Transfiguration Middle School

1. Transfiguration Middle School

2. Erin Sprangers – 6th Grade Homeroom Teaches Reading/Communications 4 years teaching experience at Transfiguration B.A. Degree in Elementary Education and English from the University of St. Thomas Coaching experience in soccer and track Kendra Conley – 6th Grade Homeroom Teaches Science 5 years teaching experience Third year at Transfiguration B.S. in Biology,Master’s Degree in Education Mary Hernandez – 7th Grade Homeroom Teaches Language Arts 13 years teaching experience, 11 at Transfiguration Master’s Degree in Elem. Education, B.A. in Communication/Journalism Supervisor of student newspaper Annie Rivard (former Clintsman)– 7th Grade Homeroom Teaches Math 5 years teaching experience, second year at Transfiguration B.A. in Education Previously taught middle school advanced math at another Catholic school Julie Bachmeier – 8th Grade Homeroom Teaches Religion 24 years teaching experience, 15 at Transfiguration B.S. Degree in Education M.S. Degree in Education Matt Weingartz – 8th Grade Homeroom Teaches Social Studies 11 years experience at Transfiguration 1995 Graduate of Transfiguration B.A. in Social Studies and Secondary Education Introductions

3. Connie Weingartz – Music 14 years experience at Transfiguration Band Director School Choir Mass Planner (with Mrs. Bachmeier) Master’s Degree Ryan Bittner– Spanish 3 years teaching experience, 2 years teaching in Chile B.A. Degree from University of MN in Spanish and Child Psychology Studied abroad in Venezuela Terri Preiner – Technology / Computer 10 years experience at Transfiguration B.A. in Quantitative Methods/Computer Design from University of St. Thomas 17 years computer experience in the business field Andy Jacobson – Physical Education BA – Comprehensive Physical Education (K-12 teaching) 8 years teaching experience Second year at Transfiguration Coach – North High School Girls’ basketball and various other sports Specialists

4. Key Points Of Middle School • Faith • Academics • Community • Social/Character Development • Extra Curricular Activities • Student Council • Enrichment • Athletics • Fine Arts

5. Faith • A faith-filled community, weekly mass, strong religion classes • Daily prayer • Faith-centered curriculum • Confirmation preparation – Grade 8 • Sacramental opportunities (Reconciliation) • Service opportunities • Retreat experiences • Spiritual leadership opportunities • On-going interactions with priest

6. Academics • Young Author’s Conference • Study Skills • Honor Roll • Science Fair • Student of the Month Awards for each subject area • BizTown and Finance Park • Cross Curricular Activities

7. Middle School Expectations • Respect • For each other • For adults • For space/school • Responsibility • Prepared for classes • Homework done and turned in • Use Planner • Cornerstone • Check grades & assignments Teaching/learning time is crucial. Holding students accountable. Class behavior – • verbal warning in class • One to one conversation in hall with student • Detention, parents notified • Meeting with principal, parents notified • Conference with parents

8. Before School Program • Before school time – for parents who might need to drop off students between 7:55am and 8:35am • Students must be supervised, and go directly to Mr. Weingartz’s room • Because this is extra duty for Mr. Weingartz, there is a fee, and Mr. Weingartz will receive a stipend for his time • $3.00 a morning, or $15 for a full week. Make checks to Transfiguration • Students must sign in

9. Report Card Changes We are moving to a new report card on Cornerstone. • Archdiocesan guidelines, and best educational practices • Each subject will receive a letter grade (A, B, C, D) • Each subject will have 4 or 5 summary statements of the standards, and students will receive a score for each standard area (4, 3, 2, 1) • Not all standards may be marked each trimester • A “4” does not equate to an “A”, and an “A” does not equate to a “4”. (A student could get an “A” grade, and receive 3’s for the standards) • Provides more progress information for students and parents in each subject area • A Parent Meeting will be held about the report cards soon to provide more detailed information. See sample!

10. Report Card Changes Successful learning Behaviors • These will also be on the new report card • Works well independently • Works well with others • Able to monitor own behavior and use self-control • Asks appropriate questions • Shows respect to others and property • Uses good problem solving and conflict resolution techniques • Completes work in a neat and organized manner • Shows responsibility for work completion • Uses time well • Actively listens to teachers and others • Follows directions and expectations of the class

11. Report Card Changes Make-up or late work • When students are absent from school due to illness they should check Cornerstone for the assignments they missed. Each middle school student is responsible for getting and completing any missed work. For each day missed, the student will have 2 days to make up the assignment. Projects given over a long time will not have any additional time except at the discretion of the teacher. • Assignments should be completed at home and on time. • On Cornerstone if an assignment is late, the assignment will receive an “I” for Incomplete and 50% of the total score will be recorded. When the assignment is turned in, it will be changed to and “L” for Late, and the appropriate points will be given. • Three late assignments from any class(es) will result in a mandatory 1 hour Thursday detention. Therefore, any incomplete work will need to be completed and turned in.

