Page 57 - Carrollton 1998

Junior High

Academics

Imagine this: Having the opportunity states Amanda Codina, an eighth grad­
to attend school in a remodeled coral er. Even Science impels students to think
mansion surrounded by the blue-green critically, as well as work on a hands on
waters of Biscayne bay. Classes would basis on topics related to Earch Science,
be held in rooms with beautifully Botany, Zoology, and Marine Biology.
detailed wooden high beam ceilings. As for Music and Art, these subjects
Everyday the luscious landscaping and allow students to explore their creative
serene atmosphere would make the stu­ side, while Physical Education allows
dents feel at home and allow them to students to relax and build friendships.
enhance their knowledge. This unbe­ Those students who work hard and
lievable setting actually does exist; it is maintain an outstanding G.P.A., grade
the Duchesne Campus. point average, are invited to join the
The Duchesne Campus houses the 7 th Junior High National Honor Society.
and 8th graders. In this beautiful envi­ Once inducted students are required to
ronment, junior high students are maintain a standard of leadership and
encouraged to excel through a vast service.
variety of intense subjects. Junior high Spiritually, each class participates in
plays an important role in helping each a yearly retreat where the girls build a
student make the transition from child­ life long relationship with God and
hood to adolescence. Because the junior strengthen the bond with their class­
high students are not overshadowed by mates. "I wish we could have more
the success of high school students, they retreats. It is not often that we can get
are able to develop to their full potential together as a class," affirms Lulu
academically, spiritually, and socially. Rodriguez, an eighth grader. They
"My teachers in junior high really begin to explore the practical, daily life
make us think. They are really interest­ application to all the concepts they
ed in our opinion," says Danny Alvarez, have learned in religion class through­
an eighth grader. Academically, sub­ out the years.
jects take on a more theoretical nature Socially, the girls begin to interact
rather than consisting of simple memo­ with students from other schools by
rization. Simple, general mathematics sponsoring dances. When they are not
takes the form of Algebra. English focus­ found at school parties, they can be
es on developing writing as an art found at the junior high games cheering
rather than mechanical, grammatical for their fellow classmates.
skills. Although French classes still focus The Duchesne campus and its beauti­
on grammar, Spanish courses explore ful surroundings is the perfect setting for
famous literary works. “Ever since I start­ seventh and eighth graders to grow
ed junior high classes are more academically, spiritually, and socially.
demanding but the topics I study are The fulfilling experience of the junior
alot more interesting. For example in sci­ high years prepare students well for the
ence class we are dissecting frogs," challenges they will face in high school.

Top Photo: Eighth grader Megan Aran looks for her booi
for her next class. Above: Silvia Larrieu presents her scienc
project.
Below: Eighth graders Barbara Thompson, Christine FabK
Jennifer Torrente, Carla Micheli, and Ashley Shnapier gatl;
er for a quick break during community service. Left: Eight
grader, Lauren Steiger tries to concentrate in her englis’
class.