SBPS Middle School Magazine

S T. B E N

ED

Grades 6-8

ICT P A R

IS

H&

OUR APPROACH

At St. Benedict Preparatory School (SBPS), our faithcentered environment offers students the opportunity to excel in academics, fosters the development of character and a sense of responsibility, and supports their spiritual development. We challenge our students to meet high standards for academic excellence with a rigorous college prep curriculum delivered with the most current educational philosophies and current technologies. Our commitment to inclusive education ensures every student has the opportunity to learn and grow.

With a unique trimester schedule, students can fully take advantage of our well-rounded, liberal arts program using current web-based resources and technologies. Our progressive approach to curriculum integrates essential 21st century skills like creativity, critical thinking, leadership and effective communication across the curriculum. For students who have the aptitudem, we offer programs such as accelerated math and language. For all students, we offer our unique House House system, and hands-on, experiential learning opportunities.

OUR PARISH HISTORY

The story of St. Benedict Parish began in 1902 when local German Catholics sought to provide a Catholic education for their children in the area between St. Matthias and St. Alphonsus parishes. Today our unique preschool through high school program is a cherished legacy and witness to the dedicated service given by diocesan clergy, religious sisters, lay administration, teachers, and staff.

Our academic excellence is the foundation for the steller reputation we enjoy.

Our academic excellence is the foundation for the stellar reputation we enjoy and continually build upon through strategic planning initiatives and commitment to 21st century learning ideals. This has meant a century of growth beginning with several classroom expansions for the elementary school to meet the demands of the growing parish. The extraordinary vision of former pastor, Msgr. Fasnacht, led to the establishment of our accredited high school program and the construction of three additional buildings to the campus beginning in 1950. The new millennium also brought one last expansion with a three story modern multi purpose building completed in 2001.

Over a century has passed since this small group of people who had a dream created a spiritually grounded, cornerstone ministry of education. The realization of that dream continues today in the education and formation of nearly 1,000 children here at St. Benedict Parish.

ACADEMIC PROGRAM

SBPS offers a challenging college preparatory, liberal arts curriculum with Advanced Placement and Dual College Credit courses, honors courses, fine arts, performing arts, and athletics. SBPS is an inclusive education school that understands each student learns differently, yet should be offered an enriching educational experience.

A testament to our success can be seen in the schools at which our 8th grade graduates are accepted for high school:

Maintaining high standards for academic excellence is a priority at SBPS. Administrators, faculty and staff at work tirelessly to surpass the highest levels of academic standards, as measured by the performance of our students, and our school as a whole, while differentiating teaching strategies to meet the needs of each learner.

ST. BENEDICT PREP

First and foremost, a Catholic school is an inclusion education school. At SBPS, we believe we have a moral and faith-filled duty to educate and form each child so that he/ she may reach his/ her potential.

Inclusion education strategies simply put are “bestpractices� that are essential for each and every learner. There is compelling research that shows all students benefit from an inclusion education setting.

ST. IGNATIUS LANE TECH LOYOLA ACADEMY NORTHSIDE COLLEGE PREP

St. Benedict Preparatory School has five Inclusion Facilitators for Grades K through 12.

DEPAUL COLLEGE PREP ST. PATRICK HIGH SCHOOL NOTRE DAME FOR BOYS WALTER PAYTON JONES COLLEGE PREP TRINITY

17:1

Secondary School student/ teacher ratio

85%

of our student body is Catholic

50%+

hold advanced degrees

85

full and part time teachers

33%

of students come from diverse ethnic backgrounds

Faith

CAMPUS YOUTH MINISTRY

St. Benedict Campus Ministry is founded on the three rhythms of liturgy & prayer, retreat, and service.

The school’s vision of ministry is guided through the tradition of St. Benedict and inspired by the Holy Spirit, faculty, and parish staff. St. Benedict Preparatory School is committed to providing students with programs where they can demonstrate compassion for their neighbor, encounter the Living God through ritual, prayer and service work, and find friendship with God through Jesus Christ.

