How Well Do You Know The Middle School Teachers?

Guess Who! 

Match middle school staff members to a brief description of themselves below! 

Answers at the bottom of this post. 

Who am I #1?

I would describe myself as a people person. I have lived in three different homes during my life, but all in Grand Rapids, Michigan.  If I could move anywhere in the world, I’d live in Hilton Head, South Carolina because I love the sun and the sand. If I could select a different career, I would study computer and secretary skills so that I could become a receptionist. If I had thirty minutes of free time right now, I’d choose to read! My favorite subject in middle school was religion.  I didn’t have a favorite book in middle school, but the best gift I ever received was my guitar.  If I could relive my middle school years, I’d tell a teacher about the bullies!

Who am I #2?

I would describe myself as patient. I have lived in one place during my life - the Grand Rapids area.  If I could move anywhere in the world, I’d live in Grand Mardis, Minnesota because North Woods and outdoor activities are appealing. If I could select a different career, I would study film making so that I could become a documentary producer. If I had thirty minutes of free time right now, I’d choose to sleep. My favorite subject in middle school was recess. My favorite book was The Screwtape Letters and the best gift I ever received was a puppy.  If I could relive my middle school years, I’d change nothing. It made me who I am today!

Who am I#3?

I would describe myself as caring. I have lived in eight different places during my life including Cincinnati, Cleveland, and Columbus, Ohio.  I’ve also lived in Fort Wayne, Indiana; Concord, New Hampshire; Richmond, Virginia; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; and Grand Rapids, Michigan. If I could move anywhere in the world, I’d live in Australia because it seems fun, and I wouldn’t have to learn a new language. If I could select a different career, I would study math and science so that I could become an engineer. If I had thirty minutes of free time right now, I’d choose to check my fantasy sports lineups.  My favorite subject in middle school was math. My favorite book in middle school was Lord of the Rings, and the best gift I ever received was a Gameboy Color.  If I could relive my middle school years, I’d be nicer to my siblings.

Who am I #4?

I would describe myself as positive. I have lived in one place during my life; right here in Grand Rapids, Michigan. If I could move anywhere in the world, I’d live in Toronto, Canada because we always went there when I was a kid because my dad is from there. We’d always go to see my cousins, aunt, and uncle. It is my home away from home. If I could select a different career, I would study media (radio, TV) so that I could become a D.J. or TV Reporter. If I had thirty minutes of free time right now, I’d choose to go for a ride with my family.  My favorite subject in middle school was woodshop class. My favorite book was a tie between Sounder and Where the Red Fern Grows. The best gift I ever received was my faith.  If I could relive my middle school years, I’d study more and not get my ankle run over by a school bus. 😏

Who am I #5?

I would describe myself as playful. I have lived in four places during my life. I grew up in Latrobe, Pennsylvania. We moved to Utica, then Grand Rapids and I now live in Comstock Park, Michigan. If I could live anywhere in the world, I’d live in a different place every year so that I could explore.  If I could select a different career, I would study literature so that I could become a writer. If I had thirty minutes of free time right now, I’d choose to take a long walk outdoors. My favorite subjects in middle school were art and woodshop. My favorite book was looking through the Scholastic Book orders wishing I could get one. The best gift I ever received was the birth of my children. If I could relive my middle school years, I’d not be afraid of what others thought of me.

Who am I #6?

I would describe myself as inquisitive. I have lived in three places during my life.  I have lived in Grand Haven, Grand Rapids and Holland. If I could move anywhere in the world, I’d live in Tanzania because it is beautiful there and the people are so welcoming. If I could select a different career, I would study reflexology so that I could become a massage therapist. If I had thirty minutes of free time right now, I’d choose to sleep.  My favorite subject in middle school was math. My favorite book was Pride and Prejudice, and the best gift I ever received was handmade Jesse Tree ornaments .  If I could relive my middle school years, I would pass. Those years are a part of who I am today. 

Who am I #7?

