Mrs. Adrienne Dudek » Home

Home

I am excited to join the St. Joseph School community as the Middle School Religion Teacher. I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education from DePaul University, with a Middle School endorsement and a LBS1 certificate. I began my teaching career in special education before moving into high school English at Cristo Rey St. Martin College Prep, a school that holds a special place in my heart. My time there was incredibly impactful and continues to shape the way I teach today. I have also served as a middle school CFF teacher here at St. Joe’s, where my family and I are blessed to be parishioners.


I have been married for 11 years, and my husband and I live right here in Libertyville. We have two children who keep us busy with their many sports and activities. We are active in their school and on their sports teams, often volunteering as coaches. I currently coach 2nd-3rd grade girls cheerleading and poms for LWYS. On weekends, you can usually find us at Butler Lake Park, on the soccer fields, or enjoying time together around town. 


After being blessed with time at home raising my children, I’m grateful to return to the classroom. My hope is to create a welcoming, safe classroom where students can learn about and deepen their faith. I want to give them opportunities for growth and reflection, preparing them not only for the Sacrament of Confirmation but also for living their faith each day. I want my students to leave my class feeling empowered to be a person for others, confident in knowing that they are a beloved child of God who is deeply loved and called to share that love with the world.


I look forward to walking with our middle schoolers on their faith journey this year and partnering with parents  to help them grow into compassionate, confident young disciples. Please feel free to contact me with any questions.

 

Posts

October 20 to October 22, 2025: Week at a Glance

6th Grade Religion:

  • Learning Outcomes for the Week: Students will understand how God has cared for His people throughout history by reading the story of Jesus feeding the 4,000, learning how Moses led the Hebrews out of slavery, and recognizing how Jesus established a New Covenant through the Eucharist as a sign of God’s love and promise to be with us always. (Session 7)
    • Classwork/Homework
      • Session 6 Assessment
      • Mark 8:1-9 worksheet
      • Journeys of Faith: Passover and Eucharist/Moses, Passover, and the Eucharist worksheet
      • Session 7 Assessment 

7th Grade Religion:

  • Learning Outcomes for the Week:
  • Mon. 10/20: Unit 1 Test
      • Tues. 10/21 - Wed. 10/22: Students will identify Saint Marie of the Incarnation as a missionary to the New World, explain that Jesus is both true God and true man, describe how Jesus shows a close and loving relationship with God and others, and experience prayer through Lectio Divina. (Unit 2, Session 6)
        • Classwork/Homework
          • Guided Reading Notes packet
  • Dates to remember:
    • Sun. 10/26: 8th Grade Saint Showcase 

8th Grade Religion:

  • Learning Outcomes for the Week:
  • Mon. 10/20 - Tues. 10/21: Students will be able to explain the significance of Saint Benedict and Saint Scholastica, describe monastic life, summarize the early Church councils, and reflect on how the Nicene Creed shapes their faith and daily choices. (Unit 2, Session 7)
        • Classwork/Homework:
          • Guided Reading Notes packet
      • Wed. 10/22: Counselor classroom visit will take place during Religion class this day.
  • Dates to remember:
    • Sun. 10/26: Saint Showcase (mandatory)

October 13 to October 15, 2025: Week at a Glance

6th Gr. Religion:

  • Learning Outcomes for the Week: Students will begin Unit 2, Jesus, Our Lord and Savior, read about the life of Saint John Neumann, and engage with Session 6: God is Faithful. They will read and reflect on the Annunciation, learn about Jacob, Esau, and Joseph from the Old Testament, and define Divine Providence. Students will apply lessons from the Old Testament to better understand God's faithfulness in their own lives.
    • Classwork/Homework
      • Luke 1:30-33 worksheet
      • Joseph’s Faithfulness worksheet
      • Session 6 Assessment

7th Gr. Religion:

  • Learning Outcome for the Week: Students will review and reinforce their understanding of key concepts from Unit 1 in preparation for the unit test.
  • Classwork/Homework:
        • Session 5 Assessment 
        • Unit 1 Study Guide
  • Dates to remember:
      • Mon. 10/20: Unit 1 Test
      • Sun. 10/26: 8th Grade Saint Showcase 

8th Grade Religion:

