St. Paul Catholic SchoolMiddle School

Information Night

September 1, 2011

Welcome!Welcome!

82 Years

Stay Informed!

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CurriculumCurriculum CurriculumCurriculum

St. Paul Catholic School follows the standards and benchmarks set

forth by the Diocese of St. Petersburg, which are based upon

the Sunshine State Standards, which in turn, are based upon

national standards.  

Religion

Middle School Religion is integrated into every part of our school day.

Our goal is to help each child develop a lifelong loving relationship with God and to help each child to use their faith to guide their thoughts, choices, and actions throughout their lives.

The Franciscan Charism is ever present in our school, continually stressing the importance of service to God and others.

Middle School Religion is integrated into every part of our school day.

Our goal is to help each child develop a lifelong loving relationship with God and to help each child to use their faith to guide their thoughts, choices, and actions throughout their lives.

The Franciscan Charism is ever present in our school, continually stressing the importance of service to God and others.

Religion Curriculum

Sixth GradeSixth GradeOld TestamentOld Testament

Seventh GradeSeventh GradeNew Testament & New Testament &

SacramentsSacraments

Eighth GradeEighth GradeChurch HistoryChurch History

All grades:All grades: Catholic Catholic PrayersPrayers

Sixth GradeSixth GradeOld TestamentOld Testament

Seventh GradeSeventh GradeNew Testament & New Testament &

SacramentsSacraments

Eighth GradeEighth GradeChurch HistoryChurch History

All grades:All grades: Catholic Catholic PrayersPrayers

Mathematics

Field Tested Research Based Aligned with

National Math Standards

Higher Order Thinking

Applicable to Real World

Field Tested Research Based Aligned with

National Math Standards

Higher Order Thinking

Applicable to Real World

A Continuation of Everyday Mathematics from the University of Chicago School Mathematics

Project

A Continuation of Everyday Mathematics from the University of Chicago School Mathematics

Project

The federal government's What Works Clearinghouse gave Everyday Mathematics the highest rating of any commercially published elementary mathematics curriculum. Our curriculum

is a continuation of EDM.

The federal government's What Works Clearinghouse gave Everyday Mathematics the highest rating of any commercially published elementary mathematics curriculum. Our curriculum

is a continuation of EDM.

Six Grade Mathematics

Students given Pre-Test on each unit and placed in the appropriate class based on their pre-test scores.

Students are NOT permanently grouped. They have the ability to change their grouping with each unit,

according to their prior knowledge on that unit.

Students given Pre-Test on each unit and placed in the appropriate class based on their pre-test scores.

Students are NOT permanently grouped. They have the ability to change their grouping with each unit,

according to their prior knowledge on that unit.

Two levels: Grade level and Accelerated Two levels: Grade level and Accelerated

Seventh Grade Mathematics

Two levels Transition Mathematics A (Two-year version) Transition Mathematics – (One-year version)

the pre-Algebra component of Everyday Math.

Placement is made on a yearly basis after examination of four criteria:

Final sixth grade math grade ITBS percentile Rank Placement Test score Teacher Recommendation

Seventh Grade Mathematics

Requirements for seventh grade Pre-Algebra in one year

Three out of the four following criteria: Final math grade of B or better in sixth

grade A minimum 85th percentile rank on ITBS

Total Math in sixth grade A placement test score of at least 22

out of 30 Teacher recommendation

Eighth Grade Mathematics

Three levels1. Transition Mathematics B: USCMP - Equal to

Pre-Algebra2. Eighth Grade Algebra – UCSMP3. Algebra 1 Honors – Florida Virtual School

Placement is made on a yearly basis after examination of four criteria:

1. Final seventh grade math grade2. ITBS percentile rank3. Placement test score4. Teacher recommendation

Eighth Grade Algebra and Pre-Algebra

Eighth Grade Pre-Algebra

(Grade Level Math)

Students not meeting the qualifications for Algebra or Algebra 1 Honors are placed in this class.

Teachers may make adjustments to placement within the first nine weeks, if supporting data is present.

