Mrs. Jeremiah is agraduate of Southern Illinois University of Carbondale, IL. She was a substitute for one semester before being hired at St. John's in July of 2004. She teaches Science, History, Health and P. E. at the Jr. High level. Mrs. J's favorite part about St. John's is the fantastic faculty and the great students!

Religion
      Students study God’s Word and how it applies to their life as they prepare for confirmation.  They understand how sin broke the perfect relationship that God provided, but that God still cares for us in every way through His grace.  They study the Bible in light of Martin Luther’s explanations and how we are saved through grace alone.

Math
     Math 87 provides students with a solid foundation of skills and concepts needed for success in quantitative courses.  Proportional thinking, a skill prerequisite to success in upper level math, is emphasized through applications involving ratio, rate, percent, similar geometric figures, and indirect measure.  The interrelationship of fractions, decimals, and percents is reinforced throughout the text.  Pre-algebra topics such as integers, exponents, order of operations, variables, algebraic terms, inequalities, equations, functions, and graphing equations are thoroughly practiced.  Geometric construction, similar congruent figures, transformations, and applications of the Pythagorean theorem strengthen the coverage of geometry concepts.  Data collection and display, statistics, probability, measurement, scientific notation, properties of real numbers, and prime factorization complete a thorough preparation for high school mathematics.  Daily mental math and problem solving exercises further augment the student skills.
 
Language Arts
     Appreciation for a wide variety of literatures begins at this level.  As the students study literature, they are exposed to poetic devices, short story elements, and novel study that provide opportunities for students to think and respond both critically and analytically in writing or orally.  Grammar studies progress to in-depth studies of sentence structure, capitalization and punctuation, phrases and clauses, conjugation of verbs, and understanding voice and forms of verbs.  Writing independently as well as being involved in the entire writing process enables students to strengthen their own skills while being evaluative with fellow students.  Special emphasis is placed on writing for audience and purpose.  Drawing data from multiple primary and secondary sources allows for research reports and projects.

Handwriting
     Maintaining and reinforcing correct letter and number formation is emphasized in this grade.  Students are expected to show an orderliness and high level of neatness in all written work that uses letters and/or numbers.  Self-evaluation charts are used by students to compare the accuracy and neatness of their handwriting.

Early American History
     The student has the opportunity to study the formation of the United States as a group of colonies through the development of a new republic until the country is divided by the War Between the States.  The students will be able to explain why actions occurred in our country’s formation and how it effects them today in our lives.  An emphasis will be placed on viewing how God’s hand was instrumental in this country’s foundation and how it continues today.  During the term, students will study the U.S. Constitution and pass the test showing they have an understanding and knowledge of the documents involved with governing our country.
Science
     Life science is studied at this level.  Students are exposed to all forms of life and the components of living organisms.  Learning what is essential for life gives the students a greater appreciation for life and the creatures that inhabit the earth.  Concepts such as metabolism, stimulus-response, chromosomes, and growth of virus, fungi, and bacteria provide a well-rounded study.  Hands-on learning makes the understanding more concrete for them.

Computer Science
     Computer literacy continues along with the use of computers.  Besides terminology and understanding the various functions a computer can perform, students study the history of computers and look ahead into the future generations of computers and their possible uses.  For students who have progressed through the program, keyboarding skills have reached a high level of ability and use which enables them to use computers not only in the computer classroom setting, but also across the curriculum in other areas such as the preparation of papers and presentations.  In addition to understanding and using on-line services in the lab, students continue with their use and application of databases and desktop publishing.  Students learn about and use spreadsheets.

Art
     Art terms such as tone, tint, and relief and the application of those terms broaden the perspective of students at this age.  For them personally, art can be very realistic or take on other characteristics that would make it expressionistic, modernistic, or abstract.  In whatever form, students explore the talents given them by God and appreciate the gift of creativity that everyone has but in differing degrees.  Giving and receiving criticism of artwork is expected.  Students are aware of other cultures and art forms that can be found throughout the world.

Music
     More complex and varied rhythms are used and studied.  Creating and executing music in melody and harmony formats are accomplished.  One emphasis is on music in worship especially the types of music used in both traditional and popular settings.  Original compositions are encouraged and shared with other class members.  Non-Western cultural music and the characteristics of ethnic music are studied.  Further introductions of musical composers will occur.

Health
     Students determine alternate courses of action to avoid peer pressure.  Learning first aid skills aids them in helping others and reacting to situations that can occur in everyday life.  They work on communication skills to foster healthy relationships with those they meet.  Understanding substance abuse and its repercussions, they have knowledge of laws that relate to the abuse of these illegal substances.  Recognizing the body systems and their functions aids them in knowing how to take care of the bodies God has given to them.

Physical Education
     Enthusiastic participation and the enjoyment of competition are key to students this age.  While they enjoy and participate readily, there is often awkwardness with this age group that must also be overcome.  As they learn to appreciate themselves and their God given talents and abilities, they also learn to accept the talents and abilities of others.  Team sports that are of great importance and the ability to work on certain skills within the team sport make the activity more a challenge to all students.