7th Grade
Seventh grade is a year of change and adventure. It is the first year students are in Junior High with multiple teachers, science projects and regional school dances. They are challenged to be leaders and good examples within the school community.
RELIGION
Students use the Finding God, Following Jesus, textbook from Loyola Press to explore who God is and how they experience him through the Holy Trinity. Next, they study the life, mission, and ministry of Jesus Christ as seen in the four Gospels. Finally students look at their own lives and their efforts to live as Jesus did by spreading His Gospel message and working for Social Justice in the community. We strive to make sure that the students know their faith, grow in their faith, and go and serve in their faith. Emphasis will be on God’s grace through the sacraments. In addition, students will be doing a monthly reflection within the Friendzy curriculum.
SPIRITUAL GROWTH
Students attend Mass weekly, as well as participate monthly in the all-school Mass with their first grade buddies.They participate in Adoration, the Sacrament of Reconciliation and Stations of the Cross.They attend a retreat put on by students from Servite and Rosary High School in the fall. On Holy Thursday, the students are responsible for preparing the Seder Meal for the 8th grade.
COMMUNITY SERVICE
As part of the junior high religion curriculum, we encourage students to be “doers of the Word, and not hearers only” (James 1:22). Therefore seventh grade students are required to complete eight community service hours by the end of the school year. First trimester, students will submit a proposal describing how they will earn their service hours. Then they will have until May to complete the hours and write a reflection on their experience. As a class, we assemble “Kindness Bags” for local homeless people that they can personally deliver with their parents.
SCIENCE
Life science is the main topic for students in 7th grade. The units of study include human systems, cells, genetic traits, diversity of life, ecosystems, and environmental issues, using the Discovery Science digital platform. Lessons incorporate hands-on experiences, like frog and owl dissections and hatching chicks or ducks in the spring. STEM, and a science fair to present their projects to the school and community. Students also attend Outdoor Camp for 3 days in the fall.
LITERATURE
Students will be using the : Into Literature books and other resources to continue building upon foundational skills including vocabulary development, reading comprehension, analysis and criticism, author’s purpose, and the study of both prose and poetry. Students will have opportunities to practice their writing, listening, speaking, and oral language skills throughout the year. In addition we will be reading two novels as a class, with particular focus on analyzing literary elements, in part to encourage creative writing. In addition the students will be participating in the Accelerated Reading (AR) program and are required to earn 20 points each trimester with their independent reading.
MATH
Our 7th-grade math program strives to meet each student at their prospective level and achieve at least a one-year growth in math. There are three classes in which students can be placed: 7th-grade Math (Book: Savvas-Envision 7th Grade), Algebra 1A (the First half of Algebra) (Book: Reveal Algebra 1 McGraw Hill), and Advanced 7th-Grade Algebra (a Full course of Algebra). All of these classes offer a Common Core Edition of Math, which California requires.
SOCIAL STUDIES
Students study the social, cultural, and technological changes that occurred in Europe, Africa and Asia in the years A.D. 500-1789. Students also study the history and geography of great civilizations and empires that developed concurrently throughout the world during medieval and early modern times. Geography and current events are also incorporated into the social studies curriculum.
FIELD TRIPS
Outdoor Camp
Class retreat at Rosary High School
Theater production at Servite High School
The Getty Museum
SPECIAL EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES
Junior high dances, both at HFCS and regional schools. Holiday activities, including Mardi Gras with first grade buddies, and Olympic Day.
