Academy (6-8)
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Mission
Shrine Catholic Schools challenge our students to achieve excellence in academics, athletics, the arts, service to others and leadership, all while giving glory to God the Father and exemplifying the mission of Jesus Christ through the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
At Shrine Catholic Academy, we exemplify Christ by reflecting, challenging and aspiring to become the middle school students and disciples we are called to be.Academics
Shrine Catholic Academy is committed to providing the highest quality, Catholic education to middle school students throughout Metro Detroit. Designed to prepare 6th, 7th and 8th grade students for the rigors of the college preparatory high school experience, Shrine Catholic Academy, in accordance with its mission, will challenge each student to go beyond academic excellence, fostering the industry, integrity, and intellect of each student in a Christ-centered middle school environment. Shrine Catholic Academy will provide an atmosphere of learning and individual spiritual development with a keen eye on independence and personal responsibility.
While the needs of a middle school child — regarding physical, intellectual, social, and emotional growth — are distinctly different than a high school student, Shrine Catholic Academy offers the best of two worlds. During these unique, formative years, young men and women begin to discover their identities as they begin to desire a sense of independence. Shrine Catholic Academy students enjoy a microcosm within the larger high school setting in which they can challenge themselves academically, form new friendships, establish rapport with their own teachers, and learn about their new responsibilities to themselves and to their community. At the same time, Academy students can take advantage of a state-of-the-art high school facility, including science labs, computer labs, a performing arts auditorium, and a library and media center, as well as the mentoring of many “big brothers and sisters.”
Academy students pursue an academic curriculum based on six core subjects: English, Literature, Math, Religion, Science and History. Honors courses are available in English, Literature and Math. In addition to their core classes, students can select elective courses in physical education, art, drama, choir, band, foreign language (Spanish or Chinese), journalism, web design, and PLTW (engineering and design).
Students take part in weekly Mass with their classmates, which they are actively involved in planning. Academy students also participate in All-School Masses at the National Shrine of the Little Flower Basilica, as well as combined holy day Masses with the high school community.
Shrine Catholic Academy students can participate in CYO (Catholic Youth Organization) sports sponsored by the Archdiocese of Detroit. Our sports include baseball, basketball, cross country, football, lacrosse, soccer, softball, swimming, track, and volleyball.
Students interested in supplementing their education with some fun can choose from a diverse list of extracurricular activities such as Student Council, Music Connection, Announcement Committee, Shrine Honor Society, Robotics and Yearbook.
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Subjects
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6th Grade English: Students will grow their writing skills in the areas of narrative, informational, and
creative writing. Students will write a research report, essays (comparative, literary, argument), poetry, prayers, and creative pieces. Oral presentation skills and discourse are developed. Vocabulary study and grammar mechanics are studied and integrated into the writing process.
6th Grade Literature: Students will read, discuss, and analyze a variety of texts. Class novels, genre studies, book clubs, read alouds, short stories, poetry, and informational texts are utilized. Students will respond to text in written, oral, and visual formats. Cross-text relationships are explored through text and media. When responding to text, students will use evidence to support their opinions.
7th Grade English: Students develop their writing, grammar and vocabulary skills through a systematic approach integrating written, oral and collaborative work. Comprehensive study of grammar mechanics, written and oral presentations, journal writing, two research reports, informational, expository and creative writing are also key areas of concentration.
7th Grade Literature: Students will learn the importance of reading, interpreting, discussing, and analyzing a variety of texts. They will be able to write about what they are reading by using evidence from the texts to support their viewpoints. Students will understand how texts, both fiction and non-fiction, connect to their world.
8th Grade English: Students will develop writing skills through grammar, composition, vocabulary comprehension, and classroom discussion. Students will write a research paper and orally present their findings to the class. Additionally, students will read two novels and generate their own thesis and use evidence from the novel to support it.
8th Grade Literature: Students work on drama, non-fiction, and multiple-novel units. They analyze these readings while learning and reviewing lterary terms, applying themes, and exploring the deeper meaning of texts. Students respond to the readings in a number of ways: formal essay writing, informal responses, video production, presentations and drawings.
