Middle School

ELA

I, Mrs. Shackelford, teach English Language Arts for middle school, in which we focus on reading analysis, writing, grammar, vocabulary, and speaking and listening skills. Each class reads a summer reading novel and 3-4 books during the school year, sometimes in literature circles. Sixth grade studies ancient history through the Enlightenment, learning about the process of civilization, the similarities and differences of world cultures, and the impact of ancient events. Seventh grade studies American history from the Age of Exploration through Reconstruction, learning about legislation, events, and key figures that have shaped American life and government. Eighth grade studies Mississippi Studies in the fall semester, learning about the geography, cultural influences, development, and government of our state. Introduction to World Geography in the spring semester is an investigation of physical and human geographical processes and their impacts on one another. Students can earn 0.5 Carnegie units for high school from each course in eighth grade.

Math 6, Foundations of Pre-Algebra, Pre-Algebra & Algebra

Math 6
In Math 6, students learn key concepts along the progression toward middle school
algebra, including Ratios and Proportions, Percentages, and Number Systems,
Statistics, Graphing using the Coordinate Plane, and some geometry concepts including
area and volume. Students learn to solve everyday problems like comparing quantities,
calculating speeds, and applying percentages to real-world scenarios like discounts and
tips.

Foundations of Pre-Algebra
In Foundations of Pre-Algebra students learn the basic building blocks of mathematics
that prepare students for the study of pre-algebra, including topics like understanding
different types of numbers (integers, fractions, decimals), operations with those
numbers, order of operations, basic expressions, the concept of functions, probability
and statistics, and basic geometry concepts, essentially bridging the gap between
arithmetic and pre-algebra.

Pre-Algebra
Pre-algebra is a primary branch of algebra designed to prepare students for a standard
high school algebraic course. Students are introduced to integers, fractions, square
roots, step equations, linear equations, and decimals and are taught how to solve basic
equations using variables as well as some geometry concepts including right triangles

Algebra
Algebra 1 introduces students to the concept of using variables (letters) to represent
unknown numbers, allowing them to solve problems by manipulating expressions,
equations, and inequalities, including topics like evaluating expressions, graphing linear
functions, solving systems of equations, and understanding basic concepts of
polynomials and exponents.

6th/7th Grade Science

In 6th grade, science class focuses on the four main areas of Earth Science – geology, meteorology, hydrology/oceanography, and astronomy. 7th grade focuses on the principles of chemistry (the Periodic Table, molecules, and chemical reactions) and physics (forces and energy). Concepts are taught using a combination of discussion, modeling, and various projects, which includes constructing models, creating videos, and completing data analysis. Students attend a weekly lab to engage in hands-on activities that reinforce ideas and principles using experiments, real-world examples and data sets. Students engage in the scientific method throughout the class and conduct a self-directed experiment for science fair.

Biology 1

This is a high school course, and students who make a “C” or above will receive high school credit. We use Inspire Biology from McGraw Hill as our textbook. The digital platform that accompanies the book includes online practice labs, videos, jamboards, and computer models that help bring the concepts to life. We work in Modules, which can be broken down into the following parts:

Intro to Biology

Chemistry in Biology

The Cell

Cellular Energy

Cellular and Sexual Reproduction

Molecular Genetics

Genetics

Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology

Evolution

Physiology, Taxonomy, Ecology

We use a variety of learning styles, including hands-on activities to apply the lessons to real-life situations. Labs are done weekly. Near the end of the second semester, students will complete an Integrated Exit Project that will demonstrate their understanding of the concepts covered in the class. Students will also end the year with specimen dissection.

Middle School Religion

This course is based on the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and uses two textbooks: The Catholic Connection Handbook for Middle Schoolers by St. Mary's Press, and the Theology of the Body by Ascension Press. The courses are rooted in Sacred Scripture and Sacred Tradition, and offer a variety of lessons in many learning styles. These include hands-on activities like Escape Rooms, STREAM Projects, and the Jigsaw Method. Integration across subject areas such as history, ELA and Social Studies helps students learn to apply all of the lessons learned to real-life situations.

Each class attends a yearly retreat, both on and off campus. Students also participate in small performance-based events such as The Hall of Saints, The Living Rosary and The Living Stations of the Cross. All classes alternate leading our weekly Masses. Eighth grade has the opportunity to lead a school-wide Rosary during the month of May.

Nichole Cancellare STREAM Coordinator, 6th/7th Grade Science Teacher

stream@annunciationcatholicschool.org
Tracy Ferraez 8th Grade Teacher, PreK and Lower Elementary STREAM Teacher

tferraez@annunciationcatholicschool.org
Leah Shackelford Middle School ELA and Social Studies Teacher

lshackelford@annunciationcatholicschool.org
Kathryn Coats Middle School Math Teacher

kcoats@annunciationcatholicschool.org