CHARACTERISTICS
Building the bridge between child and young adult.
At St. Bridget, we recognize the unique social and emotional needs of our adolescent students. Our holistic program is structured to prepare students for high school academically, as well as help them developmentally build the bridge between childhood and young adulthood. Our approach is based on the following features integral to a successful middle school program:
- A philosophy based on the unique needs and characteristics of the young adolescent
- Educators who are knowledgeable about, and committed to, the young adolescent
- Teachers who use varied instructional strategies
- A relationship-based Advisor/Advisee Program which helps to expand traditional guidance and counseling services
- An Exploratory Program
- A logical transition from the self-contained classroom of the elementary school setting to the departmentalization of the high school setting
- A commitment to regular family involvement in the education of young adolescents, by keeping them informed of student progress and school programs
- A positive connection between the school and the community, accomplished through student service projects
- Use of cooperative learning strategies in the classroom
- An emphasis on the use of higher-order thinking skills and hands-on instructional strategies
CURRICULUM DESIGN
Advancing Student Education
Full Year Academic Courses
| Grade 6 | Grade 7 | Grade 8 |
|---|---|---|
| Religion | Religion | Religion |
| Math | Pre-Algebra | Pre-Algebra (Part 2) Algebra I (Part 1) Algebra I (H.S. Credit) |
| Language Arts | Language Arts | Language Arts |
| World History | U.S. History to 1877 | U.S. History since 1877 |
| Science | Science | Science |
| Foreign Language / LAE* (3x / 2x per week) alternating semesters of Spanish/French |
French I or Spanish I (H.S. Credit) OR LAE* |
French I or Spanish I (H.S. Credit) OR LAE* |
Advanced Classes Available to Middle School Students
ALGEBRA I FOR HIGH SCHOOL CREDIT
- Math classes are grouped by ability in the middle school.
- Students are assessed at the end of 5th grade to determine placement for 6th grade math. There are 2 levels that progress through the same 6th grade curriculum at a pace regulated by the ability of the group.
- Students are assessed at the end of 6th grade to determine placement for 7th grade math. All 7th grade students study Pre-Algebra at a pace that is comfortable for their ability level.
- Students are assessed at the end of 7th grade to determine placement for
8th grade math. Top level students will take Algebra I for high school
credit; middle level students will take Algebra I, Part I, and will
complete approximately half of the Algebra I curriculum; the remaining
students will take Pre-Algebra, Part II to solidify those concepts not
mastered in 7th grade Pre-Algebra (if needed). They will then move into
an Algebra I book around second semester and progress through the
curriculum as far as they can go.
- Each year teacher recommendation is taken into consideration along with the scores from the assessments.
- Students are never "locked" into any math group. The groups are fluid so that students can move from one level to the next throughout the middle school years as dictated by their progress in math.
- 8th grade students must earn a passing grade on the Algebra I midterm exam in order to continue in the program.
- 8th grade students must pass a diocesan exit exam in May in order to receive the high school credit on their transcript.
FOREIGN LANGUAGE FOR HIGH SCHOOL CREDIT
- 6th grade students have an opportunity to study French or Spanish on a daily basis in 7th and 8th grades.
- Acceptance into the program will be limited to those students who:
- have demonstrated strong study skills, good time-management, organization, and consistent completion of daily assignments.
- have earned an average of A, B, or C in 6th grade language arts through the third quarter.
- Once accepted into the program, students must earn a minimum of a C average as a final grade for the 7th grade foreign language course in order to continue in the program in 8th grade.
- If that minimum requirement is not met, students will be placed in LAE for 8th grade.
- 8th grade students must pass a diocesan exit exam in May in order to receive the high school credit on their transcript.
- For 6th grade students: 7 required semester resource courses and 3 semester elective courses.
- For 7th and 8th grade students: 6 required semester resource courses and 4 semester elective courses.
- Dance Clinic
- Scrapbooking
- Consumer Math
- Investments
- Baby-Sitting
- Jeopardy
- Cooking
- Backgammon
- Solitaire Variations
- Aerobics
- Tae Kwon Do
- Mosaics
- Cheerleading
- Arts/Design
- Survival Training
- Skin and Nail Care
- Square Dancing
- Golf Clinic
- Harry Potter Trivia
- Tye-Dye
- Soccer Clinic
- Yoga
- Bead Weaving
- Chess
- Sign Language
- Decorative Bulletin Board Decorations
- Tennis Clinic
- Paper Mache
- Scavenger Hunt
- Basketball Clinic
- Volleyball Clinic
- Touch Football Clinic
- Wire Jewelry
- Problem-Solving
Please Note: It has been our experience that students entering this program with a C average find that this high school credit class can prove to be a struggle. For this reason, we recommend Language Arts Enrichment (LAE) as a more suitable choice for them.
