Early adolescence is a time of many physical, mental, emotional, and social changes. Current research indicates that middle school students need classroom environments that are both academically challenging and supportive of students academic development (Anderman, Patrick, Hruda, & Linnenbrink, 2002; Turner et al., 2002). Middle school students learn best in learner-centered classrooms that involve higher-order thinking, positive relations, personal independence, and instruction adapted to their individual needs. At this level, students are more capable of directing their cognitive processes, using strategies when learning something new. It is at this time that students develop note-taking and organizational skills, and learn how to distinguish between important and unimportant information, develop good summaries, and analyze their comprehension of content. Academics, sports, extracurricular activities and service to the community are emphasized at this level, preparing the students for high school.

MONTH OF FEBRUARY -VIRTUE OF LEADERSHIP:

Grade 6 - Amanda Vazquez
Grade 7 - Alex Gonzalez
Grade 8 - Frezghi Noel

 

MONTH OF JANUARY -VIRTUE OF PEACEMAKER:

Grade 6 - Aurora George
Grade 7 - Audrey Fisher
Grade 8 - Morgan DiCesare

MONTH OF SEPTEMBER -VIRTUE OF KINDNESS:

Kindness was the virtue for September and is part of the theme for September, Call to Family, Community and Participation.  Congratulations to the following students who were chosen as exhibiting the virtue of kindness:

 

Gr. 6 - Bella Suarez
Gr. 7 - Alyssa Harley
Gr. 8 - Katie Pfleger

CORE CURRICULUM

St. Joseph’s Academy Gets Ready for Common Core Initiative
Lana Swartzwelder, Principal

As Principal of St. Joseph’s Academy, there are so many things to be proud of; our students, our faculty and the ministry we provide to our community, to name a few. Today I am proud to share with you that SJA is one of nine Catholic schools in the Diocese of Orlando that is piloting the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for Language Arts and Math. As you learn more about CCSS, you may realize that our teachers already implement the key strategies of critical thinking and problem solving, a major part of the Core Curriculum. In the coming school year, SJA is taking things to the next level, integrating the core subjects to teach the 21st century skills using CCSS.

The Mission Statement and highlights I share below best explain Core Curriculum. To learn more about this approach to teaching, just call or stop by, my door is always open.

The Common Core State Standards provide a consistent, clear understanding of what students are expected to learn, so teachers and parents know what they need to do to help them. The standards are designed to be robust and relevant to the real world, reflecting the knowledge and skills that our young people need for success in college and careers. With American students fully prepared for the future, our communities will be best positioned to compete successfully in the global economy.

The Common Core Curriculum:

• Is aligned with college and work expectations
• Ensures consistent expectations regardless of where the student lives
• Provides educators, parents, and students with clear, focused guideposts

The standards:

• Are aligned with college and work expectations
• Are clear, understandable and consistent      
• Include rigorous content and application of knowledge through high-order skills
• Build upon strengths and lessons of current state standards
• Are informed by other top performing countries, so that all students are prepared to succeed in our global economy and society
• Are based on evidence and research

Reference: http://www.corestandards.org/