Welcome Parents

1. Welcome Parents Mrs. Bull, Miss Porcelli, Mrs. Allen Lbull@mmredeemer.org, jporcelli@mmredeemer.org, nallen@mmredeemer.org

2. About Mrs. Bull • Member of the parish and community for over 18 years. • Graduated from Bloomsburg University on the Dean’s List in 1991. • Teaching Certification obtained in 1991.

3. My Family Life • I have been married to my husband, Bob for 20 years….and dated for 7 years prior. WOW! • We have two children Bobby, 18 and Reanna, 15. • My mother, Mama Hreshko, is my best friend. As a class, we discuss mama quite a bit. Family is very important and something I will try to encourage this year.

4. My Belief • In the words of Saint Pio, “Pray, Hope and Don’t Worry” • Everything has its place!!!!! Organization and routine lead to success. • BUT………Enjoying what we are doing, is the key to success. We will learn in a FUN environment! We will be successful!!! Let’s have a GREAT year together!!!!!! Let the Learning Fun begin!

5. About Miss Porcelli • In High School, I completed the KYW News Studies program where I was able to write and record a report on air. • I originally started at Kutztown University as a professional writing major. • Switched majors after freshmen year • Graduated with B.S.Ed with a concentration in Language Arts in 2006. • Taught 4th grade at St. Matt’s in Northeast Philly for a year • Became a caseworker for a social services agency • Returned to teaching as a substitute teacher for Souderton, North Penn and Norristown School Districts • Decided I needed to be at a Catholic School; got a job teaching 4th grade at SJB in Hatboro • When the school closed, I was hired here as 5th grade teacher and moved up to 6thgrade 2 years ago.

6. My Family • I was born in Philly, but because my father is from NY, I consider NY my 2nd home! • I am the youngest of 3. • I am the proud Aunt of 2 beautiful little darlings, Frankie (the Tank, 4 yrs old) and Colleen (Sweet Pea, 2 yrs old)! I’m sure you’ll hear plenty about them this year. I especially like to include them in my writing.

7. My Beliefs • Your children will hear me say over and over again this year “It’s all good” and “it happens”. I believe that no matter what happens, we can make something great out of it and still be successful. We can’t always control what happens around us or to us, but we can control how we act and how much we put into things we do. No matter what happens, these children will receive 100% from me, and I ask the same from them. I know that without a doubt, these kids can and will be successful!

8. About Mrs. Allen • I graduated from East Stroudsburg University in 1998 with a dual Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and Special Education. • I have taken classes towards my Master’s degree in Health Education at Arcadia University. • I also attended the school of Integrative Nutrition in New York City and received my Holistic Health Coach certificate; and around the same time I attended Montgomery County Community College and received my personal training certification. • I previously taught at East Penn School District in the Lehigh Valley for 8 years. During those years, I taught 3rd, 4th and 5th grade. • When my children were born, I decided to stay-at-home with them, but I knew I would always be back in the classroom!!!

9. My Family • I am married to my wonderful husband, Ed. We just celebrated our 10th anniversary over the summer. • We have two children. Our daughter, Olivia is 9 and our son, Joseph is 6 years old. • I am part of a very close knit family, and I feel very blessed that my immediate family all live close by. • The students will hear me talking a lot about my family “camping” trips! • I am so happy to be a part of the MMR family. I truly enjoy being a part of this community, and I look forward to the year ahead.

10. My Beliefs • It is my belief that all children are unique and possess many talents. • I will encourage and properly guide all my students to work to their full potential and achieve their goals. • I strive to have a “worry free” classroom where we work as a team helping and supporting one another.

11. Our daily practice…. • It is simple…Supply and Demand! We demand, and they supply! • Parents and Teachers are a partnership. Let’s work together to make this a great year. The best way we can be contacted is through e-mail at: Lbull@mmredeemer.org, jporcelli@mmredeemer.org, or nallen@mmredeemer.org . We will be happy to respond within 24 hours. Please e-mail us if your child will be sick so we know to send home books! • Let’s be a great team!

12. A COHESIVE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT • The sixth grade teachers work as a team to create units that are cross-curricular. • These units center around new technology practices including iPads, Moviemaker, Prezi, Today's Meet, podcasts, blogging and so much more! • This year we will be working together to incorporate the topics of Saints, Willy Wonka, Journey to Center of the Earth, Space, and Africa. • Multiple grades for the same assignment allow students to study a topic in depth. • Because we use technology daily, each student will need their own personal ear buds. We do have a few spares to share.

13. Religion • We will use the Christ our Life series this year. • We will journey through the Old Testament. • Each student has received their own Bible. They will be sent home to be decorated now that they have been blessed by Msgr. Conway this morning. • We are switching things up a little this year, students will not need to dress up as their saint. More info to come…

14. Confirmation • The date has been set for Confirmation. Confirmation will be Friday, February 28 and Saturday, March 1. • We will begin Confirmation preparation after Christmas break. • Confirmation presentation mass is scheduled for Sunday, November 24th at the 12:30 mass. • Confirmation retreat is scheduled for January 25, from 9 – 1PM at school. • Confirmation booklets will be distributed to the students. We will handle the preparation in school. • The students are required to do a major Saint project as preparation. This project will be due November 1and will involve creating a board game that details the life and struggles their saint on their way to sainthood. As time gets closer, don’t worry, you’ll have very detailed directions!

