St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic School

Third Grade Faculty

 
     
 
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Mrs. Blake, 3A

 

Teacher Owl 

 

Having taught Third Grade at St. Thomas the Apostle for twenty five plus years, I am continually amazed at what a new and interesting experience each school year is.  I have seen many changes take place in the teaching experience and it still is an exciting time to be a teacher.  My students, their parents, my talented colleagues, and continuing education have been my ‘teacher’ throughout the years.   The greatest privilege I have had is to be able to pass on our wonderful faith to the ‘future’ of the Catholic Church.  God’s grace has brought me to this time and place, and with God’s help I will continue.

 

Our classroom rules have been addressed on the first day of school. The class has discussed why rules are necessary and what exactly they mean. The classroom rules are simple, and implemented so that learning can take place. The rules help assure a safe learning environment for the benefit of all. They are as follows and are posted in the classroom.

  • Raise your hand to speak
  • Be polite at all times
  • Pay attention and be quiet
  • Be ready for class

Those that have successfully followed these rules will have their assignment notebook marked (eg punch or stamp) each day. A homework pass can be earned for a successful week. Assignments are made daily to practice skills presented in lessons. Generally, assignments are due and checked the following day. All assignments are written on a class assignment chart. An average of one hour each school day is used for students to complete these assignments and seek individual help. Unfinished work must be completed at home. It is a student’s responsibility to record, complete, and return this work. Use of an assignment notebook is stressed. An average third grader, who uses school time productively, should have little or no daily homework. If assignments are not completed, a parent signature for that day will be required. I strongly urge you to check your child’s Assignment notebook on a regular basis. Our gym days will be Monday and Wednesday. (First gym class is, Wednesday, September 3.) Due to the lack of storage space in the classroom, gym uniforms and shoes must be brought from home on those days. Please provide a bag (separate from the school bag) specifically for gym items. (A plastic grocery sack or handled shopping bag can work just fine.) Any bag, however, should be clearly labeled with you child’s name. Gym uniforms should not be worn under the school uniform.

 

  Hi, my name is Mrs. Rosemary Burzynski. I am one of St.Thomas’ third grade teachers. I have taught third grade at St. Thomas for 13 years. I love teaching and feel that God has led me to it, and he continues to lead me through my teaching career.  

I received a degree in early childhood education and a Bachelors of Science in Elementary Education at DePaul University as well as a Master’s degree in Elementary education and curriculum design from National Louis University.  

My family consists of my husband Chris and our five wonderful children; Brandy 25, Chris 19, Connor 17, Grace 13 and Nicholas 11. All of my children have attended St. Thomas. I am a strong believer in Catholic education and feel extremely blessed to be here at St. Thomas.    

3B Class Rules, Discipline and Homework Policy:

  
1. Raise your hand to speak
2. Pay attention and be respectfully quiet
3. Be respectful at all times
4. Be ready for class  

Problem solving strategies:

   Students are required to fill in their assignment notebook daily and ask a parent to review and sign it nightly. Students earn daily stamps/stickers for positive behavior. Look for them nightly, in the assignment notebook. If a student has had less than desirable behavior, does not have their assignment notebook filled in, signed and homework completed, a notation may be made in their assignment notebook and no stamp or sticker will be given for that day.   In order to motivate the students to strive for success, they will earn a weekly no homework pass for following the above rules daily and earning their daily assignment notebook stamp. In addition, the students can work together to earn a whole class reward .This is accomplished through model behavior as a whole class. When good behavior is observed by the teacher or a supervising adult, a paper clip will be added to a paperclip chain. Once we earn our goal of 50 paperclips we will celebrate with an extra recess, popcorn & movie party or another fun activity.  

 Specials Schedule
Monday   Technology
Tuesday   Mass, Gym
Wednesday   Spanish, Gym
Thursday   Music
Friday   Art



~ TEACHING PHILOSOPHY~
The ancient Chinese proverb says:
  • I Hear and I Forget
  • I See and I Remember
  • I Do and I Understand
I believe this proverb is fundamental to learning. We must create learner-centered environments through hands-on learning, class participation and group work. We must empower our students to be self sufficient, life long learners, by helping them create their own understanding of the world around them, and by making the information taught, relevant to them as individuals. We must identify student’s gifts, strengths and differences (cultural heritage, ethnicity, gender, socioeconomic status and personal experiences). We must view this diversity as a unique contribution to our classroom. A great teacher will inspire achievements, nurture faith and impart Knowledge.

 

rburzynski@stthomascl.org

 

 

 

 

 

 
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