Literature – Students read, discuss, and begin to analyze literature in large group and small group settings. They examine point of view, era, character, plot development, theme, and setting. Reading material includes young adult historical fiction, poetry, primary source documents, and newspaper articles. Strategies are taught for increasing reading speed and comprehension. A habit of daily reading continues to be developed and nurtured.

English – Students will learn the Five-Step Writing Process and the 6 + 1 Traits® of Writing. Paragraph development in the first semester will segue into multiple paragraph essays in the second. The Vocabu-Lit program offers literature excerpts which will serve as writing models, as vocabulary and grammar continue to be strengthened.

Social Studies – The program focuses on United States history from the Constitutional Convention to the Industrial Age. Social studies is taught using a thematic approach with each unit beginning with a guiding question that provokes thought, group work and discussion, research, and creative projects. Students read, write, discuss, and compare the cultural, social, religious, geographical, political, and economic aspects of these eras. Additionally, students discuss current events and the importance of being a responsible citizen.

Physical Education

All Saints’ recognizes that instruction in physical fitness and health is a necessary part of the education and well-being of the whole child. Students participate in P.E. three times weekly. The principal standards of the P.E. curriculum are:

• The use of a variety of basic and advanced movement forms
• The use of movement concepts and principles in the development of motor skills
• Understanding the benefits and costs associated with participation in physical activity
• Understanding how to monitor and maintain a health-enhancing level of physical fitness
• Understanding the social and personal responsibility associated with participation in physical activity

Participation in the Presidential Physical Fitness Test provides a yearly evaluation of a student’s progress. The test measures cardiovascular fitness, upper and lower body strength, as well as flexibility and agility.

P.E. and athletic facilities include The Carl G. Carlozzi gym, a recently redesigned playing field, and sports courts.

Athletics

The athletic department offers a competitive but inclusive team sports program for middle school students in grades six through eight who wish to participate and are not on academic or disciplinary probation. The focus of the program is learning the fundamentals of each sport, practicing team work, and demonstrating good sportsmanship. Because of All Saints’ emphasis on academics, frequency of practices and games are monitored carefully and teams do not play during final exams.

All Saints’ teams compete in the Catholic Youth Athletic Association (CYAA). The varsity boys’ teams have won 14 CYAA championships over the past 10 years, including the football championship for the last three years. The girls’ varsity volleyball team has consistently been one of the top teams in the league and the State middle school champion or runner-up for the past four years.

Boys play flag football, basketball, and baseball. Girls play volleyball, softball, and basketball. Students in grades four and five can participate in these sports through the after school intramural program coached by varsity players and assisted by coaching staff. Grade six students have their own teams and play other grade six teams in the CYAA. Everyone participates, there are no cuts. Students in grades seven and eight try out and are placed on the varsity or junior varsity team based on ability.

At graduation, students who have lettered in five or more varsity sports are inducted into the All Saints’ Athletic Hall of Fame.

Musical highlights of the school year include Special Persons Day, an event that showcases the All Saints’ visual and performing art programs; the Christmas Nativity chapel service; and Spring Musicals performed by grades five and six.

Performing arts faculty members are themselves accomplished musicians who bring decades of teaching experience to their department, and who work tirelessly to encourage their students to fulfill their promise as vocalists, musicians, and actors.

Band
Grade five students who enroll in Beginning Band will be assisted in choosing an appropriate brass or woodwind instrument. Trumpet, trombone, flute, and Bflat clarinet are provided at no charge; any other instrument must be provided by the student. Students learn instrumental technique, music theory, compositional techniques, and music history. Advanced Band in grade six continues this course of study. Band students will perform at special events throughout the year.

Choristers

In the spring of grade three, students have the opportunity to audition for Choristers, a vocal music program for grades four through eight. At the end of a student’s first year in the program, each Chorister is commissioned as a full member and receives the cotta and cross in a special ceremony. The program is a joint effort between the School and the Church, and is an affiliate of the Royal School of Church Music in England. It is directed by Scott Youngs, with Sue Westendorf assisting.

Choristers perform during Church services, school chapel services, at special concerts, and participate in recording projects. Additionally, during the summer, they have the opportunity to attend Chorister Camp, at Chapel Rock in Prescott.

