Middle School

Middle School at Trinity

6th-8th Grades

At a stage of learning that demands more critical thinking and independent work, middle-school students find themselves coping with the social and emotional pressures of the early-teen years. Trinity anticipates these pressures and provides a structured, safe environment where grace, acceptance, and affirmation shape a context in which students are secure enough to direct energy to classroom learning and character formation. Academically, Trinity offers a rigorous curriculum with high expectations at the same time that it offers the academic and personal support students need to meet those expectations. 

In 6th grade, students focus on a study of the New Testament Gospels and the Acts of the Apostles. Additionally, holidays and key figures and celebrations in the history of the church are studied and celebrated: the Reformation, Advent and Christmas, Easter, and Pentecost. Students will learn to:

  • Apply Godly principles to thought, speech, and action.
  • Respond personally to the gospel of grace in Jesus Christ.


In 7th grade, students are studying the gospels and epistles.  During the course of the year students are: 

  • Focusing on practicing the discipline of daily Bible reading.
  • Learning the works and teachings of Jesus.
  • Learning about the spread the gospel following the ascension of Jesus.
  • Learning what the early church faced, both in terms of opportunities and difficulties.
  • Applying the gospel to their daily lives.


In 8th grade, students grow in their understanding of the Christian faith and how it shapes their daily lives through focused study in Confirmation Instruction, the Gospel of John, and Christian marriage. Throughout the year, students:
  • Study the 6 Chief Parts of the Small Catechism as part of Confirmation Instruction, learning the foundations of the Christian faith and what it means to live as a follower of Christ.
  • Explore the Gospel of John, developing skills as careful readers of Scripture (exegetical theology) and gaining a deeper understanding of who Jesus is, what He has done, and what this means for their lives today.
  • Learn how to think theologically through the study of Christian marriage, using systematic theology to understand God’s design for the most foundational human relationship.
  • Make connections between the marriage relationship and their relationship with Christ, deepening their appreciation for God’s love, faithfulness, and grace.
  • Reflect on how faith informs their daily decisions, relationships, and vocations as they prepare for Confirmation and mature in their walk with Christ.

Literature: Literary studies at the middle school level involve the study of short stories, dramas, novels, and non-fiction selections. Analysis of these genres is taught and practiced. Literary devices and their applications in particular works are identified and discussed. Additional independent reading is required. 


These titles, among others, are read in middle-school Literature classes:

  • The Lightning Thief, Rick Riordan
  • Holes, Louis Sachar
  • Frisby and the Rats of NIMH, Robert O’Brien
  • Eight Days: The Story of Haiti, Edwidge Danticat
  • The Omnivore’s Dilemma, Michael Pollan
  • Narrative of the Life of a Slave, Frederick Douglass
  • Al Capone Does My Shirts, Gennifer Choldenko
  • Pygmalion, George Bernard Shaw
  • Trash Revolution, Erica Five


Writing: During the middle school years instruction focuses on the areas of composing, written expression, and usage/mechanics as students write to entertain, inform, argue, and persuade. Students study media message techniques and apply research techniques to gather, organize, and communicate information. In addition to writing, speaking and presenting skills are taught and practiced.

The math curriculum at Trinity provides a solid foundation that prepares students at all levels for future success. The teachers seek to develop depth of knowledge and a solid understanding of mathematical concepts so that students are poised to excel in high school math courses.


Math 6:  Students in this class will build on concepts that were introduced in 5th grade, further exploring fractions, decimals, word problems, data analysis, measurement, volume, perimeter, area, and both two and three dimensional figures.


Pre-Algebra: Students become skilled with pre-algebra concepts. Topics covered in this course include but are not limited to the following: integers; rational numbers; solving equations and inequalities; ratios, proportions, and percents; Geometry: angles, shapes, transformations, area, surface area, and volume; graphing and writing linear equations; real numbers and the Pythagorean Theorem; exponents and scientific notation.


Algebra: Students study algebraic concepts that build on the topics introduced during Pre-Algebra. Upon entering high school, some students will be prepared to test for high school Geometry.

Beginning in 6th grade, students may be placed on an accelerated track based on previous math class performance and MAP testing scores. Students placed on an accelerated track will take Pre-Algebra in 6th grade, Algebra in 7th grade and be introduced to Geometry in 8th grade.

The science curriculum at Trinity provides a framework through which to study God’s created world and the natural laws God created for the working of that world. Understanding the systematic nature of the world assists students in discovering new ways to use technology and nature to improve and protect the world today and in the years ahead.


Scientific literacy enables people to use scientific principles and processes to make decisions and to participate in discussions of scientific issues that affect all of society.

Our Science program helps to engage and inspire our students to pursue STEM careers and develop the skills they need in the 21st century.