ELECTIVES
Encouraging-and inspiring-individual student growth.
Required Semester Resource Courses
| Grade 6 | Grade 7 | Grade 8 |
|---|---|---|
| Art | Art | Art |
| Music Appreciation | Music Appreciation | Music Appreciation |
| Computer | Computer | Computer |
| Physical Education/Health | Physical Education/Health | Physical Education/Health |
| Creative Writing | Civics | Civics |
| Study Skills |
Required Resource Course Descriptions
Art
Every student in Grades 6-8 will complete a one-semester art class. This class will meet once a week for 50 minutes. Students will develop aesthetic awareness, imagination, perception, appreciation, knowledge, and skills in the art class. They will observe and interpret various art-related ideas, values, and activities within selected cultures and times. Elements of art and principles of design will be emphasized as they explore a variety of media. Connections will be made to their grade level's curriculum.
Music Appreciation
Every student in Grades 6-8 will complete a one-semester general music class. This class will meet once a week for 50 minutes. Over the course of the three-year program, students will develop an intellectual understanding of music through experiences in singing, moving, listening, and playing instruments. They will learn to read and notate music and will exercise their critical thinking skills by investigating and analyzing all facets of the music discipline.
Computer Applications
Every student in Grades 6-8 will complete a one-semester computer applications class. This class will meet once a week for 50 minutes. The curriculum includes word processing, database, spreadsheets, multimedia presentations, and appropriate use of the Internet.
Keyboarding
Every student in Grades 7 and 8 will complete a one-semester keyboarding class. The class will meet twice a week for 20 minutes. The student will be assigned to an Early Bird class, meeting from 7:50-8:10 AM, or to a recess class, meeting from 12:50-1:10 PM. Self-paced tutorials are used to allow each student to progress at his own rate.
Health (year-long course)
This is a course that is taught in three parts (Grades 6, 7, and 8) to expose students to as many health related topics as possible. These would include, but not be limited to, nutrition, exercise, anger and time management, drug and alcohol prevention, and smoking. (Health will be taught within the PE curriculum time frame.)
Physical Education (year-long course)
Every student in Grades 6-8 will complete a physical education course. The class will meet once a week for 50 minutes. Students will learn to develop and maintain physical fitness, understand the benefits of regular participation in physical activity, learn and practice good sportsmanship, and come to an understanding that physical activity provides the opportunity for enjoyment, challenge, self expression, and communication. (Health will be taught within the PE curriculum time frame.)
Study Skills
Every student in Grade 6 will take a study skills course during his or her first semester in middle school. It will be held during their regular library class, once a week for 50 minutes. The class will cover general organizational skills, time management, note taking, and test taking skills. The research process will be covered in the second semester.
Creative Writing
Every student in Grade 6 will take a creative writing class during his or her second semester in middle school. This course will give students an opportunity to follow the writing process and create four final papers showing their progress in writing. Students will utilize the "Four Square" writing method which will help them organize and illustrate their creative ideas.
Civics
Every student in Grades 7 and 8 will take a semester-long civics class each year. These courses will give students an opportunity to increase their understanding of the institutions of our constitutional democracy and the fundamental principles and values upon which they were founded, as well as to help them develop the skills needed to become effective and responsible citizens. Different sections of the civics curriculum will be covered each year, much like the courses in Health.
| Grade 6 | Grades 7 and 8 |
|---|---|
| Choir | Choir |
| Band* | Band* |
| Baker's Dozen* | Baker's Dozen* |
| Drama | Handbells |
| Reading Roundtables | Reading Roundtables |
| Intermediate Computer | Community Service |
| Intermediate Art | Mock Court |
| Math 24 | Mock General Assembly |
| Chimes Choir | Drama |
| First Aid | Drama Tech |
| Peer Tutors | |
| Spanish Elective | |
| French Elective | |
| Yearbook | |
| Advanced Art | |
| Advanced Computer | |
| Creative Writing | |
| Public Speaking | |
| Career Development | |
| Photography | |
| Finance and Economics | |
| Peer Tutors |
Elective Course Descriptions
Middle School Choir
This elective is offered to any student in Grades 6, 7, and 8 who has a desire to sing. A variety of musical styles is studied and the choir sings in unison and 2-part and 3-part harmony. The choir will perform in the Christmas and Spring Concerts, as well as lead the school in various other choral functions. First semester will be an all-girls choir, and second semester will be an all-boys choir.
