Revised Copy of Middle School Handbook

6th Grade Social Studies Syllabus  
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2​ 019-2020 

Notes  
Taking notes is mandatory in each class. Notes will be sent directly to Ms. Kimble through the online 

platform and graded at the end of each chapter.  

Homework 
Homework assignments are given to reinforce the lessons that are taught in class. Homework will be 

written on the board and it is your responsibility to copy the assignments in your school planner.  

It is your responsibility to make up missed assignments if you are absent.  

Grading Policy 
You can view your assignment scores, progress reports, and report cards on School Speak. To access this 

information, parents must create a username and password, and enter the student access code provided 

by the school. I will update grades online on a regular basis. 

Grading Scale:  B- 84% - 86% D+ 67% - 69% 
A 96% - 100%

A- 93% - 95% C+ 81% - 83% D 64% - 66% 

B+  91% - 92% C 74% - 80% D- 60% - 63% 

B 87% - 90% C- 70% - 73% F 59% and below 

Grades are based on the following categories: 

20% tests/quizzes 25% class work  

30% projects 25% homework 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
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8th Grade Spelling and Vocabulary Syllabus   

Overview 

Spelling and Vocabulary are useful skills in life. If spelling is correct and vocabulary is understood, it will be 

easier for the students to comprehend whatever materials they are reading. The spelling program, 

Differentiated Spelling Instruction​ is a complete grade level spelling program built upon conventional 

spelling rules and developmental spelling patterns. ​ Each week the students will study a different 

spelling rule or pattern.  

 

Students will participate in the Flocabulary program for vocabulary development and practice. 

Flocabulary’s multimodal approach to standards-based instruction reaches all learners where they are and 

engages them in rigorous academic content. Students will view research-based videos and practice 

activities that build the background knowledge and vocabulary students need to succeed 

(www.flocabulary.com). 

 

Goals 

The goal of the course is to teach​ students the “building blocks” of the English language so it will be easy 

for them to recognize and decode unfamiliar words that are related to a known root. Students will learn the 

correct spelling and usage of English words so they may be successful in reading and writing. 

 

Requirements 

Students will complete the following units and chapters in Spelling: 

   

1. Consonant Doubling 
2. i before e 
3. Plurals 
4. Drop/Keep Final e 
5. Change/Keep y 
6. /ion/ 
7. “ary,” “ery,” “ory,” “ury,” “ry” 
8. “able” 
9. “ible” 
10. “ant,” “ance,” “ancy” 
11. “ent,” “ence,” “ency” 
12. “est,” “ist,” and “iest” 
13. “ice,” “ise,” “ize,” “yze” 
14. “us” and “_ous” 
15. “qu” Spellings 
16. Accent Shift 
17. Masculine and Feminine 
18. “al,” “ial,” “cial,” “tial” 
19. Diminutives 
20. a and e Banal 
21. “ly” and “ally” 
22. Pronunciation Problems 
23. Schwa 
24. Greek and Latin Prefixes 
25. Greek and Latin Roots 
26. Latin Expressions 
27. French Spellings 
28. British Spellings 

 
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Spelling and Vocabulary Syllabus     

Spelling Notebook 
Since students are not allowed to write in the Spelling Book, they will use their notebook to write their 
answers for the chapter exercises. The notebook must be neat. Please don’t use the notebook pages for 
drawing and doodling. 

Spelling Tests 
Each week, the students are expected to study the basic words, and the challenge words are for extra 
credit. The tests are usually assigned when we finish studying the chapter. Please note the spelling words 
for each chapter will be posted online. The students can use that resource if they leave their textbook in 
school. 

Flocabulary Packet 
Students will work through a Flocabulary packet on a weekly basis. Students will read through the lyrics 
that correspond with the list of vocabulary words assigned for the week. Students will then go through the 
terms and definitions before practicing various ways to use the words. Flocabulary is introduced on 
Wednesdays and assignments are due on Fridays.  

Grading Policy 
You can view your assignment scores, progress reports, and report cards on PowerSchool. To access this 
information, parents must create a username and password, and enter the student access code provided 
by the school. I will update grades online on a regular basis. 

  B- 84% - 86% D+ 67% - 69% 
Grading Scale: 
A 96% - 100%

A- 93% - 95% C+ 81% - 83% D 64% - 66% 

B+  91% - 92% C 74% - 80% D- 60% - 63% 

B 87% - 90% C- 70% - 73% F 59% and below 

 

Grades are based on the following categories: 

35% tests/quizzes 35% class work 30% homework 

  

 
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8th Grade Religion Syllabus 2​ 019-2020 

Overview 
Through the course of the year, eighth-graders will ​build on their understanding of personal growth, with 
an emphasis on our vocation to love and our responsibilities to God and each other. 
 
Goals 
The goal of the course is to engage students in a vibrant dialogue regarding the Catholic faith and to lead 
them in a contemplative journey of their own faith life.  
 
