English Language Arts at the Middle School Level allows students to deepen their reading, writing, listening, and speaking, vocabulary, and grammar  skills through literary analysis. Novel studies are at the core of Norwood-Fontbonne Academy’s Middle School ELA program, where students are encouraged to drive their learning through inquiry and direct application of reading and writing skills. The themes within the novels selected are aligned with the grade level’s SSJ mission infused theme, allowing for deeper connectivity for each learner.

Note: These skills are revisited throughout the year

TRIMESTER 1

• Literature:  Red Scarf Girl
• Writing:  Baseline prompt, 5 paragraph organization, Elaboration Skills
• Literary Elements:  SHAMPOOF strategies, theme, main idea,note taking, text structure, finding evidence, restating
• Grammar/Parts of Speech: Diagramming, Direct & Indirect objects

TRIMESTER 2

• Literature:  A Midsummer Night’s Dream
• Writing:  Introductions & Conclusions Focus, Elaboration techniques, synopsis, summaries
• Literary Elements:  SHAMPOOF strategies, context clues, inference, questioning
• Grammar/Parts of Speech: Prefixes, suffixes, adverbs, prepositions

TRIMESTER 3

• Literature: The Outsiders
• Writing: Elaboration, free write, poetry, summaries
• Literary Elements: SHAMPOOF strategies, study skills, analyzing, point of view
• Parts of Speech

• IXL
• Novel Assignments
• Content Vocabulary
• Book Chats
• Annotations
• Writing Lessons
• Grammar Lessons
• Parts of Speech Exercises

• Tests/Quizzes
• Monthly Prompts
• Class Participation

• Tests
• Quizzes
• Writing Assessments
• Rubrics
• Projects
• Summarizing
• Book Chats
• Literary Elements
• Elaboration Techniques

• Novels

• IXL
• Websites
• Slideshow

This course provides a meaningful way to apply computation skills into pre-algebraic thinking. Integer, fraction, decimal, and rational number operations, algebra, geometry, statistics and probability are the integrated topics covered in this course, giving each student a good foundation in Pre-Algebra concepts.

TRIMESTER 1

• Operations of integers and rational numbers, pre-algebra concepts on expressions and equations

TRIMESTER 2

• Continued work on pre-algebra concepts, including inequalities, work on rates, ratios, and percents

TRIMESTER 3

• Probability and statistics, but the main focus in on geometry concepts
• area, surface area, volume, working with circles, angles, triangles, etc.

Students will be assigned various questions to complete daily. These questions may be reflective of the lesson taught that day or the current or past chapters. Students are also expected to review the lesson of the day and past lessons by looking at their notes and doing problems on their own. Programs like Prodigy and IXL can also be done for supplemental resources for studying.

Tests and quizzes, a project each trimester, midterm and end of year final.

Total points system

• Big Ideas Course 2 Math: Accelerated, A Bridge To Success
• Big Ideas Course 2 Math: Record and Practice Journal

• Dreambox, Prodigy, XtraMath, and IXL accounts.

Religion classes at Norwood-Fontbonne Academy are designed to support our students in their growth as faith-filled persons in Catholic tradition. Weaving SSJ spirituality and history through our lessons, students become rooted in the mission of our Sisters and the importance of unity;  a unity that unites neighbor with neighbor and neighbor with God and includes a strong emphasis on care for our Earth. Grade level SSJ infused themes provide a lens for our students to understand their role in being anti-racist and ways in which they can actively advocate for social justice. Opportunities to participate in Service-Learning and Outreach Projects, students are able to embody a spirit of service as they build relationships with our Dear Neighbor, while also growing in their ability to show empathy, respect, and compassion. Time in our Centennial Chapel rounds out the religion classroom experience.

• New Testament Studies
  • The 4 Gospels - Syntopic vs the Gospel of John
  • The Story Jesus
  • The Parables
• Confirmation Preparation (First Trimester)
• Chapel Focus - The Lives of Saints

• Response to reading content 
• Preparation for class
• Longterm assignments
• Projects
• Study guides
• Follow up with classwork

Presentation on the 7 Gifts of the Holy Spirit.

• Projects - 30%
• Quizzes/Tests- 20%
• Classwork/Participation - 30%
• Reflections(Written/Oral) - 20%

• RCL Benziger’s Blest Are We: Faith in Action - The Story of Jesus

Pflaum Sacramental Preparation Confirmation Candidate Lessons

In conjunction with Pennsylvania State Standards, we focus on Biological Sciences and Physical Sciences, building on some of the skills learned in 6th grade. Through interactive lessons, laboratory work and scientific procedures, students will strive to master and become more aware of the nuances in the Scientific community.

1. Scientific Method
2. Study of living things 
   1. Responses to stimuli
   2. Food chains and Food webs
   3. Interactions and ecosystems
3. Cells
   1. Microscopes
   2. Cell Theory
   3. Cell parts, structures, and functions
4. Kingdoms of life
   1. 6 Kingdoms of life
   2. Taxonomy
5. Human Body Systems
   1. Tissues and Organs
   2. Digestive, muscular, skeletal, nervous, respiratory, circulatory,  Endocrine, excretory systems
   3. Frog dissection
6. Ecosystems
   1. Biomes (Terrestrial and Aquatic)
   2. Ecology (Biotic and Abiotic Factors)
7. Engineering
   1. Materials and Structures 

Study/Review of material two nights a week.

