Middle School program
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Why choose Middle School at St. JPII?
The middle school at SJPII Regional is a time for students to find their voice, stretch their intellectual muscles, and learn what kind of student they want to be. It is also a time for them to learn what kind of person they want to be, as a more purposeful blending of faith, academics, and social dynamics guides these often-complicated years. SJPII Regional School fosters a loving environment encouraging students to continue to develop their love for their faith while becoming disciples of Christ.
The program for 6th through 8th graders is the final phase of St. John Paul II Regional School’s deliberate sequence of skill-building—a process that ushers children from nascent learners into a world that revolves around them to accomplished students who understand their responsibility to serve a wider world. Our middle schoolers embrace a myriad of opportunities that grow their mind, body, and spirit while preparing them for success at the most selective high schools.
St. John Paul II Regional School follows New York State Curriculum while implementing Career and Technical Education and various other elections which provide for student choice. We follow an increasingly demanding program that incorporates meaningful real-world applications and practice using a mixture of project based learning and blended learning.
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“We chose St. John Paul II Regional School for the small class sizes, warm family environment and amount of opportunities provided for our son. We also love how family participation is encouraged.”
- St. JPII Parent
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Subject Overviews
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All students who attend St. John Paul II Regional School are required to take Theology classes each year. These courses are treated as academic and are weighted equally with all other courses in the curriculum. Even though all students who attend the school are not Roman Catholic, all are required to learn the history and the beliefs presented. As students progress through high school, they will study world religions so as to better prepare them for becoming tolerant world citizens.
6th Grade Religion | Christ in Us-The Bible
The sixth-grade program of Christ in Us is built on the pillars of the Catechism of the Catholic Church and Scripture. Christ in Us helps children develop enduring understanding of their Catholic Faith. Christ In Us is anchored in three dimensions of the mission of evangelization and catechesis: encounter with Christ, the art of accompaniment, and missionary discipleship. Each lesson leads children through a three-part movement that guides their faith formation: Encounter, Accompany, and Witness. A spiral curriculum leads children through a process of inquiry-posing an Essential Question of faith for each unit and lesson.
7th Grade Religion | We Live our Faith- Disciples
The seventh-grade program of the Christ Our Life focuses on Jesus calling us to be his follower. His teachings, his sacraments, and his Church nourish us for discipleship. Students embark on a journey of spiritual growth as one of Jesus’ disciples. Students explore Jesus’ life, his teachings, and the sacraments he instituted.
8th Grade Religion | We Live our Faith- Church
The eight-grade program of Christ Our Life focuses on becoming a member of the Church through Baptism, the Body of Christ. Students participate in the Church’s mission of proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ and helping to establish God’s Kingdom on earth. Students understand how to respond to this call as they learn the mission of the Church entrusted by Christ.
Students prepare to make the Holy Sacrament of Confirmation in eighth grade.
7th Grade Religion | We Live our Faith- Disciples
The seventh-grade program of the Christ Our Life focuses on Jesus calling us to be his follower. His teachings, his sacraments, and his Church nourish us for discipleship. Students embark on a journey of spiritual growth as one of Jesus’ disciples. Students explore Jesus’ life, his teachings, and the sacraments he instituted.
8th Grade Religion | We Live our Faith- Church
The eight-grade program of Christ Our Life focuses on becoming a member of the Church through Baptism, the Body of Christ. Students participate in the Church’s mission of proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ and helping to establish God’s Kingdom on earth. Students understand how to respond to this call as they learn the mission of the Church entrusted by Christ.
Students prepare to make the Holy Sacrament of Confirmation in eighth grade.
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6th Grade Social Studies | The Eastern Hemisphere
Grade 6 Social Studies is based on the geography and history of the Eastern Hemisphere, including the development of cultures, civilizations, and empires; interactions between societies; and the comparison of trends in government and economics. It also incorporates some elements of other social sciences. The course begins with an examination of the Eastern Hemisphere today, using geographic skills. This provides the foundation for making connections between the past and the present throughout the course. The remainder of the course is divided into seven Key Ideas that cover a time span from prehistory into the 1300s. Students are provided the opportunity to explore belief systems across time and to examine the foundations of democracy. Students will be exposed to more advanced writing including Document Based Question essays, primary and secondary document analysis and scaffolding questions.
Text: My World by Pearson.