Middle School Band
This elective is offered to students in Grades 6, 7, and 8 who would be eligible for Advanced Band. It provides students with an opportunity to extend practice and instruction time in order to be an ensemble of real quality and musicality. It is offered once a week for the either the entire year or one semester.
Baker's Dozen (year-long course)
This elective is by audition process only. It is open to girls in Grades 6, 7, and 8. The group is an ensemble that performs in and around the Richmond community and represents St. Bridget School. Therefore, the commitment to the group is most important. Girls in this group have to be serious about performing and serve as both ambassadors of our school and music ministers in our liturgies. This class meets once a week for the entire year.
Yearbook
This elective is open to students in Grades 7 and 8 who are interested in producing the school's yearbook. Students will work on pictures, text, and layout, as well as be involved in helping to market the book to the student body.
Middle School Handbell Choir (year-long course)
This elective is offered to any student in Grades 7 and 8 who is interested in performing in a small ensemble. The group will either play two octaves of bells with eight ringers, or could play three octaves of bells with eleven ringers. Knowledge of reading music is helpful, but not required. Students will perform at the Christmas and Spring Concerts, as well as various other venues inside and outside of school. This course is offered once a week for the entire year.
Middle School Chime Choir
This elective is offered to any student in Grade 6 who is interested in performing in a small ensemble. The group will either play two octaves of chimes with eight ringers, or could play three octaves of chimes with eleven ringers. Knowledge of reading music is helpful, but not required. Students will perform at the Christmas Concert or the Spring Concert, as well as at occasional prayer services and masses. This course is offered once a week for one semester.
Reading Roundtable (A)
Award Winners
This elective is offered to students in Grades 7 and 8. Students will read and discuss two realistic fiction books chosen from recent award-winning novels. (NEW BOOKS!!)
Reading Roundtable (B)
Fantasy-The Hero in Literature
This elective is offered to students in Grades 7 and 8. Students will read and discuss two novels that depict the character of the classic hero.
Reading Roundtable (C)
Survival
This elective is offered to students in Grades 7 and 8. Students will read and discuss two novels in which the characters face a life-threatening adventure.
Reading Roundtable (D)
Mysteries
This elective is offered to students in Grades 7 and 8. Students will read and discuss two mystery novels.
Reading Roundtable (E)
Sports
This elective is offered to students in Grades 7 and 8. Students will read and discuss two books that have sports as their focus.
Reading Roundtable (F)
Just for Girls
This elective is offered to girls in Grades 7 and 8. Students will read two novels that will center around appropriate issues and themes of interest to girls.
Reading Roundtable (G)
Award Winners
This elective is offered to students in Grade 6. Students will read and discuss two award-winning novels.
Reading Roundtable (H)
Growing Up
This elective is offered to students in Grade 6. Students will read and discuss two novels that explore the theme "Growing Up."
Drama (second semester only)
This elective is offered to students in Grades 6, 7, and 8. Students will discuss and learn the basic elements of theater and drama. The class will perform a short play at the end of the semester. (This class includes a commitment to a practice session the weekend before or school day before the program. This MUST be a priority over other activities.)
Drama Tech Team (second semester only)
This elective is offered to students in Grades 7 and 8. Students will be the "behind the scenes" team responsible for creating the props and set design needed for the Drama elective class. (This class includes a commitment to a practice session the weekend before or school day before the program. This MUST be a priority over other activities.)
Peer Tutors
This elective is offered to students in Grades 7 and 8. Students will first be taught the art of effective tutoring and then will be paired with younger students to work as mentors. They will spend time reading together and/or practicing other academic skills.
Community Service
This elective is offered to students in Grades 7 and 8. It will enable groups of St. Bridget students to plan, coordinate, and participate in various community service opportunities in our school, parish, and surrounding area.
Creative Writing
This elective is offered to students in Grades 7 and 8. Students who love to write will have an opportunity to develop a story board with writing and illustrations and a published final copy.
Public Speaking
This elective is offered to students in Grades 7 and 8. Students will learn about various types of speeches and then have an opportunity to practice and improve their public speaking skills throughout the semester.
Career Development
This elective is offered to students in Grades 7 and 8. Students will have an opportunity to research careers that interest them. They can compare the educational requirements, salary scales, and job descriptions to help plan a possible career path for their future.
Finance and Economics
This elective is offered to students in Grades 7 and 8. Students will investigate various areas of personal finance: savings and checking accounts, how to create a budget, income potential, etc. Guest speakers will be invited to come in and help students learn about the Stock Market.
