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Mrs. Carrie D'Amore » Home

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Welcome to Mrs. D'Amore's Class!

My name is Carrie D’Amore.  I am a licensed Elementary Education teacher who is very passionate about Catholic education. I am certified K-8th grade and have loved being involved with education in one way or another as long as I can remember. I taught Kindergarten for 2 years and then 3rd grade for 5 years. I was promoted to be Dean of Academics for 1 year before beginning a family of my own. Being a teacher is part of what makes me tick!


I have been married for 22 years. Beginning in 2006, my husband Andrew and I had 3 children and I was blessed to have the ability to stay home for 12 years to teach, guide and care for them. In 2017, I was hired at Prince of Peace Catholic School in Lake Villa to be a part-time Kindergarten Assistant. I thoroughly enjoyed this role for 5 years, learning so much from the “mouths of babes”.


In 2023, I worked my way back into the classroom, teaching Kindergarten at Prince Of Peace Catholic School in Lake Villa. 


I love watching each student learn at their own level and seeing the “lightbulb” go off for them; that ah-ha moment! I use small groups where possible to individualize learning. The number of rewards I receive as an educator are prolific.


This year, here at St. Joseph’s, I will teach third grade. My son Drew is here in 8th grade and my  2 daughters are Isabella-a Sophomore at Loras College and Lia-is a freshman at Creighton University.


Some of my hobbies include watching my kids play sports and going to professional sporting events. I really enjoy spending time with family and friends, traveling, taking our dog Luna on long walks and reading a good book.


I attended Saint Joseph College, in Rensselaer, IN and had the privilege of also being a student athlete, playing Division II soccer there. 


Being an educator teaches me so much about myself and enriches my own love of learning. 


I will give the students my best and look forward to getting to know them all better. I believe good communication is a necessity in any working relationship. Please do not hesitate to come to me with any questions or concerns you may have. I want to also mention that we are so very fortunate to have Mrs. Susan Bronken returning and Mrs. Andrea Graham as our Instructional Aides. Together we will make a great team for the continued success of your child’s learning experience!

 

*Always appreciated, but never expected-please see our Amazon Wishlist! We have so many fun things to do. It will update as we add items throughout the year. Thank you for your consideration!

 

 

My Teaching Philosophy 
 
I believe that it is my utmost duty to inspire and challenge my students. I want them to thrive and feel safe in a fun learning environment where kindness is universal and all are accepted. Bullying will never be tolerated in my classroom and help will always be given to those who ask. My classroom will be a calm, quiet and comfortable place where mental health is nurtured and given light. I vow to maintain a positive attitude for my students as not only their teacher but as their role model. My students will be taught how to work together and communicate effectively. As a teacher, there will be various strategies that I will uphold to make a controlled and calm classroom environment. At the top of the list is RESPECT-for self, others and all property. As a teacher, I want to make an impact on my students and show them that they can do anything. Even if it becomes difficult they need to know that with a little bit of help and hard work, they can accomplish anything!
Specials Schedule:
Monday- Art,(Mr. Abbate) Media (Mrs. Hoglund and Mrs. Frels)
Tuesday-P.E. (please wear gym uniforms) Mr. Shute, Steam (Mrs. Delaney)
Wednesday-Music (Mr. Showstead)
Thursday-Library (Mrs. Hoglund and Mrs. Frels)
Friday- P.E. (please wear gym uniforms) Mr. Shute
 

Posts

Monday, January 2nd:

Well, darn...6 more weeks of winter. Thanks a lot Punxsutawney Phil!!
 
MATH: 10 minutes of multiplication and division facts
 
READING: 15 minutes!
 
Reminders:
  • Tuition Contracts for next school year were due! Please send those in!
  • Wednesday, February 11th is our next Food Pantry collection: please send in brownie/cake mix or frosting! Thank you for your contributions!
  • Book Report due: February 17th. NO GRAPHIC NOVELS, PLEASE!
  • Please be sure your child has working headphones for I-Ready Testing!
  • Please see to it that your student has a chapter book to read at school.
  • Please send your child to school prepared to be outdoors when possible (20 degrees or higher). Thank you!
  • *Thursdays are our Library day! Please return books for renewal or return and choose new ones.
  • Please-Charge your chrome book every night! Bring your Clever badge back!
  • Bring a healthy snack each day!
    • Spelling menus will be due every Friday (Choose 3 activities-time given in class to do. Students will finish at home if necessary.)
    • Students are expected to have done 40-45 minutes in each Reading and Math for I-Ready practice lessons every week! They are given plenty of time in class throughout the week, but can finish at home if the goal is not met.

