Outline of Course Work:

RELIGION (Ms. Jackson): Emphasis is on creating spiritually grounded students who engage their faith.

Prayer and scripture, peace and social justice issues, (Church) history, works of mercy, and participation in stewardship and in the Sacraments form the core curriculum.

8th grade text -Faith First: Creed and Prayer – RCL (2001)

Objective: Our goals are to build strong self-awareness and to develop personal spirituality. Through the study of the Holy Scriptures, dialogue with Fr. Leo Edgerly, Jr., and acquaintance with other spiritual traditions, we will explore the blessings and challenges of faith.

Activities:Song/poetry analysisCommunity service

PortraitsPrayer experiences

Journal writingSchool leadership exercises

Scripture studyLearning Centers

2ND STEP PROGRAM: This is a program teaching children skills to resolve conflict in their lives. It is a series of steps taught once a month as part of the curriculum.

FAMILY LIFE PROGRAM: Growing in Love – Harcourt Religion Publishers 2001

The “Family Life Program” is taught in conjunction with our regular religion program. The focus is on human sexuality. The following themes are stressed: the human person is unique; we are sexual beings; we are responsible for our actions. Parents will be asked to initial a form (inserted in the text) to assure parent involvement.

LANGUAGE ARTS/ENGLISH GUIDELINES: Ms. Cummings

Students will continue their journey toward becoming effective communicators. By increasing their awareness of the history, structure and usage of the English language, they will learn to articulate written and spoken ideas intelligently and effectively in a variety of styles.

In addition to the mechanics of the English language, students will study the 6+1 traits of writing (Ideas, Sentence fluency, Organization, Word choice, Voice and Conventions.)

Grades earned for writing, grammar, spelling/vocabulary, class work and homework will contribute to the total English grade.

Texts used - Write Source 2000, Houghton Mifflin English (1990), Houghton Mifflin Spelling & Vocabulary (2004) , 6+1 Traits of Writing (Teacher Resource)

SOCIAL STUDIES (Mrs. Stewart): Emphasis is on identifying patterns in American history and the formation of a unique, pluralistic American culture.

8th grade text- “United States History” Holt, Rinehart and Winston 2006

Objective: Our goal is to gain a sense of historical times, and how they affect us today, and how we can work to further human rights. Realizing that America is a richly complex society, we also immerse ourselves in understanding and celebrating cultural diversity and understanding the many traditions that form American culture. Special attention will be given to the upcoming November elections. Focus will be on the historical significance of the Democratic party’s nomination, as well as the origins of the election process. We also incorporate the study of geography and geohistory.

Activities:Role PlayingTeam Research Question

Current Events Board & PresentationsArt Projects

DebatesStudent Newscasts

Video/ iMovieResearch Projects

MATH: (Mrs. Twomey + Mr. Testo)

Algebra text- Algebra: Structure and Method McDougal Littell (2000)

Objectives:

To understand the operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division using integers.

To understand the rules for the order of operations with algebraic expressions.

To understand the operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division involving equations, word problems, and inequalities.

To understand how to graph equations and inequalities.

To understand the process of factoring.

To understand how to simplify and combine rational expressions.

Rules for Algebra I classes

Pencils or erasable pens should be used for all math work.

Most of the math work is to be done in the math notebook.

Math vocabulary, definitions, and formulas will be noted and kept together in a separate section of the math notebook.

There will be a number of “pop quizzes” to check progress and preparedness.

Each chapter covered will be tested.

Math Groups:

There will be two groups of algebra instruction for the purpose of meeting individual needs. Both groups will receive algebra instruction. The difference between the two groups will simply be pacing. The original group will walk through the current algebra book with additional reinforcement of basic math skills as needed. This class will be taught by Mrs. Twomey, who has an understanding of different learning styles as applied to math. The second group (taught by Mr. Testo) will be pulled out 2 or 3 times a week to work solely on algebra skills at an accelerated pace. On the days of whole class instruction, students will be reinforcing algebra skills in (or from) their small groups. In addition, they will be working on some basic math skills such as problem solving - in an entire group instruction setting.

Those students in the accelerated group must pass stiff criteria:

an understanding of the concepts; awareness of logical thinking skills; the ability to move quickly and independently through work; the ability to be self-motivated; and the ability to easily retain the algebraic concepts. They must have earned a high grade in 7th grade math and be able to work at an accelerated level in 8th grade. Homework must be handed in consistently. There must be a desire on the part of the student and parent.

Ms. Murphy, Mrs. Twomey and Mr. Testo will make the decision on the groupings.

