Ms. Valiska's Class

Welcome to Ms. Valiska's Class

Hello 5th Grade Parents,

I am very excited to be working with your children this year! I realize this is going to be a difficult year starting off with remote learning, but understand we are in this together and I am here for you and your child. We do have a few other staff members assisting us, and I will introduce them to you at our first Zoom meeting of the year. Let's work together to make this a successful year.

About Ms. Valiska

This is the beginning of my 10th year of teaching in District 153. I taught 4 years at Millennium and the past 6 years at Churchill. This is my 24th year teaching overall. Prior to teaching in Homewood, I taught in LaGrange and Homer Glen. I received my undergraduate degree in both elementary education and special education from Illinois State University, my graduate degree in Special Education from Northern Illinois University, and post graduate work from Elmhurst University. I have taught both general and special education over my 23 years of teaching.

I am a widowed mother of three wonderful children. My oldest daughter is a Senior at Purdue NW studying to be an engineer, my son is a Junior at University of Wisconsin Eau Claire studying Informational Technology, and my youngest daughter is a Senior in high school and is a state qualifier in golf. My brother is very significantly delayed and received special education throughout his school career. Therefore, I believe I understand many of your concerns as a parent.

I look forward to getting to know your child during this school year and helping him/her grow into a wonderful student.

Educationally yours,

Laurie Valiska

[email protected]