LITURGY & PRAYER

St. Benedict secondary students attend Mass once a week on Tuesday mornings. They join our daily Mass-going parishioners, and our students lead all the ministries, including the choir, lectors, altar servers, gift-bearers, and Eucharistic Ministers. We start and end each day with prayer, often led by students, and have additional prayer and reflection during Advent and Lent, particularly with an opportunity for Reconciliation during each season.

The Sacrament of Confirmation: Grace for Fullness of Faith and Life

During our 8th grade school year, Catholic students prepare to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. This sacrament SERVICE provides the special grace by which our faith St. Benedict Campus Ministry also works to provide regular is deepened and strengthened. In order to be service opportunities to our students. In tight collaboration with ready to receive the sacrament, St Benedict St. Benedict Parish Youth Ministry, opportunities are offered both Parish provides not only the classroom on-site and off-site, and count toward National Junior Honor instruction, but the opportunities to grow Society and Confirmation service hours. We have relationships through prayer and service to others. The to do regular service with St. Columbanus Parish & Food Pantry, confirmandi begin to see more clearly their Habitat for Humanity Chicago, Franciscan Outreach, and many responsibility to Christ for the Church and more Chicago-based organizations. This service to others carries our neighbors. By choosing to complete the through into their senior year of high school, where we tap into Sacraments of Initiation, these relationships to build a service- and experiential-learningour 8th graders take their first step into based capstone theology course called Social Justice & Vocations. becoming young adults in the Church.

Once confirmed, they may choose to RETREATS engage in the adult ministries within Catholic Tradition inspires the content and formation of all our retreats, the parish. The entire parish is on hand to pray from them during the including sacramental experiences like Mass and Reconciliation. year and to welcome them However, all of our retreats are open and welcoming to people of other as fully-initiated Christian traditions, other faiths, and no religion at all. We simply ask that all young adults after students engage with these experiences on a personal, authentic level with an Confirmation. openness to the call of God and respect for Catholicism.

Retreats gradually become more intensive as students move into high school, but during middle school, we adapt the retreats in a bite-sized spiritual experience to help students engage their faith beyond their theology classes. For example, in this year’s Middle School Day of Reflection, students were invited to realize the awesomeness of Creation while realizing that they themselves are co-creators with God, sharing His love in our world by following the example of Christ.

The House System

FOSTERS LEADERSHIP & COMMUNITY

The St. Benedict Prep Secondary School operates on the House system, a take on the British School House system where all members of the secondary school are split into five Houses or divisions. Think Harry Potter without the quidditch matches. All students in grades 6-12 are assigned to their House during the first week of school.

The Houses are named after saints from the religious order founded by St. Benedict: BEDE HOUSE BONIFACE HOUSE GREGORY HOUSE HILDA HOUSE SCHOLASTICA HOUSE This is an opportunity for a unified secondary school environment consistent with competition and loads of FUN! House members work together over the course of the year to earn points through academic GPAs, attendance, skills competition, as well as a variety of other opportunities.

Students actively participate in numerous events throughout the year to earn House Points which culminates at year’s end with the awarding of the House Cup, to the house with the most points. Some of these events include the following: Pep Rallies, House Rockin’ Lock-in, Christmas Tree Decorating, Penny Wars, Service Days, and more! Service is a key component of the House System. We donate proceeds from the year to various charitable causes.

The House with the most points at the end of the year will have first pick of the possible rewards that are available ranging from a trip to Great America to going bowling or having a lakefront picnic.

The House System is a fantastic part of Student Life and Community at St. Benedict Preparatory School!

How We Approach 21st Century Learning SBPS offers a well-rounded, liberal arts and sciences program that integrates essential 21st century skills like innovative, creative & critical thinking, as well as effective communication across the curriculum.

We recognize that technology has never been more important to the education of our young people than it is today. SBPS utilizes a BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) program in the secondary school that provides students with every opportunity to learn using current web-based resources.

BYOD

BRING YOUR OWN DEVICE (BYOD) is a model where students furnish their own computing devices for use in the classroom. The emphasis is on the tools and resources used through a computer device to support learning, not the specifics of a computer device itself. We believe this option gives families greater flexibility, reduce overall costs, and meets the needs of the individual learner. With the use of the Google platform and the various applications that go along with personal devices, students are able to create and submit the majority of their assignments online. In several subjects, students have access to online textbook support (Math, Science and Social Studies, as well as other subjects). Students and parents also have the ability to track their child’s academic progress through PowerSchool and Edmodo (See following page).

