St. Alban Roe Catholic School

• Grammar: 
  We utilize grammar workbooks and incorporate as much mapping out of grammar information as possible so that the students have an ownership of their understanding of our language including the rules behind it.
• Reading:
  • 1st Quarter: Freak the Mighty by Rodman Philbrick
  • 2nd Quarter: Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt
  • 3rd Quarter: Island of the Blue Dolphin by Scott O'Dell
  • In the 4th Quarter we begin the research paper writing process.
• Vocabulary: 
  We take vocabulary seriously in this classroom, but we also take our time to master it thoroughly.
  
  

• Beginning algebraic concepts
• Measurement
• Statistics & Probability
• Decimals
• Fractions
• Ratios and percents
• Geometry

• Understand and describe with detail the stories of creation revealing God’s plan for humanity and Old Testament covenants in Christ who is the fullness of Revelation
• Summarize the development of God’s covenants with Israel including covenants with Adam, Noah, Abraham, Joseph, Moses and David
• Explain the Trinity is the central mystery of our faith and the role that each person has in  creation
•  Identify and explain the basic concepts of the Apostles and Nicene Creeds
• Recognize that Mass celebrates the Paschal Mystery and oftentimes celebrates the solemnities, feasts and memorials of saints and Mary
• Practice Reconciliation as the key part of the Catholic moral life during assigned times throughout the school year
• Identify and explain each of the Ten Commandments and how they apply and enrich our lives
• Describe the stories from the Old Testament as they relate to God through prayer 

• NGSS Space Systems: 
  • Earth’s place in the Universe
  • Planets and their characteristics
• NGSS History of Earth:
  • Plate Tectonics and Continental Drift
• NGSS Earth’s Systems:
  • Earth’s composition and layers
• NGSS Weather and Climate:
  • Waves
  • Visible light and the Electromagnetic Spectrum
• Human Impacts:
  • Volcanoes
  • Earthquakes
• Engineering Design:
  • Students will plan and carry out fair tests in which variables are controlled and failure points are considered to identify areas needing modification/improvement.

• Creation
• Early Humans
• Ancient Mesopotamia
• Israelites and Judaism
• Ancient Egypt and Nubia
• Ancient India
• Ancient China
• Ancient Greece
• Ancient Rome

• Develop practices to build an ongoing relationship with our loving God
• Understand that God is the Creator who made the world good and entrusted it to us.
• Learn how the Old Testament is fulfilled in the New Testament.
• Recognize the Holy Trinity in our lives and the Holy Spirit as Sanctifier.
• Acknowledge Jesus as Redeemer and the Word Made Flesh.
• Explore titles and roles of Mary, such as Mother of God and Queen of Heaven.
• Understand the Nicene and Apostles’ Creeds as expressions of Catholic belief.

• Demonstrate reverence in church and recognize the significance of liturgical seasons.
• Identify the meaning and celebration of the Triduum and Easter.
• Learn the signs, gestures, and symbols of the sacraments and their connection to grace.
• Recognize Christ’s presence in the Mass: in the assembly, the Word, and the Eucharist.
• Understand the Eucharist as the source and summit of Christian life.
• Explore the importance of Holy Orders and Matrimony in the life of the Church.

• Understand that mercy and justice are essential to Christian living.
• Practice the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy in daily life.
• Recognize sin and its effects, distinguishing between mortal and venial sins.
• Learn how choices reflect Gospel values and bring consequences.
• Follow the Ten Commandments as guides for honoring God and others.
• Act with respect for the unborn, sick, and all who are vulnerable.

• Understand the forms of prayer: Mass, communal, and private.
• Cultivate devotion to Mary and the saints and ask for their intercession.
• Participate in prayer services, including the Rosary and Stations of the Cross.
• Compose prayers of praise, petition, and thanksgiving.
• Recite traditional prayers like the Memorare and St. Michael the Archangel.
• Analyze the Lord’s Prayer and its seven petitions.

• The instructional methods will include a variety of learning styles, visual and oral presentations, class discussions, and “hands-on” art production, but also reflective writings and quizzes. A portfolio of student assignments, sketches, and reflective writing will be kept by the student. These will be occasionally checked by the teacher for additional points. Artwork will be graded using scoring guides based on design interest, originality, craftsmanship, achievement of assignment goals and effort.  