Eighth Grade AlgebraStudents must meet 3 out

of the 4 following criteria:

A final grade of B or better in seventh grade

A minimum 85th percentile rank on ITBS Total Math

A placement score of 24 or higher out of 32 for Transition students, or 22 or higher out of 30 for Pre-Transition students

Math teacher recommendation

Qualifications for Algebra 1 Honors

• Algebra 1 Honors: High School Credit offered through Florida Virtual Schools, to students who have demonstrated outstanding mathematic and algebraic abilities, and demonstrated the readiness for this course by meeting the following criteria:

• A final math grade of an A in seventh grade

• A Minimum 90th percentile rank on ITBS Total Math

• Placement test score of 27 or higher out of 32

• Recommendation of math teacher

SEPUP ScienceSEPUP Science

• Issue-oriented science– Engages students

in the process of learning science

– Encourages students to use scientific evidence to make decisions

– Helps educate tomorrow’s citizens about the application of science to their lives

– Advocates critical thinking skills – not one position on issues

• Issue-oriented science– Engages students

in the process of learning science

– Encourages students to use scientific evidence to make decisions

– Helps educate tomorrow’s citizens about the application of science to their lives

– Advocates critical thinking skills – not one position on issues

• Inquiry-based science– Motivates students– Provides a daily

challenge– Meets science

standards in a hands- on, student-centered environment

– Encourages learning through doing!

– Gears learning to middle school students’ learning styles

– Has student-friendly text written on appropriate level

• Inquiry-based science– Motivates students– Provides a daily

challenge– Meets science

standards in a hands- on, student-centered environment

– Encourages learning through doing!

– Gears learning to middle school students’ learning styles

– Has student-friendly text written on appropriate level

SCIENCE

EDUCATION FOR

PUBLIC

UNDERSTANDIN

G PROGRAM

SEPUP.com, 2011

DEVELOPED BY THE

UNIVERSITY OF

CALIFORNIA AT

BERKLEY

SEPUP ONLINE

Sixth Grade Sixth Grade ScienceScience

• SEPUP Earth ScienceSEPUP Earth Science– Students investigate:Students investigate:

• Soil and the Scientific Soil and the Scientific MethodMethod

• GeologyGeology• Erosion and DepositionErosion and Deposition• Plate TectonicsPlate Tectonics• MeteorologyMeteorology• AstronomyAstronomy

• SEPUP Earth ScienceSEPUP Earth Science– Students investigate:Students investigate:

• Soil and the Scientific Soil and the Scientific MethodMethod

• GeologyGeology• Erosion and DepositionErosion and Deposition• Plate TectonicsPlate Tectonics• MeteorologyMeteorology• AstronomyAstronomy

Students gather

and apply

evidence to solve

problems

Students work in

cooperative learning groups

Seventh Grade Science

• Life scienceLife science– Experimental Experimental

DesignDesign– The Human The Human

BodyBody– Cell Biology and Cell Biology and

DiseaseDisease– GeneticsGenetics– EcologyEcology– EvolutionEvolution

Learner

Centered

Knowledge Centered

Assessment

Centered

Community Centered

Eighth Grade Science

•Physical scienceStudying Materials ScientificallyThe Chemistry of MaterialsWaterEnergyForce and Motion

Students relate

material to prior

knowledgeStudents put

emphasis on the science

knowledge and skills in each lesson

Students reflect

on new

knowledgeStudents use the assessments to build deeper understanding

Science GradesScience Grades•Student Activities and Labs

•Two or three times per week – 50 points each•Half the grade reflects the student’s completion of the activity/lab and half the grade reflects the student’s thoughtful answers to “Analysis” questions

•Formal Assessments•Once per unit – 100 points

•Projects•Once per quarter – 100 points

Avoid “Yes” or “No”

answers. DISCUSS!

REASON! THINK!

Explore possibilities.

Students are not

regurgitating rote facts.

SEPUP assessments

are research based

Score Indicates student work is:4 advanced, above and beyond (A)3 complete and correct (B)2 partially correct (C)1 incorrect (D)0 missing or off task (F)

Each child will also complete an age-appropriate long-term research-based science project, worth 300 points

Language Arts: Ms. Marijon Reed

  

• Eighth Grade Homeroom

Teacher

• Language Arts Teacher for Grades Six, Seven, and Eight

 • Encompasses Reading,

Writing, Vocabulary, Spelling, Grammar, Speech and Theater

  

• To strengthen our vocabulary To strengthen our vocabulary banks so that we can banks so that we can increase our ability to read increase our ability to read and write and write

  • To learn proper spelling, To learn proper spelling,

punctuation, and grammar punctuation, and grammar usage so that others can usage so that others can understand and enjoy the understand and enjoy the work we producework we produce

  • To become proficient at using To become proficient at using

the computer as a tool for the computer as a tool for more effective more effective communicationcommunication

Important Websites

•www.vocabularyworkshop.com

•www.grammarforwriting.com (for all middle school students)

•www.phlitonline.com (for students in Grade 6)

Prentice Hall Literature

for Grade 6 Students

• Online Component• Common Core

Standards• Requires a student

name and password

• Eventually will extend to Grades Seven and Eight

Writing

• Many opportunities for practice

• Most writing is done in writer’s log

• Students are encouraged to write about personal interestsand experiences.

