Junior High (6th-8th Grades)

St. Joseph Hill Academy Elementary School recognizes the importance of Junior High as an especially formative time in a student's educational journey. We ensure our Junior High Students are developing strong study habits and cultivate a hunger for learning. Though SJHA Junior High is a challenging time academically, our students are fully supported by our dedicated faculty and educational support specialists. SJHA Junior High students graduate 8th grade prepared for the academic rigors of high school. They will also take with them the values and strong character that SJHA instills in all of our students.

Only Catholic School in the Archdiocese with Three Classes Per Grade

Personalized Attention & Support

Every student is known and supported
Dedicated faculty and specialists guide students through this crucial transition
Well-rounded education preparing students both academically and in values

SJHA Junior High Curriculum:

English Language Arts & Social Studies

Grade 6 ELA/Social Studies

In Grade 6, students will journey through the Ancient and Modern World. We will study Ancient Civilizations and learn what they have contributed to modern day society. We will learn the foundations of many religions of the world, such as: Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism. We will study Ancient societies such as Ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome, and China- to name a few. To gain better understanding of these societies we will use Document Based Questions (DBQ’s). Our goal will be to make cross-curricular connections using primary and secondary sources.

Teacher: Mr. Ryan Erikson

Grade 7 ELA/Social Studies

Goals for students in the seventh grade ELA/SS course include a deepening of critical analysis skills to allow for a broader understanding of significant events in American history. Students learn to apply the critical thinking techniques learned in ELA to foster deeper examinations of world events from several different perspectives. Students will examine the colonization of our country from its inception through modern day efforts to continue exploration as it moves outward into the universe. They will journey through the American Revolution and the Civil War, deeply analyzing key events and narrating them through self-guided essays. Novels read throughout the year will encapsulate and enhance these events and bring them to life. Growth is the essential term for our 7th grade curriculum.

Teacher: Ms. Dawn D'Agostino

7th Grade Public Speaking
Our 7th grade students build confidence and sharpen communication skills through a dedicated public speaking component woven into the English Language Arts curriculum. Students learn to organize their thoughts, speak with clarity, and engage an audience while developing presentations, debates, and persuasive speeches. This course not only strengthens reading and writing skills, but also prepares students to express themselves effectively in academic settings and beyond.

Teacher: Mr. Mike Smith

Grade 8 ELA/Social Studies
In 8th grade Social Studies, we continue our exploration of American History. We begin right after the Civil War and delve all the way into modern times. We will activate prior knowledge to compare and contrast the different aspects of American History that seem to repeat itself. We will see that most wars have root in religion or land.The 8th grade curriculum focuses on writing and critical thinking that will help us to analyze the cause and effect relationships that America continues to have with other nations. In doing so we will use Document Based Questions (DBQ’s) and Political Cartoons to enhance our knowledge and prepare us to work with and understand the history that surrounds our amazing country.

To prepare for bigger challenges in high school, eighth grade ELA students must grapple with major works of fiction and nonfiction that extend across cultures and centuries. They must be able to cite the evidence that most strongly supports an analysis of what is explicitly stated and/or implied from a book, article, poem, or play. Eighth grade students must be able to report findings from their own research and analysis of resources in a clear manner.

Teacher: Ms. Danielle Mongelli

Math

Grade 6

6th Grade students will conquer and master the skills of computation while exploring and developing a sense of curiosity into the world of algebraic thinking concepts. The year will be dedicated to four critical areas of math. It will focus on the use of rates and ratios to solve problems, explore fractions, rational numbers, positive and negative integers, introduce algebraic expressions and equations, and expose students to an understanding of statistical thinking. They will apply these concepts to real life situations to solve problems. I will challenge and support my students while together we continue to maintain our high state scores.

Teacher: Mr. Raphael Chierchio

Grade 7

The 7th Grade Math class will be focusing on 5 critical areas this year. We will be exploring operations with rational numbers; working with expressions and equations; developing proportional relationships; working with 3 dimensional shapes and scale drawings; as well as Probability and Statistics.My goal this year is to have the students achieve fluency in all math skills. The students will learn to reason through multi-step real life problems and persevere in solving them.I hope to provide our students with the foundation in mathematics, necessary for them to reach their potential.

Teacher: Mrs. Lisa Circosta

Grade 8

The 8th grade Advanced Math class will develop the knowledge, attitude and skills, essential for success in High School. I plan to weave the 8th grade Math curriculum together with the Algebra I High School curriculum. It is my hope that the majority of the students will be prepared to take the Algebra 1 Regents in June.This year we will be working on polynomials, functions, linear and quadratic equations, as well as some trigonometry, geometry, radicals, probability and Statistics. Each student will learn how to work with the graphing calculator. It is my goal for the students to reason abstractly as well as quantitatively.

