Middle 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. Both the sixth and seventh grade students will take the Iowa Test of  Basic Skills in spring of the school yeas. The eight grade students are given the EXPLORE test. 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 English, Science, Math and Reading.

Curriculum Highlights


 

Religion

Religion 6

Students will focus their attention on two main topics:
1. Old Testament- a study of the main characters and events of the history of Israel and the establishment of God's covenant with His chosen people.
GOAL: To have the students gain an understanding of the key truths that God reveals in the Old Testament.
2. Church History- A study of the history of the Roman Catholic Church throughout time.
GOAL: To have the students discover that they are not alone in trying to keep the faith as well as learning the many traditions and past problems that affect us as Catholics today.

FISH is a component of the sixth grade curriculum. FISH is a character building program which is also given at least one day a month to discuss and, through activities, respond to the four principles of the program: BE THERE, CHOOSE YOUR ATTUTUDE, PLAY, and MAKE THEIR DAY . They then become part of their daily school lives.

Benziger Family Life Series: Which centers around the five themes: God's gift of Family, Self, Life, Love and Community.

Weekly Mass- 6th grade students will attend weekly Mass. All students are encouraged to actively plan and participate in the liturgy of the Mass.

Religion 7

 Students will focus their attention on two main topics:
1. The Apostles Creed- a study of the basic truths of our faith as outlined in the Apostle's Creed.
GOAL: To have the students gain an appreciation for these truths as guides in their daily lives.
2. Jesus: The New Testament- A study of the personality, mission, and mystery of Jesus Christ.
GOAL: To have the students develop a more personal friendship with Jesus in their daily life.

FISH is a component of the sixth grade curriculum. FISH is a character building program which is also given at least one day a month to discuss and, through activities, respond to the four principles of the program: BE THERE, CHOOSE YOUR ATTUTUDE, PLAY, and MAKE THEIR DAY . They then become part of their daily school lives.

Benziger Family Life Series: Which centers around the five themes: God's gift of Family, Self, Life, Love and Community.

Weekly Mass- 7th grade students will attend weekly Mass. All students are encouraged to actively plan and participate in the liturgy of the Mass.

Religion 8

Students will focus their attention on two main topics:
1. Morality- a study of the basic truths of our faith as outlined in the Apostle's Creed.
GOAL: To have the students gain an appreciation for these truths as guides in their daily lives.
2. Discipleship- a study of the challenges related to adolescence and the skills needed to respond to these challenges as a disciple of Jesus.
GOAL: To have the students maintain a positive attitude toward themselves as they grow into a mature follower of Jesus.

FISH is a component of the sixth grade curriculum. FISH is a character building program which is also given at least one day a month to discuss and, through activities, respond to the four principles of the program: BE THERE, CHOOSE YOUR ATTUTUDE, PLAY, and MAKE THEIR DAY . They then become part of their daily school lives.

Benziger Family Life Series: Which centers around the five themes: God's gift of Family, Self, Life, Love and Community.

Weekly Mass- 8th grade students will attend weekly Mass. All students are encouraged to actively plan and participate in the liturgy of the Mass.

 

 

Language Arts

English 6

Utilizing the writing process (including developing ideas, drafting, revising, and editing) students will practice strategies for writing sentences, paragraphs, and short essays. Students will also learn ways to improve their writing and speaking skills through grammar studies and exercise.

Upon completion of this course students will be expected to accomplish the following objectives:

  • Become better and more confident writers
  • Become more familiar with the writing process (pre-writing, drafting, revising, and editing)
  • Develop the skills necessary to use their senses to write more descriptively.
  • Develop a better understanding of standard English conventions including spelling, punctuation, grammar and capitalization.
  • Become familiar with both the Pacelli library and the Austin Public Library and the resources it makes available.
  • Respectfully participate in academic discussions

English 7

Utilizing the writing process (including developing ideas, drafting, revising, and editing) students will practice strategies for writing sentences, paragraphs, and short essays. Students will also learn ways to improve their writing and speaking skills through grammar studies and exercise.

