SEVENTH GRADE

The seventh-grade year is dedicated to gaining skills and experience necessary to be the leaders of the school and models of character, in eighth grade.  The students run several charitable drives for the needy. They are partnered with the primary students to assist in their presentations, events, lab experiences and safety drills.  In addition, seventh graders are prepared for the responsibilities and rigors of high school and beyond.

Religion

The seventh-grade curriculum studies the life and death of Jesus, His mission, the Apostles, and the early Church. The Ten Commandments and their place in the world today are also a focus. Students are taught how to use their Catholic faith as a guide when making important decisions or dealing with peer-pressure situations. The miracles and parables of Jesus are also discussed in detail and students learn the significance of these writings. Virtues, vices, as well as The Beatitudes, are taught in detail. In addition, a focus on healthy relationships within the teachings of the Catholic Church are described.  

Language Arts

The Language Arts program is designed to engage students in the world of literature and informational reading. Students are prepared to summarize, paraphrase and outline materials while strengthening their writing skills. A key component of the program includes grammar review and vocabulary. 

Pre-Algebra

The seventh grade Pre-Algebra course is an introduction to Algebra concepts. Through hands-on, discovery-based learning, students uncover the concepts necessary to be successful in Algebra I.  The focus is on understanding the math behind the math, note taking, study skills, and learning strategies is stressed. The study of Pre-Algebra focuses on five critical areas: (1) rational numbers and equations; (2) proportions and similarity; (3) linear and nonlinear functions; (4) two and three-dimensional space; and (5) statistics and probability.  Through differentiated instruction, student-centered learning, and a curriculum infused with technology, students uncover concepts while developing their abstract reasoning, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.  Pre-Algebra Accelerated is offered to students who demonstrate mastery of 6th grade concepts.     

Science

The seventh-grade science course of study is Life Science. Content explored includes cell theory, structure and some processes, classification of living things, and human body systems. Students use these ideas to understand the complexity, diversity and interconnections of life on Earth.  Scientific explorations and discussions, particularly in health/wellness and ethics, are an essential component of the class, and proper protocol and safety are emphasized. Students are required to use the internet.  One major project is assigned each marking period, including one STREAM project of a school-wide theme.

Social Studies

Students in the seventh grade are introduced to our nation’s system of government.  They study documents from the Magna Carta, the Mayflower Compact, The Declaration of Independence and The United States Constitution.  Students study the American Revolutionary War from the causes to the after math.  They follow the path leading to the adoption of the United States Constitution and the Bill of Rights.  Students learn the powers of the branches of government.  They acquire skills necessary to become productive members of society through discussions on contemporary issues and current events that face our nation, state and communities.  Students expand upon their knowledge of the Holocaust and Civil Rights.  As a final project, students use technology to analyze, distinguish and integrate information to produce a written work to present their ideas clearly and efficiently.  

Penmanship

The seventh-grade students perform daily handwriting exercises, as studies show that learning to write in cursive improves brain development in the areas of thinking, language and working memory. Handwriting is one of the “To Do” things assigned every morning before classes begin.  All students are required to write in cursive, and proper formation of letters is expected at this level. All students compete in a National Handwriting competition each year.