Grade 8

Hello my name is Mr. Johnson and I am the 8th grade homeroom teacher here at St. Michael’s. This is my fourth year here at St. Michael’s. My experience in the classroom includes substitute teaching, Special Education Aide, 3rd grade teacher, and most recently, in the Junior High as the Social Studies and Religion teacher. I am very excited to be teaching two subjects that I’m very passionate about. Social Studies was always my favorite subject in school due in large part to the passion and knowledge my teachers had for the subject. My middle and high school teachers not only inspired me to become a teacher, but also a History major in college. I enjoy being able to pass down the values, knowledge, and skills I’ve attained from my family, education and faith.

In Religion class we focus on connecting scripture to life issues and recognizing how Jesus and the Saints acted as models of faith and holiness. Additionally, I place a strong emphasis on the various religious practices and traditions, as we learn and actively participate in the different parts of Mass and the Sacraments.

Over the course of their time in the Junior High, students will explore the development of civilizations and empires like Egypt, Greece, Rome, China, Byzantine, Maya, Aztec and eventually the United States and it’s government. Social Studies class also allows the students to engage their community, nation, and world through current events and various other projects.

This year the Class of 2011 has decided to take on a special project. On top of our normal curriculum and preparing for high school, we have decided to organize a trip to Washington D.C. for our 8th grade class. Our main objective of this trip is to enhance our exposure to important historical landmarks that supplement our Social Studies curriculum during the 8th grade year. Our larger goal is to instill the ownership of achievement in each student that has chosen to undertake this task. Since the beginning of the summer, our students have volunteered for events that have raised funds for the trip, all the while learning the value of hard work.

For more information, please visit my blog Mr. Johnson’s World and the Washington DC blog

Quotes:

“A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives.”

- Jackie Robinson