NAME: Mrs. Kirsten Van Dyke

SCHOOL: Woodland Elementary West

CLASS: Third Grade

SCHOOL PHONE: (847) 856-2924

E-MAIL - kvandyke@dist50.net

A note from the teacher...

This is my fourth year teaching third grade in Woodland School District.  Before coming to Woodland, I taught second grade 
at Euclid School in Mount Prospect, Illinois.  I also worked as an aide in a seventh grade special education classroom 
in the 2003-2004 school year.  I graduated from Carthage College in Kenosha, Wisconsin in 2003.  I majored in 
Elementary Education with a minor in Geography.  I did my student teaching in both a fifth grade class as well as an 
eighth grade social studies class.  I am very excited to teach a new bunch of third graders again this year! 

I grew up in Mount Prospect, Illinois.  On November 11, 2005, I got married!  I went from being Miss Dykes to Mrs. Van Dyke!  
Can you believe that?  I now live in Waukegan with my "hubbie", Dan,  and our puppy, Hickory!  

In April 2008, I received my master's degree from Walden University in Integrating Technology in the Classroom! I love using 
technology whenever possible with my students!

I am very excited to have your child in my class! If  you have any questions, please feel free to call me at (847)856-2924 or 
write me an email at kvandyke@dist50.net.  I will get back to you within the next 24 hours!  I am so thrilled to be working 
with you this year to ensure success for your child!  It is going to be a GREAT year!

Mrs. Van Dyke's Mission Statement

My mission is to inspire my students in every way that I can. I will work toward reaching the students in my classroom by tapping into their interests and prior knowledge. I will then act as a guide on their journey through third grade, leading them toward discovery and further exploration of ideas and topics. My students will love learning because they will see how much I love learning. They will have fun in my classroom and will view their school experiences in a different light than they have in the past. I will bridge their knowledge gained in third grade with real-life connections so that the students will continue their life-long journey through education.

I will actively listen to each student in my class and support them in every way possible. I will take genuine care and concern when they are worried, upset, frustrated, or angry about something and will work with them to figure out a solution. I will know my students’ interests, hobbies, hopes, and dreams so that I can tailor-fit my teaching to them.

I expect the very best from each student, not only academically, but also behaviorally and socially. I realize that it is up to me to teach my students techniques and steps to take in order to meet my expectations. We will work as a team to bring out the best in everyone in Room 28. I will empower the students in my class to be the best that they can be everyday.

Kirsten Van Dyke

3rd Grade Teacher - Woodland Elementary West