I would describe myself as optimistic. I have lived in Grand Rapids, Michigan my whole life.  If I could move anywhere in the world, I’d live in a motorhome and tour the USA for a year, because I’d love to explore our country at my own pace. If I could select a different career, I would study nursing so that I could become a traveling nurse. If I had thirty minutes of free time right now, I’d choose to have coffee in front of a fire with a friend. My favorite subject in middle school was gym, my favorite book was Glass Castle, and the best gift I ever received was a certain student handing in ALL their work before break!  (s/he knows who s/he is!).  If I could relive my middle school years, I’d speak up more for some other kids.

Who am I #8?

I would describe myself as curious. I have lived in nine places during my life.  I have lived in Wyoming, Kalamazoo, Muskegon, and Grand Rapids.  If I could move anywhere in the world, I’d live in Italy because I’d love to see all the art in the old churches. If I could select a different career, I would study dinosaurs so that I could become a paleontologist. If I had thirty minutes of free time right now, I’d read a science fiction book. My favorite subject in middle school was science and band. My favorite book was Star Trek books and the best gift I ever received was a toy dinosaur.  If I could relive my middle school years, I’d not worry about what other kids thought of me.

Who am I #9?

I would describe myself as confident. I have lived in two places during my life. I have lived in Dearborn Heights and Grand Rapids. If I could move anywhere in the world, I’d live in Switzerland because it is a beautiful country and everyone was really nice there. If I could select a different career, I would study math so that I could become a cryptographer. If I had thirty minutes of free time right now, I’d choose to sleep or work on my quilt.  My favorite subject in middle school was math or band. My favorite book was Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, and the best gift I ever received was a trip to Hawaii.  If I could relive my middle school years, I’d be more involved in extracurricular activities.

Who am I #10?

I would describe myself as “meh”. I have lived in four places during my life.  I have lived in Lansing and Grand Rapids, Michigan and I went to college in Dayton, Ohio.  If I could move anywhere in the world, I’d live in the mountains because I just want some nice scenery. If I could select a different career, I would study engineering so that I could become a better problem-solver. If I had thirty minutes of free time right now, I’d choose to take a nap. My favorite subject in middle school was science. My favorite book was Goosebumps and the best gift I ever received was Legos.  If I could relive my middle school years, I’d do more to make sure the kids around me were having a positive school experience.

Who am I #11?

I have lived in five places during my life. I have lived in Grand Rapids, Mount Pleasant, South Bend, Memphis and Rockford. If I could move anywhere in the world, I’d live in Belize because I love the culture. If I could select a different career, I would study law so that I could become a sports agent. If I had thirty minutes of free time right now, I’d hit golf balls on the driving range.  My favorite subject in middle school was Social Studies. My favorite book was Congo, and the best gift I ever received were Air Jordan XI’s.  If I could relive my middle school years, I’d get to know more of my classmates.  I’d also hide things around the school (ASA) so I could find them as the principal.

Who am I #12?

I would describe myself as a crafty person. I have lived in five different places during my life in Grand Rapids and Rockford, Michigan. If I could move anywhere in the world, I’d live in North or South Carolina because it’s warmer than Michigan and hopefully north enough from hurricanes. If I could select a different career, I would study art so that I could become an artist. If I had thirty minutes of free time right now, I’d choose to go swimming or play cards with my family.  My favorite subject in middle school was art. My favorite book was Mrs. Piggle Wiggle, and the best gift I ever received was a jewelry box.  If I could relive my middle school years, I’d not be so hard on myself.

   

#1 Mrs. Clark

#2 Mrs. Patterson

#3 Mr. Kress

#4 Mr. Fillman

#5 Mrs. Ockaskis 

#6 Miss Giroux 

#7 Mrs. Zimelis

#8 Mr. Palmieri 

#9 Miss Herdegen

#10 Mr. Matlak

#11 Mr. Debri

#12 Mrs. Livingston

Merry Christmas from ASA

Looking Back: 

A Few 2018 Celebration Pictures

Eaglefest Pie Throwing & Root Beer Float Celebrations: 
Students that sold 20 or more raffle tickets earned a pie to throw in the face of a participating ASA staff member. All students were given the opportunity to celebrate total raffle ticket sales of over 2,500 with a root beer float! 
 

