8th Grade
Jody Burns; 7A Language Arts, 8th Grade Language Arts, 8th grade Social Studies, and 7A Homeroom
I am really fortunate to be starting a new adventure teaching middle school Language Arts and U.S. History at All Saints School. My family and I have been parish members for 9 years now, and we have three children, Abby (6th grade), Caitie (4th grade), and Max (2nd grade) that all attend All Saints School. You may know me from my volunteer work at the Fife Campus – I coordinated the library volunteers and ran the book fair during conferences there for the past 5 years. I also worked as a substitute teacher for the past two years, mainly at the Puyallup campus. I have come to realize what a wonderful educational environment All Saints provides for students, and am very excited to join the professional staff and our new middle school team.
I grew up in Yakima, Washington and moved to western Washington in 1988 to attend the University of Puget Sound, where I graduated with a BA in Business Administration through the Business Leadership Program and a BA in Economics with a minor in History. I then went on to earn an MAT in Secondary Education, with a broad social studies endorsement, also at UPS. I taught a variety of social studies classes, including several AP courses, Enumclaw High School for 10 years before taking a break from teaching to raise my three small children.
I enjoy reading, especially historical fiction, politics, walking our Westie puppy, Angus, and spending time with my family. I like to golf, although my game is a work in progress. I also enjoy watching sports, especially football and basketball, and taking trips to Yakima to dry out and soak up the sun.
I am delighted to be spending my time with middle school students this year. In a world where communication skills are increasingly vital, my goal is to provide students with the historical, political and religious context, written and verbal communication tools and a host of positive, memorable learning experiences to help them become confident, successful high school students with as many choices for their future as possible.
Carolyn Brennan; 7th & 8th Grade Religion, 7B Language Arts, 7th & 8th Grade Lit Circles, and 8B Homeroom
I am originally from New Orleans, Louisiana, where I earned my bachelor of science degree in secondary education from the University of New Orleans (UNO). I went on to get my Masters in Guidance and Counseling, also at UNO. I taught for several years at Chalmette High School; an all boys school in Chalmette, Louisiana. My husband and I then moved to California with his work and began a family.
I have two adult children, Jeff and Jennifer, a loving husband, Roy, and a spoiled Springer Spaniel, Annie. I love to cook, eat, and work in my garden. I love my job!
I am blessed to be working at All Saints School. I have worked on this side of the street for 10 years now. Previously I was employed by All Saints Parish as the Pre-school Religious Education Coordinator. I held this position for 15 years. I with worked with the 3,4, and 5 year olds and a wonderful group of parent volunteers: I also assisted with the Sacramental Preparation program at All Saints Parish.
I am an All Saints parishioner. As a member of our parish, I serve as a Sacristan and Eucharistic Minister at the 9AM Masses and I am in lector rotation for the Saturday 5PM Masses.
I am the religion teacher for the 7th and 8th grade and I love it! I also get to teach Literary Circles and last year I taught a class of Social Studies.
Leadership and service are two areas of focus for the 8th grade. In 8th grade we work to build strengths in leadership through Faith Families, which are a remixing of our school community into smaller groups called families. Each family is given a saints name and guided by two 8th grade students. We have Faith Family meetings about 6 times a year, both at the Puyallup and the Fife campuses. As Catholics we are called to serve. Our 8th graders are required to perform 35 hours of service during the school year. Summer service hours are a good way to get started. It is generally a good plan to do 10 service hours each trimester. Many opportunites to serve come up during the year, such as the Francis House Breakfast and the food bank.
I look forward to teaching our children. Each child is truly a gift from God. Thank you for sending your child/children to All Saints Catholic School.