At the heart of our school is our students. We have seen our students adapt and grow together in this ever-changing world. Our faculty and staff is committed to providing an environment where your child feels loved and supported while embracing the new social and emotional challenges of adolescence.
Faith
Religion for focuses on developing morality and conscience and on relating the life of Jesus to today’s teenager and the mission of the Catholic Church. Group work, role-playing, and projects are an integral part of these courses.
Building faith centered values is an integral part of our student’s education. St. Benedicts’ Middle School program continues to expand upon concepts learned in the intermediate grades and students begin to learn important life skills.
Academics
The middle school mathematics program reviews and applies concepts learned, and further develops skills through solving relevant higher-level operations. The activity-centered science curriculum covers the structure and function of living organisms in grade seven and the study of earth and physical science in grade eight.
Literature covers all genres. Students are encouraged to analyze and discuss fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and drama. The independent reading and reporting on of trade books is also required throughout the year. English grammar and composition continues to be developed with emphasis being placed on equipping the student with the skills necessary to write persuasive, explanatory, and descriptive essays. Students in the middle school are also given the opportunity to study Spanish.
Leadership Opportunities
In Middle School, students are encouraged and enabled to develop their leadership skills by taking active roles in their own education.
While opportunities to lead present themselves daily, some concrete opportunities include:
- National Junior Honor Society
- School Buddy Program
- Service Opportunities
- School Presentations and Fairs
- Student Council
Teachers work with middle school students to build skills in areas including:
- Problem Solving Skills
- Critical Thinking
- Public Speaking
- Personal Responsibility
- Decision Making
- Collaboration
- Interpersonal Communication
- Self-Confidence
Electives and Enrichment
Students have many electives to choose from including Spanish, Instrumental Music, Choir and Advanced Math. St. Benedict also offers a designated enrichment period. During this period, students have the time to:
- Learn essential study skills and techniques
- Improve organization skills such as prioritizing and planning
- Gain time management skills to best meet deadlines and goals
- Meet with teachers for assistance
Middle School students have the opportunity to participate several specials and electives during school hours:
- Advances Math
- Art
- Band
- Choir
- Music
- Physical Education
- Quiz Bowl
- Spanish
- STEM