The 8th grade Common Core Math class will embrace algebraic thinking concepts and master the curriculum needed to prepare them for high school math. The year will include an introduction to high school Algebra and Geometry so that a solid foundation of basic concepts is achieved. We will strive to exceed the goals set forth by the state standards and rigorously prepare students for academic success.The three critical areas of the core curriculum include concepts of functions and the use of functions to describe quantitative relationships, analysis of two and three dimensional space and figures, and the implementation of procedures to solve linear equations, systems of linear equations, and understand slope of a line to analyze situations and solve problems.I will promote confidence in my students and encourage a positive attitude toward problem solving.

Teacher: Mrs. Johanna Catella

Content Science

Our Junior High Science program is designed to spark curiosity, inspire creativity, and actively engage students in the process of discovery. Through hands-on experiences and interactive lessons, students build on prior knowledge while developing the skills and scientific background necessary to thrive in today’s highly technological and scientific society.Instruction is tailored to diverse learners by incorporating visuals, text-based resources, technology, inquiry-based activities, and laboratory investigations. Both independent and collaborative learning opportunities allow students to explore science in meaningful ways, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

The curriculum integrates the three major branches of science—Earth Science, Life Science, and Physical Science—at varying levels across the junior high grades. Students connect classroom learning to real-world applications, developing an awareness of science-based careers and a deeper understanding of how science impacts their everyday lives.

Key areas of study include:

Chemistry: Elements, chemical bonds, reactions, and equations.
Earth Science: Geologic changes, ecology, and environmental impacts.
Life Science: The structure and function of organic and inorganic substances in the human body.

Our mission is to provide students with a strong foundation in scientific inquiry while cultivating enthusiasm for exploration. By the end of the program, students will not only gain knowledge but also the confidence and skills to pursue future scientific endeavors.

Teacher: Ms. SonnyLynn Balkan

Religion

Grade 6 Religion

My classroom mission is to expand on the foundation of our Catholic Faith to enable our students to become individuals who value and live their Faith everyday – in all that they think, do and say. In the 6th grade, students will be introduced to the Revelation of God the Father, Creation and Scientific Information, The building of the Covenant Nation, Jesus as Teacher and Healer, Redeemer and Savior, The Beginning of the Church, and the Church in Our World. Our students will discover and investigate the Bible and refer to Sacred Scripture in all 4 Units of Study.

Incorporating interactive activities and projects, on-line videos, web-sites, classroom discussions and traditional learning, it is my goal to create an environment which will help our children grow academically, emotionally, and Spiritually, providing opportunities for these youngsters to apply real-life applications to their Faith and moral decision-making.

Our 6th graders are introduced to Stewardship, and their important role in caring for our planet and all of God’s creations. Through the examples of significant adult role models and interaction with one another, they will be challenged to accept the responsibility of Stewardship and their role in caring for everyone and everything around them. They will become our Faith leaders of future generations.

Teacher: Mrs. Sheila Coyne

Grade 7 Religion

In Grade 7 we expand our Christian Catholic teachings to include family, community, and the world. Through Discipleship and Evangelization, the children are called to participate in spreading the “Good News” of Jesus Christ, the Promise of Salvation, Jesus as the Healer, Savior and Messiah, Jesus Christ Alive in our Church Today, and the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy.

It is my objective that through classroom activities, individualized instruction and interdisciplinary assignments, we will continue to build on the strong foundation of our Catholic Faith already developed in our students. I also strive to create a warm, welcoming, caring and Christ-like environment as the children work and grow. I hope to achieve my goals by gathering sound Faith content, demonstrating my belief and living our Faith, and responding and acting on what we learn.

Teacher: Mr. Michael Smith

Grade 8 Religion

My 8th Grade mission is to help develop in our young men and women, a sense of appreciation, understanding and compassion for others, and the courage to act on their Catholic Christian beliefs. Included in all content areas that will be covered this school year, is the total development of these young adults – Spiritual, intellectual, social, emotional, and physical. Our course of study will include: God and God’s Gift of Faith, Our Ancestors in Faith and Church History from A.D. 30 through the Present, The Church Gives Us Hope for Future Generations, Living Out the Commandments, and Our Catholic Christian Identity.

My goal is to incorporate the verbal, logical, visual, written, and interpersonal strategies of our students, to encourage them to appreciate and live by our Catholic Social Teachings. Through Sacred Scripture, our text, and web-based media, our students will focus on peer pressure and popular culture, free will, conscience, and moral decision-making, as they continue to embrace the Spiritual, morally responsible and adult-like practices of Catholic Christian Faith.

