Language Arts
Students explore a range of reading genres, from classic to contemporary, to spark curiosity and learning. Guided discussions help them share insights and examine the writer’s craft. Vocabulary development is part of daily instruction, with lessons built around authentic literature and strategies for decoding new words.
Grammar and sentence structure are strengthened through model sentences and collaborative practice. Students apply their skills in a variety of writing tasks—narrative, analytical, and creative—using both traditional and digital tools. Most reading assignments include written responses such as essays, summaries, comparisons, or character analyses. Individualized feedback is provided throughout the writing process to support growth and revision.
Math
Middle school math classes are divided into smaller on-level and advanced groups to allow for individualized instruction. All students follow a progressive curriculum that builds number sense and computational skills while introducing advanced concepts through theory, hands-on activities, real-world problem solving, and daily warm-ups. Interactive tools and ongoing assessments help tailor instruction to student needs.
Science
In Sixth Grade science, students begin with space, exploring the Moon, its impact on Earth, and space exploration. They study the solar system, then shift focus to Earth’s structure and atmosphere, finishing the year with life science and organism classification. Seventh Grade starts with Newton’s laws of motion, then explores various forms of energy—including renewable, sound, and light—followed by units on weather, climate, and climate change. Eighth Grade begins with chemistry, covering matter, chemical reactions, and solutions, and concludes with human physiology and genetics.
Social Studies
In Sixth Grade, students explore World History with a focus on the Eastern Hemisphere, along with its geography and cultures. Study and test-taking skills are also introduced. Seventh Grade shifts to the Western Hemisphere, U.S. geography, and early American history, while continuing to build academic skills. Eighth Grade focuses on American History, emphasizing the Civil War, Reconstruction, and the U.S. as an emerging world power. Students refine study habits, research methods, and critical thinking skills.
Religion
In Middle School, students explore the life of Jesus and His impact on our lives today. In Seventh Grade, students begin Confirmation preparation. Eighth Grade concentrates on Church History, the Mystery of the Church and the 10 Commandments. Catholic students will also celebrate the sacrament of Confirmation in the spring.
Enrichment classes: Physical Education, Art, Music, Technology, and Spanish.
James Mitchell - Middle School Social Studies, Religion and Eighth Grade Homeroom
James Mitchell earned a Bachelor of Arts in History from University of Maryland Baltimore County, UMBC and a Masters of Arts in Teaching Secondary Special Education from Towson University. He is a member of Kappa Delta Pi, an International Honor Society for educators focused on leadership, scholarship, and service.
Mr. Mitchell began teaching in Montgomery County Public Schools in 2019, working in both the elementary and middle school levels. He began his career at Holy Cross in 2023 as 8th grade homeroom, middle school social studies and religion teacher. Mr. Mitchell believes in Holy Cross School’s motto, Faith, Scholarship and Service and bringing these values to our students.
Yvie Killian - Middle School Science, Seventh and Eighth Grade Religion and Sixth Grade Homeroom
Yvie Killian is a Certified Catechist in the Archdiocese of Washington with a Master of Science from Johns Hopkins University and a Bachelor of Science from Frostburg State University. While at Johns Hopkins, she worked as a Clinical Specialist at Kennedy Krieger Institute, supporting children with diverse learning needs.
Before joining Holy Cross, Mrs. Killian taught for 25 years in Maryland public schools. She spent 18 years as a K–2 Learning and Academic Disabilities teacher, later transitioning to teach Biology and Chemistry at the secondary level. A long-time Holy Cross parishioner and Christmas Eve Pageant Director, Mrs. Killian is excited to teach Middle School Religion and Science at the school where both of her children graduated.
Lurana Hogan, M. Ed. - Middle School Language Arts and Seventh Grade Homeroom
Lurana Hogan joined the Holy Cross School faculty in 2004 as the lead teacher in Second Grade. In the fall of 2016 she made the transition to teach Middle School Language Arts, with responsibility for Seventh Grade Homeroom. Mrs. Hogan earned an M.Ed. from Marymount University, where she was invited to join the Delta Epsilon Sigma National Scholastic Honor Society. She holds Maryland State certification for Secondary English and as a Reading Specialist. Mrs. Hogan is also a certified catechist with the Archdiocese of Washington. She is a 2023 Golden Apple Award Winner and was the recipient in 2014 of the Knights of Columbus Monsignor O’Donnell Teacher of the Year Award.
Colleen Wilkerson - Middle School Advanced Math
Colleen Wilkerson holds a Bachelor of Engineering from Vanderbilt University. She has taught middle school math at Holy Cross since 2005 and is certified in Secondary Mathematics (Grades 7–12) in Maryland. She earned a Master of Arts in Leadership with a focus on Math Instruction from Notre Dame of Maryland University and was honored as the 2017–2018 Knights of Columbus Monsignor O’Donnell Teacher of the Year.
A former structural engineer in Nashville, Mrs. Wilkerson discovered her passion for teaching while tutoring at Saint Henry’s Catholic School. She also volunteered with Project Reflect, earning their Volunteer of the Year award in 1999. Mrs. Wilkerson is dedicated to the mission of Catholic education.
Colleen Wampler - Middle School Mathematics and Sixth Grade Homeroom
Colleen Hogan Wampler earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics from the College of William and Mary. More recently, she earned her Masters in Mathematics Instructional Leadership from Notre Dame of Maryland University.
Mrs. Wampler worked in the actuarial field for many years prior to joining the Holy Cross faculty in 2007. She was recognized as the Holy Cross Teacher of the Year by the Rock Creek Council of the Knights of Columbus in 2025. Mrs. Wampler believes that every child can be successful in, and even enjoy, mathematics, regardless of their prior experiences.