StB/OLH Middle School Grades 5-8
-
The Middle School has evolved in education as a transitional phase between the elementary and high school years by considering the special needs of adolescents as they fact the pressures and challenges of growing up in today's ever-changing world. Consistent with the philosophy of the school, we strive to create a child-centered learning environment. We aim to provide a foundation for future success and to spark enthusiasm for a life-long adventure of self-directed learning. The methodologies utilized include a variety of strategies to meet the diverse, individual needs of our students. This is reflected in our use of various assessments, including performance, portfolios, observation, interviews, and formal testing. Our curriculum meets or exceeds the Learning Standards of New York State and the Diocese of Rockville Centre Department of Education. We prepare students for the Test for Admission into Catholic High Schools (TACHS), NYS Assessments in Math, English Language Arts, and Science 8. Students in eighth grade take Regents Level courses and exams in the Living Environment and Algebra I Common Core. Our school is diverse in ethnicity, language, culture, socioeconomic levels, and religion. We work hard at creating a culturally responsive school community. The social emotional needs of our children are met by providing counseling services four days per week.
Middle School students each have a school provided Chromebook and G Suite account. Students gain experience with documents, spreadsheets, and presentation programs. School work is kept in a central place, Google Classroom. They are taught to use the technology tools available to them responsibly - digital citizenship.Students in our Middle School participate in a host of activities, such as interscholastic athletics with the Catholic Middle School Athletic Association, STEM Club, Drama Club, Chorus, Band, Art Club, and Chess Club.
Using the latest digital tools, students in seventh grade produce the school newspaper, The Knight's News, and the eighth graders produce the yearbook.
Each year our Middle School students participate in an overnight trip to either Philadelphia, Boston, or Washington, DC. The trips are community building as well as learning experiences that combine history/social studies (Freedom Trail in Boston), MST (Franklin Institute in Philadelphia), and Catholic Identity (Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC.). Over the course of their three years in Middle School, students will have the opportunity to experience the treasures of each city.
Students are recognized for their achievements through our values recognition program based on our core values, and induction in the National Junior Honor Society.