Trinity Lutheran School - Sturgis, Michigan

RELIGION
Religious instruction in seventh and eighth grade is based on the new material, Voyages: Exploring God’s Word recently released by Concordia Publishing House. The content of the material alternates between the Old Testament and the New Testament. Pastor Klafehn and our youth director Mr. Williams are the instructors. The class is also responsible for leading our weekly chapel services twice during the school year. The workbook from Voyages not only exercises their reading comprehension of the Bible, but also the application of that understanding for their daily life. The students also learn to pray extemporaneously as part of each class. Another aspect of the Religious instruction (again alternating school years) involves church history and contemporary issues. Miss Walters teaches this material on Friday each week.
LANGUAGE ARTS
English
Study skills, including note taking, test taking and research skills are taught. Grammar instruction includes review of parts of speech, sentence structure, and capitalization and punctuation rules. The writing process is stressed as a tool for learning and communication. The writing process includes shorts stories, research papers, poetry and speeches. Students are encouraged to participate in one of four writing competitions.
Literature
In the area of literature, short stories, drama (including Shakespeare), non-fiction, poetry, mythology and folk tales, and six novels are studied. The five-paragraph paper is incorporated as it relates to themes of novels. Students are required to read four novels outside the classroom; one per marking period.
Spelling and Vocabulary
Students are led to see spelling patterns as they build on basic word roots using affixes and word endings. Spelling also includes reviewing of spelling generalizations and skill, such as syllabication, vowel relationships, and consonant relationships. Dictionary and thesaurus skills are applied to determine definitions.
MATH
A pre-algebra text is used in the seventh grade. Basic operations using whole numbers, fractions and decimals are integrated with algebraic equations. Graphing, problem solving, statistics and probability are also taught at this level. Eighth grade algebra includes an emphasis on reasoning, problem solving, number relationships, patterns and functions, variables and graphing. Graphing calculators and Core Math are introduced during the fourth quarter of the eighth grade year.
SCIENCE
Life Science
Students study life science and learn to appreciate God’s wisdom in His creation from the smallest unicellular organisms to their own amazingly complex body. Students have many laboratory experiences, including frog dissection and blood typing to help them learn and develop problem-solving techniques. Students become proficient on equipment including slide preparation, hand lens and microscope, and balances.
Earth Science
Students study the heavens and the earth as God’s magnificent creation. Geology, meteorology, oceanography as well as stewardship of earth’s resources are studied. Students continue laboratory work and further develop skills using scientific equipment.
SOCIAL STUDIES
Eastern Hemisphere
Students need to recognize and understand the geographical and cultural differences of people around the world. Reports, projects, maps and international cooking will be a part of the class.
American Government
Students will follow the development of our democratic way of life by studying American History with focus on the birth and growth of our system of government. Special emphasis is placed on local, state, and national governing bodies and their functions.
COMPUTERS
After a review of keyboarding skills, Microsoft Word for word processing will be taught. The students will learn PowerPoint and design their own PowerPoint projects. Spreadsheets, Microsoft Publisher, databases, and web page design will be taught as time permits.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Using various team, individual and dual sports as units of instructions, a number of things can be taught. The rules of the game are taught not only for those looking to play at a higher level but also for those who choose to watch and enjoy the game as spectators. An understanding of offense and defense is learned. Social and personal skills, cooperation and leadership, integrity, respect, self-discipline, decision making and performance standards are developed.
ART
Art, as a formal subject, is taught each Friday afternoon. Students concentrate on a specific area each month. Numerous genres are covered including drawing (various medium), photography, sculpture, calligraphy, design and composition, watercolor, and others. Students are evaluated on cooperation, effort, and outcome.
ELECTIVES
Band and Orchestra
Students may choose to participate in the Sturgis Public Schools Middle School instrumental music program.
Choir
Choir is for students in fifth through eighth grade who enjoy singing and are interested in learning vocal skills. The main goal of the choir is to give glory to God through singing together while providing musical enjoyment and growth in vocal technique. Choir is a performing group, singing as scheduled at church services, chapel, and special events.
Music Appreciation
Students learn about composers, their lives, and works. Students develop an appreciation for a wide range of musical styles.
German/Spanish
Foreign languages are taught in alternating years. Students will gain an overview of language structure and vocabulary.