Pacelli Middle School is a warm, welcoming transition into young adulthood. Our strong focus on academic excellence, service and faith make it an excellent choice for any sixth-, seventh- or eighth-grade student.

We offer sixth-, seventh- and eighth-grade students an academic and growth opportunity that cannot be matched by any other middle school option in our area.

Children enter our program, and through our focus on academic excellence, service and faith, they enter high school as young, responsible adults.

Pacelli Catholic Schools are focused on academic excellence. We help students grow in their God-given gifts, stretch their dreams and realize their impact on the world around them through:

1. Small class sizes: Because of our dedication to each student, Pacelli Middle Schoolers benefit from our small class sizes, and close “family” feel. Each student is heard. Each student has a place.

2. Technology immersion: Pacelli Middle Schoolers are connecting with each other, and the rest of the world through technology with 30 Apple Laptop computers, Google gmail accounts for each student, and creative, progressive teachers.

3. Student led conferences: Students take a very active role in their education by self-evaluating and presenting their progress to parents/guardians.

4. Exploratories: Middle Schoolers are offered a special group of class choices throughout the school year to “explore” their interests. Students choose a different exploratory three times per school year, meeting three times per week. Exploratories this year have included Graphic Design, Spanish, Sculpture, Mosaic Tiling, News/Media, Olympics and iMovies/Garage Band.

5. Eagle Bluff: Sixth-, seventh-, and eighth-graders all travel to Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center for a three-day learning experience. Students learn more about the impact they have on the earth, and develop strong bonds with classmates.

6. Activities/athletics: Pacelli students are able to take part in many activities such as drama, student council, choir, and band, as well as all fall, winter, and spring sports.

We are also a school focused on service. Pacelli Middle School students give of themselves in many ways through the school year including:

1. Feed my starving children: Students and teachers travel to Minneapolis to package food that will be sent to feed children all over the world.

2. Literacy mentoring program: As part of their literature expectations, middle schoolers each spend 20 minutes per week mentoring students of all ages at Pacelli Elementary School by reading to them, listening to them read, and exploring shared literacy activities.

3. Christmas baskets: Middle school students adopt a few families each Christmas, raise funds, shop, and wrap gifts for those in the community in need.

At Pacelli Catholic Schools, we are most proud of our focus on faith. Pacelli Middle Schoolers explore their faith and grow in their relationship with God through:

1. Class prayer: Each class at Pacelli Middle School begins in prayer. Students and staff put themselves in the hands of God each and every hour of the day.

2. Daily religion class: Students explore the Catholic Faith, reflect on the gifts God has given them, and constantly strive to live their lives like Christ.

3. Weekly mass: Middle schoolers attend Mass weekly, and lead Mass multiple times throughout the year. Gathering together, praying and worshiping, builds our community and focuses our energy.

4. Monthly adoration: Students also have the opportunity to sit and reflect with Christ once per month during Eucharistic Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.

Lenten Stations of the Cross: Pacelli sixth-, seventh- and eighth-grade students lead a Live Stations of the Cross during lent, depicting the passion and suffering of our Lord before he rose from the dead on Easter.

6. NET retreat: Middle school students are able to revive their faith with the National Evangelization Team. This group travels the country encouraging young people to live like Christ in their daily lives, and to be proud of their faith.

All fifth-grade students in the area are invited to a Middle School Shadow Day at Pacelli Catholic Middle School on April 10. The morning begins at 9 a.m. in the Pacelli Auditorium with a presentation by administration for parents and students. Immediately following, fifth-graders will join current Pacelli sixth- and seventh-graders, and will travel through the building from class to class as Pacelli teachers present activities. Middle School Shadow Day will conclude with a pizza lunch from 11 to 11:45 a.m. For more information, or to register your fifth-grader for Shadow Day, please contact Erin Johnson at Pacelli Catholic Schools, (507)-437-3278. We hope to see many new faces join us.

By Laura Marreel
Pacelli Middle School Teacher