Junior High at SJCS

• 6th Grade ELA: Students improve their critical thinking skills through the study of various genres, while also integrating the use of proper grammar and mechanics in writing essays.
• 6th Grade Science: This course focuses on our Earth and Space. Covered are the Scientific Processes unique to Earth Science, related technology, and extensive studies of our solar system, galaxies, the universe and beyond. Additionally, we learn about the cycles of earth: water, plate tectonics, the rock cycle and types of rock, which includes our physical earth: land formations, and geography (emphasizing map reading skills and topography).
• 6th Grade History: Students study people, places, and societies of the contemporary world. Societies for study are from the following regions of the world: Europe, Russia and the Eurasian Republics, North America, Central America and the Caribbean, South America, Southwest Asia-North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, East Asia, Southeast Asia, Australia and the Pacific realm. Students describe the influence of individuals and groups on historical and contemporary events in those societies and identify the locations and geographic characteristics of various societies. 
• 6th Grade Math: The topics explored in sixth grade math include operations with fractions, decimals, and percent; integer operations; ratios and rates; algebraic expressions and equations; geometry and measurement; proportions; data analysis; and financial literacy.
• 6th Grade Religion: This course covers the following topics (at a minimum): God’s revelation through Scripture, The Creation Accounts, God’s Faithfulness, Journeys of Faith, God’s Saving Action, Living the Covenant, Leaders for God’s People, The Wisdom of God, Prophetic Promise, The Gospel Message, The Early Church, The Body of Christ, The Great Commandment, Justice and Peace, Sin and Forgiveness, Baptized for Mission, Lives of Service, Sharing God’s Love, The Communion of Saints, Christian Unity, Ordinary Time, Advent, Christmas.
• Physical Education: Students will display the ability to understand and perform a variety of athletic movements designed to increase skill development, in route to maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle. This course will also incorporate development of all student learning domains (physical, cognitive, social, and affective) to assist the development of a well-rounded student. 

• 7th Grade ELA: This yearlong course provides seventh graders with an overview of the writing styles to prepare them for future success. They will learn the distinctive qualities that each possess and apply them to their own writing. To develop their skill in composition, students will write a variety of compositions including narrative, personal narrative, poetry, expository, informative, electronic mail, research, and persuasive writing. Speaking and listening standards will be assessed through various presentations of their writing.
• 7th Grade Science: 7th grade Science offers a wide variety of life science concepts and units of study, focusing on Biology via Scientific investigations (Lab) and reasoning (Classroom, work, and discussion) including scientific processes unique to Life Science. Also covered are related math and technology, cells: both animal and human, the life cycle, homeostasis, organ systems, blood basics, heredity and natural selection, taxonomy, ecology with regard to biodiversity, organisms and environment, and the physical being (anatomy and physiology; health and disease, and reproduction).
• 7th Grade History: In this course, the students study the history of Texas from early times to the present. Students examine the full scope of Texas history, including Natural Texas and its People; Age of Contact; Spanish Colonial; Mexican National; Revolution and Republic; Early Statehood; Texas in the Civil War and Reconstruction; Cotton, Cattle, and Railroads; Age of Oil; Texas in the Great Depression and World War II; Civil Rights and Conservatism; and Contemporary Texas eras. The focus in each era is on key individuals, events, and issues and their impact.
• 7th Grade Math: The topics explored in 7th grade math include number operations; equations and inequalities; ratio and rate; proportional reasoning; similarity; probability; circles and composite figures; volume and surface area; data representations; and  financial literacy.
• 7th Grade Pre-Algebra: This course advances your child an entire year forward by skipping 7th Grade Math.  Placement in 7th Grade Pre-Algebra also determines that your child will continue in the advanced math track for their entire High School career.   Topics for this class include rational and irrational numbers; statistics; equations, inequalities and their applications; slope; proportional and non-proportional functions; geometry; angle and triangle relationships; measurement of 3-dimensional figures;  and financial literacy.
• 7th Grade Religion: This course will cover the following topics (at a minimum): The Mystery of God, The Word of God in Sacred Scripture, Jesus, Sign of God’s Love, God is Trinity, Jesus, Word of God, Holy Spirit, Comforter and Guide, The Way, Model of Wisdom, Christ Our Savior, Disciples in Community, Christ Present Among Us, Source of Life, Freedom and Responsibility, Respecting Life, Being Virtuous, God’s Masterworks, Sacraments of Initiation, Sacraments of Healing, Called by God, Act with Justice, Our Reason for Hope, Ordinary Time, Advent, Christmas.
• Physical Education: Students will display the ability to understand and perform a variety of athletic movements designed to increase skill development, in route to maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle. This course will also incorporate development of all student learning domains (physical, cognitive, social, and affective) to assist the development of a well-rounded student. 

