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Hello!

Hello!  I am Kristina Virgilio!  I am a fifth-grade ELA teacher.  This is my tenth year here at Richland; my 21st overall year in education!  As I child, I walked these very halls and was inspired by so many wonderful teachers. I am honored to follow in their footsteps!

After graduating from Richland High School, I went on to earn my bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of Pittsburgh in 2001. I then spent the next year as an AmeriCorps volunteer, helping nonprofits and in-need communities across the Midwest. In 2003, I followed my heart, moved to New York City, and entered the classroom as a third-grade teacher. For the next four years, I taught at PS 199 in the South Bronx and then moved on to Harlem Village Academies, where I taught 5th-grade math. I went on to work at Readworks as a literacy coach and teacher trainer in schools all over New York City, helping schools and teachers write curricula and improve teaching practices.
 
I began teaching fourth grade at Richland in 2015.  I love teaching and working with students every day.  The classroom should be a place where every student feels safe and inspired to learn. In my classroom, students are challenged to work hard and maximize their potential. I encourage accountability and respect for oneself and others. Above all, I try my best to foster a positive and long-lasting love of learning.

I look forward to working with you and your students. Please feel free to communicate any questions or concerns you may have regarding our curriculum and/or your student's progress at any time. Here's to a great year!
 

Posts

Week of March 30th

Upcoming Due Dates and Assessments - 

In-Class -
4/2 - Conventions of Standard English #3

Homework - 
4/2 - Reading log due

In reading this week, we will be reviewing figurative language. 

We also review prepositional phrases in grammar.  

There are NO spelling words assigned this week  

Band, chorus, and orchestra lessons/classes continue this week!  Please find the schedule below. 

3/30 -  Day 4 - Percussion/Cello/Bass/Chorus
3/31 -  Day 1 - Saxophone/Clarinet/Flute/Oboe/Violin/Chorus
4/1   -  Day 2 - Trombone/Violin/Chorus

Week of March 23rd

In-Class -
3/27 - Study Island - Verbs due
3/27 - Lesson 5 vocabulary packet due

Homework - 
3/27 - Reading log due
3/27 - Unit 5.2 spelling homework due
 
Assessments - 
3/26 - Perfect progressive tense verbs quiz
3/27 - Unit 5.2 spelling test
3/27 - Lesson 5 vocabulary test


In reading this week, we continue examining common themes in literature.  Students will work in partners to draft a TDA response to the passage as well.

We will learn about perfect progressive verb tenses in grammar.  

The spelling words this week are homographs.  These can be tricky!  Students must know the differences between the spellings and the meanings.

Band, chorus, and orchestra lessons/classes continue this week!  Please find the schedule below. 

3/24 - Day 1 - Saxophone/Clarinet/Flute/Oboe/Violin/Chorus
3/25 - Day 2 - Trombone/Violin/Chorus
3/26 - Day 3 - Trumpet/French Horn/Viola/Chorus

Week of March 2nd

Upcoming Due Dates and Assessments -

Classwork - 
3/6 - 12-Sentence Dr. Seuss Character Story
3/6 - Dr. Seuss Balloon Project (RED Group Only)
3/13 - Lesson 4 Vocabulary Packet

Homework -
3/6 - Reading Log Due
3/6 - Unit 4.5 Spelling Packet Due

Assessments - 
3/6 - Unit 4.5 Spelling Test
3/13 - Lesson 4 Vocabulary Test

This week, we will be taking the Firefly assessment.  This assessment will be used as a diagnostic tool in preparation for the PSSAs.   In reading, we will also begin exploring the themes of different passages.
 
Progressive verb tenses will be our grammar skill for this week.

Our spelling words for this week include -once and -ence spelling patterns.

Band, chorus, and orchestra lessons/classes continue this week!  Please find the schedule below. 

