Seventh graders plan and implement a service project during one month of the school year. They attend weekly liturgies, several of which they are responsible for planning. They also have Reconciliation and Eucharistic Adoration several times a year. Seventh graders take a field trip to St. Mary of the Woods. Finally, the students participate in a leadership training program called Lead Like Jesus.
 

Leader In Me
Nativity is proud to be a Leader In Me School. We learn about the 7 Habits of Highly Effective Students, and learn to put those habits into practice each and every day; in the classroom, with classmates, teachers, and visitors. It is exciting to see students take charge of their choices and actions. They learn that they can create and own their attitude, choice, and consequences. Students see how their choices affect others around them. Learning respect and taking responsibility for their choices and actions, not only makes for a  stronger character but Christ-like character.

Language Arts
Seventh-grade language arts includes instruction in writing, literature, vocabulary, spelling, and grammar. Students write essays, creative writing, journal entries, and poems. They read short stories, nonfiction, novels, plays, and poetry. Vocabulary, spelling, and grammar instruction is integrated into literature lessons for more authentic learning. A daily language learning workbook called Simple Solutions further enhances writing and grammar concepts. Students also read independently through the Accelerated Reader Program.

Social Studies
Seventh-grade social studies is primarily a study of the regions and countries of Africa, Asia, and the Southwest Pacific. We study the geographical, historical, economic, political, and cultural relationships of these areas. This includes African Kingdoms, Egypt, the Middle East, China, Japan, and Australia. These are huge areas, both in land mass and population, and are as different and complex as one can imagine. Through readings, videos, and assignments, students expand their knowledge of how over one-half of the world’s population lives today.

Math
In seventh grade we solve problems using various strategies, grow in mastery of number sense, explore geometric principles, analyze data and organize in a variety of methods, work with probability, odds, and statistics, strengthen abilities to solve algebraic equations and inequalities, obtain a thorough understanding of fractions and decimals, introduce irrational numbers and nonlinear functions.

Science
The seventh-grade physical science curriculum covers energy transformation in relation to radiation, convection, and conduction, and light and sound. In earth-space science topics covered include rocks and minerals, the rock cycle, the Earths’ structure, and the magnetic field, and the processes that shape the land. In life science, cell theory studies include cell components, cell division, and the function of cells as single units or as groups of tissue. Our science classes strive to offer a curriculum that is well balanced between laboratory work, technology, and reading for content and understanding, as well as expressing ideas in the written word.
 
Visual Arts
Seventh-grade students at Nativity explore the elements and principles of art such as color, line, shape, form, and space as part of their visual arts education. An artistic exploration of these elements and principles is chosen to be appropriate for their age and expands on the skills they have already learned. Seventh graders learn advanced value and perspective drawing skills, visual communication of a message, and appreciation of famous artists who have influenced the world of art. Most importantly, students continue to develop a personal artistic style that expresses their personal philosophies.

Spanish
Spanish class provides middle school students the opportunity to learn a different language and explore the Spanish culture. Students work on writing and speaking Spanish by using basic words and phrases, greetings, emotions, and weather. While beginning to conjugate verbs and use basic sentences, students learn beginning conversational Spanish. Middle School students also learn Catholic prayers in Spanish. El Dia de Muertos, 5 de Mayo, and Las Posadas are just a few of the traditions and holidays the students will celebrate.

Religion
Seventh-grade religion class focuses on the New Testament, especially the life and teaching of Jesus Christ. Core Catholic beliefs and practices like the Blessed Trinity are reinforced through readings, discussions, and reflection. Students also learn about feasts and seasons. During one quarter they take part in a curriculum called Family Life that explores the modern Catholic Family.

Technology
Our use of technology in Middle School will include, IXL Math Program, Accelerated Reader Program, guided online research and activities, Microsoft Word, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Publisher, integration of technology into subject areas, and developing proper finger placement while typing.

Music
Music provides our middle school students with an opportunity to explore rhythm, melody, and harmony with song, movement, and games. We continue to
expand our vocal and instrumental experiences, including African and Latin drumming, as well as the increasing complexity of what has been learned before. By middle school, our students are regularly composing and performing their own creations based on our standards. Middle school students have the opportunity to sing in our middle school choir, sing in our cantor choir (liturgy musicians), and play in our band. Each organization provides opportunities to perform several times throughout the school year. We endeavor to implant a life-long love of music through all types of hands-on experiences. Middle school students also have the opportunity to participate in the annual spring musical.

Physical Education
Seventh-grade physical education standards are incorporated into games and activities. Special emphasis is placed on team-work and cooperation. Activities are designed to build on basic skills developed in the primary grades!! Fitness concepts and lifetime fitness goals are also introduced.
 
  


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