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♦ DEPARTMENTAL 5th - 8th GRADE PROGRAM ♦
In 5th-8th grades, the students switch classes for instruction in various subjects. This program is designed to provide a structured learning atmosphere, where children are exposed to many different learning experiences.
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5 - 8 Religion
In our Religion instruction, we follow the course of study given us by the Archdiocese of New York. We are bound to inculcate into the minds and hearts of our children the pure Doctrine of the Church, a deep awareness of the Real Presence in the Blessed Sacrament, importance of living the Sacraments, devotion to Our Lady, understanding Love of God and Love of Neighbor, responding in Faith to the directives of Our Holy Father.
Our Pastor, Father James Garisto, is very much involved in the spiritual development of each child. We try to create an atmosphere of loving respect for all people. In 7th grade, we prepare to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation.
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5 - 8 Language Arts
Our Language Arts program consists of four basic components: grammar skills, writing development, vocabulary enrichment, and reading comprehension. In Literature, the classes read Newbery Award winning books and the classics. We also have a Literature series textbook that includes many different types of stories, poems, and skill pages to help increase reading comprehension. Students use a vocabulary book with skills similar to those tested on the SAT exams. The grammar skills taught improve the written compositions and oral language. These important grammar lessons aid in the study of a foreign language. Lastly, we develop skills for writing narrative, descriptive, expository, and other types of composition as well as writing forms of poetry. The students in grades six and eight prepare for the New York State English Language Arts assessment.
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All of our Mathematics courses follow the New York Archdiocese Essential Learnings, as well as the New York State and National Council of Teachers of Mathematics Standards. The main emphasis is to present Math in a non-threatening way, so it can be appreciated and used in everyday life. The topics are challenging and enriching because they have a spiral connection with other topics. Students are taught how to apply what they learn to the environment.
The students in Grades Six and Eight prepare for the New York State Math assessments.
Eligible Seventh Grade students have the opportunity to take Eight Grade Math in conjunction
with Seventh Grade Math.
The Eighth Grade class includes a Regents course - Integrated Algebra. This is a rigorous high school program, which consists of mostly Algebra topics, though it still maintains a sequential series. At the end of the course, the students sit for the Integrated Algebra Regents exam.
Pi Day is St. Peter's School's Day of Games held on March 14 ( 3.14! ) The purpose of the day is to present Math as fun for all ages. Students in grades 5-8 produce Math games and invite the rest of the school, including parents, to join the fun.
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5 - 8 Science
Our Science program is based on the New York Archdiocese Essential Learnings, as well as the New York State Learning Standards. The Life Science program investigates the living environment. Topics include: cell and human Biology, genetics, biochemistry, ecology, and survey of the five kingdoms of living organisms. The Physical Science program examines the areas of energy, motion, forces, heat waves, light, sound, electricity and atomic structures and their applications. The students in Grade Eight prepare for the New York State Science assessment. We offer the Earth Science program in the 8th grade, both on a Regents and non-Regents level. Both courses are the study of our planet, its composition, history, geological processes, and the environment in space. Our Regents level program meets New York State Regents standards and our students take the Regents exam in June. All Science programs have 30 hours of lab. Laboratory activities with reports are an integral part of the program.
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5 - 8 Spanish
Spanish is offered as a 4-year program, leading up to the New York State Foreign Language Proficiency exam for Level 1. The course covers such topics as definite and indefinite articles, verb conjugation, numbers, colors, and adjectives. The students also learn about the history and culture of the Spanish-speaking world.
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5 - 8 Social Studies
Our Social Studies program helps students understand the world around them. It involves much more than a passive acceptance of facts. Students are active participants. They work with maps, charts, graphs, tables, timelines, research projects, and events of the day. As students progress through Grades 5-8, they develop an appreciation of historic and geographic factors and political relationships that have shaped their world. The students in Grades Six and Eight prepare for the New York State Social Studies assessments.
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