My name is Michelle Tomaino, and I am an Alumna of Holy Cross School, Red Bank Catholic, and Lehigh University. I majored in Biology with a minor in Studio Art as a 4 Year Scholar Athlete, Player, Captain and Coach of Lehigh Women's Soccer Team. I earned a Masters in Secondary Science Education from Lehigh as well, and I have been teaching since 2001.

In addition to Holy Cross Academy, I have enjoyed teaching children with special needs at Centennial School of Lehigh University and teaching Photography at Bocas Del Toro, Panamá Institute of Tropical Ecology Collage. My certifications include:

• New Jersey Teacher of Biological Sciences
• National Certificate for STEM Teaching from the American College of Education
• Diocese of Trenton Religion and Catechist Certificate
• CPR
• First Aid for the Professional Rescuer
• EpiPen
• Asthma Inhaller
• Next Generations Science Standards
• Rutgers Coaching Certificate
• I will complete my STEM Certification by 2020

Awards and Grants

• 2010 1st Place Stars Challenge Competition 2010
• 2011 2nd Place Stars Challenge Competition 2011
• 2019 FirstEnergy STEM Classroom Grant to interdisciplinary team with Miss Evans (Technology) and Mrs. Chadwick (Math)

I want to inspire young science learners to take ownership of their education by creating and designing experiments independently. I mentor them through the design process, while instilling in them an early love for all types of science, which will enable and sustain them on their journeys to science-based careers.
   
In my classroom you’d typically see hands-on, cooperative learning, laboratory, and STEM. Concepts are introduced with traditional science methods utilizing multiple intelligences and differentiated instruction to embed concepts in the student's mind through experience.  Students are encouraged to implement the Identify Problems and Provide Solution Initiative -S. Fowler

The main focus of the three years of study are:

• GRADE 6 Earth science and human body
• GRADE 7 Life science
• GRADE 8 Physical science

I love teaching in a Catholic school because I can be open about my faith and share a Catholic perspective with my students in our secular world. My hope is that all Holy Cross Academy students graduate to succeed in their science classes in high school.

Helpful Classroom Links
Google Classroom
Click here for the Middle School Curriculum