CORE
The core classes in grades 1-8 follow a four-year classical education cycle. This year all grades 1-8 will study the Modern period. Future years will study Ancient, Medieval, and Renaissance/Early Modern History. The high school rotation is Ancient History, Medieval History, American History, European History.
Core: PreK-2
Teacher: Elizabeth Grant
Supply fee: $10.00
We will use the Five in a Row book series to teach our youngest students about geography, literature, and history from around the world.
Core Grades 3-5
Teacher: Berni Gleiter
About Berni: Bernadette (Berni) Gleiter is a Registered Nurse. She worked as an RN in the hospital and clinic setting before having children. She has been a teacher with Annunciation for 7 years.
Supply fee: $10 per semester
This course will continue our study of history, literature, and geography of Modern Times. Weekly homework includes reading, map work, short writing assignments (2-3 sentences), and comprehension work. Class time will be spent on hands-on projects, games, and literature.
Book list will be available at a later date.
Core Grades 6-8
Teacher: Diana Kehoe
Supply fee: $5 per semester
Study of Modern world history, geography, and literature. Students will read history-based literature, write short essays, outline, complete maps and hands-on projects while studying the event of the era.
Book list will be available at a later date
Core 9-12
Teacher: Colleen Schroepfer
Fee: $50 per semester
The study of Modern History will include history, geography, and literature for the Modern Era. The time periods will be split into about 50 years each quarter with the 4th quarter covering only 20 years. Although the seeds were planted in the later part of the 19th century, the 20th century finds the spread of Atheistic Communism throughout much of the world. The beginning of WWI was the beginning of the never ending wars that have continued up to present and effect every nation. Along side of the events that took place, we will study the saints and holy individuals who have helped fight the modern errors and who have sought for the Kingship of Christ. The books listed below will be the main sources; however, many additional articles and short literatures excerpts will be handed out. Second semester I may add an additional book if it is needed.
Class work will include weekly note taking, and short written analysis of the reading. Weekly note taking will be checked. Notes will sometime be a summary, other times it will be the answering of specific questions geared to the reading assignment. A presentation & report on one of the modern saints will be expected in the first quarter. Occasionally, some worthwhile internet presentations will be assigned. Please feel free to contact me with any questions, Colleen Schroepfer at (815)239-1262.
Books:
The Naked Communist By: W. Cleon Skousen ISBN 13: 978-0-910558-02-0
Visual History of the World Foreword by Douglas G. Brinkley ISBN 978-0-7922-3695-5
He Leadeth Me By Walter J. Ciszek, S.J., with Daniel L. Flaherty, S.J. ISBN 978-0-8041-4152-9
School of Darkness By Bella V. Dodd Library of Congress catalog Card Number: 54-10204
this book can be purchased on Amazon or from Our Lady of Victory School
1917: Red Banners White Mantle By: Warren H. Carroll ISBN 0-931888-05-0
The Kingship of Christ and Organized Naturalism By Rev. Denis Fahey, C.S.Sp.
this book can be purchased on Amazon or from Our Lady of Victory School
1984 By George Orwell ISBN 978-0-451-52493-5
Animal Farm By George Orwell ISBN 978-0-451-52634-2
The Encyclical Letter of Pius Xl Atheistic Communism
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn By Mark Twain Students who were not in Core 9-12 last year will be reading this.
Rifles for Watie By Harold Keith Students who were in Core 9-12 last year will be reading this.
About Colleen: I began teaching my own children in 1991. Years ago, all of the mothers, including myself, taught at the RARCHE cooperative that met twice a month. Since joining in the Annunciation Co-op, I have taught a Latin/Greek Roots class, a beginning writers class, and last year the Core 7-8 class. I am thankful to be able to teach at Annunciation, and I am inspired by the other teachers who have been dedicated to my children attending Annunciation. Next year, with God's grace and the help of two historian sons, I will be teaching Core 9-12.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
General Physical Education
Grades K-2, 3-6
Teacher: Colleen Schroepfer
Supply fee: $5 per semester
PreK-2: 30 minute PE class outdoors. We will explore balance, R/L, coordination, basic play skills and build endurance.
Grades: 3-6: one hour PE class outdoors.
Supervised outdoor activities for children. As long as it is not raining or excessively cold, kids will go out, so in the winter bring warm clothes and boots.
