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