  • Learning Outcomes for the Week: Students will research and complete their Saint posters by gathering key information about their chosen saint, explaining their personal connection or admiration, and creatively presenting their findings. They will use class time to type, print, and assemble their posters, bringing necessary art supplies and submitting completed work by the end of class on Wednesday.
  • Dates to remember:
        • Wed. 10/15: Saint Poster Due by end of the class
        • Sun. 10/26: Saint Showcase (mandatory)

October 6 to October 8, 2025: Week at a Glance

6th Gr. Religion:

  • Learning Outcomes for the Week:
  • Mon. 10/6: Students will use study tools, including Quizlet and the study guide, to prepare for the Unit 1 test. (Copies of the Study Guide are on Google Classroom)
      • Homework: Study for Unit 1 Test tomorrow
  • Tues. 10/7: Unit 1 Test
  • Wed. 10/8: Students will explore the life of St. Francis of Assisi through a scavenger hunt and gallery walk, using reading comprehension, text evidence, and critical thinking skills.

7th Gr. Religion:

  • Learning Outcomes for the Week:
  • Mon. 10/6:  Students will practice meditative prayer. 
  • Tues. 10/7: In Session 5, Students will explain that Ordinary Time is a time to grow as disciples of Christ and deepen our commitment to Him.
        • Homework/Classwork: All students must finish the Session 5 Assessment due Monday, October 13th. 7 D/S students must return movie permission slips by tomorrow (10/8).
  • Wed. 10/8:
  • 7S: will fill-in for the 8th graders and volunteer in the Food Pantry during class. 
  • 7 D/S: As a review of Session 4, in which we studied the Immaculate Conception, the Annunciation, and the Blessed Mother, we will watch Mary Mother of Jesus. Students must have a signed permission slip returned in order to participate.

8th Grade Religion:

Please review the Confirmation Name Poster Directions with your child. The poster is due October 15th.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1dDGx-O7xWYQaEtR2URtxhhhqw72qOVgRuKiQq6qNTuE/edit?usp=sharing


  • Learning Outcomes for the Week:
  • Mon. 10/6:  Students will learn about St. George’s faith and courage by reading and answering questions.
        • Homework: Study for Unit 1 Test tomorrow. (Copies of the Study Guide are on Google Classroom)
      • Tues. 10/7: Unit 1 Test
      • Wed. 10/8: Retreat/No Class
  • Dates to remember:
        • Tues. 10/7: Unit 1 Test
        • Wed. 10/15: Saint Poster Due
        • Sun. 10/26: Saint Showcase (mandatory)

September 29 to October 1, 2025: Week at a Glance

6th Gr. Religion:

  • Learning Outcomes for the Week:
  • Mon. 9/29-Tues. 9/30:  Students will explain God’s covenant with us, show how Ordinary Time helps us grow in our understanding of Jesus through Scripture, and describe the four Evangelists and the meaning of their symbols (Session 5).
    • Classwork: Session 5 Assessment wkst.
  • Wed. 10/1: Students will review the main ideas and important terms from Unit 1 to help them remember what they’ve learned and get ready for the Unit 1 Test on Tuesday, October 7th.

7th Gr. Religion:

Please note: the Confirmation Commitment form is due Wednesday, October 1.

  • Learning Outcomes for the Week:
  • Mon. 9/29:  Students will complete their Session 3 presentations, review key ideas through an assessment and Scripture activity, and, if time allows, begin Session 4 to learn more about the Blessed Mother.
      • Classwork: Session 3 Assessment/Grand Genes worksheet
  • Tues. 9/30: Students will explore the Annunciation through art and Scripture, learn about the Immaculate Conception and the types of grace, and reflect on how, like Mary, we too can say “yes” to God.
      • Classwork: Guided Reading: Jesus Calls Us to Say Yes wkst. (Session 4)
  • Wed. 10/1: Students will practice meditative prayer. 
      • Classwork: Annunciation Meditation Reflection wkst.