• Guest speakers/field trip suggestions welcome!

• Rubrics are provided

• First writing piece due Sept. 30th

A new writing piece is submitted each month.

Homework

• Read ten pages a night in Accelerated Reader book.

• Study for weekly spelling or vocabulary test.

• Most assignments are completed during class time.

Accelerated Reader

•Goals are individual, based on ITBS results.

•AR grade is based on percentage of goal.

•Students may do a book report if there is no AR test.

•If a student has earned only a part of his or her goal, it registers as an F on Power School.

•Students have the entire quarter to earn their goal.

•It is not necessary to complete AR goal in order to earn an A in language Arts, but it does increase performance in every subject.

Social Studies CurriculumSocial Studies CurriculumMs. Betsy AlonzoMs. Betsy AlonzoSocial Studies CurriculumSocial Studies CurriculumMs. Betsy AlonzoMs. Betsy Alonzo

Sixth Grade Ancient Civilizations

Seventh Grade Civics/Economics

Eighth Grade U.S. History/Finance

Park

Sixth Grade Ancient Civilizations

Seventh Grade Civics/Economics

Eighth Grade U.S. History/Finance

Park

History Alive!6th and 8th Grade

Visual Discovery

Social Studies Skill Builder

Experiential Exercise

Writing for Understanding

Response Group

Problem Solving Group Work

CivicsCivics77thth Grade GradeCivicsCivics77thth Grade Grade

Florida Joint Center for Citizenship Civics Course

CitizenshipUnited States and its Federal GovernmentState and Local GovernmentElectionsThe U.S. EconomyGlobal Affairs and U.S. Foreign Policy

Florida Joint Center for Citizenship Civics Course

CitizenshipUnited States and its Federal GovernmentState and Local GovernmentElectionsThe U.S. EconomyGlobal Affairs and U.S. Foreign Policy

GROWGROWGGeographiceographic R Review eview oof the f the WWorldorld

GROWGROWGGeographiceographic R Review eview oof the f the WWorldorld

Each week each class is divided into two groups

Extended Reading Time

Check Out Books

Accelerated Reader and SRI

Research After School with Note

• Computer Skills• Business Applications• Power Points• Travel Brochures• Social Studies Projects• Science Research• Language Arts

Assignments• Special Projects

Library Computer Lab

Sunshine State Reader

Sunshine State ReadersSunshine State Readers

• Grades 3-5 -List of 15 Books

• Grades 6-8- List of 15 Books

• Students are eligible to vote for their favorite books if they have read at least 3 books and taken and passed the AR test.

• Students are eligible to try out for our Book Bowl, held in the spring, if they have read at least eight books from their class level list.

Requirements for the Book Requirements for the Book BowlBowl•Take the qualifying test and pass

with at least a 70%.•Mandatory attendance for three

practices after school.•Desire to enter into competitive

competition.•Follow all rules that are set up by the

Sunshine State Readers Association.

TechnologyTechnologyAll computer projects must be All computer projects must be

completed in schoolcompleted in school No more long projects! No more long projects!

..• Power PointsPower Points

• Publisher – Flyers Publisher – Flyers WebsiteWebsite

• Research for Research for ProjectsProjects

• Criterion WritingCriterion Writing

• Everyday Math Everyday Math OnlineOnline

• Digital ImageryDigital Imagery

• Power PointsPower Points

• Publisher – Flyers Publisher – Flyers WebsiteWebsite

• Research for Research for ProjectsProjects

• Criterion WritingCriterion Writing

• Everyday Math Everyday Math OnlineOnline

• Digital ImageryDigital Imagery

• Word DocumentsWord Documents– Font ChangesFont Changes– Cut and PasteCut and Paste– Color and StyleColor and Style

• E-mailE-mail

• Flash Drives: May Flash Drives: May be used for be used for Language Arts Language Arts Writing pieces & Writing pieces & transferring pictures transferring pictures from homefrom home

• Word DocumentsWord Documents– Font ChangesFont Changes– Cut and PasteCut and Paste– Color and StyleColor and Style

• E-mailE-mail

• Flash Drives: May Flash Drives: May be used for be used for Language Arts Language Arts Writing pieces & Writing pieces & transferring pictures transferring pictures from homefrom home

SpanishSpanishMaestra MarthaMaestra MarthaMartha Marquez-MillerMartha Marquez-Miller

Textbooks and Textbooks and materialsmaterials

Emphasis onEmphasis on

conversation andconversation and

dialoguedialogue

Experiencing success Experiencing success ratherrather

than frustrationthan frustration

Enjoying foreign Enjoying foreign language! language!