The curriculum at All Saints’ includes a religion and life skills class. Middle school students attend twice weekly. Religion faculty present the class from a Judaic/Christian perspective; at the same time, the program acknowledges and honors the many other religious traditions that our students and families bring to the All Saints’ community. This diversity gives students and faculty the opportunity to discuss religion and faith with all of the depth, beauty, and mystery that the subject warrants.

Middle school students study the Bible from a historical, cultural, and geographical aspect. In addition to Jesus Christ, they look at other biblical figures including St. Paul and the Prophets, and how they are relevant to today’s society. Classes are conducted in an environment that is academically rigorous and existentially probing. Questions and thoughtful discussion are always encouraged. Grade eight students embark on a year-long study of world religions that includes Hinduism, Sikhism, Buddhism, Islam, Judaism, Christianity, and Eastern religions such as Confucianism, Taoism and Shinto, as time allows.

Students explore principles of leadership and character education continues to be emphasized. The classroom provides a place where students can discuss and deal with their everyday experiences. Questions about drugs and alcohol are addressed and discussion of basic body awareness is conducted in appropriate gender groups.

The goal of the middle school technology program at All Saints’ is to equip students with skills appropriate to their age level and teach them to make effective use of those skills so that they are able to compete in a world increasingly integrated with and dependent on technology. Integrating technology projects with other subjects allows them to apply what they’ve learned and encourages artistic self expression. They learn to find and prioritize information, synthesize new knowledge, and present it confidently and creatively.

The building blocks of technology are word processing, using search engines, and creating data presentations. Students have considerable flexibility in adapting these to their individual learning style, a practice which maximizes their opportunities to be successful.

The curriculum includes instruction on using the internet safely and students are expected to use technology appropriately, responsibly, and for school purposes only. Resources include computer labs, laptop carts, interactive white board technology, and Destiny Research Center.

The visual arts department at All Saints’ encourages students to explore the world, develop self expression and confidence, and communicate through art. Students at all grade levels are continuously challenged to grow creatively as they acquire a sequential knowledge of the elements and principles of art and an appreciation of art history. The program fosters the following beliefs:

• Art is a visual means of self-expression.
• We develop an “artist’s eye” through observation of the world around us and by continuing to create art.
• Art class is a positive experience and the creative process is enjoyable and fulfilling.

The art program in lower school lays the foundation for concepts and skills that will continue to be developed as students move into middle school. Students explore the elements of art: line, shape, color, texture, space, and value. Over time, they master a variety of artists’ tools including brushes, pen and ink, palette knives, linoleum blocks, wood, chalk, and charcoal. Artistic boundaries widen as students create both two- and three-dimensional artwork and are exposed to various mediums including paint, clay, sculpture, stitchery, papier-mâché, and drawing.

Students travel through history with the Art Masterpiece program.  Grade five studies include: American art; artists include Remington, Homer, Whistler, Hicks, Stella, Johns, Eakins, Cole, Stuart, Wyeth, Warhol, O’Keefe, Pollock, Rockwell, and Laurence. Students incorporate many of the ideas, themes, and techniques they study in this program into their classroom work.

Two highlights of the school year are Special Persons Day, an event that showcases the visual and performing art programs in tandem, and the Spring Art Show, a weeklong display that includes representative works from all projects at every grade level.

Visual arts faculty bring over 50 years teaching experience to the classroom, and work tirelessly to help students achieve their full creative potential.

Literature – Students read a variety of materials including young adult historical fiction, poetry, and newspaper articles. Reading comprehension and speed continues to be developed and monitored. A habit of daily reading is expected and nurtured.

English – Writing process and form, learned in grade five, are greatly expanded at the grade six level, as students write multiple paragraph essays and learn more sophisticated techniques for evaluating and editing their own writing efforts. Students strengthen their command of the 6 + 1 Traits® of Writing which leads to a much wider variety of writing genres. Students learn research skills and the concepts of clear report writing. They continue the Vocabu-Lit program.

