Austin Catholic Schools-Austin, Minnesota

An academic honor roll based on a student's grade point average (GPA) during each quarter is published. There are two levels in which a student may qualify:

Honor Roll is posted quarterly. Students achieving Honor Roll and High Honor Roll status are recognized at our Honor Roll Brunch. This celebration is held after first, second and third quarters of the school year.

Our Counselor will help students with personal problems; the office is a place where , if they need to vent their frustrations or complain about something at school they can come to. This person is responsible for the mailing of midterm/quarter grades home, for keeping school transcripts organized and for alumni transcript requests. Keeping track of where students are on the path towards meeting graduation standards, coordinating standardized testing and college visits.

Standardized Testing is a manner of judging not only how individuals are doing but gives an outlook on how an entire group of students is doing. The MN GRAD Written Test is the standardized test required in order to receive a Public High School Diploma. Students in grade 9 take this exam with options to take it once more each successive year until it is passed. The PLAN test is given in grade 10. This test is scored and developed in the same manner as the ACT test which is given to grades 11 and 12. Both tests consist of separate subtests including Science, Math, and Reading. The ACT is the main test that will help students gain entrance into higher education, which is taken on specific Saturdays at Riverland Community college. The PPST test is also given to grade 11 students. This test is what the National Merit Scholarship is based on.

Religion

Scripture Studies

This course will place the gospels and other New Testament writings within the social, political and cultural world of Jesus. The students' practice of faith will be deepened by exploring defining moments in the personal relationship with Christ, as revealed in Scripture and described in the Catechism of the Catholic Church. With Christological eyes, the course then turns to the Old Testament to survey God's unconditional love for his people despite human weakness, and to foster a love and respect for the Old Testament as a source of wisdom, hope and prayer.

Sacramental Life in Christ

Through the study of Biblical texts and the Catechism of the Catholic Church, students will discover the sacramental wonder of their world and of themselves. They will recognize particular moments when grace reveals sacraments through the relationship with Christ, and how those sacraments are instituted through history. The course will survey in detail the history of the Church, with emphasis on holy men and women through the ages who shaped the Church we know today.

Conscience and Social Justice

Students will be challenged to develop a conscience in harmony with the message of Jesus and the teachings of the Catholic Church, and encouraged to cultivate an attitude of reverence toward themselves, others, and the world in which we live. Specific topics will be considered through the lens of Catholic Social Teaching, such as racism, poverty, peace, and gender issues. Students will study official Church responses to these issues, and will examine practical ways that Christians can foster a more humane world order in the image of the Kingdom of God.

Christian Life in Relationship

Students are given opportunities to integrate previous learning and apply it to the adult life they are beginning to define. Various types of relationships and lifestyles are explored, and ways to create and nurture genuine Christian relationships with others will be discussed. Students will be expected to articulate their faith in a mature and responsible ways, and to demonstrate a concern of the Image of God that defines dignity for each person. The goal is to bring faith to life through service to others, recognized as the manifestation of the fruits of the Holy Spirit.

Language Arts

Freshman English

This class touches on all of the areas that the student will eventually work with especially in future high school English classes. There are areas of reading, vocabulary, writing, literature and discussion that are included.

Communication

This class is designed to give students a chance to learn to express themselves to an audience. There are different kinds of speeches as well as different kinds of assignments that help to inform the students through experiences in front of the class.

American Literature

This class is taught using a historical approach going from 1620 to as close to the present as time will allow. Students will recognize and demonstrate knowledge of major American writers, genre and periods. Reading, comprehension of literature, and writing are the directives of the class.

Creative Writing

This course is offered as an opportunity for composition development to the student who is competent in writing and who has a talent for creative expression. The course is designed primarily to provide a writing laboratory in which the student can receive both guidance in his or her creative endeavor and constructive criticism from instructor and fellow students.

British Literature

This class allows students to explore, discuss and analyze British literature. Students will demonstrate knowledge of major British writers and periods using critical thinking skills. This class is a survey class which allows the teacher and students to be selective in the authors and pieces that are covered.

Humanities

The class follows the development of man from early tribal life to the modern day. The class studies six art forms and seven major historical periods of man and his development. There is a strong mix of history and the arts that help to make up the activities of the class.

Short Stories

The class offers a random number of stories and authors that are deigned to help the student understand the development of this form of literature since about the mid-1800's.

Business English

This class emphasizes a review in grammar and usage. There is time spent with sentence and paragraph structure. Students work with proofreading and editing as well as word processing. Writing for the workplace, filling out application forms and resumes are also part of the curriculum.

Research Writing

This class is designed to educate students on the proper way to create and present materials that have been researched. Each student chooses an interest area(s) at the beginning of the semester. There will be multiple assignments that incorporate different requirements enabling the students to have many experiences in research.

Shakespeare

Students will learn about the plays and poetry of Shakespeare's genius. Reading, discussion, videos and live productions are all ways the student experience the works of this master.

