Curriculum

The series Christ, Our Life (Loyola Press) introduces students to the Old Testament and the stories about the development of our faith from the beginning. Students learn ways to be disciples of Christ and ways to go out to others and spread the word of God using Bible scripture and stories. Students are assessed through hand-outs, quizzes, and creative applications.

Family life curriculum focuses on the gifts from God that we must recognize and appreciate throughout our lives. This includes loving our families, appreciating ourselves, embracing changes with new birth and aging, and being part of the communities we encounter.

World History (McDougal-Littell, 2006)

Students will focus on the ancient civilizations of Mesopotamia, Egypt, Rome, Greece, Asia, and the Middle Ages. Students will be expected to learn geographic and historical concepts as they apply to ancient civilizations. Special emphasis will be placed on map interpretation and critical thinking skills.

Envisions Math 2.0 (2017)

Subjects covered:

• Using positive rational numbers
• Integers and rational numbers
• Numeric and algebraic expressions
• Represent and solve equations and inequalities
• Understand and use ratio and rate
• Understand and use percent
• Tools of geometry
• Area, surface area, and volume
• Display, describe, and summarize data

During this time, a practical, hands-on approach to math is taken as we relate previously learned mathematical concepts to real-world applications. This is accomplished through the use of a variety of tools and software including the computer lab, iPads, laptops, and LEGO software. Students will also be building and programming their own robots.

Voyages in English (Loyola Press, 2011) and Everyday Spelling (Pearson, 2008)

This program covers reading (one of two sections), writing, grammar, spelling, and vocabulary. The program follows the Archdiocesan curriculum as well as state of Connecticut guidelines.

Oral presentation skills will also be developed through creative and poetic projects. This class emphasizes writing skills and is geared toward the strengths and weaknesses of each student with a focus on the process of writing.

Earth Science (Glencoe, 2008)

Four times a week, students will explore Earth's structure, plate tectonics, geological features, atmosphere and weather, astronomy, and oceans. Hands-on and virtual labs, written work, and tests are used to assess student learning.

We will be using an online source for our health program, KidsHealth.org. Lesson plans have been downloaded for major topic areas and organized for each grade level of middle school. These lessons match up with both national standards and Archdiocesan standards and include articles to be read and discussed.

Lessons will focus on mental, physical, and social health in various areas throughout the year. These areas include building self-esteem and dealing with stress. The curriculum also covers the influence of media and technology on health, promoting healthy living and reducing health risks, utilizing communication skills, and becoming positive role models. Assessments will be ongoing through oral participation, group and individual work, and quizzes. Health will generally take place on Fridays.

Descubre el español con Santillana (Santillana USA publishing Co. ebook, 2011)
Sentieri 3e (Italian Textbook)

World Language meets four times per week in Grade 6. It includes an introduction to basic vocabulary and the creation of simple sentences. Reading and translating terms using a Spanish/English & Italian/English dictionary is introduced. Culture discussion is encouraged.

Timeless Voices Timeless Themes (Copper Edition, Prentice Hall, 2000)

Vocabulary Workshop (Level A, Sadlier-Oxford, 2005)

The basal reader is used to introduce students to oral traditions, myths, fables, and legends. Students then create their own original folk tales including illustrations. Vocabulary focus is on expanding students' vocabulary with synonyms, antonyms, and vocabulary in context. 

In addition, students will read and explore these five works of literature:

• Crash by Jerry Spinelli (1996)
• A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park (2010)
• I Will Always Write Back by Caitlin Alifirenka and Martin Ganda (2015)
• The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett (1911)
• Hatchet by Gary Paulsen (1987)

Timeless Voices Timeless Themes (Bronze Edition, Prentice Hall, 2000)
Vocabulary Workshop (Level B, Sadlier-Oxford, 2005)

The basal reader is used for examples of biographies, short stories, and plays.

In addition, students will read and explore these four works of literature:

• I Will Always Write Back by Caitlin Alifirenka and Martin Ganda (2015)
• The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare (1958)
• Night by Elie Wiese (1956)
• To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee (1960)
• The Giver by Lois Lowry (1993)

Voyages in English (Loyola Press, 2011)

Students will write both an autobiography and biography. They will complete research papers, which will require the use of both primary and/or secondary sources. From research papers, students will extract major facts and present them to the rest of their class in oral presentations. With a focus on writing, students will learn paragraph composition including descriptive, persuasive, and narrative paragraphs. They will also demonstrate their writing abilities in short essays and reading tests.

