Eighth Grade
Our seventh- and eighth-grade classes make up our junior high program. Situated in their own upstairs wing, the junior high students utilize lockers and rotate between each of their classes. Students are based in a homeroom class and rotate between classes together as a homeroom with the exception of math and language arts, for which they are ability grouped. Students learn from the teaching styles of multiple teachers and enjoy meeting peers from other classrooms in the rotation periods and bond with their classmates during homeroom time.
In addition to rigorous academics and community service learning, eighth-grade students prepare to become community and global leaders. As students depart St. Louise School at the end of their eighth-grade year, they are faith-filled individuals who have a strong set of academic, social, and emotional skills which promote success in high school.
Curriculum
Additional Subjects
Weekly specialist classes in the subjects of art and physical education.
Electives
Combinations of seventh- and eighth-grade students meet once a week. Students look forward to choosing from a variety of elective options, which change every trimester and may include: study skills, contemporary world issues, Junior Achievement economics, fitness, leadership/service, musical theater, digital photography, first aid & CPR, printmaking, and video broadcast journalism.
Service Projects
The eighth graders' class service theme is based on the corporal work of mercy "Feed the Hungry". Our eighth graders assist with the local community meal program at Salvation Army. The students and their families prepare a meal each month and then go to the Crossroads location to serve dinner to the less fortunate in our area. Additional food and supplies are donated to help support families in need.
In addition to their grade level service projects, the 3rd grade classes work together with the entire school on school-wide annual service projects.
- Our November Thanksgiving Food Drive teaches the importance of stewardship and giving to others. The entire student body creates about two dozen “baskets” that include non-perishable food items and gift cards to create a great Thanksgiving meal and help stock the family pantry. Together with the help of the Parish and St. Vincent de Paul, the baskets are distributed to families in need right here in the St. Louise Community.
- Throughout the year, students support New Bethlehem Programs – a part of Catholic Community Services. New Bethlehem Programs offer day center and shelter services for families that are experiencing homelessness. During Advent students and families support the program by collecting much needed supplies for them.
- During Lent, students learn the importance of fasting and almsgiving. This 40-day season of giving begins on Ash Wednesday with a school-wide “Rice and Beans Lunch,” when all the students and staff give up their usual lunch for rice and beans. The money they would have spent on an ample meal is donated to New Bethlehem Programs.
Field Trips/Special Projects
Eighth graders participate in several field trips and activities over the course of the year.
Field trips that take place every year are:
- Fall: Washington State Fair in Puyallup
- Spring: State Capital in Olympia
- Tentative field trips that take place when the opportunity arises:
- Theatrical production
- James Cathedral/Chapel of St. Ignatius
- Summer travel (optional and attended by some):
- East Coast Trip to Washington, D.C. and New York City (odd years)
- International Trip (even years: destination varies but has included: Italy, Costa Rica, France, England, Ireland, Switzerland)
As a celebration of their accomplishments, there are several activities planned for graduating eighth graders and their parents:
- BBQ Picnic at Vasa Park on Lake Sammamish
- Faculty vs. 8th graders volleyball game
- Graduation Mass and Commencement
- Morning and Evening receptions
- Graduation Dance