Novels

The novel is the most popular art form there is. Students will read and discuss a new novel every two weeks. Students will actively comment on a book in a group setting or write a review on the novels read.

Beginning Writing

The design of the class is to work on basic writing assignments. This includes everything from the simple sentence to a multi-paragraphed essay.

Journalism

This writing class is designed to teach the student to write for a variety of multi-media publications. Examples of writing efforts are a month school newspaper, yearbook, web pages, radio broadcasts, TV broadcasts and brochures.

Science Fiction

This class will read 3-4 short stories in the field of science fiction. The students will also read a science fiction novel, report on it and put together a project regarding the novel read.

Poetry

During the length of the class, the student will be covering many different kinds of poetry as well as poets from around the world. Students will also have the opportunity to create original poetry in an attempt to emulate some of the masters.

Mathematics

Pre-Algebra

Students in this class utilize the Saxon Mathematics course. It is a transitional course designed to help students move from the concrete concepts of arithmetic to the abstract concepts of algebra. The philosophy is that students learn best through incremental development e.g. by doing the problems repeatedly, building on one concept at a time, and then taking it to a higher level in another lesson.

Algebra 1

Students will:

Work with integers and rational numbers.
Graph linear equations
Solve systems of equations
Add, subtract, multiply and divide polynomial
Use algebra to solve real-life problems

Geometry

Students explore geometric relationships with a wide variety of tools. Instead of just memorizing rules and definitions, students perform constructions, measure figures, observe patterns, discuss findings, write their definitions, and formulate their own geometric conjectures.

Algebra 2

Students will:

Study functional relationships and notation
Study polynomial equations
Solve quadratic functions
Study complex numbers
Use Algebra to solve real-life problems

Consumer Math

Students will explore topics that they will face as a consumer in the real world:

Bank accounts, statements, investing money, checking accounts
Credit accounts, borrowing interest
Budgeting
Home care (wallpapering, painting, carpentry, etc.)
Income tax preparation

Statistics

Students will:

Become acquainted with the major concepts and tolls for collecting, analyzing and drawing conclusions from data.
Study advanced probability
Study linear regression and correlation
Create confidence intervals
Study hypothesis testing

Pre-Calculus

Students will:

Explore various functions (polynomial, quadratic, linear, direct and inverse variations, power, exponential and logistic).
Describe functions algebraically, numerically, graphically, and verbally.
Use regression model for function.
Explore probability and functions of a random variable.

Social Studies

American History

Students will:

Learn about the early colonizing efforts of Europe, their successes and their failures.
Examine the growth of the colonies, the building of a nation, and the problems involved in the expansion of the United States and decisions made by its leaders.
Experience through group and individual activity the westward expansion, the war that divided the states and the rapid growth of industry and agriculture.
Gain insight into the causes that engaged the United States in several wars
Learn how politics and economics play an important part in every day life.

World History

Students will:

Look at history from the beginning of time down to the present.
Gain an insight as to how our history, our laws, and our customs are influenced by the past.
Gain and insight into how our present actions can affect the future.
Look at the world as a while, and examine how we are becoming more interdependent.

Geography

Students will:

Learn the five themes of geography
Recognize and identify land formations, bodies of water and forces that can change the earth.
Compare and contrast peoples and cultures.
Analyze and evaluate the different regional areas of the world.
Assess how geography of an area impacts the people and culture of that area.
Propose and organize plans in how to manage the earth's natural resources.

American Government

Students will:

Learn about the development of the Constitution and the system of Government that has served the United States for well over 200 years.
Be able to learn first-hand how the political system works by forming into groups to discuss and debate the issues.
Develop a complete working knowledge of the Constitution.
Understand how their State and Local Governments work as they complete projects that will enable ale them to better understand their roll as citizens of the Nation, State, County, and City.
Explore current environmental issues.
Learn about conservation methods and recycling.
Participate in the GLOBE project by taking regular atmosphere ic an hydrology data.

Psychology

Students will:

Learn to define the Science of psychology and the methods used for research.
Explain different theories of psychology and the scientists who developed them.
Synthesize and evaluate the processes of learning, thinking and remembering.
Identify and distinguish between different personality disturbances and behaviors.

Sociology

Students will:

Become aware of the "sociological perspective."
Discuss effects of cultural diffusion and leveling.
Analyze case studies about cultures, societies, families, and the ethics of these studies.
Gain an understanding on the importance of culture and it's mental and physical effects on people and society.

Economics

Students will:

Understand the cost associated with making decisions to do something
Understand the (free-market) system, and compare and contrast it to other types of economic systems.
Be able to explain the law of supply and demand through the use of charts and graphs and the factors that can influence the market and change its equilibrium.
Study the Federal Reserve System, the function of money and how government actions, or lack of actions, can affect an economic system.