Social Studies – This year the emphasis is on the cultural, political, social, and geographic forces that have molded the United States from the 1920’s to the end of the Cold War. Additionally, students review and learn more about American geography and how geography has influenced settlement patterns. Social Studies is taught using a thematic approach, with each unit beginning with a guiding question that provokes thought, group work and discussion, research, and creative projects. Additionally, students discuss current events and the importance of being a responsible citizen.

Students in grade six are placed into Honors Math or Pre-Algebra. In Honors Math, students continue to expand their conceptual framework of numbers, number concepts, and computation, and pre-algebra is introduced. Students develop a greater mastery of computational skills with whole, fractional, and decimal numbers as more complex word problems are solved through reasoning, and learning to explain the steps during that process. Problem-solving strategies continue to be explored and reinforced through class discussion, group work, and individual activities. Students taking the Pre-Algebra class solidify their competence with computation and learn topics typically covered in an introductory pre-algebra class. This class prepares students to explore math in a more abstract manner as they are introduced to basic pre-algebra and beginning algebra concepts, including operations with rational numbers, ratios and proportions, solving equations and inequalities, statistics, mathematical properties, sequences, and graphing. Through the study of pre-algebra, students are able to communicate their understanding of arithmetic, number properties and concepts, and algebraic concepts.

Physical Education

All Saints’ recognizes that instruction in physical fitness and health is a necessary part of the education and well-being of the whole child. Students participate in P.E. three times weekly. The principal standards of the P.E. curriculum are:

• The use of a variety of basic and advanced movement forms
• The use of movement concepts and principles in the development of motor skills
• Understanding the benefits and costs associated with participation in physical activity
• Understanding how to monitor and maintain a health-enhancing level of physical fitness
• Understanding the social and personal responsibility associated with participation in physical activity

Participation in the Presidential Physical Fitness Test provides a yearly evaluation of a student’s progress. The test measures cardiovascular fitness, upper and lower body strength, as well as flexibility and agility.

P.E. and athletic facilities include The Carl G. Carlozzi gym, a recently redesigned playing field, and sports courts.

Athletics

The athletic department offers a competitive but inclusive team sports program for middle school students in grades six through eight who wish to participate and are not on academic or disciplinary probation. The focus of the program is learning the fundamentals of each sport, practicing team work, and demonstrating good sportsmanship. Because of All Saints’ emphasis on academics, frequency of practices and games are monitored carefully and teams do not play during final exams.

All Saints’ teams compete in the Catholic Youth Athletic Association (CYAA). The varsity boys’ teams have won 14 CYAA championships over the past 10 years, including the football championship for the last three years. The girls’ varsity volleyball team has consistently been one of the top teams in the league and the State middle school champion or runner-up for the past four years.

Boys play flag football, basketball, and baseball. Girls play volleyball, softball, and basketball. Students in grades four and five can participate in these sports through the after school intramural program coached by varsity players and assisted by coaching staff. Grade six students have their own teams and play other grade six teams in the CYAA. Everyone participates, there are no cuts. Students in grades seven and eight try out and are placed on the varsity or junior varsity team based on ability.

At graduation, students who have lettered in five or more varsity sports are inducted into the All Saints’ Athletic Hall of Fame.

Musical highlights of the school year include Special Persons Day, an event that showcases the All Saints’ visual and performing art programs; the Christmas Nativity chapel service; and Spring Musicals performed by grades five and six.

Performing arts faculty members are themselves accomplished musicians who bring decades of teaching experience to their department, and who work tirelessly to encourage their students to fulfill their promise as vocalists, musicians, and actors.

Band
Grade five students who enroll in Beginning Band will be assisted in choosing an appropriate brass or woodwind instrument. Trumpet, trombone, flute, and Bflat clarinet are provided at no charge; any other instrument must be provided by the student. Students learn instrumental technique, music theory, compositional techniques, and music history. Advanced Band in grade six continues this course of study. Band students will perform at special events throughout the year.

Choristers

In the spring of grade three, students have the opportunity to audition for Choristers, a vocal music program for grades four through eight. At the end of a student’s first year in the program, each Chorister is commissioned as a full member and receives the cotta and cross in a special ceremony. The program is a joint effort between the School and the Church, and is an affiliate of the Royal School of Church Music in England. It is directed by Scott Youngs, with Sue Westendorf assisting.

