Middle School STEM in 2019-2020

I am excited for the chance to teach science again this year! In preparation I have been assembling science, technology, engineering, math, and even theology standards from the new Diocese of Grand Rapids Curriculum into units. Additional course information will be available on Canvas soon! 

I am looking forward to using some of the lessons I created for the Program for Inclusive education in class! I am also anxious to update some of the science units I designed during my masters of science education course work by incorporating the design thinking work I have been participating in for the last 3 years. 

This past year it was necessary to pause our garden work, but spending part of the day back in the classroom again this year offers the chance to explore options for reviving outdoor education opportunities at ASA middle school. I have pulled out my Michigan DNR Academy of Natural Resources materials, and Groundswell resources. I have also been in contact with Urban Roots and the Franciscan Life Process Center about options for some project based learning this year. 

Although I will formally assume the 4th and 5th grade STEM class in one period, STEM will be incorporated into the regular science class for 6th, 7th & 8th grade. I am also looking forward to some cross-curricular projects as well as some digital citizenship, general literacy and study skills incorporation into middle school science! I am exploring possible global connections with Level Up Village again, and also plan to have students set growth goals, reflect on and track their own academic progress, and assemble a portfolio of their learning. 

I have always approached teaching science through the lens of Catholic Social Teaching. First and foremost, everything we learn will be assessed by how it promotes and protects the dignity of all human beings! Second, I aim to connect science knowledge and skills back to service to others and civic engagement. 

Although we will not have an Invention Convention as it has existed for the past 2 years, we will have an end of the year exam and capstone project that students will have a chance to present to an audience in some fashion. Stay tuned for more details! 

At ASA We Believe We Are One, and we are blessed with an amazing professional team! While I am in the classroom the office staff and Mrs. Gibson will be the first line of assistance if needed. Please know that I will continue to monitor email, but will not plan to respond during instructional time unless I am contacted by the office with a pressing priority. 

-Miss Giroux-

Meet Miss Simmons!

Miss Simmons and Her Brothers

Dear ASA Family,

My name is Rosie Simmons. I am beyond excited to start the school year teaching  in kindergarten! This will be my first year teaching and I cannot wait to learn and grow along with the kindergartners.

My journey into education began at Blessed Sacrament in kindergarten and first grade. I knew I wanted to be a teacher since day one in kindergarten! I taught 4th grade religious education during high school and college. I love being able to share and grow in our faith.  I graduated in May of 2018 from Aquinas College with a degree in Elementary Education, Mathematics, and Learning Disabilities.  Last school year, I student taught in a fourth grade classroom and a resource room.  I was blessed to end the year at All Saints working with kindergartners and first graders.

I have two brothers both of whom will be serving in the Navy by the end of September. Egan will be celebrating his third year in the Navy this September.  Carl will be at boot camp at the beginning of the month.

I am looking forward to the beginning of the school year!

God Bless,
Rosie Simmons

History of All Saints Academy - Founding School Alumni Stories

During the 10 year celebration of All Saint Academy we were blessed to collect some memories from alumni from our four founding parish schools! 

Christine Cybulski, a St Isidore alumna, shared memories of hot dog lunches once a month, color days so uniforms could be dry cleaned, Christmas caroling in the neighborhood and collecting money, selling World's Finest Chocolate, and selling candy in the candy store. 

Lori Borek shared her fondest memory of Blessed Sacrament. In 8th grade Lori was upset to be passed over for the court for May Crowning. A teacher, Mrs. Skorupski, invited her to MC the event. Lori shared being nervous, but looking back is grateful for being given the chance to build her confidence! 

Dave Pietrowicz, also a Blessed Sacrament graduate, shared how the education he received at Blessed Sacrament built the foundation for his career in education. 

Angela Mitchell, current ASA Middle School Administrative Assistant and a Blessed Sacrament alumna, was happy to be welcomed into the 4th grade at Blessed Sacrament after relocating from the east side of the state.  Her favorite memories are of the school carnivals and sports.  Events for the carnival were spread out all over the school building.  Angela enjoyed running around with friends to play games, eat popcorn, and win cakes and bottles of pop.  She played every sport available in middle school at Blessed Sacrament; softball, volleyball, basketball, and cheerleading!  Every girl in her class played on the softball team.  They were able to get to know each other better outside of the classroom because of this! 

 It is always great to hear what our extended family is doing! In our Season of The Saints publications we have begun highlighting All Saints Academy Alumni stories! If you have an  Alumni story from ASA or one of our founding parish school to share please contact either of our school office! 

Welcome, Mrs. Gibson!

My name is Laurie Gibson and I am excited to be the interventionist at All Saints Academy. I feel very blessed and honored to be part of such a wonderful school, community and staff.

My family and I have been parishioners at St. Roberts since we moved here 16 years ago.  I have two college aged children who both attend GVSU.  My son graduated from Catholic Central a year ago.  My husband is also an educator and is currently the Dean of Students/AD at St. Thomas.

I come to All Saints from Forest Hills Public schools where I taught 4th and 5th grade for many years.  This will be my 27th year teaching and I have enjoyed them all! I look forward to enjoying many more with the students at All Saints and am excited about being able to share my Catholic faith along the way.

Over the years I have had the privilege and found joy in teaching diverse populations of kids. I have always found it fun getting to know each child and what their unique needs might be.  Striving to meet those needs has at times been challenging but has also proven very rewarding as well. I am eager to begin building relationships with students and instilling a love of learning as the interventionist at All Saints.

 I look forward to getting started and a great year of learning ahead. Please feel free to to stop in and introduce yourself if you see me in the room, I would love to meet you!

Blessings,
Laurie Gibson