7th Grade Social Studies | United States and New York State History Part I
This course emphasizes the skills necessary to cover the basic cultural and geographical terms and historical perspectives that a student should know. Topics covered in Part 1 will begin with basic geography skills and continue with topics ranging from the earliest Native Americans to the US reforms of the 1850’s, reporting on relevant current events will be an integral component as well. As a secondary goal the course will seek to expand the student’s scholastic skills, for example, the proper use of primary sources and their analysis. Skill-building in writing, reading comprehension and the ability to communicate with confidence is emphasized. Verbal expression and vocabulary building will be expected. Students will become familiar with answering DBQ’s (Document Based Questions).
Text: My World by Pearson.
8th Grade Social Studies | United States and New York State History Part II
This course emphasizes the skills necessary to cover the basic cultural and geographical terms and historical perspectives that a student should know. Part II of this course on the United States and New York History begins with the events leading up to the Civil War and extends to the present time, with heavier emphasis on current events and analytical skills to prepare students for high school. As a secondary goal the course seeks to expand the student’s scholastic skills: for example, the proper use of primary sources and their analysis. Skill building in writing, reading comprehension, ability to communicate with confidence and ability to express their opinion is encouraged. Verbal expression and vocabulary building will be emphasized. Students will continue to analyze DBQ’s (Document Based Questions) and write effective essays.
Text: My World by Pearson.
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6th Grade Science | Physical & Earth Science
As a preparatory course for high school Earth Science, Physics, and Chemistry, students will understand and apply scientific concepts, principles and theories pertaining to the physical setting and living environment. The curriculum is designed to be activity-based, engaging and encourages students to become problem-solvers. They will recognize the historical development of ideas in science. They will gain an understanding of important relationships, processes, mechanisms, and applications of the living environment through conducting laboratory hands-on experiments. Topics studied will include the Solar System, motion of objects, magnetism, electricity, and energy transformations observed in everyday life. Students will gain an understanding of important relationships, processes, and applications of the physical environment as well as enhancing their laboratory skills. The topics covered in this course serve as a prerequisite for Earth Science.
Text: Scott Foresman Science by Pearson
7th Grade Science | Life Science
Students will understand and apply scientific concepts, principles and theories pertaining to the living environment and physical setting, recognizing the historical development of ideas in science. Science must provide opportunities for students to become critical thinkers and evaluators of their surrounding environment. This course will emphasize the role of personal, social and career use as well as academic preparation of students. Topics studied include life activities of plants and animals, cells and cell division, heredity, human and comparative anatomy and physiology, disease processes, populations and basic laboratory skills. The selected topics will provide foundation for future Biology (Living Environment) courses and serve as a prerequisite.
Text: Elevate Life Science by SAVVAS
8th Grade Advanced Science | The Living Environment
This Regents course follows the New York State core curriculum for “The Living Environment.” Basic biological concepts and systems are explored on a core level. Emphasis is placed on life as an entity, interacting with its outside environment as well as maintaining its own stable internal environment. Topics include scientific methodology, ecology, cytology, evolution and taxonomy, human anatomy and physiology, and molecular genetics. The development of laboratory skills and participation in selected activities is a requirement to receive credit. Specific laboratory exercises must be completed and reports submitted summarizing acquired skills and knowledge. Good reading skills are important in promoting an in-depth understanding of the topics covered.
Text: Biology by Pearson & UPCO’s Living Environment
This course fulfills the Life Science requirement for graduation. Each student must fulfill the mandatory NYS requirement 1200 minutes of lab work. A Regents examination is taken in June. Students who pass the Living Environment class and the Living Environment Regents qualify for one Science Regents Credit.
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6th Grade Mathematics
In this course, students will study the grade 6 Common Core curriculum as mandated by New York State.
Topics include:- numerical expressions and factors
- fractions and decimals
- algebraic expressions and properties
- areas of polygons
- ratios and rates
- integers
- equations and inequalities
- surface area
- volume and statistical measures.
Conceptual understanding of essential mathematical topics will be developed as well as procedural and fact fluency. The Standards for Mathematical Practice are embedded throughout the lessons.
Text: Envisions Math by SAVVAS
7th Grade Advanced Mathematics Pre-Algebra
The curriculum includes the entire grade 7 Common Core curriculum and additional grade 8 topics from the Common Core curriculum. The intention of this course is to provide the foundational concepts necessary to prepare students to take High School Algebra in grade 8. Students will be exposed to abstract thinking in this math class in order to better prepare for Algebra I. Students are expected to demonstrate understanding and proficiency in the topics taught in order to be recommended to take Algebra I in grade 8.