Grammar mechanics will be fine-tuned with a focus on punctuation, capitalization, sentence structure, parts of speech, and diagramming simple sentences. Students will create original poetry and short stories. Vocabulary and dictionary usage are emphasized in reading and language arts (English) through specialized vocabulary and word lists, which are derived from each novel we read.

Math is divided into two levels, A and B, in order to focus more on each individual's needs and obtain a better one-on-one learning environment.

Math lab is a practical, hands-on approach to math. In math lab, students work on relating mathematical concepts to real-world applications. Subjects covered include budgeting and finance, computer lab, and LEGO League.

Life Sciences (Glencoe, 2008)

Grade 7 studies life science with a focus on cells, levels of organization, reproduction, heredity, adaptions, survival, relationships, and interactions within ecosystems.

We will be using an online source for our health program, Kidshealth.org. Lesson plans have been downloaded for major topic areas and organized for each grade level of middle school. These lessons match up with both national standards and the Archdiocesan standards and include articles to be read and discussed in class or through homework assignments.

Lessons focus on mental health, physical health, and social health in various areas throughout the year. These areas include fitness, nutrition/diet, adolescence, and related body systems. Assessments will be ongoing through oral participation, group and individual work, and quizzes. Health will generally take place on Fridays.

Expresate! Spanish 1A (Holt, Rinehart & Winston, 2008)
Sentierti 3e (Italian Textbook)

The program builds on the vocabulary by teaching verbs and their tenses while developing reading and writing skills. Students are encouraged to participate verbally and in groups to enhance oral speaking skills. Students will also learn about cultures from various Spanish and Italian speaking countries.

Blest Are We: The Story of Jesus (2012)

This course meets five days a week. In religion, we will focus on the human life of Jesus Christ. We primarily deal with the New Testament, especially parables, prayers, sacraments, and Jesus teaching others through example. We will also do a unit on family life, which focuses on family communication and the teenager's responsibility to make good choices. Topics include gender stereotyping, the dangers of alcohol and drugs, and the proper use of God's gift of sexuality. The lures unit includes the impact of technology on today's youth in addition to standard lures practices.

World Geography (Prentice Hall, 2009)

This course meets two times per week. The course is designed so that the students will meet the Geography for Life: National Geography Standards. Students will study physical and human geography, which includes climate and vegetation, population and culture, political and economic systems, and resources and land use. 

Call to Freedom Beginnings to 1877 (Holt, 2003)

This course meets four times per week. The subjects studied are United States history from the colonization of the New World to the Civil War. Students will develop historical thinking skills as well as knowledge of the people and the events that have made us the nation we are today. The class will touch on many skills including maps, reading and comprehension, language arts, and critical thinking.

The following areas will be covered:

• Colonization of the Americas
• Life in the English colonies
• The War for Independence
• Governing the New Nation
• Civil War and Reconstruction

Voyages in English (Loyola Press, 2011)

The students will spend time preparing for the high school entrance exam during the first part of the year. Eighth graders will review the mechanics of grammar, continue diagramming sentences, and perfect proper sentence structure. Students will complete an in-depth research paper during this final year of middle school. They will use a greater number of sources for validation of their research. Students will conduct oral presentations without notes. Eighth graders will demonstrate in-depth essay writing and compose spontaneous essays on reflective topics. They will explore poetry, reading, memorization, and original compositions. 

The Language of Literature (McDougal Littell, 2000)
Vocabulary Workshop (Level C, Sadlier-Oxford, 2005)

In addition, students will read and explore these works of literature:

I Killed the Mockingbird by Paul Acampora (2014)
Uncle Tom’s Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe (1852)
The Outsiders by S. E. Hinton (1967)
1984 by George Orwell (1949)
Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare (1597)
I Will Always Write Back by Caitlin Alifirenka and Martin Ganda (2015)

Students will refine their note-taking and critical thinking skills by concentrating on characterization and cause and effect. Students will frequently write literary responses, connecting themes to real-life experiences. They will continue to expand their vocabulary through reading, research, writing, and the exploration of definitions, synonyms, and antonyms. 

Blest Are We (RCL Benzinger, 2008)

This course meets five days a week. In Grade 8 religion, we will focus on the history of the Church. The class will take a detailed look at how the followers of Jesus approach the ultimate questions of life, including how Catholics are guided by moral and sacramental vision.

