YEAR-LONG THEME
The over all theme for the school is, “Grasp the Past: the building blocks of the future are laid upon the foundations of the past.” Each grade level integrates subjects around the following historical sub themes:

• 1^st Quarter: What are the opportunities and consequences of exploration?
• 2^nd Quarter: Can freedom only be achieved with war?
• 3^rd Quarter: How do we balance the rights of the individual with the rights of the many?
• 4^th Quarter: United we stand, divided we fall

FIELD TRIPS
Field trips are an important part of learning and provide excellent hands-on experiences in the real world. Outings will be scheduled periodically for each grade level to enhance the curriculum.

Eighth Grade Field Trips:

• September Spirit Adventure
• All School Camp
• Geography Maze
• Ballet Cultural Enrichment
• Hibulb Cultural Center
• Olympia
• Zoology Adventure
• Science Experience (3 days, 2 nights)
• Whale Watching
• Washington DC Exploration (6 days, 5 nights)

HOMEWORK
Students should expect regular, daily homework. Homework is relevant and reinforces the learning which is done at school. Eighth grade students should expect to spend a minimum of 90 minutes each evening on homework.