Text: Envisions Advanced Math by SAVVAS
8th Grade Advanced Mathematics Algebra
The Advanced Mathematics 8, Algebra I course is designed to emphasize the study of multiple representations of linear functions. They include mathematical concepts for working with rational numbers, various expressions, analyzing and solving linear equations & inequalities, data analysis, polynomials and geometry.
Text: Envisions Algebra by SAVVAS
A Regents examination is taken in June. Students who pass the Advanced Mathematics Algebra I Class and the Algebra I Regents qualify for one Science Regents Credit.
*Please note that the timelines listed on the syllabus are a guide. Teachers modify their pacing based on student needs in order to ensure concept mastery.
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The New York State Grades 6-8 ELA curriculum includes six modules that focus on reading, writing, listening, and speaking in response to high-quality texts. Each module is intended to last a quarter of a school year; the addition of two extra modules allows for teacher choice throughout the year. The modules will sequence and scaffold content that is aligned to the CCLS for ELA & Literacy. Each module will culminate in an end-of-module performance task, aligned to the CCLS which can provide information to educators on whether students in their classrooms are achieving the standards. Modules may include several units and each unit may include a set of sequenced, coherent progressions of learning experiences that build knowledge and understanding of major concepts. They will also include daily lesson plans, guiding questions, recommended texts, scaffolding strategies, examples of proficient student work, and other classroom resources.
Since all content learning depends upon the correct understanding of the spoken and written word in English, students will read a minimum of 20 books or their equivalent per year and write an average of 1000 words per month across all content areas and standards.
6th Grade English Language Arts
This course will help students strengthen their reading, writing and analytical skills coupled with critical literacy. There is a heavier emphasis on writing in the three genres of narrative, expository, and persuasive in the ELA classes. The critical literacy class includes close reading of short stories, longer novels, and non-fiction texts, with shared inquiry discussions among students and many opportunities to write in response to reading. Students will be able to make inferences and draw conclusions, demonstrate an understanding of explicit information, identify and understand literary elements and techniques used to enhance text and deepen comprehension through a close reading of text.
Text: Journeys 6 by HMH & Vocabulary and Grammar by Sadlier. *Six class novels will be read.
7th Grade English Language Arts
This course will help students to read with comprehension, write effectively, use grammar correctly, and improve written and spoken vocabulary. It will give students an understanding of literary elements and explore a variety of literary forms. Students will use grade appropriate, correctly spelled vocabulary when writing, take notes, determine the intended purpose and audience, maintain dictionary and thesaurus skills and write legibly. By the end of the year students will recognize different levels of meaning in presentations, write and present a 3 minute speech which explains how to do something and or demonstrates a process, compare written work with its films, video and stage version, recognize the effect of one’s point of view in evaluating ideas, information, opinion and issues, and compare the way themes and plots are presented in the two versions of the same story.
Text: Collections & Collections Close Reader by HMH; GUM Grammar Usages and Mec. by Zaner-Bloser; Vocabulary by Sadlier
*Six class novels will be read.
8th Grade English Language Arts
This course will build on the skills mastered in grade seven; broaden experiences in analyzing Literature, help students to listen and write more effectively, and emphasize the necessity for improvement in communication skills of writing, reading, listening and speaking. Students will be expected to master the elements of essay writing in all forms, write original and imaginative texts, conduct an author study, critique a speaker for content and delivery, use dialogue to convey information, follow multi-step directions which provide information about a task, create graphic organizers to organize information presented in a nonfiction selection, follow a series of complex directions, and analyze how foreshadowing operated within the plot of a reading selection.
Text: Collections & Collections Close Reader by HMH; GUM Grammar Usages and Mec. by Zaner-Bloser; Vocabulary by Sadlier
*Six class novels will be read.
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Central to middle school philosophy is the belief that middle school is not merely a continuation of elementary school, but rather a unique entity with a mission of its own. Middle school philosophy also views early adolescence as a time of exploration. In an attempt to design middle school curricula around the developmental needs of students, the role of exploratory courses has gained wider support among educators, including an increased interest in foreign language exploratory courses.