Thursday, January 29th:

Math: Lesson 6 odds, pgs. 465-466
 
Reading: 15 minutes, listen to the audio of Milton Hershey. Test!
 
Spelling: menus, test!
 
Reminders:
  • Tuition Contracts for next school year were due! Please send those in!
  • Book Report due: February 17th. NO GRAPHIC NOVELS, PLEASE!
  • Please be sure your child has working headphones for I-Ready Testing!
  • Please see to it that your student has a chapter book to read at school.
  • Please send your child to school prepared to be outdoors when possible (20 degrees or higher). Thank you!
  • *Thursdays are our Library day! Please return books for renewal or return and choose new ones.
  • Please-Charge your chrome book every night! Bring your Clever badge back!
  • Bring a healthy snack each day!
    • Spelling menus will be due every Friday (Choose 3 activities-time given in class to do. Students will finish at home if necessary.)
    • Students are expected to have done 40-45 minutes in each Reading and Math for I-Ready practice lessons every week! They are given plenty of time in class throughout the week, but can finish at home if the goal is not met.

Week at a Glance: 2/2

Short Week this week-No School Thursday, 2/5 or Friday, 2/6!
 
LA: We will use these 3 days to finish up another pen pal letter (focused on heading, greeting, body and closing) and practice addressing an envelope, and finalizing our Biography poems.
We will read I Want to be Like the Brave Men of Tuskeegee (Biography). We will practice: voice in presenting our Biography poems to the class.
*Keep working on those Book Reports! Please reach out sooner than later if questions come up.
 
Religion: We will wrap up our Ten Commandments booklet and test on those the following mid-week.
 
Math: We will continue with Chapter 8-Apply Multiplication and Division.
 
*This week is the 100th Day of school! We are creating our 100 year old self portraits and forecasting what we think life will be like at 100! 

Wednesday, January 28th:

Math: Lesson 5 evens, pgs 459-460
 
Reading: A Silent Movie Star(15 minutes)
 
Reminders:
  • Tuition Contracts for next school year are due today!
  • Book Report due: February 17th. NO GRAPHIC NOVELS, PLEASE!
  • Please be sure your child has working headphones for I-Ready Testing!
  • Please see to it that your student has a chapter book to read at school.
  • Please send your child to school prepared to be outdoors when possible (20 degrees or higher). Thank you!
  • *Thursdays are our Library day! Please return books for renewal or return and choose new ones.
  • Please-Charge your chrome book every night! Bring your Clever badge back!
  • Bring a healthy snack each day!
    • Spelling menus will be due every Friday (Choose 3 activities-time given in class to do. Students will finish at home if necessary.)
    • Students are expected to have done 40-45 minutes in each Reading and Math for I-Ready practice lessons every week! They are given plenty of time in class throughout the week, but can finish at home if the goal is not met.

Tuesday, January 27th:

Math: Lesson 4 odds, pgs.453-454
 
Reading: 15 minutes!
 
Reminders:
  • Book Report due: February 17th. NO GRAPHIC NOVELS, PLEASE!
  • Please be sure your child has working headphones for I-Ready Testing!
  • Please see to it that your student has a chapter book to read at school.
  • Please send your child to school prepared to be outdoors when possible (20 degrees or higher). Thank you!
  • *Thursdays are our Library day! Please return books for renewal or return and choose new ones.
  • Please-Charge your chrome book every night! Bring your Clever badge back!
  • Bring a healthy snack each day!
    • Spelling menus will be due every Friday (Choose 3 activities-time given in class to do. Students will finish at home if necessary.)
    • Students are expected to have done 40-45 minutes in each Reading and Math for I-Ready practice lessons every week! They are given plenty of time in class throughout the week, but can finish at home if the goal is not met.

Monday, January 26th:

HAPPY 100 YEAR CELEBRATION TO ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC SCHOOL!
*All those who dressed in our 30s era today looked amazing!!
 
