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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

My Favorites
Animal - dogs (especially Hickory!)
Number - 6
Book - ANY of the books from the Harry Potter series
Ice cream - chocolate
Season - Spring and Summer... I love them both! I can't choose just one!
Movie - Beauty and the Beast
Bands - U2, Evanescence
Song - Where the Streets Have No Name by U2
Color - blue
Food - cheese pizza
Candy - Swedish Fish, Tootsee Rolls, Milky Way
Video Game - Ape Escape and Kingdom Hearts
Fruit - Strawberries
Restaurants - Chili's, Russell's Barbeque, Sweet Tomatoes

Fun Facts

*I have one older brother named Tim. He is also a teacher!

*I play the piano and the violin.

*I love to sing and be silly when I am at my house! :o)

*I love using my creativity!

*My birthday is on May 9.

*I can touch my tongue to my nose!

*I have my master's degree in Integrating Technology in the Curriculum!

Click here to find out!

 


I Am A Teacher

I am a counselor and psychologist to a problem-filled child,
I am a police officer that controls a child gone wild.
I am a travel agent scheduling our trips for the year,
I am a confidante that wipes a crying child's tear.
I am a banker collecting money for a ton of different things,
I am a librarian showing adventures that a storybook brings.
I am a custodian that has to clean certain little messes,
I am a psychic that learns to know all that everybody only guesses.
I am a photographer keeping pictures of a child's yearly growth,
When mother and father are gone for the day, I become both.
I am a doctor that detects when a child is feeling sick,
I am a politician that must know the laws and recognize a trick.
I am a party planner for holidays to celebrate with all,
I am a decorator of a room, filling every wall.
I am a news reporter updating on our nation's current events,
I am a detective solving small mysteries and ending all suspense.
I am a clown and comedian that makes the children laugh,
I am a dietician assuring they have lunch or from mine I give them half.
When we seem to stray from values, I become a preacher,
But I'm proud to have to be these people because ...
I'm proud to say, "I am a teacher."

by
Stacy Bonino

This site created and maintained by Kirsten Van Dyke.

Last updated on August 7, 2008

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