The Middle School Learning Specialist teaches Language Workshop to small groups of students in grades 5 through 8. The goal of the course is to strengthen organization and reading and writing skills by scaffolding classroom assignments and reviewing vocabulary and grammar. Integral to the Language Workshop curriculum are activities that encourage students to further hone organizational skills, and to read, write and think critically and creatively. Study and test taking strategies are taught, and students are introduced to specific strategies and techniques designed to support their learning style. The Middle School Learning Specialist also meets with students individually to further address specific skill development and assist with assignments.

The Middle School and the Upper School share a brand new makerspace complete with a variety of technologies such as the 3D printers, laser cutter, sewing machine, embroidery machine, arduinos, and micro:bits. The new space also has three soldering stations and an array of tools necessary for building and engineering.

All of the technology courses take place in the labs and focus on the three main strands of technology: digital citizenship, computational thinking, and operational use. Students examine digital citizenship and social responsibility through class discussions and activities that posit real-life and created situations that have students explore ethical dilemmas and decision-making with technology. The objective of this approach is that students develop a responsible digital footprint and facility and understanding of the technology they use in their academic courses. Technology acts as the central hub that connects disciplines and enriches the learning experience in all Middle School classes. Technology is integrated into the 5th and 6th grade library classes and the skills reviewed are designed to support the academic course work.

In Grade 5, the first semester begins by focusing on using technology safely and appropriately as the students transition into the Middle School. They learn how to use Gmail and exercise proper email etiquette. They also become proficient at other Google apps such as Docs, Slides, Sites, Sheets, and Forms. Students learn and use programs such as Tinkercad for 3D modeling, Code Monkey, Canva and other course-appropriate applications. Students in 5th grade also learn how to find and discern credible sources online to support their research and cite them appropriately.

In Grade 6, students develop their design thinking skills as they apply their coding knowledge to program micro:bits and mini robots, and Ozobots. Students also use WeVideo, a video editing software, to create book trailers. They create three-dimensional models through Tinkercad as part of a science application project to develop an innovation that will help them survive life on Mars. Students use the graphic design program, Marvel, to create an app that will better themselves or the community. Past projects have included: sleep app, time management app, and a female empowerment app. Throughout the year, engineering challenges are presented, and students are asked to apply what they have learned to novel situations. Other technologies that students are exposed to in 6th grade are drones, virtual reality, and the laser cutter.

Grade 7 meets once a cycle and the emphasis is placed on developing students’ fluency in coding as well as understanding different types and uses of technology. As they learn about technology, they use design thinking and apply what they learn to hands-on projects. They also study the positive and negative impacts of technology in society. Over the course of the year, students use Photoshop, Illustrator, Tinkercad, JavaScript, HTML and CSS. Elements of electrical engineering design are introduced when students learn about circuits and use conductive thread to create their own LED light circuit. The year culminates with a student lead project that incorporates all of the skills they learned during the year.

In Technology 8, design thinking skills continue to be developed as students expand their knowledge of JavaScript, HTML, and CSS. Students begin the year creating their own app using JavaScript. The app project requires students to provide instruction to their community, and projects have included: reteaching quiz apps, teaching how to speak French, teaching coding. The next project calls on students to build their own websites using CSS and HTML. The Vector based drawing program is used to create a logo that students laser cut and electronically embroider. In addition, once a rotation students participate in the Genius Hour which provides time for students to study, research, and explore a technology topic that is of particular interest to them. A final project requires students to develop an essential question, conduct relevant research, and create a final product that integrates what they have learned in the technology course.

Fab Lab
The CSH Fabrication Laboratory is an after school technology elective offered to grade 6 students. In this club, students develop several projects involving the 3D Printer, laser cutter, micro:bits, Ozobots, and more!

Robotics Team
The Convent of the Sacred Heart Robotics Team is open to students in grades 7-12. The team uses FIRST Lego to design, program, and build a robot that they use in competitions hosted by First Robotics. Each year the FIRST Robotics league poses a problem that students design a robot to solve. Public and private schools in the metro area then compete to determine which robot best solves the problem. The team also annually participates at Spence’s Robo Expo!

The Middle School leadership program is committed to increasing students’ awareness of the importance of responsibility and compassion for others while offering opportunities to develop their voice. Student leadership and citizenship is encouraged at all grade levels. Two class representatives are elected to serve in the Student Council, led by the Executive Council, which is comprised of 8th graders elected by the entire student body in the roles of President, Vice President and Service Captain. The Executive Council meets weekly to plan and run morning meetings, special events, and activities. They often spearhead initiatives, request special privileges for the Middle School, and have a voice in determining the focus and activities for Middle School events. In addition, a leadership team, composed of elected students from all grades, have special responsibilities and lead school initiatives such as Uganda Spirit Week, Heritage Week and Kindness to the Earth Week. As they prepare, research important topics, present speeches, fundraise and run activities, they develop a deeper understanding of important issues and the powerful and positive impact that they can have in both the school community and the greater community.

Middle School students develop the rudiments of oral presentation: eye contact, expression, volume, posture, and poise. Students regularly serve as readers for chapel services and present reflections in Middle School assemblies. Because public speaking is integrated into academic curricula, projects range from dramatic reading to informative address. Students learn how to effectively organize their ideas and write with expression for public address, and they grow in confidence through oral assessments and presentations at each grade level.

Campus Ministry, in conjunction with the student activities and community service programs at Sacred Heart, aims to enrich the Middle School academic program by providing students with a range of spiritual experiences to enhance their Middle School years.

The campus ministry team, composed of students, religion faculty and the school priest, coordinates weekly liturgies, sacramental opportunities, retreats and celebrations of Sacred Heart traditions and feast days. Weekly prayer, meditation, and reflection time are provided to the entire school community during Chapels and morning meetings. Students’ personal faith reflections and/or prayers are showcased at the opening of each morning meeting. Additionally, every Middle School student, regardless of religious background, will be chosen at least once a year to participate in a liturgy as a reader, cantor or offertory gift bearer. Each month parents are invited to join the community for Mass and are active in the spiritual formation of their daughter. Special Family liturgies occur once a year for each grade and celebrate Mater and the gift of families.

The carefully planned retreat program in the Middle School complements the religion curriculum and offers one off- campus opportunity each year for students to explore their relationship with God, self and others. The grade 5 experiential retreat emphasizes God’s gift of creation and instills in students a responsibility to care for it. The grade 6 retreat examines God’s love and compassion for others. The morning activities focus on developing an appreciation for each other’s gifts and embracing each other’s differences.

Students are then guided to develop a sense of service and responsibility for people in their community, city, country and world. In grade 8 the retreat supports and prepares students for the sacrament of Confirmation. Students examine the gifts of the Holy Spirit and identify which of the holy spirit qualities most align with their strengths and how to incorporate their unique gifts in service work. Grade 8 students have an active role in preparing and running the retreat. Students are the leaders of the retreat activities and give witness to their faith through the activities and discussion with classmates.

In the Middle School, each student’s spirituality continues to be nurtured in the vision of Saint Madeleine Sophie: “If we are faithful and generous, nothing can harm us; we shall be strong with the strength of Jesus Christ.” Students leave Middle School empowered with an active faith in God and are prepared and open to further exploration of their faith in the Upper School.

The Middle School’s active service program is committed to increasing students’ awareness of issues of justice that involve the larger community of our city and the world. The service team, which consists of a faculty advisor, an elected grade 8 service captain, and elected class service representatives, plan activities for the Middle School community. Recent events have included Thanksgiving baskets for the poor, clothing, book and food drives, and fundraising for our sister schools in Uganda, India and other locations.