Eighth Grade
The eighth grade year at St. Ignatius School is one that is busy and filled with many opportunities to develop and to learn in a supportive, faith-filled and fun atmosphere.
At the very beginning of the year eighth graders are commissioned as leaders of the school at the first all school Mass, the Mass of the Holy Spirit. In addition, this Mass marks the beginning of their journey toward confirmation which will be held in the fall of 2008. As family group leaders, they will help to lead their “families” in a variety of activities and events ranging from the Pumpkin Patch with the first grade to the kindergarten Santa letters to field day with everyone in May.
Eighth graders have opportunities to serve in the community through their participation in Transition Projects and Reedwood Care Center. Once a month, after school, students help prepare our parish’s monthly meal for the Transition Projects program in Old Town. Every other month, students actually help to serve the meal to the men in the program on site at 2nd and Couch downtown. At Reedwood Care Center, students share an art activity or game with the residents of this facility once a month. Both programs give students a chance to truly live the gospel values that we aim to promote here at St. Ignatius.
Another highlight of the eighth grade year is to design and to wear a special “eighth grade sweatshirt.” Being able to wear a sweatshirt that is different from the uniform that students have worn in previous years is always fun and something that students really look forward to being able to do.
The high school decision making and application process also take place in eighth grade. In September, the Catholic high schools visit to talk about their programs and in October and early November, the high schools host open houses for prospective students. Students are able to spend a day at one of the high schools if they would like to see what it is like on a regular school day. Students take a placement exam (which they must register for) in December and their actual applications are due in January. Those students who will be attending their local public high school are assisted in the registration and class selection process, as well.
The academic program of eighth grade involves an eight period day with a break in the morning and a 40 minute lunch period. As the homeroom teacher, I teach Religion which is a study of the Church – past and present, as well as Social Studies which centers on U.S. History. In addition, students take Algebra I or Pre-Algebra, English and Spelling, Reading, Physical Science, Music, Computers and Physical Education. Our standards are high and we hope that the skills students develop by the time they leave St. Ignatius at the end of eighth grade will serve them well in high school and beyond.
Eighth grade is truly a wonderful year! Monthly newsletters will outline specific events and activities as the year progresses. Please feel free to contact me here at school if you have questions or concerns.