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6th Grade
Students will apply and extend their knowledge of whole number, fraction and decimal computation to algebraic and geometric concepts. They will also be extending their problem-solving skills to more complex real life situations. Topics include: integers, expressions, equations, inequalities, geometry, ratios, statistics and probablility. From here qualifid students will be eligible for entry to either Math 7 or Pre-Algebra.
7th Grade
Students will extend their study of numbers of computation and will be introduced to algebraic and geometric concepts and their application to problem solving in real world contexts. Topics include: integers and rational numbers, expressions, equations and inequalities, rations and proportional relationships, percent and proportional relationships, geometry, statistics and probability. From here qualified students will be eligible for entry to either Math 8 or Honors Algebra I.
Pre-Algebra (7th grade)
Students will be introduced to algebraic and geometric concepts and the application to problem solving in real world contexts at an accelerated pace. Topics include: integers and rational numbers, expressions, equtions and inequalities, ratios and proportional relationships, geometry, statistics and probability and linear relationships. From here qualified students will be eligible for entry to either Math 8 or Honors Algebra I.
Math 8
Students will deepen their knowledge of agebraic and geometric concepts and their application to real world contexts. Topics include: exponents and scientific notation, multi-step equations, geometry, graphing and writing linear equations and data analysis.
8th Grade Honors Algebra 1
Students will study the use of algebraic skills in a wide range of problem solving situations. The concept of functions is emphasized throughout the course. Topics include: algebraic expressions, relations and functions (linear, quadratic and exponential), linear equations and inequalities, systems of linear equations, polynomials, and radical functions and equations. Students will learn to problem solve with a graphing calculator.
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6th Grade: Through a lens of inquiry and exploration, students will venture to explore topics related to the 4 spheres of the earth: the hydrosphere, biosphere, atmosphere and in the most detail the geosphere. They will learn about rocks, minerals, and the physical features of the earth and how they relate to one another and how humans have a major impact on the world and the resources around them. After exploring the earth, they will visit outer space in their studies and will learn about the universe as a system relating to our experience on earth. There is a shift in simply memorizing science terms, vocabulary and basic science concepts to being able to critically think through a problem, apply their knowledge, and most importantly begin to explain why and how things happen in the world around them.
7th Grade: Students will develop a deeper understanding of what it means to be living, the diversity of living organisms and the interdependenc between them. Specific topics include ecology, heredity, biological evolution, structure and function and human body systems. The emphasis is on developing inquiry skills and problem solving techniques while developing an understanding of major biological concepts. Lab experience and technology will reinforce concepts to everyday life.
8th Grade: Students are introduced to the concepts of physics and chemistry. Specific topics include matter and energy, atoms, the periodic table, chemical reactions, motion and forces, electricity, magnetism sound and light. In this inquiry based setting, students are encouraged to explore and investigate real-world applications.
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6th Grade History
In sixth grade, our students will be examing the Eastern Hemisphere. In doing so, they will explore the ancient world, including Mesopotamia, Greece, Rome and China. Further they will analyze more modern events like the French Revolution, WWI, WWII. Then they will explore the continent of Africa including its diverse culture and geographical features. Finally, our students will gain an understanding for the world around us by connecting the history with a variety of current event activities.
7th Grade History
American History from the late colonial era through the Civil War and Reconstruction (1750s-1870s) will be explored through a variety of media, such as textbook, videos and primary sources. Additional topics incude: the Declaration of Independence, the American Revolution, the Constitution. the creation/evolution of political parties, the geographic expansion of the United States, the Civil War, and Reconstruction. Critical thinking, caue and effect, connections to the present and effective reading strategies and study habits will be emphasized.
8th Grade History
Students will explore American History from the era of Reconstruction to the Present (1880s-2000s). Students will utilize a variety of different sources to develop an understanding of this information. In addition to textbook material, students will make use of technology, videos and primary sources to achieve mastery in this subject area. Topics will include: Reconstruction, second industrial period, WWI, 1950s, beginnings of the Cold War and major Cold War policy decisions/actions, Gulf War, New Millennium etc. There will be an emphasis placed on project based learning and use of primary sources in order to develop critical thinking skills, effective reading strategies and efficient study habits. Students will also learn how to formulate an evidence-based essay. By the end of the course students will have an understanding of the major eras in U.S. History.