Here is a list of recommended devices to assist families in choosing the most appropriate device that will support their child’s learning and the family’s budget: Laptops from Apple, Dell, HP or Lenovo; MicroSoft Surface.

BENGAL PREP

For our incoming 6th graders, the move to secondary school can be as overwhelming as it is exciting. To make students feel empowered and prepared, we require a course that introduces students to the history and culture of St. Benedict Preparatory School. They become oriented to the academic, extracurricular, and supportive services that are offered. With the aid of their computer, or laptop, students are prepared with the skillset necessary to be successful in secondary school.

Our goal is to prepare them both emotionally and organizationally by teaching them tools that will be used throughout their academic career experiences.

Topics covered: • Laptop orientation • Time & task management • Goal setting • Paper organization • Homework/project planning • Reading skills • Organization at home and school • Note-taking strategies • Test-taking strategies

ADVISORY

Creating Close and Trusting Relationships: Middle School Advisory Program: The development of the social and emotional wellbeing of our students is the purpose behind our Middle School Advisory Program.

Organized by grade level and gender into small groups of 10 or 11, our MS students meet weekly with an advisor who is a trained member of the school administration, faculty, or staff, to discuss topics of interest to the students. This experience is meant to be positive and provides a safe, confidential, and caring environment where students can discuss issues that concern them.

Over time this advisory group assists its students in the development of self-understanding, positive self-concept, and effective interpersonal, problemsolving, and decision-making skills.

AFTER SCHOOL ADVANTAGES

When the school day ends, St. Benedict offers its secondary students unique opportunities to support their education. On Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, many of our teachers stay late to run our Academic Study Center, where students can obtain more personalized, one-on-one tutoring from our faculty. This is a free opportunity for those students who desire additional instruction and guidance.

6th Grade Extended Care Daily Structure In order to facilitate the transition to the Secondary School while managing a greater level of independence and responsibility, we have organized extended care in a way that allows a balance between physical activity, school work and free time.

3:20-4:30 Time to study, work on homework, get help from teachers (students may arrange to meet with a teacher for extra help if needed during this time, but must check in with after school supervisor prior to meeting with a teacher).

4:30-5:00 Recess time on the playground or within the room during inclement weather.

5:00-6:00 Free time to play games with friends or to continue working on assignments.

7-8th Grade Extended Care Students in 7th and 8th Grade are given the opportunity to remain in the cafeteria for extended care. The cafeteria offers time for students to complete their work and socialize while they are waiting for a club or practice to begin or wait for their ride home.

EDMODO / POWERSCHOOL

Edmodo is an online site where teachers post all assignments for each course. This allows students, and parents, the opportunity to track their work and keep track of the assignments that are required for their classes.

Parents will be able to track their child’s progress in each class by accessing their grades through Powerschool. This allows parents to be able to support their child by keeping up with their academic progress, and by being able to address concerns in a timely fashion.

ELECTRONIC PORTFOLIOS

All students create a digital portfolio where they upload their work with reflections on their individual progress. As students grow, develop and strengthen their skills these portfolios serve as an

important tool to see measured academic growth.

Each trimester students upload various projects, tests and essays that reflect both their mastery of academic content and developing 21st Century Learning Skills. This portfolio serves as a tool for students and faculty to assess how students are progressing, and to emphasize the importance of formative reflective practice.

The purpose of the Portfolio at St Benedict Secondary School has four primary goals: • Show student growth in the St. Benedict Graduation Skills, • Showcase ability and demonstrate mastery of content and skills, • Evaluate cumulative achievement, • Provide an opportunity for students to engage in reflective practice about their strengths and weaknesses.

OUR TEACHERS ARE CONTENT SPECIALISTS

All of our teachers in the Secondary School are content specialists meaning they are certified as both a teacher and hold additional endorsements in their subject matter area.

