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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 April 14th

Upcoming Due Dates and Assessments - 
4/17 - Lesson 5 Vocabulary Packet Due
4/17 - Lesson 5 Vocabulary Test
4/17 - Conventions of Standard English #5 Due
4/17 - Study Island - Figurative Language Due
4/17 - Reading Log Due

In reading this week, we will prepare for the ELA PSSA by reviewing TDA responses and test-taking strategies.  We will also complete a review of online testing tools.
 
In grammar, we will review prepositions and prepositional phrases. 

There are no spelling words for this week.
 
Please be reminded that our Spring/Easter party will be held on Thursday, April 17th in the afternoon.  

Band/Chorus/Orchestra Schedule: 

4/14 - Day 4 - Percussion/Bass/Viola/Chorus
4/15 - Day 1 - Saxophone/Clarinet/Flute/Oboe/Violin/Viola/Cello/Chorus
4/16 - Day 2 - Trombone/Violin/Viola/Cello/Chrous
4/17 - No Lessons 

Week of April 7th

Upcoming Due Dates and Assessments - 

4/8 - Commas Quiz
4/11 - Conventions of Standard English #4 Due
4/11 - Reading Log Due
4/11 - Unit 5.5 Spelling Packet Due
4/11 - Unit 5.5 Spelling Packet Due


In reading this week, we will continue to review the features of poetry and figurative language.  We will also answer questions about given poems and will begin a TDA response. 

In grammar, we will continue to review comma usage in sentences.  Examples will include compound and complex sentences, appositives, lists, dialogue use, etc.  We will also review prepositions and prepositional phrases. 

The spelling words for this week include the -ion suffix.

Band/Chorus/Orchestra Schedule: 

4/7 - Day 4 - Percussion/Bass/Viola/Chorus
4/8 - Day 1 - Saxophone/Clarinet/Flute/Oboe/Violin/Viola/Cello/Chorus
4/9 - Day 2 - Trombone/Violin/Viola/Cello/Chrous
4/10 - Day 3 - Trumpet/French horn/Violin/Viola/Cello/Chorus

Week of March 31st

Upcoming Due Dates and Assessments - 

4/1 - Lesson 4 Vocabulary Packet Due
4/1 - Lesson 4 Vocabulary Test
4/4 - Verb Tenses Packet Due
4/4 - Study Island - Commas Assignment Due
4/4 - Jelly Bean Typing Assignment Due
4/4 - Unit 5.4 Spelling Packet Due
4/4 - Unit 5.4 Spelling Packet Due
4/4 - Commas Quiz

In reading this week, we will review the features of poetry and figurative language.  We will also answer questions about given poems and will begin a TDA response. 

In grammar, we will continue to review comma usage in sentences.  Examples will include compound and complex sentences, appositives, lists, dialogue use, etc. 

The spelling words for this week include -less and -ness endings.

Band/Chorus/Orchestra Schedule: 
3/31 - Day 4 - Percussion/Bass/Viola/Chorus
4/1 - Day 1 - Saxophone/Clarinet/Flute/Oboe/Violin/Viola/Cello/Chorus
4/2 - Day 2 - Trombone/Violin/Viola/Cello/Chrous
4/3 - Day 3 - Trumpet/French horn/Violin/Viola/Cello/Chorus

Week of March 24th

Upcoming Due Dates and Assessments - 

3/28 - Conventions of Standard English - In-class assignment - DUE
3/28 - Reading Log Due
3/28 - Unit 5.3 Spelling Packet Due
3/28 - Unit 5.3 Spelling Test
4/1 - Lesson 4 Vocabulary Packet Due
4/1 - Lesson 4 Vocabulary Test

In reading this week, we will continue drafting a text-dependent response to "The Clever Wife."  After discussing the passage, we will identify and analyze the theme by responding to a TDA prompt. 

In grammar, we will review comma usage in sentences.  Examples will include compound and complex sentences, appositives, lists, dialogue use, etc. 

The spelling words for this week include prefixes. 

