Eighth Grade

INDIVIDUALIZED SUCCESS IN EIGHTH GRADE

With 41 years of experience exclusively in Catholic education, Ms. Cheryl Anastasio is a cornerstone of the All Saints community. Having taught every level from Pre-K to 8th grade, she brings a deep understanding of child development to her current roles in middle school math, science, and religion.

The "One Year of Growth" Philosophy

Ms. Anastasio believes that every child is an individual who must progress at their own pace. Her primary goal is that every student—regardless of where they start the year—achieves at least one full year of academic growth. * Self-Paced Progress: Whether a student is working at a 3rd-grade level or is ready for advanced Algebra, Ms. Anastasio ensures they are neither overwhelmed nor stagnant.

• Respecting Differences: Recognizing that some students panic during paper tests, she offers alternative assessments, such as having students demonstrate their knowledge on the board during a one-on-one session.

"We have to respect that every person is different. They learn differently, they react differently, and they test differently. If we know that, then we can help them grow." — Ms. Anastasio

A Dynamic Math & Science Environment

A typical day in Ms. Anastasio’s room is fast-paced and focused. She prioritizes a "learn one new thing every day" rule, ensuring that even advanced students are constantly challenged with new vocabulary or tools.

• Small Group Instruction: Ms. Anastasio often manages multiple "boards" at once—meeting with a small group at a sideboard for advanced concepts while the rest of the class reviews work on the main board.

• Hands-On Science: In 8th-grade Science, students move beyond the textbook to understand the "why" behind the world around them.

• Interactive Tools: The class uses IXL, an individualized practice program that connects directly to MAP testing. This allows students to work on specific skills—from simple equations to complex Algebra—with access to immediate tutorials.

"We Live It:" Faith and Service

In Ms. Anastasio’s classroom, Religion is not just a subject; it is a way of life. She focuses on teaching students that the most important thing they will ever learn is how to care for one another.

• Sunday Mass Mondays: Every Monday, the class reviews the readings and Gospel from the previous Sunday, discussing how those lessons apply to their lives in society today.

• The "Yes" Philosophy: Ms. Anastasio teaches her students that when someone asks for help, the first answer should always be "yes." This is put into practice as middle schoolers assist kindergartners at church or help younger students master math concepts.

• Service to Others: From collecting for the Ronald McDonald House to distributing Christmas presents to other classrooms, the focus is on finding joy in helping others.

Classroom Traditions

Learning in Ms. Anastasio's room is peppered with fun, memorable moments that build community:

• Pi Day & 67 Day: Annual celebrations that make math concepts exciting and relevant.

• Holiday Creativity: Students learn new skills like making chocolate-covered pretzels for their families, teaching them that they can create joy with their own hands.

• Morning Rituals: Every day begins with a consistent routine of prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and announcements, grounding the students before they dive into their rigorous academic schedule.