We will also be looking at Church history through the personalities of many of our great Catholic teachers including St. Thomas Aquinas. The text is designed to serve as a transition from grade school to high school religious education. The lessons in the text will also allow us to reaffirm our shared faith as the students prepare for high school with all of its joys and sorrows, highs and lows, and opportunities and pitfalls. We will also continue the family life series and once again prepare our students to make the right decisions in the future.

World Geography (Prentice Hall, 2009)

This course meets two times per week. The course is designed so that the students will meet the Geography for Life: National Geography Standards. In Grade 8, the following areas are covered:

• Western Europe
• Eastern Europe
• Asia
• Africa
• Latin America

United States History: Beginnings to 1877
United States History: Civil War to the Present (Holt-McDougal, 2012)

This course meets four times per week and focuses on United States history from the Civil War to the present day. Students will develop a knowledge of the people and the events that have made us the nation we are today. The class will touch on many skills, including map skills, reading and comprehension skills, and language arts and critical thinking skills.

The following areas will be covered:

• Reconstruction
• The Industrial Age
• Gilded Age
• The Reform Movement and the Progressive Movement
• Expansion overseas and World War I
• Great Depression
• World War II and the Cold War
• The 60s, 70s, and beyond

Math is divided into two levels, A and B, in order to focus more on each individual's needs and create a better one-on-one learning environment.

Both classes, algebra and pre-algebra, meet once a week to have math lab. During this time, students relate previously learned mathematical concepts to real-world applications through the use of art and technology.

This is accomplished through a variety of tools and software including the computer lab, iPads, laptops, and LEGO Mindstorm. Students will also work on building and programming their own robots. This practical hands-on approach allows our students the opportunity to see and experience how much math is utilized in everyday life.

Intro to Physical Science (Glencoe, 2008)

Meeting four times a week, physical science studies include physical and chemical properties of matter, chemical reactions, and energy. This includes sound, light, mechanical motion, forces, and waves. Labs, virtual labs, homework, and tests are used to assess student learning.

We use an online source for our health program, KidsHealth.org. Lesson plans have been downloaded for major topic areas and organized for each grade level of middle school. These lessons match up with both the national standards and the Archdiocesan standards. Students will read articles and explore them in more depth through class discussions, homework assignments, and related activities.

Lessons focus on mental, physical, and social health in various areas throughout the year. These areas include relationships, learning about personal health, and ways to avoid or deal with certain types of diseases. Assessments will be ongoing through oral participation, group and individual work, and quizzes. Health generally meets Fridays.

Español Santillana 2017 (Santillana Publishing Company, 2017)
Sentieri 3e (Italian Textbook)

Students will advance their verb skills using more tenses such as future and preterit. They will also increase vocabulary for more involved reading and writing. Group work is used to build peer learning and create a sense of community. Culture and background information of various Spanish & Italian speaking countries is studied.

Mrs. Alfie Aliberti, Teacher

Please visit the teacher's website to learn more.

pre-kindergarten

Kindergarten students come once a week for 25 minutes. They sing songs, use simple dialogue, and learn about colors and numbers. They are read stories in Spanish & Italian.

kindergarten Through Grade 5

These students meet once a week. The class includes simple grammar rules, which are taught one at a time and use the vocabulary learned each week. Short sentences with a noun, verb, and adjective are learned in Grade 3.

The course covers the following areas:

• Vocabulary
• Structures
• Conversation
• Culture

Vocabulary includes a variety of simple words in Spanish used in everyday life, such as classroom nouns, clothing, food, family, seasons and weather, time expressions, transportation, household nouns, and numbers.

For conversation, the students are encouraged to speak Spanish and Italian. Students at this age are very good learners, especially of a second language. One-on-one dialogue is encouraged.

Students read stories in Spanish and Italian, and as a class, they are translated. Songs are used for increased memory.

To study culture, Spanish and Italian are integrated into subjects like art and computers. We use computers to practice vocabulary and grammar with interactive software, which makes the learning experience enjoyable. Students also learn about other cultures and are encouraged to bring items to share from their heritage. Discussions about their cultures and Spanish and Italian holidays are integrated.

Grades 6, 7, and 8

Middle school students meet four times a week for World Language class. The courses cover:

• Vocabulary
• Structures
• Reading 
• Conversation
• Culture

Vocabulary features simple words in Spanish and Italian used in everyday life. This includes classroom nouns, clothing, food, family, seasons and weather, time expressions, transportation, household nouns, numbers, adjectives, verbs, and verb conjugations.