3/2 - Day 2 - Trombone/Violin/Chorus
3/3 - Day 3 - Trumpet/French Horn/Viola/Chorus
3/4 - Day 4 - Percussion/Cello/Bass/Chorus
3/5 - Day 1 - Saxophone/Clarinet/Flute/Oboe/Violin/Chorus

Week of February 16th

Upcoming Due Dates and Assessments - 

Classwork - 
2/20 - Study Island - Primary and Secondary Sources - GRADED!
2/20 - Vocabulary Packet

Homework -
2/20 - Reading Log Due
20/20 - Unit 4.3 Spelling Packet Due

Assessments - 
2/20 - Unit 4.3 Spelling Test
2/20 - Unit 3 Vocabulary Test

This week, we will be applying the steps of Textual Analysis to online passages.  We will also spend time reviewing our vocabulary words.  The test for Lesson 3 - Vocabulary will be on Friday, February 30th.  This test will include definitions AND sentence examples (30 points).

In language arts, we will practice identifying and using different verb tenses.  

Our spelling words for this week include homographs.

Band, chorus, and orchestra lessons/classes continue this week!  Please find the schedule below. 

2/17 - Day 3 - Trumpet/French Horn/Viola/Chorus
2/18 - Day 4 - Percussion/Cello/Bass/Chorus
2/19 - Day 1 - Saxophone/Clarinet/Flute/Oboe/Violin/Chorus

Week of January 12th

Upcoming Due Dates and Assessments - 

Classwork - 
1/16 - MLK Paragraph
1/16 - Study Island - Simple, Compound, and Complex Sentences - GRADED!
1/16 - Vocabulary Packet

Homework -
1/16 - Reading Log Due
1/16 - Unit 3.3 Spelling Packet Due

Assessments - 
1/16 - Unit 3.3 Spelling Test
1/16 - Unit 1 Vocabulary Test

This week, we begin examining TDA (text-dependent analysis) prompts.  We will review the purpose of TDAs and examine a variety of prompts.  We will also spend time reviewing our first set of vocabulary words.  The test for Lesson 1 - Vocabulary will be on Friday, January 16th.  This test will include definitions AND sentence examples (30 points).
 
Please note that the marking period officially ends on Tuesday, January 13th.  However, I will be accepting missing work and AR points until Friday, January 16th.

In language arts, we will review subject-verb agreement.  

Our spelling words for this week include open syllables.

Band, chorus, and orchestra lessons/classes continue this week!  Please find the schedule below. 

1/12 - Day 1 - Saxophone/Clarinet/Flute/Oboe/Violin/Chorus
1/13 - Day 2 - Trombone/Violin/Chorus
1/14 - Day 3 - Trumpet/French Horn/Viola/Chorus
1/15 - Day 4 - Percussion/Cello/Bass/Chorus

Week of January 5th

Upcoming Due Dates and Assessments - 

Classwork - 
1/9 - Weekly Grammar Review #10 Due
1/9 - Study Island - Nonfiction Text Structures Due
1/9 - Snow Globe Due

Homework -
1/9 - Reading Log Due
1/9 - Unit 3.2 Spelling Packet Due

Assessments - 
1/9 - Unit 3.2 Spelling Test
1/16 - Unit 1 Vocabulary Test

This week, we will review the strategies that we can use to determine the meaning of unknown words.  For example, we will use context clues to look for synonyms and antonyms.  We will also look for definitions, examples, and other clues that help us determine the meaning of given words.  We will also begin our first vocabulary unit.  Students will be required to complete a packet to study and apply the fifteen words in our unit.  

Students will also retake the STAR Reading assessment to update their ZPDs.  The ZPD is the "zone" or "range" they use for their AR requirements.  Updates will be sent home by the end of the week.

We will spend a few days reviewing simple, compound, and complex sentences.  

Our spelling words for this week include open syllables.

Band, chorus, and orchestra lessons/classes continue this week!  Please find the schedule below. 
1/5 - Day 3 - Trumpet/French Horn/Viola/Chorus
1/6 - Day 4 - Percussion/Cello/Bass/Chorus
1/7 - Day 1 - Saxophone/Clarinet/Flute/Oboe/Violin/Chorus
1/8 - Day 2 - Trombone/Violin/Chorus

Week of December 15th

Upcoming Due Dates and Assessments - 
12/19 - Reading log due
12/19 - Holiday spelling homework due
12/19 - Holiday spelling test
12/19 - Elf Application and drawing due
12/19 - Weekly grammar review #9 due

This week, we will continue analyzing nonfiction text structures.  We will read a variety of texts to determine how the author organized information.  We will also compare and contrast different text structures and their purposes.