Beginning in 6th grade our academic departments work to align the Secondary School College Prep curriculum through 12th grade. Academic departments collaborate to implement vertically aligned course outcomes from grade level to grade level to ensure that there is a seamless transition in learning. They coordinate their planning of course content and assessments so that it prepares students for learning in the next grade level.

Through this collaboration, our teachers are able to see how the courses progress, for example, from 6th grade English through AP British Literature and how that progression should be organized to prepare a curriculum that is engaging, college preparatory and appropriately paced.

Example of St. Benedict Preparatory SECONDARY SCHOOL ADVANCED MATH PROGRAM:

9

th

Algebra 2H

8

th

Geometry Algebra 2

7

th

Algebra

Grade 7 Math

6

th

TYPICAL MATH CURRICULUM AT MOST CHICAGO SCHOOLS GRADES 6 -12:

Grade 6 Math

Grade 7 Math

Grade 8 Algebra

Geometry

SECONDARY SCHOOL ADVANCED FOREIGN LANGUAGE PROGRA

Elementary Spanish Em m

HS Spanish I

HS Spanish II

HS Spanish III

CURRENT SCHEDULES OF TWO 8TH

a

6TH GRADE

Advanced 7th grade math 6th grade Language Arts 6th grade Social Studies 6th grade Science 6th grade Religion 6th grade Art 6th grade Music 6th grade Physical Education 6th grade Spanish Bengal Prep

7TH GRADE

Algebra 7th grade Language Arts 7th grade Social Studies 7th grade Science 7th grade Religion 7th grade Physical Education Electives: Scientific Inquiry, Intro to Art, Painting

8TH GRADE

Algebra 2H and Geometry 8th grade Language Arts 8th grade Social Studies 8th grade Science 8th grade Religion 8th grade Physical Education Electives: Digital Photography Drawing, 3D Design

11

12

th

Calculus AP (AB)

Pre Calculus

th

AP Stats

10

th

Algebra 2

Pre Calculus

AP Calculus

HS Spanish IV

College Spanish I

College Spanish II

AM:

COLLEG

Accelerated Learning:

“Students that attend St. Benedict Prep 6-12th grade are exceptionally prepared - both academically and spiritually - for life ahead at college of their choice.

- Erika Mickelburgh, Head of Secondary School

GRADERS FOR THEIR 6-8TH EXPERIENCE Rob er

t

6TH GRADE

6th grade Math 6th grade Language Arts 6th grade Social Studies 6th grade Science 6th grade Religion 6th grade Art 6th grade Music 6th grade Physical Education 6th grade Spanish Bengal Prep

7TH GRADE

7th grade Math 7th grade Language Arts 7th grade Social Studies 7th grade Science 7th grade Religion 7th grade Physical Education Electives: Spanish 1, Theater, Intro to Art

8TH GRADE

Algebra 8th grade Language Arts 8th grade Social Studies 8th grade Science 8th grade Religion 8th grade Physical Education Electives: Spanish 2, Robotics

Acting 1 (7-12) This course assists students of all acting levels Everyone takes: Art, Music, PE, and Bengal Prep Junior in how to create a character 6th Grade Electives: Band instead of Music and Foreign Language utilizing a Stanislavsky (Spanish or Mandarin) based technique. Students work through monologues 7th and 8th Electives: Can take HS level electives and various scenes from This year’s electives are: classic and current day playwrights to develop their in the spring dance recital. May potential to create PERFORMING ARTS rehearsal and performance be used as a Fine Arts or Physical innovative dance pieces. skills. Students gain Education credit Band (7-12) *may be used for Fine Arts or confidence and skills invocal Students learn the Physical Education credit Tap 1 - Intro to Tap (7-12) projection. Students can fundamentals of music expect to come out of this Tap dancing is a uniquely including how to read, write Dance 1 (7-12) class knowing how to create American art form with a and analyze music. We learn This course is an and develop a character rich history and roots in the proper techniques of introduction to the dance African and Irish folk dance. from ‘page to stage! playing an instrument and world based upon general This class starts with the perform both individually principles of essential Theater (Grade Level 7-12) basic elements of tap, and in an ensemble. dance knowledge, skills, This class is ideal for any Students have the and concepts emphasizing including shuffles, flaps, student who wants to ball changes, and cramp opportunity to perform in activities that promote develop performance skills, various concerts throughout individuality, creativity, and rolls. After mastering the stage presence, and the year. imagination.Students learn essential vocabulary, we will confidence. Improvisation put these steps together to communicate without and theatre games will help into simple combinations Chorus (7-12) words, learn about quality students learn how to work This class focuses on teamwork, practice effective and time steps and in a team environment. The experiment with rhythms the development of good learning strategies, and class instructs students and patterns. singing habits, including demonstrate improved how to audition for plays *may be used for Fine Arts or posture, breath support and physical skills all while and musicals. Students have control, as well as basic focusing on their technical Physical Education credit the opportunity to play a musicianship, including and choreographic abilities.