The science curriculum includes:

  • Problem solving and self-discipline
  • Use of technology
  • Collaborative work
  • Making connections across the curriculum
  • Active participation in science experiences and hands-on laboratory activities
  • Use of scientific principal and engineering design


6th grade: Earth science


7th grade: Physical science


8th grade: Life sciences

6th graders study Minnesota History

  • Students begin with the early peoples of Minnesota, including the Dakota and Ojibwe, and continue through the development of Minnesota’s geography, industry, government, and notable historical figures. The course connects Minnesota’s past to modern-day issues and events.


7th graders study American History

  • Students explore the shaping of the United States, beginning with the Constitution and continuing through the Civil War, westward expansion, and into the 20th and 21st centuries. Emphasis is placed on understanding how historical events and ideas have shaped the nation we live in today.


8th graders study World Geography, 

  • Students study world geography by examining both the physical and cultural characteristics of regions around the globe. The course emphasizes understanding the world through a Christian worldview, encouraging students to see people, cultures, and places through the lens of faith, service, and global responsibility.


7th and 8th graders have the opportunity to go to Washington, DC every other year.

Art

  • 6th-8th grade Art, includes art appreciation, artist studies and projects using a variety of media.


Health

The health curriculum at Trinity builds on the Bible verses from 1 Corinthians 6: 19-20.  “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?  You are not your own, you were brought at a price.  Therefore honor God with your body.”

The Health curriculum includes;

  • Real life connections
  • Technology
  • Hands on opportunities
  • Making connections across the curriculum
  • Research


Physical Education.

Physical Education at Trinity is designed to further develop the whole child for a healthy and fit future. Students are given the opportunity to exercise and to learn new physical skills. Classes are designed to develop student fitness, teach and expand physical skills, and provide experience and practice in setting goals for life-long fitness. Instruction focuses on team play, cooperation, rule application, personal improvement, fitness monitoring, and skill development.


Band

Band is a yearlong course meeting twice a week throughout the school year. It offers members the opportunity for continued musical growth and skill development in a large ensemble playing experience. Students will perform and play music of various styles and genres. Individual growth and achievement are encouraged through participation in band class as well as individual or small group lessons offered weekly during the school day throughout the school year. A band fee is billed to each participant yearly and attendance at all performances are required.

 

Choir

Choir is a yearlong course meeting twice a week throughout the school year. Choir will provide opportunities for growth in the students’ singing strength and music reading skills. Students will sing and perform a variety of music throughout the year. Choir will perform in chapel, church services, and concerts. Attendance at all performances is required.

 

Creative Writing & Speaking

Creative Writing & Speaking is a yearlong course meeting twice a week throughout the school year. In Creative Writing & Speaking, students will complete several writing projects, from monologues to podcasts to stories to poetry. Students will also participate in different speaking activities that will include performing what they have written, in addition to debate.


FACS

FACS is a yearlong course meeting twice a week throughout the school year. FACS is an acronym for Family and Consumer Sciences. In this class students will learn life skills including cooking, nutrition, and sewing.


Geopolitics

Geopolitics is a yearlong course meeting twice a week throughout the school year. In Geopolitics, students will use an online game created by a social studies teacher to learn about current events around the world.  Students will use this information to make trades and draft unclaimed “free agent” countries as they learn more about what’s happening in today’s news.


Handbells

Handbells is a yearlong course meeting once a week throughout the school year. No prior music instrument study is required to participate in this group. Students will learn note reading skills, rhythm skills, and the technique needed to play handbells. Handbells will perform in chapel, church services, and concerts. Attendance at all performances is required.


Junior Achievement

Junior Achievement is a yearlong course meeting once a week throughout the school year. This course is an economics education program offered in schools throughout the world. Students will experience hands-on activities to learn financial literacy and will be equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in school and beyond.  This class will include a field trip to the Junior Achievement Finance Park in St. Paul to spend a day applying the skills learned throughout the year.


Praise Team

Praise Team is a yearlong course meeting once a week throughout the school year. The Praise Team will include opportunities for musicians, singers, audio/video/lighting techs, and more. Students will have the opportunity to learn how to work together as a team through specific focus-area work on their instrument (e.g. guitar, voice, sound console), and through an increased general understanding of all of the parts of the team. Prior experience in a worship team or other instrumental ensemble is not required; however, students should have a basic understanding of their instrument as this class will not function as a group lesson environment. 

 

Spanish 
In Spanish we focus on vocabulary building, basic grammar and sentence structure, and pronunciation. Students will practice listening, speaking, reading and writing in Spanish. Our goal is participating to the best of our ability and expanding our Spanish knowledge one day at a time.

STEM I

STEM I is a yearlong course meeting twice a week throughout the school year. In class students will focus on creating, using technology as the medium. Students will discover some of the fun ways to use various electronic devices along with other interesting tools to discover, learn, and imagine what is possible.

 

STEM II

STEM II is a yearlong course meeting once a week throughout the school year. This class builds on STEM I allowing students additional time to focus on creating while using technology as the medium.