We will be revising, editing, and publishing our 5-paragraph essays.  By the end of the week, we should be "wrapped" up! 🎁

Our spelling words include common holiday words.

Band, chorus, and orchestra lessons/classes continue this week!  Please find the schedule below. 

12/15 - Day 3 - Trumpet/French Horn/Viola/Chorus
12/16 - Day 4 - Percussion/Cello/Bass/Chorus
12/17 - Day 1 - Saxophone/Clarinet/Flute/Oboe/Violin/Chorus
12/18 - Day 2 - Trombone/Violin/Chorus

Week of December 8th

Upcoming Due Dates and Assessments - 
12/12 - Reading log due
12/12 - Unit 3.1 spelling homework due
12/12 - Unit 3.1 spelling test
12/12 - Candy cane project due
12/12 - Weekly grammar review #8 due

This week, we will be analyzing nonfiction text structures.  We will read a variety of texts to determine how the author organized information.  We will also compare and contrast different text structures and their purposes.

We will continue creating our outlines for our 5-paragraph essays.  By the end of the week, we should be in the revising/editing phase of writing.

Our spelling words for this week include open vowel sounds.

Band, chorus, and orchestra lessons/classes continue this week!  Please find the schedule below. 

12/8 - Day 3 - Trumpet/French Horn/Viola/Chorus
12/9 - Day 4 - Percussion/Cello/Bass/Chorus
12/10 - Day 1 - Saxophone/Clarinet/Flute/Oboe/Violin/Chorus
12/11 - Day 2 - Trombone/Violin/Chorus

Week of November 17th

Upcoming Due Dates and Assessments - 
11/18 - Biztown Field Trip!
11/21 - Reading Log Due
11/21 - Unit 2.4 Spelling Homework Due
11/21 - Unit 2.4 Spelling Test
11/21 - 5 - Paragraph Essay Due
11/21 - Weekly Grammar Review #6 Due
11/21 - Thanksgiving Paragraph DRAFT Due
 
This week, we will continue to practice applying the steps of textual analysis to reading passages and questions.  We will also begin to examine the parts of text-dependent analysis prompts.
 
In writing, we will wrap up our 5-paragraph essays.  Lots of conferencing, revising, and editing will take place!
 
Our Unit 2.4 spelling words for this week include common contractions.
 
Band, chorus, and orchestra lessons/classes continue this week!  Please find the schedule below. 

11/17 -  Day 2 - Trombone/Violin/Chorus
11/18 -  NO LESSONS!
11/19 - Day 3 - Trumpet/French Horn/Viola/Chorus
11/20 - Day 4 - Percussion/Cello/Bass/Chorus

Week of November 10th

There is no assigned homework for this week!  New reading logs and spelling packets will be given out on Friday, November 14th.
 
In reading this week, we will apply the steps of textual analysis to a new passage, "Excerpt from Daisy's New Word."  Students will work in both partnerships and groups to discuss the passage and make connections between important pieces of information.  
 
In writing, we will continue to revise and edit our 5-paragraph essays.  
 
The band, chorus, and orchestra schedule for this week is as follows:
11/12 - Day 4 - Percussion, Cello/Bass, and Chorus
11/13 - Day 1 - Saxophone/Clarinet/Flute/Oboe, Violin, and Chorus

Week of October 27th

Upcoming Due Dates and Assessments - 
10/30 - Fall/Halloween Writing Assignment Due
10/30 - Haunted House Escape Room Due
10/31 - Reading Log Due

This week, we will be focused on finishing up our writing assignments.  We will be revising and editing our Fall/Halloween stories and will complete the connected directed drawings.  We will also complete our outlines for our five-paragraph opinion essays.

We will also watch the movie, Shiloh, which is based on the novel we just completed (BLUE/YELLOW GROUPS).  We will also finish our novel, Bud, Not Buddy.  We will outline the plot of the story and will also discuss the character conflicts found within the novel (RED GROUP).