8th Grade Religion:

Please review the Confirmation Name Poster Directions with your child. The poster is due October 15th.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1dDGx-O7xWYQaEtR2URtxhhhqw72qOVgRuKiQq6qNTuE/edit?usp=sharing


  • Learning Outcomes for the Week:
  • Mon. 9/29:  Students will finish their Session 4 presentations. Students will review Session 4 with an assessment and Scripture passage activity.
    • Classwork: Session 4 Assessment/Life-Giving Water wkst.
  • Tues. 9/30: In Session 5, students will explain what the Church celebrates during Ordinary Time and state why Catholics show devotion to Mary.
    • Classwork: Celebrating Ordinary Time wkst.
  • Wed. 10/1: Students will review the main ideas and important terms from Unit 1 to help them remember what they’ve learned and get ready for the test on Tuesday, October 7th.
  • Dates to remember:
    • Tues. 10/7: Unit 1 Test
    • Wed. 10/15: Saint Poster Due
    • Sun. 10/26: Saint Showcase (mandatory)

September 22 to September 24, 2025: Week at a Glance

6th Gr. Religion:

  • Learning Outcomes for the Week:
  • Mon. 9/22-Tues. 9/23: Students will work with their group to present on Session 3 and take notes during other presentations, then in Session 4 they will understand God’s covenant with His chosen people by learning about Abraham and Sarah, God’s call to faith and obedience, and our call to be servants.
      • Classwork/Homework: Session 3 Assessment
    • Wed. 9/24: Students will read Scripture, spend time in prayer, and deepen their understanding of Ordinary Time as a season of growth in faith (Session 5).
      • Classwork/Homework: Session 5 Assessment/packet

7th Gr. Religion:

Students and parents should review the 7th grade Confirmation packet together. This year, students will research saints, attend Mass regularly on weekends, and complete 10 service hours. Students planning to be confirmed in 8th grade must return their Confirmation Commitment form to me by October 1.


On Monday (9/22) I will collect: Saint Research/Reflection form #1

  • Learning Outcomes for the Week:
  • Mon. 9/22: Students will work in groups to learn stories from Session 3, discover why Jesus’ family tree matters and how He fulfilled God’s promises, share what they learned with classmates, and thank God for their families in prayer.
      • Homework: “Mark the Evangelist – The Lion & Session 2 Assessment” due Tuesday (9/23)
    • Tues. 9/23: Students will work with their group to present on Session 3 and take notes during other presentations. Students will review Session 3 with an assessment and Scripture passage activity. 
      • Classwork/Homework: Session 3 Assessment/Grand Genes worksheet
    • Wed. 9/24: In Session 4, students will explain why Mary’s trust in God makes her a model of faith, describe grace as a free gift from God, and practice meditative prayer.

8th Grade Religion:

Students and parents should review the 8th grade Confirmation packet together.  This year they will focus on choosing a Confirmation name, completing a Saint project, selecting a sponsor, attending Mass regularly on weekends, and completing 10 service hours.


On Monday (9/22) I will collect: 

*8L - The Session 2: "The Church Grows" packet & The Session 3: "Witnesses to the Faith" packet

*8F - The Session 3: "Witnesses to the Faith" packet


  • Learning Outcomes for the Week:
  • Mon. 9/22: Students will check in with Mrs. Dudek about their Confirmation progress, research a saint of their choice for their project, and review the key points from Session 3 to deepen their understanding of the material.
      • Classwork/Homework: Saint Research/Reflection worksheet due Tues. 9/23
    • Tues. 9/23: Students will work in groups to understand that the catechumenate is the process by which people join the Church, explain the importance of the Sacraments of Initiation, and identify the promises made at Baptism (Session 4).
    • Wed. 9/24: Students will work with their group to present on Session 4 and take notes during other presentations. Students will review Session 4 with an assessment and Scripture passage activity.
      • Classwork/Homework: Session 4 Assessment/Life-Giving Water wkst.

September 15 to September 17, 2025: Week at a Glance

6th Gr. Religion:

  • Learning Outcomes for the Week:
  • Mon. 9/15: Students will collaborate with classmates to explore key stories from Session 3, including Adam and Eve, Cain and Abel, Noah, and Mary, and will demonstrate understanding of how sin entered the world and the importance of putting faith and trust in God.
  • Tues. 9/16: If Session 3 group presentations are completed, we will move on to Session 4, where students will understand God’s covenant with His chosen people by learning about Abraham and Sarah, God’s call to faith and obedience, and our call to be servants.
  • Wed. 9/17: Counselor classroom visit will take place during Religion class this day.

7th Gr. Religion:

  • Learning Outcomes for the Week:
  • Mon. 9/15Students will understand the meaning and components of Confirmation, including service, Mass, and saints, and begin researching and reflecting on a saint of their choice.
      • Classwork/Homework: Saints Research/Reflection due Mon. 9/22 if not completed in class
  • Tues. 9/16: Students will review what they learned in Session 2, complete an assessment, and use their Bibles to find and read passages from the Gospel of Mark that show Jesus acting and speaking with strength and courage.
      • Classwork/Homework: Session 2 Assessment & Mark the Evangelist – The Lion, due Wed. 9/17 if not completed in class 
  • Wed. 9/17: Students will collaborate in small groups to share and reflect on Jesus’ genealogy, God’s promises, prayer, gratitude, and God’s presence in their lives (Session 3).

