Four St. Victor School students standing in front of the school, holding recycling bins and a sign that reads 'Give Thanks with a Grateful Heart,' participating in a community service or recycling activity.

EIGHTH GRADE

Meet Your 8th Grade Teacher

Mr. Jacob Contreras

I didn't always know I wanted to work in education. My plan from high school through college was to attend law school. While studying for the LSAT (Law School Admission Test), I began substitute teaching and coaching wrestling at my high school, St. Francis. During my time at St. Francis, I was able to develop a positive rapport with the students, faculty, and parents. Seeing the impact of my work on the community caused me to change my plans from enrolling in law school to enrolling in a Master of Education/Teaching Credential Program.

8th Grade Highlights

I expect my students to learn that studying history and our faith can profoundly impact their ability to affect positive change in the world. Moreover, I expect my students to learn how to persevere and accomplish their goals, whether they are personal or academic.

My yearly highlight is the eighth-grade retreat. It is a privilege to watch the students reminisce about their time together and solidify their bonds as a group before leaving our community.

Father Mark, pastor of St. Victor School, administering communion to a young girl dressed in white during a church service. Other children in white attire are kneeling in the pews, with stained glass windows in the background.

Religion

In eighth grade, students learn about church history, including the four marks of the church (One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic). They also study the early Christians and the contributions of popes throughout history. In Family Life, contemporary issues are discussed and the students attend weekly Mass.

An older St. Victor School student reading a book to a younger student outside at a blue metal picnic table, with more students sitting on a bench in the background near a grassy area.

Language Arts

8th graders learn sentence structure and various writing genres like response to literature narratives, persuasive essays, technical documents, career building docs, research reports, and public speeches.

St. Victor utilizes Study Sync, a program that assists students with literary concepts and comprehension. It encourages students to work at a level that will encourage growth. We analyze a different work each week, having a discussion about topics, techniques, and the intentions of the author.

Two St. Victor School students working together at a desk, both wearing glasses and school uniforms, focused on writing in their notebooks.

Math

Eighth grade math covers number sense, algebra, and measurement/geometry. Students learn about rational and irrational numbers, scientific notation, percentages, exponents, and absolute value. They use variables to write expressions, equations, and inequalities, graph functions, and calculate geometric formulas.

St. Victor School students collaborating on a STEAM project, building a structure using cardboard and blue tape in a classroom setting.

Science

Physical science topics such as matter structure, Periodic Table, chemical reactions, motion, and forces are covered in eighth grade science. Students also learn about the universe's structure and composition. In the Spring, they participate in a Science Fair to work on an original experiment and learn about the scientific.

A St. Victor School student wearing glasses and a school uniform, focused on using a tablet at her desk, with notebooks and a pencil beside her in a classroom setting.

Social Studies

Eighth-grade students study American history from the Constitution to World War I, focusing on America's role in the war. They learn about the development of American institutions and politics, major regional differences, and the challenges faced by the new nation, including the Civil War. They also explore the connection between industrialization and current social and economic conditions.

A St. Victor School student playing a xylophone in a classroom, smiling while holding mallets, with other students sitting in the background.

STEAM

At St. Victor, we believe that art educations broadens our knowledge. Middle School students receive weekly music and art classes.

Eighth graders use iPads for note-taking, homework, and projects. Teachers monitor progress and communicate through the devices. Assignments are collaborative and accessible from any computer.

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EIGHTH GRADE

Meet Your 8th Grade Teacher

8th Grade Highlights

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