8th Grade
(8A) Mr. Peter D’Alonzo has been teaching Middle School Social Studies at SJA since 2016. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in the Social Sciences and a Master’s degree in Guidance and Counseling as well as a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership. Mr. D’Alonzo is FL certified in Social Studies for grades 5-9 and Guidance Pre-K through 12th grade.
(8B) Mrs. Diana Bricker has been an educator since 1989 and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics from St. Thomas Aquinas College in Sparkill, NY and an Associate’s Degree in Computer Programming from Rockland Community College in Suffern, NY.
FAITH FORMATION HIGHLIGHTS
• Confirmation Preparation
• Church History
• Ethics, Anti-Bullying, Manners
• Social Justice
• Family Life
• Parables
• Stewardship
• Class Mass and Retreat
MAJOR FOCUSES OF EIGHTH GRADE
• The Writing Process:
• Reading – Response to Literature; Use of Literary Techniques
• English – A Grammatical Approach
• Cross Curriculum – Analytical, Informational, Creative
• Reading – Comprehension, Accelerated Reading Program; Media Awareness
• English – Grammar, Usage, Mechanics
• Spelling & Vocabulary – Expanded Definitions, Vocabulary in Context, Classical Roots, Spelling Strategies
• Math – There are three math groups in 8th grade: Pre- Algebra (no high school credit),
Algebra I Honors (possible high school credit), and Geometry Honors. Algebra I Honors students can take the Catholic high school entrance exam, and in some high schools, students take an Algebra I and/or Geometry placement exam. If they do well, the student can earn high school credit. For public schools, students take the EOC – End Of Course exam in Algebra I Honors and/or Geometry Honors. If they do well, they earn high school credit.
• Science – Biology of Living Things
• Social Studies – American History, Social Awareness
• Spanish – High School Spanish I (Students who earn an 85% final grade or higher in Spanish I, at SJA Catholic School, are invited to take the Spanish high school placement test in order to be eligible for Spanish II as freshman)
• Art – Color theory; principles of design, and the study of celebrated artists and their styles (artists such as: Joan Miró, Andy Warhol, Diego Rivera)
• Computer – Advanced skills using Microsoft Office products such as Excel and Access database and Apple products such as Pages and Keynote, iPad Apps are used throughout all subjects including Notability App and Sketches App
• Physical Education –Focus on sportsmanship and being a team player; refinement of individual skills; team sports
• Enrichment Classes – Throughout the year, using alternating six-week schedules, the students are schooled and participate in Debate, Class Newsletter, Aero-Hydroponics, Graphic Design (creation of logos and applying concept to a 3D object), Youth Toastmasters (Public Speaking), Book Club, and Book Club for Spanish Heritage Speakers for students who meet the criteria.
MAJOR PROJECTS OF EIGHTH GRADE
• Saints Essay
• Science Fair (Exploratory Project)
• Service Hours (20)
• Class Mass & Retreat
• Public Speaking Project
• International Day
• Family Faith & Fun Day
• Frog Disection
SUBJECTS, TEXTBOOKS & CURRICULUM
• Religion – Christ Our Life the Church then and Now
• English – Elements of Language 2nd Course – Holt, Rinehart, Winston
• Reading – Elements of Literature 2nd Course – Holt, Rinehart, Winston
• Spelling & Vocabulary – Vocabulary Workshop Level C – Sadlier Oxford
• Math – Algebra 1 – Glencoe, McGraw Hill
• Science – Science Level Blue – Glencoe
• Social Studies – The American Journey – Glencoe
• Spanish – 1B iExprésate! – Holt
• Art – Color Theory, Artists: Michelangelo, Chagall and various styles
• Media – Public Speaking, Literary Terminology
TECHNOLOGY
• Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Publisher, Access, Keynote, Pages, iMovie
• iPads for all students and access to numerous educational iPad apps
• Responders
• SMART Boards in all classrooms
• Accelerated Math
• Mathletics.com
• Accelerated Reading Program
• Q-Talk (Spanish during the school day and optional French Club after school)
COMPETITIONS
• National Spelling Bee
• National Geography Bee
• Writing, Math & Art – per Diocese
FIELD TRIPS
• St. Vincent’s Seminary – vocation awareness
• Pope John Paul ll High School Drama Department play
• Disneyworld – Graduation trip
• JA Finance Park
SUMMER PREPARATION
• Mathletics
• Assigned Review Books & Reading Lists