12. Religion 6 • Textbook: Blest Are We by Silver Burdett, • Units are taught around the liturgical season • Units emphasizes church doctrine • Third Trimester: Family Life by Benziger • Importance of family value and your part in the family • Planning future goals • Taking part in the community • Engaged in rosary • Engaged in planning masses • Service projects (Advent & Lent) • Bible ( given in 6th grade to keep and use) • Note taking • Unit activities & assessments • Cross curricular activities

13. Religion 7 • Family relationships • Gift of gender • Taking care of what God gave us • Engaged in planning the masses • Service projects (Advent & Lent) • Note taking • Unit activities & assessments • Cross curricular activities Prayer ~ Cross Roads Church and Sacraments ~ RCL Family Life by Benziger • What is prayer? • How one should pray • Various types of prayers • Meditation • Who makes up the Church • 7 sacraments • Scripture: use of the Bible • Weekly rosary

14. Religion 8 Old and New Testament ~ Cross Roads and RCL • Discover how the Bible came to be • Study of the Age of the Patriarchs • Slavery out of Egypt • Period of the Judges • Kings • Division of the Kingdoms • Post Exile: Birth of Jesus • Who is Jesus? • The 4 Gospels • Scripture • Confirmation preparation • Family Life by Benziger • Engaged in planning masses • Service projects ( Advent & Lent) • Note taking • Unit activities and assessments • Cross curricular activities

15. Confirmation • Textbook ~ Sadlier • The Coming of the Holy Spirit • The action of the Holy Spirit in the Church • Preparing to live the New Commitment of Confirmation • Celebrating the Holy Spirit in Our Lives • Living out what we Have Celebrated in Confirmation • Students will be engaged in activities such as: retreat, service, conversations with parents, sponsors, and Priest • Service requirements and Saint Report ( confirmation name)

16. Language Arts & Reading/Communications - Grades 6, 7, 8 • Houghton Mifflin English, Grades 6, 7, 8 • Sadlier-Oxford Vocabulary Workshop, Grades 6, 7, 8 • Scott Foresman Reading Great Expectations, Grade 6 • Holt, Rinehart and Winston Adventures for Readers: Book One, Grade 7 • Holt, Rinehart and Winston Adventures for Readers: Book Two, Grade 8 • Mary Hernandez, Student Guidelines for Language Arts, Grades 6, 7, 8 (affectionately known as the Folder of Fun)

17. School-year projects for Language Arts: Grade 6: Creative writing, original short story, poetry, journaling and essays Grade 7: Research papers on various topics, science fair paper, 5-paragraph essays, poetry and journaling Grade 8: Persuasive research papers on various topics, science fair paper, student newspapers, autobiography , 5-paragraph essays and journaling Language Arts goals for all students are To obtain and implement a strong knowledge of grammar rules to enable students to write clearly and efficiently To demonstrate all steps of the writing process while keeping in mind purpose and audience To develop, practice, and perfect the format of a five-paragraph essay To use their grammar knowledge and writing skills to test into honors English classes upon entering high school, should they wish Language Arts

18. School-year projects for Language Arts: Grade 6: Creative writing, original short story, poetry, journaling and essays Grade 7: Research papers on various topics, science fair paper, 5-paragraph essays, poetry and journaling Grade 8: Persuasive research papers on various topics, science fair paper, student newspapers, autobiography , 5-paragraph essays and journaling Language Arts goals for all students are To obtain and implement a strong knowledge of grammar rules to enable students to write clearly and efficiently To demonstrate all steps of the writing process while keeping in mind purpose and audience To develop, practice, and perfect the format of a five-paragraph essay To use their grammar knowledge and writing skills to test into honors English classes upon entering high school, should they wish Language Arts

19. Goals for all students are: To read, understand, and discuss a wide variety of classic and modern novels, short stories, articles, and poetry while improving comprehension and fluency. To use literary terms (characterization, symbolism, imagery, figurative language, irony, theme, etc.) when discussing stories in order to heighten understanding of author’s purpose and the meaning behind the words. To experience writing and presenting speeches, perform a Declamation, and to become more comfortable and confident public speakers. To gain a general interest and curiosity of reading to carry into their lives past Transfiguration. Reading/Communications

20. Math Program The underlying philosophies for Transfiguration Middle School math are: • All children want to learn and differentiation allows that to happen • Socialization is essential in Middle School students and is accommodated via small-group instruction and shared learning opportunities • Anxiety and stress need to be managed so learning can occur • All children deserve an appropriate level of challenge • The goal is student LEARNING • Students are ability-grouped, based on pre-assessments and previous math experience. Groups are flexible, and students may move from one group to the other, in order to provide the best math placement for each student. All math students cover the same curriculum.

