At St. Bridget, we recognize the unique social and emotional needs of our adolescent students. Our holistic program is structured to prepare students for high school academically, as well as help them developmentally build the bridge between childhood and young adulthood. Our approach is based on the following features integral to a successful middle school program:
| Grade 6 | Grade 7 | Grade 8 |
|---|---|---|
| Religion | Religion | Religion |
| Math | Pre-Algebra | Algebra I (H.S. Credit) |
| Language Arts | Language Arts | Language Arts |
| Ancient Civilizations and Cultures | U.S. History 1877 to the Present | Civics and Economic World History (H.S.Credit) |
| Science | Life Science | Physical Science |
| Foreign Language / LAE* (3x / 2x per week) alternating semesters of Spanish/French |
French I, Spanish I or Latin I (H.S. Credit) OR LAE* | French I, Spanish I or Latin I (H.S. Credit) OR LAE* |
8th grade students have an opportunity to take World History for high school credit. Students will be evaluated for acceptance into this course based on standardized test scores, teacher recommendation, and a strong interest in developing critical thinking skills through a curriculum highly integrated with technology.
| Grade 6 | Grade 7 | Grade 8 |
|---|---|---|
| Art | Art | Art |
| Music Appreciation | Music Appreciation | Music Appreciation |
| Computer | Computer | Computer |
| Physical Education/Health | Physical Education/Health | Physical Education/Health |
| Creative Writing | Civics | Civics |
| Study Skills |
Every student in Grades 6-8 will complete a one-semester art class. This class will meet once a week for 50 minutes. Students will develop aesthetic awareness, imagination, perception, appreciation, knowledge, and skills in the art class. They will observe and interpret various art-related ideas, values, and activities within selected cultures and times. Elements of art and principles of design will be emphasized as they explore a variety of media. Connections will be made to their grade level’s curriculum.
Every student in Grades 6-8 will complete a one-semester general music class. This class will meet once a week for 50 minutes. Over the course of the three-year program, students will develop an intellectual understanding of music through experiences in singing, moving, listening, and playing instruments. They will learn to read and notate music and will exercise their critical thinking skills by investigating and analyzing all facets of the music discipline.
Every student in Grades 6-8 will complete a one-semester computer applications class. This class will meet once a week for 50 minutes. The curriculum includes word processing, database, spreadsheets, multimedia presentations, and appropriate use of the Internet.
Every student in Grades 7 and 8 will complete a one-semester keyboarding class. The class will meet twice a week for 20 minutes. The student will be assigned to an Early Bird class, meeting from 7:50-8:10 AM, or to a recess class, meeting from 12:50-1:10 PM. Self-paced tutorials are used to allow each student to progress at his own rate.
This is a course that is taught in three parts (Grades 6, 7, and 8) to expose students to as many health related topics as possible. These would include, but not be limited to, nutrition, exercise, anger and time management, drug and alcohol prevention, and smoking. (Health will be taught within the PE curriculum time frame.)
Every student in Grades 6-8 will complete a physical education course. The class will meet once a week for 50 minutes. Students will learn to develop and maintain physical fitness, understand the benefits of regular participation in physical activity, learn and practice good sportsmanship, and come to an understanding that physical activity provides the opportunity for enjoyment, challenge, self expression, and communication. (Health will be taught within the PE curriculum time frame.)
Every student in Grade 6 will take a study skills course during his or her first semester in middle school. It will be held during their regular library class, once a week for 50 minutes. The class will cover general organizational skills, time management, note taking, and test taking skills. The research process will be covered in the second semester.
Every student in Grade 6 will take a creative writing class during his or her second semester in middle school. This course will give students an opportunity to follow the writing process and create four final papers showing their progress in writing. Students will utilize the “Four Square” writing method which will help them organize and illustrate their creative ideas.
Every student in Grade 7 will take a semester-long civics class. This course will give students an opportunity to increase their understanding of the institutions of our constitutional democracy and the fundamental principles and values upon which they were founded, as well as to help them develop the skills needed to become effective and responsible citizens. Different sections of the civics curriculum will be covered each year, much like the courses in Health.
Every student in Grade 8 who is enrolled in World History for high school credit will take a semester long civics class. This course will give students an opportunity to increase their understanding of the institutions of our constitutional democracy and the fundamental principles and values upon which they were founded, as wellas to help them develop the skills needed to become effective and responsible citizens.
Every student who is in Grade 8 who is not enrolled in World History for high school credit will take a semester long world geography course. Students will spend the semester exploring the geography and culture of different countries of the world.