Choristers perform during Church services, school chapel services, at special concerts, and participate in recording projects. Additionally, during the summer, they have the opportunity to attend Chorister Camp, at Chapel Rock in Prescott.

The curriculum at All Saints’ includes a religion and life skills class. Middle school students attend twice weekly. Religion faculty present the class from a Judaic/Christian perspective; at the same time, the program acknowledges and honors the many other religious traditions that our students and families bring to the All Saints’ community. This diversity gives students and faculty the opportunity to discuss religion and faith with all of the depth, beauty, and mystery that the subject warrants.

Middle school students study the Bible from a historical, cultural, and geographical aspect. In addition to Jesus Christ, they look at other biblical figures including St. Paul and the Prophets, and how they are relevant to today’s society. Classes are conducted in an environment that is academically rigorous and existentially probing. Questions and thoughtful discussion are always encouraged. Grade eight students embark on a year-long study of world religions that includes Hinduism, Sikhism, Buddhism, Islam, Judaism, Christianity, and Eastern religions such as Confucianism, Taoism and Shinto, as time allows.

Students explore principles of leadership and character education continues to be emphasized. The classroom provides a place where students can discuss and deal with their everyday experiences. Questions about drugs and alcohol are addressed and discussion of basic body awareness is conducted in appropriate gender groups.

Earth Science is the focus in grade six. The course is designed to provide a look at the earth from the inside out. Students study geology, meteorology, and oceanography. Topics addressed include: scientific measurement; plate tectonics; earth chemistry/earth materials; earth cycles; weathering and erosion; geologic time; and oceanography.

Grade six students expand the basic skills learned in grade five and begin a first level (high school) Spanish course. Authentic realia, visuals, music, games, food, and a textbook and workbook are used to stimulate conversation and to promote progress in speaking, reading, understanding, and writing Spanish. Student learning is centered on Mexico, its culture and customs. Students in grades five and six attend Spanish class three times a week.

The goal of the middle school technology program at All Saints’ is to equip students with skills appropriate to their age level and teach them to make effective use of those skills so that they are able to compete in a world increasingly integrated with and dependent on technology. Integrating technology projects with other subjects allows them to apply what they’ve learned and encourages artistic self expression. They learn to find and prioritize information, synthesize new knowledge, and present it confidently and creatively.

The building blocks of technology are word processing, using search engines, and creating data presentations. Students have considerable flexibility in adapting these to their individual learning style, a practice which maximizes their opportunities to be successful.

The curriculum includes instruction on using the internet safely and students are expected to use technology appropriately, responsibly, and for school purposes only. Resources include computer labs, laptop carts, interactive white board technology, and Destiny Research Center.

The visual arts department at All Saints’ encourages students to explore the world, develop self expression and confidence, and communicate through art. Students at all grade levels are continuously challenged to grow creatively as they acquire a sequential knowledge of the elements and principles of art and an appreciation of art history. The program fosters the following beliefs:

• Art is a visual means of self-expression.
• We develop an “artist’s eye” through observation of the world around us and by continuing to create art.
• Art class is a positive experience and the creative process is enjoyable and fulfilling.

The art program in lower school lays the foundation for concepts and skills that will continue to be developed as students move into middle school. Students explore the elements of art: line, shape, color, texture, space, and value. Over time, they master a variety of artists’ tools including brushes, pen and ink, palette knives, linoleum blocks, wood, chalk, and charcoal. Artistic boundaries widen as students create both two- and three-dimensional artwork and are exposed to various mediums including paint, clay, sculpture, stitchery, papier-mâché, and drawing.

Students travel through history with the Art Masterpiece program.  Grade six studies inlude:  Impressionism and Post-Impressionism; artists include Monet, Manet, Degas, Renoir, Cezanne, Cassatt, Cauguin, Van Gogh, Matisse, Seurat, Morisot, Munch, and Toulouse-Lautrec.  Students incorporate many of the ideas, themes, and techniques they study in this program into their classroom work.

Two highlights of the school year are Special Persons Day, an event that showcases the visual and performing art programs in tandem, and the Spring Art Show, a weeklong display that includes representative works from all projects at every grade level.

Visual arts faculty bring over 50 years teaching experience to the classroom, and work tirelessly to help students achieve their full creative potential.