Band/Chorus/Orchestra Schedule: 

3/25 - Day 1 - Saxophone/Clarinet/Flute/Oboe/Violin/Viola/Cello/Chorus
3/26 - Day 2 - Trombone/Violin/Viola/Cello/Chrous
3/27- Day 3 - Trumpet/French horn/Violin/Viola/Cello/Chorus

Week of March 17th

Upcoming Due Dates and Assessments - 

3/21 - Study Island "Finding the Theme" Assignment Due 
3/21 - St. Patrick's Day Typing Assignment Due
3/21 - Extra Credit Reading Log Due
3/21 - Perfect Progressive Verb Tenses Quiz

In reading this week, we will be drafting a text-dependent response.  We will begin by using textual analysis to read and answer questions about the Chinese Folktale, "The Clever Wife."  After we have discussed the passage, we will identify and analyze the theme by responding to a TDA prompt. 

In grammar, we will learn about perfect progressive verb tenses.

There are no spelling words for this week. 
 
Please remember that the marking period's last day is Friday, March 21st.  All missing work/assignments must be turned in by then.

Band/Chorus/Orchestra Schedule: 

3/17 - Day 1 - Saxophone/Clarinet/Flute/Oboe/Violin/Viola/Cello/Chorus
3/18 - Day 2 - Trombone/Violin/Viola/Cello/Chrous
3/19- Day 3 - Trumpet/French horn/Violin/Viola/Cello/Chorus
3/20 - Day 4 - Percussion/Violin/Viola/Bass/Chorus

Week of February 24th

Upcoming Due Dates and Assessments - 

2/24 - Principal Verb Parts Quiz
2/28 - Reading Log Due
2/28 - Unit 4.5 Spelling Homework Due
2/28 - Unit 4.5 Spelling Test
2/28 - Progressive Verbs Quiz

In reading this week, we will be drafting a text-dependent response.

In grammar, we will learn about progressive verb tenses.

Our spelling words for this week include -ance and -ence endings. 

Band/Chorus/Orchestra Schedule: 

2/10 - Day 1 - Saxophone/Clarinet/Flute/Oboe/Violin/Viola/Cello/Chorus
2/11 - Day 2 - Trombone/Violin/Viola/Cello/Chrous
2/12- Day 3 - Trumpet/French horn/Violin/Viola/Cello/Chorus
2/13 - Day 4 - Percussion/Violin/Viola/Bass/Chorus

Week of February 10th

Upcoming Due Dates and Assessments - 
2/11 - Primary/Secondary Sources Quiz
2/14 - Reading Log Due
2/14 - Unit 4.3 Spelling Homework Due
2/14 - Unit 4.3 Spelling Test
2/14 - Irregular Verbs Quiz
 
Our Valentine's Day party will be held on Friday, February 14th! 💓
 
In reading this week, we will continue to examine primary and secondary sources.  Students will be able to identify sources and analyze their content.  We will also compare and contrast texts on the same topics.  

In grammar, we will review irregular verbs.

Our spelling words for this week include homographs. 
 
Band/Chorus/Orchestra Schedule: 

2/10 - Day 1 - Saxophone/Clarinet/Flute/Oboe/Violin/Viola/Cello/Chorus
2/11 - Day 2 - Trombone/Violin/Viola/Cello/Chrous
2/12- Day 3 - Trumpet/French horn/Violin/Viola/Cello/Chorus
2/13 - Day 4 - Percussion/Violin/Viola/Bass/Chorus

Week of February 3rd

Upcoming Due Dates and Assessments - 
2/7 - Reading Log Due
2/7 - Unit 4.2 Spelling Homework Due
2/7 - Unit 4.2 Spelling Test
2/7 - Helping/Linking Verbs Quiz
 
In reading this week, we will be examining primary and secondary sources.  Students will be able to identify sources and analyze their content.  We will also compare and contrast texts on the same topics.  
 
In grammar, we will review helping and linking verbs.
 
Our spelling words for this week include prefixes. 
 