• Students focus on learning different elements of theory that enable them to create their own unique song composition by the end of the year. They begin with keyboard work and chord reading, and then learning how to choose chords based on a melody. The final product is then input into a computer program that allows them to hear what they have created.

• Work cooperatively to apply offensive and defensive strategies of team activities by analyzing which would work best based on opponents strategies to execute individually and as a group on a team
• Explain the importance of being physically active throughout one’s life span and what sports and activities are considered lifetime activities
• Identify effects of stress and appropriate strategies to combat and manage or eliminate being able to reflect on progress over time
• Engage in aerobic activity during individual and team games including soccer, flag football, Ultimate Frisbee, basketball, volleyball, Team Handball, kick ball, wiffle ball, floor hockey, badminton and PickleBall

• 6th - 8th: We continue  with Spanish grammar, along with practical exercises and projects each quarter on topics from the curriculum, including cultural themes. Here, we explore and put all the senses to work, but in a second language. English is not spoken during Spanish class; we all speak in Spanish and practice in different ways.Laboratory, videos from the ENTRE CULTURA curriculum. By the end of 8th grade St. Alban students are available to read, write, and talk in Spanish.

• Draw conclusions, infer, and analyze by citing several pieces of textual evidence
• Analyze how specific word choices contribute to meaning and tone
• Read and comprehend literature, including stories, dramas, and poems, independently and proficiently
• Analyze how a text's organization or overall structure contributes to meaning
• Establish a personal connection within various forms of literature in regards to personal faith, family, and community
• Reading: 
  • We read the following 3 novels
    • The Outsiders by S. E. Hinton
    • The Puzzling World of Winston Breen by Eric Berlin
    • The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne
• Writing:
  • Conduct research to answer questions by:
    • gathering relevant information from multiple print and digital sources
    • using search terms effectively
    • assessing the credibility and accuracy of sources
    • quoting and paraphrasing data and conclusions of others, avoiding plagiarism
    • using a standard format for citation (MLA)
  • Follow a writing process to produce clear and coherent writing
  • Develop narratives, including poems, about real or imagined experiences
  • Use expository writing to inform and explain a topic being examined
  • Develop an argument by introducing and supporting a claim
  • Review, revise, and edit writing with consideration for task, purpose, and audience
  • Use technology, including the Internet, to publish writing
• Grammar:
  • Agreement, Parts of Speech, adjectives vs. adverbs, complex sentences
  • Focus on prepositions
  • Demonstrate command of the conventions of English grammar and usage
  • Explain and use the eight parts of speech: noun, pronoun, verb, adjective, adverb, preposition, conjunction, interjection 

• Integers, algebraic expressions and equations
• Multi-step equations and inequalities
• Fractions, decimals, percents, exponents, and ratios
• Linear functions
• Square roots
• Geometry and Measurement - angles, area, and volume

• Structure and Function and Information Processing:
  • Characteristics of Living Things
  • Prokaryotic vs eukaryotic cells
• Matter and Energy in Organisms and Ecosystems:
  • Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration
• Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems:
  • Maintain biodiversity and ecosystem services (water purification and prevention of soil erosion)
• Growth Development and Reproduction of Organisms:
  • Asexual reproduction produces identical genetic offspring, while sexual reproduction produces genetic variation.
• Natural Selection and Adaptations:
  • Genetics
  • Mendel’s Rules
  • Exceptions to Mendel’s Rules
  • Evolution
• Engineering Design:
  • Students will evaluate solutions to a design problem taking into account the scientific principles and the potential impacts on people and the natural environment that may limit possible solutions.

• The Islamic World
• Early African Civilizations
• Medieval China
• Feudal Japan
• The Early Middle Ages
• The Crusades
• The Late Middle Ages
• The Italian Renaissance
• The German and French Renaissance
• The Reformation and the Counter-Reformation
• The Scientific Revolution
• The Age of Exploration
• The Enlightenment
• The Age of Revolution
• The Second Industrial Revolution
• Global Challenges of the 20th and 21st Centuries
  • World Wars
  • Civil Rights Movement 
  • Climate Change
    

• Develop practices to build an ongoing relationship with our loving God
• Understand God’s revelation through the Bible, Tradition, and the teachings of the Church.
• Explore the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding the Church and individual lives.
• Recognize Jesus’ mission to proclaim the Kingdom of God through His life, death, and resurrection.
• Understand the Sacraments as encounters with Jesus that strengthen faith.
• Explore Mary’s role in salvation history, including her Immaculate Conception and Assumption.
• Understand the Communion of Saints and their connection to the Church’s mission.