 Middle School Band Performing the Anthem for Local Grand Rapids Teams: 

 Elementary Christmas Program: 

A Parent and Middle School Student Perspective

Before 2018 Christmas Band Concert

Middle School Band

From a 5th Grade Parent: 

I wanted to let you know how happy our family was at the recent Band Concert.  This being our first year participating in band, we did not know what to expect.  Well, I can tell you that the concert was something I would have paid to see.

Andrew has been enjoying getting to know his instrument and it is thrilling to hear him use words like, "measure" and other "music" words new to our vocabulary!

When we rented Andrew's instrument, the gentleman that helped me made a point of telling me that he thought the world of Mr. Palmieri.  He said that I should know what an amazing teacher he is.  The man went on to say that he communicates with many schools, and Mr. Palmieri is nothing short of amazing.  

After last week's band concert, I know he was right.  I was blown away and moved to tears.  My husband and I looked at each other several times as if to say, "Can you believe how amazing this is?"

I just wanted to share this with you because I am a big believer in giving kudos whenever something strikes me as exceptional.  ASA's band program is exceptional.  Thank you so much.
  With a Grateful Heart,
  Mrs. Andrea Beye

Anthem Performance at Drive Game

5th Grade Student Perspective: 

When I first started band I struggled. I couldn’t understand most of the notes, but by November, I started to get better, and currently I understand most all the notes and even know some notes we didn’t learn yet.

I didn’t understand most notes (but i was getting better) a week before the Band Concert at West Catholic, so I had to learn fast. I decided to do a song called “Crusader’s March” for my solo, which isn’t too hard. Honestly, I think I did really good  since this is only the third month we’ve had instruments, so i couldn’t be perfect.

At home, I practice at least four times a week, so I can improve. I’m learning the National Anthem, and it’s really fun! 

Band is really fun and I always look forward to it every day. I really love to make nice music on my trombone. Band is super fun so I’ll rate it 10/10.

The Band Concert was also really fun. Doing a solo in front of at least 200 to 250 people is crazy. I can’t believe I did that! I was really nervous, but I did good!

Drew Beye

Anthem Performance at Griffins Game

Eaglefest 2018 by the Numbers

By the Numbers

The All Saints Academy community once again rose to the occasion this past
November as we set a record for the most money raised at our Eaglefest Auction-
$73,817.
This year was so much fun with a slightly different format with games, bucket raffles,
and an opportunity to give back to our four founding parishes.
Check out some of the numbers from Eaglefest below…

$55,412

Net donation going back to the school

$12,575

Raised to improve security

$4,016

Amount given back to our four founding parishes

262

Attendees

1

Unforgettable night

7th Grade Market Day

Seventh Grade Money Maker: Market Day

One dollar or thirty, Market Day was a success for every seventh grade student as each walked away with a profit after their two day sale in the ASA Middle School gym.

According to Caleb,  “It really went well. We had a rush right away, probably because we advertised so well, and our product of slime and candy butterflies were priced well, too. “

“Our products were really well made and detailed. We chose to make fandom products...things like specific characters’ wands from Harry Potter  and stickers and bookmarks from Hunger Games and Maze Runner. We did a good job of surveying and picking books our audience would like.”

This English language arts unit taught the seventh graders a bit about the free enterprise system as each was challenged to create a product, mass produce it, calculate a marketable price, and then retail it using advertising techniques including testimonial, bandwagon, and loaded language. Studying their audience of 4th - 8th graders was key in deciding on a product and price. 

“My pencil flag toppers sold better than I expected them to. I knew through surveying that we had football fans here at ASA, but I found out there are more than I thought,” stated Nick.

Abby recalled, “I wanted to make something that was winter themed. I looked on Pinterest and decided on white sock bunnies because everyone has seen the sock snowmen. They didn’t sell at first to the younger students, but then the 8th grade came in, and I sold out!” One eighth grader was overheard saying she now had a cute locker buddy!

