Middle School (6-7-8) Religion
School Year 2020-2021
Teacher: Ms. Kathleen Kenney
kkenney@sjbdel.org
Dear 6th, 7th, and 8th Grade Parents, Guardians and Students:
Welcome to the 2020-2021 school year!
My joy of learning began at St. John the Beloved as a student. My all time favorite teacher, Sr. Spinola, was truly a teacher ahead of her time. She believed that every student can and should excel in their work. To this day, I marvel at her ability to draw the best out of every student who sat in front of her. Her focus was always on the learning never on the grade! Thus, my philosophy is all about the learning, with limited focus on the grade.
And so, it is with the Franciscan spirit of Sr. Spinola that I begin my 46th year in education at my home parish. I have taught both intermediate and middle school and have worked for many years at the administrative level. I am looking forward to working in partnership with you as together we teach and experience the Catholic faith with your children.
Classroom Expectations
My classroom expectations are very simple- act as Jesus would act in all situations, take personal responsibility for your actions, treat each other fairly and with kindness, and do your best in your academics.
Homework
I will post homework on the webpage at the end of the school day for parent reference. Students will know at the end of each class what is expected. Assignments will be posted also in Google Classroom. If a child is absent, please refer to Google Classroom for guidance. Students are encouraged to e-mail me early in the morning if they are absent. Tests will be announced in advance and there will be adequate review in class of all material.
Grading
Along with chapter and unit tests, projects and activities, students will be evaluated on their participation and cooperation in class. Students’ grades are “ weighted” according to the guidelines set by the middle school teachers. Homework and classwork will be worth approximately 17% of the total grade. Quizzes will be worth approximately 33% of the total grade. Tests will be worth approximately 50% of the total grade.
Curriculum
This school year I will be teaching 6th, 7th, and 8th grade religion and we will be following the guidelines as set by the Diocese of Wilmington. Our focus in 6th grade will be Old Testament, in 7th grade the person of Jesus, and in 8th grade the power of the Holy Spirit in the life of the Church.
As part of the Confirmation instructional team, I will be also be working the 8th grade through their Confirmation text published by Sadlier.
The religion textbooks are considered Holy Ground, so I expect the students will treat them as such.
Finally, I hope to make this school year as special as possible for the 8th grade. Our activities will be limited due to the Covid-19 restrictions, but I will do everything possible to make the 8th grade year memorable.
Please feel free to email me with any questions as the year progresses.(KKenney@sjbdel.org)
E-mail is the best and fastest way to contact me.
May God continue to bless you and your family.
Ms. Kathleen Kenney