RELIGION
Little Sheep
Grades: K - 2
Teacher: Katie Sartino
Cost: $10/semester
Cost: $10/semester
A classical approach to learning the core elements of our beautiful Catholic faith, specifically in the impressionable younger years.
Through the use of memory work, stories, sacred texts, song, art, and forgotten tools of the past, children will uncover the mystery and awe that we have the privilege to pass down in faith.
Special emphasis will be given to sacramental knowledge and preparation, liturgical feasts, core prayers, and beginning catechism.
Teacher: Bridget Vermett
Supply fee: $5.00/semester
This year we will be using the Faith and Life series Book 5, Credo, I Believe. The goal is that we will grow in our knowledge and appreciation of the gift of faith. Students will have reading, homework assignments, weekly take home quizzes, and unit tests throughout the semester. Student book ISBN 978-1-58617-567-2. Activity book ISBN 978-1-58617-575-7
Religion Grades 6-8
Teacher: Diana Kehoe
Supply Fee: $0
Faith and Life – 7: The Life of Grace
This class will aim to help the students treasure the sacraments as indispensable to a full Christian life of love and truth. To understand how grace works and its relation to practicing the virtues, and to appreciate our gifts of reason and faith.
Student Text ISBN: 9781586175696
Activity book ISBN: 9781586175771
Religion Grades 9-12 Theology of the Body
Teacher: Danielle Hall
Supply Fee: $40/semester
Supplies: New Hard cover Composition book for this class only.
The first semester will focus on Theology of the Body for Teens. It will consist of Prayer, 20 min. DVD lesson (by apologists Brian Butler, Jason Evert and Crystalina Evert), Group Discussion and Journaling. There is minimal homework.
MANDATORY: As the most important persons in the lives of their children, parents must prepare themselves for continued discussion at home as well as invite and encourage this discussion. In preparation, parents preview material as supplied by the teacher.
The second semester: We are researching programs and information that will help students focus on discernment of their future in a prayerful and spiritual manner. Updates will be given as more information is gathered and evaluated.
**We will have a parent session in early summer to meet Danielle and ask questions about this course.
SCIENCE
Science Activities
Grades: PreK-2nd
Teacher: Elizabeth Grant
Supply fee: $15
We will study the foundational elements of the universe and building blocks of creation including atoms and molecules, mixtures, motion, energy, and mechanics.
Elementary Science
Grades 3-5
Teacher: Sandra Knabe
Supply fee: $20 per semester
We will study the foundational elements of the universe and building blocks of creation including atoms and molecules, mixtures, motion, energy, and mechanics.
Required books
Apologia Exploring Creation with Chemistry and Physics ISBN 9781935495987
Grades 6-7
Teacher: Berni Gleiter
Activity/Lab Fee: $15/year
Teacher: Bernadette (Berni) Gleiter is a Registered Nurse. She worked as an RN in the hospital and clinic setting before having children. She has been a teacher with Annunciation for 7 years.
Exploring Creation with Chemistry and Physics - Introduce your children to the fascinating world of chemistry and physics! They’ll begin by exploring the basic building blocks of creation, atoms and molecules, and then journey through simple chemicals, the laws of motion, and energy in its many forms, before discovering concepts of electricity and magnetism. Along the way, your students will make their own bouncy ball, formulate a smoke bomb, build a solar oven, construct a working periscope, fashion a miniature motor, and create a lava lamp! All the while, God will be glorified as the Master Designer of all that they’re discovering about the world and how it works. Jeannie Fulbright presents a scientifically sound and God-honoring study that covers atoms, molecules, simple chemicals, laws of motion, electricity, magnetism, and simple machines.
Students will have required reading, homework, oral presentations, and written lab reports. An end of year project will be assigned second semester.
Required texts: Exploring Creation with Chemistry and Physics by Jeannie K. Fulbright, ISBN: 978-1-935495-98-7 and Chemistry & Physics Notbooking Journal for Exploring Creation by Jeannie Fulbright, ISBN: 978-1-940110-05-9
ELECTIVE CLASSES: These classes are NOT included in the membership fee. There is a charge for each class that is paid directly to the teacher.
ART
Grades 3-6
Teacher: Mary Schermerhorn
Fee: $90
Teacher will provide all materials.
This class will teach the elements of art: line, shape, color, texture, and value. We will use principles of design, repetition, rhythm, variety, contrast, balance, harmony and unity in our projects as well. We will paint, draw, and sculpt, using a fun and varied assortment of media.
