7th Grade
The seventh grade curriculum continues to focus on educating students in the ways of Christ. As students work through the school year, they will develop a deeper appreciation of Language and Literature through exposure to the works of a diverse variety of writers. In addition, they will build upon previously learned skills to enhance Mathematical concepts, explore the world's geography, and engage in a variety of hands on Science activities. Students will broaden their cultural knowledge by exploring the language and culture of Spanish-speaking people, practice the vocabulary as well as learn to speak and understand basic Spanish sentences.
Religion
Students explore the traditions of our Catholic faith through Scripture, Doctrine, participating in weekly Liturgy, learning about the lives of the saints and the cultural customs and celebrations of many Catholic communities. Students follow the Archdiocesan Standards for religion which include reading Scripture, participating in the Liturgy, learning and applying the lives of the saints and using Beatitudes as the guidelines to a Christian lifestyle.
Language Arts
St. Anthony School is aware that literacy demands are higher today than previously due to today's informational and technological society. The purpose of the Language Arts program is to develop strong communication skills and provide opportunities to read, analyze, and respond to historically and culturally significant works of literature in several genres. Students will explore the works of a diverse variety of writers. Writing skills and applications are refined in preparation for high school. Students will continue to develop their research, organizational, and drafting strategies as they write narrative, expository, persuasive, and descriptive essays throughout the year.
Math
Students apply knowledge of Algebra through solving and graphing linear equations. The visual applications of graphing are emphasized while students master the concepts and procedures surrounding functions. Students follow the Indiana Core Standards for math, including: mastery of number sense, applying knowledge of algebra through linear equations and functions, explore principles of geometry, problem solving using various strategies, and exploring probability and statistics.
Science
Students are actively engaged in learning about the world around them. Students gain scientific knowledge through observations, conducting experiments, and communicating their findings. Students create an interactive science notebook to deepen understanding of topics. Technology is integrated into each science topic. Reading strategies are utilized to improve reading comprehension of science text. Writing skills are developed through a variety of frequent writing assignments. Students use the design process through Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) projects. Students investigate energy, forces, motion, Earth science, and cells. All students research and complete a Science Fair Project on a topic of their choice.
Social Studies
The curriculum focuses on the geography of the Eastern hemisphere.
Technology
Students will focus on keyboarding skills, applied digital skills, digital citizenship and internet safety, computer components, computer ethics, and coding.
Music
Throughout the course of the year, seventh graders will identify different cultural instruments, identify instruments in genres throughout music history, different music styles, attributes, and composers throughout history.
Art
Students will learn art elements and principles of design, art history, artist birthdays, world art timeline, drawing and painting with emphasis on perspective, art as a career, and seasonal faith-based activities.
Physical Education
Indiana State Standards are incorporated into games and exercises. An emphasis is placed on good sportsmanship, teamwork, and respect for others. They will develop the skills needed in many different types of sports. They will make self-assessment and goal setting for physical fitness and learn to make healthy life choices.
7th Grade Teacher
I graduated from St. Anthony School in 1983 and then from Providence High School in 1987. I have a bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Notre Dame and a master’s degree in history from the University of Chicago. I have also written two books on our local history in southern Indiana and is a board member for the Clark County Museum.
I began teaching at St. Anthony in 2014 formally, but subbed before that for a few years. I began my SAS teaching career in computers and technology before switching roles to the seventh grade homeroom and junior high social studies teaching positions.
My wife's name is Joanne, and we have four kids, all of whom have attended SAS.
I am a long-time parishioner and volunteer with St. Anthony Church and have been a Scout leader for nearly a decade. In my free time, I enjoy scouting (hiking, backpacking, canoeing, rock climbing, etc.), traveling, and reading.
Fun Facts about me:
I am learning to play the banjo! I like to tell "dad jokes" to my students before lunch time. I've hiked over 77 miles in 10 days through the mountains of New Mexico in 2017. I've written two books on local history. I've traveled to Europe six times, but it's still not enough! My first trip was as a senior at Providence, and I even lived in England half of my junior year in college.
7th Grade Teacher
I graduated from Providence High School and went on to study Biopsychology at Barnard College, Columbia University. I did transition to teaching after staying home with my kids for 12 years. I began working at St. Anthony in 2018, after teaching at Providence High School, Parkview Middle School, and Charlestown Middle School. I love finding deep, meaningful lesson plans for my students. I truly feel that teaching is my calling.
I have a wonderful husband of over 20 years, Brian, and together they we have 4 kids. In my spare time I enjoy baking, gardening, painting pottery, working out at the YMCA, and reading. When I was in grade school, I loved to write stories and poetry. I had a story published in a Young Author's book. Now, however, I just writes lesson plans, but enjoy being creative with them! I became Catholic when I was a teenager at Providence High School. I became very involved in my faith, and got to lector at the Indianapolis Archdiocese Chrism Mass my senior year. I still lector at my home parish of St. John Paul II.
I truly enjoy teaching and being around children. I care about my students, not just educationally, but emotionally as well. I always try to think outside of the box to keep my students engaged and thinking.
