Spring Brook Elementary School

 

Mrs. Baumgartner is a fun loving person who enjoys the outdoors.  She has two wonderful boys who keep her busy with baseball, basketball and wrestling. She is excited to be teaching second grade at Spring Brook School. One of her favorite parts of the day is getting smiles and hugs from her students. In her spare time, Mrs. Baumgartner enjoys reading, watching movies, cooking and baking.

 

Heather Ottesen has been teaching in district 204 since 1994 and has taught 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade.  She began teaching second grade at Spring Brook in 2019.  Heather received her bachelor's degree from Northern Illinois University and her master's degree from National-Louis University.  She also has her ELL endorsement.  Heather enjoys spending free time with her two daughters as well as reading, hiking, and traveling.  Heather believes no matter how much education changes, kids will always need good teachers, and teachers will always need them right back.

 

Pat Fordonski has been teaching at Spring Brook since 2002. He started as a teacher’s assistant working in Mrs. Koebrich’s classroom when she taught fourth grade. He then taught third grade for six years. This is his fifth year teaching second grade. Pat received his Bachelor of Science in Education from Eastern Illinois University in 2001. A fun fact about the time Pat spent at Eastern is that he attended EIU when Tony Romo, the Dallas Cowboys quarterback, was at Eastern. He earned his Masters of Arts in Educational Administration in 2007 from Concordia University in River Forest, Illinois. Someday he has aspirations of becoming an Athletic Director. He currently lives in Aurora, Illinois. Pat has two younger sisters, one of which is a teacher in Naperville (District 203). Pat’s mom teaches Kindergarten and his dad started teaching Computer Aided Drafting and Architecture classes at Waubonsee Community College. Pat grew up in Geneva, Illinois and enjoys golfing, watching the Cubs play, swimming, reading and bowling in his free time. Pat’s favorite subject to teach is Math. He believes that everyone is different and unique in their own special ways. He enjoys making learning a fun process where everyone feels successful.    

 

Julia Schnorr is thrilled to be teaching 2nd grade at Spring Brook Elementary! She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Illinois State University in 2017. As a student, she studied abroad in Canterbury, England where her love for travel began. She loves to spend time with her family, cheer on the Cubbies, and read a good book with a cup of tea. As a District 204 graduate, she is so proud to be teaching within the district in which her passion for education began! Julia believes each child is entitled to an enriching education that fosters respect, guidance and appreciation for each student’s cultural identity. She is so excited for another wonderful year of learning and growing with her amazing 2nd grade students!

National PTA: Second Grade Parents' Guide to Student Success

Reading

The ELA, English Language Arts, curriculum is based on a balanced literacy framework which involves each one of the following components on a daily basis:

· Shared Reading

· Guided Reading

· Independent Reading

Through whole group, small group and independent instruction, students will read and receive instruction on reading strategies and skills at a level which meets their individual needs. We use a variety of fiction and informational texts that fit within 4 unit themes.

· Looking Beyond Yourself

· Interdependence

· Perspective

· Comparing Tales from Around the World

Writing

To aide in further developing the writing process, we use the following practices in the classroom each day:

· Modeled Writing

· Collaborative Writing

· Guided Writing

· Independent Writing

Throughout the year, the children will be exposed to a variety of writing genres and will have the opportunity to convey their thoughts in a variety of modes.

Units of Study

· Narrative

· Paragraph

· Expository/Research

· Opinion

· Poetry

· Journals

Math

The Second Grade mathematics curriculum is a spiral curriculum that includes beginning, developing, and secure skills. There are 4 common core standards that will be taught throughout the school year.

· Operations & Algebraic Thinking

· Numbers & Operations in Base Ten

· Measurement & Data

· Geometry

We will also use the Otter Creek Mastering Math Facts to help students master their addition and subtraction facts.

Science

Here are the units of study that we will be learning…

· Earth Science

· Physical Science

· Life Science

Social Studies

Here are the units of study that we will be learning…

· Our Earth

· Working Together

· Our Country Today

· Our Country Long Ago

· People and Places in History

In order for good learning to occur, the teacher must have the cooperation and attention of the student. Our classroom rules are quite simple and easy to follow:

• Be Respectful - Be kind and courteous to others, use quiet voices and help or share with others.
   
• Be Responsible - Follow directions, give good effort, clean up after yourself, and take care of our things.
   
• Be There…Be Ready - Be on task and be prepared.
   
• Be Safe - Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself, and keep chair legs on the floor.

 
Everyone makes mistakes, and sometimes inappropriate choices are made. If this should happen, consequences will be determined accordingly. They could include loss of Paws Applause, time deducted from recess, a note or a phone call home, or a conference with the student, parent, and teacher.

Appropriate behavior is valued in our classrooms. Verbal praise and Paws Applause are ways positive behavior is rewarded. Paws Applause tickets can be saved to “purchase” rewards. Some of the choices are extra computer time, reading to another second grade class, lunch with the teacher and a friend, and many more.

Second graders also follow CHAMP behavior:

Conversation           

            Voice Levels

            0 – No Talking

            1 – Whisper Voice

            2 – Conversation Voice

            3 – Presentation Voice

            4 – Outside Voice

Help 

Activity 

Movement

Participation

When we follow CHAMP behavior, we have success!

Second graders also take part in Class Meetings.  Class meetings occur on a weekly basis and as needed throughout the school year. Class Meetings allow for both students and the teacher to reflect upon the school week and/or events outside of the school day. 

Following Class Meetings, students have the opportunity to participate in Community Time. Students are encouraged to engage in activities with their peers, rather than play independently.