My name is Catherine Smith and I teach Advance Math to the middle school students here at Saint Ann School. I received a BA in Math from SUNY and I also have two advanced degrees in Education - one from CUNY and one from Hofstra.
Over the years I have taught all ages from PreSchool through College and even adult education. During the 30+++ years in the field, I  have taught a variety of things including science, deaf children, sign language, and CCD, and teaching math in Middle School is my favorite thing! I enjoy watching my students grow - physically, academically, and socially.  I feel like I get to know them as individuals over the four years that most of them are in the advanced program.
From my perspective, one special thing about teaching in a parochial school is that religion is a big part of what we do.  Over the last few years, I have been awed by how many students, families, and staff have responded to requests that I have made for prayers for myself and family members. It is a serene and overwhelming feeling to know that so many people are there supporting you.
I have a husband who is retired and two daughters.  One daughter is an illustrator, art teacher and inclusion teacher the other is a writer and behavioral therapist.  We have been in New Jersey for 30 plus years. I am a native New Yorker (Just in case you haven't been able to notice my accent once you meet me :)).  I enjoy this area especially since it is close to both Philadelphia and New York.  Being able to have easy access to theater, museums, and other types of cultural events feed the other side of my brain. I love to travel, read and craft.
There are two quotes that I keep in front of me - one is from a school motto:
"Let each become all that he/she is capable of being."  This reminds me always that each student is unique and should have the best teacher to help him/her reach their maximum potential
The second is from Pablo Picasso:
"The meaning of life is to find your gift.  The purpose of life is to give it away."
I feel that I have found my gift in teaching math.  Now I am trying to share it with others.

The Advanced Math Curriculum is based on the Diocese of Trenton Curriculum which follows the State of NJ and the Common Core standards.  Fifth and sixth grades cover objectives for fifth, sixth, and 7th-grade math.  Seventh grade covers Pre-Algebra.  Eighth grade covers Honors Algebra I.

• 7th Grade Advanced Math Curriculum 

The Seventh Grade Math Program is designed to allow students to master computational math and begin working with abstract concepts involving algebra. All concepts introduced in this course will be done incrementally and continually practiced throughout the school year. A combination of daily lessons, practice problems, cooperative learning exercises, and problem-solving activities are incorporated into this program. 

• 8th Grade Advanced Math Curriculum

The Eighth Grade Math Program (Algebra I) is an accelerated course designed to help students master the traditional algebraic properties and concepts necessary to achieve success in future mathematics courses. Students will develop the skills necessary to solve multi-variable equations, functions and work with expressions. This course also covers algebraic concepts related to graphs and geometric principles. These skills are taught through lessons, practice problems, cooperative learning exercises, and problem-solving activities. Upon completion of this course, students will be prepared to enter high school geometry or Algebra II.