Religion

The sixth grade religion program uses Faith First by Resources for Christian Living. The program provides a balance between doctrine, scripture and the liturgical year. Scripture is included in every chapter of the text and each day during prayer. The feasts and seasons of the liturgical year are incorporated into the course of study to help the students remember and celebrate all that God has done for us. 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 take a field trip to America's First Cathedral, the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, in Baltimore, Maryland. 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, 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.

The sixth grade Math Course is designed to integrate the students’ proficient elementary mathematical skills with the middle level of challenging concepts which will create the foundation for their algebraic experience. This course enables the students to use mathematics in the world around them as well as in their other courses of study. Students are provided opportunities to explore, problem solve, create mathematical models and work cooperatively with a partner or group. To aid in the assessment of the students’ learning there is nightly homework, section quizzes, and chapter tests.

Social Studies

Sixth grade social studies classes use the text book, History of Our World by Prentice Hall. The units taught are Map skills, Early Civilizations, Ancient Egypt, Ancient Greece, Ancient Rome, Ancient China, Western Europe, The Middle Ages, and the Renaissance. 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

Sixth grade students study Earth Science.  Topics covered include The Solar System, Earth’s Material and Structure, Water, Matter, Physical and Chemical Properties and Changes, Electricity, Magnetism, and Ecology.  The curriculum includes lab activities and reports based on the Scientific Method, worksheets, and the Glencoe text.  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.

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