21. Math Program MATH CLUB- Mrs. Rivard offers a Math Club twice a week for the following reasons: • To provide additional help for students needing extra support. It might be for specific units of study or general content area. • To provide additional, enriched challenges in the area of math for those student ready and willing to move ahead or be more challenged in the area of math. It is offered Tuesdays after school 3:30 to 4:15 or Thursday mornings 7:55 am to 8:35. No need to sign up – students can just come as needed or recommended by Mrs. Rivard (or parents). Parents, please be here on time to pick the student up at 4:15 on Tuesdays!

22. Math – Grade 6 Textbook: Course 2, Holt, McDougal-Littell, 2012 Units of study include: • Algebraic Reasoning (exploring patterns and relationships) • Integers and Rational Numbers • Applying Rational Numbers • Proportional Relationships • Graphs and Functions • Percents • Collecting, Displaying, and Analyzing Data • Geometric Figures • Measurement of Two- Dimensional and Three-Dimensional Figures • Probability • Multi-Step Equations and Inequalities

23. Math – Grade 7 • Textbook: Course 3, Holt, McDougal-Littell, 2012 • Units of study include: • ·Principles of Algebra (expressions, equations, and inequalities) • ·Rational Numbers • ·Graphs and Functions • ·Exponents and Roots • ·Ratios, Proportions, and Similarity • ·Percents • ·Foundations of Geometry • ·Perimeter, Area, and Volume • ·Data and Statistics • ·Probability • ·Multi-Step Equations and Inequalities • ·Graphing Lines • ·Sequences and Functions • ·Polynomials

24. Textbook: Algebra 1, Holt, McDougal-Littell, 2012 Units of study include: Foundations of Algebra (language and tools of algebra) Equations Inequalities Functions Linear Functions Systems of Equations and Inequalities Exponents and Polynomials Factoring Polynomials   Math – Grade 8 • Quadratic Functions and Equations • Data Analysis and Probability • Exponential and Radical Functions • Rational Functions and Equations

25. Science – Grade 6 Textbook: Prentice Hall Physical Science Units of study include: Matter Solids, Liquids, Gases Changes of State Motion Forces Work and Machines Energy Sound and Light Electricity and Magnetism LEGO Robotics 9/4/2014 25

26. Science – Grade 7 Textbook: Prentice Hall Life Science Units of study include: Cells Cell Processes and Energy Genetics Heredity Bacteria and Viruses Science Fair Project Human Body Systems Populations and Communities Ecosystems and Biomes 9/4/2014 26

27. Science – Grade 8 Textbook: Prentice Hall Earth Science Units of study include: Minerals and Rocks Plate Tectonics Earthquakes Volcanoes Science Fair Project Ocean Motions Weather Atmosphere Astronomy 9/4/2014 27

28. Social Studies The underlying philosophy for Transfiguration Middle School Social Studies is: To help students improve and excel in social studies as they work with the concepts and skills of the Minnesota State standards. 9/4/2014 28

29. Social Studies – Grade 8: Global Studies Citizenship and Government Economics Geography History Students apply spatial and chronological perspectives as they study the geography of the world’s regions and contemporary world history. 9/4/2014 29

30. Social Studies - 7th Grade: U.S. Studies Citizenship and Government Economics Geography History Students study the country’s history and government from 1800 to contemporary times. 9/4/2014 30

31. Social Studies - 6th Grade : Minnesota Studies Citizenship and Government Economics Geography History Students learn about state history and government and Minnesota’s role within the larger context of the country. 9/4/2014 31

32. Music – two trimesters Art – one trimester Technology/Computer Physical Education Spanish Specialists Classes

33. SpanishTextbooks: Navegando 1A (6th grade), Aventura 1 (7th and 8th grades) • Comprehension, communication and cultural awareness • Reading, writing, speaking, listening, vocabulary, grammar • Catholic cultural traditions throughout Spanish-speaking world • Goals include passing into Spanish II in high school, instilling a love for a second language and preparing students for a globally competitive workplace