Physical Education

All Saints’ recognizes that instruction in physical fitness and health is a necessary part of the education and well-being of the whole child. Students participate in P.E. three times weekly. The principal standards of the P.E. curriculum are:

• The use of a variety of basic and advanced movement forms
• The use of movement concepts and principles in the development of motor skills
• Understanding the benefits and costs associated with participation in physical activity
• Understanding how to monitor and maintain a health-enhancing level of physical fitness
• Understanding the social and personal responsibility associated with participation in physical activity

Participation in the Presidential Physical Fitness Test provides a yearly evaluation of a student’s progress. The test measures cardiovascular fitness, upper and lower body strength, as well as flexibility and agility.

P.E. and athletic facilities include The Carl G. Carlozzi gym, a recently redesigned playing field, and sports courts.

Athletics

The athletic department offers a competitive but inclusive team sports program for middle school students in grades six through eight who wish to participate and are not on academic or disciplinary probation. The focus of the program is learning the fundamentals of each sport, practicing team work, and demonstrating good sportsmanship. Because of All Saints’ emphasis on academics, frequency of practices and games are monitored carefully and teams do not play during final exams.

All Saints’ teams compete in the Catholic Youth Athletic Association (CYAA). The varsity boys’ teams have won 14 CYAA championships over the past 10 years, including the football championship for the last three years. The girls’ varsity volleyball team has consistently been one of the top teams in the league and the State middle school champion or runner-up for the past four years.

Boys play flag football, basketball, and baseball. Girls play volleyball, softball, and basketball. Students in grades four and five can participate in these sports through the after school intramural program coached by varsity players and assisted by coaching staff. Grade six students have their own teams and play other grade six teams in the CYAA. Everyone participates, there are no cuts. Students in grades seven and eight try out and are placed on the varsity or junior varsity team based on ability.

At graduation, students who have lettered in five or more varsity sports are inducted into the All Saints’ Athletic Hall of Fame.

The curriculum at All Saints’ includes a religion and life skills class. Middle school students attend twice weekly. Religion faculty present the class from a Judaic/Christian perspective; at the same time, the program acknowledges and honors the many other religious traditions that our students and families bring to the All Saints’ community. This diversity gives students and faculty the opportunity to discuss religion and faith with all of the depth, beauty, and mystery that the subject warrants.

Middle school students study the Bible from a historical, cultural, and geographical aspect. In addition to Jesus Christ, they look at other biblical figures including St. Paul and the Prophets, and how they are relevant to today’s society. Classes are conducted in an environment that is academically rigorous and existentially probing. Questions and thoughtful discussion are always encouraged. Grade eight students embark on a year-long study of world religions that includes Hinduism, Sikhism, Buddhism, Islam, Judaism, Christianity, and Eastern religions such as Confucianism, Taoism and Shinto, as time allows.

Students explore principles of leadership and character education continues to be emphasized. The classroom provides a place where students can discuss and deal with their everyday experiences. Questions about drugs and alcohol are addressed and discussion of basic body awareness is conducted in appropriate gender groups.

The study of life science in grade seven offers students a look at the living world around them and how it is different and similar to homo-sapiens. Topics include: what is life, what life needs and why; cells and how they lay the basis of life; how the environment affects us; how organisms change over time; and how our bodies work, and how we can help them work better.

Students begin the first part of a two-year journey through the history of western civilization. They begin by discussing what a civilization is, followed by in-depth studies of the ancient civilizations of Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece, and Rome. For each civilization, students will be looking at and comparing elements of government, religion, culture, economics, geography, and everyday life, and how ancient civilizations helped shape the world we live in today.

Students in grade seven attend Spanish class daily. All language skills—speaking, reading, comprehension, and writing—are integrated as students complete a level one high school course. Students learn patterns and vocabulary which allow them to expand their ability to communicate in speaking and writing. Activities include skits, programs, writing projects, music, cooking, and learning games—all in the context of the Spanish-speaking countries of South America and Spain. The program also uses technology and internet programs as practice tools and to enhance communication. Students learn to initiate conversation and to speak about a broad range of subjects involving their daily activities. Classes are differentiated so that students’ needs can be met and all students can be successful. Grade seven students participate, with considerable success, in the National Spanish Exam, a contest to promote excellence in Spanish. Most All Saints’ graduates place in sophomore-level high school classes, many at the honors level.

