Classrooms - Grades 7 & 8

The seventh and eight grade curriculum at Grace Lutheran School is designed to prepare students for high school. Our departmentalized schedule gives the students an opportunity to see five different teachers throughout the day, allowing the students to receive a well-rounded, Christ-centered education including both academics and extracurricular activities.

The religion curriculum, alternating yearly between Old Testament and New Testament overviews, not only looks at Biblical facts but also stresses an application to the daily lives of the students. The students are actively involved in the weekly memorization of Bible verses and Luther’s Small Catechism.

The science and social studies curricula also allow for combining the grades and annually alternating topics. This allows us to provide new challenges each year even though the students are in the same classroom. Social studies alternates between American and world history. The science curriculum allows students to study life science one year and earth science in the alternate year. The science curriculum also includes hands-on laboratory activities.

The math curriculum is designed to have students ready to enter algebra when they reach the ninth grade. Fifth grade math finishes the program begun in the first grade. The sixth and seventh grade math classes prepare the students for pre-algebra in the eighth grade.

The language arts curriculum emphasizes grammatical usage. It also includes the study of novels and an opportunity to write a play. Throughout the year the students also present speeches and write creative stories. Spelling lessons are assigned as a weekly supplement to the language arts curriculum.

Computer class is held in the networked computer lab. The lab provides Internet access and printing capabilities on all computers. The class covers a wide variety of computer usage topics and gives a broad overview of many computer programs.

Art and physical education are taught on alternate days. The art program provides a broad overview of different forms of art. Physical education is designed to provide opportunities to learn to play many different sports, to promote teamwork, and to enjoy athletics regardless of ability. We also have music classes twice each week. Throughout the year the students perform at special church services, and also participate in the Spring Concert which is presented for the enjoyment of friends and family. Finally, the curriculum also provides for a weekly Spanish class.

Mr. Steve Gettelman joined the faculty of Grace Lutheran School in July, 2006. He graduated from Concordia University Wisconsin with a Secondary Education Math Major. He serves as the seventh and eighth grade homeroom teacher and teaches math, science, and physical education in the departmentalized middle school grades.

Mr. Gettelman is the athletic director and oversees the sports booster club. He also coaches boy’s basketball and track.