aspire S T. LU K E ’S S C H O O L
MIDDLE SCHOOL GRADES 5–8
“Students learn better when they feel connected in school to peers and adults. Knowing that they are known motivates students and gives them the confidence to work hard, to seek new experiences, and to take intellectual and extracurricular risks. ” M A R K D AV I S , H E A D O F S C H O O L
From the moment you enter St. Luke’s Middle School until the day you transition to our 9th grade, you’ll be part of an inclusive community that will take you above and beyond your expectations and prepare you for the rigorous experiences that lie ahead. Actively involved in learning that instills confidence, inspires curiosity, and fosters creative thinking, you will aspire to more here. You’ll experience the wonder of discovery, form lasting relationships, and transition to Upper School prepared to excel and expand your world.
togeth Our community drives student success. With the support and encouragement of teachers and peers, Middle School students flourish—both academically and socially—in a diverse environment that recognizes and celebrates individual contributions. As they grow, students gain the self-assurance they need to set high expectations and discover new interests. They develop strength of character, speaking up and speaking out on behalf of themselves and others. Our students root for one another: they want to do well and want their classmates to do well, too. Together, they learn, lead, and make a difference.
Eighth grade students observe and discuss the properties of molecules in science class.
her Center for Leadership Our students find their voices and make a difference—in their school, their community, and the world— through opportunities provided by the Center for Leadership (CFL). The CFL collaborates with faculty to create student experiences that foster a global perspective, encourage a service orientation, and build “TLC” skills (teamwork, leadership, and communications) in students of all ages. Enter to Learn, Go Forth to Serve. Throughout the Middle School experience, students are exposed to a variety of ways to live the School’s motto. Themes such as the environment or hunger and homelessness are woven into classroom activities and provide opportunities to connect with different organizations. The broad scope of service in Middle School is designed to help students think about what type of service they feel most passionate about. www.stlukesct.org/cfl
“Teachers encourage us to be creative and use everything that we’re learning. They also teach us more than just academics—we learn how to work together, listen to each other, and be part of a community. ” PERRY G R A D E 7 , N O R WA L K , C T
St. Luke’s students videoconference with Russian students in the Center for Leadership’s Global Classroom. They discuss their recent “art exchange” and explore the cultures and experiences that have influenced their respective artwork. communit y | 3
It all starts here. Balancing a traditional curriculum with interactive, hands-on learning and exploration, our 5th grade academic program successfully transitions students from elementary to middle school. Students in 5th grade benefit from their own hallway, separate yet connected to the rest of the School, where they feel comfortable to be themselves. Dedicated faculty get to know each individual student, identifying strengths and guiding
“Our 5th grade program gives students a jump-start on their path to academic excellence. They have the ability to look ahead, to aspire to more. The tools we provide enable them to take risks and experience new things. It all starts here. � G A R E T H FA N C H E R HEAD OF MIDDLE SCHOOL
students to do and be more. Small class sizes ensure that each student plays an active role in the learning process. Step by step, students build confidence, form friendships, and succeed in all areas, on the playing field, on the stage, and in the classroom.
www.stlukesct.org
Experiential Learning Living History to Learn It What better way to learn history—with its interplay of social, cultural, and economic influences—than to immerse yourself in the period? Fifth grade students pack their bags and head to Mystic Seaport for a taste of the seafaring life. Prior to departure, students research how people lived and worked on America’s waterways and coastal towns. During the trip, they delve into history, exploring historic ships, a re-created 19th-century village, and a working shipyard. When they return to St. Luke’s, students apply what they learned by mapping their own whaling expedition and creating a ship’s log to report on their voyage. The trip brings American history to life, but the benefits go well beyond the history lesson—students develop an appreciation for the factors that influence the course of history, and embrace the opportunity to learn by doing. Skills acquired: Research, writing, teamwork, communication Added benefits: Experiential learning, creative expression, independence
A Day in the Life of a 5th Grader 7:55 AM Homeroom – review today’s schedule 8:00 AM Latin – “Salve, Magistra!” 8:50 AM Language Arts – interpret “Leviathan,” a poem about a whale 9:45 AM Break – share a snack with friends 10:05 AM Language Arts – lead Literary Circle discussion on The Journal of Brian Doyle 11:00 AM Lunch – eat, play a game of ping-pong or soccer 11:35 AM Science – learn to code a computer game 12:15 PM Social Studies – role-play a whaling expedition and write up the ship’s log 1:05 PM Art – prep sculpture for the kiln 1:55 PM Math – solve the Problem of the Day 2:45 PM Afternoon Activities – ready for practice
“Fifth grade is a fundamental year here. The quality difference between my two sons’ experiences—one in public school and one here at St. Luke’s—is enormous. So much more is expected of my son here, and that is what makes him such a good student today. ” K ATA R I N A , S T. LU K E ’ S PA R E N T, R O WAY TO N , C T
5th grade academics | 5
The Advisory Program
find lively discussion and an interactive exchange of
Beginning in 6th grade and extending throughout our students’ years at St. Luke’s, our advisory program helps students navigate both the academic and social aspects of school. Advisors become students’ primary guides and an important link for students, parents, and teachers.