Conditioning for the Dancer wide variety of roles and music theory and note Participants also study characters through on stage and Athlete (7-12) reading. Students also learn various forms of cultural performances and role necessary choral singing dance. *may be used as Fine Arts This course increases playing exercises. strength, agility, flexibility skills, including part singing or Physical Education credit and endurance for the and diction. Previous Shakespeare in our Time dancer and athlete. This singing experience is not Dance 2 - Contemporary (7-12) course will strengthen the required. There are two Dance (7-12) This course enables body’s core (abdominal culminating performances This course is a style of students to understand and and back muscles) while in December, one of which expressive dance that articulate the importance of improving coordination, will be a caroling visit to the combines elements of William Shakespeare’s balance, and alignment Chicago Children’sHospital. several dance genres: plays, sonnets, and poems and optimizing flexibility. *Attendance is mandatory. modern, jazz, lyrical, and in our present day lives.

Students enrolled in classical ballet. Students Students explore several this class will use a Dance Inquiry (7-12) in this class will strive to works in-depth, developing variety of manipulatives This course takes students connect the mind and the empathy for Shakespeare’s in their training: ballet on a step-bystep journey body through fluid dance characters and the ability to barre, stability balls, and through improvisational movements. Students in relate situations to their own dance. A spirit of this course perform to many resistance bands just to lives. Students willpresent name a few. spontaneous creativity is different styles of music selected scenes and/or *may be used as a Fine Arts or essential to this course. with a focus on big, out of sonnets at the end of the Physical Education credit During the improvisation body movements. trimester. process, dancers freely *Students are required to participate exploretheir movement

Elective Course Descriptions

SCIENCE

Science Inquiry (Open to 7-8 1 Trimester /Offered The Scientific Method trimester 2 .5 Credit) (Open to all 7-12 1 This elective can be taken Trimester/Offered in addition to other core trimester 1 .5 credit) science courses. In this This elective can be taken class, students explore in addition to your other many different science core science courses. concepts from chemistry, In this class, students physics, and earth learn and apply all steps sciences. Through the in the scientific method use of science inquiry, through science inquiry. students use hands-on Students research, design and project based learning and implement their own throughout the entire science experiments while course. using Next Generation Science Standards.

Forensic Science (Open to 7-8 - offered trimester 3 - 0.5 Credit)This elective can be taken in addition

to other core science courses. Students explore the basics of Forensic Science including its history as well as technique through the use of inquiry and project based learning situations.

This course is 1 trimester long.

LANGUAGE

course begins with a review of all the concepts taught in previous St. Benedict Spanish courses. After the first few weeks of review, the course follows the same track as the Spanish 1 curriculum.

continue to learn the French language in realworld contexts relevant to French (1,2,2H) students’ lives. This course French I (Open to all 7-12 is intended for students that CP 2 Trimesters 1 Credit) have achieved a passing French I is an interactive grade in French I and is course that introduces closed to native speakers of students to the basics all levels. Students hear and of French language and francophone cultures while speak as much French as possible in the classroom, focusing on real-world the focus being on practical, communication. Students real-world communication. will read, write, and speak N.B. This course may, with French in a variety of the instructor’s permission, authentic contexts. This course is geared toward true be taken for honors credit.

Students who have beginners in French and is closed to native speakers of demonstrated a high level of all levels. Building a strong motivation, independence, grammatical foundation in and interest will have the opportunity to explore French is the focus of the the subject more deeply course. through more challenging, French II (Open to 8/FR/SO/ higher-level readings, and additional opportunities for JR/SR CP 2 Trimesters 1 Credit) Prerequisite: French writingand research.