Math: Lesson 3 (evens) pgs. 445-446
 
Reading: 15 minutes! **Book report due: February 17th
 
Reminders:
  • Book Report due: February 17th. NO GRAPHIC NOVELS, PLEASE!
  • Please be sure your child has working headphones for I-Ready Testing!
  • Please see to it that your student has a chapter book to read at school.
  • Please send your child to school prepared to be outdoors when possible (20 degrees or higher). Thank you!
  • *Thursdays are our Library day! Please return books for renewal or return and choose new ones.
  • Please-Charge your chrome book every night! Bring your Clever badge back!
  • Bring a healthy snack each day!
    • Spelling menus will be due every Friday (Choose 3 activities-time given in class to do. Students will finish at home if necessary.)
    • Students are expected to have done 40-45 minutes in each Reading and Math for I-Ready practice lessons every week! They are given plenty of time in class throughout the week, but can finish at home if the goal is not met.
 
 

Thursday, January 22nd:

Math: Lesson 2 (evens), pgs. 439-440.
 
Reading: 15 minutes.
 
Writing: FINAL COPY OF BIOGRAPHY ESSAY!
 
Reminders:
  • We hope to see you all at the Mass and Open House this Sunday!
  • Book Report due: February 17th.
  • Please be sure your child has working headphones for I-Ready Testing!
  • Please see to it that your student has a chapter book to read at school.
  • Please send your child to school prepared to be outdoors when possible (20 degrees or higher). Thank you!
  • *Thursdays are our Library day! Please return books for renewal or return and choose new ones.
  • Please-Charge your chrome book every night! Bring your Clever badge back!
  • Bring a healthy snack each day!
    • Spelling menus will be due every Friday (Choose 3 activities-time given in class to do. Students will finish at home if necessary.)
    • Students are expected to have done 40-45 minutes in each Reading and Math for I-Ready practice lessons every week! They are given plenty of time in class throughout the week, but can finish at home if the goal is not met.

Week at a Glance:1/26

Reading, Spelling and Writing: 

Unit 4 Week 3:Milton Hershey (Biography)

OBJECTIVES: Students will be able to-

  • learn more about biography and identify the author’s purpose in a biography.
  •  develop knowledge about language to make connections between reading and writing.
  •  use elements of opinion writing to write an opinion essay.
  • understand prepositions and prepositional phrases.

Math: Chapter 8 Apply Multiplication and Division

  • Lesson 3: Divide by 6 and 7-use different strategies, including arrays and repeated subtraction, to divide by 6 and 7.
  • Lesson 4: Multiply by 8- use different strategies, such as arrays, drawings, and known facts, to multiply by 8.
  • Lesson 5: Multiply by 9-use different strategies, such as properties, known facts, or patterns, to multiply by 9.
  • Lesson 6: Divide by 8 and 9- use different strategies, such as equal groups, repeated subtraction, and related multiplication facts to divide by 8 and 9.

Religion: 

Unit 2 Session 7- Wrap up and 10 Commandments

Objectives:

    • Understand what Jesus wants us to do in order to follow Him
    • Understand that God wants us to follow the 10 Commandments
    • Understand how being generous helps us follow Jesus
    • Identify ways to show love for God 
    • Be able to define conversion
    • Recognize Saints/Feast days of the week
  • The Ten Commandments

Science: Chapter 3 Plants

Lesson - 1 How can you classify plants?

Objective: Students will classify plants into major groups, such as flowering  and non-flowering plants, based on physical characteristics.

1.Hand out ‘Word to know” handout 

  • Flowering plants
  • Nonflowering plants
  • Spore
  • coniferous

Reminders: 

  • Please send your child with warm outerwear. We will have outdoor recess when temperatures are 20 degrees or above.
  • *Thursdays are our Library day! Please return books for renewal or return and choose new ones.
  • Please-Charge your chrome book every night! Bring your Clever badge back!
  • Bring a healthy snack each day!
  • Spelling menus will be due every Friday (Choose 3 activities-time given in class to do. Students will finish at home if necessary.)
  • Students are expected to have done 40-45 minutes in each Reading and Math for I-Ready practice lessons every week! They are given plenty of time in class throughout the week, but can finish at home if the goal is not met.

Math: Chapter 8, Lesson 1 odds
 
Science: Please use lesson check quizzes, Study guide pgs.89-92 to prepare for Thursday's Chapter 2 test!
 
Reading: 15 minutes of reading-Cereal Box Book Report due 2/17-no graphic novels PLEASE!
 