8th Grade Religion:

*On Mon. 9/15  I will be collecting the following homework assignments from last week:

Session 2 handouts (The Church Grows, Letter of Recommendation, Ses. 2 Assessment pgs 1-2)

  • Learning Outcomes for the Week:
  • Mon. 9/15: Students will review Confirmation and understand the steps and preparations for receiving the sacrament.
  • Tues. 9/16: Learn about early Christian martyrs, how they showed their faith, and pray the Litany of the Saints together.
      • Classwork/Homework: Session 3 Handouts (Witnesses to the Faith, Session 3 Assessment)
  • Wed. 9/17: Students will work in small groups to teach their classmates about how people joined the early Church, the importance of the Sacraments of Initiation, the promises made at Baptism, and key terms from Session 4.

September 8 to September 10, 2025: Week at a Glance

**REMINDER: 6th Graders & 7th Graders - your original prayers were due Friday via Google Classroom. Turn in ASAP if you have not done so.

 

6th Gr. Religion:

*On Mon. 9/8 I will be collecting the following homework assignments from last week:

  • Prayer rough draft, Peer Revision sheet, prayer inspiration packet
  • Learning Outcomes for the Week:
  • Mon. 9/8: Students will understand God’s grace, how to respond with good works, and recognize the value in all of God’s creation and human family.
      • Classwork: Guided Reading Worksheet (pgs. 13-15), Unit 1, Session 2
  • Tues. 9/9: Students will understand the second creation story, God’s gift of creation, and how we are called to care for it.
  • Wed. 9/10: Students will collaborate with classmates to explore key stories from Session 3, including Adam and Eve, Cain and Abel, Noah, and Mary, and will demonstrate understanding of how sin entered the world and the importance of putting faith and trust in God.

7th Gr. Religion:

*On Mon. 9/8 I will be collecting the following homework assignments from last week:

  • Prayer rough draft, Peer Revision sheet, prayer inspiration packet
 
  • Learning Outcomes for the Week:
  • Mon. 9/8: Learn about John the Baptist, Jesus’ baptism, and how trusting God and prayer can help you.
    • Classwork: Session 2 Guided Reading worksheet
  • Tues. 9/9: Students will review what they learned in Session 2, complete an assessment, and use their Bibles to find and read passages from the Gospel of Mark that show Jesus acting and speaking with strength and courage.
    • Classwork/Homework: Session 2 Assessment & Mark the Evangelist – The Lion, due Mon. 9/15 if not completed in class 
  • Wed. 9/10: Counselor classroom visit will take place during Religion class this day.
 

8th Grade Religion:

*On Mon. 9/8  I will be collecting the following homework assignments from last week:

  • Pentecost packet
 
  • Learning Outcomes for the Week:
  • Mon. 9/8: Students will learn about Saint Paul and the Early Church, identify key decisions made at the Council of Jerusalem, and understand that the gift of salvation calls us to take action in our lives. 
  • Tues. 9/9: Learn about early Christian martyrs, how they showed their faith, and pray the Litany of the Saints together.
  • Wed. 9/10: Students will learn about St. George’s faith and courage by reading, discussing, and answering questions, and will show their understanding by creating a shield and mini-poster with symbols of his example.
 

September 2 to September 5, 2025: Week at a Glance

6th Gr. Religion:

*On Tues. 9/2 I will be collecting the following homework assignments from last week:

  • 6B - Unit 1, Session 1 - Key Terms Review & Session 1 Assessment wkst.
  • 6A - Test Your Bible Knowledge wkst. & Unit 1, Session 1 - Key Terms Review & Session 1 Assessment wkst.
  • Learning Outcomes for the Week:
  • Tues. 9/2-Wed. 9/3: Students will use the writing process to create an original prayer addressed to God on behalf of the St. Joe’s School community.
  • Classwork/Homework: Students will have class time to draft and write their own original prayers. Any student who doesn’t finish in class can submit their prayer on Google Classroom by Friday.


