8th Grade

Grade-level specific information and templates.

Welcome. This webpage contains information and templates specific to the 8th grade. Before proceeding, please make sure to 1) read the Introduction webpage, and 2) scan through the entire Resources to familiarize yourself with both the available information and any tools stored under those webpages.

The 8th Grade Budget

Room Parents of each class within the grade level must work together to determine their classes' budgets. Why? Because if a Class Activity Fee is to be collected from parents, then the administration requires that the Class Activity Fee be the same amount/student throughout the entire grade level. A budget template is available for your use. It is stored in the 8th Grade Google Drive folder.

Budget Template DRAFT
NOTE: Technically there are separate class activity funds (i.e. 8A & 8B). But, as so many of the 8th grade events are joint/shared events and few are individual class events, the budget template is written as one 8th grade budget.

Verdun Adventure Bound Field Trip

In recent years, the 8th grade class kicks off the school year with a field trip to an adventure camp. VAB (Verdun Adventure Bound) provides team‑building exercises that have included such activities as zip lining, challenge ropes courses, and canoeing. Typically, this trip is organized by the 8th grade homeroom teachers.

HSPT Exam Luncheon

Room Parents plan and host a luncheon for the 8th grade students to eat after their exam is completed.

NOTE: All 8th grade students, regardless of whether they plan to attend a Catholic high school, must take the Catholic school's High School Placement Exam in December. The exam usually takes up the entire first half of the school day. Since the exam's timeframe may interfere with the 8th grade students normal Lunch period, a tradition of hosting a post-exam lunch for the students evolved.

Confirmation Exam Treat

Prepare a special treat for the students to eat after they've completed their Confirmation exam. An example: one year the Room Parents served cross-shaped cookies (one/student) with each student's name written on the cookie/cross.

March for Life

In January, 7th and 8th grades typically make a pilgrimage to both the diocesan youth rally and then on to the March for Life. It is a day of prayer and advocacy for the sanctity of life.

Confirmation Breakfast

In celebration of this sacramental event, the 8th grade students attend a Confirmation Brunch (usually held on the Monday after Confirmation weekend). Room Parents plan, recruit volunteers, and host this event for the students.

The Last Week of School

The final week of school for the 8th grade students is packed full of events.

Please note, this graphic depicts a sample of the final week's events based on historical data. Events and/or times are subject to change.

Ice Cream Social

On the afternoon of the last day of Final Exams, the students gather in the Cafeteria for ice cream sundaes, yearbook signing, and t‑shirt signing. Typically students wear their P.E. uniforms for the last time on this day and, using Sharpie markers, sign each other's P.E. t-shirt as a memento -- it's a fun tradition.

Parent-Teacher Appreciation Dinner

(the 8th Grade Banquet)

On the Wednesday evening of the final week of school, the 8th grade students honor their parents and express their gratitude to the faculty and staff who have served them during their years of schooling at Saint Timothy Catholic School. Room Parents, teachers, and the students work together to plan this event. Traditionally, this event has included the following:

  • Choosing A Party Theme - The students work with the Room Parents to choose a theme for their party. Some examples of past themes include a cruise ship theme, a Hollywood movie theme, and a tropical beach theme.

  • Cook and Serve Dinner - This is a gift of service from the students to parents, faculty, and staff. Students spend the school day on Wednesday preparing and cooking the evening's dinner. During the evening, it is the students who serve as waiters and waitresses.

  • Wednesday's Parent Volunteer Help [prepping for the evening banquet] - A substantial number of 8th grade parent volunteers are needed during the school day to assist the Room Parents and students in preparing for the dinner. Volunteers usually are assigned a “station” - e.g food prep, room setup, decorations, setting tables, etc. and students come in shifts to help out.

  • "Thank You" Mementos - During the school year, the students prepare a variety of "thank you" gifts to be given to parents, faculty, and staff. Some gifts are handmade, some are purchased.

  • Class Gift - It is traditional for the graduating class to present a gift to the school. It may either be presented during the evening or announced.

A Final Class Celebration

In recent years, it has evolved that the graduating class meets together for a final celebration after the Thursday noon dismissal. This event is a private event organized by the students' parents. It is not a school or diocesan sponsored event. (i.e. There is no diocesan liability insurance coverage for accidents or VIRTUS‑required coverage regarding chaperoning parents.)

Some past class celebrations include a group party at Rebounderz, a private pool party at a student's house, a pool party at a local pool, or the year the class returned to Verdun Adventure Bound for another adventure. As a Room Parent, if you assist the parents in planning this event, please make it clear to all participating families that it is a private event.

8th Grade Google Drive Folder