***See letter/email regarding Catholic Schools Week!
**Tuition contracts are coming home with your youngest/only student today. Please take a few minutes to fill those out and return for the 2026-2027 school year! Thank you!
*We are in need of more pencils for the room. Donations are MUCH appreciated!
 
Reminders:
  • Science Chapter 2 test-Thursday, January 22nd.
  • Book Report due: February 17th.
  • Please be sure your child has working headphones for I-Ready Testing!
  • Please see to it that your student has a chapter book to read at school.
  • Please send your child to school prepared to be outdoors when possible (20 degrees or higher). Thank you!
  • *Thursdays are our Library day! Please return books for renewal or return and choose new ones.
  • Please-Charge your chrome book every night! Bring your Clever badge back!
  • Bring a healthy snack each day!
    • Spelling menus will be due every Friday (Choose 3 activities-time given in class to do. Students will finish at home if necessary.)
    • Students are expected to have done 40-45 minutes in each Reading and Math for I-Ready practice lessons every week! They are given plenty of time in class throughout the week, but can finish at home if the goal is not met.

Tuesday, January 20th:

Science: Please use lesson check quizzes, Study guide pgs.89-92 to prepare for Thursday's Chapter 2 test!
 
Reading/Writing: Rough draft of Biography 5 paragraph essay due tomorrow!
 
***See letter/email regarding Catholic Schools Week!
**Tuition contracts are coming home with your youngest/only student today. Please take a few minutes to fill those out and return for the 2026-2027 school year! Thank you!
*We are in need of more pencils for the room. Donations are MUCH appreciated!
 
Reminders:
  • Science Chapter 2 test-Thursday, January 22nd.
  • Book Report due: February 17th.
  • Please be sure your child has working headphones for I-Ready Testing!
  • Please see to it that your student has a chapter book to read at school.
  • Please send your child to school prepared to be outdoors when possible (20 degrees or higher). Thank you!
  • *Thursdays are our Library day! Please return books for renewal or return and choose new ones.
  • Please-Charge your chrome book every night! Bring your Clever badge back!
  • Bring a healthy snack each day!
    • Spelling menus will be due every Friday (Choose 3 activities-time given in class to do. Students will finish at home if necessary.)
    • Students are expected to have done 40-45 minutes in each Reading and Math for I-Ready practice lessons every week! They are given plenty of time in class throughout the week, but can finish at home if the goal is not met.

Thursday, January 15th:

Math: Chapter 7 Lesson 8 (odds) pgs. 413-414
 
Reading/Spelling: Frederick Douglas-Unit 4 Week 2, 3 spelling menu activities
 
Reminders:
  • Science Chapter 2 test-Thursday, January 22nd.
  • Book Report due: February 17th.
  • Please be sure your child has working headphones for I-Ready Testing!
  • Please see to it that your student has a chapter book to read at school.
  • Please send your child to school prepared to be outdoors when possible (20 degrees or higher). Thank you!
  • *Thursdays are our Library day! Please return books for renewal or return and choose new ones.
  • Please-Charge your chrome book every night! Bring your Clever badge back!
  • Bring a healthy snack each day!
    • Spelling menus will be due every Friday (Choose 3 activities-time given in class to do. Students will finish at home if necessary.)
    • Students are expected to have done 40-45 minutes in each Reading and Math for I-Ready practice lessons every week! They are given plenty of time in class throughout the week, but can finish at home if the goal is not met.

Week at a Glance: 1/19

NO SCHOOL MONDAY-MLK DAY!

Reading, Spelling and Writing: 

**No My View story or spelling this week. We will use this week to prep for Catholic Schools Week. We are writing a 5 paragraph essay-BIOGRAPHY of a classmate. Come check these out!


Math: Chapter 7 Multiplication and Division

    • Chapter 7 review
    • Test Tuesday!
    • Begin Chapter 8: Apply Multiplication and Division
    • Lesson 1 Multiply by 6-Use different strategies, including doubling a known fact, to multiply by 6.
  • Lesson 2: Multiply by 7- use different strategies, such as properties, arrays, and decomposing factors, to multiply by 7.

Religion: 

Unit 2 Session 7- Jesus the Son calls us to love God the Father and one another.

