WELCOME TO MIDDLE SCHOOL

Dear Prospective Families,

As the Head of Middle School, I am delighted to welcome you to a vibrant community where academic excellence, faith, and character development are at the heart of everything we do. At Royal Palm Academy, we believe in nurturing the unique gifts of each student while fostering a passion for learning in a Christ-centered environment that encourages growth in every aspect of life.

Our middle school program is designed to build on the strong foundations established in earlier years, with a rigorous and engaging curriculum that emphasizes leadership, collaboration, and independence. During these pivotal years, students are encouraged to take greater ownership of their academic journey, leading group projects, celebrating their achievements, and exploring their individual interests and talents.

We are proud to offer a curriculum that challenges students intellectually while developing the essential skills needed for their future success. With a focus on critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving, our program prepares students not only for high school but also for the world beyond, ensuring they are well-prepared for the opportunities and challenges of college, their future careers, and life.

At Royal Palm Academy, our dedicated teachers, innovative programs, and supportive community provide a well-rounded experience that prioritizes both academic and character development. Through academic rigor, service projects, and a wide range of extracurricular activities, our students are encouraged to grow into compassionate, confident, and capable young adults who are ready to lead with integrity and make a meaningful impact on the world.

We invite you to explore all that Royal Palm Academy Middle School has to offer and discover how we help students flourish academically, spiritually, and personally.

Welcome to Royal Palm Academy — Come see where students thrive!

Meet Our Middle School Team

Mathematics

Lisa Gorda

Math Teacher & 8th Grade Homeroom

B.S., Kean University

Lisa is starting her 19th year at RPA, and it is her 40th year teaching mathematics at the high school and middle school levels. She is also RPA's middle school coordinator. Over the years, Lisa has been nominated numerous times to Who's Who of America's Teachers and won the Golden Halo Award in 2007.

Tiffany Terzak

Math Teacher & 7th Grade Homeroom

M.Ed., Florida Gulf Coast University

Earth and Space Science 6-12, Biology 6-12, Social Sciences 6-12, ESE K-12, and ESOL Endorsement

Tiffany is starting her second year at RPA. Tiffany is a Cincinnati native entering her 14th year of teaching. She has a wonderful husband and two children, Jack and Audrey. Her passion lies in teaching math and science, and she brings experience working with both middle and high school students. She possesses a unique ability to make learning exciting and engaging for her students!

Science

Science Teacher & 8th Grade Homeroom

M.S., State University of New York at New Paltz

Linda is a veteran teacher of 50 years experience, and she is starting her 16th year at RPA. Linda's love of science continues to challenge, inspire, and instill excellence in all of her students. She is a former Teacher Research Fellow and a 1994 recipient of the University of Connecticut Excellence in HS Teaching Award.

Tiffany Terzak

Science Teacher & 7th Grade Homeroom

M.Ed., Florida Gulf Coast University

Earth and Space Science 6-12, Biology 6-12, Social Sciences 6-12, ESE K-12, and ESOL Endorsement

Language Arts

Sarah Bucknell

Language Arts Teacher & 7th Grade Homeroom

M.S., Western Governors University

Licensed teacher in the state of Florida in: Elementary Education, English 6-12, Special Education, Gifted Education, English Language Learners

Sarah is starting her sixth year at RPA. Sarah is a veteran teacher with experience in both the public and private sectors. She has built courses serving students in grades six through twelve, including AP courses. Sarah's passion is instilling in students a love of learning, reading, inquiry, and wonder.

Connie Crews

Writing Teacher

J.D., St. Thomas University College of Law

Florida Justice Teaching Certificate - Florida Bar

Connie is starting her sixth year at RPA as a teacher. After retiring from the practice of law, she joined our faculty, first as a volunteer with the Florida Justice Teaching Program and eventually as the middle school history teacher and eighth grade ELA teacher.

History

Jennifer Bussman

History Teacher & 6th Grade Homeroom

M.A., Liberty University (Candidate)

B.A., Virginia Wesleyan University

Phi Alpha Theta History Honor Society

Jennifer is starting her second year at RPA. Jennifer is excited to begin her 13th year of teaching, once again guiding students through U.S. History and World History. She has served as a Diocesan Accreditation Committee Member and was chosen to help design and develop social studies curriculum maps for the Diocese of Arlington. Jennifer has a passion for art, art history, photography, flamingos, and all things Palm Beach.