After all was said and done, what were a few lessons learned and advice to next year’s seventh grade? Whether selling painted rocks, bookmarks, beaded bracelets, stress balls, or spongies, making them for a specific audience by researching what colors, teams, and trends the audience is interested in is important. Watching how much you spend on making the product is important, too. Don’t spend so much that you have to price your item too high for middle school students. Lastly, don’t be nervous. Take a risk! You’ll probably sell better than you think you will. 

Dear Parents...about THAT kid

Forming Saints to Serve ALL 

"I will advocate for your child and family to receive the highest quality of specialist services, and I will cooperate with those professionals to the fullest possible extent.
I will make sure your child gets extra love and affection when she needs it most.
I will be a voice for your child in our school community.
I will, no matter what happens, continue to look for, and to find, the good, amazing, special, and wonderful things about your child.
I will remind him and YOU of those good, amazing, special, wonderful things, over and over again."

From: Dear Parent: About THAT Kid

All Saints Academy CLC introductory letter

Advent 2018

Preparing for Christmas at ASA

Kids Food Basket Trail Mix assembly December 19

9:00 Elementary Campus

1:00 Middle School Campus

Collections Items by grade level:

    K and 4: Cheddar crackers

    1 and 6:  Pretzels (mini-twists)

    2 and 5:  Oat cereal (ex. Cheerios)

    3 and 8:  Raisins

             7: Snack size ziplock bags

             Pre-K will decorate bags for sack suppers.

   $1 Jean Days for Kids Food Basket Dec. 7, 14 and 21

• Band Concert at West Catholic - 5-8 Dec 4th 7pm
• Elementary Christmas Program at Blessed Sacrament - Dec 10 6:30pm
• Christmas program at Aquinata Hall -  K-4 Dec. 19

ASA Saint Art Installed!

One in The Body of Christ 

Forming Saints to Serve All

1 Corinthians 12:12 says, “There is one body, but it has many parts. But all its many parts make up one body. It is the same with Christ.”

Reflecting this unity in diversity, we at All Saints Academy are excited that we have installed a beautiful, new, one-of-a-kind painting by artist John McCoy in the entryway of our middle school campus. At All Saints Academy, “We Believe We Are One” community of unique learners developing our talents to serve God and others.  

At the center of the piece we see the Blessed Sacrament with St. Jude, Our Lady of Perpetual Help, St. Isidore and St. Alphonsus on either side, a reference to the four parishes who established All Saints Academy (Blessed Sacrament, St. Isidore, St. Jude, and St. Alphonsus, where the Redemptorist community who ministers there is devoted to Our Mother of Perpetual Help).

Since we are All Saints Academy, we chose to include more saints to represent the entire body of Christ. Students and ASA staff helped identify eight additional saints who exemplify ASA’s core values, Faith, Learning, Loving and Serving: 

• Cecilia - Patroness of musicians
• Sebastian - Patron of athletes and soldiers 
• Albert the Great - A doctor of the Church and “universal thinker” whose interests included science, ethics, logic, philosophy, psychology and theology, and who demonstrates the  pursuit of truth
• Joan of Arc - Defender of faith, and an example of both contemplation and action 
• Juan Diego - A native to Mexico and a convert; news of his encounters with Our Lady of Guadalupe caused thousands to convert to Christianity  
• Kateri Tekakwitha- The first Native American to be canonized a saint; the patroness of ecology and the environment, she is also inspiration for missionaries, those in exile and those adopted
• Elizabeth Ann Seton - First native-born U.S. saint and founder of the nation’s first Catholic girls’ schools. Elizabeth was a prolific reader, both a wife and mother, and also a religious sister and foundress of the Sisters of Charity 
• Teresa of Calcutta - Foundress of the Missionaries of Charity and a modern exemplar of a life lived in loving service to others 

All of these saints, with their various gifts and missions, remind us that as All Saints Academy strives to “Form Saints to Serve All,” the saints we form will choose various professions focusing their talents and honoring God. This beautiful painting reflects the unity of the body of Christ and also demonstrates diversity among our gifts, all with the Eucharist at the center.