ideas. Students learn by doing and experiencing. Teachers integrate real-world topics into our traditional curriculum, challenging students to make connections, think critically, and find their voices. Supported by the St. Luke’s Center for Leadership, our emphasis on public speaking starts in Middle School, when students learn to articulate their ideas, support their positions, and communicate persuasively in any forum. Collaborative projects teach teamwork and allow students to take risks as leaders and problem solvers. Students develop an awareness of our global environment, and the confidence, competence, and compassion to explore
Students meet with their advisors at least twice a week to discuss a range of topics, from academic performance and course selection to community service and citizenship. Advisory ensures that each student is known, resulting in an appropriate course of study and co-curricular activities.
our complex, interconnected world.
“Our team-teaching model allows the freedom to create a rigorous curriculum that forges real discussion. Students actively create, organize, debate, problem solve—and just as important—make mistakes. In doing so, they not only build specific strengths, but also become responsible thinkers, presenters, and citizens. ” JENNIFER POKORNEY D I R E C TO R O F M I D D L E S C H O O L C U R R I C U LU M & H I S TO R Y T E A C H E R
with confidence
Walk into any 6th, 7th, or 8th grade classroom, and you’ll
with confidence
Amber Berry’s Middle School French class uses iPads to share work, listen to lessons, record homework, and receive personalized feedback—including correct pronunciations that can be listened to time and again.
New Ways to Learn & Share Students at all grade levels use technology as part of their St. Luke’s education. We believe that responsible use comes with exposure, reflection, and guidance.
Throughout their years in Middle School and Upper School, St. Luke’s Digital Citizenship curriculum empowers students to make smart, responsible, and respectful decisions.
All eighth grade students receive a St. Luke’s iPad for school-related work. Students take this device with them as they move into the upper grades, allowing for continuity of learning.
Skills acquired: Technological literacy, digital responsibility, collaboration Added benefit: Enhanced ability to learn at your own pace
As students move into the Upper School, they have the chance to explore several online and blended (a mix of traditional and online) classes.
8th Grade Declamations Who inspires you and why? This question is at the heart of the capstone 8th Grade Declamations. Focusing on a topic, such as civil rights, students select an individual (e.g., Martin Luther King, Jr.) they find personally inspiring. Students complete a rigorous semester-long research and writing process around their subject, culminating with a speech to faculty, parents, and classmates. “Declamations tie together our Middle School goals on several levels,” says English Teacher Jim Decatur. “Students expand critical-thinking, organizational, and public-speaking skills. They reflect on the qualities they aspire to have, and those St. Luke’s instills, such as leadership and integrity. As students help and root for one another, they galvanize as a class. ” Skills acquired: Research, media literacy, written and oral communication
Watch past presentations: www.stlukesct.org/declamations
Added benefits: Self-confidence, pride, a sense of accomplishment 6th, 7th, & 8th grade academics | 7
From art to band to choir to theatre, Middle School students take advantage of the many fine arts offerings incorporated into the curriculum. In our one-of-a-kind Art House—solely devoted to creativity—students paint, sculpt, and enhance digital images; while in our state-of-the-art Seldin Performing Arts Center and new Black Box Theater, students shine on stage and work behind the scenes as part of the tech crew. St. Luke’s showcases talents, and students admire and celebrate
“Our music program gives students real-world skills, enabling them to pursue music in any capacity later in life, and instills in them an appreciation for the arts. ” D A L E G R I F FA M U S I C D E PA R T M E N T C H A I R
the artistic and musical achievements of their peers. Essential to students’ growth and development, our arts program inspires creative thinking, gives students the chance to express themselves, and broadens their perspectives.
www.stlukesct.org/school-life/arts
Discovering Voices Discovering Voices is a cross-curricular series of workshops that provide Middle School students with a wide range of creative opportunities. The workshops help students make connections among the arts, sciences, technology, and other academic disciplines, and provide avenues for self-expression through poetry, music, art, drama, and dance. The Discovering Voices theme changes each year, but always inspires students to experiment and discover something about themselves. Workshops, such as Harlem Jazz Infusion, Electronic Music Poetry, Stop Motion Animation, Yoga, and Acoma Pottery, spark new thinking and passions. Each series concludes with a performance that features the creative outcomes of the workshops. The entire Middle School community joins in this celebration of self-discovery. Watch the Discovering Voices video: www.stlukesct.org/academics/middleschool
Art Teacher Peggy Van Acker guides a Stop Motion Animation workshop.