2/3 - Day 2 - Trombone/Violin/Viola/Cello/Chrous
2/4- Day 3 - Trumpet/French horn/Violin/Viola/Cello/Chorus
2/5 - Day 4 - Percussion/Violin/Viola/Bass/Chorus
2/6 - Day 1 - Saxophone/Clarinet/Flute/Oboe/Violin/Viola/Cello/Chorus

Week of January 27th

Upcoming Due Dates and Assessments - 
1/30 - Lesson1 Vocabulary Test
1/31 - Unit 4.1 Spelling Homework Due
1/31 - Unit 4.1 Spelling Test
1/31 - Subject-Verb Agreement Quiz
 
In reading this week, we will be reviewing strategies for determining the meaning of unknown words.  These strategies will include examining context clues, root and base words, and multiple-meaning words.  
 
In grammar, we will review subject-verb agreement and will wrap up our writing prompts.
 
Our spelling words for this week include /el/ and /en/ endings.
 
1/27 - Day 2 - Trombone/Violin/Viola/Cello/Chrous
1/28- Day 3 - Trumpet/French horn/Violin/Viola/Cello/Chorus
1/29 - Day 4 - Percussion/Violin/Viola/Bass/Chorus
1/30 - Day 1 - Saxophone/Clarinet/Flute/Oboe/Violin/Viola/Cello/Chorus

Week of January 6th

Upcoming Due Dates and Assessments - 
1/10 - Reading Log Due
1/10 - Unit 3.4 Spelling Packet Due
1/10 - Spelling Text
1/10 - Simple, Compound, and Complex Sentences Quiz
1/13 - Nonfiction Text Structures Test
1/14 - AR Points Due
 
In reading this week, we will be reviewing nonfiction text structures.  We will read "The Killer Smog," and analyze the article's structure.  We will also use task cards to identify the text structure of various paragraphs.
 
We will also review simple, compound, and complex sentences.  
 
Our spelling words this week have a consonant + le spelling pattern.
 
Band, chorus, and orchestra will continue this week.  Please see the schedule below -

1/7 - Day 1 - Saxophone/Clarinet/Flute/Oboe/Violin/Viola/Cello/Chorus
1/8  - Day 2 - Trombone/Violin/Viola/Cello/Chrous
1/9 - Day 3 - Trumpet/French horn/Violin/Viola/Cello/Chorus
 
 

Week of December 3 - 6

Upcoming Due Dates and Assessments - 
12/6 - Reading Log Due
12/6 - Unit 3.2 Spelling Packet Due
12/6 - Unit 3.2 Spelling Test
12/6 - Simple/Compound Sentences Quiz
 
In reading this week, we will identify nonfiction text structures.  We will discuss how these structures impact readers' experience with nonfiction topics/information.
 
In writing, we will continue to work on our second five-paragraph essay.  For this essay, students will identify three special people to receive three exceptional gifts this holiday season.  Students will be revising, editing, and publishing this week.
 
In grammar, we will review simple and compound sentences.  We will review identifying subjects and predicates as well.   
 
Our spelling words this week include open syllables.  An open syllable ends with a vowel sound that is spelled with a single vowel letter (a, e, i, o, or u). Examples include me, e/qual, pro/gram, mu/sic.
 
Band, chorus, and orchestra will continue this week.  Please see the schedule below -

12/3 - Day 1 - Saxophone/Clarinet/Flute/Oboe/Violin/Viola/Cello/Chorus
12/4  - Day 2 - Trombone/Violin/Viola/Cello/Chrous
12/5 - Day 3 - Trumpet/French horn/Violin/Viola/Cello/Chorus

 

Week of November 18th - 22nd

Upcoming Due Dates and Assessments - 
11/18 - Biztown Field Trip
11/22 - Reading Log Due
11/22 - Unit 3.1 Spelling Packet Due
11/22 - Unit 3.1 Spelling Test
11/22 - Nonfiction Text Features Quiz
 
In reading this week, we will continue to identify and use nonfiction text features.  We will discuss how these text features impact readers' experience with nonfiction topics.
 