Grades 7-12
Teacher: Mary Schermerhorn
Fee: $90
Teacher will provide all materials.
Students observe demonstrations by the instructor and will use a wide variety of art materials. Materials include paints, printing inks, pen and ink, charcoals, pastels, and clay. They will develop skills in composition, design, drawing, painting, sculpture, and print making. We will study basic art principles and elements and art terminology.
Lettering and Mixed Media
Teacher: Kristine Brown
Grades: 14 years old +
Supply Fee: $80.00/semester
This class will combine fundamentals of lettering and mixed media. A tool kit will be provided and additional tools and supplies will be presented and used in class so that students can develop the best tool kit for their personal style and preference. We will practice beautiful, elegant, fun, and curvy lettering styles. We will practice blending color, flourishes, and embellishing for added character. Mixed media supplies and techniques will be applied, including watercolor, paint, gels, and paste. Theses will be combined with lettering skills to create a variety of projects.
Basic Life and Survival Skills
Teacher: Mary Ann Sullivan and Sandra Knabe
Grades: 6+
Supply Fee: Est. $25/semester
Get ready for junior high boot camp! Students will train in the skills such as sewing on a button, checking oil and tire pressure, using basic hand tools, and the many uses of duct tape! The adventure will continue with essential survival skills such as basic first aid, knot tying, using a map and compass, and perhaps something dangerous...
MATH
Algebra I
Requirements: A solid understanding of basic math concepts through a successful completion of Introductory or Pre-Algebra coursework.
Teacher: Kristine Brown
Fee: $90 per semester
Daily homework will be completed by students and graded by parents. Students should correct homework and contact teacher as necessary for complete understanding. Class periods will focus on new material to ensure adequate concept coverage. Home tests may be administered by parents.
Book: Merrill Algebra One, Foster, Rath, Winters (green book)
ISBN: 0-675-05596-2
You do not need a teacher guide or answer key.
Class may meet an additional day during the week depending on needs of students. A readiness test will be supplied before classes begin.
Algebra II
Teacher: Sandra Knabe
Pre-requisites: Successful completion of Algebra I
Fee: $90/semester
About Sandra: Sandra Knabe studied math, computer science, and secondary education and worked as a compute programmer for 5 years before staying home to raise her children. She has been a math tutor for 25+ years and has taught high school math classes for homeschoolers for the past 8 years.
Algebra II: A second high school algebra course covering powers and exponents, matrices, equations in 2 and 3 variables, inequalities, radicals, complex numbers, conic sections, and beginning trigonometry.
Book will be provided
Physics/Math Projects
Teachers: Kristine Brown & Sandra Knabe
Grades: Pre-requisite: Min Alg I concurrent.
Cost: $75/sem
This is an advanced class for students who have taken some higher level science classes and are good at math. We will do a multitude of fun projects using math and science skills. We will focus on learning about the topics, but not go into in-dept calculations. Therefore, it is not a full credit Physics course. If you would like to have a Physics credit, additional homework and testing can be added to this curriculum. Please speak to Mrs. Brown to make these arrangements.
Projects will be specific and outlined with instructions and materials to be used. Topics for these projects will include, but are not limited to: geometric shapes and constructions, mathematical calculations, fractals, tessellations, force, velocity, power, work, energy, centripetal force, friction, air resistance, sound, and color.
Project designs may include: String art design and construction, fractals using Sierpinski triangles, creation of tessellation designs, Rube Goldberg machines, catapult/trebuchet, roller coaster, bridge, rifle, race track, egg drop, rocket... Lots of fun while learning! Projects will include competition with other classmates as well as other science classes.
Classroom materials required include: Compass, ruler, PENCILS (no pens), a good eraser (white or black, not pink rubber), and paper/notebook. Project material will vary. Lists/requirements will be handed out as we begin project discussion.
Mrs. Brown has an engineering degree and worked in that field for 10 years prior to homeschooling. She has taught math classes at Sacred Heart Classical Center and Annunciation Coop and has tutored for several years--homeschoolers as well as private and public school students--with great success.
Physical Science
Grades 8-10
Teacher: Kristine Brown
Supply fee: $50/semester
We will be covering the following topics as time allows: Unit conversions, Forces in Creation, Motion, Newton's Laws, Force, Simple Machines, Work, Power, Waves and Sound, Light and others if we are able.
The students will have weekly homework from the On Your Own Questions and Study Guides for each Module, in-class labs, quizzes and Module tests. We will spend approximately two weeks completing each module.