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Shrine Catholic Academy’s theology (religion) teachers follow the Archdiocese of Detroit Religion Curriculum. Students are introduced to many significant concepts in the Catholic faith, including the Old Testament, the New Testament, liturgy, sacraments, events in Church history, and morality. In addition to studying theology as an academic subject at the middle school level, all students, both Catholic and non-Catholic, are encouraged to consider and deepen their own relationship with God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
6th Grade: The key scriptural focus for the sixth-grade year is the Old Testament. Students are given an introduction to utilizing the Bible for both study and personal prayer. They are encouraged to make connections between events in the Old and New Testaments, and the ways the events of the Old Testament prepared God’s people for salvation in Jesus Christ.7th Grade: This course integrates the New Testament teachings of Jesus with the Church’s celebration of the seven sacraments. In addition to growing in faith in Christ through reading and studying His Word, students will discuss how He continues to be present to His people and transform us through the sacraments even today. Students enrolled in the parish Confirmation program will begin their preparation for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in the celebration of Confirmation.
8th Grade: This course examines key events in Church history to help students have a better picture of how our Church’s story has been shaped by Catholics and others throughout world history. More importantly, they will look for the hand of God at work in each event they study. Additionally, students will look at key moral teachings of the Church and discuss how making Christlike decisions can lead them to stronger relationships with God and others. Students enrolled in the parish Confirmation program will continue their preparation for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in the celebration of Confirmation.
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STEM Electives (Science-Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)
7th Grade Design & Modeling: Review fundamentals of Microsoft Office Suite. Introduction to AutoCAD software with a focus on the engineering and design process. Students will also learn to measure accurately and create a 3-D model. Quarter-length course.
8th Grade PLTW (Project Lead The Way)- Engineering: Designed to challenge and engage students interested in careers in science, technology, math and engineering. This class is collaborative and creative using critical thinking skills. This class explores Automation and Robotics. Semester length course.
Web Design: Students select and apply technology tools for research, information analysis, problem solving and decision making; then apply the design and communication principles learned in class to Web technologies. Semester length course.
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Electives
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All 6th graders will take each of the following Quarter length exploratory courses in Art, Music, Physical Education and Chinese.
Physical Education
This course provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to perform a variety of physical activies, to maintain physical fitness, and to value as well as enjoy physical activity as an ongoing part of a healthy lifestyle.
Art
Students will be introduced to new techniques and materials as they learn to develop their technical skills. The elements and principles of design will be used as a basis for creating 2D and 3D artwork. Students will begin to recognize and appreciate the artwork of famous artists and other cultural influences.
Chinese
This is a 9-week course of Chinese language and culture. This course offers the students an exploratory experience of a language as a vehicle for communication. The units of study include daily greetings and expressions, maps of China and its people, the way of Chinese characters, numbers and dates, as well as Chinese holiday celebration and customs in a cultural context. The course is designed for students with no former background in learning Chinese.
Music
In the 6th grade Music elective, students will learn about the fundamentals of music. We will learn to read and understand music, learn some music history, and put all this knowledge together in a fun and interactive way.
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All 7th graders will take each of the following Quarter length exploratory courses in Art, Music, Drama, STEM and World Languages unless students opt in Academy Band or Study Skills.
Art
Students will continue to develop their technical skills learning to perceive and interpret visual images in a 2D and 3D way using various art mediums. Using the elements and principles of art, students will gain a solid foundation for learning and experimentation. Being exposed to the design process will allow them to make connections, recognize and distinguish artworks from famous artists and cultural influences from around the world.
Drama
The 7th grade drama experience is similar to a beginning public speaking course. Students perform monologues, original character creations, learn improvisation and work in groups to develop their scripts and scenes.
