What's happening in
What's happening in
Mrs. Lastner's
Mrs. Lastner's
ELA classes?
ELA classes?
Embedded Files
English Language Arts (ELA) classes focus on fostering literacy, critical thinking, and communication, the most essential tools for understanding the world and oneself.
As we progress through May, the end of the year vibes are continuing to grow stronger each day. I have had many chats with all of my classes about trying to stay focused so they can finish strong.
As we progress through May, the end of the year vibes are continuing to grow stronger each day. I have had many chats with all of my classes about trying to stay focused so they can finish strong.
Grade-Level Academic Focus Areas
Grade-Level Academic Focus Areas
Sixth Grade:
Sixth Grade:
We began our last vocabulary unit of the year - Unit 13, and have that test on Thursday, May 14th. The Race for Education is on 5/15, so we will not test on that day.
We began our final novel of the year, The Phantom Tollbooth, and so far the students are enjoying it. My plan is to keep the work we do while reading light and fun, so I can keep their interest high.
Final exam review guides have been posted in Google Classroom and I showed students how to find it. We discussed it and I told them we will go over it in more detail as we get closer to the exam date. The final exam schedule for all 6th grade classes is posted below:
6th grade:
Monday, 5/18 - ELA
Tuesday, 5/19 - Math
Thursday, 5/21 - SS
Please scroll down to the bottom of this page to read some information about what you need to do to have your 6th grader ready for 7th grade next year.
Seventh Grade:
Seventh Grade:
We began our last vocabulary unit of the - Unit 13, and will have that test on Thursday, May 14th. The Race for Education is on 5/15, so we will not test on that day.
If 7th graders are interested in being part of the Safety Patrol next year, please look for the application document that is linked at the bottom of this page.
We are continuing to read Refugee and discuss the important issues addressed in the book. We have had some deep conversations about the characters and their lives, and as I continue to say, the students in this class continue to amaze me!
Final exam review guides have been posted in Google Classroom and I showed students how to find it. We discussed it and I told them we will go over it in more detail as we get closer to the exam date. The final exam schedule for all 7th grade classes is posted below:
7th grade:
Monday, 5/18 - Math
Tuesday, 5/19 - Science
Wednesday, 5/20 - ELA
Thursday, 5/21 - SS
Eighth Grade:
Students are finishing out the year with two projects - an individual project and a group project. The individual project is a totem pole based on their spiritual journey since coming to SJS. The group project is creating a web site for a restorative justice program, similar to the one in the book we just finished. Students are working hard and seem to be enjoying both projects. It has been a great way to end the year!
We began our last vocabulary unit of the year on Monday - Unit 13, and instead of having our usual test, I will just incorporate those words on the final exam.
Final exam review guides have been posted in Google Classroom and I showed students how to find it. We discussed it and I told them we will go over it in more detail as we get closer to the exam date. The final exam schedule for all 8th grade classes is posted below:
8th grade
Wednesday, 5/13 - SS
Thursday, 5/14 - ELA
Monday, 5/18 - Science
Tuesday, 5/19 - Math
Looking ahead...
Race for Education
Race for Education
We’re gearing up for Race for Education on Friday, May 15th, our school's largest fundraiser of the year! Information was emailed to all parents regarding your child's personal donation page on 99 Pledges. Please note that one email was sent per child. If you did not receive the email, please email us.
We are seeking the help of local businesses interested in donating prize items, gift cards or themed baskets for our students to win. Want to do even more? Become a Race for Education Sponsor and help make an even bigger impact! Learn more here.
Questions? Email us! Marketing@stjoeschool.org
Calling All 7th Graders Interested in Joining Safety Patrol
If your child is a current 7th grader and interested in becoming a member of our Safety Patrol, please complete this interest form. Please note that submitting the form does not guarantee selection for the Safety Patrol. If the number of applicants exceeds available spots, students will be selected at random. Parents, please be aware that this is a commitment for the full school year. All interest forms must be submitted by Thursday, May 14th. Late submissions will not be accepted.
Wishing you a blessed week ahead,
Mrs. Lastner
Reminder of Middle School Academic Policy for Late Work Submission
Reminder of Middle School Academic Policy for Late Work Submission
At the start of the second trimester, all middle school teachers implemented a standardized late work policy designed to promote responsibility and time management skills that are essential for academic success.
Homework and Practice Assignments
Homework and Practice Assignments
Students who fail to submit homework or practice assignments will receive a zero with no opportunity for makeup credit. This policy encourages consistent daily engagement with course material.
Content Area and Critical Thinking Assignments
Content Area and Critical Thinking Assignments
Late submissions will be accepted within one calendar week of the original due date for a maximum of 50% credit. Students receive an "Unprepared for Class" slip documenting the final submission deadline. Work submitted after this date will receive a grade of zero. Students must notify teachers via email when submitting late work—Google Classroom messages do not fulfill this requirement.
Assessments and Evaluations
Assessments and Evaluations
Missed quizzes and tests due to absence must be completed upon return or within one week for extended absences. It is the student’s responsibility to schedule makeup assessments.
IMPORTANT SJS and HOMEROOM (6A) INFORMATION:
Attention Current 6th Grade Parents
Upon your child entering 7th grade for the 2026-2027 school year, all current 6th grade students are required to submit an updated immunization record reflecting the following immunizations have been administered prior to entering 7th grade:
One (1) Tdap vaccination
One (1) Meningococcal vaccination
Please review this letter from Nurse Mary with more details.
All health forms & documents are available on our school's website. Please feel free to contact Nurse Mary with any questions or concerns you may have.
Key Dates for the 2025-2026 School Year
Please click here to see all of our key dates for the 2025-2026 school year. These are subject to change at any time.
Spirit Wear-
Spirit Wear-
View all spirit wear dates and the recommended order date HERE. There are always new items, so check out the website soon!
Homework Connection
The next session of dates for Homework Connection are available! Homework Connection is offered for both Elementary students (Gr 1-4) and Middle School students (Gr 5-8). Students may work on homework with the help of teachers on duty, if needed. A snack is provided.
Download the form for Gr 1-4 HERE. Questions about Elementary Homework Connection? Email Mrs. Bennett or Mrs. Meyer.
Download the form for Gr 5-8 HERE. Questions about Middle School Homework Connection? Email Ms. Westfall.
A little about me...
A little about me...
This is my third year at SJS. I have been a teacher for over 25 years and have taught both middle and high school English/Language Arts. I have a B.S. degree in Education from the University of Maryland and a Master's Degree in Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment. I also have a Master's Certificate in Reading Instruction from Goucher College.
I am a proud veteran who served in the U.S. Army, and am passionate about using my variety of experiences and knowledge to enhance my teaching.
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