Academic year 2008/09 begins with the highest of expectations!
Allof us at the junior high level are very excited and eager to begin.


Course Description & Homework
Latin classes in both seventh and eighth grade will be tackling not only this esteemed classical language but also in-depth research projects in mythology and ancient history.

In both seventh and eighth grade Latin there will be homework every Monday and a test every Wednesday


Seventh Grade Religion will be primarily focused on preparation for the celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation, and both the Seventh and Eighth Grade Religion Classes will be deeply immersed in studying the life and writings of Saint Paul throughout this year, declared by the Church to be the Year of Saint Paul.

In both seventh and eighth grade Religion classes there will be no written homework but rather a test every Thursday.


Eighth Grade English students will be especially involved during the first and second quarters in a thorough grammatical review in preparation for the high school entrance and placement tests. In eighth grade English classes there will usually be homework on Monday and Tuesday nights, a Vocabulary test every Thursday, and an English test every Friday.

Finally, the myriad of curricular enrichment opportunities for which Nativity School is so well known, particularly in the areas of Christian service such as the annual canned food drive, will continue to abound.

All in all, an outstanding year of awesome educational opportunity awaits us.

Grades
Grades are formulated as follows:
Latin       1/3 Test Average,   1/3 Homework Average,  1/3 Exam
Religion   1/2 Test Average,   1/2 Exam
English    1/3 Test Average,   1/3 Homework Average,  1/3 Exam

Classroom Rules and Expectations
It is my expectation that students will come to class with all supplies necessary and will pay attention, participate in class discussions, complete assignments on time, and be respectful of one another at all times.


Contact Information
For purposes of communicating with parents and students regarding student progress or any other pertinent matters, I cannot emphasize strongly enough that I am ALWAYS available. Meetings can be scheduled at any time, before school, after school, or on weekends. Parents may visit and/or observe classes AT ANY TIME WITHOUT ANY PRIOR NOTIFICATION and are indeed welcome to do so.

I will return phone calls promptly if a message is left at school requesting me to do so, and I welcome any calls at my home at any time as well, my number being readily available from Ms. Ciarniello in the school office upon any parent's request.

In addition, my e-mail address is GerardADylan@aol.com.

All of the above information will be provided to parents and students in written form, with and opportunity for any questions or necessary clarifications at Open House and again at Curriculum Night.