Choir
This class continues your musical skills. You will learn how to read music. You will work on your sound, match pitch and sing in your comforable voice range. We have a part for everyone so don't worry if you're a boy whose voice is changing. No one is required to sing solo. You will learn to expand your range, add power and sing with a more mature sound. You will learn songs of many styles and languages. You will be in class with other students who like to sing, you will all work well together.
Technology and Multimedia Literacy
This course gives students a solid foundation of technological skills for the future. After completing the class, students will understand the impact of his or her "digital footprint" and the importance of making good choices online and in social media. Students also learn how to effectively find and analyze resources on the internet. Additionally, topics such as file management, work processing (footnotes, desktop publishing, tables etc.) spreadsheets (formulas, functions, charts etc.) will be taught. Students will also learn shortcuts and skills to help prepare them for the Bring Your Own Device environment of Shrine Catholic High School.
Design and Modeling
Students discover the design process and develop an understanding of the influence of creativity and innovation in their lives. They are then challenged and empowered to use and apply what they've learned throughout the unit to design a therapeutic toy for a child who has cerebral palsy. Students will also learn to measure accurately and create a 3-D model, as well as be introduced to Computer Aided Design software.
Physical Education
This course provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to perform a variety of physical activities, to maintain physical fitness, and to value as well as enjoy physical activity as an ongoing part of a healthy lifestyle. Health education is also integrated intho this course.
Introduction to Spanish
Students learn sentence structure and are able to answer simple conversational questions through creative projects. They learn about Hispanic vulture through the textbook and cultural activities.
Introduction to Chinese
This is a 9-week course of Chinese language and culture. This course continues to introduce the functional purpose of language study and to instill motivation to continue learning another language. The units of study include Chinese phonetics, Chinese writing system, dates and time, and Chinese family in a cultural context. No previous learning of the language is require. The course is designed for students with no former background in learning Chinese.
Academy Band
This class is offered to any and all instrumentalists in the 7th and 8th grades. As a group wil will perform throughout the year including Fall, Christmas, and Spring concerts, as well as combining witht the High School band for large group performances. We will perform pieces of varying difficulty and style and learn and review the basics of tone, rhythm, note reading and musicianship. Players of all skill levels are welcome. Full Year Course.
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All 8th graders will select two elective classes per semester for a total of four elective classes during their 8th grade year.
Art
Students will continue to develop their technical skills and become more creatively independent. Emphasis will be placed on creative thinking, problem solving, self expression and personal responsibility. Students will further their experience using varios mediums and techniques, as well as continue to study various artists and cultures.
Independent Art
This course extends and challenges the 8gh Grade Visual Arts for motivated students to contnue and advance in their fine art skills. Students work independently toward weekly due dates and some guidance from the teacher. This course works at a more challenging pace.
Drama
This course focuses on the performance aspect of the applied arts. Students will learn stage and theater terminology, prepare for a production from audition and set construction through performance and set strike. Offered in the Fall semester, students will present a play.
Musical Drama
This course focuses on the performance aspect of the applied arts. Students will learn stage and theater terminology, prepare for a production from audition and set construction trough performance and set strike. Offered in the Winter Semester, students will present a musical.
Concert Choir
Concert Choir is an 8th grade class. No prior experience is needed, just a positive attitude! Students will focus on four areas: 1) Students will sound more mature and have more vocal control. Changing voices are welcome--we have music written especially for boys. 2) Students musical skills will grow as they learn to be a music reader, sight-singer and musical listener. 3) students will perform at Shrne Choir concerts. 4) Students interact with other choir kids who want to make excellent music. We sing music of many styles and languages. We also cover songwriting, accompanying and conducting.
Academy Band
This class is offered to any and all instrumentatlists in the 7th and 8th grades. As a group we will perform throughout the year including Fall, Christmas, and Spring concerts, as well as combining with the High School band for large group performances. We will perform pieces of varying difficulty and style and learn and review the basics of tone, rhythm, not reading and musicianship. Players of all skill levels are welcome. Full Year Course.
