Mrs. Tess Wyborney Jr. High Science Teacher twyborney@stmarysspokane.org (509) 924-4300 ext. 226 It is great to be a part of the St. Mary's Catholic School Community!  I teach the Science block for junior high students here at St. Mary's: 6th grade Life Science, 7th grade Earth Science, 8th grade Physical Science and Math 6/7. As a product of Catholic education (St. Aloysius), with a strong Jesuit influence (Gonzaga Prep and Gonzaga University), I feel blessed to join the staff and hope to provide the best possible science experience for your student.  I received my undergraduate degree from Gonzaga University ('93) in Business Administration and English and returned to Gonzaga to earn my Masters in Initial Teaching degree in 2001, focused in Elementary Ed. and endorsed English, 4-12.   After teaching in the diocese and at St. Aloysius for 8 years, I received my Professional Teaching Certification form GU in 2009. My interest in Science has been life-long and I have been blessed to explore that interest by writing and teaching a Science Methods curriculum for Early Childhood Education, as well as a Math Methods curriculum, at Spokane Falls Community College.  I am excited to continue my exploration and share my love of science here at St. Mary's with your children!

January 30, 2012

Hello!

I am excited to be a part of the St. Mary’s Catholic School community!  My name is Tess Wyborney and I am your child’s “new” science teacher. I am teaching the same classes that Mrs. O’Dea previously taught: 6th grade Life Science, 7th grade Earth Science, 8th grade Physical Science, and the 6^th/7^th Math Hybrid.  I feel blessed to be part of this school community and have a life-long history of attending--and teaching in-- Catholic schools. Previously, I taught at St. Aloysius Catholic School for 8 years (my alma mater), before moving to Tucson for two years.  I am glad to be back to the Spokane area and feel ‘home’ here at St. Mary’s.

I am certain that one of the best signs of a positive educational experience, and a child’s success in class, is open and frequent communication between parents, students, and the teacher. To assist in this endeavor, I will be updating this webpage periodically and as events demand, to help your student—and you—stay informed and up-to-date with classroom events.  Please be sure to check for The Weekly Roundup on our Saint Mary’s website in the next day or two.

Generally, I will not include daily assignments in The Weekly Roundup as these could vary, and often are adjusted, depending on the amount of information covered in class. I will, however, include important dates for projects, tests, etc., so you and your child can look ahead and better manage busy lives.

As your child’s science teacher, it is important to me that you feel welcome to ask questions and to notify me if your child has circumstances requiring adaptation, adjustment, or challenge.  I can assure you that I am diligently working to provide the best educational experience I can for your child, including pursuing professional development opportunities as well as learning what makes each individual student ‘tick’ in terms of Science (or Math).  It is my goal is to help your child become well-versed in scientific principles through the attainment of several academic learning requirements, as established by the Washington State Commission on Student Learning for the middle grades.

I look forward to getting to you know you—and your child—better as this school year continues! Please contact me at twyborney@stmarysspokane.org, or via phone through at school, ext.  226, if you have questions, concerns, or would just like to introduce yourself!

Mrs. Tess Wyborney