We were blessed to have Mr. John McCoy stay in Grand Rapids while he painted One in The Body of Christ. He worked in Thaddeus to stretch the 6 x 12 foot canvas, and then paint. As John began sketches for the piece he visited the 4 ASA parishes to seek inspiration from both community and art. During his stay John was able to meet and share a number of meals with ASA families.  

To both protect and also highlight our new Saint art a one of a kind frame was designed and assembled. Due to a generous donation from Mr. Jim Steffens we were able to reclaim wood from the old St Alphonsus bleachers for the frame. Shane Kamps, cousin of ASA alum Bianne Robach, and his assistant John Michael Lunt constructed the frame and installed the art. 

It was a blessing to welcome both John McCoy and Shane Kamps to Eaglefest 2018 to “unveil” One in The Body of Christ and thank the donors that helped make this project possible last year at Eaglefest 2017. 

Related post from Catholicschools4u.org

5th Grade Global Partnerships

World Water Crisis 

by Drew Beye, Ryan McGavin, Addison Dewolf, Dean Armock & Nick Schaab

We have been learning about the global water crisis in science class. We’ve been partnering with kids in Jordan with Level Up Village so we are experiencing a country that probably doesn’t have water as clean  as we do in the US.

Everyone has enjoyed making videos and chatting with an all boys school in Jordan. In our videos we talk about where we get our water and if it is safe to drink. So we are designing different water filters and seeing how good they work, Why? Or Why not.

We think Level Up Village is a great learning tool. When our partners get our videos they will watch them and then comment or answer our questions or comments. LUV (Level Up Village) is our favorite project so far at ASA. Sometimes it can be hard to understand our partners because English isn’t their first language naturally. We learned that some of them were born in the USA and moved to Jordan.

The water filter project was really fun, not only was it fun we got to attempt to save lives! We designed water filters as a science project where we got dirty water and tried to make it clean. Not many people succeeded, but many were very close. Overall this was by far a really cool experience for everybody in 5th grade including whoever experienced it too. We’ve never done anything like this and we thought it was just awesome! It was by far the best and when we say this I think we speak for the whole class.

All (people can be) Saints Academy

“Saints don’t give up!” - Gavin McKinney

During our All School Mass for All Saints Day Fr. George challenged us that we can all become Saints. Regardless of size, looks, resources, talents, with God’s help we can all work towards sainthood! 

As part of our All Saints Day celebration the 8th grade class treated us to 2 plays about 2 normal people who went on to become great Saints, St Bernadette and St Nicholas. 

St. Bernadette of Lourdes received several visions from the Virgin Mary starting in 1858. When she shared these visions people didn’t believe her and tried to force her to change her story. She refused and continued to tell people about Mary’s and the miraculous healing water that sprung up at the sight of her visions. Eventually a Church was built at the sight that people still visit to this day. 

St. Nicholas was a Bishop in Myra. Legends of his generosity and gift-giving transformed St Nicholas the man into the legendary character known as Santa Claus. One such legend tells how St Nicholas secretly put 3 bags of money inside the house (by tossing them down a chimney or in a window so they landed by stockings drying at the fireplace) of a poor father who couldn’t pay the dowries for his 3 daughters to get married. 

Some of the insights students gained from these these performances are that:
“The little things count.” 
“You have to be humble.” 

Great job, 8th grade!!! 

At All Saints Academy we are Forming Saints to Serve ALL! 

Eagle Award 2018

Congratulations to Deb Westveer, the 2018 Eagle Award Winner!

The Eagle Award is presented each year by the Home and School Association to a member of the ASA community in acknowledgement of his or her extraordinary contribution to the success of All Saints Academy.

This award enhances the culture of All Saints Academy by drawing attention to those who are living our Catholic faith and supporting our school mission by holding them up as an example for others to follow.

Prior recipients of this award have included: 2011-Chris Burns; 2012-Pete and Peg Gonzalez; 2013-Mariae Firlit; 2014-Christine Jarecki; 2015-Linda Kozminski; 2016-Judy Hardy; 2017-Jon Fournier

Along with an award for them to take home, the recipient’s name will be added to a perpetual plaque that is displayed in the halls of both the elementary and middle school campuses for all to see.