*Denotes year-long course
| Grade 6 | Grades 7 and 8 |
|---|---|
| Choir | Choir |
| Band* | Band* |
| Baker’s Dozen* | Baker’s Dozen* |
| Drama | Handbells* |
| Reading Roundtables | Reading Roundtables |
| Intermediate Computer | Community Service |
| Intermediate Art | Mock Court |
| Math 24 | Mock General Assembly |
| Chimes Choir | Drama |
| Get Smart | Finance and Economics |
| Extreme PE for Boys | Peer Tutors |
| Spanish Elective | |
| French Elective | |
| Yearbook | |
| Advanced Art | |
| Advanced Computer | |
| Public Speaking | |
| Career Development | |
| So, You Think You Can Dance? | |
| Extreme PE for Boys |
This elective is offered to any student in Grades 6, 7, and 8 who has a desire to sing. A variety of musical styles is studied and the choir sings in unison and 2-part and 3-part harmony. The choir will perform in the Christmas and Spring Concerts, as well as lead the school in various other choral functions. First semester will be an all-girls choir, and second semester will be an all-boys choir.
This elective is offered to students in Grades 6, 7, and 8 who would be eligible for Advanced Band. It provides students with an opportunity to extend practice and instruction time in order to be an ensemble of real quality and musicality. It is offered once a week for the either the entire year or one semester.
This elective is by audition process only. It is open to girls in Grades 6, 7, and 8. The group is an ensemble that performs in and around the Richmond community and represents St. Bridget School. Therefore, the commitment to the group is most important. Girls in this group have to be serious about performing and serve as both ambassadors of our school and music ministers in our liturgies. This class meets once a week for the entire year.
This elective is open to students in Grades 7 and 8 who are interested in producing the school’s yearbook. Students will work on pictures, text, and layout, as well as be involved in helping to market the book to the student body.
This elective is offered to any student in Grades 7 and 8 who is interested in performing in a small ensemble. The group will either play two octaves of bells with eight ringers, or could play three octaves of bells with eleven ringers. Knowledge of reading music is helpful, but not required. Students will perform at the Christmas and Spring Concerts, as well as various other venues inside and outside of school. This course is offered once a week for the entire year.
This elective is offered to any student in Grade 6 who is interested in performing in a small ensemble. The group will either play two octaves of chimes with eight ringers, or could play three octaves of chimes with eleven ringers. Knowledge of reading music is helpful, but not required. Students will perform at the Christmas Concert or the Spring Concert, as well as at occasional prayer services and masses. This course is offered once a week for one semester.
This elective is offered to students in Grades 7 and 8. Students will read and discuss two realistic fiction books chosen from recent award-winning novels.
This elective is offered to students in Grades 7 and 8. Students will read and discuss two novels that depict the character of the classic hero.
This elective is offered to students in Grades 7 and 8. Students will read and discuss two novels in which the characters face a life-threatening adventure.
This elective is offered to students in Grades 7 and 8. Students will read and discuss two mystery novels.
This elective is offered to students in Grades 7 and 8. Students will read and discuss two books that have sports as their focus.
This elective is offered to girls in Grades 7 and 8. Students will read two novels that will center around appropriate issues and themes of interest to girls.
This elective is offered to students in Grade 6. Students will read and discuss two award-winning novels.
This elective is offered to students in Grade 6. Students will read and discuss two novels that explore the theme “Growing Up.”
This elective is offered to students in Grades 6, 7, and 8. Students will discuss and learn the basic elements of theater and drama. The students will perform short plays in the classroom throughout the semester.
This elective is offered to students in Grades 7 and 8. Students will first be taught the art of effective tutoring and then will be paired with younger students to work as mentors. They will spend time reading together and/or practicing other academic skills.
This elective is offered to students in Grades 7 and 8. It will enable groups of St. Bridget students to plan, coordinate, and participate in various community service opportunities in our school, parish, and surrounding area.
This elective is offered to students in Grades 7 and 8. Students will learn about various types of speeches and then have an opportunity to practice and improve their public speaking skills throughout the semester.
This elective is offered to students in Grades 7 and 8. Students will have an opportunity to research careers that interest them. They can compare the educational requirements, salary scales, and job descriptions to help plan a possible career path for their future.
This elective is offered to students in Grades 7 and 8. Students will investigate various areas of personal finance: savings and checking accounts, how to create a budget, income potential, etc. Guest speakers will be invited to come in and help students learn about the Stock Market.
This elective is offered to students in Grade 6. This course is designed to expand students’ interest and abilities in visual art. Various media will be explored.
This elective is offered to students in Grade 6. The course will cover advanced PowerPoint techniques and presentations.