The students will have weekly homework from the On Your Own Questions and Study Guides for each Module, in-class labs, quizzes and Module tests. We will spend approximately two weeks completing each module.
We will also be working on at least 2 projects/competitions that will combine with other school science classes.
Required materials: the books listed below, a 3 inch binder with 12 divider sheets (one for each Module and one each for Quizzes and Tests); paper, pencils, and erasers. Safety goggles, 9-volt battery, 1.5 volt battery, a comb/brush, 2-liter bottle, and a flashlight with batteries will be necessary. Other lab materials will be supplied in class.
Prior to the first class, the teacher will be sending out a Fall Syllabus and reading assignment for the first class via email. Please look for that in early August.
Required materials: the books listed below, a 3 inch binder with 12 divider sheets (one for each Module and one each for Quizzes and Tests); paper, pencils, and erasers. Safety goggles, 9-volt battery, 1.5 volt battery, a comb/brush, 2-liter bottle, and a flashlight with batteries will be necessary. Other lab materials will be supplied in class.
Prior to the first class, the teacher will be sending out a Fall Syllabus and reading assignment for the first class via email. Please look for that in early August.
This class will use the Apologia Exploring Creation with Physical Science2nd edition textbook and the Solutions and Tests for Exploring Creation with Physical Science 2nd edition.
Teacher: Susie Brown
Grades: 9-12
Supply Fee: $50.00/year
About Susie: Susie majored in Secondary Education and Spanish with an English minor at Hillsdale College. She spent four and half years teaching Spanish and English in public junior high and high schools before working as a private tutor. She has been a tutor and homeschool teacher since 2004. At Annunciation, she has taught Latin and Spanish, and is looking forward to teaching writing this year!
Writing 9-12: Learn to express yourself logically, persuasively, and eloquently in this writing class! Students with a strong foundation of grammar and structure will focus on how to come up with good ideas, organize those ideas clearly, and express them effectively. The three canons of classical rhetoric - invention, arrangement, elocution - will help them do this. Our goal will be to take these tools and use them effectively to become strong, fluent writers.
Books: The Lost Tools of Writing Level One - Student Workbook
WRITING 6-8
Grades: 6-8
Teacher: Bernadette Schroepfer
Fee: $50 per semester
This course will be geared to the beginning and intermediate writer. We shall start with creating a well written sentence. After that is mastered, we will learn what is necessary for writing a good paragraph. Paragraphs will be in the context of a letter. The three basic elements of writing: content, style and mechanics will be introduced and refined. Basic grammar/punctuation will be reviewed with worksheets, quizzes, and especially as it applies to the student’s writing. The students will not have to purchase a book for class. All materials for the assignments will be provided. At the same time, references such as a dictionary, thesaurus, and grammar handbook should be on hand for the students to use.
This course is based on the Understanding Writing book by Susan Bradrick.
Emphasis will be on the first four levels in this course. Therefore, first semester will focus on descriptive writing, and second semester will focus on narrative writing.
Students can benefit from repeating this course because their maturity and additional life experiences allow for solidifying writing elements and fresh writing ideas.
PUBLIC SPEAKING
Grades: 6 - 8 and 9 -12
Teacher: Sue Gallant
Cost: $10/semester
About me:
I am a veteran homeschool mom, trained as a speech-language pathologist, and am a former participant in academic public speaking activities. I continue to participate in public speaking activities and am one of those people that do not fear public speaking more than death! 😉 I have a desire to help young people formulate, synthesize, and express their thoughts about a topic.
Public Speaking is a craft and this craft involves techniques that will be taught in this class. In a fun and lively manner students will be taught the mechanics of giving a speech and how to make the listener continue listening. Students will also be taught the three parts of speech writing and how to use note cards. And of course no speech class would be complete without giving at least 3-4 speeches. This class will NOT involve extensive research, only enough to keep the topic accurate. It WILL expect 3-4 hours a week of preparation and practice at home. At the end of the semester students should be dominating every dinner table conversation! ~ Just kidding!