Science

Physical Science

Students will:

Learn to describe and state the steps of the scientific method.
Develop and understanding of how the periodic table is organized
Explore through activities and experiments topics such as matter, motion, force, work, energy and waves.
Name and describe the six types of simple machines.
Identify renewable and nonrenewable energy resources.
Learn about chemical bonding and chemical reactions
Understand the properties of magnetism, electric current, and a simple circuit.
Apply science to their everday lives.

Biology 1

Students will:

Learn to describe and state the steps of the scientific method.
Identify and describe laboratory safety symbols and rules.
Learn the characteristics of all living things.
Learn the correct way to use a microscope.
Learn the structure and functions of cells and the fundamentals of genetics.

Environmental Science

Students will:

Learn about ecology
Explore how living things interact with other living and non-living things.
Learn about biomes, ecosystems, populations, and communities.
Explore local natural areas and learn about the flora and fauna of Minnesota.
Learn basic concepts of soil science.

Biology II

Students will:

Explore selected clinical terminology.
Develop ideas and conduct lab activities in the areas of anatomy and physiology.
Study the biochemical basis of metabolism and the organization of cells and tissues.
Study the following systems: integument, skeletal, muscle, nervous and sensory, circulatory, respiratory, digestive, endocrine, and reproductive.

Chemistry

Students will:

Learn to use the scientific method to design.
Carry-out and analyze various experiments.
Write lab reports for every laboratory exercise.
Learn to define matter according to physical and chemical properties.
Describe chemical reactions by using balanced equations and understand mathematical relationships using the mole.
Identify atomic structure and predict bonding using the periodic table.
Learn to describe changes in energy from chemical reactions and explain differences in reaction rates. Pre-requisite of Algebra 2 or concurrently taking Algebra 2.

Physics

Students will:

Investigate motion, work power, energy, waves, light electricity, and magnetism.
Distinguish between vector and scalar symbols and rules
Distinguish between & calculate displacement and distance and between velocity and speed.
Analyze graphs to determine velocity, displacement and acceleration.
Solve relative motion problems using vector diagrams.
Calculate the force of gravity between two objects.
State Newton's three Laws of motion and solve motion problems using Newton's second law.
Relate work to force and displacement.
Sate the Law of conservation of Energy
Describe the operation principles of six simple machines
Describe Kinetic Molecular Theory
Explain Bernoulli's Principle.
Explain the Doppler effect Prerequisite of Algebra 2 or concurrently taking Algebra 2.

Health and Physcial Education

Health

Students will:

Engage in many "hands on & minds on" experiences regarding the various aspects of health education both in and out of the classroom
Take part in a comprehensive health study and choose one topic for extensive research.
Recognize and distinguish between facts and inferences regarding special social problems such as drugs and alcohol abuse, violence, teen pregnancy, and eating disorders.
Apply the components of fitness, proper diet, and exercise toward an individualized program that bests suits you.
Understand and apply information that assists in decision making in respect to overall well-being of mind, body, and relationships with others.

Physical Education

Students will:

Learn and practice the skills involved in a variety of sports.
Become acquainted with the rules and scoring for various sports.
Learn the importance of lifetime fitness and physical activity
Participate actively.

Foreign Language

Spanish 1

Students will be learning many vocabulary words. We will focus on the present tense and begin the past tense of verbs. Students will learn how to form sentences correctly and begin reading in Spanish.

Spanish 2

Students will be reviewing the present and past verb tenses. They will learn several new verb tenses including the imperfect (past), future, conditional, command, and subjunctive. They will increase their vocabulary and continue improving their reading and writing skills.

Spanish 3

Students will be reviewing the preterit (past), imperfect, future, and conditional verb tenses. They will be learning about the command form as well as the subjunctive form while working on all verb tenses and building vocabulary. They will continue to improve their reading and writing skills. Students will also be required to speak only Spanish in the classroom most days. We will also be learning history and culture of Spain, South America, Central American and the Caribbean.

Spanish 4

Students will continue to improve their reading, writing and speaking skills. Students will read classic literature as well as learn about art, people and culture from Spain and Latin America.

Fine Arts

Guitar

This small class functions as a music lab where guitar lessons are given on groups and individual levels. Students learn notes on each string. Basic and advanced chords and strumming, and create original compositions combining guitar accompaniment, melody, and lyrics.

Pacelli Concert Choir

All students in grades 9-12 are invited to sing in the Pacelli High School Concert Choir. During choir, students will improve their sight-reading skills using vocalises and solfege, students music in 3 and 4 parts, and improve their individual vocal technique. The Concert Choir performs at various school masses, the Christmas Madrigal, and spring show among other scheduled performances. The choir has the opportunity every other school year to travel to various musically, historically, and culturally rich destinations in the spring.

Faith and Service

Weekly Mass

Students in grades 7-12 attend weekly Mass. All students are encouraged to actively plan and participate in the liturgy of the Mass.

Campus Ministry

Provides different activities for students throughout the school year to help students deepen their connection to Jesus with small group discussions and prayer.

