STORM 

(St. Oscar Romero Mission)

Grades 7 - 8

God is not satisfied with appearance. God wants the garment of justice. God wants Christians dressed in love. - Saint Oscar Romero

A significant part of the mission of OLG is to develop a strong, active Upper School where our students can prepare for high school while growing in faith and values. We have formed the St. Oscar Romero Mission (STORM) for that purpose. STORM is a dynamic program for our 7th and 8th graders. STORM is inspired by the courageous witness of St. Oscar Romero of El Salvador and will be built on the three pillars of spirituality, scholarship, and service that define St. Oscar’s life and mission.

American History
American History focuses on the development of the United States. It begins with the geography of North and South America as well as the early civilizations that inhabited these areas. We then progress in our study up until the Civil War. We emphasize vocabulary, economics, government, and the themes of geography.

Literature
Literature aims to cultivate a love and appreciation for the world of reading. Students will be exposed to a variety of genres, allowing for the ability to explore those areas of interest. Vocabulary will be developed throughout each novel, allowing for the students to see these words in context. 7th-grade in-depth novel studies will include the following titles: The Giver, by Lowis Lowry; Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, by J. K. Rowling; and Macbeth, by William Shakespeare.

Mathematics
The focus of this year is the introduction of the fundamentals of algebra and most numerals and their properties. Rational numbers are involved with each topic discussed.  Near the conclusion of the year, we explore geometry and probability with simple and more complex operations.

Religion
New Testament Course Overview: The 7th Grade Religion class will be a continuation of the 6th Grade Religion class. It will center on an in-depth study of the Bible, particularly the New Testament. Alongside the study of the New Testament, students will study and begin to be prepared for the sacrament of Confirmation throughout the year.

Science
OLG provides a rich, liberal arts education that builds a solid foundation for learning in high school - including a rigorous program in the sciences. In seventh grade, OLG students study Life Science and Biology.  All eighth grade students study Earth Science in preparation of advancing to Biology in their freshman year of high school. 

OLG's science curriculum also serves to meet the needs of the exciting and ever-changing world of STEM opportunities for our STORM students. OLG currently partners with NYIT in their innovative STEP (Science and Technology Entry Program) program - helping students "focus on achievement and excellence using innovation and creativity to help them meet their goals and envision themselves as successful contributors to STEM fields."  We look forward to expanding our science program in support of forming the next generation of scientist going out to make a meaningful difference in our world. 

American History 
American History in the Eighth Grade spans from the Causes of the Civil War to Present Day. The students take a unique look at the stories and events that have occurred over the last 160 years of our American experience. They will keep up to date on current events as well as begin an introduction to economics. 
Literature
Junior High 8th-grade Literature aims to cultivate a love and appreciation for the world of reading. Students will be exposed to a variety of genres, allowing for the ability to explore those areas of interest. Vocabulary will be developed throughout each novel, allowing for the students to see these words in context. 8th-grade in-depth novel studies will include the following titles: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, and Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck.

Mathematics
The focus throughout 8th-grade mathematics is to master the foundations of algebra. We begin by revisiting some essential elements from 7th grade and continue to build on those fundamentals. We explore several different numerals and how to operate with them. Introducing polynomials and other variable-based mathematics allows the elevation of vocabulary and preparation for high school. Finally, geometry brings all the elements together with hands-on understanding and application.

Religion
8th Graders will focus on The Study of Christian Life. Students will study the life stories of the men and women of faith and how we can grow to imitate the movements they created and the faith they needed to approach the challenges they faced. The ultimate goal is not only for the students to know the historical details but more importantly, to understand that truly living the Christian life has always been a challenge but one that they too are called to embrace.

Science
OLG provides a rich, liberal arts education that builds a solid foundation for learning in high school - including a rigorous program in the sciences. In seventh grade, OLG students study Life Science and Biology.  All eighth-grade students study Earth Science in preparation for advancing to Biology in their freshman year of high school. 

OLG's science curriculum also serves to meet the needs of the exciting and ever-changing world of STEM opportunities for our STORM students. OLG currently partners with NYIT in their innovative STEP (Science and Technology Entry Program) program - helping students "focus on achievement and excellence using innovation and creativity to help them meet their goals and envision themselves as successful contributors to STEM fields."  We look forward to expanding our science program in support of forming the next generation of scientist going out to make a meaningful difference in our world.