• Participate fully and reverently in the liturgy, sacraments, and devotions.
• Recognize the Eucharist as the source and summit of Christian life.
• Understand the connection between liturgical seasons and the life of Christ.
• Explore sacramental symbols and their role in deepening faith.
• Participate in sacramental celebrations, especially Reconciliation and Eucharist.
• Develop a deeper understanding of the Holy Days of Obligation and their significance.

• Recognize the importance of moral decision-making based on Scripture and Tradition.
• Explore the role of conscience and grace in forming virtuous habits.
• Practice Works of Mercy and Catholic Social Teaching principles.
• Identify sin as a rejection of God’s love and seek God’s mercy through Reconciliation.
• Follow the Ten Commandments and Beatitudes to live as disciples of Christ.
• Understand vocations as a call to holiness and service.

• Cultivate a deeper relationship with God through personal and communal prayer.
• Pray with Scripture, including Lectio Divina and other meditative practices.
• Participate in devotions such as the Rosary and Stations of the Cross.
• Recite traditional prayers like the Apostles’ Creed, Nicene Creed, and Acts of Faith, Hope, and Charity.
• Explore the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding prayer and spiritual growth.
• Reflect on the Lord’s Prayer and its call to trust in God’s providence.

• The instructional methods will include a variety of learning styles, visual and oral presentations, class discussions, and “hands-on” art production, but also reflective writings and quizzes. A portfolio of student assignments, sketches, and reflective writing will be kept by the student. These will be occasionally checked by the teacher for additional points. Artwork will be graded using scoring guides based on design interest, originality, craftsmanship, achievement of assignment goals and effort.  

• Students in seventh grade begin to examine the history of different genres of music and how this has impacted the instrumental skills they have learned as a class.

• Analyze and communicate strategic thinking in a variety of team-oriented games and sports in order to work cooperatively with others 
• Engage in aerobic physical activity in a variety of individual and team-oriented games of sports played in the United States
• Identify the major muscle groups used in a variety of physical activities and describe how the muscles work in pairs with one another during exercise in order to create movement
• Exhibit responsible personal and social behavior that respects self and others in regards to attitude and behavior

• 6th - 8th: We continue  with Spanish grammar, along with practical exercises and projects each quarter on topics from the curriculum, including cultural themes. Here, we explore and put all the senses to work, but in a second language. English is not spoken during Spanish class; we all speak in Spanish and practice in different ways.Laboratory, videos from the ENTRE CULTURA curriculum. By the end of 8th grade St. Alban students are available to read, write, and talk in Spanish.

• Grammar: We incorporate as much mapping out of grammar information as possible so the students have an ownership of their understanding of our language including the rules behind it.
• Reading:
  1st Quarter: To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
  2nd Quarter: And Then There were None by Agatha Christie 
  3rd Quarter: For Freedom: The Story of a French Spy by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
  • Throughout our readings, we quiz the students on their reading material to hold them accountable for their reading assignments. We use a dialectical journal which prepares students to cite sources in their research papers, and we do creative activities with groups and individually to assess our understanding of the novels.
• Vocabulary: We take time to master vocabulary - utilizing activities such as illustration, synonyms, and using in words in complex sentences. Students complete units to grow their vocabulary throughout the year.

• Properties of Real Numbers
• Solving, graphing, and writing linear equations and inequalities
• Exponential functions
• Quadratic equations
• Polynomials and Factoring
• Data Analysis
  
  

• Structure and Properties of Matter:
  • Organization of the Periodic Table
  • Atomic Theory and structure
  • Atomic composition of simple molecules and compounds
• Wave Properties:
  • Model that waves are reflected, absorbed or transmitted through materials
• Chemical Reactions:
  • Physical and chemical properties and changes
  • Chemical bonding and reactions
  • Use mathematical equations to demonstrate that matter is conserved during chemical reactions
• NGSS Forces and Interactions:
  • Motion
  • Types of Motion
  • Laws of Motion
  • Forces
  • Types of Forces
• NGSS Energy:
  • Potential vs Kinetic Energy
  • Types of Energy and its conversions 
• Engineering Design:
  • Students will analyze data from tests conducted through scientific inquiry and the experimental design process to determine best possible solutions for the problems presented.