I. French II is an interactive Spanish (1,2,2H) course that continues to Introduction to High School introduce new, essential Spanish (Open to 7th grade language and culture to 1 Trimester .5 Credit) This students. Students will

of this course is to introduce student to basic programming, project management, problem solving, and mechanical design.

Students work hands-on in teams to design, build, program and document their progress. Topics may include motor Robotics 1 Trimester .5 control, gear ratios, credit (Open to 7-12 - One torque, friction, sensors, Middle school section and timing, algorithms, logic One High School section) gates, decision-making, This is a beginning course and timing sequences. in robotics. We will be Successful student utilizing VEX CORTEX designed robots may be controllers and parts and entered in various VEX the ROBOTC programming CORTEX competitions. language. The objective

likely place out of Spanish.

Inro to Mandarin (1,2) Introduction to Mandarin (Open to 6th grade 2 Trimesters/2 days a week) Sixth grade Mandarin is an introductory course in modern standard Chinese Spanish I (Open to 8-12 (Mandarin) for students CP 2 Trimesters 1 Credit) with no prior experience in This course is an the language. This course introduction to learning focuses on pronunciation a wide range of and tone, which is conversational Spanish introduced through through everyday situations, the Chinese Phonetic vocabulary building, basic System (pinyin) as well composition and grammar as building a basic structures. Students will understanding of simplified examine different the Chinese characters. Great Hispanic cultures of today emphasis is also placed and study maps of Latin upon developing listening, America. N.B. This course is speaking, reading and intended for students that writing skills through have little to no experience everyday conversations. with the Spanish language. Students will further explore Native speakers of all the country’s unique culture, levels should not enroll in traditions, history through this course. If a student films and class discussions. has already taken Spanish classes, he or she will most

Mandarin I (Open to all 7-12 CP 2 Trimesters 1 Credit) This is a beginning-level Mandarin course for students with little or no prior Mandarin experience.

This interactive course introduces students to conversational Mandarin through everyday situations. Students will focus on developing skills in speaking, listening, reading and writing. Students acquire vocabulary, grammar and sentence structures to read short passages and write in simplified Chinese characters. Students also gain understanding of the Chinese language, culture, and the basic structural components by using the Pinyin Phonetic System as a supplementary tool.

through exploring the people, traditions, customs, art, music, geographical locations and histories.

VISUAL ARTS

of Introduction to Art requirements are eligible to register for this course.

Painting (Open to all students meeting prerequisites) Prerequisite: Introduction to Art and Drawing– Teacher recommendation.

This course focuses on the elements of art and principles of design.

Students experiment with different painting media such as acrylic, watercolor, oil, and tempera. The studio work is accompanied with lecture and the study of art criticism. Students who have completed a middle school or previous art experience comprised of Introduction to Art and Drawing requirements are eligible to register for this course.

Introduction to Art (Open to All CP 1 Trimester .5 Credit)This course will present a study of visual art. Students learn and apply the principles of analysis and self expression blending art history with studio experiences, both two and three dimensional, which include design, drawing, cartoon rendering, and painting. Students who have completed a middle school or previous art experiences comprised of Introduction to Art requirements are eligible to register for higher level art Mandarin II (Open to 8/FR/ courses.

2D and 3D Design (Open SO/JR/SR CP 2 Trimesters to all students meeting Drawing (Open to all 1 Credit) Prerequisite: prerequisites) This Mandarin I or with Teacher students meeting course is a study of basic prerequisites) Prerequisite: recommendation.This is a principles of 2 dimensional Introduction to Art – continuation course to and 3 dimensional visual Teacher recommendation.

Mandarin I. Students organization and skills.

This course focuses on should already have It includes line, value, the elements of art and an understanding of texture, color, shape, and principles of design. the Pinyin Phonetic other elements of form as Students experiment with System and the basic they relate to 2D and 3D different drawing media structural components art and design. The studio such as pencil, charcoal, of the language. In this work includes drawing, pastel, ink, and watercolors. painting, printmaking, course, students focus Subjects for drawings on increasing their graphic design, copper foil proficiency in the domains include still-life, selfembossing and sculpture portrait, landscape and a of speaking, listening, and is accompanied with perspective work.

