-
Grade 6Taught by: Mrs. Egert
B.S. from U of I in Environmental Sciences & my M.A.T. (Masters of Arts in Teaching) from Webster University in St. Louis.
I have been teaching at Montini since 2006 and have two daughters who go to school here! Along with being a 6th grade homeroom teacher, I teach middle school science and engineering.At Montini, we believe middle school science should be a hands-on learning experience for students. Our students participate in at least 3 lab days a week. 6th grade science focuses on students observing, questioning, and testing like scientists. There is a heavy emphasis for 6th graders on learning how to use proper measurement techniques, following and creating a lab procedure, collecting data, and analyzing the data in graphs or in written expression. This curriculum will help students have a better understanding of their world and create the building blocks for their future science classes. For more detailed information, check out my website at egertscience.com.6th graders have this class 3 days a week, while 7th & 8th graders have it 4 days a week. This year's focus is to expose students to an engineering curriculum that emphasizes problem solving skills and team building challenges. Students will use math, science, and imagination to examine the world around them. Students will be using the Engineering Design Process to complete projects, which involves asking questions, understanding and following criteria and constraints, brainstorming ideas, designing solutions, building models & products, testing, redesigning, and modifying. Come visit our classroom to check out our current projects and our project board. It is amazing what these students have accomplished!!!
-
Grade 7
Taught By: Ms. Gorniak-Springer
I earned my Bachelor of Arts degree in English, along with an endorsement in the Foundations of Education, from Northern Illinois University (NIU) in the spring of 2015. I began my teaching career at McHenry High School–West Campus before realizing that my true passion was working with middle school students. That journey led me to Montini, where I quickly found my teaching home. Montini also holds personal significance for me—my father attended the school, and my son is currently a student here as well.I currently teach Literature and Language Arts to students in grades 6–8. Our classes focus on strengthening grammar skills, expanding vocabulary, developing strong evidence-based writing, and fostering a genuine love of reading. Students participate in monthly independent reading, engage in book clubs, and study a variety of classroom novels throughout the year.
One unique feature of our English program is its extended class time, which allows for deeper learning than is typically possible in a standard class period. With double the instructional time, students are able to explore literature more thoroughly, sharpen their critical thinking skills, and build a strong foundation in language and literary analysis. This structure supports a rich learning environment and helps set our students up for long-term academic success.
-
Grade 8Taught By: Mr. Semcken
B.S. in History and a Minor in Sociology and Political Science from University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
Upon graduating in the December of 2014 I substitute taught while I transferred my teaching license to Illinois. After completing that I joined the Montini family during the 2016-2017 school year and this was my first full time teaching opportunity.
I currently teach 6 th through 8 th grade Social Studies focusing on various topics.. In 6 th grade, we travel outside the U.S. and farther back in time, with the study of ancient civilizations. We will start our studies with early humans then move into Mesopotamia, Egypt, China, Greece, and finish up with Rome. After we have studied each civilization, we conclude our studies with an art project specific to each civilizations culture. During 7 th grade, we study World Geography, we will focus on various landforms and how they have contributed to the formation of the society around the world. Then to wrap up 7 th grade the students will be required to create a dream vacation. In 8 th grade, the students will again have U.S. History but will dive deeper into the concepts first introduced in 5 th grade and will conclude the year with the Constitution test. Finally, with grades 6-8 once a week we will take a break from studying the past and focus on current events. I show the students a segment called CNN 10, it is a ten-minute news segment made for students. New episodes come out daily and each one covers different topics and after we watch the students have an assignment to find a current event article in the newspaper, magazine, or online and write up an analysis of it to share with the class. The students love this because it allows them to see what is going on in the world and many times connect what we have learned in history to daily life.
In 2017-2018, we started a tradition of a Legacy and made it our focus for the 8 th graders. We challenged them to become the leaders of the school and show the younger students what it means to be a positive role model. Some of the things they did were; be the leaders of their faith families, create and host whole school assemblies, and a number of service projects. Our 8th grade students took this to heart and have left a wonderful legacy of faith, hard work, kindness, leadership, and joy, they are definitely setting the bar high for 8 th grade classes to come. I am excited to see what this year’s 8 th graders will accomplish and what legacy they will leave behind for others to follow!
-
Religion and Art class
Taught by: Mrs. Porch
Campus Minister, Grade K-8: Art, Grade 4-8: ReligionDegrees: Bachelor of Science in Education from St. Joseph’s College, Rensselaer, IL
Masters of Arts Teaching and Leadership from St. Xavier University, Chicago, IL
I joined the Montini Catholic School team in 2016. I have 14 years of experience teaching in Catholic schools. I have over 20 years of experience working in Religious Education and Faith Formation programs. As Psalm 105 tells us to do, so shall I, “Let the hearts of those who seek the Lord, rejoice!” What a wonderful blessing it is to be a part of the Montini school family, I truly rejoice for this opportunity!
In 4th grade Religion the central topic is memorizing, understanding, and living the Ten Commandments and Beatitudes. There are many chances for song, dance, crafts, and group work to help cultivate community and learn to live in a Christlike way.
In 5th grade Religion the emphasis is on the parts and importance of the Mass, sacraments, and cultivating a personal prayer life. There are many service and prayer opportunities within each class.
In 6th grade Religion a large focus is placed on understanding the Old Testament. The Old Testament books are memorized, studied, and prayed with. The Israelites journey is studied in great detail. The 6th grade is responsible for the Jesse Tree presentation each Advent season. The curriculum builds through the prophets, and culminates with the fulfilment through Jesus Christ in the Gospels.
In 7th grade Religion the emphasis is on cultivating a personal and deep relationship with Jesus: the Way, the Truth, and the Life. The study of parables, miracles, and sacraments helps to develop a rich understanding of who Jesus is. Daily Bible study, deep prayer reflections, and partnering with 3rd grade for Mass are all part of the expectations.
In 8th grade Religion the main themes are Church History. The adventure begins with the Acts of the Apostles and works toward where we are today. All four pillars of the Catechism are presented, and the main emphasis is on developing a strong moral character. Many service projects are presented to and guided by the 8th grade, including our Faith Family groups.
The K-8 Art Program has two focuses, one is on the rich art history and studying artwork to be inspired by. The other focus is to grow in holiness and create projects that lead us to know more of our faith, virtues, and values as Christians. Weekly projects are completed at all levels, and they are integrated into Technology.
-
