School but concentrates on the development of critical reading skills, provides an introduction to literature, and attempts to make each child a life-long reader. The literature program in Grades 7 and 8 covers the novel, short story, mythology, poetry, and Shakespeare as well as research skills and writing a research paper.

Mathematics

With the foundation of mathematics well laid in the Lower School, the goal of the Middle School program is to solidify and strengthen basic concepts and to establish first notions of open-ended problems, basic geometry, and algebra. Students in Grade 8 who qualify may complete Algebra 1.

Social Studies

History, geography, and current events form the three-fold emphasis in the social studies program. Students in Grade 5 study Western Hemisphere, while Grade 6 focuses on the Eastern Hemisphere. Students in Grade 7 investigate major events in American and Louisiana history. Grade 8 completes the first half of a World History survey.

Science

Students are encouraged to use the scientific method to investigate the world of matter, energy, space, and living systems. Emphasis is placed on developing initiative, logical thinking, and problem solving through hands-on experimentation. Students are encouraged to think rationally and to act responsibly in dealing with the environment. Areas of study include general science, life science, physical science, and earth and space science.

Foreign Language

In Grade 5, there is a conclusion of the study of the language, culture, and geography of selected countries of the world, with an emphasis on French. Students in Grade 6 and 7 take Latin over a two-year period and begin their High School sequence with French I or Spanish I in Grade 8.

Art

The objectives of the art program include developing the creative capacity of all students, stimulating sensory awareness, understanding formal artistic elements and the principles of art, and the use and care for tools.

Computer

Through various interdisciplinary projects, students develop their skills in word processing, presentation, publishing, drawing, spreadsheet and other programs.  

Music

Music is a performance-based choral program. Students perform in morning chapel assemblies and liturgies and at the Middle School Christmas Celebration and the Spring Concert.  Besides the fundamentals of music, they also learn to sing liturgical, classical, and popular music as well as Broadway show tunes.  Handbells are included in Grade 7 and 8.

Electives

In Grade 7 and 8, students elect classes for enrichment such as drawing, painting, publications, quiz bowl, Odyssey of the Mind, Future Problem Solving, robotics, drama, clown ministry, video production, community outreach, and the stock market.  Other classes are offered as interest and time allows.

Physical Education

Middle School begins the application of the skills learned and Pre and Lower School to game situations. Physical fitness is stressed, while nutrition and wellness are part of the health curriculum.

Athletics

A comprehensive sports program is offered to Middle School students. Inter-school competition is offered in volleyball, basketball, softball, swimming, tennis, gymnastics, and cross country.

Student Council

Each homeroom elects a student council representative.  These representatives meet weekly at lunch meetings to plan and coordinate monthly projects.  They also conduct routine tasks around school, such as handling playground toys and lost & found items.

The Homework Site

Parents and students are encouraged to visit the Middle School Homework Site, where they may see at a glance upcoming tests, quizzes, projects, and research papers.  Homework is planned for the week but updated daily.

The Middle School Monthly Messenger

The Middle School Monthly Messenger highlights the events of the month that are pertinent to Middle School.  If you would like to provide information for the publication or have questions, please contact your grade level parent correspondent: 

5th grade-Mary Beth Fox, 738-7462, sixlittlefoxes@aol.com
6th grade-Maria Kazibutowski, 455-6800, mfk487@aol.com
6th grade-Julie Guste, 832-1066, JulieSGuste@aol.com
7th grade-Leslie Kitiziger, 282-1848, lkitz5@aol.com
8th grade-Liz Manthey, 269-1207, lmanthey@ashrosary.org

The Eighth Grade Trip to Dauphin Island

The eighth graders take a class trip to Dauphin Island, Alabama every October.  This is part of the curriculum which involves an interdisciplinary unit concerning the science of barrier islands, ancient Indian cultural practices, the art of Walter Anderson, and poetry.  The annual trip to Dauphin Island is also a rite of passage for each eighth grade class.  For more information, see the Dauphin Island web pages.