The St. Joseph School middle school experience is distinct among those in ISD #196 because of size, curriculum, and learning environment. Students learn about the Catholic Church and its traditions at a deeper level. Lasting friendships are fostered and continue into high school. Opportunities for leadership and mentoring are provided through many avenues, such as opportunities to be a big buddy and a member of the Student Support Team. Students are required to give back to the community through service and stewardship.
St. Joseph School students in sixth, seventh, and eighth grade engage in daily religion, language arts, math, social studies, science, and Spanish classes. Students participate in specialist classes, such as music, physical education, and art.
Social Justice Experiential Learning Field Trips
Sixth Grade
Option for the Poor, Poverty Project, Second Harvest Heartland field trip, https://www.2harvest.org/
Seventh Grade
Care for God's Creation, Long Lake Environmental Learning Center, 3-day Overnight Trip, https://www.longlakecc.org/
Eighth Grade
Rights & Responsibilities, 8th Grade Capitol Field Trip & Retreat, 3-day Overnight Trip, http://www.mnhs.org/capitol/activities/field-trips and https://www.grandviewlodge.com/
Retreats
Each year students participate in two full day in-school retreats that are focused on faith and character building. These retreats are lead by SJS's retired principal: Tom Joseph and SJS's retired middle school science teacher: Mark Robideau.
6th Grade Topics: Ethical to a Fault & Resisting Peer Pressure
7th Grade Topics: Become a Peacemaker & Team Building
8th Grade Topics: Share Your Talents & Witnessing Your Faith
Middle School Keys to Success
Organization:
- I use a planner to properly record homework assignments daily
- I have a system of organizing my materials for each class
- I manage my homework and complete assignments on time
- I take notes as required in the appropriate notebook for each class
- I keep my locker clean and organized
- I come on time and bring my materials to class
Technology:
- I have signed the Student Technology Acceptable Use Policy and follow it
- I access the Middle School Google homework calendar daily
- I can access each of my Google classrooms
- I know how to access my stjoesapps email and am able to email my teacher when needed
- I know and follow the school guidelines for proper cell phone use
- I am able to regularly check my grades and missing work at home through TADS Educate
Academics
- I take notes in class as required
- I take notes as required in the appropriate notebook for each class
- I study for each test by using my classroom resources (complete review, watch review video, review your notes, make notecards)
- I come on time and bring my materials to class
- I ask questions in class when I need clarification
- I utilize opportunities for help when I need it
- I engage in class discussions and activities
Leadership
- I model appropriate behavior at all times during the school day
- I am a positive role model at all times in the school building
- I know and follow the SJS Honor Pledge Matrix
- I set a positive example for my Buddy
- I take advantage of leadership opportunities (ex: SS Team, Handchimes, Sports teams, Mathletes, Mass Leader, Band, etc)
Behavior:
- I know and follow the SJS HONOR Pledge Matrix
- I understand and follow the SJS uniform policy
- I treat peers and staff with respect at all times
I understand and commit to work on each of these areas as these are all important aspects of making me a successful St Joseph School student today, tomorrow, and for life.
Curriculum
Religion
A strong Catholic presence permeates St. Joseph School. The values and traditions of our Catholic Faith are seen as an integral part of daily life. Every day, St. Joseph School students say an Honor Pledge and say a special prayer to St. Joseph.
Students are challenged to live out the actions reflected in the Honor Pledge. Children in grades K - 8 attend weekly all-school Mass throughout the year. Living Stations of the Cross is one example of making religious traditions come alive. Students share their time, talent and treasure through individual service projects and various collections. They respond to social justice needs with prayer, sacrifice, and giving to shape a more peaceful and faith-filled world. See the Alive in Christ Curriculum Website for more information.
St. Joseph School uses the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis Religion Standards to guide instruction.
Language Arts
Students will develop the necessary skills for effective communication through interactive reading, writing, listening, and speaking. These lifelong skills will enable students to function as literate adults. St. Joseph School uses the Minnesota State standards for English Language Arts to guide instruction.
Literature & Informational Text, Writing, & Grammar:
Students are immersed in novel studies, exposed to a variety of informational text selections, utilize the writing process, and engage in rigorous grammar instruction.
English Language Arts for middle school consists of spelling, grammar, reading, writing, speaking, and listening. We will complete various activities to meet the Minnesota State Standards in ELA.
Spelling:
- Text = Spelling Connections by Zaner-Bloser
- A spelling lesson from the book will be completed every week that has 4 or more days.
- Homework can be expected every week that we do a lesson. Tests will be the last day of every week.
Grammar:
- Mentor sentences will be used each week to practice grammar skills. Students will also practice skills using IXL. Grammar skills will be tested approximately every two weeks.
Reading:
- All students in grades 6, 7, and 8 take MAP Reading Assessments in the fall, winter, and spring. MAP assessment scores are then used to identify individual skills for growth and practiced using IXL.
- Students will have IXL assignments weekly.
- All students in grades 6, 7, and 8 are required to have a novel of their choice with them every day for independent reading. One book review is required every trimester.
6th Grade – Read Side By Side curriculum is used. A combination of whole class novels and small group book clubs will be used throughout the year. Most work is completed in class with periodic homework assignments.
7th Grade – Novels, drama, poetry, and non-fiction literature are studied throughout the year to practice and assess reading skills. Most work is completed in class with periodic homework assignments.
8th Grade – Novels, short stories, poetry, and non-fiction are studied throughout the year to practice and assess reading skills. Most work is completed in class with periodic homework assignments.
Writing, Speaking, and Listening:
- Writing assignments and speaking and listening activities are interwoven throughout the literature studies.
- 8th grade completes a public speaking unit toward the end of the year.
Mathematics
By the end of middle school, students are well prepared for high school math. Each grade follows the Minnesota Mathematics Standards, ensuring a consistent and high-quality math education for every learner. Our 7th and 8th grade mathematics program uses the Holt curriculum for Pre-Algebra and Algebra 1.
Social Studies
Students will acquire knowledge and appreciation for our state, nation and world’s past, present and hopes for the future. They will be encouraged to think critically, multi-culturally and as Christians to respect the heritage and diversity of the world.
6th grade - World History/MN History– begin with basic skills and concepts and then trace the history of people from prehistory to Roman Civilization with special emphasis on Western Civilization. Second part of the year is a study of Minnesota History.
7th grade - U.S. History since 1865 - Begin the year with a review of U.S. History to 1865 and then begin in the book Reconstruction through the Vietnam War. Students will also learn the U.S. Presidents.
8th grade - World Geography - Begin with a study of basic geographic concepts and then an in depth study of Countries of the world including Physical Geography, History, Government, Economy, Culture, & Globalization. Main regions include: Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia.
6th Grade Social Studies Curriculum
Science
Our middle school science program follows the Minnesota Science Standards through a purposeful progression:
- Grade 6: Earth and Space Science
- Grade 7: Life Science
- Grade 8: Physical Science
Students build scientific knowledge while learning to ask questions, analyze data, construct evidence-based explanations, and apply engineering design principles. This sequence prepares students for high school science by moving from the study of Earth and the universe to living organisms and ecosystems, and finally to matter, energy, forces, and motion. Throughout the program, students approach God’s creation with intellectual curiosity and wonder, recognizing that faith and reason are deeply intertwined.