Community Service

Community Service is an important part of the community that is Pac elli Catholic School. Every student is expected to serve others in various ways both in school and in the community. Some examples of community service projects that have a long history at Pacelli Catholic are: Christmas baskets for the needy, food shelf, Christmas tree pick up and volunteer work.

Christmas Basket Project- Bringing the spirit of Christ to others was the purpose of the very first Pacelli Christmas Basket Project which was started in December 1977. This tradition continues today. Beginning on the first day of the Advent season, students are asked to contribute their own money to the project, as well as collect some from family and friends. The students then use the money to shop for gifts for area families who are anonymously nominated by the pastors of the Austin Catholic parishes. The gifts are presented and blessed before the altar at the Christmas Basket Mass. PHS alumni deliver the wrapped presents to the families before Christmas. The goal of this project is to raise the social conscience of our Pacelli students by emphasizing the importance of Christian service to others in need.

Drama

The drama department at Pacelli consists of two plays annualy. They are open to all 7-12 graders. One production is a one act play which is a competition play sanctioned by the Minnesota State High School League. There is also an annual middle school performance as well. Students are encouraged to get involved in all aspects of the production such as acting, lights, makeup, costumes and directing.

Music

Pacelli Singers

Pacelli Singers is a group of auditioned male and femal singers adding choreography to 3 & 4 part vocal scores. Members are selected in May for the following school year.

Lyrix

An auditioned female concert choir of 9-12 grade students. Members are selected in May for the following school year.

Christmas Madrigal

This is a celebration designed to enjoy the season with feasting and song.

Quartets

One male quartet and one female quartet are auditioned in May for the next school year. These singing groups perform at various functions.

Liturge

An open attendance choir who leads the liturgy and songs at our high school Mass. This ensemble meets once per week before school.

Miscellaneous School Activities

There are many additional school activities that students can take part in such as school sponsored dances (Homecoming, Flurry Days and Prom), Catholic schools week, Catholic Schools Discovery Annual Auction, and class trips through out the year.

Student of the Month

Students are nominated for Student of the Month by the faculty and staff based on the fruits of the spirit. We look for students who demonstrate love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, or self-control.

School Newspaper

The school newspaper, The Shamrock, is put together by students with an interest in journalism. Meeting dates to be determined.

Student Council

The Student Council acts as a voice for the student body as a whole. Members exercise their leadership skills by organizing and sponsoring student activities.

Yearbook

The yearbook staff is responsible for publishing the Talisman. Activities include photography, layout design, writing, and advertising. The year book staff is o[pen to all students.

Rotary Student of the Month

One high school student is selected to attend the Austin Rotary Club meetings with area business people and learn about their community, state, nation and world through various speakers. Students are selected on the following criteria; shows leadership, demonstrates consistent effort in the classroom, respects students and adults, and demonstrates fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control)

DAWN Project

Students are chosen to learn about signs and symptoms of depression among their peers. They learn what to do if they are concerned about a fellow student. Those students then educate their fellow classmates about this important subject.

Academic Competitions

Minnesota Music Listening Contest

Students in grades 9-12 statewide develop skills in active listening and critical analysis by learning to identify composers, cultures, periods, and styles. All teams participate in regional competitions. 1st and 2nd place teams advance to state competitions.

Science Fair

Students participate in science fair projects and are encouraged to enter the city science fair competition.

After School Academy

The After School Academy is a place where students can do their homework in peace and quiet after school until 5pm Monday through Thursday. A teacher is available to assist if there are any questions that may arise.

School Sports

Pacelli Catholic Middle/Senior High School co-ops its sports programs with both Lyle (LP) and Austin Public Schools (AHS). Sports that are co-oped with Lyle Public Schools are part of the Southeast Conference. Sports that are co-oped with Austin Public Schools are part of the Big Nine Conference.

Pacelli Catholic has an active school council sports committee that helps to ensure representation in each sport cooperative. There is also an active parent run booster club that supports both the middle school and high school level athletes and their sporting programs.

Many of our students are three season sport athletes and have gone on to acquire letter recognition by their school and other recognitions by the state high school league.

The following sports are offered to our Pacelli Catholic Middle school students

Fall Sports: Football (LP), Girls' Tennis (P), Volleyball (LP), Girls' and Boys' Cross Country (P), Boys' and Girls' Soccer (AHS), Girls swimming (AHS), Cheerleading (P)

Winter Sports: Boys' and Girls' Basketball (LP), Wrestling (AHS) Boys' Hockey (AHS), Cheerleading (P)

Spring Sports: Boys' and Girls' Track and Field (LP), Baseball (LP), Girls' and Boys' Golf (LP), Softball (LP), Boys' Tennis (AHS)


