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8th Grade

8th Grade

8th grade is the capstone year of the middle experience at ASB. This is a year for students to reflect on the meaning of their faith, prepare for their future, and celebrate their achievements while saying goodbye to ASB. Our students’ academic, social, and spiritual journey culminates as they prepare for the transition to high school.  Throughout the year we honor our 8th graders' achievements in education, service and leadership.

 

ELA

8th grade language arts and literacy focus on reading, writing and communicating proficiently and maturely in a variety of forms.  There is a strong emphasis on the research process, credible sources, and organization in writing.  Students will also review grammar, vocabulary, and spelling on a regular basis.   Throughout the year, students will work on poetry explications, creative writing, and literary essays to compliment various nonfiction writing forms.

Our curriculum standards and outcomes for reading, writing, and language are based on the Common Core State Standards (CCSS).

Math

Integrated Mathematics in eighth grade will focus on three areas: (1) formulating and reasoning about expressions and equations, including modeling an association in bi-variate data with a linear equations, and solving linear equations and systems of linear equations: (2) analyzing two-and three-dimensional space and figures using distance, angle, similarity, and congruence, and (3) understanding and applying the Pythagorean Theorem. (From Common Core State Standards for Mathematics, grade 8 p. 52)

Students that have demonstrated readiness for the abstract thinking of algebra, along with the extra demands of the class, complete a course aligned with the state standards and the Common Core State Standards for Algebra 1.  These core concepts include: numbers, expressions, and operations; characteristics and behaviors of functions; linear functions, equations, and inequalities; quadratic functions and equations and applying problem solving strategies throughout all units.

Science

8th grade Science is a hands-on, inquiry-based introduction to physical science concepts.  Topics include the metric system, properties of matter, Chemical Interactions, Force & Motion, electromagnetism, and waves.  Students use hands-on scientific tools and learn proper use of lab equipment.  They develop critical thinking skills and learn how to consider variables and their impacts.  By the end of 8th grade, students will be capable of applying knowledge of the scientific method to perform and analyze labs.

Social Studies

The social studies curriculum in 8th grade follows U.S. history from colonial times through the Civil War, with a strong focus on the founding of our nation. This also includes focuses on American government, current events, and the economy.
 

Religion

Students explore ethics and learn decision-making skills using realistic tools that they can utilize on a daily basis. The guiding principles of Catholic Social Teaching are taught and put into practice through community service each trimester. Students also learn about the history of the Catholic Church. The final topic covered is family life, as we come full circle and reinforce ethical decision-making skills.

Spanish

A main focus for 8th graders is on spoken Spanish; they practice daily through partner conversations and activities.  They continue to build on the grammar concepts and vocabulary that they already know, moving towards more advanced sentence structures and comprehension.  They read another novel in Spanish and make iMovie’s teaching grammar concepts to younger students.  Each February-May, students have the option of taking a Placement Assessment to test into Spanish 2 at applicable high schools.

Art

8th grade students have one trimester of art as part of the fine arts curriculum. Students develop their creative skills and techniques in a positive atmosphere.  Drawing is the foundation of the program.  Students use basic and advanced art materials, develop their skills and techniques for creating quality work, learn central principles and elements of art, and develop their own aesthetic awareness and appreciation.

Drama

8th grade students focus on understanding the theatrical process of taking an idea, character and/or story, and bringing it to life on stage using a variety of techniques and methods. We continually build on our performance skills working on various activities and projects throughout the trimester.  8th grade students focus on bringing a story to life on stage. This process includes choosing a scene from a modern play; develop creative ideas of bringing the scene to life, rehearsing the scene incorporating their ideas and performing the scenes for their fellow students.  Students also learn about the technical elements of theatre including designing costumes, sets, props and lights.

Music

Looking at the history of the two most authentic forms of American music is the focus in 8th grade music: jazz, and the roots of rock music.  The emphasis is on understanding and appreciating the musical, cultural, and historical importance of these forms of American music.  Connections are made to the evolution of the civil rights movement as well as connections to the elements of music within each genre.

Physical Education

The goal of the middle school physical education program is to reinforce concepts and skills that will translate into healthy life habits for students.  We accomplish this by exposing students to many individual, dual, and team experiences throughout the year. These experiences will be creative small group activities and modified games. ASB PE aims to recognize that everyone is unique in their abilities.  Students are assessed on their effort toward personal growth and excellence.  Students should focus on positive participation, sportsmanship and class daily learning targets.

ASB School uses the Common Core State Standards in all mathematics classes. All teachers use a varied approach to instruction and assessment to ensure that all students are challenged at an appropriate level and learning the key concepts appropriate to their age and development. In addition to student outcomes, the School-wide Learning Expectations (SLEs) are integrated into the mathematics curriculum in the following ways:
 
  • Students will communicate effectively by solving problems using words, numbers, and pictures. This will be done individually and in groups with an emphasis on articulating the thought processes involved in reaching an answer.
  • Students will demonstrate critical thinking skills by investigating and analyzing possible strategies to solve problems. They will draw conclusions, verify results and check for reasonableness of solutions.
  • Students will demonstrate that they are lifelong learners by showing curiosity and enthusiasm for applying mathematical concepts in daily life, and to other academic areas.
  • Students strive for excellence by assessing their own areas of strength and for growth in the area of mathematics. They set personal standards of quality for their own performance.
  • Students live as people of integrity within their community by working through problems in large and small groups and by showing a willingness to help classmates who struggle.
 