Upon completion of this course students will be expected to accomplish the following objectives:

  • Become better and more confident writers
  • Become more familiar with the writing process (pre-writing, drafting, revising, and editing)
  • Develop the skills necessary to use their senses to write more descriptively.
  • Develop a better understanding of standard English conventions including spelling, punctuation, grammar and capitalization.
  • Become familiar with both the Pacelli library and the Austin Public Library and the resources it makes available.
  • Respectfully participate in academic discussions

English 8

Utilizing the writing process (including developing ideas, drafting, revising, and editing) students will practice strategies for writing sentences, paragraphs, and short essays. Students will also learn ways to improve their writing and speaking skills through grammar studies and exercise.

Upon completion of this course students will be expected to accomplish the following objectives:

  • Become better and more confident writers
  • Become more familiar with the writing process (pre-writing, drafting, revising, and editing)
  • Develop the skills necessary to use their senses to write more descriptively.
  • Develop a better understanding of standard English conventions including spelling, punctuation, grammar and capitalization.
  • Become familiar with both the Pacelli library and the Austin Public Library and the resources it makes available.
  • Respectfully participate in academic discussion

00

In this class students will study various aspects of Literature including theme, character, plot, settings, and vocabulary. They will be reading a wide array of Literature including short stories, letters, plays, essays, poems, periodicals, and novels. We will be concentrating on themes, reading both fiction and non-fiction materials related to them, and embarking on other activities that help students better understand them.

Upon completion of this course students will be expected to accomplish the following objectives:

  • Recognize the difference between fiction and non-fiction materials.
  • Recognize several elements of Literature, such as theme, plot, characters (and the differences between characters), setting, etc.
  • Read works of Literature and be able to discuss them, as well as write about them, academically.
  • Understand the differences between several forms of poetry.
  • Recognize that there are thematic elements and symbolism found in poetry.
  • Enhance their vocabulary usage.

Literature 7

In this class students will study various aspects of Literature including theme, character, plot, settings, and vocabulary. They will be reading a wide array of Literature including short stories, letters, plays, essays, poems, periodicals, and novels. We will be concentrating on themes, reading both fiction and non-fiction materials related to them, and embarking on other activities that help students better understand them.

Upon completion of this course students will be expected to accomplish the following objectives:

  • Recognize the difference between fiction and non-fiction materials.
  • Recognize several elements of Literature, such as theme, plot, characters (and the differences between characters), setting, etc.
  • Read works of Literature and be able to discuss them, as well as write about them, academically.
  • Understand the differences between several forms of poetry.
  • Recognize that there are thematic elements and symbolism found in poetry.
  • Enhance their vocabulary usage.
Literature 8

In this class students will study various aspects of Literature including theme, character, plot, settings, and vocabulary. They will be reading a wide array of Literature including short stories, letters, plays, essays, poems, periodicals, and novels. We will be concentrating on themes, reading both fiction and non-fiction materials related to them, and embarking on other activities that help students better understand them.

Upon completion of this course students will be expected to accomplish the following objectives:

  • Recognize the difference between fiction and non-fiction materials.
  • Recognize several elements of Literature, such as theme, plot, characters (and the differences between characters), setting, etc.
  • Read works of Literature and be able to discuss them, as well as write about them, academically.
  • Understand the differences between several forms of poetry.
  • Recognize that there are thematic elements and symbolism found in poetry.
  • Enhance their vocabulary usage.

 

 

 

Math

6/5 SAXON MATH SCOPE AND SEQUENCE

  • Numbers and Operations
  • Measurement
  • Geometry
  • Algebra
  • Statistics, Data, Analysis, and Probability
  • Problem-Solving Strategies
  • Mathematical Reasoning
  • Real-World Connections
  • Communication
  • Manipulative

 COURSE 1 MATH

Instructional math concepts include:

  • Numbers and operations
  • Algebra
  • Geometry
  • Measurement
  • Data analysis and probability
  • Problem solving

COURSE 2 MATH

 Students use the Saxon Series for Mathematics, which teaches the concrete concepts of arithmetic. This is accomplished by continually reinforcing and reviewing lessons and skills throughout the book. The following strands are taught:

  • Numbers and Operations
  • Algebra
  • Geometry
  • Measurement
  • Data Analysis and Probability
  • Problem Solving

 PRE-ALGEBRA

Students in this class utilize the Saxon Mathematics course. It is a traditional course designed to help students move from 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. Students will cover these topic:

  • Decimal, Fractions, and Percents
  • Order of Operations
  • Scientific Notation
  • Rates and Proportions
  • Solving for Variables

 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

Social Studies

ANCIENT CIVILIZATIONS (6)

Students will cover these topics:

  • The World's Early People
  • Early Farmers and City Dwellers
  • Civilizations in Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Kush
  • Ancient Hebrews
  • Ancient Greeks
  • Early Civilizations of India and China
  • The Roman Empire

GEOGRAPHY (7)

Students will cover these topics:

  • Latitude and Longitude
  • Map Skills
  • North America
  • South America
  • Europe
  • Asia
  • Australia
  • Africa
  • Antarctica

SOCIAL SURVEY (8)

Students will cover these topics:

  • Study Skills
  • Sociology
  • Psychology
  • Economics
  • Civics
  • Career and Future

 

Science

PHYSICAL SCIENCE (6)

Students will cover these topics using hands-on investigations, critical thinking skills, lectures, and note taking:

  • Scientific Method
  • Matter
  • Motion and Forces
  • Energy
  • The Atom
  • Matter
  • Interactions of Matter
  • Electricity
  • Waves, Sound, and Light

LIFE SCIENCE (7)

Students will cover these topics using hands-on investigations, critical thinking skills, lectures and note taking:

  • Scientific Method
  • Cells
  • Diversity of Organisms
  • Interdependence of Life
  • Heredity
  • Populations
  • Flow of Energy
  • Human Body Systems

EARTH SCIENCE (8)

Students will cover these topics using hands-on investigations, critical thinking skills, lectures, and note taking:

  • Scientific Method
  • Earth Structure and Processes-Rocks, Minerals
  • Plate Tectonics, Earthquakes, Volcanoes
  • Earth and Space-Weather, Climate, Energy
  • The Universe-Planets, Stars, Galaxies
  • Research Paper on an Environmental Issue

 

Fine Arts

Art

Important historical periods of art will be identified, researched and arranged in a time line. Artists and their styles from the 19th and 20th century will be explored. Careers in art will be visited and discussed. Students will learn to express individual thoughts and ideas about who they are through personal expression in their artwork. Students will be able to verbalize and write various vocabularies and concepts in art.

Music

Students in 6th through 8th grades are invited to join Shamrock Singers, an extra-curricular choir that meets for 45 minutes before school once each week. Participation in this group requires a strong interest in improving one's vocal technique and singing in 2 and 3 part harmonies. Cooperation and reliability are key components in the success of Shamrock Singers. This choir performs every year at Christmas and the spring show with multiple performance opportunities scheduled throughout the year. Each spring, the choir attends a Broadway musical.

Drama

The Drama Department at Pacelli consists of two plays annually. 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. Students are encouraged to get involved in all aspects of the production such as acting, lights, makeup, costumes and directing.

Physical Education

During physical education class your child will understand the importance of physical fitness while learning the rules and etiquette of various sports and games. We emphasize sportsmanlike conduct in all of our activities. It is our objective to promote a positive learning environment while in competitive situations guiding our students to be Christian in their attitudes both in and out of the gym. Your student will participate in the following team sports: indoor hockey, soccer, Frisbee, volleyball, basketball, and softball. In addition, students challenge themselves in the Presidential Physical Fitness Testing, plyometric stations, aerobic workouts, playground games, ice skating, and bowling.