Textbooks and Textbooks and materialsmaterials

Emphasis onEmphasis on

conversation andconversation and

dialoguedialogue

Experiencing success Experiencing success ratherrather

than frustrationthan frustration

Enjoying foreign Enjoying foreign language! language!

6th, 7th & 8th Grade6th, 7th & 8th Grade

Middle School students have Spanish class four times a week.Sixth Grade three times a week.

Middle School students have Spanish class four times a week.Sixth Grade three times a week.

Physical EducationPhysical EducationMr. David SukeenaMr. David Sukeena

Grades based on…Grades based on…1.1.Dressing outDressing out2.2.ParticipationParticipation3.3.EffortEffort

Staying HydratedStaying Hydrated

Water coolers will be Water coolers will be on the field during on the field during

hot weather. hot weather. Students are also Students are also

encouraged to encouraged to bring their own bring their own water bottles. water bottles.

Standards and Benchmarks, Skills and Free Time

Standards and Benchmarks, Skills and Free Time

Middle School Middle School SportsSportsMiddle School Middle School SportsSports

• Flag FootballFlag Football• SoccerSoccer• BasketballBasketball• TrackTrack

• Flag FootballFlag Football• SoccerSoccer• BasketballBasketball• TrackTrack

• VolleyballVolleyball• SoccerSoccer• BasketballBasketball• TrackTrack• CheerleadingCheerleading

• VolleyballVolleyball• SoccerSoccer• BasketballBasketball• TrackTrack• CheerleadingCheerleading

Homework, Grades, Conduct and SportsmanshipHomework, Grades, Conduct and Sportsmanship

Students who wish to participate in any sport must have four completed forms on file in the office:

Statement of Compliance, Health Screening, (Physicians signature required) Physical History,

Athletic Events Consent and Release. All forms can be found on our school website.

Students who wish to participate in any sport must have four completed forms on file in the office:

Statement of Compliance, Health Screening, (Physicians signature required) Physical History,

Athletic Events Consent and Release. All forms can be found on our school website.

GirlsBoys

Try-Outs and Play TimeTry-Outs and Play Time

• Rubrics used during try outsRubrics used during try outs

• Every student athlete who is eligible Every student athlete who is eligible to play will get in each regular to play will get in each regular season game.season game.

• Tournament games are more Tournament games are more competitive. competitive.

Musical Ensembles

-- during music period

• Bell Choir• Christmas Pageant

Choir

-- during choice class period

• Clarinet Choir

-- during recess period

• Marching Hand Bells• Glee Club

-- during school liturgies

• Liturgy Ensemble• Schola Cantorum

Art

Middle School students are introduced to a limitless range of art mediums and opportunities. From pastels, collage, and acrylic painting to clay, paper mache and sculpture, art class is always an inviting, fun, sometimes messy, and enjoyable environment.

Middle School students are introduced to a limitless range of art mediums and opportunities. From pastels, collage, and acrylic painting to clay, paper mache and sculpture, art class is always an inviting, fun, sometimes messy, and enjoyable environment.

Students attend regularly scheduled art classes each week. During the middle school years, classes are divided into smaller groups for more intensive discovery of abilities. Middle school students are also offered choices of additional art classes as electives

Students attend regularly scheduled art classes each week. During the middle school years, classes are divided into smaller groups for more intensive discovery of abilities. Middle school students are also offered choices of additional art classes as electives

School School CounselorCounselorMrs. Kathleen PszennyMrs. Kathleen Pszenny

• Mind, Body, and Spirit Mind, Body, and Spirit RetreatsRetreats

• High School and High School and College Pre Choice College Pre Choice ClassesClasses

• Classroom LessonsClassroom Lessons

• Small Group Small Group discussionsdiscussions

• Available to Parents Available to Parents and Studentsand Students

Promotes teamwork, respect, and Self Confidence

Champions of Character Champions of Character

Proactive Christian Cards

If a student demonstrates an act of peacemaking, an act of Christian charity, or an act of respect, he or she will be awarded a Proactive Christian Behavior Card.

If a student receives five of these cards and no yellow cards in one nine weeks from one teacher, he or she will receive a conduct mark of O in that particular class.

Proactive Christian Cards

If a student demonstrates an act of peacemaking, an act of Christian charity, or an act of respect, he or she will be awarded a Proactive Christian Behavior Card.

If a student receives five of these cards and no yellow cards in one nine weeks from one teacher, he or she will receive a conduct mark of O in that particular class.

Student Uniform Letter

Students who violate the uniform and personal appearance requirements will receive a letter from the HR teacher. The letter must be signed and returned the next school day.