Requirements 
Eighth graders will complete the following units and chapters by participating in readings, discussions, 
activities, and evaluations: 
 

● Unit 1: Personal Growth 
○ Exploring Growth with Sacred Art 
○ Image and Likeness 
○ Vocation of Love 
○ Society 
○ Relationships Build the Kingdom 
○ The Family in God’s Plan 
○ Friendships 
○ Social Responsibility 
○ God Loves Us and Calls Us to Be in Relationship with Him in the Church 

● Unit 2: Church History  
○ The Nature and Mission of the Catholic Church 
○ Jesus to AD to Present History and Witness of the Saints 

● Unit 3: Morality: The Journey in Christian Living  
○ Exploring the Morality with Sacred Art 
○ What is Morality?  
○ Freedom and Choice: The Human Person 
○ Conscience and Our Obligation to Form It 
○ The Ten Commandments 
○ Jesus Is the Model of Holiness 
○ Jesus’ Teaching on the Ten Commandments  
○ Jesus Teaches Us to Love  
○ Jesus Gives Us the Beatitudes 
○ Elements of a Good Moral Decision 
○ The Process of Making a Good Moral Choice 
○ Temptation and the Reality of Sin 

 
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○ Structure of Sin and Social Sin  
○ Justification, God’s Mercy, and Grace 
○ Support for Moral Living: Personal Prayer and Openness to the Holy Spirit 
○ Support for Moral Living: Community, the Sacraments, and the Saints 
● Unit 4: The Citizen and the Government  
○ The Citizen and Government 
○ Just War 
● Unit 5: God's Plan for Love Exploring the Image of God with Sacred Art  
○ Male and Female: The Imago Dei 
○ Theology of the Body 
○ Expressions of Love 
○ The Sacrament of Marriage 
○ Offenses Against Chastity and Marital Love, Part 1 
○ Offenses Against Chastity and Marital Love, Part 2 
○ Friendship and Protecting Against Lust 
○ Resisting Temptation and Relying on God and His Grace  

Homework 
Homework assignments are given to reinforce the lessons that are taught in class. Homework will be 
written on the board and it is your responsibility to copy the assignments in your school planner.  

It is your responsibility to make up missed assignments if you are absent.  

Grading Policy 
You can view your assignment scores, progress reports, and report cards on School Speak. To access this 
information, parents must create a username and password, and enter the student access code provided 
by the school. I will update grades online on a regular basis. 

Grading Scale:  B- 84% - 86% D+ 67% - 69% 
A 96% - 100% C+ 81% - 83% D 64% - 66% 
A- 93% - 95% C 74% - 80% D- 60% - 63% 
B+  91% - 92%

B 87% - 90% C- 70% - 73% F 59% and below 

Grades are based on the following categories: 

25% tests/quizzes 25% class work  
30% projects
 20% homework

 

 
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6th Grade Spelling and Vocabulary Syllabus   

2019-2020 

 

“Words and their meanings and spellings are the building blocks of communication.”  
(NEA ~ National Education Association)  

 
Overview 
 
Academic studies show that the best way for students to learn vocabulary and spelling is by 
understanding the roots of words. It is important that students learn the parts of words in order to 
help them “break down” multisyllabic words they may otherwise be confused by. Research also 
shows that concentrated word study is linked to an improvement in students’ overall reading 
comprehension. To integrate best practices into middle school, we will pilot the S​ pelling With 
Morphology​ curriculum in the 6th grade. 
 
Weekly Schedule  
 
Each week will feature a different category of related affixes and roots to help students make key 
connections in the meanings of the words. Students will begin the week with a pretest and will 
then highlight key roots and affixes. From the spelling list, students will spend time working with 
graphic organizers to make connections between words on the list. The meanings of the words 
will then be reinforced as students explore definitions and how the word is used. Throughout the 
week students will participate in games and activities to further their understanding of the week’s 
spelling words. At the end of the week, students will take a spelling and vocabulary test on the 
roots that week. 
 
Goals 
The goal of the course is to teach​ students the “building blocks” of the English language so it will 
be easier for them to recognize and decode unfamiliar words. Students will learn the correct 
spelling and usage of English words so they may be successful in reading and writing. 
 
Spelling Notebook 
Students will have a notebook that contains all of their spelling lists, activities, and their 
morphology dictionary. This notebook will be checked when homework is due and may be 
collected periodically. 
 
Spelling/Vocabulary Tests 

Each week, the students are expected to study the spelling and meaning of each of the words on 
the spelling/vocabulary list. Students will be tested on the spelling of each word and the meaning 
at least 5 words or the list roots/affixes.  

 
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Grading Policy 

You can view your assignment scores, progress reports, and report cards on SchoolSpeak. To 
access this information, parents must create a username and password, and enter the student 
access code provided by the school. I will update grades online on a regular basis. 

Grades are based on the following categories: 

40% Tests/Quizzes 

30% Homework  

30% Classwork  

 

 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
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Middle School Field Trips for 2019-2020 

 

Grade  Subject  Place  Dates  Teacher 

6th   Science  Marin Headlands   9/25 - 9/27  Jordan Heller 

Religion  Cathedral   2/19  Jordan Heller 

7th   Science  Yosemite  3/30 - 4/3  Jordan Heller + 

Religion  San Francisco Food Bank  11/21  Lilia Patriarca 

  Religion  Retreat  1/31 - 2/1  Megan Kimble + 
8th   Mele Mortonson 

Science  Exploratorium  1/17  Jordan Heller 

SS  Courthouse   TBA  Megan Kimble 

Science/  Monterey Bay Aquarium  5/8  Jordan Heller + 
Final Field  Megan Kimble 
Trip