Spanish

Spanish is taught on a rotating, quarterly basis with three other enrichment classes. The goals for this class are to help students acquire basic Spanish skills while also building vocabulary. The topics covered include:

  • Common expressions
  • Cardinal and ordinal numbers
  • Nouns, pronouns, adjectives
  • Gender and number agreement
  • Conjugating verbs
  • Basic sentence structure
  • Making comparisons
  • Asking questions
  • Telling time
  • Location/direction words

Computers

Utilizing various programs on the computer and Internet students will sharpen their typing skills, as well as learn various forms of computer design, including digital art and graphics, and web page design. Upon completion of this course students will be expected to accomplish the following objectives:

  • Become more confident with computers and their components
  • Become better and more confident keyboard users
  • Be able to create graphics, edit photographs, make collages, and do other forms of design utilizing a paint or editing program
  • Be able to create a flip book animation using presentation software
  • Become familiar with HTML programming and how to create web pages using code.

 

 

Middle School Enrichment

Accelerated Reader

This is an incentive program that awards points achieved by reading books. There are point clubs that have specific values to be met. Families can help by reading with their students each night and asking questions about the books to help with the comprehension needed for total points on the tests.

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.

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.

Community Service

Community Service is an important part of the community that is Pacelli 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.

March for Life

Pacelli Catholic Middle school students have an opportunity to join with thousands of Minnesotans in support of one of the founding principles of our country- the "right to life." The Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life sponsor a March for Life at the State Capitol every January 22, to commemorate the loss of millions of unborn babies as a result of the Roe v. Wade decision which legalized abortion. The day starts with an Ecumenical Prayer Service at St. Paul Cathedral, followed by a march to the State Capitol, and a rally on the front steps. Many speakers give testimony to the ongoing fight to change abortion laws so that the right to life for the voiceless babies in the womb is protected. The Knights of Columbus generously sponsor the bus transportation to this event.

Band and Orchestra

Band and orchestra is a musical option offered students through the Austin Public Schools After selecting an instrument to play, students attend group practice and lessons are one or two times a week. They use their talents to perform at least 2 concerts during the school year.

Miscellaneous School Activities

There are many additional school activities that students can take part in such as school sponsored dances, bake sales, Catholic Schools Week activities and class trips throughout the year.

Campus Ministry

Provides activities for students to deepen their connection to Jesus with small group discussions and prayer.

Academic Competitions

  • Spelling Bee- Students in grads 5-8 compete for a chance to go to the regional spelling bee in Rochester. Students may potentially go on to Nationals in Washington.
  • Geography Bee- Students in grads 4-8 compete in the National Geography Bee to be chosen for the regional bee.
  • Science Fair- Students are encouraged to enter a science fair competition.
  • Junior Math League- The purpose of the Middle school Math League is to encourage students to participate in math contests, to enable students to meet athletes from other schools, and to provide recognition for students excelling in mathematics.

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.

After School Academy

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

Lab Rats

This is an after school Science Club. It will be a hands-on, science enrichment program for the students. The club will meet each month after school on Wednesdays in three sections, one for first through third grades, one for fourth through fifth grades, and one for sixth through eighth grades. The classes will last until 4:00 for Pacelli students. The Pacelli Middle School third floor lab will be used for 6-8 grades. Each month, the students will explore topics more in depth than we are able to do in standard classes. Groups will be limited to 24 students, so there will be a sign-up time. It will cost each student $1.00 each month to cover the cost of supplies used. The program will start in the month of October. Watch for more information in the monty newsletters.

Critter Country

The Science room has several reptiles, amphibians, and fish, which we care for and observe. Students take the responsibility of feeding the critters and cleaning their habitats. Any sixth through eighth grader willing to take on the job gets a turn for one week to do all that is needed to care for that critter. To learn more about the critters' antics, log on to Mrs. Lemar's website.

Campus Wide All School Activities

All School Mass

Once a month our students unite to celebrate mass together. They share with each other special events that they might occur throughout the school year such as First Communion and Graduation.

Reading Across the Street

Each grade in our K-12 system is partnered with another grade in the building across the street. Once a month they meet to read books together to share in the love of reading. The goal is to create lasting connections among our students and staff, through reading, writing and literacy.

Music In Our Schools Celebration

To celebrate the contributions that music makers in our lives we gather as a school to share different songs and stories about how important music is to us.

Each grade

 

Middle 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.

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)

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

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

 

 

© 2010 Austin Catholic Schools | Austin, Minnesota