Welcome to Mrs. Harrison-Hamel's Third Grade Classroom

 

Melissa Harrison-Hamel

Third Grade at Hawthorne Elementary

Room 1326

 (630) 682-2065

 

Welcome to our classroom! I can't wait to meet your child and am looking forward to supporting him/her to become a life-long learner.

 

This is my 28th year serving second and third grade students in District 200. Third grade is such a magical age due to the educational development of students. It is so rewarding to observe the students as they grow in "leaps and bounds" and socially develop their adorable personalities and social skills. 

 

I began my on-the-job education in 1987 while serving as a instructional assistant for special needs students while finishing my undergraduate degree in Education at Northern Illinois University. In 1989, I started my first teaching job in third grade at Pleasant Hill and have taught at both Sandburg and Pleasant Hill since then. I have found my "home" at Hawthorne and feel truly blesssed to work with a uniquely wonderful population of students and their familes as well as a friendly staff. Along this journey, I have received two Masters Degrees; one in Curriculum and Instruction and the other in K-5 Mathematics. I try to live my philosophy of being a life-long learner by continually reading and attending workshops as well as supporting student teachers along the way.

 

This year, Ms. Hannah Boeringa will be joining our class as a student teacher! She is a senior at Wheaton College and is receiving an Education degree with an EL endorsement. Ms. Boeringa joined us throughout last Spring as part of her initial experience and will be with us through Thanksgiving this year. There will be about 4 weeks, with my supervision, that she  will teach the class to complete her student teaching. After working with her last year, I was able to observe the care she exhibits for the children and her knowledge of the curriculum. Ms. Boeringa will be a great asset to our classroom.

 

This summer, my son and I attended an Appalachian Service Project in Virginia with 94 other volunteers. We were sent around Jonesville to various projects. My team cut off the siding of a home, re-insulated it and constructed new underpinning. It was such an inspiring experience with the best family. Later, we went to South Dakota to travel on a steam engine through the Black Hills, hike through caverns 275 below surface and walk on the moon-like trails of the Badlands. We kayaked and hiked in Custer State Park.  This fall, I'll enjoy attending my son's football games most weekends. He is a freshman at Batavia High School and already loves it.     

 

Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns through e-mail, phone call or note. I am always willing to discuss anything with you in order to make your child's year a successful and productive learning experience.