Religion

The seventh grade religion program uses Faith First by Resources for Christian Living. The curriculum provides an integrated program of prayer, scripture, doctrine, family life and church history. The year focuses on a study of the New Testament, with an emphasis on scripture readings, Biblical background, and activities to help students develop a mature appreciation of their faith. The students all participate in an interdisciplinary Family Life unit. In this unit, students learn about family relationships, with an emphasis on Catholic values and virtues, and the consequences of our choices.  Students are also introduced to Church History from the first century to the present. . In addition classes attend daily Mass on a rotating basis. Students have an opportunity to plan and lead a school wide First Friday Mass.

Language Arts

Students follow a course of study which includes reading, writing, grammar, public speaking, and developing vocabulary. Literature covers the short story, drama, selected novels, non-fiction, mythology, poetry, historical fiction, and science fiction.

Mathematics

The goal of the middle school math program is to provide all students with a strong foundation in mathematics according to their academic abilities, needs, and motivation. Students in the middle school are placed in an appropriate level of instruction according to Archdiocesan standards to ensure both challenge and success.

Students are placed in either seventh grade math or pre-algebra.

The seventh grade math program promotes student success through incremental development and continual review to improve student learning. Investigations, which are activity-based variations of Daily Lessons, are distributed throughout the text. Mental math and problem-solving exercise enhance students' repertoire of skills and increase their mathematical power. Assessment of material learned are measured by nightly homework, lesson quizzes, and chapter tests.

The Pre-Algebra curriculum is designed to bridge from the concrete, number-oriented mathematics in elementary school to symbol-centered algebra. This course emphasizes pre-algebra skills and concepts such as variable, equation solving, and problem solving.  Precision in the use of mathematical terminology and concepts is emphasized. Assessment of material learned will be measured by nightly homework, lesson quizzes, and chapter tests.

Social Studies

Seventh grade students use World Culture and Geography by McDougal Littell. The geography, history, culture and economics of each region of the world is studied.Students present current events articles weekly, which are sources of class discussion.  Students complete an independent project each trimester.  Students participate in a social studies fair every other year.

Science

Specials

Seventh grade students study Life Science.  Topics include: The Scientific Method, The Structure of Viruses and Cells, Cell Processes, Cell Reproduction and Growth, Heredity, Classifying Living Things, Bacteria, Protists and Fungi, and Animals (Fish, Amphibians, Reptiles, Birds, and Mammals).  The curriculum includes lab activities and reports based on the Scientific Method, worksheets, and The Glencoe text.  We are currently adding a unit on worms. With the help of a Nasco Dissection Guide we plan on adding a dissection component this year.  Students participate in a science fair every other year. Homework typically consists of completing vocabulary definition, lab reports or worksheets, and studying for quizzes and tests.

Seventh Grade students participate in weekly classes in Art, Computer, Library, Physical Education, and Spanish.