Physical Education
This course provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to perform a variety of physical activities, to maintain physical fitness, and to value as well as enjoy physical activity as an ongoing part of a healthy lifestyle.
Journalism
Academy Journalism is a hands-on production class that teaches all the elements of newspaper production, including the necessary business and management skills required to manage print publications. Students learn the basics of news and feature writing, interviewing skills, design and layout skills, writing radio commercials, photography skills and basic journalism vocabulary. The Knightly News is a student produced school newspaper that publishes 2 editions per semester. Journalism students are responsible for raising funds to cover printing costs.
Automation and Robotics
Students trace the history, development and influence of automations and robotics as they learn about mechanical systems, energy transfer, machine automation and computer control systems. Students us the VEX Robotics platform to design, build and program real world objects such as traffic lights, toll booths and robotic arms.
Computer Science Discoveries
Computer Science Discoveries is a hands-on, exploratory course in which middle school students will be exposed to a variety of introductory computer science concepts. During the first quarter, students will learn to develop web pages using text-based code (HTML and CSS). Next, students will experiment with more advanced computing concepts such as logic, conditionals, loops, etc. by using block code in Scratch to create a two-level video game. The class will end the semester by using the introductory CAD program Tinkercad and printing a project on the Makerbot 3D printer.
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Grading and Testing
- Tuition
- Withdrawal/Transfer
- Academic Requirements
- Grading Scale and Classes
- Honor Roll and Probation
- Exams and Expectations
- Grad at Grad
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Shrine Schools are working with FACTS, a tuition management company. With a FACTS Tuition Payment Plan, parents can choose from multiple convenient payment options to suit their needs. The Shrine Tuition Office handles all questions
regarding FACTS tuition payments for Shrine Catholic Academy. Families that are paid ahead on
tuition and withdraw their student during the school year, may be eligible for a tuition refund.
There are no tuition refunds for students who are asked to withdraw or are expelled. Report cards
and/or student records will be held for families delinquent in tuition payment. Students may not be
allowed to participate in graduation due to delinquent tuition payments.
Students with excessive tardies.
Students whose families fail to meet financial responsibilities to the school or parish previously
attended.
Students whose academic report card cumulative GPA shows failing grades in nearly all subjects.
Acceptance of new students will not be final until all records are received and verified.
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Parents of students leaving Shrine Catholic Schools will be asked by the new school to complete a
records request form. Student cumulative records will be forwarded upon receipt of this request.
However, if fees and/or tuition are in arrears, grades or transcripts may be withheld until such
amounts are paid in full. Students may also be asked to withdraw due to disciplinary/academic
reasons. See Code of Conduct.
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All Academy students pursue an academic curriculum based on six core subjects: Religion, English,
Literature, Math, Science, and History. Honors courses are available for
Math at the 7th and 8th grade levels.
Students are required to maintain a 71% (D) in each of their 6 core classes
(English, Math, Science, History, Literature and Religion)
and/or be without any F’s in any class at quarter-end.
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Grading Scale
A 93-100
B 83-92
C 72-82
D 60-71
F 59 or below
Conduct 1=Excellent Behavior 2=Acceptable Behavior 3=Needs Improvement
4=Unacceptable Behavior
Classes and Homework
One of the major goals of the Academy is to prepare students for the challenges and
responsibilities of a high school curriculum. Toward that goal, the class work and homework are
often more challenging than students have been accustomed. Sixth Grade, in particular, is a time of
adjustment to increased academic work. Students are encouraged to make full use of this agenda and
their Weeks at a Glance (WAGs) in planning their time to its maximum advantage. Academy students
will take exams twice a year in their core classes. Exams are scheduled in January and June.
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Academic Honor Roll
There are three levels of Honor at Shrine Academy:
• Students of Distinction: all A’s (4.00), 1’s and 2’s
in conduct;
• High Honors: 3.5 to 4.0 GPA
• Honors: 3.0 to 3.49 GPA
All grades in all subjects count toward determining Honor Roll status. A student may not have any
4‘s in conduct, or have received a suspension in order to attain Honor Roll status.