Objectives:

    • Understand what Jesus wants us to do in order to follow Him
    • Understand that God wants us to follow the 10 Commandments
    • Understand how being generous helps us follow Jesus
    • Identify ways to show love for God 
    • Be able to define conversion
    • Recognize Saints/Feast days of the week
  • **Begin to focus on the Ten Commandments

Science:Chapter 2-Energy and its Forms

Test review!-Open book test Thursday, 1/22!


Reminders: 

  • Please send your child with warm outerwear. We will have outdoor recess when temperatures are 20 degrees or above.
  • *Thursdays are our Library day! Please return books for renewal or return and choose new ones.
  • Please-Charge your chrome book every night! Bring your Clever badge back!
  • Bring a healthy snack each day!
  • Spelling menus will be due every Friday (Choose 3 activities-time given in class to do. Students will finish at home if necessary.)
  • Students are expected to have done 40-45 minutes in each Reading and Math for I-Ready practice lessons every week! They are given plenty of time in class throughout the week, but can finish at home if the goal is not met.

Wednesday, January 14th:

Math: Lesson 7 evens, pgs. 407-408
 
Reading: Read: "Eyes to the Sky", circle all adjectives throughout the close read. Return!
  • Book Report-due February 17th
 
Reminders:
  • Please be sure your child has working headphones for I-Ready Testing!
  • Please see to it that your student has a chapter book to read at school.
  • Please send your child to school prepared to be outdoors when possible (20 degrees or higher). Thank you!
  • *Thursdays are our Library day! Please return books for renewal or return and choose new ones.
  • Please-Charge your chrome book every night! Bring your Clever badge back!
  • Bring a healthy snack each day!
    • Spelling menus will be due every Friday (Choose 3 activities-time given in class to do. Students will finish at home if necessary.)
    • Students are expected to have done 40-45 minutes in each Reading and Math for I-Ready practice lessons every week! They are given plenty of time in class throughout the week, but can finish at home if the goal is not met.

Monday, January 12th:

DUE TO THE SHORT WEEK AND VERY SHORT I-READY WINDOW, WE WILL BEGIN DIAGNOSTIC TESTING TOMORROW!
 
 
Math: Lesson 5 evens, pgs.393-394
 
Reading: 15 minutes
 
Reminders:
  • Please be sure your child has working headphones for I-Ready Testing!
  • Wednesday, January 14th is our Food Pantry Collection! Please donate-Instant Oatmeal
  • Please see to it that your student has a chapter book to read at school.
  • Please send your child to school prepared to be outdoors when possible (20 degrees or higher). Thank you!
  • *Thursdays are our Library day! Please return books for renewal or return and choose new ones.
  • Please-Charge your chrome book every night! Bring your Clever badge back!
  • Bring a healthy snack each day!
    • Spelling menus will be due every Friday (Choose 3 activities-time given in class to do. Students will finish at home if necessary.)
    • Students are expected to have done 40-45 minutes in each Reading and Math for I-Ready practice lessons every week! They are given plenty of time in class throughout the week, but can finish at home if the goal is not met.

Thursday, January 8th:

**OUR 2ND I-READY DIAGNOSTIC OPENS NEXT WEEK. WE WILL BEGIN THE FOLLOWING MONDAY, JANUARY 19TH. PLEASE HAVE YOUR KIDDOS GET UP TO SPEED ON MATH AND READING LESSONS BETWEEN NOW AND THEN!**
Thank you for your attention to this!
 
**TOMORROW-dress down in your favorite sports team merch!
 
Math: Lesson 4 evens, pgs. 387-388.
 
Reading: Test tomorrow-listen to the audio of The House that Jane Built while reading along. pg. 225
 
Spelling: Unit 4 Week 1 test tomorrow! Menu activities due x 3.
 
Reminders:
  • Next Wednesday, January 14th is our Food Pantry Collection! Please donate-Instant Oatmeal
  • Please see to it that your student has a chapter book to read at school.
  • Please send your child to school prepared to be outdoors when possible (20 degrees or higher). Thank you!
  • *Thursdays are our Library day! Please return books for renewal or return and choose new ones.
  • Please-Charge your chrome book every night! Bring your Clever badge back!
  • Bring a healthy snack each day!
    • Spelling menus will be due every Friday (Choose 3 activities-time given in class to do. Students will finish at home if necessary.)
    • Students are expected to have done 40-45 minutes in each Reading and Math for I-Ready practice lessons every week! They are given plenty of time in class throughout the week, but can finish at home if the goal is not met.