This elective is offered to students in Grades 7 and 8. It will provide an in-depth study of drawing, painting, printmaking, and sculpture. Students will also be introduced to digital art methods. Students will be accepted in the class based on artwork, conduct, and responsibility.
This elective is offered to students in Grades 7 and 8. Students may enroll in a web design class, or an introduction to Adobe Photoshop.
This elective is offered to students in Grade 6. This course is designed for those students who love math and who love to play games! The object of the Math 24 game is as follows: look for patterns to make “24″ using all four numbers on a game card and the four basic math operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
This elective is offered to students in Grade 6. Students will use SMARTBoard technology to engage in interactive lessons that encompass all areas of the curriculum: math, science, social studies, language arts, geography, etc.
This elective is offered to students in Grade 6. Class size is limited to 20 students and will provide an opportunity for additional physical activity and games.
This elective is offered to students in Grades 7 and 8. Class size is limited to 20 students and will provide an opportunity for additional physical activity and games.
This elective is offered to girls in Grades 7 and 8. Students will work as a team to create dance routines to show their school spirit. It would be helpful if students had some background in dance and enjoy performing in front of others.
This elective is offered to students in Grades 7 and 8. Students will explore the judicial branch of government, discussing the various levels of courts, and hold a Mock Court as a culminating activity. Guest speakers will be invited into the classroom to discuss the numerous roles in our court system.
This elective is offered to students in Grades 7 and 8. Students will compare the role the legislative branch plays in the national and state government. They will follow the General Assembly as it makes new laws affecting the people of Virginia. They will discuss how a bill becomes a law, and they will create a law of their own, following the process to pass the law in a Mock General Assembly. Students will take a field trip to visit the Virginia General Assembly.
This elective is offered to students in Grade 7 and 8. It will provide them with an opportunity to continue to experience the French language and culture outside of the rigors of the high school-credit French class. (Minimum required: 10 students)
This elective is offered to students in Grade 7 and 8. It will provide them with an opportunity to continue to experience the Spanish language and culture outside of the rigors of the high school-credit Spanish class. (Minimum required: 10 students)
Each middle school student will have 10 elective slots to fill for the year (Monday through Friday, one period each day, two semesters).
St. Bridget School’s Exploratory Program provides short-term, interest-based courses to offer students choices in their areas of study, expanding bodies and minds while creating opportunities for greater self-expression. Within this program, students are able to experience new ideas and develop new skills in a non-graded environment, often allowing them the chance to excel in areas outside traditional core subjects. Whether active or creative, team-oriented or individual, Exploratory Courses connect with a variety of areas of interest, and empower students by boosting self-esteem and building confidence.
St. Bridget School’s Advisor/Advisee Program provides adolescent students with the benefit of regular, structured opportunities for discussion with a small group of peers and a caring adult group facilitator. Students find social and emotional support to strengthen self-esteem and help them manage unique challenges and adjust to the transition between elementary and middle school. These groups foster a sense of membership and belonging in the class as well as the school, and ensure each student develops a meaningful relationship of mutual trust and respect with at least one adult in the St. Bridget School family.
The honor and responsibility of representing the student body.
St. Bridget’s Student Council is a group of student leaders who work together, under the direction of the advisor, to plan activities that benefit the student body and take part in the decision-making process, when appropriate. Elections for the eight Executive Board positions take place in the spring of each year, and officers are elected from among the 7th and 8th grade students. The voting body consists of students in grades 4-7. Students in grades 4-8 are also elected by their peers to serve as classroom representatives. It is the responsibility of the classroom representative to attend monthly meetings of the Student Council and report information back to his/her homeroom. Classroom representatives (and alternates) are selected at the beginning of each school year.
All Student Council Officers will set an example in LEADERSHIP, CITIZENSHIP, and COURTESY. They will also encourage their fellow classmates to do the same. All officers will be open to the ideas and opinions from all the members of the student body they represent.
Qualifications For All Officers Once Elected:
Must be in 8th grade while holding office; must have attended St. Bridget School for at least one year prior to the election.
Duties:
Must be in 8th grade while holding office; must have attended St. Bridget School for at least one year prior to the election.
Duties:
Must be in 7th or 8th grade while holding office. Must have a “B” average in Language Arts.
Duties:
Must be in 7th or 8th grade while holding office. Must have a “B” average in Math.
Duties:
Must be in 7th or 8th grade while holding office.
Duties:
Must be in 7th or 8th grade while holding office.
Duties:
Must be in 7th or 8th grade while holding office.
Duties:
Must be in 7th or 8th grade while holding office.
Duties:
Department of Education
Blue Ribbon School Award 2007