Overview

The 8th grade is an important moment for the students to be preparing to launch into high school the next year.  We have the students work on reflecting on their career here at St Matthew as well as anticipating how they will transition into a “different”world of high school. 

The Middle School Religion and Social Studies classes are meant to inform, encourage and stretch students to do their very best at understanding what life can be like.

We have many class discussions on so many historical, philosophical and spiritual topics.  We also get a chance to simulate situations from history to try and recreate a first hand experience.  The students produce written work, electronic and traditional paper-based projects, and personally answer thoughtful questions to assess their comprehension of facts and use of information to analyze new situations.

6-8th Grade Religion and Social Studies

Mr. Greg Hawksford

I love the diverse community at St. Matthew School.  I enjoy challenging my students to stretch their knowledge and self-confidence so that when they leave for high school, they are ready. 

Background
BA in History, University of Washington
Master of Education in Curriculum Development and Technology, Grand Canyon University
Started at St. Matthew School in 1999

Philosophy
Build your skills, learn the story, communicate your opinion as well as facts. 

Fun Facts
Mr. Hawksford is an avid Sounders fan, a trivia enthusiast and his family’s geneologist.

Favorite Historical Figures

Jesus and Abraham Lincoln

Curriculum

The St Matthew Middle School Curriculum for Religion includes 6th Grade study of the Old Testament, 7th Grade New Testament and 8th Grade Church HIstory.  We discuss many topics that include those areas of study along with liturgy planning, seasonal celebrations, participating in Community Service, learning about saints and prayers. The St Matthew Middle School Curriculum for Social Studies includes ancient civilizations for the 6th grade.

We emphasize note taking skills as well as close reading of texts.  For 7th grade we study Washington State and World History, that includes note taking for lecture style classes as well as experiencing some simulations of events in history. For the 8th Grade, US History is the main topic from Colonialism to Civil Rights.  The students produce and present unit projects  as well as participate in simulations from our past.