Due to the shortened week and Halloween parade/party on Friday, there is NO spelling packet this week.

Band, chorus, and orchestra lessons - 

10/28 - Day 3 - Trumpet/French Horn/Viola/Chorus
10/29 - NO LESSONS 
10/30 - Day 4 - Percussion/Cello/Bass/Chorus

Week of September 22nd

Upcoming Due Dates and Assessments - 

9/26 - Reading Log Due
9/26 - Unit 1.5 Spelling Homework Due
9/26 - Unit 1.5 Spelling Test

This week in reading, we will learn about the four types of literary conflict.  We will also continue reading our novel.  Quiz dates for the book are posted in Google Classroom.

In grammar, we will be wrapping up simple, compound, and complex sentences.  We will focus on revising fragments and run-ons to form these types of sentences. 

Our spelling words for this week include r-controlled sounds and spelling patterns.

Band, chorus, and orchestra lessons/classes begin this week!  Please find the schedule below. 

9/22 - Day 1 - Saxophone/Clarinet/Flute/Oboe/Violin/Chorus
9/23 - Day 2 - Trombone/Violin/Chorus
9/24 - Day 3 - Trumpet/French Horn/Viola/Chorus
9/25 - Day 4 - Percussion/Cello/Bass/Chorus

Week of September 15th

Upcoming Due Dates and Assessments - 
9/17 - Quiz on Simple, Compound, and Complex Sentences
9/18 - Quiz on Point of View
9/19 - Reading Log Due
9/19 - Unit 1.4 Spelling Homework Due
9/19 - Unit 1.4 Spelling Test

This week in reading, we will review the author's point of view and inference.  We will use clues to identify the narrator of several texts.  We will make inferences about given texts by combining clues from the passages with our schema.  Lastly, we will also continue reading our novel.

In grammar, we will be reviewing simple, compound, and complex sentences.  

Our spelling words for this week include r-controlled sounds and spelling patterns.

Band, chorus, and orchestra lessons/classes begin this week!  Please find the schedule below. 

9/15 - Day 1 - Saxophone/Clarinet/Flute/Oboe/Violin/Chorus
9/16 - Day 2 - Trombone/Violin/Chorus
9/17 - Day 3 - Trumpet/French Horn/Viola/Chorus
9/18 - Day 4 - Percussion/Cello/Bass/Chorus

Week of September 8th

Upcoming Due Dates and Assessments - 
9/12 - Reading Log Due
9/12 - Unit 1.3 Spelling Homework Due
9/12 - Unit 1.3 Spelling Test
9/12 - Quiz on Compound and Complex Sentences

This week in reading, we will review the author's point of view.  We will use clues to identify the narrator of several texts.  We will also begin our novel!  

In grammar, we will be reviewing compound and complex sentences.  Students will be completing their first grammar review this week.  This assignment is an OPEN NOTEBOOK assignment!

Our spelling words for this week include  /Ε« /, /u /, /ΓΌ/  sounds and spelling patterns.
 
Band, chorus, and orchestra lessons/classes begin this week!  Please find the schedule below. 
 
9/8 - Day 1 - Saxophone/Clarinet/Flute/Oboe/Violin/Chorus
9/9 - Day 2 - Trombone/Violin/Chorus
9/10 - Day 3 - Trumpet/French Horn/Viola/Chorus
9/11 - Day 4 - Percussion/Cello/Bass/Chorus

Week of August 25 - 29

Upcoming Due Dates and Assessments - 
8/29 - Reading Log Due
8/29 - Unit 1.1 Spelling Homework Due
8/29 - Unit 1.1 Spelling Test

In reading this week, we will be talking about AR requirements and reading logs.  We will also review the Textual Analysis process and will practice using passages.

In grammar, we will be reviewing complete sentences, fragments, and run-ons.  

Our spelling words for this week include short vowel sounds.

For those of you interested in band, chorus, and orchestra, demonstrations will be held this week with the teachers.  Please check Google Classroom for your scheduled days.