Students reading and writing lecture and the study of will learn to draw subjects art criticism. Students through various learning activities. Students improve in proportion and include will use a variety of a range of values in their conversational skills, media from paper-mache drawings. The studio work to recycled materials read and write passages is accompanied with in simplified Chinese to create sculptural art lecture and the study of and continue to build on forms. Students who have art criticism. Students who completed a middle their vocabulary through have completed a middle interactive activities. school or previous art school or previous art Students further develop experience comprised experience comprised cultural understanding of Introduction to Art

requirements are eligible to register for this course.

Ceramics (Open to all students meeting prerequisites) This course develops basic skills in the creation of 3D forms and pottery from clay. With an emphasis on studioproduction, this course is designed to develop higher-level thinking, art-related technology skill, art criticism, art history, and aesthetics. Students create projects using various techniques in this media.

LANGUAGE ARTS Middle School Creative Writing This course will focus on exploring the writing process from finding ideas and inspiration, through organizing, drafting, and publication. Writing in various genres will be explored, including short stories, creative nonfiction,poetry, one-acts, and vignettes. Students will draft multiple versions of each genre, selecting onerepresentative work to bring to a polished copy and include in a portfolio of their best work. Mentor texts will beexamined to identify characteristics of outstanding pieces of work and students will use those criteria as guideposts for creating their own pieces. Students will use peer review and participate in a writers’ workshop to develop their ideas and skills and will be encouraged to submit their work for publication.

Middle School Journalism This course will focus on the study, practice, and work of journalism resulting in publication of the St. Benedict newspaper.

Students will learn to conduct research and interviews, write columns, news reports, feature stories, and publicize St. Ben’s events. Subjects for coverage include events, profiles, feature stories, sportsand news reports.

This course will provide opportunities for improving networking skills and insight into the online publishing landscape.

equations. An emphasis is placed on problem solving techniques, multiple approaches to solving problems, and written as well as verbal communication of mathematics. These topics are correlated to the Common Core State Standards of 7th grade and much of 8th grade math.

Middle School Algebra 1 Placement Criteria: Completed 7th Grade Math - OR - Minimum 85% correct on Algebra Placement Test Minimum 85% average for the year in previous math class Completes homework on time 95% of the time MATH Minimum stanine score of 7 in math on Terra Nova 4 or Based on placement, students can move up into fewer unexcused absences.

This course covers topics advanced math, also. studied in a traditional high school Algebra 1 course.

7th Grade Math (can test These topics include into in 6th Grade): expressions, equations, Placement Criteria: functions, properties of Completed 6th Grade real numbers, solving Math - OR - Grade of A in and graphing and writing 5th Grade Math Minimum stanine of 7 on math Terra linear equations and linear inequalities, and graphing Nova (Replaced with 90% on map test) Minimum 85% functions. These topics are correct on Placement Test correlated to high school level Common Core State (Possibly replaced with 95%) Completes homework Standards for Math. A Texas Instruments graphing on time 95% of the time calculator is required.

(Possibly replaced with 100%)4 or fewer unexcused Middle School Geometry absences (Possibly Placement Criteria: removed). This course Minimum 90% average for expands on students’ the year in Algebra 1 knowledge in topics such Completes homework on as the number system, time 95% of the time statistics and probability, geometry, expressions and Minimum stanine score of 7 in math on Terra Nova equations, and ratios and proportional relationships. 4 or fewer unexcused absences. This high school Additional topics include level course will provide the inequalities, functions, student with an in-depth and multi-step algebraic

study of the vocabulary, postulates, and theorems of Euclidean geometry.

Methods of proof will be emphasized. Topics include the basics of geometry, reasoning and proof, perpendicular and parallel lines, congruent triangles, properties of triangles, quadrilaterals, similarities, right triangles and basic

trigonometry. These topics are correlated to high school level Common Core State Standards. Students will explore geometric topics inductively using the software program “Geometer’s Sketchpad.”

A Texas Instruments graphing calculator is required.

