May 2025

Dear Middle School Families,

As we approach the end of the school year, we’re excited to share some updates, highlights, and important dates from our middle school classrooms here at SHS.

One Book, One Middle School – Restart
We’re thrilled to share that our middle school community will take part in a summer reading initiative: "One Book, One Middle School." This initiative is focused on reinforcing reading instruction, increasing parental involvement, bridging the home-school connection, and building a true community of readers.

Our selected novel is a thought-provoking and engaging story about second chances. More details will be shared in the coming weeks, including revealing the novel, reading schedules, and discussion activities for both students and parents. Stay tuned!  

Curriculum Snapshots

• 8th Grade ELA: Students are reading and performing scenes from The Diary of Anne Frank. We are delving into the historical context of the Holocaust and examining the theme of resilience.

• 7th Grade Social Studies: Students are studying key moments in early American history, including the Louisiana Purchase and the death of Alexander Hamilton. These events have sparked thoughtful discussions on leadership and national identity.

• 6th Grade Science: Our budding scientists have been learning about pollinators and their vital role in the ecosystem. We’ve planted seeds and are eagerly awaiting the growth of flowers as part of a hands-on learning experience.

• 8th Grade Math: Students are examining trigonometry principals, as well as solving systems of inequalities. Our 8th grade mathematicians have enjoyed playing the games "Around the World" and "24" to practice their skills!

Interdisciplinary Research Project: "We're Going Green"

This  spring, the middle school launched an exciting cross-curricular project with the theme "We're Going Green." Students chose environmentally-themed topics to research, wrote  informative reports, and are now working on a  3D model or diorama to represent their findings.

We invite all families to attend our Academic Fair on May 30th from 1:30PM-2:30PM in the middle school building. Students will present their projects, and grades 4 + 5 will visit to preview the impressive work that lies ahead for them. We hope to see you there!

Important Announcements & Upcoming Events

• Student Council Applications:
  On May 12th, 7th grade students received applications to run for next year’s Student Council. Interested students must submit their applications by May 22nd. Speeches will be presented on June 5th.

• 8th Grade Retreat:
  Our 8th graders will participate in a retreat on Wednesday, May 14th at the Parish Center. This will comprise a meaningful opportunity for reflection and connection amongst the 8th grade class as they approach graduation.

• Middle School Field Trip: The Spirit of Philadelphia
  All middle school students will set sail for a memorable field trip aboard The Spirit of Philadelphia this Friday, May 16th!

• May Procession
  Our annual May Procession will occur on Tuesday, May 21st at 1 PM. In special tradition, our 8th grade students will dress in their graduation gowns for the event.

Thank you for your continued support as we wrap up a memorable school year. We look forward to seeing many of you at our upcoming events!

Warm regards,
The Middle School Team
Sacred Heart School