Middle School Academics at Incarnation

Welcome to 6th Grade

Welcome to 6th grade at Incarnation Catholic School.  My name is Dean Ray and I am very excited to be your child’s teacher this year!We are using the religion book We Believe.  Students will not be allowed to write in these workbooks.  I would like to encourage the students to begin learning select prayers from the back of the religion book.  Grades will be taken from participation, tests and classroom projects.

In social studies we will be studying ancient civilizations of the world.  The textbook is The World.  Grades are taken from homework, class work, quizzes and tests.

Our math textbook is from Saxon Publishers.  Grades are taken from homework, class work, daily timed quizzes, and tests.

Welcome to 7th Grade

Our geography text is World Explorer.  We will be exploring cultures, demographics and physical features of countries all over the world.    Grades will be taken from homework, class work, quizzes and tests.

Welcome to 8th Grade

We will be studying American history/American government.  Our textbook is Call to Freedom.  We will begin with the American Revolution and go through the early 70’s.
Grades will be taken from homework, class work, quizzes, and tests.

Field trip opportunities include but are not limited to the following:

• The reenactment of the Battle of Collierville
• The Pink Palace Museum Science Center
• Exploring church history by touring historical churches in downtown Memphis

Welcome to 8th Grade - Algebra

My name is Michael Zientek and I will be teaching Algebra to your children. 8th grade is an exciting and challenging year in which students will grow as individuals, learners and leaders. I eagerly anticipate this school year as an opportunity to teach and learn from your child. I also look forward to communicating with you about the needs and interests of your children.??

The first year of algebra is the prerequisite for all higher-level math: geometry, algebra II, trigonometry and calculus. According to a study by the ACT, students who take algebra I, geometry, algebra II and one additional high-level math course are much more likely to succeed in college math.

In algebra, we will concentrate our study in the following areas:

• Basics (Variables, Equations, Grouping, Applications and Problem-Solving)
• Working with Real Numbers
• Solving Equations  and Problems
• Polynomials
• Applying Fractions
• Introduction to Functions
• Linear Equations
• Inequalities
• Rational and Irrational Numbers
• Quadratic Functions

I sincerely look forward to this school year and getting to know each of you and your student. I feel privileged to have the opportunity to help this 8th grade class prepare for high school. Please feel free to call, e-mail or stop by to see me.

Welcome to 8th Grade Religion

My name is Michael Zientek and I will be teaching Religion  this year. I am a cradle catholic and attended catholic grade school. I am also a Lector, Eucharistic Minister and have taught PRE over 15 years. I am presently the President of the Pastoral Council at the Catholic Church of the Resurrection.

This year in religion we will be preparing you for the Sacrament of Confirmation along with studying about Catholic Church History and Morality.  We will place special emphasis on how to live the virtues of Prudence, Fortitude, Temperance and Justice and being ambassadors of Christ.??

I sincerely look forward to this school year and getting to know each of you. I feel honored to have the opportunity to help this 8th grade class learn more about the Catholic faith. Parents please feel free to call, e-mail or stop by to see me.

Welcome to Middle School Literature at Incarnation

Middle School years are a challenge for many students and their parents. It’s all a part of growing up. I have enjoyed teaching this age group for nine years and still enjoy just as much today. I believe that although their bodies may be big, they are still children. They still want to learn, to play, to push the limit, and to love. I believe that Middle School is the time to foster all of those behaviors while still teaching students to be responsible and independent. While teaching the Math, Literature, and Religion, I give students a multitude of opportunities to practice this independent responsibility. With God as my guide and theirs, we have year full of learning, playing, and love.

Welcome to Middle School Math

My name is Kristin Schween and I teach the 8/7 Saxon Math program.  The class consists of sixth and seventh graders. We will learn percents, fractions, algebraic equations, and touch on some geometry. Grades are taken from homework/class work completed (not graded for correct answers.), quizzes and tests.  I expect students to come to class prepared, with book, paper, homework assignments and a pencil.  All tests will be announced and are generally given after every fifth lesson.  We will have timed quizzes every few weeks and I will take a grade from them.  All math papers will be sent home with your child in his/her weekly folder.

Welcome to Middle School Science

My name is Michael Zientek and I will be teaching 6th, 7th and 8th grade Science this year. 6th grade is a year of change for your child.  

Our science curriculums are designed to begin instructing your children to observe the world around them and “connect-the-dots.”  By connecting these dots, they will begin to figure out the “why’s and how’s” of many things we take for granted. The school year will have various hands-on learning activities supporting their inquisitive minds.

In 6th science, Life and Earth Science; 7th Life and Physical Science and 8th Physical Science.

• Inside Restless Earth
• Earth's Changing Surface
• Environmental Science
• Water on Earth
• Weather and Climate
• Astronomy
• Microoganisms, Fungi, and Plants
• Plants and Animals
• Cells and Heredity
• Human Body Systems
• Sound and Light
• Environmental Science
• Introduction to Matter
• Interactions of Matter
• Forces, Motion, & Energy
• Electricity and Magnetism
• Sound and Light
• Environmental Science

Also, staying current with the ever changing world of science will be expected of each student. Therefore, a one-page current event report will be due each Friday.   

I am really looking forward to this school year and getting to know each of you and your student. I feel honored to have the opportunity to mentor this class as they enter middle school. Please feel free to call, e-mail or stop by to see me.