CURRICULUM HIGHLIGHTS

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HOMEROOM & THEOLOGY

• 6th Grade: Focus on the Old Testament and spiritual formation with resources like OpenLight Media and Hallow.

• 7th Grade: Study of the New Testament and participation in the Maryknoll Missionary Discipleship Institute.

• 8th Grade: Focus on Church history and morality, culminating in an 8th-grade retreat.

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ELA

• Empowering students to become effective in reading, writing, speaking, and thinking.

• Key components: Accelerated Reader program, novel studies, grammar practice, writing workshops, and vocabulary development.

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MATH

• Empowering students to develop the critical thinking skills, positive attitude, and confidence needed for achievement. 

• Curriculum based on Math in Focus (Singapore Math), developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

• Focus on fractions, algebraic expressions, geometry, and preparation for high school algebra and geometry.

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HISTORY

• In history, the focus is on creating students with critical thinking, problem solving, and participatory skills to become engaged citizens while making connections between the past and the present.

• 6th Grade: Ancient History.

• 7th Grade: Medieval History and Washington State History.

• 8th Grade: U.S. History (Early Americans to Reconstruction).

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SCIENCE

• In science, student are guided in building a strong foundation, developing critical thinking skills, encouraging curiosity, learning scientific method, and understanding the physical world. 

• Rotating core concepts of Life Science, Physical Science, and Earth Science for all middle school grades.

• Includes hands-on exploration, STEM projects, and activities like the 6th-grade Camp Hamilton trip and 8th-grade egg drop tradition.

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SPANISH

• Students will explore the vibrant world of Spanish through engaging activities, interactive lessons, and cultural experiences that will build language skills (speaking, listening, reading and writing) and broaden global perspective. 

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PHYSICAL EDUCATION (PE)

• Focus on health, fitness, and lifelong skills.

• Students are expected to change into PE uniforms and give their best effort while practicing good sportsmanship.

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ELECTIVES

• Band, choir and musical theatre

• Yearbook and art

• CREW - students are assigned to a teacher to assist with class projects and tasks

• Rotating elective options

• Elective options rotate each trimester

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SAINT HOUSES

• A student community divided into "Saint Houses," meeting weekly to foster unity, leadership, and personal growth.

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ATHLETICS

• Sports offerings include volleyball, basketball, flag football, and track for grades 6-8, with games held twice a week during seasons. To learn more about athletic at SMPS, click here. 

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BUDDIES

Middle school homerooms are paired with a buddy class. Students serve as role models for these students and sit together at Mass, and participate in fun projects and events together throughout the year! 

• 6th grade has 3rd grade buddies.

• 7th grade has 2nd grade buddies.

• 8th grade has kindergarten buddies.