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Academics ~ Middle School
GRADES 6-8
The Sacred Heart Approach
 The primary goal of the Sacred Heart Middle School program is to provide the widest possible range of intellectual and social experiences to early adolescents. Teachers, recognizing many learning styles, will adapt different approaches to different students to better prepare them for the rigorous demands of a college-prep high school and for life.
Core Curriculum
The core subjects for grades 6-8 - language arts, social studies, math and science - are taught in departmentalized, single-sex classrooms by specialized teachers but are united through thematic units of study.
In these learning environments, self-esteem is nurtured, academic achievement stimulated and personal discipline valued. Boys and girls together share in many other school activities.
 Language Arts & Social Studies: These curricula aim to make students aware of contemporary world realities and their historical and literary roots. Significant time is devoted to critical thinking and comprehensive writing.
Mathematics: The math curriculum incorporates hypothetical and real world situations to demonstrate mathematical thinking in a variety of ways and to encourage abstract reasoning.
 Science: The science curriculum emphasizes the scientific method of inquiry to develop the essential skills of deductive and inductive reasoning, problem-solving and data analysis.
Extended Curriculum
Several times each week, students meet with specialized teachers for instruction in French, music, art, computer, religion and physical education.
Advisory Program: Two times each week Middle School students meet with a faculty member in non-graded study groups to discuss developmental concerns and social issues, such as peer pressures, academic competitiveness, life values, and other current topics that are important to early adolescents.
Reporting and Conferences
Parents receive two graded report cards during the academic year. Narrative progress reports also are provided twice annually. Additionally, there are two scheduled conferences for parents and advisors. Parents are strongly encouraged to contact their child's teachers throughout the year with any questions or concerns.
Campus Facilities
Middle School grades 6-8 meet in departmentalized classrooms for core subjects. Specialized classes in grades 6-8 use the art studio, music room, computer center, gymnasium and playground. In our library, students can access the Internet for on-line research. An e-mail link to the Network of Sacred Heart Schools also is available to students who wish to share research nationally or undertake cooperative projects. The computer center is open before and after school.
Extra Curricula
The Arts: There are performance opportunities for students throughout the year in concerts, leadership roles in all-school liturgical celebrations, and after school workshops in studio arts. The Yearbook committee is open to seventh- and eighth-graders.
Competitions: Students are encouraged to enter state and national competitions in math, science, current events, art and physical fitness.
Sports: Students can join intramural or interscholastic sports teams in basketball, volleyball, soccer, baseball, softball, cross-country and track.
Field Trips: During Middle School, students take numerous field trips to extend and enhance their learning experience. For example, seventh- graders attend the United States Space Camp in Alabama, and eighth-graders spend a week in Washington, D.C. in conjunction with their study of American history.
Socials: Student life is enriched by a series of socials for seventh- or eighth-graders, organized and supervised by teachers and the Director of Student Life.
Sacramental Preparation: Preparation for Confirmation is included in the seventh- and eighth-grade religion curriculum on alternating years.
High School Admission Resources: The Schools provide information on the academic programs and admissions procedures of area high schools, host a High School Night in the fall for area schools' presentations, and can arrange on-campus visits to college-prep high schools. The Schools' High School Placement Counselor is available to assist parents and students as they under take the transition process.
In middle school, students are taught valuable lessons about gratitude and how to help those in need. Students learn about social justice issues and are expected to discuss ways in which people's lives can be improved. These lessons are taught in various classroom settings as well as in the field.
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