Getting to know me!

August 2012
Dear Kindergarten Parents,

I would like to introduce myself.  My name is Diana Dongarra.  I am happy to say that I will be your child’s kindergarten teacher this year!  I look forward to meeting many of you on the first day of school.

As I look through the class rosters, I recognize some family names!  Welcome back to those families who are bringing another kindergartener to Owen!  For those families who do not know me and are curious about the person who will be spending so much time with your kiddo…I graduated from Bradley University with an Elementary Education degree.  I also have a master’s degree as a Reading Specialist.  This is my sixth year at Owen!. 

For some of you the transition to kindergarten will be smooth and uneventful.  You may have older children or just know that both of you and your child are ready for kindergarten!  For others, this transition may cause worries and anxiety.  Parents are often more fearful of the first day of kindergarten than the children.  Be brave!  The first day is the hardest, but it will get easier!  Your child is in a safe and fun environment where he/she will grove and learn more than you can imagine.

Your child’s education is important to us all.  Let’s work together to make this a most memorable experience, a building stone to the joy of learning!  Should you have any questions or concerns, the best way to reach me is through email- Diana_dongarra@ipsd.org- or a written note. You a may also leave me a voicemail at

630-428-6332.

I look forward to working with you and your child!  Welcome to Kindergarten!

Miss Dongarra

And so it begins...

Today I spent most of the day unpacking and setting up the classroom. If I must say so myself, I think I was pretty productive!

Slow Down Summer!

I can't believe as I type this post it is already June 20th.  I am enjoying my summer and hope you are too.  I've spent a lot of time outside, running, walking Mario, and riding my bike.  In July I am taking a road trip to Arizona and I'm very excited.  I have never been to Arizona and look forward to seeing the Grand Canyon.  Although, I'm not sure if I'm ready for the heat.  I hear it is hot, hot, hot there with an average temperature of 120.

Hiking through the Arboretum!

Last week Kindergarten went to the Arboretum to learn about seeds, plants, trees, and nature.  A volunteer from the Arboretum took us around as we hiked and explored.  KD had a lot of fun and learned some fun facts!  We even saw a toad!!

Art Awareness

Using a marble and paint to make art pieces like Jackson Pollock

Yesterday Mrs. Theiss came in and taught KD  about the artist Jackson Pollock.  This is the second artist we have learned about through the Art Awareness program.  Last month Mrs. Hawrysz came in and taught us about the artist Mary Cassatt.  After we learned about the artist and looked at their art KD became artists and explored how to make art pieces the way those artists did.  KD has been having a great time learning about the different artists! 

Using chalk to color in a picture drawn by Mary Cassatt

Community Helpers

For the past few weeks kindergarten has been learning about community helpers.  We first explored what a community helper.  Now we have been learning about a different community helper each day.  So far we have learned about construction workers, doctors, nurses, police officers and veterinarians. Next up, paramedics! 

Tomorrow is Baseball Day!

Tomorrow is baseball day at Owen, students can wear jerseys, hats, or t-shirts to support their favorite team!