~Ms. A's Polka Dot Patch~

Hello Madison Community,

       My name is Ms. Afanasiyeva and I am so excited to be joining the Madison School District 69 family. More importantly I am THRILLED to be the new first grade teacher. It's going to be a great year with lots of learning and new adventures taking place in room 1.

Please check my teacher 69 seconds page for the latest news and updates!

Contact information:

Phone: 847.675.3048 x1150 

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Helpful links:

• Brainpop
• Brainpop Jr
• TLSbooks
• TumbleBooks
• Lunch Menus
• District Calendar
• Skokie Library
• Ask for Kids
• Dictionary for Kids
• Storynory
• Cookie.com

 Rules and expectations:

I believe in an positive behavior reinforcement plan. The students and I discuss the Madison School Rules: Be Safe, Be Responsible, and Be Respectful (I also add "Be your Best"), and the classroom expectations throughout the year.  We will be practicing and reinforcing what these behaviors look and sound like throughout the year.  Good choice will be rewarded through more learning taking place and prizes!

Homework:

Please try to read with your first grader for at least 15 minutes each night.  The more exposure that students get to literature (including being read to) the better their reading, vocabulary, and writing will be.  Reading logs will be checked weekly.  Student's are responsible for bringing them and any other homework to school on assigned days.  Please work with your child on any homework but they should be doing all of the writing.  

Reading Tips

About me:

      I am looking forward to learning all about YOU but first I'm going to tell you a little about me. I was born in Ukraine and moved to the United States when I was five years old. I actually went to Madison for kindergarten! I then moved around Skokie for a while attending Jane Stenson and Highland before settling in Northfield. I graduated from New Trier high school and went to the University of Illinois-Champaign Urbana. I went back to school to National-Louis University and received a masters in elementary education.

     I love learning and I am so excited to be joining the first grade team. I enjoy reading, running, painting, cooking and spending time with my family and friends. I live in Edison Park with my boyfriend. He is an Athletic Director for a school in Lombard. I have a nephew, Daniel, and niece, Sophie, that I've loved seeing grow up. Sophie is going into first grade this year too!

     My philosophy as a teacher is that every child is unique and learns in a different way. I strive to create a classroom that fosters creativity, exploration, and hands-on learning. I want to make each child feel safe and excited to learn. Each child is unique and is capable of learning.

    Some of my favorite things:

    Favorite color: red

    Favorite season: spring

    Favorite food: hummus

    Favorite sport: football

    Favorite book: Shadow of the Wind and Harry Potter

    Favorite Disney movie: Aladdin

    Favorite hobby: painting

    Fun fact: I'm a vegan

Please let me know if you have any questions for me. I am always here to help.

Sincerely,

Ms. Afanasiyeva