7th Gr. Religion:

*On Tues. 9/2 I will be collecting the following homework assignments from last week: Session 1 Assessment worksheet

  • Learning Outcomes for the Week:
  • Tues. 9/2-Wed. 9/3: Students will use the writing process to create an original prayer addressed to God on behalf of the St. Joe’s School community.
        • On Wednesday, Ms. Sidlowski will be coming into our classroom for a few minutes to talk about a service/volunteer opportunity with the Puppet Club. 7th graders will need to complete 10 service hours this year to fulfill Confirmation requirements.
  • Classwork/Homework: Students will have class time to draft and write their own original prayers. Any student who doesn’t finish in class can submit their prayer on Google Classroom by Friday.

8th Grade Religion:

*On Tues. 9/2 I will be collecting the following homework assignments from last week: Key Terms worksheet form pgs. 1-5 of Session 1, Unit 1

  • Learning Outcomes for the Week:
  • Tues. 9/2: Students will learn about Pentecost, reflect on how the Holy Spirit can guide them to live and share their faith this week, and demonstrate understanding of Section 1 through an assessment.
      • Classwork/homework: Students will need to complete their Pentecost packets if not completed in class. Due Monday 9/8.
  • Wed. 9/3: Counselor classroom visit will take place during Religion class this day.

August 25 to August 27, 2025: Week at a Glance

6th Gr. Religion:

Unit 1: God, Our Creator and Father

Session 1 Theme: In the Bible, God reveals himself to us, especially in the life, Death, Resurrection, and Ascension of Jesus Christ. 

Learning Outcomes for the Week:
    • 8/25 Mon. - Students will be able to explain St. Jerome’s role in translating the Bible and recognize that Jesus is always present in their hearts. 
      • Classwork: Luke 24:27-32 worksheet. Bring art supplies (crayons/markers) to class on Tues.
    • 8/26 Tues. - Students will be able to describe how the Holy Spirit inspired the authors of the Bible, explain the differences between the Old Testament and New Testament, and demonstrate understanding of how the Magisterium helps us understand the Bible.
      • Classwork/Homework: Test Your Bible Knowledge worksheet (finish at home if not completed in class - Due 8/27)
    • 8/27 Wed. - Students will participate in classroom prayer, and demonstrate their understanding of Session 1 by accurately completing a key terms review and the Session 1 Assessment worksheet using their textbooks as a reference.
      • Classwork/Homework: Unit 1, Session 1 - Key Terms Review & Session 1 Assessment worksheet (finish at home if not completed in class - Due. Tues. 9/2)
 

7th Gr. Religion:

Unit 1: One True Faith

Session 1 Theme: The Trinity is the central mystery of our Christian faith and life.
 
Learning Outcomes for the Week:
    • 8/25 Mon.: Students will explore the faith journey of St. Augustine and reflect on their own, define faith, collaborate with classmates to take notes and discuss the Trinity, and demonstrate understanding of Catholic Social Teaching.
      • Classwork: Three Persons in One God worksheet
    • 8/26 Tues.: Students will pray and reflect on the Sign of the Cross and write about a time they experienced God’s love.
      • Classwork: Reflect - How Do We Know God Loves Us? journal worksheet
    • 8/27 Wed.: Students will show what they learned in Session 1, learn more about St. Augustine by watching a video clip, and praying one of his prayers.
      • Classwork: Session 1 Assessment worksheet


8th Grade Religion:

Learning Outcomes for the Week:
  • Mon. 8/25-Tues. 8/26: Students will use the writing process to create an original prayer addressed to God on behalf of the St. Joe’s School community.
    • Classwork/Homework: Students will have class time to draft and write their own original prayers. Any student who doesn’t finish in class can submit their prayer on Google Classroom by Friday.
  • Unit 1: The Early Church
    • Session 1 Theme: Jesus’ Message
  • Wed. 8/27: Students will be able to explain how Saint Peter showed leadership, define the key words from Session 1, and say what the Lord’s Prayer teaches us.
    • Classwork/Homework: Key Terms handout (due 9/2 if not completed in class)

August 20th to August 22nd, 2025: Week at a Glance

Religion classes for 6th, 7th, and 8th grade will meet only once on Wednesday, August 20th, for a shortened period. Regular instruction and our first unit will begin on Monday, August 25th.
 
8/20/25 Objective: Students will become familiar with classroom routines, meet their teacher and classmates, prepare their Religion book, and build community through a faith-based activity.
 
Homework: none