Religion
Emphasis is placed on the study of the Triune God, the New Testament books of Matthew, Ephesians, and a Biblical look at personality differences and becoming more comfortable with oneself and others. Seeing the great love of the Father for the Son and the Son for the Father, they understand the awesomeness of Christ’s act of salvation. They see and understand the power God can provide in their lives to help them make decisions and allow their faith in Him to help them overcome negative peer pressure. The use of time, talent and treasure is discussed and applied to classroom activities. The students lead chapel and become involved in leadership teams which emphasize serving others.

Pre Algebra
Inductive and deductive reasoning helps students arrive at problem solving ideas. Graphing linear equalities and inequalities, working with polynomials, understanding real versus irrational numbers, and notations serve to prepare these students for upper level math classes. The understanding of theorems and additional geometrical terms and figures plus measurements that include volume of objects like spheres will also aid their future classes. Students use the basic principles of algebra to analyze and represent proportional and non-proportional relationships. Calculators are used as more emphasis is put on learning the process and establishing and maintaining basic skills.

Algebra
Using ratio and proportion, problem solving occurs. Formulas are used to solve linear equations. Radical expressions are solved in all operational modes and simplified. Quadratic and high order equations are solved or graphed using ordered pairs of points. Operations on numbers involving scientific notation, factors of polynomial expressions, and simplification of rational expressions foster the development of high level thinking that will enable the student to meet with success through the progression of later math classes. Calculators are used as more emphasis is placed on learning the process and establishing and maintaining basic skills.

Band / Choir / Drama / Music Appreciation / Technology
Students at this grade level have semester choices of the above fine arts electives.

Language Arts
Focusing on American authors and poets, students will study classic literature from all genres, especially novels, short stories and poetry. A scientific approach to writing will be used to lead students to analyze literary themes and techniques at a higher level. A strong emphasis on sentence structure and grammar will be utilized as well. A classical roots vocabulary program will allow students to learn thousands of words. The eighth grade student will be able to fully communicate his thoughts and ideas through writing and speech and be able to learn and work independently with literature and language.

Social Studies
God’s controlling and directing history is a major emphasis in this year as students study some European history that helps them clearly see God’s hand in settling the New World. From the Native Americans and the interaction they had with the early explorers, to the establishment of European colonies in North America, students easily see the Lord directing the actions of early America. Learning about major documents and contributions of individuals and groups of individuals accelerates the understanding of America as a great nation composed of the efforts of many. As America wars in its early years, seeking independence from another nation or for individuals within its borders, the continual vigilance of the Father is clearly seen and acknowledged. Students have the opportunity to see government in action and to understand more clearly how the Constitution works for all people.

Science
The study of earth science enables the students to further appreciate God’s creation on their behalf. Students study the planet earth and its unique features, the atmosphere, and the solar system. Within each of these areas, students are exposed to in-depth learning that includes significant understanding of the components of each area, terms and identification of those components in the systems. They study the complex interactions between humans and nature, and see the cause-effect relationships of a dynamic earth. Hands-on learning makes this more concrete.

Computer Science
For students who have progressed through the program, keyboarding and presentation skills have reached a high level of use and ability enabling them to use computers across the curriculum. Desktop publishing helps students learn to produce a student newspaper. Students continue to learn about and use spreadsheets and databases.

Art
Students are encouraged to use color to express emotion and feeling. Continued work on fostering creativity and encouraging students to express themselves in various forms occurs. Whether the students are working in realistic or surrealistic modes, the objective is for the expression to be one that reflects themselves.

Health
Students determine alternate courses of action to avoid peer pressure. Learning first aid skills aids them in helping others and reacting to situations that can occur in everyday life. They work on communication skills that will foster healthy relationships with those they meet. Understanding substance abuse and its repercussions, they have a knowledge of laws that relate to the abuse of these illegal substances. Recognizing the body systems and their function aids them in knowing how to take care of the bodies God has given to them.

Spanish I
Greater emphasis is placed upon the students’ ability to communicate in Spanish. Students’ level of fluency and vocabulary acquisition is sufficient to enable success in high school Spanish II class.

Physical Education
Students continue to work as part of a team. Skills of all team sports available to the school are taught and reinforced through classroom experiences. Students learn that through practice, endurance can be built up and they are more willing to work to build themselves up for the good of the team. Lifetime skills are also taught in the areas of conditioning, archery and golf.

Textbooks Used
Voyages, Concordia Publishing House, 2002
Elements of Literature, Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 2003
Various Novels and Short Stores
Mathematics Pre-Algebra, Prentice Hall, 2004
Mathematics Algebra 1, Prentice Hall, 2004
United States History, Silver, Burditt, Gin, 1987
The Light and the Glory, Revell, 1977
Earth Science, Scott Foresman, 1999
Physical Science, Glencoe, 1999
Viva el Espanol, Learning System C, 1998
 

How committed is Salem Lutheran School to providing what is best for middle school students?
Salem Lutheran School began as a one-room schoolhouse in 1874. Since then, we have continued to provide for students in grades kindergarten through eight. In 1981, we added an early childhood program. We currently serve 450 students and their families. Our programs are accredited through National Lutheran School Accreditation in St. Louis, Missouri, and the National Association for the Education of Young Children in Washington, D.C. As such, we continue to study research and practice as to what is best for our students. We continue steadfast in the fact that we are committed to teaching all subjects in the light of our Lord, Jesus Christ. We strive to practice biblical living and teaching everywhere, not only in our curriculum, but also in the administration of our faculty and staff. Our faculty members are primarily educated and trained through Lutheran Synodical Universities across the United States. Our student body consists of 14 Christian denominations that represent 50 congregations spanning eight school districts. Those students coming from unbelieving homes are consequently educated in a Christian culture dominated by the authority of the Word of God. To God be the glory!