34. Technology / Computer • Individual curriculum classes use computer lab for projects and research • Most Language Arts writing assignments to be done on computer • Computers are available in classrooms • 3 Computer labs • Hardware basics • Use of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, EduTyping, Edmodo, Prezi, etc. • Integration with core subjects: • English research paper • Science Fair paper • Newspapers, Brochures, Calendars, PowerPoints for Religion, English and Social Studies • Logo creation, brochures, video creation and editing, architecture with Google SketchUp for MARS project • Responsible use of technology (Cyberbullying vs. Good Netiquette unit)

35. Digital Learning Initiative • The goal of the Digital Learning Initiative at Transfiguration Catholic School is to create a learning environment that integrates technology into each classroom in a manner that accomplishes the following: • supports the curricular goals of each subject area • provides differentiation for learning styles and levels • makes learning more meaningful and fun • transitions the role of the teacher into a coach, adviser and content expert. 

36. Music 6th Grade 7th Grade • 8th Grade • Group Piano • Students perform folk songs from the Post Civil War era – 1940”s • Composition/Song Writing Students focus on world music Learn about and perform songs of various styles from all around the globe 9/4/2014 Piano performance Music Theory History of Western Music 36

37. Band & String Program Band – Mrs. Weingartz • Strings • Individual and small group lessons, during school day • Offered by Benita Gemechu • Violin and viola Offered to students in grades 4-8 Small group lessons, based on ability and instrument groupings Lessons held during the school day Large band rehearsals and performances 9/4/2014 37

38. Art Grades 6-7-8 One trimester Key Objectives Focus on the Process not the Product Textbook: Art Works 9/4/2014 Elements of Art Art History Opportunity to create using different mediums 38

39. Physical Education • The goal of Middle School Physical Education is to help all students acquire the knowledge, attitudes, and physical skills necessary to enjoy a healthy lifestyle. Physical Education Activities: • Cooperative Games • Warm-up Routine • Relays • Outdoor Games • Fitness Testing (Presidential Fitness) • Team Sports

40. Physical Education Team Sports Units: • Soccer • Flag Football • Volleyball • Basketball • Badminton • Table Tennis • Softball/Baseball • Lacrosse • Track and Field

41. Extras • School Newspaper • Toys for Tots • School Choir • Band • Student Council • Drama Club • Math Counts • Declamations – in the Spring • Piano recital by all students- in the Spring

42. Community • Small class sizes • Integrated activities across grade levels • Community meetings • Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center-Grade 6, Fall, 2013 • Washington DC trip for 7th & 8th graders October 2013 • School Choir tour, every other year • Safe environment • Available staff • Teaming amongst middle school teachers

43. Community • To build community among students, a new process this year • Each trimester the grade level groups will be switched, so students will have the opportunity to be with different groups of friends • Our goal is that all students are able to be friends, be respectful of each other, and learn how to get along with many other students, not just a small group • Homerooms will remain the same, as well as the math and literature groups. They will be mixed for all other classes

44. Social/Character Development • TLC (Thinking, Learning and Communicating) • Service opportunities • Middle School community • Homeroom Advisory

45. TLC ~ Thinking, Learning and Communicating • Curriculum was adopted from Cretin Derham Hall • All Transfiguration Middle School teachers have been trained in TLC • Weekly lessons empower teens to develop their potentials by the way they think, learn, and communicate by • reframing how events are seen • avoiding negative thoughts • being above and below the line • working cooperatively in pods • gaining star qualities in each class • All students are capable of being a TOP 20 student • Learning emotional quotient, along with an intellectual quotient, creates a well-rounded student

46. Athletic Program Fall Sports: Volleyball Soccer Winter Sports Basketball Hockey Swimming Spring Sports Baseball Softball Track and Field Transfiguration competes in CAA with surrounding area schools. 9/4/2014 46

47. 9/4/2014 47

48. Did you know that . . . Students are prepared well when moving on to high school. • Demonstrated by the large number of Transfiguration graduates on the honor roll in the Catholic high schools and public schools, we know that our students are well-prepared. • Students have tested into advanced placement classes at high schools

49. Did you know that . . . (continued) All Transfiguration middle school teachers: • Are now active members of Association for Middle Level Education (AMLE) • Over the next few years all teachers will attend the annual AMLE conferences – an outstanding resource for Middle School educational best practices • Will learn and utilize best practices of AMLE • Meet as a team every-other Wednesday morning to plan together and share strategies • Cross-curriculum development between teachers and subject areas

50. It is an honor to teach the middle school students of Transfiguration Catholic School. We look forward to our partnership with you in guiding and forming all your middle school students.