Following are the norms we have established in all middle school math classes:
  • Everyone can learn math to the highest levels
  • Mistakes are valuable
  • Questions are really important
  • Math is about creativity and making sense
  • Math class is about learning not performing
  • Math is about connections and communicating
  • Depth is more important than speed
  •  

Grading Policies: Tests, quizzes and checkpoint assessments are used to determine student’s overall grade for mathematics. Completion of daily assignments provides practice and quick feedback on their progress toward understanding standards.
 

8th Grade Math Placement

Assumption-St. Bridget School offers three math classes for eighth graders to prepare each student for long-term success in high school math and beyond. A major stage of brain development in young adolescents contributes to their ability to engage in the increasingly abstract thinking that is needed for success when working with higher level algebraic concepts. When placing students into a math class we take into consideration many criteria:

  • readiness for abstract reasoning
  • the amount of time, effort and support that the student needs for success in math
  • performance on a basic skills test
  • performance on a standardized algebra placement test

The feedback that we receive from high school math departments is that the priority for middle schools should be to make sure that each student enters high school strong in mathematical thinking, concepts, and problem-solving.  That is our aim in placing students for next year.

Students will be assessed on their progress toward mastering the mathematical concepts laid out in the 7th grade common core state standards for mathematics. Demonstrating understanding of these concepts does not always mean a student is ready for 9th grade algebra, but it certainly does not mean that student is below grade level. 

Performance assessments alone do not necessarily indicate a student’s readiness for algebra. In the spring students will take an algebra placement test that is a 9th grade algebra placement test, not an assessment on 7th grade concepts. Over 18 years, has been a reliable indicator of algebra readiness. The three 8th-grade math classes next year are:

 

Pre-Algebra

This course is based on the 8th grade common core curriculum: linear functions and equations; properties of geometric figures; summary and analysis of data sets; identifying rational and irrational numbers, applying order of operations and working with exponents; and applying problem solving strategies throughout all units.  A high level of success in this course prepares a student to test into Algebra 1 or Intermediate Algebra 1.


Algebra

This course is based on the 8th-grade common core algebra concepts:  numbers, expressions, and operations; characteristics and behaviors of functions; linear functions, equations, and inequalities; quadratic functions and equations and applying problem solving strategies throughout all units. A high level of success in this course prepares a student to test into Intermediate Algebra 1 or Geometry.


Advanced Algebra

This course is based on the high school common core algebra concepts and covers all topics at a faster pace with more demands for independent work, proficient basic math skills, and strong organizational skills. A high level of success in this course prepares a student to test into Honors Geometry or Honors Advanced Algebra.

Missionary discipleship differs from community service or volunteer work because the education of the student is at the core. Missionary discipleship is a method in which classroom learning is applied through action that addresses an authentic community need and provides structured time for reflection on the service experience and demonstration of acquired skills and knowledge. Because the education of the student is at the core of student learning, student participation in the process is essential. Students will identify a need, plan and prepare for the missionary discipleship, carry out the plan of action and reflect upon the experience.

The ASB Middle School Missionary Discipleship experience will begin in 6th grade and continue through 8th grade. Beginning in 6th grade, students will build a portfolio of assignments, writing, and reflections of their missionary discipleship service. Students will add to the portfolio in 7th grade and 8th grade. Using the materials completed and
collected, 8th graders will complete a final reflection of their missionary discipleship service through middle school. Through the final reflection, students will demonstrate their ability to connect the cognitive, social and emotional aspects of the experience to the larger context of self, the community and the world. In addition, the students make
explicit what and how they have learned and what they have accomplished. The final reflection project provides students with the opportunity to celebrate and share their accomplishments with the community. Eighth graders will have the opportunity to share their projects with their ASB Family at the end of the school year. Additionally, the final reflections will be shared with the Protz family with regard to the Melissa Ann Protz “Go Make a Difference” Award.
 

Grade 8:

  • Students complete 5 service hours in the summer between 7th and 8th grade and reflect
    on their service experience during the summer.
  • Guidelines and directions are reviewed with the parents and students explaining the
    process for the next year.
  • Students plan and prepare for their missionary discipleship outside of school. (Students
    may continue the same service from 6th and/or 7th grade and summer.
  • Students complete 5 service hours first and second trimester (10 hours between Oct-March).
  • Students participate in pre-planned missionary discipleship activities (free-dress food
    drive, cereal drive, Whale of a Bake Sale, Family Leader, etc.)
  • Students participate in guided reflection of their participation in school-wide
    missionary discipleship and the missionary discipleship of their choice.
  • Students continue to build their portfolio of all work, reflections, activities related to
    missionary discipleship.
  • Students organize reflections, writing, assignments, etc. from portfolio to create their
    final culminating reflection piece.

Retreats

8th graders participate in three retreats throughout the year: a challenge retreat annually in September, a midyear reflection retreat in January, and an overnight final reflective retreat in May.

High School

8th graders spend much of the fall researching and visiting high schools. For local Catholic high schools, applications are due in January, and acceptance information is available in mid-February.

Graduation

8th graders  finish classes in late May. Graduation festivities include the Farewell Assembly and faculty-student basketball game, a formal breakfast with parents, the graduation Mass and a final dance.

High School Information
 
Art
Religion
Service Learning Reference
Math