The goal of the middle school technology program at All Saints’ is to equip students with skills appropriate to their age level and teach them to make effective use of those skills so that they are able to compete in a world increasingly integrated with and dependent on technology. Integrating technology projects with other subjects allows them to apply what they’ve learned and encourages artistic self expression. They learn to find and prioritize information, synthesize new knowledge, and present it confidently and creatively.

The building blocks of technology are word processing, using search engines, and creating data presentations. Students have considerable flexibility in adapting these to their individual learning style, a practice which maximizes their opportunities to be successful.

The curriculum includes instruction on using the internet safely and students are expected to use technology appropriately, responsibly, and for school purposes only. Resources include computer labs, laptop carts, interactive white board technology, and Destiny Research Center.

The visual arts department at All Saints’ encourages students to explore the world, develop self expression and confidence, and communicate through art. Students at all grade levels are continuously challenged to grow creatively as they acquire a sequential knowledge of the elements and principles of art and an appreciation of art history. The program fosters the following beliefs:

• Art is a visual means of self-expression.
• We develop an “artist’s eye” through observation of the world around us and by continuing to create art.
• Art class is a positive experience and the creative process is enjoyable and fulfilling.

The art program in lower school lays the foundation for concepts and skills that will continue to be developed as students move into middle school. Students explore the elements of art: line, shape, color, texture, space, and value. Over time, they master a variety of artists’ tools including brushes, pen and ink, palette knives, linoleum blocks, wood, chalk, and charcoal. Artistic boundaries widen as students create both two- and three-dimensional artwork and are exposed to various mediums including paint, clay, sculpture, stitchery, papier-mâché, and drawing.

Students travel through history with the Art Masterpiece program.  Grade seven studies inlude:  Modern art-Twentieth Century; artists include Picasso, Kandinsky, Dufy, Vlaminck, Klee, Rouault, Kirchner, Mondrian, Braque, Magritte, Chagall, Duchamp, Miro, Mar, Vasarely, and Modigliani.  Students incorporate many of the ideas, themes, and techniques they study in this program into their classroom work.

Two highlights of the school year are Special Persons Day, an event that showcases the visual and performing art programs in tandem, and the Spring Art Show, a weeklong display that includes representative works from all projects at every grade level.

Visual arts faculty bring over 50 years teaching experience to the classroom, and work tirelessly to help students achieve their full creative potential.

Performing Arts

Students in grades seven and eight can choose the Music Ensemble elective, or Lights! Camera! Action!, a drama elective, if they would like to continue performance art studies.

Four levels of math are offered in grade eight. Pre-Algebra/Algebra is a continuation of the two-year class that begins in grade seven. Students benefit from additional review and practice of pre-algebra skills, and are well prepared for an honors level algebra class in high school. There are two Algebra classes—one focuses on the basic skills and concepts typically taught in high school algebra and provides time for review and practice of more complex skills; the other is a continuation of honors-level algebra and is for those students who have mastered the first half of honors algebra and have solidified the necessary mathematical reasoning skills. The fourth class is Honors Geometry, a high school-level honors course. This class is designed for students who have developed advanced mathematical reasoning and have mastered high school level algebra. Geometry is brought to life through the exploration of shapes and patterns, and by solving real-world problems. Throughout the course, students use their knowledge of algebra to solve problems, thus keeping those skills current.

Physical Education

All Saints’ recognizes that instruction in physical fitness and health is a necessary part of the education and well-being of the whole child. Students participate in P.E. three times weekly. The principal standards of the P.E. curriculum are:

• The use of a variety of basic and advanced movement forms
• The use of movement concepts and principles in the development of motor skills
• Understanding the benefits and costs associated with participation in physical activity
• Understanding how to monitor and maintain a health-enhancing level of physical fitness
• Understanding the social and personal responsibility associated with participation in physical activity

Participation in the Presidential Physical Fitness Test provides a yearly evaluation of a student’s progress. The test measures cardiovascular fitness, upper and lower body strength, as well as flexibility and agility.