To learn structure, students will study grammar rules. They are taught one at a time and incorporate the week's vocabulary.

Students will explore Spanish and Italian through reading. Each lesson contains short narratives, which we read and translate as a group. Each passage is related to everyday experiences and usually links back to the topic of the week. Students recite a prayer in Spanish and Italian daily.

The students are encouraged not only to read and write but also to speak Spanish and Italian. Students present written activities in Spanish and Italian to encourage speaking.

In the World Language curriculum, a variety of topics relative to culture are addressed. Comparisons are made between traditions and those customary in the United States within readings in the text. Also, students are expected to do research on current events in Spanish & Italian-speaking countries to expand their awareness of the target language in a global aspect.

All middle school students are required to plan and perform projects on a country related to their heritage. The students organize a Culture Night in the spring for all students and families to attend and enjoy. 

Through physical education, children learn how to become physically fit in an enjoyable, healthy environment where structure and guidance are provided for all participants. Team play, sportsmanship, and a sense of individual success are the goals of the physical education curriculum. Participation, rather than competition, is stressed.

The creation of teams that incorporate both boys and girls with different levels of athletic skills enables all children to participate in traditional and non-competitive games on a fair playing field. Strategies and teamwork are far more important than keeping score.

Each physical education class begins with a warm-up. Activities related to the current sports unit precede playing a game. Throughout the year, discussion of physical fitness includes nutrition, recreational fitness, and mind/body awareness.

Grading:

• Homework (calendars)
• Participation/Effort
• Cooperation/Behavior
• Any physical activity for 60 minutes per day (five days a week)

The technology program is fully integrated into the core curriculum. We do this by utilizing projects and programs from Global Academics. This program is based on over 350 literacy objectives in 10 different technology areas: word processing, databases, graphic design, operating systems, internet, spreadsheets, desktop publishing, multimedia, keyboarding, and web design.

The goal is for all students to gain a working knowledge of computer operations and a vocabulary of computer-related terminology through projects directly developed within the curriculum. We want all students to use computers as a tool for productivity, communication, information, learning, and creativity.

The technology program fully supports the mission of St. Gabriel School to provide a strong academic foundation and a nurturing environment that enables students to fully reach their potential. With strong computer skills, students become more productive and better prepared to face today's academic challenges. Students are encouraged to use computers within the computer lab and classrooms to complete assignments.

The computer lab consists of 30 new HP computers with 20-inch widescreen monitors. All computers are networked and have internet access. Students have access to two color laser printers and two black and white laser printers. A scanner and two tablets are also available for use.

The goals of the computer science department are as follows:

• To use technology with integration in other subject areas.
• To be proficient in word processing, database, presentation, and spreadsheet software.
• To use computers as productivity tools and for learning and creativity.
• To use computers as information and communication resources.
• To have a working knowledge of computer operations and vocabulary of computer-related terminology.
• To be comfortable working with various operating systems.

During art class, students are encouraged to engage in creative thinking and expression and to master a wide variety of approaches for personal expression to communicate ideas, feelings, and knowledge through their art images. This allows the students to use visual perception as a means of creativity through drawing, painting, sculpture, mixed media, and cultural diversity. This talent provides opportunities for integration throughout the curriculum.

Students will be made aware of the variety of media within the purchased art supplies and recycled items available for creative expression. Students will gain an understanding and appreciation of past and present artists in areas of expertise such as Claude Monet's impressionism and Pablo Picasso's cubism.

Students will be introduced to the elements of design, which include texture, color, space, value, shape, and form. They will also be introduced to the principles of design, balance, gradation, repetition, contrast, harmony, and unity. During this class, students will develop skills in listening, following directions, and cooperation. They will gain the ability to share ideas and develop a positive attitude. Students will gain self-confidence, self-esteem, and take pride in their artwork and exhibits in the community.

The same evening as the spring concert, students will host an art show, which showcases one of their pieces of art from the school year. This is an event for all families to come and enjoy.

The art program consists of one 40-minute class per week for students in Kindergarten through Grade 8. For students in Pre-K, the art class is 30 minutes long.

Ms. Beth Surapine, Teacher

Music classes offer a variety of activities to promote learning in a fun way. Students will learn to use their voices through speaking, singing, and playing musical games. They will develop inner hearing through listening exercises, singing rounds, and singing in harmony during choir. They will also learn about the great composers from our history and musical culture from around the world. 

Students participate in two concerts a year, the Christmas concert and the spring concert.