Mr. Testo is a California credentialed high school algebra teacher. He has worked in education for 30 years and has taught this program at Corpus Christi.

SCIENCE (Ms. Jackson)

Holt Science & Technology, (2007) Holt, Rinehart, Winston, (Grades 6–8)

Holt Science & Technology has recently been updated and redesigned with new activities and visual resources. The revised middle school science program includes new supplementary resources designed to reach students of all abilities. Numerous labs, hands-on activities, and interdisciplinary connections show students how science interconnects in their world. Grading is based on a combination of the following:

Homework

Preparedness for reading groups

Participation in lab groups and reading groups

Assignments done in class and in lab

Tests

Science fair projects.

The science program has been revised to create a new focus on learning theories that helps students grasp science in a meaningful way. The research-proven strategies and materials will help make an even more relevant and effective science program for middle school students.

OBJECTIVES:

Understanding of important science concepts, processes, and ideas.

Use of higher order thinking skills.

Ability to solve problems and apply scientific principles.

Commitment to environmental protection.

Interest in independent study of scientific topics.

Social skills.

Communication skills.

Study skills.

In addition 8th graders:

Will keep a journal which will be an ongoing record of students’ learning.

Will understand fully the Scientific Method and be able to apply to all experimentation (short lab exploration and once a week labs).

Will visit the fully equipped science lab once a week for a full-period laboratory experiment.

Will experience many explorations per chapter.

Will be responsible for participating in reading groups to develop research and expository text reading skills.

Will be responsible for researching and reporting on a science topic.

Will participate in the Corpus Christi Science Fair and become actively involved in preparation.

SPANISH: Señora Ruiz

Objective: To continue to prepare students for high school.

To build bridges by respecting and celebrating other cultures.

DISCIPLINE WITH PURPOSE: Corpus Christi School’s ultimate goal is to develop in our students the life skills that lifelong learners will need to exhibit consistent self-discipline. The junior high community recognizes that the teachers and staff must impose discipline when students find themselves in situations where danger, disrespect, and/or disruption is present. The teachers will encourage students to demonstrate respect for all, to contribute well to the learning environment, and to follow procedures correctly.

The classroom discipline plan will allow students to accept ownership for their behavior by working in gradual steps:

The teacher will coach or cue a student to self-correct.

The student will meet with the teacher to review the rule and its consequence.

The student will document the difficulty. The teacher may have parents review the documentation at that time, providing a signature.

The teacher will contact the parents and any other faculty members who might be affected by the student’s actions.

The teacher will refer the student to the administration for further review.

HOMEWORK: Students are required to have a specific homework assignment book which is available from the school. If homework is not completed, please send a note to excuse student written and signed by the parent. Otherwise, missing or incomplete homework is cause for grade lowering. Copying homework from another student will result in loss of both homework papers and an automatic “F”. Homework is graded for neatness and completeness. Homework is evaluated on a point basis. These are averaged and a grade is given each quarter. Some research will need to be done at a Public Library or on the Internet. Please help students schedule such times.

TESTS: Tests are given regularly. It is possible to have more than one test in one day.

BILLING: The yearly fees will be divided into two billings. $55.00 will be due by October 1st. In March I will reassess the 8th grade account and provide the amount of the second installment. This entire fee provides for all of the activities listed below. Thank you in advance.

FIELDTRIPS / ACTIVITIESCost Per Student

Fall Retreat at Holy Redeemer Center, Oakland11.00

Halloween Dance - DJ / Treats & Admission9.00

Christmas Dance9.00

Auction Project7.00

Mardi Gras Party0.50

Fundraiser/Nacho Sale Supplies0.50

Night Dance in May9.00

End of Year Party at Hampton Park5.00

Year End Gift5.00

EnrichmentSpring Billing

Sacramento: Amtrak Spring Billing

Sacramento: Round TableSpring Billing

Sacramento: MuseumsSpring Billing

FALL BILLING TOTAL

DUE OCTOBER 1st

$56.00

ENRICHMENT Class Dates (parent-sponsored and supervised):

Friday mornings 8:30-12:15 on April 23, April 30, May 7, May 14

DANCES: Jr. High has four dances throughout the year. Three are held during the school day and one at night. All are held in the school gym. We will need chaperones for the Spring Night Dance. We ask parents to come into the gym to pick students up at the end of the night dance.

COMMUNICATION: Weekly newsletters will be available on the school website and an email reminder will be sent at the end of each week. Please check for upcoming events. To contact me, please call the school office 530-4056 or send a brief email to me at kjackson@csdo.org. You are also welcome to make an appointment to meet after school. Please check the school Website for additional information: www.corpuschristischool.com.