• The World Before the Opening of the Atlantic
• Peopling of North America
• Native American Tribes
• Central and South American Empires
• Trading Kingdoms of West Africa
• Europe Before Transatlantic Travel
• Spanish Explorers
• Northwest Passage and English and French Explorers
• North American Jesuit Martyrs
• Spanish Empire in the Americas
• Colonization of North America by the French and English
• Establishment of the Thirteen British Colonies
• The Salem Witch Trials
• The French and Indian War
• The American Revolution
• The Declaration of Independence
• Forming a New Nation: Articles of Confederation
• The Constitution
• Manifest Destiny
• The Age of Jefferson
• The War of 1812
• The Age of Jackson
• Differences Between the North and the South
• Antebellum America
• The Civil War

• Develop practices to build an ongoing relationship with our loving God
• Understand God’s revelation through the Bible, Tradition, and the teachings of the Church.
• Explore the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding the Church and individual lives.
• Recognize Jesus’ mission to proclaim the Kingdom of God through His life, death, and resurrection.
• Understand the Sacraments as encounters with Jesus that strengthen faith.
• Explore Mary’s role in salvation history, including her Immaculate Conception and Assumption.
• Understand the Communion of Saints and their connection to the Church’s mission.

• Participate fully and reverently in the liturgy, sacraments, and devotions.
• Recognize the Eucharist as the source and summit of Christian life.
• Understand the connection between liturgical seasons and the life of Christ.
• Explore sacramental symbols and their role in deepening faith.
• Participate in sacramental celebrations, especially Reconciliation and Eucharist.
• Develop a deeper understanding of the Holy Days of Obligation and their significance.

• Recognize the importance of moral decision-making based on Scripture and Tradition.
• Explore the role of conscience and grace in forming virtuous habits.
• Practice Works of Mercy and Catholic Social Teaching principles.
• Identify sin as a rejection of God’s love and seek God’s mercy through Reconciliation.
• Follow the Ten Commandments and Beatitudes to live as disciples of Christ.
• Understand vocations as a call to holiness and service.

• Cultivate a deeper relationship with God through personal and communal prayer.
• Pray with Scripture, including Lectio Divina and other meditative practices.
• Participate in devotions such as the Rosary and Stations of the Cross.
• Recite traditional prayers like the Apostles’ Creed, Nicene Creed, and Acts of Faith, Hope, and Charity.
• Explore the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding prayer and spiritual growth.
• Reflect on the Lord’s Prayer and its call to trust in God’s providence.

• The instructional methods will include a variety of learning styles, visual and oral presentations, class discussions, and “hands-on” art production, but also reflective writings and quizzes. A portfolio of student assignments, sketches, and reflective writing will be kept by the student. These will be occasionally checked by the teacher for additional points. Artwork will be graded using scoring guides based on design interest, originality, craftsmanship, achievement of assignment goals and effort.  
  
  

• Eighth grade students focus on analyzing how the music around them impacts their lives and their community at large. They aim to develop a broader understanding of how music ties to culture and personal identity.

• Analyze selected skills and identify strategies to improve or refine skill technique needed to play sports
• Demonstrate an increased level of competency in scoring, and safety practices needed for a variety of individual, dual and team sports
• Apply basic knowledge of first aid for the treatment of injury within and without physical activity setting through the completion of a First Aid/CPR class
• Identify and demonstrate a variety of specific activities designed to reduce and manage stress such as step aerobics, zumba, yoga and deep breathing 

• 6th - 8th: We continue  with Spanish grammar, along with practical exercises and projects each quarter on topics from the curriculum, including cultural themes. Here, we explore and put all the senses to work, but in a second language. English is not spoken during Spanish class; we all speak in Spanish and practice in different ways.Laboratory, videos from the ENTRE CULTURA curriculum. By the end of 8th grade St. Alban students are available to read, write, and talk in Spanish.

