St. Thomas More Cathedral School

7th Grade

St. Thomas More Cathedral School follows the Curriculum Guidelines of the Diocese of Arlington Catholic Schools. The core curriculum consists of instruction in the following subjects: Religion, Reading, Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Spanish

Students also participate in the following special classes: Art, Library Skills, Technology, Physical Education

A variety of instructional methods are used including cross-curricular units, cooperative groups, direct instruction, discovery learning and hands-on activities. Homework is assigned to review lessons and practice skills.

An optional instrumental band program during the school day and an after-school choir program supplement music instruction. The instrumental band program is offered for grades 4 - 8 and the choir program is available for grades 3 - 8.

The instructional program is supported through the following: Title I Program, Resource Program, Educational Field Trips, Guest Speakers, Community Service

A word from the teachers about 7th grade...

Seventh grade is a wonderful time in a child’s life. Friendships are made and broken in a single day. By the end of the year, the children are really learning to work together and to look out for each other. Sometimes it can be challenging to keep up with their latest concerns.

This is the year that preparation for the reception of the sacrament of Confirmation begins. Service is an integral part of the preparation. Every child, regardless of religion, is given the opportunity to serve others. We learn about serving and we put that learning into perspective. The students are able to provide help to the committees running the Parish picnic, the monthly pancake breakfast as well as coffee and donuts on Sundays. They provide man-power to International Fest, International fest and Breakfast with Santa. We go on several service days a year as a Middle school and the children are encouraged to provide service within their communities.

STM students learn at a tender age to be welcoming and helpful. We just continue to emphasis the inherent need we all have to be generous to others.

This year the 7th graders started a school wide recycling initiative. Daily the students collect the paper around the school to recycle. On days of pizza lunches, students collect soda cans which are redeemed for cash. This cash is then used to purchase altar flowers for the Cathedral. They also recycle bottles and soup cans each week.

During the Living Rosary in May the 7th graders represent beads of the rosary. They are choir members, band members, prayer partners, and kindergarten aides. They become quite close to the kindergartners after helping them get settled in the beginning of the day and to their dismissal lines at the end of the day. It is an honor for them to watch the little ones grow and become more independent.

At the end of the year it is the 7th graders who choose the theme for the following year. One of them designs the logo that is used by the school for the next year. It is one of the last things that they do before taking the step to become the oldest children in the school.

The seventh grade also visited NIH during “Brain Awareness” week.

Mrs. Pierce

mpierce@stmschool.org

School Notes

I have worn several different hats at STM. I was married in the Cathedral in 1976. I am happy to say that after almost 33 years, I am still wearing the same spouse hat. As a mommy, I was a room parent, room parent coordinator, and secretary of the PTO. It seemed a natural progression to begin teaching at STM in 2000. I have taught computer classes for 5th through 8th grades, Religion to 7th and 8th, Language Arts and Reading to 6th.

My husband and all three sons are STM graduates. I was in a Catholic school in Maryland and then high school in Florida. I graduated from the College of Notre Dame of Maryland with a BA, concentrating in Education. I have attended many different colleges and universities over the years. Most recently I have enjoyed classes at UVA, Falls Church campus.

I am especially interested in cross curricular activities and incorporating technology whenever it enhances the learning. I am very fortunate to work with a wonderful team of middle school teachers who share interest in supporting each other's curriculum. Over these years I have enjoyed working with the students and watching them grow. Our students are amazing. They are kind, generous, responsible and full of energy. I look forward to 2009-2010 and the challenges it provides.