New Students Director of Admissions Preschool Kindergarten Elementary Middle School High School Tuition Assistance Shadowing a Student Current Students Accelerated Reader Students of the Month Pacelli Handbook Dress Codes Supply Lists Publications Pacelli Clothing Parents Pacelli Parent Online Access ACES Parent Online Access ACES Parent Handbook SCRIP Contact Staff Guidance Counselor Pacelli Handbook Supply Lists Publications Pacelli Clothing Staff Staff Webmail Clarity Testing Alumni Hall of Fame Reunions Annual Giving Letter Newsletter SCRIP Donation Form Sponsor a Student Pacelli Clothing Update Your Information Request Information Friends School Council Pacelli Booster Club PTCA Fine Arts Boosters Volunteers SCRIP Donation Form Sponsor a Student Pacelli Clothing Austin Catholic Parishes Knights of Columbus Diocese of Winona
Home Page Welcome Announcements News and Events Calendar/Lunch Menu Academics Athletics Activities Gifting and Giving Foundation	High School Honor Roll An academic honor roll based on a student's grade point average (GPA) during each quarter is published. There are two levels in which a student may qualify: Honor Roll: GPA of 3.0-3.499 High Honor Roll: GPA of 3.5-4.0 Honor Roll is posted quarterly. Students achieving Honor Roll and High Honor Roll status are recognized at our Honor Roll Brunch. This celebration is held after first, second and third quarters of the school year. Guidance Our Counselor will help students with personal problems; the office is a place where , if they need to vent their frustrations or complain about something at school they can come to. This person is responsible for the mailing of midterm/quarter grades home, for keeping school transcripts organized and for alumni transcript requests. Keeping track of where students are on the path towards meeting graduation standards, coordinating standardized testing and college visits. Standardized Testing Standardized Testing is a manner of judging not only how individuals are doing but gives an outlook on how an entire group of students is doing. The MN GRAD Written Test is the standardized test required in order to receive a Public High School Diploma. Students in grade 9 take this exam with options to take it once more each successive year until it is passed. The PLAN test is given in grade 10. This test is scored and developed in the same manner as the ACT test which is given to grades 11 and 12. Both tests consist of separate subtests including Science, Math, and Reading. The ACT is the main test that will help students gain entrance into higher education, which is taken on specific Saturdays at Riverland Community college. The PPST test is also given to grade 11 students. This test is what the National Merit Scholarship is based on. Graduation and College Requirements Senior High School Course Offerings Religion Language Arts Math Social Studies Science Other Activities Sports Religion Scripture Studies This course will place the gospels and other New Testament writings within the social, political and cultural world of Jesus. The students' practice of faith will be deepened by exploring defining moments in the personal relationship with Christ, as revealed in Scripture and described in the Catechism of the Catholic Church. With Christological eyes, the course then turns to the Old Testament to survey God's unconditional love for his people despite human weakness, and to foster a love and respect for the Old Testament as a source of wisdom, hope and prayer. Sacramental Life in Christ Through the study of Biblical texts and the Catechism of the Catholic Church, students will discover the sacramental wonder of their world and of themselves. They will recognize particular moments when grace reveals sacraments through the relationship with Christ, and how those sacraments are instituted through history. The course will survey in detail the history of the Church, with emphasis on holy men and women through the ages who shaped the Church we know today. Conscience and Social Justice Students will be challenged to develop a conscience in harmony with the message of Jesus and the teachings of the Catholic Church, and encouraged to cultivate an attitude of reverence toward themselves, others, and the world in which we live. Specific topics will be considered through the lens of Catholic Social Teaching, such as racism, poverty, peace, and gender issues. Students will study official Church responses to these issues, and will examine practical ways that Christians can foster a more humane world order in the image of the Kingdom of God. Christian Life in Relationship Students are given opportunities to integrate previous learning and apply it to the adult life they are beginning to define. Various types of relationships and lifestyles are explored, and ways to create and nurture genuine Christian relationships with others will be discussed. Students will be expected to articulate their faith in a mature and responsible ways, and to demonstrate a concern of the Image of God that defines dignity for each person. The goal is to bring faith to life through service to others, recognized as the manifestation of the fruits of the Holy Spirit. Language Arts Freshman English This class touches on all of the areas that the student will eventually work with especially in future high school English classes. There are areas of reading, vocabulary, writing, literature and discussion that are included. Communication This class is designed to give students a chance to learn to express themselves to an audience. There are different kinds of speeches as well as different kinds of assignments that help to inform the students through experiences in front of the class. American Literature This class is taught using a historical approach going from 1620 to as close to the present as time will allow. Students will recognize and demonstrate knowledge of major American writers, genre and periods. Reading, comprehension of literature, and writing are the directives of the class. Creative Writing This course is offered as an opportunity for composition development to the student who is competent in writing and who has a talent for creative expression. The course is designed primarily to provide a writing laboratory in which the student can receive both guidance in his or her creative endeavor and constructive criticism from instructor and fellow students. British Literature This class allows students to explore, discuss and analyze British literature. Students will demonstrate knowledge of major British writers and periods using critical thinking skills. This class is