15. Father Whittingham Fridays • We are lucky enough to call Father Whittingham our fourth 6th grade teacher! • He comes into the classroom on Friday afternoons to help teach us about the Old Testament, the Gospel, Confirmation, and answer any questions that we have.

16. Science • We will transition to the middle school Lab Learner Program. • We will begin processing lab reports with substance this year. We will begin the year working on Lab Reports together and gradually the students will be solely responsible. • Our Lab day will be Tuesday this year, please remind the girls to pull their hair back. • Students will have Science homework every night in the form of study. They should study notes and website for 15 minutes daily. • In the Science Lab this year, I will be working on teamwork skills. We will be learning how to participate as a team in different role positions. • Need extra Science help – I am here every Tuesday morning at 7:30 to help. No reservation required … just show up!

17. Math • This is a routine subject. Practice, Practice, Practice • MMR will be adhering to the National Common Core Standards. • Our goal is to tie Math into everyday needs and understanding. • We will be participating in First in Math this year. • Need extra help in math…extra help is available Wednesday mornings at 7:30 in Mrs. Bull’s room!

18. ELA • ELA (English Language Arts) is all about communication! • Students will be taught how to communicate effectively in real world situations. • They will learn new words and spellings from books and texts we are reading. • We will take a look at grammar and conventions in our own writing and in the writing of materials we are reading. • We will be reading a variety of materials including novels, scientific articles, informational texts, poetry, fables, and even Shakespeare! • We want students to take these reading, writing, listening, and presentation (communication) skills and apply them to all subjects and areas of their lives now and in the future.

19. Social Studies • The focus this year will be on the Eastern Hemisphere • Geography, History, Culture • Students will be responsible for completing both individual and group projects on various countries throughout their units of study • The curriculum will be closely linked to the various units of study in the students’ other classes • Multiple technologies will be used for the research and presentation of the students’ work

20. 21st Century Learner • We are committed to the 21st century learner. • 21st century learning is committed to being able to apply problem solving and critical thinking to the learning process. • We will work in large and small groups. We are firm believers in the success of the small group. • Your student will learn to not only understand a concept but to apply it. • Students will not be given answers but encouraged to learn how to research and find the answer. • Technology, Technology, Technology!

21. 21st Century Learners 2012-2013 • We want to share with you some of the things last year’s class accomplished – it’s still amazing to think of all they did!

22. Grading • Grades will be posted on Gradelinkas soon as we have them recorded. At times, it could be the same day. • All assessments are equally distributed toward their total grade.

23. Homework • If homework is not handed in on time, it will be a deduction from their homework grade. • All homework is posted on the website daily. Please check all the respective teachers’ websites. • If students have a question during their homework, feel free to have them contact us through email. We will respond to them as soon as possible. It is possible that we will even get to them within the first hour. We are here to help. • Typically , a sixth grade student should spend between 1 hour and 1 ½ hours of homework per night

24. Website • Our websites are updated at least once a day. • Although there is great information for parents on the website, our websites are geared for the students. • We will post notes and test helpful hints on the website. Students are encouraged to not only study the notes in their copybooks but also the notes on the website. • Students and parents may email me from the website but warning – it is delayed. • Students should check the site daily. • We love a student blog. We will post topics and encourage students respond to the topics. All comments are required to be approved by us before posting. We will not post blogs that are off topic. Students have been instructed to only use first names on the blog.

25. Test Folders • Every Monday, students will be given their test folder to take home and have signed. • It will contain all graded material from the previous week. We strive to have everything graded by the distribution of Monday’s test folders. • Please sign and return all tests by Wednesday in the test folder.

26. 35 + 1 Rules to Live By • Our classes have spent two days discussing respect, proper manners and basic rules. • After reading, The Essential 55 by Ron Clarke, we have comprised our own list of rules to help the students become respectful citizens. • These rules include: - Looking at the speaker when they are speaking to you. - Always say thank you when someone gives you something or does something nice for you. - Keep pencil points down. - Never ask for a reward. - Being a student is their full time job. Do your work and you will develop a strong work ethic.

27. Teacher Wish List Your trash is a classroom of treasures…. If you think we can use it, we probably can! Please ask! Things we would love to have: - Old digital cameras that are of no use to your family - Old Laptops can be put to use to make mini computer labs in our classroom. Even without internet connection, they are still valuable to our classroom. - Old bean bags that can make our reading nooks a little more comfortable.

28. Mission StatementMission StatementThe Mission of Mary, Mother of the Redeemer School is to recognize the uniqueness of each child and to provide a quality Catholic Education, enlivened by faith, hope and love that is proud, progressive and motivated to meet the needs of our 21st century students.

29. Thank you! We hope that you enjoyed the presentation and that it gives you a good idea of all of the amazing things we have planned this year! Please do not hesitate to contact any one of us if you have questions! Thank you and have a great night!