While it is true that no great achievement is accomplished by the work of one person, a significantly great work like providing a well rounded Catholic education requires talented and committed people. 

Congratulations to Deb Westveer, the 2018 All Saints Academy Eagle Award winner! 

Deb Westveer was nominated by Susan Zarzecki. Below is Susan’s nomination letter...

When I think of exceptional service a few names come to mind. A name at the top of my list, and  very deserving for an Eagle award nomination, is our very own Mrs. Deb Westveer. She demonstrates our core values of, “Faith, Learning, Loving, Serving.”

Mrs. Westveer is a faithful person. She is a constant presence at mass, at church functions, such as the fish fry, and a friendly face. She is always willing to volunteer, offer a smile, and lend a hand at Mass. In the most recent years, she has been an usher at all the masses she attends.

Deb understands the importance of learning and approaches her job with love. Mrs. Westveer often has a kind word to say or an inquiry about others. She goes out of her way to discover what they like and incorporate it into activities. As a parent at All Saints Academy, I am lucky to have Mrs. Westveer as part of our village. She runs Saints Club for the Elementary campus and is there with a smile in the very early mornings, and after school until 6:00 PM. These hours are a challenge. However, she is always a loving presence in the children’s lives and makes sure to incorporate things they enjoy doing. Sometimes it is easy to fail to recognize and praise auxiliary staff. However, without the “Mrs. Westveer’s” of the world, where would we be? She has been invaluable to working parents. Her quiet kindness and Christian nature is necessary to her role, especially to those of who depend on her help with their children during non school hours. 

Finally, Mrs. Westveer is a true servant. Her duties are many. Whether is is before school, after school, at mass, or a church function, her heart of service doesn’t go unnoticed. She and her husband are there with a smile, and often lending a helping hand. While recovering last year from her knee surgery, we felt her absence. We were so glad to have her return to our All Saints Academy family after recovery.

For these reasons, and many more, Mrs. Westveer was at the top of the list for an Eagle Award, and we are so pleased she is back with us and receiving it. 

Thank you, Mrs. Westveer!

Fall 2018 at the Middle School

Fall 2018 at the Middle School

Its been a bust first few months of the school year at the All Saints Academy middle school campus. 

Take a few minutes to check out a short video reviewing some of the activities from this fall: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7v_0Xua_euA&t=1s

Pulaski Days

Each year, on the first full weekend of October, the city of Grand Rapids celebrates Pulaski Days. Pulaski Days was founded in 1973 by Ed Czyzyk and Walter Ulanch as a way to support the local social clubs by sharing Polish culture with the entire Grand Rapids community.  The annual event has now grown into a week-long celebration to be shared with friends, family, and strangers alike.

All Saints Academy joined the fun this year as we entered the parade, an annual tradition every Saturday of Pulaski Days weekend. Over 20 participants walked the mile route down Michigan St. from College Ave. down to Diamond Ave.

Even more ASA families lined the road to watch the parade, waving and collecting candy. Even though the weather forecast wasn’t the best there was a brief window that allowed us to have a great time celebrating the All Saints Academy community.

Blessing of the Pets

Celebrating the Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi

Blessing of the Pets 

Almighty and everlasting God, Creator of all things and giver of all life, let your blessing be upon all these animals. May our relationships with them mirror your love, and our care for them be an example of your bountiful mercy. Grant the animals health and peace. Strengthen us to love and care for them as we strive to imitate the love of Jesus Christ our Lord and God’s servant Francis. 

Amen.

Each year, Catholics celebrate the feast of St. Francis on October 4. St. Francis’ devotion to God was shown through his love for all of God’s creation.  He cared for the poor and sick, preached sermons to animals and praised all creatures as brothers and sisters under God.  Francis chose to live a simple life in the midst of God’s creation in order to be more like Christ. 

The students at the Elementary Campus honored St. Francis in a special way by offering a prayer service and “blessing of the pets.”  Monseigneur Ed Hankiewicz presided.  Msgr. reminded the students, staff, and families present that while the blessing certainly reached the pets present, the blessing also extends to those pets and animals throughout the ASA community.