Sr. Maureen Ouma is originally from Kenya. She belongs to the Missionary Congregation of the Evangelizing Sisters of Mary which was founded in Moroto, Uganda in 1975. She joined the Evangelizing Sisters of Mary on January 17, 1994 and took her first vows on March 25th, 1998. She then worked serving the sick at a local Health Center and also did pastoral ministry for the parish.

In 2001, Sister Maureen joined Chemchemi Institute run by the Association of Sisterhoods of Kenya (AOSK) for a certificate in Religious Studies, after which she served in the vocation office for four years. She was then sent for studies at Alvernia University, PA where she received her BA in English Secondary Education with a minor in Theology. Later, she joined Carson Newman University and received her Master in Curriculum and Instruction.

In July 2010, the Evangelizing Sisters opened their first community in the USA, in the Diocese of Knoxville. She taught at Sacred Heart Cathedral School and has now been at St. John Neumann Catholic School for six years.

Sister Maureen believes that education is not only sharing knowledge but an experience of growth in its wholeness. Apart from imparting and sharing knowledge, a teacher impacts the life of students in many different ways. As a teacher, the most fulfilling experience is to know that her students are learning not only the subjects but growing in faith and becoming the persons they are meant to be.

“Be who God meant you to be and you will set the world on fire.” St. Catherine of Siena

5th grade Literature

The primary goal for this class is to read and comprehend literature, including stories, dramas, and poetry. Students will determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative language. The will focus on text based evidence to determine themes and how characters in a story or drama respond to challenges.

In addition to defining vocabulary in context, students will use Vocabulary Workshop Level Blue for a formal systematic study of vocabulary. Sentence completion and word association exercises provide practice in recognition, recall, and application of assigned words. There will be weekly assignments and quizzes given. After every three units, there will be a cumulative test.

AR: Fifth grade students are required to accumulate 7 points per quarter.

6th grade Literature 

The primary goal for this class is the learning and use of reading comprehension strategies that will lead to a life-long appreciation for literature and reading. 6th Grade Literature addresses techniques and terminology regarding various genres. Selected novels, short stories, and textbook selections will be used to model and develop comprehension skills that include making connections, visualizing, questioning, predicting, inferring, prioritizing importance and synthesizing strategies to overcome comprehension difficulties and focus on higher level thinking skills.

Imbedded in this process is the appreciation for writers’ use of literary devices such as alliteration, flashback, foreshadowing, simile and metaphor, imagery, inference, motif, personification, point of view, symbolism, and theme and for the writers’ crafting of literary elements: plot, setting, conflict, and characterization.

In addition to defining vocabulary in context, students will use Vocabulary Workshop for a formal systematic study of vocabulary. Sentence completion and analogy exercises provide practice in recognition, recall, and application of assigned words.

AR: Sixth grade students required to accumulate 10 AR points per quarter.

8th grade Religion

8th grade Religion enables students to develop vital, personal relationships with God and others through the study of Scripture and Tradition, in the teaching of Jesus Christ handed down to the Catholic Church. The eighth grade course aims at encouraging students to know and live their faith in response to Christ’s invitation “Learn from me for I am meek and humble of heart….” Mt 11:15. By focusing on Christ, the fullness of God’s revelation, the course explores the love of God as revealed in Scripture, History, and the Church.

Friday Folders come home each Friday. please check and clean out your child’s Friday Folder each week.