In writing, we will continue to work on our second five-paragraph essay.  For this essay, students will identify three special people to receive three exceptional gifts this holiday season.
 
In grammar, we will review simple and compound sentences.  We will identify subjects and predicates as well.   
 
Our spelling words this week include open syllables.  An open syllable ends with a vowel sound that is spelled with a single vowel letter (a, e, i, o, or u). Examples include me, e/qual, pro/gram, mu/sic.
 
Band, chorus, and orchestra will continue this week.  Please see the schedule below -
11/19  - Day 4 - Percussion/Violin/Viola/Bass/Chorus
11/20  - Day 1 - Saxophone/Clarinet/Flute/Oboe/Violin/Viola/Cello/Chorus
11/21  - Day 2 - Trombone/Violin/Viola/Cello/Chrous AND Day 3 - Trumpet/French horn/Violin/Viola/Cello/Chorus

Week of October 21st - 25th

Upcoming Due Dates and Assessments - 
10/24 - Reading Log Due
10/24 - Unit 2.3 Spelling Packet Due
10/24 - Unit 2.3 Spelling Test
10/24 - AR Requirements Due
 
In reading this week, we will continue reading our novels and will discuss plot/plot mountain.  We will examine the plots of familiar stories while be begin mapping the plot of our own novels.  
 
In writing, students will begin planning and drafting their first five-paragraph essays.  In addition, students will apply their understanding of plot to plan and draft creative fall and Halloween-themed stories.  There is a lot of writing happening this week!
 
Our spelling words this week practice inflectional endings such as -ed and -ing.  
 
Band, chorus, and orchestra will continue this week.  Please see the schedule below -
 
10/21 - Day 4 - Percussion/Violin/Viola/Bass/Chorus
10/22 - Day 1 - Saxophone/Clarinet/Flute/Oboe/Violin/Viola/Cello/Chorus
10/23 - Day 2 - Trombone/Violin/Viola/Cello/Chrous
10/24 - Day 3 - Trumpet/French horn/Violin/Viola/Cello/Chorus

Week of October 14th - 18th

Upcoming Due Dates and Assessments - 
10/18 - Reading Log Due
10/18 - Unit 2.2 Spelling Homework Due
10/18 - Unit 2.2 Spelling Test
10/18 - Essay Outline Quiz
10/24 - AR Points Due
 
In reading this week, we will continue to read our novels and answer open-ended questions.  Students will practice restating questions, answering, and citing text evidence.  
 
In writing, we will review the five-paragraph essay structure by examining essay examples.  On Friday, October 18th, students will be quizzed on the structure of an essay.  Students have been given a study guide to review.
 
Our spelling words this week practice variant /o/ sounds and dipthongs /oi/ and /ow/.
 
The band, chorus, and orchestra schedule for this week is as follows - 
 
10/15 - Day 2 - Trombone/Violin/Viola/Cello/Chrous
10/16 - Day 3 - Trumpet/French horn/Violin/Viola/Cello/Chorus
 
Please be reminded that Thursday, October 17th is our Celebration of Learning Day!

Week of September 16-20

Upcoming Due Dates and Assessments - 
9/20 - Reading Log Due
9/20 - Unit 1.3 Spelling Homework Due
9/20 - Unit 1.3 Spelling Test
9/20 - Point of View Quiz
9/20 - Paragraph Assessment
 
In reading this week, we will continue reading our novels.  We will also review the process for making inferences within a text.  
 
In language arts, we will review paragraph structure.  
 
Our spelling words for this week review "u" sounds and patterns.
 
Band, chorus, and orchestra will continue this week.  Please see the schedule below -
 
9/16 - Day 3 - Trumpet/French horn/Violin/Viola/Cello/Chorus
9/17 - Day 4 - Percussion/Violin/Viola/Bass/Chorus
9/18 - Day 1 - Saxophone/Clarinet/Flute/Oboe/Violin/Viola/Cello/Chorus
9/19 - Day 2 - Trombone/Violin/Viola/Cello/Chrous