a survey class which allows the teacher and students to be selective in the authors and pieces that are covered. Humanities The class follows the development of man from early tribal life to the modern day. The class studies six art forms and seven major historical periods of man and his development. There is a strong mix of history and the arts that help to make up the activities of the class. Short Stories The class offers a random number of stories and authors that are deigned to help the student understand the development of this form of literature since about the mid-1800's. Business English This class emphasizes a review in grammar and usage. There is time spent with sentence and paragraph structure. Students work with proofreading and editing as well as word processing. Writing for the workplace, filling out application forms and resumes are also part of the curriculum. Research Writing This class is designed to educate students on the proper way to create and present materials that have been researched. Each student chooses an interest area(s) at the beginning of the semester. There will be multiple assignments that incorporate different requirements enabling the students to have many experiences in research. Shakespeare Students will learn about the plays and poetry of Shakespeare's genius. Reading, discussion, videos and live productions are all ways the student experience the works of this master. Novels The novel is the most popular art form there is. Students will read and discuss a new novel every two weeks. Students will actively comment on a book in a group setting or write a review on the novels read. Beginning Writing The design of the class is to work on basic writing assignments. This includes everything from the simple sentence to a multi-paragraphed essay. Journalism This writing class is designed to teach the student to write for a variety of multi-media publications. Examples of writing efforts are a month school newspaper, yearbook, web pages, radio broadcasts, TV broadcasts and brochures. Science Fiction This class will read 3-4 short stories in the field of science fiction. The students will also read a science fiction novel, report on it and put together a project regarding the novel read. Poetry During the length of the class, the student will be covering many different kinds of poetry as well as poets from around the world. Students will also have the opportunity to create original poetry in an attempt to emulate some of the masters. Mathematics Pre-Algebra Students in this class utilize the Saxon Mathematics course. It is a transitional course designed to help students move from the concrete concepts of arithmetic to the abstract concepts of algebra. The philosophy is that students learn best through incremental development e.g. by doing the problems repeatedly, building on one concept at a time, and then taking it to a higher level in another lesson. Algebra 1 Students will: Work with integers and rational numbers. Graph linear equations Solve systems of equations Add, subtract, multiply and divide polynomial Use algebra to solve real-life problems Geometry Students explore geometric relationships with a wide variety of tools. Instead of just memorizing rules and definitions, students perform constructions, measure figures, observe patterns, discuss findings, write their definitions, and formulate their own geometric conjectures. Algebra 2 Students will: Study functional relationships and notation Study polynomial equations Solve quadratic functions Study complex numbers Use Algebra to solve real-life problems Consumer Math Students will explore topics that they will face as a consumer in the real world: Bank accounts, statements, investing money, checking accounts Credit accounts, borrowing interest Budgeting Home care (wallpapering, painting, carpentry, etc.) Income tax preparation Statistics Students will: Become acquainted with the major concepts and tolls for collecting, analyzing and drawing conclusions from data. Study advanced probability Study linear regression and correlation Create confidence intervals Study hypothesis testing Pre-Calculus Students will: Explore various functions (polynomial, quadratic, linear, direct and inverse variations, power, exponential and logistic). Describe functions algebraically, numerically, graphically, and verbally. Use regression model for function. Explore probability and functions of a random variable. Social Studies American History Students will: Learn about the early colonizing efforts of Europe, their successes and their failures. Examine the growth of the colonies, the building of a nation, and the problems involved in the expansion of the United States and decisions made by its leaders. Experience through group and individual activity the westward expansion, the war that divided the states and the rapid growth of industry and agriculture. Gain insight into the causes that engaged the United States in several wars Learn how politics and economics play an important part in every day life. World History Students will: Look at history from the beginning of time down to the present. Gain an insight as to how our history, our laws, and our customs are influenced by the past. Gain and insight into how our present actions can affect the future. Look at the world as a while, and examine how we are becoming more interdependent. Geography Students will: Learn the five themes of geography Recognize and identify land formations, bodies of water and forces that can change the earth. Compare and contrast peoples and cultures. Analyze and evaluate the different regional areas of the world. Assess how geography of an area impacts the people and culture of that area. Propose and organize plans in how to manage the earth's natural resources. American Government Students will: Learn about the development of the Constitution and the system of Government that has served the United States for well over 200 years. Be able to learn first-hand how the political system works by forming into groups to discuss and debate the issues. Develop a complete working knowledge of the Constitution. Understand how their State and Local Governments work as they complete projects that will enable ale them to better understand their roll as citizens of the Nation, State, County, and City. Explore current environmental issues. Learn about conservation methods and recycling. Participate in the GLOBE project by taking regular atmosphere ic an hydrology data. Psychology Students will: Learn to define the Science of psychology and the methods used for research. Explain different theories