Excel is an Honors Reading class for 6th graders and an Honors Language Arts class for 7th and 8th grade. Students in Excel are taught using the Diocesan course of study; however, pacing depth of material, and activities may differ slightly from other reading classes. The focus of this program is on class and independent reading, along with written expression and vocabulary. Grammar and oral expression are also included in this class for 7th and 8th graders, as it is a combined Language Arts course.
St. Michael school offers an accelerated Math program, where students who meet the criteria enroll in accelerated math in 6th grade where they dive deeper into the diocesan curriculum. In 7th grade, they take Pre-Algebra followed by Algebra I in the 8th grade for high school credit.
Students in grades 2-5 are selected for enrichment based on their MAP scores and classroom performance. Students meet twice a month to complete activities and projects that challenge them past their regular curriculum.
St. Michael 7th and 8th grade students are able to join the Quiz Bowl team.
Quiz Bowl is similar to the "Jeopardy” game show in that teams answer a variety of questions; however, in Quiz Bowl, the teams not only work as individuals, they also work together as a team. Students practice during their lunch and recess and then take place in local competitions. They have even been known to take on the staff, priests, or sisters in school contests.
The advisors for Quiz Bowl this year are Mrs. Haas and Ms. J.
Latin Club is an introduction to the Latin Language, as well as a basic experience in Latin culture and lifestyles. In the process of reading an ongoing story line, students learn to recognize Latin roots and their meanings to expand their knowledge of English vocabulary. Students are introduced to both the classical and ecclesiastical Latin pronunciation. Basic skills in translating from Latin to English and English to Latin give the students a sound basis for moving into other Romance languages in high school. The club has its own tee shirt in scarlet and gold, bearing its motto, “Regnare Christum volumus!”
The club meets during recess/lunch a couple of days each week.
