Welcome to Eighth Grade
The Eighth Grade curriculum follows the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for all subjects. Eighth-grade students are responsible, independent learners who are expected to apply previously learned skills to increasingly complex content in each subject area. Much of the eighth-grade year is spent preparing for high school, which may consist of touring different schools, preparing for entrance exams, working on applications, and becoming increasingly more independent in their academics.
The ultimate goal for eighth-grade graduates is to make the transition to high school equipped with spiritual, academic and personal confidence.
Eighth Grade Curriculum
English Language Arts (ELA)
English Language Arts in the eighth grade follows the Common Core State Standards which includes the study of grammar, spelling, vocabulary and writing. In addition to a variety of short stories and poems, students study several novels such as To Kill a Mockingbird, The Outsiders, Animal Farm, Of Mice and Men, and plays by Shakespeare. ELA covers many important literary terms and students practice annotating poetry and novels to prepare for high school level literary analysis.
Students continue to develop their writing skills through preparation of informational research papers in social studies, and practice writing personal essays for high school applications for admission and scholarship programs.
Math
TThe 8th grade math curriculum uses Algebra 1: Concepts and Skills and is focused on the Standards for Mathematical Practice and Common Core State Standards (CCSS). Students strengthen their understanding of systems equations and their relationships. They use their growing fundamental skills to solve multi-step equations with two variables with irrational and rational numbers, integers, fractions and decimals. Students learn to graph linear and nonlinear equations and inequalities, solve and understand translations and rotations enhancing their understanding of geometric figures on a plane, and apply these methods to real life scenarios.
Social Studies
Eighth grade social studies focuses on United States history from the early explorers and colonies, through the American revolution, formation of government and the Constitution and into the early nineteenth century and the explosion of the Civil War.
Science
Students focus on an exacting and challenging study of Biology and Physical Science. Classes are based on a framework of inquiry-based learning within a highly integrated curriculum. For example, when students are learning about classical Newtonian mechanics in science, they use techniques used to solve systems of linear equations learned in algebra and throughout the year there is a constant effort to find the connections to real life applications for our studies. Students are also encouraged to develop and strengthen their personal discipline, organizational skills, good study habits and most importantly the desire to learn. It is here, in middle school, that all the essential tools of success are introduced for a smoother transition to high school.
Religion
Students deepen their understanding of the Catholic faith and morality as they prepare for the Sacrament of Confirmation. They are encouraged to be role models by taking leadership positions in the school, and by leading their own faith families.
Ms. Shawna Lyons
Eighth Grade Teacher
Ms. Lyons joined the Saint Isabella community in the fall of 2021 and has been teaching for over 13 years. She grew up in Oakfield, Maine, a small town by the Canadian border, and attended the University of Maine at Presque Isle earning a B.A. in English and a B.S. in secondary education. After completing her student teaching in Bangkok, Thailand, she returned to Presque Isle to teach middle school English. Previous to her joining the Saint Isabella School faculty, she taught high school English at Hodgdon Middle/High School and college English through the dual enrollment program at the University of Maine for 10 years. During this time she earned a Master’s certificate in the education of the gifted and talented at the University of Southern Maine.
After spending many summers in Marin county with her family, she is happy to call the Bay Area home and excited to start a new year as a middle school educator.