of psychology and the scientists who developed them. Synthesize and evaluate the processes of learning, thinking and remembering. Identify and distinguish between different personality disturbances and behaviors. Sociology Students will: Become aware of the "sociological perspective." Discuss effects of cultural diffusion and leveling. Analyze case studies about cultures, societies, families, and the ethics of these studies. Gain an understanding on the importance of culture and it's mental and physical effects on people and society. Economics Students will: Understand the cost associated with making decisions to do something Understand the (free-market) system, and compare and contrast it to other types of economic systems. Be able to explain the law of supply and demand through the use of charts and graphs and the factors that can influence the market and change its equilibrium. Study the Federal Reserve System, the function of money and how government actions, or lack of actions, can affect an economic system. Science Physical Science Students will: Learn to describe and state the steps of the scientific method. Develop and understanding of how the periodic table is organized Explore through activities and experiments topics such as matter, motion, force, work, energy and waves. Name and describe the six types of simple machines. Identify renewable and nonrenewable energy resources. Learn about chemical bonding and chemical reactions Understand the properties of magnetism, electric current, and a simple circuit. Apply science to their everday lives. Biology 1 Students will: Learn to describe and state the steps of the scientific method. Identify and describe laboratory safety symbols and rules. Learn the characteristics of all living things. Learn the correct way to use a microscope. Learn the structure and functions of cells and the fundamentals of genetics. Environmental Science Students will: Learn about ecology Explore how living things interact with other living and non-living things. Learn about biomes, ecosystems, populations, and communities. Explore local natural areas and learn about the flora and fauna of Minnesota. Learn basic concepts of soil science. Biology II Students will: Explore selected clinical terminology. Develop ideas and conduct lab activities in the areas of anatomy and physiology. Study the biochemical basis of metabolism and the organization of cells and tissues. Study the following systems: integument, skeletal, muscle, nervous and sensory, circulatory, respiratory, digestive, endocrine, and reproductive. Chemistry Students will: Learn to use the scientific method to design. Carry-out and analyze various experiments. Write lab reports for every laboratory exercise. Learn to define matter according to physical and chemical properties. Describe chemical reactions by using balanced equations and understand mathematical relationships using the mole. Identify atomic structure and predict bonding using the periodic table. Learn to describe changes in energy from chemical reactions and explain differences in reaction rates. Pre-requisite of Algebra 2 or concurrently taking Algebra 2. Physics Students will: Investigate motion, work power, energy, waves, light electricity, and magnetism. Distinguish between vector and scalar symbols and rules Distinguish between & calculate displacement and distance and between velocity and speed. Analyze graphs to determine velocity, displacement and acceleration. Solve relative motion problems using vector diagrams. Calculate the force of gravity between two objects. State Newton's three Laws of motion and solve motion problems using Newton's second law. Relate work to force and displacement. Sate the Law of conservation of Energy Describe the operation principles of six simple machines Describe Kinetic Molecular Theory Explain Bernoulli's Principle. Explain the Doppler effect Prerequisite of Algebra 2 or concurrently taking Algebra 2. Health and Physcial Education Health Students will: Engage in many "hands on & minds on" experiences regarding the various aspects of health education both in and out of the classroom Take part in a comprehensive health study and choose one topic for extensive research. Recognize and distinguish between facts and inferences regarding special social problems such as drugs and alcohol abuse, violence, teen pregnancy, and eating disorders. Apply the components of fitness, proper diet, and exercise toward an individualized program that bests suits you. Understand and apply information that assists in decision making in respect to overall well-being of mind, body, and relationships with others. Physical Education Students will: Learn and practice the skills involved in a variety of sports. Become acquainted with the rules and scoring for various sports. Learn the importance of lifetime fitness and physical activity Participate actively. Foreign Language Spanish 1 Students will be learning many vocabulary words. We will focus on the present tense and begin the past tense of verbs. Students will learn how to form sentences correctly and begin reading in Spanish. Spanish 2 Students will be reviewing the present and past verb tenses. They will learn several new verb tenses including the imperfect (past), future, conditional, command, and subjunctive. They will increase their vocabulary and continue improving their reading and writing skills. Spanish 3 Students will be reviewing the preterit (past), imperfect, future, and conditional verb tenses. They will be learning about the command form as well as the subjunctive form while working on all verb tenses and building vocabulary. They will continue to improve their reading and writing skills. Students will also be required to speak only Spanish in the classroom most days. We will also be learning history and culture of Spain, South America, Central American and the Caribbean. Spanish 4 Students will continue to improve their reading, writing and speaking skills. Students will read classic literature as well as learn about art, people and culture from Spain and Latin America. Fine Arts Guitar This small class functions as a music lab where guitar lessons are given on groups and individual levels. Students learn notes on each string. Basic and advanced chords and strumming, and create original compositions combining guitar accompaniment, melody, and lyrics. Pacelli Concert Choir All students in grades 9-12 are invited to sing in the Pacelli High School Concert Choir. During choir, students will improve their sight-reading skills using vocalises and solfege, students music in 3 and 4 parts, and improve