Modern Language Exploratory French/Spanish 6th-8th Grade:
Students will explore language through the use of the Rosetta Stone Program. Students entering the program with prior experience with the language are accommodated in a variety of ways depending on their skill set and goals. The class is taught primarily in the target language addressing a variety of learning styles. Students start from basic French/Spanish skills such as alphabet sounds, numbers, days of the week, and months, and move through the first units in the textbook. Students actively participate with physical responses to program-led directions and develop listening and speaking skills. They also begin to learn basic grammar and writing skills. Equal emphasis is placed on writing, listening, speaking, and reading, giving all students the chance to demonstrate competence
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Introduction to Music
All middle school students will participate in this introductory course for Trimester I. We will learn the basics of music history, performance, and composition. We will also experience how music plays a part in our daily lives. Lastly, we will also use this course as an opportunity to prepare for the school’s annual Christmas concert.
*Trimester I only
Concert Band
Concert Band is an instrumental ensemble that performs and studies traditional and popular works, written and arranged for concert band. Students who participate in Concert Band will have weekly scheduled lessons on a rotating basis. Performances include a winter concert and spring concert. Being a part of the concert band also gives students the chance to participate in chamber music. These groups will perform at masses and at other events in the school that include music.
Art
A general broad based, art course. It is intended to involve all students at their own level in a “hands on” studio situation. The students work in a variety of art mediums, both two-dimensional and three-dimensional. The proper use and care of art tools and materials is explained and demonstrated. Opportunities for interdisciplinary art projects related to other subject areas are provided. Art history, critical analysis and the development of an art vocabulary is introduced at a basic level.
STREAM
STREAM is a unique approach to teaching that uses science, technology, religion, engineering, arts, and math to connect the dots for authentic, deep learning. During STREAM, students become involved in hands-on projects where problem solving, collaboration, and the results of their efforts make lessons more relevant than a textbook alone.
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6th-8th Grade Physical Education
Physical Education classes are designed to develop physical, cognitive and social skills as well as promote general fitness, self confidence and cooperation. Students will learn fundamental skills and basic rules while participating in a variety of physical activities and games. The focus of the class is on skill development, health, skill themes, movement concepts and respect for each other as well as the game.
6th-8th Grade Health & Wellness
This course is required for every student and is taken once a week. It is designed to offer the student an understanding of the relationship between the mind and body within a religious framework. Health is a full year course offered one day per week. During this time frame we will cover the following topics: Understanding Health, Physical Activity/Fitness, Social Health/Relationships, Tobacco/Alcohol Your Body Image, Communicable Diseases, Non-communicable Diseases, and Nutrition.
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Students will have the opportunity to participate in up to 9 electives each year. All electives are designed to be engaging and run parallel to the NYS CTE curriculum. Electives meet once a week for 12 weeks.
Home Economics
In this middle school home economics course, students will learn the basics of kitchen organization, basic cooking skills, how to shop smart, meal planning, money and time management, hospitality, house cleaning and decluttering, basic sewing skills, routine home maintenance, first aid, preparing for emergencies, and more.
Child Care Studies
This introductory course provides an overview of information that students should understand before working with young children. This course covers developmental stages, age-appropriate activities for children, positive guidance techniques, ways to build children’s self-esteem, health and safety practices, ways to support children’s learning and development and basic supervision. Students will spend several days working with our PreK students.
Career Exploration
In this course, students will have the opportunity to build self awareness, learn about potential careers, and develop a plan for reaching future goals. They will be able to take career assessments where they will explore different careers based on their unique personality and interests. Middle school is a critical time for students to learn about the skills and professionalism needed to succeed in different fields of work.
Broadway Music
Stemming all the way back to ancient Greek and Roman theatre, the history of the musical stage has become a vital part of the human experience. In this course, we will learn the history of the musical stage, beginning in the 1860s and ending with present day. We will explore the actors’ strike, the Golden Age of music, Disney musicals, and everything in between. *Trimester II (Returning 8th grade students will not be eligible.)