Supplies:
- 200 3x5 note cards (lined or unlined) (100 will stay at co-op for classroom work)
- 2 sharpened pencils to be brought to each class
- 1 black ink pen - no gels or markers
- pencil case to keep supplies in so they can be left at co-op
- Thesaurus (can be paperback size)
- Dictionary (can be paperback sized)
- small notebook for "inspired ideas"
PIONEER DAYS WITH ANNE PELLOWSKI
PIONEER DAYS WITH ANNE PELLOWSKI
Teacher: Bernadette Schroepfer
Grades: 3-5
Supply Fee: $20.00/semester
This series of books is equivalent to a Catholic version of the Laura Ingall’s series. The setting of the stories is the midwest. With that in mind, hopefully this will bring them closer to their own ancestry.
It will be a hands-on class exploring the history, life and culture of the pioneer times Anne Pellowski describes in her book series. We'll be reading from the books, doing crafts, creative writing, crocheting and other fiber arts, making traditional foods from the period, learning about beautiful Catholic traditions and agricultural customs and more!
First Farm in the Valley: Anna’s Story 0-88489-537-8
Winding Valley Farm: Annie’s Story 978-1-932350-29-6
Stairstep Farm: Anna Rose’s Story 978-1-932350-40-1
Willow Wind Farm: Betsy’s Story 978-1-932350-41-8
Betsy’s Up-and Down Year 0-88489-539-4
CLASSICAL LITERATURE AND TEA TIME
Grades: PreK - 2
Teacher: Katie Sartino
Fee: $20.00 per semester
"Children are born with all the curiosity they will ever need. It will last a lifetime if they are fed a daily diet of ideas". ~ Charlotte Mason
Sit back, relax, and gently enjoy the delights the world has to offer! One of the best lessons we can give our children is the ability to learn through a sense of wonder and curiosity.
In this one-hour course, children will be brought into a quaint classical atmosphere, complete with real linens, china, flatware, decor, and refreshments.
Engagement and learning will be the direct result of exposure to fine things, including literature, poetry, sacred art, and music.
By the end of the course, each child will not only have an appreciation for classical elements, but also a basic knowledge of "all things beautiful" that God gave us.
Please note: to keep the cost of this class down, there will be a "refreshment rotation" where parents will need to bring in sweet or savory treats such as brownie bites, cookies, crackers etc.
3 Rs
Grades: PreK - 2
Teacher: Katie Sartino
Cost: $15/semester
"Reading, wRiting, and aRthimetic. This class gets back to the core essentials of learning! What is more important than learning to read, learning to write, and learning to do math?
Reading will be presented through use of phonemic awareness and tried and true classical methods.
Writing will be presented through proper form of both d'nealean and cursive. Special emphasis will be given to the copy work of sacred texts.
Arithmetic will cover basic addition, subtraction, measurements and times and division tables."
Teacher: Amy Zackary
2 classes per student to begin. If you have additional interest, please note it on your schedule.
Packets include instructions and worksheets that will be distributed each week. The worksheets will be completed using the instructions included and then returned as directed on Tuesday or Thursday according to attendance and level. Worksheets will be graded and returned to the student for correction or filing.
Cost: $20/semester
Cost: $20/semester
Grammar
Various levels 5th - 12th
Grammar packets include weekly distribution of instruction and worksheets. Worksheets will be completed and turned in and new packets will be distributed.
Wordly Wise
Vocabulary
6th - 12th
This course includes vocabulary study to develop the critical link between vocabulary and reading comprehension. A list of words is provided that the student will use through various exercises to familiarize themselves with the words and their usage in different contexts and meanings. Exercises include definitions, proper usage recognition, word origins, prefixes, suffixes, analogies, and synonym substitution. Crossword puzzles reinforce comprehensive learning.
Mind Benders
Pre-logic
3rd - 12th grade
These puzzles develop logic, reading comprehension, and mental organizational skills, as well as developing real-life problem solving skills. Students analyze stories and clues to identify logical associations. Puzzle difficulty increases as students progress.
Figural - 1st semester / Verbal - 2nd semester
Critical Thinking
6th - 12th
These courses use verbal and non-verbal reasoning activities to improve students' vocabulary, reading, writing, math, logic, and figural-spatial skills, as well as visual and auditory processing. Activities are developmentally sequenced. Each skill is presented in the concrete figural-spatial form and the abstract verbal form. Students analyze relationships as they observe, recognize, and describe characteristics, distinguish similarities and differences, identify and complete sequences, classifications, and analogies. This helps develop thinking and communication skills for deeper content learning in other subjects.
Please note: Prior to registering for classes, new families must meet with a board member for a brief interview, fill out a registration/application form and present one letter of recommendation from a current Annunciation family or two letters of recommendation from people who are not members of Annunciation.