their individual vocal technique. The Concert Choir performs at various school masses, the Christmas Madrigal, and spring show among other scheduled performances. The choir has the opportunity every other school year to travel to various musically, historically, and culturally rich destinations in the spring. Faith and Service Weekly Mass Students in grades 7-12 attend weekly Mass. All students are encouraged to actively plan and participate in the liturgy of the Mass. Campus Ministry Provides different activities for students throughout the school year to help students deepen their connection to Jesus with small group discussions and prayer. Community Service Community Service is an important part of the community that is Pac elli Catholic School. Every student is expected to serve others in various ways both in school and in the community. Some examples of community service projects that have a long history at Pacelli Catholic are: Christmas baskets for the needy, food shelf, Christmas tree pick up and volunteer work. Christmas Basket Project- Bringing the spirit of Christ to others was the purpose of the very first Pacelli Christmas Basket Project which was started in December 1977. This tradition continues today. Beginning on the first day of the Advent season, students are asked to contribute their own money to the project, as well as collect some from family and friends. The students then use the money to shop for gifts for area families who are anonymously nominated by the pastors of the Austin Catholic parishes. The gifts are presented and blessed before the altar at the Christmas Basket Mass. PHS alumni deliver the wrapped presents to the families before Christmas. The goal of this project is to raise the social conscience of our Pacelli students by emphasizing the importance of Christian service to others in need. Drama The drama department at Pacelli consists of two plays annualy. They are open to all 7-12 graders. One production is a one act play which is a competition play sanctioned by the Minnesota State High School League. There is also an annual middle school performance as well. Students are encouraged to get involved in all aspects of the production such as acting, lights, makeup, costumes and directing. Music Pacelli Singers Pacelli Singers is a group of auditioned male and femal singers adding choreography to 3 & 4 part vocal scores. Members are selected in May for the following school year. Lyrix An auditioned female concert choir of 9-12 grade students. Members are selected in May for the following school year. Christmas Madrigal This is a celebration designed to enjoy the season with feasting and song. Quartets One male quartet and one female quartet are auditioned in May for the next school year. These singing groups perform at various functions. Liturge An open attendance choir who leads the liturgy and songs at our high school Mass. This ensemble meets once per week before school. Miscellaneous School Activities There are many additional school activities that students can take part in such as school sponsored dances (Homecoming, Flurry Days and Prom), Catholic schools week, Catholic Schools Discovery Annual Auction, and class trips through out the year. Student of the Month Students are nominated for Student of the Month by the faculty and staff based on the fruits of the spirit. We look for students who demonstrate love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, or self-control. School Newspaper The school newspaper, The Shamrock, is put together by students with an interest in journalism. Meeting dates to be determined. Student Council The Student Council acts as a voice for the student body as a whole. Members exercise their leadership skills by organizing and sponsoring student activities. Yearbook The yearbook staff is responsible for publishing the Talisman. Activities include photography, layout design, writing, and advertising. The year book staff is o[pen to all students. Rotary Student of the Month One high school student is selected to attend the Austin Rotary Club meetings with area business people and learn about their community, state, nation and world through various speakers. Students are selected on the following criteria; shows leadership, demonstrates consistent effort in the classroom, respects students and adults, and demonstrates fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control) DAWN Project Students are chosen to learn about signs and symptoms of depression among their peers. They learn what to do if they are concerned about a fellow student. Those students then educate their fellow classmates about this important subject. Academic Competitions Minnesota Music Listening Contest Students in grades 9-12 statewide develop skills in active listening and critical analysis by learning to identify composers, cultures, periods, and styles. All teams participate in regional competitions. 1st and 2nd place teams advance to state competitions. Science Fair Students participate in science fair projects and are encouraged to enter the city science fair competition. After School Academy The After School Academy is a place where students can do their homework in peace and quiet after school until 5pm Monday through Thursday. A teacher is available to assist if there are any questions that may arise. School Sports Pacelli Catholic Middle/Senior High School co-ops its sports programs with both Lyle (LP) and Austin Public Schools (AHS). Sports that are co-oped with Lyle Public Schools are part of the Southeast Conference. Sports that are co-oped with Austin Public Schools are part of the Big Nine Conference. Pacelli Catholic has an active school council sports committee that helps to ensure representation in each sport cooperative. There is also an active parent run booster club that supports both the middle school and high school level athletes and their sporting programs. Many of our students are three season sport athletes and have gone on to acquire letter recognition by their school and other recognitions by the state high school league. The following sports are offered to our Pacelli Catholic Middle school students Fall Sports: Football (LP), Girls' Tennis (P), Volleyball (LP), Girls' and Boys' Cross Country (P), Boys' and Girls' Soccer (AHS), Girls swimming (AHS), Cheerleading (P) Winter Sports: Boys' and Girls' Basketball (LP), Wrestling (AHS) Boys' Hockey (AHS), Cheerleading (P) Spring Sports: Boys' and Girls' Track and Field (LP), Baseball (LP), Girls' and Boys' Golf (LP), Softball (LP), Boys' Tennis (AHS)
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