BUILD YOUR OWN SCHEDULE 6th grade 6th grade Math 6th grade Language Arts 6th grade Social Studies 6th grade Science 6th grade Art 6th grade Religion 6th grade Music __or Band 6th grade Physical Education 6th grade Spanish ___or Mandarin Bengal Prep 7th grade Electives: __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________ 7th grade Math 7th grade Language Arts 7th grade Social Studies 7th grade Science 7th grade Religion 7th grade Physical Education 8th grade Electives: __________________________________________ __________________________________________ __________________________________________ 8th grade Language Arts 8th grade Social Studies 8th grade Science 8th grade Religion 8th grade Physical Education

Learning Beyond the School Walls: Agora

New last year, in 2014-15, this program is a unique part of the college preparatory curriculum at St. Benedict Prep aiming to connect learning in the classroom to real world experiences. St. Benedict Prep students learn about a topic throughout the school year and then they experience it for a week in April.

AGORA EXPERIENCES FOR 2015-16 6th Grade - City of Chicago Experiences Highlights: • Tour of the Chicago History Museum • 5 day walking tours of distinct Chicago neighborhoods, such as Old Town, Ukrainian Village, and Bronzeville • Visit to historic landmarks such as the Clarke House, and various Catholic and Orthodox Churches • Chicago River/Lake Michigan Architecture Boat Tour 7th Grade - State of Illinois Experiences Highlights: • Tour of the Chicago History Museum • Visit to Starved Rock State Park • Tour of Springfield, Illinois: State Capitol, Lincoln Home, Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum • Visit to Connor Prarie, Indiana: Living History Museum 8th Grade - Washington D.C. Experience Highlights: • Tour of the White House and Capitol Bldg.

• Visit to the National Archives, Smithsonian Museums • Jefferson, Lincoln, and Washington Memorials, WWII, Korean, and Vietnam War Memorials • Excursions to Mount Vernon, Colonial Williamsburg, Arlington National Cemetery, and Alexandria, VA

MAKE THE WORLD YOUR CLASSROOM: HS AGORA OPPORTUNITIES

Once in high school our students have the choice to either travel overseas, within the United States, or to remain close to home in Chicago, delving into various topics of interest. Recent experiential learning abroad provided an expanded worldview through visits to China, Costa Rica, the Galapagos Islands of Ecuador, France, Spain, and Italy. Service oriented trips have helped build homes in Iowa and Louisiana. Music, Dance, Theater, Culinary Arts, and Sports Business have been topics explored here in Chicago. No matter where you travel, the Agora experience is one you will never forget.

Athletics

The size of our school and the amount of teams offered provides students with the chance to play on the team of their choice. 75% of our student body plays on more than one team.

St. Benedict Prep students play the sport of their choice – not just sit on the sidelines. Competing in sports helps students build confidence, learn discipline and hard work, and achieve success both as an individual and a team player. St. Benedict Prep has a storied athletic tradition, filling our student-athletes with pride each time they don the maroon and gold of the Bengals.

FALL: Cross Country (Coed) Boys Volleyball Girls Volleyball WINTER: Boys Basketball Girls Basketball SPRING: Track & Field Baseball Softball

Clubs

St. Benedict Preparatory School offers a diverse and personalized culture for students, enabling them to join clubs and extracurricular activities to develop their interests and future goals. Students have the opportunity to become leaders and excel in activities that fit them best.

Art Club Math Team FLOW Band National Junior Honor

Society Strategic Games Club Choir Spanish Club Book Club

Please contact Ms. Gonzalez for Shadow Day information and to reserve your date.

TOURS

We would be happy to provide you and your family with a guided tour of St. Benedict Prep. Individual tours may be scheduled by contacting Ms. Gonzalez.

St. Benedict Parish and Preparatory School Ms. Isabel Gonzalez Director of Admissions 773-539-8435 igonzalez@stbenedict.com.

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Spend the day with a student ambassador at St. Benedict Prep. Check out the classes, enjoy a free lunch, and get a real sense for what it is like to be a Bengal for a day. If you know a student at St. Benedict Prep that you would like to “shadow� please indicate this when signing up for your day.

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