ELA with Mrs. Lastner

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In His great mercy, He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.”

1 Peter 1:3

Grade-Level Academic Focus Areas

Sixth Grade:

We continued reading Hidden Figures, and students really seem to be enjoying reading a non-fiction book that is fairly recent. The author does a great job of depicting what life was like during that time in history, and it is a pleasure to read about the lives these amazing women led, despite the challenging time period in which they lived.

We decided to have an open notes/book vocabulary test before the break so that students can start fresh with a new unit when we return from break.

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:

We are continuing to read Refugee, an amazing historical fiction novel that outlines the journeys of three different characters at three different time periods in history. My seventh grade students are working hard, enjoying the book, and doing outstanding work!

We decided to have an open notes/book vocabulary test before the break so that students can start fresh with a new unit when we return from break.

Eighth Grade:

During this short week, we made spiritual connections between our novel and Lent/Easter. Both involve sacrifice, surrender, and resurrection, although obviously on very different levels. The students did an excellent job of making comparisons and I was truly impressed with the level of their critical thinking!

We decided to have an open notes/book vocabulary test before the break so that students can start fresh with a new unit when we return from break.

Looking ahead...

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

Order Your Child's Race Day Shirt

This year's Race for Education shirt will be a neon pink performance tee, available in both youth and adult sizes. Every SJS student and faculty member will receive one shirt at no charge to wear on Friday, May 15th with their PE shorts and sneakers. Please complete one form for each of your SJS students no later than Friday, April 10th. Order your chid's shirt here!

Plant and Seed Swap

Save the date for our first Plant and Seed Swap on May 7th! Friends and families of the SJS community are invited to bring plant and garden-related items they’d like to swap or share! Examples include houseplant cuttings, vegetable seedlings, seeds, and more. Everything must be free (no money will be exchanged). Please plan to only bring items you’re willing to swap or give away. Participants may set up a small table or share directly from their vehicle's trunk. Stay tuned for more information! Email Mrs. Hasty with any questions.

T3 Hot Lunch

Please note that hot lunch for the third trimester will begin on Monday, April 20th. This is due to makeup days for missed lunches because of snow days.

Please nominate SJS-Fullerton!

We are seeking nominations in the following categories in both the 2026 Baltimore Style and Baltimore's Child Readers' Choice Awards.

Baltimore Style: Deadline: 4/29

Best Preschool
Best Private School
Best Private School: Co-Ed
Vote here!

Baltimore's Child: Deadline: 4/3

Best Preschool Program
Best Private Elementary School
Best Private School Overall
Best Private School: Co-Ed
Vote here!

Inclement Weather Reminders:

Our original school calendar had 3 inclement days built in. We used all 3 days in January, so we will now be in school on March 27th, April 24th, and May 11th.

Wishing you a wonderful week as we look forward to celebrating Resurrection Day!

Mrs. Lastner

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

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

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

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- The next day to show your school spirit is 4/16.

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...

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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