P.E. and athletic facilities include The Carl G. Carlozzi gym, a recently redesigned playing field, and sports courts.

Athletics

The athletic department offers a competitive but inclusive team sports program for middle school students in grades six through eight who wish to participate and are not on academic or disciplinary probation. The focus of the program is learning the fundamentals of each sport, practicing team work, and demonstrating good sportsmanship. Because of All Saints’ emphasis on academics, frequency of practices and games are monitored carefully and teams do not play during final exams.

All Saints’ teams compete in the Catholic Youth Athletic Association (CYAA). The varsity boys’ teams have won 14 CYAA championships over the past 10 years, including the football championship for the last three years. The girls’ varsity volleyball team has consistently been one of the top teams in the league and the State middle school champion or runner-up for the past four years.

Boys play flag football, basketball, and baseball. Girls play volleyball, softball, and basketball. Students in grades four and five can participate in these sports through the after school intramural program coached by varsity players and assisted by coaching staff. Grade six students have their own teams and play other grade six teams in the CYAA. Everyone participates, there are no cuts. Students in grades seven and eight try out and are placed on the varsity or junior varsity team based on ability.

At graduation, students who have lettered in five or more varsity sports are inducted into the All Saints’ Athletic Hall of Fame.

The curriculum at All Saints’ includes a religion and life skills class. Middle school students attend twice weekly. Religion faculty present the class from a Judaic/Christian perspective; at the same time, the program acknowledges and honors the many other religious traditions that our students and families bring to the All Saints’ community. This diversity gives students and faculty the opportunity to discuss religion and faith with all of the depth, beauty, and mystery that the subject warrants.

Middle school students study the Bible from a historical, cultural, and geographical aspect. In addition to Jesus Christ, they look at other biblical figures including St. Paul and the Prophets, and how they are relevant to today’s society. Classes are conducted in an environment that is academically rigorous and existentially probing. Questions and thoughtful discussion are always encouraged. Grade eight students embark on a year-long study of world religions that includes Hinduism, Sikhism, Buddhism, Islam, Judaism, Christianity, and Eastern religions such as Confucianism, Taoism and Shinto, as time allows.

Students explore principles of leadership and character education continues to be emphasized. The classroom provides a place where students can discuss and deal with their everyday experiences. Questions about drugs and alcohol are addressed and discussion of basic body awareness is conducted in appropriate gender groups.

Students take the second half of their journey through western civilization. The curriculum starts with the rise of Christianity and the decline of Rome, followed by an in-depth look at Medieval Europe, the Renaissance, the Reformation, Voyages of Discovery, the founding of the American Republic, and a study of the U.S. Constitution. The year concludes with a look at the history and government of Arizona.

Students in grade eight attend Spanish class daily. All language skills—speaking, reading, comprehension, and writing—are integrated as students complete a level one high school course. Students learn patterns and vocabulary which allow them to expand their ability to communicate in speaking and writing. Activities include skits, programs, writing projects, music, cooking, and learning games—all in the context of the Spanish-speaking countries of South America and Spain. The program also uses technology and internet programs as practice tools and to enhance communication. Students learn to initiate conversation and to speak about a broad range of subjects involving their daily activities. Classes are differentiated so that students’ needs can be met and all students can be successful. Grade eight students participate, with considerable success, in the National Spanish Exam, a contest to promote excellence in Spanish. Most All Saints’ graduates place in sophomore-level high school classes, many at the honors level.

The goal of the middle school technology program at All Saints’ is to equip students with skills appropriate to their age level and teach them to make effective use of those skills so that they are able to compete in a world increasingly integrated with and dependent on technology. Integrating technology projects with other subjects allows them to apply what they’ve learned and encourages artistic self expression. They learn to find and prioritize information, synthesize new knowledge, and present it confidently and creatively.

The building blocks of technology are word processing, using search engines, and creating data presentations. Students have considerable flexibility in adapting these to their individual learning style, a practice which maximizes their opportunities to be successful.

The curriculum includes instruction on using the internet safely and students are expected to use technology appropriately, responsibly, and for school purposes only. Resources include computer labs, laptop carts, interactive white board technology, and Destiny Research Center.