In 7th Grade Religion class, the main theme is the New Testament.
Students focus on Jesus’ life, his teachings, and the sacraments he instituted. Students also study about the Gospel writers, the Epistles, church teaching, liturgy and the liturgical year. Students learn about vocations and the way Jesus and the Church nourish people for discipleship. Students use the textbook published by Sadlier – We Live Our Faith.
In grade 7 English class we revisit the eight parts of speech and their functions within a sentence. Additional sections in our text, Houghton Mifflin English, review other basics of grammar, usage, and mechanics. A research paper is assigned emphasizing the processes of research, utilizing proper formats, and employing good writing. These skills are as important as the final product. Vocabulary is integrated into the seventh grade English curriculum. The text used is Sadlier Vocabulary Workshop.
The Math program in grade 7 includes both standard and advanced levels of math all of which integrate an introduction of Algebraic concepts and positive and negative values along with a comprehensive review of the four basic math operations in the areas of whole numbers, fractions, and decimals. Other concepts covered are square roots, graphing, proportions, percents, measurement, and geometry. Considerable emphasis is given to story problem-solving techniques. The text used is Pre-Algebra published by Prentice Hall.
The Grade 7 Social Studies curriculum focuses on World History: Eastern Hemisphere. The program begins with a study of eastern civilizations and how they have influenced modern cultures. The relationship between geography and history will be thoroughly examined, including how geographic features have helped certain regions around the world to thrive. Map study, economics, government systems, and religions are integral to the Social Studies program. Cultural and religious diversity and tolerance are emphasized while examining the foundation of Christianity and the values that have helped shape modern cultures. Units of study include the Middle East, China, India, Japan, Africa, and parts of Europe (modern times). Coursework involves critical thinking and writing, discussion, comparing and contrasting, analyzing, and constructing. Students will learn practical skills, including identifying main ideas and supporting details, writing and organizing study notes, strengthening critical thinking and comprehension, and public speaking. The textbook is My World History, published by Pearson, and includes digital textbook access.
The Science program in grade 7 focuses on Life Science. The text used is Holt Science and Technology, Life Science, published by Holt, Rinehart, and Winston. The main areas of Life Science covered are cells, heredity, and human body systems. Where possible, students will learn and review/reinforce concepts by completing lab activities. They will learn the proper techniques for using lab equipment, as well as safety procedures used in a lab activity.
The 7th-grade Spanish course is designed to help students develop a beginner’s command of the Spanish language and an appreciation for Hispanic heritage and customs. Spanish language study includes writing, listening, speaking, and reading in the target language. The text used is Expresate, published by Holt, Rinehart, and Winston. Grade 7 students receive Spanish instruction two days a week for the entire school year.
The 7th-grade Computer class is to provide students with the skills they will need to be successful in high school and college. Students attend class 3 times a week. In addition to teaching the Microsoft Office 2010 and Google applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Keyboarding), we will also teach effective Internet search techniques, Internet safety, and we will focus on copyright and plagiarism issues. Students produce a variety of projects throughout the year.
Elective classes are optional:
Academic Seminar: This elective is where the student has the time to work on homework or see a grade level teacher for extra help.
Yearbook: This course is designed to develop students’ skills in yearbook production by providing experiences in selected aspects of yearbook production. Students learn basic principals of yearbook production and develop skills that include digital photography; desktop publishing and using appropriate technology tools for media production.
Lego Robotics: Lego Robotics students meet twice a week, in class the students use STEM skills through coding to program their robot to complete the week’s challenge. In robotics students use their independent problem-solving skills to complete the task at hand either through collaboration with another student or independently.
Band: Our top performing instrumentalists, 6-8th grade, can join the St. Hugo Jazz Band & Wind Ensemble. Students rehearse during electives and after school. The bands are featured multiple times throughout the year: Woodward Hills Nursing Home, Christmas Concert, Open House Performances both in January & March, and the Spring Concert/Awards Ceremony in May. As instrumental students progress into 7th & 8th grade, they can participate in MSBOA (Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association) sponsored Solo and Ensemble and Band Festivals on an annual basis.
Jr. High Musical – Each year students in grades 7 and 8 have the opportunity to stage an extracurricular musical play. While participation in the play is optional, the play is a highly-anticipated tradition, with the majority of the Jr. High students taking roles both onstage and behind the scenes. Previous plays have included The Little Mermaid, Shrek, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Annie, The Sound of Music, Seussical and many others. The students give four performances in mid-May.
Vocal Vikings Glee Club is an Elective class made up of 7th and 8th-grade girls and boys. The class meets twice a week and is designed to rehearse and perform pop and musical theatre selections with choreography. The group performs several times a year, at Christmas, Catholic Schools Week, Open House and other concerts and charitable functions.
Personal Finance: class meets once a week for 2 quarters. During our time we focus on themes and material that includes what to look for in a savings account, how to manage your finances and make better financial decisions, the value of time and its impact on money, basics of the stock market and investments and the importance of saving for retirement sooner rather than later.
Quiz Bowl: Quiz Bowl Elective prepares students for an online trivia competition between other schools. The completion consists of 100 multiple-choice questions. Areas covered include math, geography, government, sports, spelling, science, literature, English, history, general information and just plain fun trivia. It is a team activity. The online competition score is based on accuracy and how fast questions are answered by the team.
Public Speaking Seminar: Students will learn and review the fundamentals of public speaking. Each session will focus on a specific skill or technique and include video examples, practice drills and weekly impromptu and/or planned speeches. Students will learn how to constructively critique one another as well as how to increase their confidence when speaking in front of others.
In grade 7 Literature class we study the elements of fiction: setting, character, plot, and theme through the reading of short stories. As the year progresses we explore other literature genres: drama, non-fiction, poetry, myths, and the novel. In addition to the selections in our text, Prentice Hall Literature, students read three novels and an autobiography for enrichment reading. Expository, narrative, descriptive, and persuasive writing assignments mirror the type of literature being studied at a particular point in the curriculum. These assignments reinforce proper English usage, mechanics, and grammar while fostering sound writing skills and creativity.