Hello, Panthers! My name is Ms. Varichak, or Ms. V. I graduated in 2011 from Northern Illinois University with an undergraduate degree in Elementary Education and a minor degree in Spanish Language. I am currently attending the University of St. Francis and will achieve my Masters degree in Teaching and Learning with a concentration in English as a Second Language in the summer of 2018.
I first got hired on at B.P. in 2015 as a kindergarten apprentice. I was in that role for 1.5 years prior to being asked to take over one of the second grade classrooms in January 2017. Previously, I have experiences teaching in both Peoria, Illinois (my hometown) and Chicago in the following grade levels/subject areas: Pre-K through 5th grade Spanish, middle school science, middle school ELA, and 9th grade composition.
I am thrilled to have found a more permanent home at B.P. and look forward to many years in second grade. This year, my classroom theme is "Second Grade Superheroes," and we are working our way through a brand new reading curriculum and math curriculum, both of which are boasting wonderful experiences and results!
Outside of school, I love to go on hikes, ride my bike on Lake Shore Drive, attend live music shows, eat delicious food, and relax at home with a cup of coffee in my hand.