Events in the Arts • 5th Grade International Night • Blues Band Concert • Discovering Voices • Fall & Spring Choir Concerts • Fall Drama • Holiday Band & Choir Concerts • Middle School Musical • Music & Poetry Performance • Spring Theatre-in-the-Round • Thespian Awards • Winter & Spring Art Shows
“At St. Luke’s, art doesn’t just happen in the Art House. It runs through many of my classes, from the focus on nature in science to the study of Michelangelo in history to illustrating my own fairy tale in English. ” K I T, G R A D E 6, N E W C A N A A N , C T
the arts | 9
your pas Everyone at St. Luke’s participates in an afternoon activity. Our Middle School philosophy is simple: everyone makes a team, everyone plays, and everyone matters. St. Luke’s students are multidimensional, eager to try new activities and engage in new experiences, such as Maker Club, squash, Math Team, and Computer Animation. As students sing in the School’s musical or throw the gamechanging pitch, they learn to be leaders in big and small ways. They take pride in their school, their accomplishments, and themselves.
Clubs & Activities • Art Club • Blues Band (Grades 7– 8) • Chess Club • Computer Animation • Dance • Drama • Environmental Club • Improvising Through the Arts • Maker Club • Math Team • Musical • Music Club • Rock ’n’ Record • Technical Theatre (Grades 7– 8)
“In Middle School, I was able to try many different sports— so now in the Upper School, I know which sports I want to play. ” GRIFFIN GRADE 9, NEW CANAAN, C T
ssions Athletics Over 90 percent of Middle School students play one sport or more during their years at St. Luke’s. • Baseball • Basketball • Crew (Grades 7– 8) • Cross Country • Field Hockey • Football • Ice Hockey • Lacrosse • Paddle Tennis • Ski Team (Grade 8) • Soccer • Softball • Squash • Tennis • Volleyball
www.stlukesct.org co-curricular activities | 11
middle schoo By the time they finish 8th grade, students have acquired the communication and critical thinking skills they need to succeed in Upper School— and beyond. With teachers, advisors, friends, and teammates by their side, they are engaged, confident learners and leaders, and integral members of our diverse community. On a daily basis, our students demonstrate the tenets of the St. Luke’s honor code: kindness, responsibility, honesty, and respect. Declamations serve as a rite of passage as students push their ideas to the limit, defend their findings, and transition to our 9th grade. With a strong academic foundation in place, they are well prepared to reach for—and achieve—more.
“One of the best ways to prepare students for Upper School is to put them in the driver’s seat right away. This is especially true for academic advising. Students need to own and understand their course trajectory, talk about their own goals and plans, and work with their parents and the SLS faculty to achieve what they strive for. My job is really fun and rewarding: listening to students, sharing information about our curriculum, and seeing them go above and beyond what they thought they could do. ” J I M YAV E N D I T T I D I R E C TO R O F S T U D I E S
ol
“When I see the 5th and 6th graders at activities, they don’t view me as the college counselor; they’re just themselves, and I’m able to get to know them really well. When the time comes to talk about college, they’re comfortable, and I’m better able to help them through the process. ” SONIA BELL D I R E C TO R O F CO L L E G E CO U N S E L I N G & E N G L I S H T E A C H E R
Middle School students team with Upper School students to win a Homecoming Week race.
Above & Beyond St. Luke’s is a secular, college-preparatory day school in New Canaan, Connecticut, for grades 5–12. A combination of challenging academics and exceptional community support distinguishes St. Luke’s and encourages students to go above and beyond their own expectations. St. Luke’s offers an inclusive environment where differences in race, culture, and personal beliefs are embraced as assets that enhance education. An accomplished faculty, administrators, and parents join forces to foster students’ intellectual and moral growth, preparing them for college and giving them the tools they need for success, leadership, and service in the world.
2014 | Editors: Ginny Bachman & Nancy Troeger. Primary photography: Desirée Smock. Design & consulting: Studio-e.
377 North Wilton Road New Canaan, CT 06840 203.966.5612 | www.stlukesct.org