Photography
This elective is offered to students in Grades 7 and 8. Students will use their own digital camera and home computer to learn the basics of digital photography and improve their picture-taking and editing skills. (Students registering for this class must have access to a digital camera and a home computer.)
Intermediate Art (teacher recommendation required)
This elective is offered to students in Grade 6. This course is designed to expand students' interest and abilities in visual art. Various media will be explored.
Intermediate Computer (teacher recommendation required)
This elective is offered to students in Grade 6. The course will cover advanced PowerPoint techniques and presentations.
Advanced Art (teacher recommendation required)
This elective is offered to students in Grades 7 and 8. It will provide an in-depth study of drawing, painting, printmaking, and sculpture. Students will also be introduced to digital art methods. Students will be accepted in the class based on artwork, conduct, and responsibility.
Advanced Computer Technology (teacher recommendation required)
This elective is offered to students in Grades 7 and 8. The first semester class will cover web page design using HTML. The second semester class will cover an introduction to Adobe Photoshop.
Math 24 (year-long course)
This elective is offered to students in Grade 6. This course is designed for those students who love math and who love to play games! Students will learn how to play the Math 24 game and become the St. Bridget Math 24 Team! As a team, we will compete with other local schools in Math 24 tournament play during the competition that is held in each spring. The object of the Math 24 game is as follows: look for patterns to make "24" using all four numbers on a game card and the four basic math operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. After the spring tournament, the team will continue exploring math and patterns in a variety of activities.
First Aid
This elective is offered to students in Grade 6. Based on the Red Cross model of First Aid, students will learn how to respond to various emergencies and learn how to assist a victim of an accident or sudden illness. Adult CPR will be taught, and a certificate of completion will be given.
Mock Court-"You Be the Judge"
This elective is offered to students in Grades 7 and 8. Students will explore the judicial branch of government, discussing the various levels of courts, and hold a Mock Court as a culminating activity. Guest speakers will be invited into the classroom to discuss the numerous roles in our court system.
Mock General Assembly
This elective is offered to students in Grades 7 and 8. Students will compare the role the legislative branch plays in the national and state government. They will follow the General Assembly as it makes new laws affecting the people of Virginia. They will discuss how a bill becomes a law, and they will create a law of their own, following the process to pass the law in a Mock General Assembly. Students will take a field trip to visit the Virginia General Assembly.
French Elective
This elective is offered to students in Grade 7 and 8. It will provide them with an opportunity to continue to experience the French language and culture outside of the rigors of the high school-credit French class. (Minimum required: 10 students)
Spanish Elective
This elective is offered to students in Grade 7 and 8. It will provide them with an opportunity to continue to experience the Spanish language and culture outside of the rigors of the high school-credit Spanish class. (Minimum required: 10 students)
Each middle school student will have 10 elective slots to fill for the year (Monday through Friday, one period each day, two semesters).
| Grade 6 | |
|---|---|
| 1) Art | 6) Creative Writing |
| 2) Music Appreciation | 7) Study Skills |
| 3) Computer | 8) _____________________ |
| 4) PE/Health | 9) _____________________ |
| 5) PE/Health | 10) _____________________ |
| Grade 7 and 8 | |
|---|---|
| 1) Art | 6) Civics |
| 2) Music Appreciation | 7) _____________________ |
| 3) Computer | 8) _____________________ |
| 4) PE/Health | 9) _____________________ |
| 5) PE/Health | 10) _____________________ |
EXPLORATORY PROGRAM
Giving students the power of choice.
St. Bridget School's Exploratory Program provides short-term, interest-based courses to offer students choices in their areas of study, expanding bodies and minds while creating opportunities for greater self-expression. Within this program, students are able to experience new ideas and develop new skills in a non-graded environment, often allowing them the chance to excel in areas outside traditional core subjects. Whether active or creative, team-oriented or individual, Exploratory Courses connect with a variety of areas of interest, and empower students by boosting self-esteem and building confidence.
Possible Exploratory Course Offerings
Teacher Advisory Program
Sharing, caring, and growing together.
St. Bridget School's Advisor/Advisee Program provides adolescent students with the benefit of regular, structured opportunities for discussion with a small group of peers and a caring adult group facilitator. Students find social and emotional support to strengthen self-esteem and help them manage unique challenges and adjust to the transition between elementary and middle school. These groups foster a sense of membership and belonging in the class as well as the school, and ensure each student develops a meaningful relationship of mutual trust and respect with at least one adult in the St. Bridget School family.