Religion

Devin VanCuren

Religion Teacher & 6th Grade Homeroom

M.A., St. Joseph's College of Maine

B.A., Randolph College, Lynchburg, VA

Devin is starting her fourth year at RPA. Devin is an experienced high school and middle school theology teacher passionate about Catholic education. She is enthusiastic about inspiring a love of learning, especially about God and His love. We are thrilled to welcome Devin back to RPA.

Spanish

Cinthya Mongalo

Spanish Teacher

M.Ed., Grand Canyon University

*Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) (Board Certification In Progress)

Cinthya is starting her seventh year at RPA. Cinthya has been married for 20 years and is a mother of three wonderful children. Her hobbies are gardening, praying the rosary, and spending time with family.

Middle School Curriculum Overview

Culminating in Leadership

At Royal Palm Academy, our mission to nurture apostolic leaders aligns closely with the outcomes we strive to achieve in our graduates. As students progress through our program, they embody the values and principles that enable them to flourish as compassionate, informed, and empowered individuals.

Apostolic Leadership: Middle schoolers embrace leadership roles, embodying the principles of apostolic leadership by taking initiative, demonstrating courage, and inspiring positive change.

Critical Thinking Mastery: Students refine their critical thinking abilities, making informed decisions and approaching complexities with discernment.

Ethical Decision-Making: With a deep understanding of Catholic teachings, students consistently make ethical choices, aligning their actions with their values and positively impacting their environment.

Mathematics

The mathematics program at Royal Palm Academy is designed to equip students with a strong foundation in mathematical concepts and problem-solving skills, preparing them for success in high school and beyond. Our curriculum is structured to challenge students at every level, with honors courses available for those who demonstrate advanced abilities. Through a combination of traditional instruction, hands-on activities, and real-world applications, students develop critical thinking and analytical skills. By the time they complete our program, students are confident in their mathematical abilities and ready to excel in more advanced courses in high school.

Science

The science program at Royal Palm Academy offers a dynamic and interactive learning environment where students engage in hands-on lab experiences and collaborative projects that foster a deep understanding of scientific principles. Students are encouraged to explore the natural world, ask questions, and conduct experiments that bring science to life. Our curriculum is designed to build a strong foundation in biology, chemistry, physics, and earth sciences, with an emphasis on critical thinking and problem-solving. Through these enriching experiences, students are well-prepared for the rigors of high school science courses, equipped with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to excel in advanced studies.

Language Arts

The middle school language arts program at Royal Palm Academy is dedicated to cultivating strong reading, writing, and critical thinking skills through an in-depth study of great works of literature. Students explore a diverse range of classic and contemporary texts, enhancing their understanding of language, themes, and literary devices. Our curriculum places a strong emphasis on vocabulary development and effective writing techniques, guiding students in crafting well-structured essays, creative stories, and analytical responses. Through these studies, students refine their ability to think critically, express their ideas clearly, and develop a lifelong appreciation for literature, all while being thoroughly prepared for the challenges of high school language arts courses.

History

The middle school history program at Royal Palm Academy provides students with a comprehensive understanding of both world history and U.S. history, fostering a deep appreciation for the past and its influence on the present. Through the study of significant events, cultures, and figures, students explore the rich tapestry of global civilizations and the foundational principles of the United States. Our curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, analytical skills, and the ability to connect historical events to contemporary issues. By engaging in discussions, research projects, and primary source analysis, students are prepared to navigate more complex historical studies in high school, while gaining a well-rounded perspective on the world and their place within it.

Religion

The religion classes at Royal Palm Academy are rooted in the teachings of the Catholic faith, offering students a deep and comprehensive understanding of the sacraments, church history, the life of Christ, and Catholic social teachings. Through a curriculum that integrates prayer, scripture study, and the exploration of key doctrines, students are guided in their spiritual growth and encouraged to live out their faith in daily life. They learn about the significance of the sacraments, the rich history of the Church, and the teachings of Jesus Christ, all while developing a strong moral foundation based on Catholic social principles. These classes aim to nurture a lifelong commitment to faith, service, and the values of the Catholic tradition, preparing students to be compassionate and responsible members of the global community.

Spanish

The middle school Spanish program at Royal Palm Academy is designed to build fluency and deepen students' understanding of the Spanish language and Hispanic cultures. Through immersive and interactive lessons, students enhance their vocabulary, grammar, and conversational skills, allowing them to communicate effectively in real-world situations. The curriculum includes a strong focus on listening, speaking, reading, and writing, with opportunities for students to practice through role-playing, collaborative projects, and cultural explorations. By connecting language learning with other academic subjects and emphasizing cultural awareness, the program prepares students for advanced Spanish courses in high school and fosters a global perspective that enriches their educational experience.

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