Mrs. Stephanie Airaghi
5th - 8th ScienceEducation: I graduated with my MA in Educational Technology from Webster University in 2007 with Graduation Honors. I graduated with my BA in Elementary Education from Webster University in 2001. I was on the Dean’s List, received Departmental Honors, and graduated Magna Cum Laude. My certification is in Elementary Education from the state of MO.

Total Years Teaching: 21 Years

Total Years at SAR: 6 Years

Which subjects do you teach at St. Alban Roe? 5th-8th Grade Science

Why do you LOVE teaching at St. Alban Roe? What I love most about teaching at SAR is the incredible support that I receive from my principal, my coworkers, my parents and my students. It is quite often that a comment is spoken, a joke is made, a note is written, or a compliment is given which lets me know that I am appreciated and what I do matters! 

How has working at St. Alban Roe impacted your faith? SAR has impacted my faith by allowing me to attend Mass twice a week as a school community and broaden my understanding of Catholicism through teaching 6th grade Religion and the opportunity to pray during every class period.

Hobbies: I live on “The Hill.  I swim everyday before school, I dog-sit when needed, I love watching movies, I love to travel, and I love spending time with my daughter.

Mr. Matt Hoeckelman
Social Studies & 7th ReligionEducation: Bachelors of Science in Education (BSE) in Secondary Social Studies, minor in Psychology University of Central Missouri

Certifications: Lifetime certificate in 6-12 Social Studies; Lifetime certification in 5-9 Math, Paul VI Religious Certification 

Total Years Teaching:  27 years

Total Years at SAR:  7 years 

Why do you LOVE teaching at St. Alban Roe? I love my middle school team, we work well together to challenge our students and to prepare them for the next step. I love the support that Mrs. Smith provides for her teachers.  

How has working at St. Alban Roe impacted your faith? I am able to share my faith with my students in Religion class, be an extraordinary minister during communion, I love that I can pray with and for my classes. I am able to grow in my faith through our exploration of Sunday Scripture during on Thursday Religion class. 

Hobbies: I am an award-winning scale modeler and Youtuber with my buddy Matt2, We have the YouTube channel Modeling with the Matts. I am the moderator of the SAR Scale Model Club which has grown over the past three years. I am married, I have a son starting high school in 2025, and I live in Union, Missouri.

Mr. Joseph Prater
6th Religion & P.E.Education: Bachelor of Science in Physical Education K-12 from University of Central Missouri (UCM); Certifications in Physical Education K-12, Health K-12 and Special Education:  Mild/Moderate Cross Categorical K-12 
Total Years Teaching: 13 Years

Total Years at SAR: 6 Years

Which subjects do you teach at St. Alban Roe? 6th Grade Religion and Physical Education for all grades.

Why do you LOVE teaching at St. Alban Roe? I enjoy the camaraderie of the faculty and staff working together for the common good of the school and parish in order to collaborate and support one another while being able to positively impact student lives on a daily basis to mold them for the present and future.

How has working at St. Alban Roe impacted your faith? SAR has impacted my faith by allowing me to attend Mass twice a week as a school community and broaden my understanding of Catholicism through teaching 6th grade Religion and the opportunity to pray during every class period.

Hobbies: I enjoy fishing, frog hunting, bike riding, watching and playing sports, spending time with family and friends, and cheering on the St. Louis Blues and Cardinals, Kansas City Chiefs, Georgia Bulldogs, St. Louis University Billikens, Notre Dame Fighting Irish and University of Central Missouri Mules and Jennies.    

Jennifer Stadelman
MathEducation: My degree is in Biomedical ENgineering. I have a B.S. from Saint Louis University and a M.S. from Marquette University.
Total Years Teaching:  2 Years

Total Years at SAR:  2 Years

Which subjects do you teach at St. Alban Roe? 6th-8th Grade Math

Why do you LOVE teaching at St. Alban Roe? Each day becomes a fun new challenge working with all the students on meeting their mathematical needs and answering all of their creative questions.

How has working at St. Alban Roe impacted your faith? My faith has been impacted through student-led daily prayer and weekly Masses with my students and the faculty.

Hobbies: Crafts, reading, and needle point.