• Test/Quizzes
• Semester Project
• Lab Work
• Participation

Weighted Grading System

• Tests 30%
• Quizzes 25%
• Labs 20%
• Projects 20%
• Participation 5%

• Elevate Science Textbook

https://www.savvasrealize.com

In adherence with the Pennsylvania state standards, 7th grade Social Studies students begin the school year by investigating early leaders and settlers in North America, coupled with Spanish, French, Dutch and English exploration up until pre-Civil War times. Social Studies students start out the year by focusing on a heritage study, as well as the knowledge of identifying themselves and their own connection to society. Civic and Social Responsibility are culminating topics throughout this journey. Geographical skills are reinforced throughout the school year, with a focus on the early settlement states/thirteen colonies.

Interpretive, Interpersonal and Presentational skills are also goals as we progress throughout the ages. Students are required to present orally once per Trimester.

TRIMESTER I

• Identity/Enslavement
• Early Americas
• American Indians/Pilgrims
• Puritans
• Spanish, Dutch, English Colonies
• New England Colonies
• Geography

TRIMESTER II

• Proclamation
• Sugar, Townshend, Stamp, Quartering Acts
• Boston Massacre
• Boston Tea Party

TRIMESTER III

• Articles of Confederation
• Bill of Rights
• Constitution
• Declaration of Independence
• Federalism
• Rise of American Democracy
• War of 1812
• Timeline of historic events in Pennsylvania

Homework is assigned once or twice a week. Students are asked to complete independent reading, response to content, review notes, or practice the required material for that particular course of study via notetaking or culminating assignments or projects throughout the year.

• Comprehensive tests
• Vocabulary assessments
• Concept quizzes by unit
• Writing assignments
• Research projects
• Oral reports

• Writing Assignments 20%
• Tests 20%
• Quizzes 20%
• Projects 10%
• Oral Reports 10%
• Class Participation 20%

• Savvas Realize “My World Interactive”

• Facing History
• Khan Academy
• Brainpop
• NBC Learn
• YouTube

NFA 7th graders continue our acquisition-focused language program to build on skills learned throughout their 6th grade year. Spanish learning will take place naturally through immersive activities based on reading and listening comprehension skills. Expectations for interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational communication skills increase. Students learn about international cultures and communities through Spanish stories, music, food, and conversation.

Trimester 1:

• SOMOS Spanish Curriculum Unit 4
• Garbanzo Reading Program Core 35 Path

Trimester 2: 

• In-depth novela study: El capibara con botas by Mira Canion
• Book projects and assessments

Trimester 3:

• SOMOS Spanish Curriculum Unit 5
• Garbanzo Reading Program Core 35 Path

Garbanzo reading paths for continuous and sustainable language input and interaction.

• Varied formative and summative assessments aligned with curriculum
• Various holiday activities and projects

Total Points Grading System

El Mundo En Tus Manos: Comprehensible Current Event Articles published by The Comprehensible Classroom.

The middle school art curriculum is centered around a TAB based philosophy.  TAB, or Teaching Artistic Behaviors, is a pedagogy through which students learn to think like artists.  It develops critical thinking, problem solving, and creativity skills.  The teacher's role in this pedagogy is to work as a coach, often with individual students, and to introduce the class to new concepts through mini lessons which begin each class period.  These mini lessons include demonstrations on how to use different art mediums, or discussions on various artists and art concepts.  Students use class time to experience the process of making art, fully immersing themselves in the creative journey from conceptualizing a piece to evaluating the final product.

Physical Education at the Middle School level is an avenue for engaging in developmentally appropriate physical activities designed for children to develop their fitness, gross and fine motor skills to enable them to participate in lifetime sports and activities. They learn essential skills to become physically literate. Physical Education at the Middle School level allows students to explore team and individual sports. They learn game history, playing techniques, strategies and how to play the game at an accelerated level.

The middle school Media Advocacy/STEM class is an exciting and innovative course that empowers students to explore and address global issues through the lens of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The curriculum seamlessly integrates STEM learning, the engineering design process, and media literacy to create a dynamic and comprehensive learning experience. Throughout the course, students engage in hands-on activities and collaborative projects that challenge them to identify real-world problems related to the SDGs. They use STEM principles to analyze, design, and propose sustainable solutions, applying critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills. Media literacy plays a pivotal role in the class, as students learn how to effectively communicate their ideas and advocate for change. They study various forms of media, including digital media, social media, and journalism, to understand their impact on society and develop persuasive communication strategies. Students create engaging multimedia projects, such as videos, podcasts, and social media campaigns, to raise awareness and inspire action around the SDGs.

The Social-Emotional Learning curriculum at the Middle School Level is designed to support students in learning the skills and attitudes needed to develop healthy identities, self-awareness, and social awareness. It also teaches students the important skills needed for managing emotions, feeling and showing empathy for others, establishing and maintaining supportive relationships, and making responsible and caring decisions. Through this work, students begin to deepen their understanding of themselves and others,  take pride in their identity, foster inclusivity, and become a productive member of the community.