Teacher: Mr. Michael Smith

STEM

Junior High - Project Lead the Way Distinguished Gateway STEM Program

St. Joseph Hill Academy Elementary School is incredibly proud to announce we are a 2024-2025 Project Lead the Way Distinguished Gateway School. This recognition is due to our commitment to helping our students own their education by increasing student access, engagement, and achievement in our Project Lead the Way Gateway program (6th-8th Grades).

6th Grade

All Year - AUTOMATION AND ROBOTICS

Automation and Robotics

Students trace the history, development, and influence of automation and robotics as they learn about mechanical systems, energy transfer, machine automation, and computer control systems. Students use the VEX Robotics® platform to design, build, and program real-world objects such as traffic lights, toll booths, and robotic arms.

Teacher: Mr. JP Pablo

7th Grade

Fall - MEDICAL DETECTIVES

Students play the role of real-life medical detectives as they analyze genetic testing results to diagnose disease and study DNA evidence found at a “crime scene.” They solve medical mysteries through hands-on projects and labs, investigate how to measure and interpret vital signs, and learn how the systems of the human body work together to maintain health.

Teacher: Ms. Teresa Maresca

Spring - SCIENCE OF TECHNOLOGY

Science impacts the technology of yesterday, today, and the future. Students apply the concepts of physics, chemistry, and nanotechnology to STEM activities and projects, including making ice cream, cleaning up an oil spill, and discovering the properties of nano-materials.

Teacher: Ms. Amanda McPolin

8th Grade

Fall - MAGIC OF ELECTRONS

Through hands-on projects, students explore electricity, the behavior and parts of atoms, and sensing devices. They learn knowledge and skills in basic circuitry design and examine the impact of electricity on the world around them.

Teacher: Ms. Teresa Maresca

Spring- FLIGHT AND SPACE

The exciting world of aerospace comes alive through the Flight and Space (FS) unit. Students become engineers as they design, prototype, and test models to learn about the science of flight and what it takes to travel and live in space. They solve real-world aviation and space challenges and plan a mission to Mars.

Teacher: Ms. Amanda McPolin

Spanish

Grade 6

The goals of the course are to achieve the conversational facility as well as the reading, writing, and listening skills that will allow students functionally to express themselves in Spanish about their immediate environment and daily activities. Students will be able to compare and contrast Spanish phrases and greeting with their English equivalents and respond to greeting prompts in the classroom. This course also has a grammar element which introduces the students to gender agreement and the identification of singular and plural subject pronouns. There will be considerable focus on pronunciation in Spanish and correct sounds and intonation. We will also concentrate on major cultural elements of Hispanic peoples and the differences in cultural practices to express a greater understanding and appreciation of the culture of Spanish speaking countries.

Grade 7

This course is a continuation of the sixth grade curriculum and it applies the essentials of grammar in the Spanish language. The focus is to employ vocabulary while correctly expressing agreement of nouns and adjectives and effectively combining articles with their nouns. Students are also introduced to the present tense of verbs and will be able to detect patterns in these verbs to engage in critical thinking.

Grade 8

This course is a continuation of both sixth and seventh grade Spanish courses which set a high expectation of mastering the Spanish sound system in listening and speaking. Students will properly pronounce, converse and apply the essentials of grammar and composition in both the present and past tenses. The students will be able to use both regular and irregular verbs in order to speak coherently about recent past actions and well as their own actions.

Teacher: Mrs. Nichole Edelman

Writers' Workshop

6th and 7th Grades

Our Writers’ Workshop is a student-centered class designed to help every child grow as a writer. It is not just about writing papers, but about building a strong foundation of skills that take students from simply putting words on paper to truly bringing their ideas to life.

During Writers’ Workshop, students move through the writing process with support and guidance. They will have time to brainstorm, draft, revise, and share their work, gaining independence while also learning from one another. Collaboration is an important part of the class, giving students the chance to exchange ideas, practice constructive feedback, and build confidence in a safe and encouraging environment.

Lessons are designed with all types of learners in mind, so every student can find a way to connect with the work and grow at their own pace. Some students will thrive in creative storytelling, while others may discover their strengths in organization, details, or nonfiction writing. Every child has a place in Writers’ Workshop, and even those who may not consider writing their favorite subject will find opportunities to succeed and shine.

Over the course of the year, students will explore a variety of projects including personal narratives, descriptive pieces, creative stories, and nonfiction assignments. Along the way, they will develop stronger vocabulary, clearer organization, and a deeper understanding of how to use writing as a tool for both thinking and expression.

Writers’ Workshop is a supportive space where students discover their voices, take pride in their progress, and learn that writing can be both powerful and enjoyable.

Teacher: Ms. Amanda McPolin