Classes

Our curriculum of study provides a basic framework in the academic areas of Religion, Mathematics, English Language Arts, Science, and Social Studies. Teachers in all grades use the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) in English Language Arts and Math, and the Next Generation Science Standards. Teachers use their creativity to implement CCSS in ways that accommodate students’ different learning styles.

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Please click on the expandable boxes below to learn more about each of our classes and instructors.

 

Shenylka Fowles-Lord, Kindergarten TeacherOur children come to Kindergarten with varied backgrounds due to many home experiences, nursery schools, travel, television and technology. Our concern is the total child. Their physical, social, emotional and academic needs must be considered and developed for a well-balanced program.

Shenylka Fowles-Lord
slord@saintmarys.us

1First grade is full of learning, laughter, and exploration. Students begin to gain independence and a true love of learning. In this grade, students have science labs involving baby chicks, butterflies, and Wonder robots. Students also perform at our annual All Saints Day Pageant. 

Meghan Rakus
mrakus@saintmarys.us

Paula Zuzulock, Second Grade TeacherMy goal as a teacher is to devote myself to each child on an individual basis. That means being able to distinguish their specific style and personality. I believe that each child is as unique as a snowflake and it's my goal to identify their individual learning styles, what motivates them, and then find the means to engage each child at his or her level of development.  Saint Mary Interparochial is a collaborative community full of meaningful resources. 

Those resources come from our faculty, parent involvement, and of course the dedication of our principal. We strive to develop the whole child into a moral, academic, and Christ-centered young adult.  The bar here is set very high, but, we know that with God all things are possible.  

Paula Zuzulock
pzuzulock@saintmarys.us

Rebecca Loonstyn, Third Grade TeacherThird grade is going to have hands-on real-world learning experiences. My students will be challenged with learning that is meaningful, engaging, and purposeful. I believe that each child learns differently so my goal is to motivate and engage each student through different learning strategies to reach all of my student's needs. 

Rebecca Loonstyn
rloonstyn@saintmarys.us

3My goal for fourth grade is to bring out the best in every student. I believe that each and every child has the capability, and given the right opportunities and encouragement, students can shine their light unconditionally!

In their classes, our fourth grade students will master the Ten Commandments, study Pennsylvania in detail, understand the nature of science and S.T.E.M., the engineering process, Life science, Earth and Space science, and Physical science, and they will be exposed to a wide variety of genres through their ELA studies.

Fourth grade math will be taught by Mrs. Denise Pimpinella.

Shahina Shah
sshah@saintmarys.us

Rose Ryan, 5th Grade TeacherThe new experiences for Saint Mary fifth graders are joining the “Big Floor” shared with sixth, seventh and eighth grade students, as well as beginning departmental classes where they switch classes for subjects such as Science and Social Studies. This grade level is also where students can participate in Athletics programs, learn Ballroom Dancing, and begin their preparations for Confirmation.

Rosemarie Ryan
rryan@saintmarys.us

Jacob Bridy, Sixth Grade TeacherSixth grade is a very exciting grade where students begin to experience new and challenging opportunities.  In sixth grade, students are safties for the kindergarten class.  This is also the first year that students are invited to join the National Junior Honors Society. A major theme in sixth grade is an exploration of new responsibilities and also the curriculum.  In social studies, we study Europe's culture and history while in science we explore our solar systems and all the wonders it contains.

Jacob Bridy
jbridy@saintmarys.us

Dana Grossi, Seventh Grade TeacherSeventh grade is an amazing year. Students at this age can be challenging, but they are also most rewarding as they bloom into students who are ready to face the complexities and newness of high school. The students have a wonderful sense of humor which makes their teachers chuckle at some of their views on life.

Dana Grossi
dgrossi@saintmarys.us

Judy Crossan-Sanicky, Eighth Grade TeacherI have been a member of the faculty for over thirty years and I am also an alumnus of Saint Mary Interparochial School. The faith-filled, loving environment along with the innovative and ever-changing teaching styles help to make our school number one. We strive to give each student the ability to achieve and go beyond what they thought possible.

Judy Crossan-Sanicky
jsanicky@saintmarys.us

Denise Pimpinella, Honors Math TeacherSaint Mary Interparochial School boasts an honors math program currently serving grades 4-8. The program is Archdiocese approved and monitored. The curriculum of honors math follows the common core standards. Students in honors math enjoy the benefits of a rigorous pace and a small classroom environment. Current class sizes range from five to eight students. The program addresses the needs of higher-achieving students. Plans include projects and assignments that connect to real-world problems and integrate STEM and STEAM ideas.

Denise Pimpinella
dpimpinella@saintmarys.us

Vanessa Thompson, Spanish TeacherStudents in grades K through 6 receive instruction in Spanish once a week, while students in grades 7 and 8 receive instruction twice a week. Students are exposed to many facets of the Spanish language, including vocabulary, grammar, and culture. Cultural experiences are a hallmark of the Spanish language program. Students also have an opportunity to dine in an authentic Mexican restaurant and learn first-hand about the cuisine from the chef/owner.

Vanessa Thompson
spanish@saintmarys.us

Vanessa H Thompson is an assistant professor of Spanish at the Community College of Philadelphia. She was born and raised in Mexicali, Baja California, México. She completed her higher education at San Diego State University. She joined the institution in 2013 after working as a Spanish Instructor in Southern California for 10 years. In 2012, she was invited by the Dallas Community College District, as a visiting scholar. She came to Philadelphia the following year and decided to make this city her new home. She is proudly a member of ACTFL and keeps herself informed with the up-to-date methodologies for language learners. She has a wonderful reputation among her students and truly enjoys teaching.

Lauren Huot

St Mary Interparochial School has shifted the focus of the Technology curriculum to have a more STREAM oriented approach. STREAM education is an interdisciplinary approach to learning through problem-solving in a real world context using 21st century tools. The goal of this new program is to provide early exposure to STREAM activities and opportunities for application.

In 2007, Lauren Huot graduated from Drexel University with a BS/MS in Digital Media. The program integrated traditional design techniques with cutting-edge technologies. There, Mrs. Huot was introduced to graphic design, web design, 3D modeling and visual effects. For her thesis she produced a collaborative modern dance performance, which integrated digital media and technology. Mrs. Huot has taught Technology/STREAM at St Mary Interparochial School since 2009. She received her Cubelets and MakerBot certifications in 2019. She is also a 2020-2021 AoP Tech EdTech Influencer recipient.

 

Lauren Huot
tech@saintmarys.us

Morgan McCoy

Art class provides an amazing opportunity to explore new supplies, skills, cultures, and art history. As an alumn who discovered her love of art at St. Mary, it is my utmost privilege to pass on that excitement and wonder to my students. 

In class, we will have hands-on experience learning about the amazing world of art. Students will gain practical skills like perspective, sewing, and color theory; as well as delving into the wonderful world of famous artists and art movements that changed the world! My personal goal is to show that art is all about trying new things and not being afraid to fail.

Morgan McCoy
art@saintmarys.us

MusicStudents in grades K-8 receive music instruction once a week. They learn about music in various ways, including history, theory, culture, vocabulary, and general knowledge of music. During music class, the students are prepared for their individual Class Masses, Las Posadas, and May Procession. They also participate in a class sing-off, Christmas choir (virtual), and Spring "Musical" performance.

Jen Rizzio
music@saintmarys.us

GymFrank Gentile
work@saintmarys.us