6th Grade Religion, 7th Grade Literature and 8th Grade Writing
Email: toninij@qasstl.org
Welcome to the Middle School Program at Queen of All Saints Catholic School. I currently teach the subjects Religion, Literature, and Writing. My goal is to foster a love of learning and guide my students to reach their full potential, by providing them the tools they need to be successful in high school and beyond. I am excited to be a part of the Middle School and QAS community and truly feel blessed to work with such a great group of students, parents, and staff.
My husband and I have been members of QAS Parish since 1991, and I have enjoyed 20 years of teaching in this community. We have raised our family here and believe it has been wonderful to belong to the QAS family over the years. I desire to provide a fun and engaging classroom atmosphere where my students are encouraged to explore, ask questions, and support each other. It is my hope to make a difference in the world through shaping young minds and fostering a love of learning as I believe in the value of a quality Catholic school education.
*Theology of the Body is taught throughout the school year
First Quarter
“God Gives Us the Law”- The Ten Commandments
“The First Commandment”
“Prayer, A Hidden Treasure” (Mysteries of the Rosary)
“Saints- They Made the Most of It”
“Holy is His Name” (2nd commandment)
Class Project: Patron Saint Research Project
Second Quarter
“The Lord’s Day” (3rd commandment)
“The Cross to True Riches”
“The Heart of the Family” (4th commandment)
Citizenship- Duties, Rights, & Responsibilities
Class Project: Advent Reflection Activity
Winter Exam
Third Quarter
“Church Authority” (hierarchy of the Church)
“Respect Life” (5th commandment)
“Charity Towards All”
“The Sacred Flame” (6th & 9th commandments)
“Ownership” (7th commandment)
“Backed by Truth” (8th commandment)
“The Beatitudes”
Class Project: Modern Day Saints & The Beatitudes Slideshow
Fourth Quarter
“At the Last Supper”
“The Living Sacrifice”
“The Feast of God”
“Promise and Fulfillment”
“New Life”
Class Project: Group Presentations
Spring Exam
First Quarter
Review using short stories
Realistic Fiction Lit Circle choices (students read one):
Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt
Shouting at the Rain by Lynda Mullaly Hunt
Hideout by Watt Key
War Stories by Gordon Korman
Whole class novel: To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Second Quarter
Historical Fiction Lit Circle Choices (students read one):
Resistance by Jennifer Nielsen
The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne
Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls
Ground Zero by Alan Gratz
Whole Class Novel: Part 2 To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Winter Exam
Third Quarter
Biography/Autobiography unit
Nonfiction Lit Circle choices (students read one):
Boys in the Boat by Daniel Brown
Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly
Rocket Boys by Homer Hickam, Jr.
I will Always Write Back by Caitlin Alifirenka, Ganda, Welch
Whole class novel: Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom
Fourth Quarter
Science Fiction Lit. Circles (students read one):
Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C. S. Lewis
Maze Runner by James Dashner
Whole class novel: The Giver by Lois Lowry
Spring Exam
First Quarter
Vocabulary: Units 1-4
Grammar: Sentences, Nouns,
Writing: Research Paper (Argumentative essay)
Second Quarter
Vocabulary: Units 5-7
Grammar: Verbs, Pronouns
Writing:
KOC Americanism Essay Contest, Mock High School Interview (public speaking)
Salem Witch Trials DBQ (Data based essay)
Winter Exam
Third Quarter
Vocabulary: Units 8-11
Grammar: Adjectives/Adverbs, Prepositions
Writing:
Catholic Schools Week Speech
Respect Life Essay Contest
Expository Essay & video
Fourth Quarter
Vocabulary: Units 12-15
Grammar: Participial Phrases & Verbals, Capitalization, Punctuation
Writing:
“Why Did Japan Attack Pearl Harbor? DBQ
Poetry (memorize Invictus)
Write a children’s book
Current events
Spring Exam