Middle School Grades 5-8

Roncalli Middle School Curriculum

Roncalli Middle School is moving towards a schoolwide initiative known as STREAM. STREAM stands for Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Arts (Language arts and Fine arts) and Math. It is our hope that we work to focus on these concepts in all classes.

Science: provide topics to create a Science related theme or topic of discussion
Technology: use technology to communicate results, data, analysis, and/or for documentation of information

Religion: infuse religion across all subjects by finding a correlation between the topic/unit of discussion and our faith

Engineering: create, build, and/or design a product

Art: provide students the creative thinking skills necessary to communicate and advance STEM in the real world in the form of any of the Fine Arts

Math: incorporate math concepts and skills in the learning process
It is our hope that through these interactive and hands-on lessons, students will apply knowledge and skills to real-world situations. Students will communicate, collaborate, and strategize ways to solve a problem through a cross-curricular model. Technology plays a big part in how we communicate our ideas to others, by the use of Chromebooks in all grades, students will gain opportunities to learn the skills necessary to present and communicate their ideas. Our world is changing and we need to get our students ready for their world. We want to put God at the center of what we do, the best way to see God all around us is through the beauty that exists in our world. The arts are a way to show this beauty and it is why every student in the middle school takes art as well as a music choice of choir or band.

COURSE OVERVIEW

English Language Arts (ELA) – ELA applies previous knowledge and to interpret challenging
fiction and non-fiction materials. It describes and uses story elements such as plot, character,
setting, and theme. Students also analyze the development of plot, character, setting, and
theme as it pertains to the overall impact of literature. Students learn how literature is
integrated into all aspects of the school curriculum. Students learn about the standard usage of
tense, number, gender, and case. Students learn the fundamentals of punctuation and parts of
speech. Spelling is taught within the use of vocabulary, and the six-trait writing process allows
students to write correctly.

Math - is developmental and sequential. The students learn mathematical facts, operations,
and algorithms appropriate to their grade level in accordance with Green Bay Diocesan
Standards. St. Francis of Assisi Middle School uses Envisions Math program for fifth grade. Sixth
grade through eighth grade uses the Prentice Hall Math Series. In eighth grade student have an
opportunity to take Algebra based on their MAP (Measure of Academic Progress) tests, Algebra
placement test, and academic achievement in 7th grade. Students will learn how to solve
problems, and use manipulatives and learn geometric concepts that exists in the world around
them.

Social Studies – Students in fifth grade study the early explorers to North America and how the
United States came into being. In sixth grade students study the contributions of people and
society through ancient times. The seventh grade history class focuses on early American
History to the Civil War with an emphasis on civics. The main emphasis of eighth grade history
class looks at American History from the Civil War to modern times with an emphasis on
financial literacy. Geography is incorporated throughout the social studies curriculum to have a
better understanding of the world around the students.

Science – Students learn the basics of the scientific method, environmental science, life
sciences, physical science, and chemistry. Students will also focus on current issues in science
and how it affects their lives.

Religion – All students participate in the preparation of Liturgies and prayer services along with
leading prayer in class. Opportunities are given twice a year for Reconciliation. Students will
also experience a spiritual retreat during the year along with service opportunities. St. Francis
of Assisi Middle School follows the scope and sequence of the Christ our Life series.

• Fifth grade focuses on the sacraments, especially the Eucharist, the center of Christian Life.
•  Sixth grade focuses on the study of God’s saving love as it is revealed in Sacred

Scriptures, particularly the Old Testament. Students will increase their knowledge of
salvation history so that they may respond to God with ever deepening love and
gratitude.

• Seventh grade studies God’s saving love as it is revealed through his Son, Jesus.

Students will also strive to grow in their knowledge of Jesus, that they may love him
more ardently and serve him more generously.

• Eighth grade studies God’s faithful love as it is revealed in the Church founded by Jesus Christ.

Spanish - Spanish is an introduction to the study of the language of Spanish and the cultures of
the countries that speak Spanish. This course includes listening, speaking, reading, and writing
in the language as well as activities to give the students a chance to experience many different
Hispanic cultures. Successful completion of Spanish may provide the student credit for one
year of high school Spanish.

ART- Students learn and recognize the visual arts as a form of communication. They will be
able to know and apply elements of art, principles of design, and expressive features of the
visual arts. Students know and apply appropriate use of visual arts, techniques, and other skills.
A combination of drawing, sculpture, and art history are used in class. All students participate
in the SFA art show in May.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION - Students learn specific skills for individual, team and dual sports.
Students are taught to understand training and conditioning practices, understand the longterm
effects of regular participation in physical activity, and engage in activities that develop
and maintain muscular strength and endurance.

HEALTH - Students learn about main concepts of hygiene, body maintenance, nutrition and
human anatomy and development.

GUIDANCE - Our comprehensive school counseling program supports students by involving
families, school and our entire community to assure academic, social-emotional, spiritual
growth for all students.

CHORUS - Chorus is a class that provides students the opportunity to sing and perform some
of their favorite music styles and songs. This course will help to build voice and performance
skills while giving students the opportunity to sing in a group. Students participate in the
Christmas and Spring Concerts and are a part of their quarterly grade. Students are also given
the opportunity to refine musical skills through chorus and church choir.

BAND - Band is a two-semester course that provides students the opportunity to perfect their
individual musical skills plus develop skills needed to perform with a group. The band performs
at Christmas and in the spring. In addition, the band marches in the Memorial Day parade.
Individual lessons are scheduled with the band instructor.