September is the start of a new school year, but for the eighth-grade students at the Academy, it marks the beginning of the end of grammar school. This fall, the students will have many opportunities to reflect on their grammar school experience and prepare for high school.
The class started the year by thinking about four different goals from the various parts of their lives: personal, spiritual, academic, and family/community. The students have posted their goals in their homeroom as visual encouragement to do their best every day.
As the students prepare to take the high school placement exams, they will also participate in a “Day of Recollection,” sponsored by Union Catholic High School. This retreat gathers eighth-grade students from across the Newark Archdiocese. It is a wonderful opportunity to reflect on their grade school years and to begin thinking about the goals they want to set in high school.
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In October, the eighth grade will compete in the Scholastic Olympics sponsored by Roselle Catholic High School. This fun competition brings students from across the Archdiocese to compete in science, religion, language arts, current events, spelling, history, art and mathematics tests. The competitors have been studying all summer, and we wish them luck as they represent the Academy at the competition!
The students will also continue to participate in one of the most beloved traditions at the Academy - the Prayer Buddy program. Last year, the eighth graders were matched up with a Kindergarten buddy, and that friendship continues this year. In addition to attending Mass and assemblies together, there are many activities planned including a science project, a religion activity, and bulb planting. This unique relationship between the students cultivates a strong community bond at the Academy that lasts long after graduation.