Student Uniform Letter

Students who violate the uniform and personal appearance requirements will receive a letter from the HR teacher. The letter must be signed and returned the next school day.

Champions of Character

Champions of Character

Student Responsibility Cards

If students do not have an assignment, they fill out, sign, and date a card explaining why they do not have the assignment.

Accumulation of three student responsibility cards results in an afternoon detention.

A fourth pink slip (SRC) will result in an academic referral.

Student Responsibility Cards

If students do not have an assignment, they fill out, sign, and date a card explaining why they do not have the assignment.

Accumulation of three student responsibility cards results in an afternoon detention.

A fourth pink slip (SRC) will result in an academic referral.

Student Behavior Cards

If students engage in inappropriate behaviors, they must fill out, sign, and date a card detailing their behavior.

Accumulation of three student behavior cards results in an afternoon detention.

Parents also receive notification that a fourth card will lower the citizenship grade to an NI and that the student will be issued an office referral.

Fifth behavior card results in another office referral and a U on the report card.

Student Behavior Cards

If students engage in inappropriate behaviors, they must fill out, sign, and date a card detailing their behavior.

Accumulation of three student behavior cards results in an afternoon detention.

Parents also receive notification that a fourth card will lower the citizenship grade to an NI and that the student will be issued an office referral.

Fifth behavior card results in another office referral and a U on the report card.

O – Students who receive five Proactive Christian Behavior Cards and no yellow cards earn this mark.G – Students who have no student behavior cards earn this mark.S – Students who receive from one to three student behavior cards per nine weeks earn this mark.N – Students who receive from four to five student behavior cards per nine weeks earn this mark.U – Students who receive six or more student behavior cards per nine weeks earn this mark.Some specials teachers have amended policies.

Champions of Character Champions of Character

Assignment Notebook

Homework Folder

• Your child will be supplied with an assignment notebook. Please check the notebook each afternoon, and oversee your child’s completion of homework.

• Please check your child’s red homework folder each evening. Do not discard papers. Have your child file the papers in his/her file system so that they may be reviewed for tests and examination.

• Please be sure that your child has supplies needed to be successful in school.

HomeworkHomeworkAverage 90 Minutes Per NightAverage 90 Minutes Per Night

Your child has homework Your child has homework every night, even if it is every night, even if it is reading ten pages in an AR reading ten pages in an AR book or studying for a quiz.book or studying for a quiz.

Parents have homework Parents have homework too! Make sure that you too! Make sure that you check your child’s grades check your child’s grades every week or two on every week or two on Power School. If they have Power School. If they have any missing assignments any missing assignments please talk to your child, please talk to your child, and keep a close watch on and keep a close watch on the homework planner. If the homework planner. If you a recurrent issue, you a recurrent issue, please contact the teacher. please contact the teacher. In order for your child to be In order for your child to be successful, we have to work successful, we have to work as a team.as a team.

Your child has homework Your child has homework every night, even if it is every night, even if it is reading ten pages in an AR reading ten pages in an AR book or studying for a quiz.book or studying for a quiz.

Parents have homework Parents have homework too! Make sure that you too! Make sure that you check your child’s grades check your child’s grades every week or two on every week or two on Power School. If they have Power School. If they have any missing assignments any missing assignments please talk to your child, please talk to your child, and keep a close watch on and keep a close watch on the homework planner. If the homework planner. If you a recurrent issue, you a recurrent issue, please contact the teacher. please contact the teacher. In order for your child to be In order for your child to be successful, we have to work successful, we have to work as a team.as a team.

Math Homework is given each night

Math Homework is given each night

CHECK POWER SCHOOL

CHECK THE SCHOOL WEBSITE

$ $ Ribbit RewardsRibbit Rewards $$• Teachers will give students ribbit Teachers will give students ribbit

rewards for when students are “caught” rewards for when students are “caught” doing something right. doing something right.

• Students sign the backs of ribbit Students sign the backs of ribbit rewards, and deposit them in the rewards, and deposit them in the treasure chest in the upstairs hall.treasure chest in the upstairs hall.

• On Tuesdays, Mrs. Armstrong draws 10 On Tuesdays, Mrs. Armstrong draws 10 names from the treasure chest. names from the treasure chest.

• Those lucky students get to pick a prize Those lucky students get to pick a prize from the treasure bin!from the treasure bin!

$

You are Your Child’s Most Important Teacher! Thank You for

Partnering With Us!

www.stpaul1930.orghttp://spprincipal.blogspot.com/

efulham@stpaul1930.orgoffice@stpaul1930.org

All Teachers: First initial, last name, @ stpaul1930.org