Music in Film
In this course, we will discuss the role that music has played in motion pictures. We will discuss the history of film music, the important role it plays–both in silent films and films of recent years, how it enhances the movie-watching experience, and how it helps evoke different emotions. We will also study present-day film composers and their careers. *Trimester II
Chorus
This is for anyone who enjoys singing! In this course, we will learn about effective solo and ensemble singing, different voice parts, effective breathing techniques, and spring concert music. If time permits, we will also study different voice solos for anyone interested in participating in the NYSSMA festival in the spring. *Trimester III
Public Speaking/Human Communication
Students will be introduced to practical communication skills. Topics to include: Articulation & Annunciation; Attention Command; Overcoming Nervousness & “Speaker Anxiety”; Special Occasion Speech; “How To” speech; Elevator Pitch; Large Group Presentations; Negative Speech & its fallout; Debates vs. Arguments; Effective Listening Skills
Sculpture
This is an advanced art class where students will be creating three-dimensional art using mixed media, clay and other repurposed goods. This class will highlight sculptors throughout history and discuss works of art. Students will learn different methods and materials that sculptors use and explore their imagination bringing their visions to life.Painting 101
In this advanced course the students will create still-lifes, portraits, landscapes, and abstract paintings using acrylics, watercolors and tempera. Students will focus on developing content and personal expression while also studying art history and learning different styles and techniques of painting.
Exercise & Science Nutrition
Exercise Science is a discipline that studies movement and the associated functional responses and adaptations. The goal of exercise science is to facilitate an understanding of the links between fitness, exercise, diet and health. Ultimately, the discipline provides a scientific approach to study how exercise and the human body interact in order to understand the physiology of exercise as well as its benefits and results. Nutrition will cover concepts at the intersection of food and health, including nutrition for health and fitness, and the nature and impact of cultural dietary traditions.
Business Management 101
What do we need to learn this for? This is a common question students ask when learning new material in class. Business management offers students the basic skills of real world math problems like paychecks, taxes, credit cards, budgeting. *Students will run the school store.
Keyboarding
This course is intended for students to learn or improve their keyboarding technique and skills. Students will master touch keyboarding and improve their proofreading, editing and writing skills while formatting letters, reports, tables and other documents.
Graphic Design
Graphic designers develop the overall layout and production design of magazines, newspapers, journals, corporate reports, and other publications. Graphic designers also develop material for Internet Web pages, interactive media, and multimedia projects. Students will learn the basics of graphic design, how to use Coreldraw and how to create and install signs, banners etc.
Introduction to Law - Part I Civil Law
This elective course is designed to allow students to gain an understanding of a citizen’s legal rights and responsibilities. It will provide practical knowledge of civil laws such as contracts and family law. Students also learn and practice the basic skills of public speaking, debate, and crafting arguments. All students will participate in mock trials as attorneys or witnesses.
Introduction to Law - Part II Criminal Law
This course is designed for those students who have successfully completed Introduction to Law I. Through hosting mock trials, students will participate in in-depth studies of criminal law, such as crimes against the person and against property. This course provides students with the opportunity to develop their ability to use expert testimony and evidence during a trial. It also allows students to further develop and practice their skills of public speaking, debate, and crafting arguments. All students will participate in mock trial competitions as attorneys or witnesses.
Prayer & Worship
Join a praying and worshiping community that is focused on students. Prayer & Worship promotes a vibrant campus worshiping community centered around the Eucharist, the source and summit of Christian life. Additional opportunities include Mass, Morning Prayer, Evening Prayer, Reconciliation, Charismatic Praise, Candlelight Prayer, and Adoration.
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A writing portfolio is a collection of student writing that's intended to demonstrate the writer's development over the course of one or more academic terms.
Each year, students will collect a writing sample with a rubric in the following subject areas:- ELA
- Math
- Science
- Religion
- Art
- Music
- Physical Education
- Social Studies
- STREAM
The Writer’s Portfolio will show the progression of each student's writing across the curriculum for three years.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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All teachers are NYS certified in their content area. Our middle school teachers have time built in their schedule to meet as a team to collaborate and discuss the needs of their students.
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Students have the opportunity to purchase lunch Monday through Thursday.
Friday is Pizza Day.
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Yes, we have a full-time school nurse.
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Yes, we are able to service all children with IEP’s, 504’s and Accommodation Plans. Students receive services in-house provided by Riverhead Central School District.
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St. John Paul II Regional School middle school students take the 6th grade NYS Assessment in ELA and Math. Some 8th grade students take the Living Environment and Algebra I Regents Examinations and some take the NYS Science Assessment.
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Click this link to view the current tuition schedule: Tuition & Fee Schedule
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We recommend you start by looking at Tomorrow's Hope Foundation! This option is available on a first come first served basis.
Click this link to see the most current Tomorrow's Hope Information: T.H.F.
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Interested in Middle School at St. JPII Regional School?
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