Eighth Grade

Reading: 

Our 8th-grade ELA program immerses students in a world of literature and informational texts. Aligned with 8th-grade ELA standards, students develop advanced reading skills, including the ability to analyze complex texts, identify central themes, and evaluate the impact of literary elements. Our curriculum encourages critical thinking and a deeper appreciation for the power of storytelling.

Writing: 

In 8th grade, students engage in diverse writing assignments that align with ELA standards. They craft analytical essays, persuasive papers, and creative narratives. Emphasis is placed on refining grammar, sentence structure, and organization, aligning with the writing standards. Students learn to express their ideas effectively, supported by evidence and a strong command of language.

Grammar: 

Mastery of grammar, punctuation, and language mechanics is a fundamental aspect of our program. Students refine their understanding of sentence structure, verb tense, punctuation rules, and word usage. This focus on grammar enhances their writing clarity, precision, and voice.

Speaking and Listening: 

Effective communication skills are vital. In 8th grade, students engage in discussions, debates, and presentations to develop their ability to articulate ideas clearly and listen actively. These speaking and listening activities foster confidence and strong communication skills.

Our 8th-grade ELA program is designed to align seamlessly with ELA standards, providing students with a comprehensive foundation in reading, writing, grammar, and speaking and listening. It equips them with the skills and knowledge necessary for success in their academic journey and prepares them for future challenges.

Algebra 1 is the course taken by students who have successfully completed the Advanced 1 and 2 courses in sixth and seventh grade. The course introduces students to the algebraic concepts of real numbers, linear equations, inequalities, proportional reasoning, different families of functions, linear equations in two variables, systems of equations, exponential functions, polynomials, quadratic functions, radicals and rational expressions.   This course is designed for students who have a high mathematical ability and who can master algebraic content and maintain the fast pace dictated by the curriculum map and pacing guide. The class will not review or remediate prerequisite material. The content will be heavily applied and require students to extend their problem-solving skills. Students successfully completing this course in eighth grade could test into Geometry or Algebra 2 for their first year of high school dependent upon the entering high school’s placement criteria. 

Eighth grade math is a course designed to prepare students to successfully enter Algebra 1 in the 9th grade. This course introduces algebraic concepts and reviews/reteaches pre-algebraic concepts that are imperative for high school success. The topics of this course include linear equations and inequalities, linear functions and systems, introduction to exponents, volume, angles, triangles, roots, Pythagorean Theorem, and data analysis and displays as well as selected topics in statistics and probability. 

Students are grouped by ability into grade-level or accelerated classes. Students are placed into math classes based on standardized testing, previous class grades, and end and beginning of year placement test. This is done to ensure that all students are placed in a course in which they will master content and grow in confidence.   

Textbooks:

• Algebra 1 Math: (Prentice Hall) 
• 8th Grade Level Math: Big Ideas Series (Blue Book).  

Focus: overview of basic chemistry and physics including, but not limited to astronomy, states of matter, atoms and element structure, using the Periodic Table, bonds, reactions, solutions, Newton’s Laws of motion, force, work, energy, and simple machines. Students will use inquiry-based writing and thinking skills to complete coursework in class which will be applied to student-designed labs towards the end of the year.   

Textbook: Holt Science Spectrum; Physical Science 

Big Focus​

• Personal growth​
• Church History​
  • The Nature and Mission of the Catholic Church ​
  • Jesus to Present Day ​
  • The Future of the Church ​
• Morality 

Fun Projects​

• Family Leaders​
• NET Retreat
• Whole class service projects

Service Requirements

• 6 Hours per trimester
• 10 hours per trimester to receive the Margaret Mary Award
• For more details, please visit our Middle School Service Page

Curriculum:

• Spirit of Truth: Sacred Scripture
• Family Life Series

Focus: U.S. history from the formation of our country through the transformation during the Civil War. Students spend the first half of the year studying the creation, adaptation, and impact of the Constitution, culminating in a Simulated Congressional Hearing. Students study primary sources and see how our government and its citizens have faced challenges over the last 200 years up through current events. The second half of the year focuses on how the Industrial Revolution and Westward Expansion lead to the Civil War, and students participate in a simulation of the struggle between the blue and the grey at the end of the year.

Textbook: We the People: Citizens and the Constitution, American Nation

Please visit Spanish Page for details.

Please visit P.E. Page for details.

Students are assigned a homeroom teacher and they meet as a class daily for 30 minutes. Following are some of the activities that take place during homeroom period.

Power School Checks

Once a week, students print a list of missing assignments and communicate their plan for turning them in. 

Homework Jumpstart 

Two days a week, students work on homework, class work, long-term projects, or read an Accelerated Reader book. 

Learning.com 

Study Skills

• Congressional Hearings 

• Field trip to see Romeo and Juliet and a seminar on Stage Combat and Elizabethan dance 

• Second grade buddies, activities once a month with buddies 

• Every other year, there is an optional trip to Washington, DC, Jamestown and Colonial Williamsburg during spring break for 7thand 8th graders  

• Right of Passage Experience (ROPE) - The ROPE is a culminating experience for a student's time at Sacred Heart School. In the Spring of their eighth grade year, each Sacred Heart student prepares a ROPE presentation which focuses on four areas:

1. One way they have developed their character during their years at Sacred Heart School
2. What specific things they have learned, read, experienced, or done at Sacred Heart School that helped develop this part of their character.
3. What is their personal goal for four years from now 
4. Students also write a letter to their future selves about the things that they hope to accomplish and the people they want to be in three years. 

Each student presents their ROPE presentation to our school principal, their parents, and any teachers or other family members they wish to invite.

Please visit Electives Page for details.