• 8th Grade ELA: This yearlong course will provide eighth graders with an overview of world literature through a lens of dystopian and heroic archetypes. We will complete activities such as reading short stories, novels, poetry, and nonfiction texts; writing narratives, poetry, expository, literary analysis, and literary research papers; and presenting creative displays of text analysis. This course will also operate as an introduction to the expectations and work load given in the highschool curriculum. Vocabulary development will be based on their assigned reading, and speaking/listening standards will be assessed through various presentations and self-reflection.
• 8th Grade Science: 8th grade Science covers a fascinating array of Integrated Physics and Chemistry concepts, and units of study focusing on learning Grade 10 IPC objectives via coursework, lectures, class discussions, and associated reasoning. Students will study and utilize science processes unique to Chemistry and Physics, related math and technology; Modern Chemistry applications; Physics in the real world (career and applications/purpose); Matter and energy; Atoms and Atomic structure, both chemical and physical properties; ; Subatomic particles; Force, motion,  and energy; Chemical reactions, and the Periodic Table of Elements via safe classroom and lab activities. Emphasis is on classroom and lab safety, proper use of tools, and the conducting of experiments where safety and procedure, and the mindset of ‘safety first’ is paramount.
• 8th Grade History: In this course, the students study the history of the US from the early colonial period through Reconstruction. Students examine the political, economic, religious, and social events and issues related to the colonial and revolutionary eras, the creation and ratification of the US Constitution, challenges of the early republic, the Age of Jackson, westward expansion, sectionalism, Civil War, and Reconstruction.   
• 8th Grade Pre-Algebra:The topics explored in 8th grade Pre-Algebra include rational and irrational numbers; statistics; equations, inequalities and their applications; slope; proportional and non-proportional functions; geometry; angle and triangle relationships; measurement of 3-dimensional figures; and financial literacy.
• 8th Grade Algebra I Honors (HS Credit): Algebra I (H) is a two-semester course for 8th graders that have successfully completed Pre-Algebra.  It provides one math credit toward high school graduation requirements.  In Algebra I, students will build on the knowledge and skills for mathematics in Grades 6-8, which provide a foundation in linear relationships, number and operations, and proportionality. Students will study linear, quadratic, and exponential functions and their related transformations, equations, and associated solutions. Students will connect functions and their associated solutions in both mathematical and real-world situations. Students will use technology to collect and explore data and analyze statistical relationships. In addition, students will study polynomials of degree one and two, radical expressions, sequences, and laws of exponents. Students will generate and solve linear systems with two equations and two variables and will create new functions through transformations.
• Foreign Language (High School Credit)
  • Latin: Students will begin by exploring the basics of the language while also building an understanding of the ancient world in which Latin was originally spoken. As language uses become more sophisticated, students will continue to refine their skills through grammatical paradigms and exercises, enhanced vocabulary, and more complex translations. 
  • Spanish: This course will provide the student with a general introduction to the Spanish language in the following areas: pronunciation, vocabulary used in everyday life, diversity among Spanish-speaking countries, numbers, colors and greetings. Students will learn how to construct sentences, how to conjugate regular and irregular verbs, and build confidence in reading, listening, writing and speaking Spanish.
• 8th Grade Religion: This course will cover the following topics (at a minimum): In God’s Image, Revelation and Faith, The Church is Holy; The Trinity Made Known; We are Christ’s People, Temple of the Holy Spirit, Encountering Christ, Life in Christ, One in Christ, The Church is Apostolic; The Church is Catholic, The Christian Faithful, Honoring God, Honoring the Family, The Dignity of All, Worship and Grace, Faithful Living, The Liturgical Year, The Communion of Saints, Examples for Living, From Age to Age, Ordinary Time, Advent, Christmas.
• Physical Education: Students will display the ability to understand and perform a variety of athletic movements designed to increase skill development, in route to maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle. This course will also incorporate development of all student learning domains (physical, cognitive, social, and affective) to assist the development of a well-rounded student. 

• Band: The primary focus of the band is to expose students to new music that offers new and exciting challenges. New rhythms and musical styles, as well as scales will be the backbone of those challenges. In addition, our band students will develop traits such as teamwork, responsibility, dedication, self-discipline, social skills, confidence, leadership, and dependability. Band students have the opportunity to perform at pep rallies, varsity football games and two concerts; Christmas and Spring.
• Art: Exploratory class designed to help improve students' basic skills in drawing, painting, and design. Students will use a variety of techniques to develop creativity and self-expression.
• Latin: Students will begin by exploring the basics of the language while also building an understanding of the ancient world in which Latin was originally spoken. As language uses become more sophisticated, students will continue to refine their skills through grammatical paradigms and exercises, enhanced vocabulary, and more complex translations. 
• Spanish: This course will provide the student with a general introduction to the Spanish language in the following areas: pronunciation, vocabulary used in everyday life, diversity among Spanish-speaking countries, numbers, colors and greetings. Students will learn how to construct sentences, how to conjugate regular and irregular verbs, and build confidence in reading, listening, writing and speaking Spanish.
• Keyboarding: Students will learn proper hand keyboard placement, gain familiarity with keys without looking at the keyboard, increase basic typing skills and speed.
• Digital Media/Photography: Students will gain knowledge and demonstrate success with podcasts, blogging, graphic design and photo editing.

Junior high students attend an annual religious retreat and participate in Mass once a week and on Holy Days of Obligation. Prayer Services, led by the high school Ministry Leadership Team, are typically held on Fridays.

Students may also participate in a variety of extracurricular activities including football, cross country, volleyball, band, cheerleading, basketball, softball and track. We offer a variety of clubs including student council, National Junior Honor Society, Latin Club and academic contests through PSIA (Private School Interscholastic Association). 

Eagle Ambassadors: Eighth graders have the opportunity to apply to be an Eagle Ambassador. The purpose of our ambassador program is to cultivate student leaders who will build and share the Eagle experience with prospective students, their families and community members and represent the school at all times. Applications open at the beginning of each school year.

St. Joseph Catholic High School Student Service Program

Integral to living the Christian example is the service of others, especially to the poor and the vulnerable. Jesus assures us that whenever we serve “the least of his brothers,” we serve him (Matthew 25:31-46). The Student Service Program is one way that St. Joseph School students live the Christian example of service.

Through the Student Service Program, students will:

• Form relationships and familiarity with service agencies.
• Deepen their understanding of the dignity and value of all human life.
• Become conscious of and committed to a life of justice and service.
• Grow in compassion and empathy for the poor and vulnerable.
• Develop an experiential basis for reflection on social justice issues.
• Grow in maturity, self-confidence, and responsibility.      

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