Why I Like St. Joe's:
[by the First Grade class]
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Copyright © 2008
Saint Joseph School of Downers Grove
Mrs. Cherney
Mrs. Cherney joined the St. Joseph School Community in the 2007-08 school year. A graduate of Trinity Christian College, she's taught her own children how to follow one's passion, which for her was to teach Kindergartners. Her family has watched her achieve in a college setting while caring for her family at the same time.
Mrs. Cherney comes to St. Joseph with her Bachelors in Elementary Education with Certification for grades K-9 from Trinity Christian College in Palos Heights. Majoring in Elementary Education, she also has a Minor in English. She also carries endorsements in Language Arts and Social Science.
In her first year at St. Joseph, Mrs. Cherney created a reading program for her students. It consists of five stations: a listening center, a reading center, individual decoding, a writing center, and computer. With the class split into five groups, the groups move from station to station. "These centers help teach independence while at the same time the children learn to work together."
On a path to a special 100th Day of School Celebration, Mrs. Cherney provides song and actions involving the days of the week, months of the year, addition, subtraction, the daily weather, and even adding money to a piggy bank! Her students are richer in knowledge as they learn through these daily activities in a nurturing environment.
Hands-On Science is another popular event in her classroom. Gak, eggs, and pumpkins are just a few of the things she and her students explore!
Mrs. Cherney and her husband are long-time residents of Downers Grove and are members of Our Lady of Peace Parish. They have three children ranging from college-age to sixth grade. Her decision was an easy one when it came to accepting this position. "I haven't felt so good about a decision for years," commented Mrs. Cherney. "St. Joseph School felt like home."
Two of Mrs. Cherney's favorite websites are: www.starfall.com and www.rainforestmaths.com.