Students may also attain the Conduct Honor Roll, regardless of academic grades. A student must have
all 1’s and 2’s and display good conduct in all situations to be recognized.
Honors Classes
Students may be moved into an honors class (7th and 8th) with the recommendation of their teacher,
report card evidence, and standardized elementary testing consistency records.
Academic Probation
Students are required to maintain a 71% (D) in each of their 6 core classes (English, Math,
Science, History, Literature and Religion) and/or be without any F’s in any class at quarter-end.
Students not meeting these requirements at each quarter will need a consultation with the
Counselor/Principal. Students and their parents will be notified. A parent is requested to set up an appointment with
the counselor as soon as possible. The student, parents, counselor,
and Principal will then decide on appropriate measures to ensure success and continuance at Shrine
Academy.
Behavioral Probation
Students that have received a poor conduct mark (4) may be placed on behavioral plan. A meeting
with the student, parent, the counselor, and administrator will then decide on appropriate measures
to ensure success and continuance at Shrine Catholic Academy.
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Exams
Academy students will take exams twice a year in their core classes with the goal to learn the
formal testing process. Exams are scheduled in January and June.
Grading Policy and Expectations
Each teacher will send home specific grading policies and weekly WAGs (digitally) with the student.
Generally, each student is evaluated using a variety of assessment techniques, including (but not
limited to) written tests and quizzes, homework, projects and class participation.
Honors Classes
Students may be moved into an honors class (7th and 8th) with the recommendation of their teacher,
report card evidence, and standardized elementary testing consistency records.
Academic Integrity
Academic Integrity is valuing and demonstrating positive regard for trust, honesty, respect,
responsibility and effort. Students at Shrine Catholic Academy are expected to maintain the highest
level of integrity. The faculty and staff at Shrine Catholic Academy take this responsibility very
seriously and will not tolerate cheating in the regular classroom setting or off campus. Cheating,
copying from other students, sharing answers from printed text or from the Internet (plagiarism),
or facilitating cheating by other students will result in a ‘0’ on the assignment/quiz or test, a
parent conference, and/or potential discipline. Misconduct will follow the consequences of the
“in-school” discipline.
Parent/Teacher Communication
Parents may contact the Academy teachers by calling the office at 248-549-2925 and leaving a
message with the secretary. Teachers are also available by email or phone call. Their contacts can
be found at www.shrineschools.com.
Progress Reports
At the mid-point of each academic quarter, progress reports will be posted on FACTS, the online
grading system.
Promotion/Graduation Requirements
If a student fails to maintain academic eligibility in their first year, he/she may be subject to
an Academic Probation plan created by the counselor and Principal. If a student fails any of the
core classes, he/she will need to have a remediation plan in place with consultation of the
counselor and Administration. No student may repeat a grade at Shrine Catholic Academy.
Report Cards/Conferences
Reports cards are posted on FACTS at the end of each quarter. Shrine Academy holds Conferences
generally in October and in February/March. Parent/teacher conferences are scheduled twice per
year, however, teachers or parents may ask for a conference at any time. Students are asked to
be present.
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Shrine Catholic Academy graduates will:
Reflect
- Make choices which consistently respect the God-given dignity and value of one’s self and all others
- Achieve an awareness of the presence of the Holy Spirit in order to grow in wisdom and faith
- Become a servant minister to continue the mission of Jesus Christ
- Know many forms of prayer, praise, and worship in order to develop a strong relationship with God
- Demonstrate an understanding of the call to serve God and others before oneself
Challenge
- Communicate effectively verbally and through written expression with all members of the community
- Be confident in their public speaking abilities
- Identify and utilize the study habits needed to achieve one’s personal best in high school
- Use effective organizational strategies that lead to long-term success
- Navigate technology effectively in order to meet the rigor of coursework in all subject areas
Aspire
- Serve in leadership roles when in groups, committees, and teams
- Recognize the importance of friendships as a support system through middle school years
- Prioritize the many responsibilities and commitments in his/her life
- Experience a variety of elective classes and extracurricular opportunities to help define one’s interests and abilities