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Follow the links on the page for important information.  

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I graduated high school from Apollo-Ridge school district.

I attended IUP to receive a B.S. in Health and Physical Education.  

Masters degree in Sport Science at IUP.

I have been teaching in the Freeport Area School District for 26 years.  I have spent 18 years at the Middle school level and 8 years at the elementary level. 

Rules and Guidelines

Syllabus

Welcome to Fourth Grade! 

This is my tenth year teaching English and Language Arts in 4th grade at Buffalo Elementary.  I attended Indiana University of Pennsylvania where I received a Bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a Master’s degree in reading.  I have nineteen years of teaching experience in Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Virginia.  I have taught as a Title I reading teacher, a fourth and sixth grade teacher, and a RTII reading coach. Additionally, I have worked on a reading research study with the University of Pittsburgh that examined teaching children with Down syndrome to read.  I enjoy teaching fourth graders in the subjects of reading, writing, and grammar.

To request a parent-teacher conference, please call or e-mail.  E-mail is the best way to reach me.  To reach me by phone, please call between 8:15-8:35 am or 2:40-3:20 pm.

My Classes:

• Language Arts

• Spelling

• Reading

Hello! My name is Mrs. Antonette Urik. I am a third-grade teacher at Buffalo Elementary. I started teaching in the Freeport Area School District in 2007. I am thrilled to be a member of the Buffalo Elementary faculty, and I love teaching 3rd grade! I got my Elementary Education Degree from LaRoche College in Pittsburgh, PA.  

Mrs. Ashley Massart and I team teach; I teach the ELA curriculum including reading, writing, grammar, and spelling. Mrs. Massart will instruct students in math and science. 

We work together to provide fun, educational activities that coincide with our curriculum.

Our goal is to inspire students to love all things learning!

Books train your imagination to think BIG!  - Taylor Swift

Welcome!

Please feel free to contact me anytime you have a concern or would like to schedule a conference.  The best way to reach me is by email.  You may also call the school at 724-353-9577 x4006.  I will return your call as soon as I can.  Thank you. 

I would like to take the opportunity to introduce myself. My name is Tammie Rabbitt and I am the Reading Specialist and Challenge teacher at Buffalo Elementary.  I have worked in the Freeport Area School District at the elementary level since 2000.  I will be working with students at Buffalo this year in Grades K-5.

Take a look at the page.  There are several links to great games and information on several of the pictures.  

If you have any questions about your child’s progress, or any questions, please contact me.  My voicemail is 724 353-9577 ext. 4025 and/or you can email rabbitt@freeport.k12.pa.us. 

I look forward to working with you and your child this year!

Keep Reading,
Mrs. Tammie Rabbitt
Reading Specialist

I graduated from Clarion University with a degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education. I also attended Indiana University of Pennsylvania and received my Masters in Education. I have enjoyed teaching second grade at South Buffalo for 11 years.    

Mrs. Pakulski is the Life Skills Support Teacher at Buffalo Elementary School.  She has her Bachelor's Degree from Geneva College in Elementary Education and Special Education, as well as her Master's Degree from Penn State in Educational Leadership, where she specifically focused on Teacher Leadership.  Mrs. Pakulski spent her first 5 years teaching at The Education Center at The Watson Institute.  She then began her time with Freeport Area School District at Buffalo Elementary in the Autistic Support Program before moving to the Life Skills Support Program.  

Welcome to 4th grade !  I am really excited for the new school year and to meet my new students!  I teach Reading and Grammar to the students. Mrs. Wells and I work together during the school year. We complete many fun activities throughout the year to foster the best learning environment for each student.  If you need to contact me for any reason, please email me at mitlo@freeport.k12.pa.us or call the Buffalo Elementary office, ext. 4021. I am looking forward to working with you. We will have a great year! 

I have been teaching at Buffalo Elementary since 2004.  I have a Masters Degree in Elementary Education from Duquesne University.  In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my wife, our dog,  family and friends.

Please visit my Schoology page for important information about the class; including the class handbook, schedules, and other important information.  https://fasd.schoology.com

Mr. Mitlo 

Welcome to First Grade! 

This is my 3rd year teaching first grade and I love watching these children change and grow into readers, writers, and mathematicians.  This is my 17th year with Freeport Area School District, teaching Kindergarten for 14 of those years.  I received my teaching degree at Westminster College with a minor in general science.  

First Grade is such an important year for children to really build on their foundational skills that they learned in Kindergarten. I look forward to working with each child and helping them become a fabulous student.  

Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns or to schedule a conference.  The best way to reach me is through e mail.  You may also choose to call the school at 724-353-9577 x4005.  I will get back to you in a timely manner so that we can work through any questions or concerns you may have.  

Welcome!

About Mrs. Conjack:

• Bachelor of Science Degree in Early Childhood/Elementary Education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania
• Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Gannon University
• I began teaching second grade in 2010 and I love it! 

Parent/Teacher Relationship

I believe a good parent-teacher relationship is necessary for maximum school success.  Throughout the year, I will communicate with you through notes, telephone calls, email, progress reports, nine-week report cards, and parent-teacher conferences.  
Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns at any time.  You can call me at school (724.353.9577 ext.  4029), send a note, or email me.  

Parent Participation

Throughout the school year there will be different special classroom activities and celebrations.  I encourage you to attend these functions when possible and to support them by sending supplies and treats.

Your support of school activities makes your child feel important and sends the message that you value school.

Let me know if you are interested in reading to the class, sharing family history, or making an art/craft project.  I am more than willing to make accommodations for you throughout the year in order to include you in our learning experiences.   (I will send home a calendar to fill out and return for any date you can come in.)

School Supplies

If possible, please send a pencil box and small pencil sharpener to school for your child.   All other supplies will be provided. 

Classroom Supply Donations

Things needed throughout the school year: Kleenexes, hand soap, paper towels, pencils, erasers, etc.  Please feel free to send in something if you would like at any time throughout the year. 

Language Arts

We will focus on advancing children’s phonemic awareness, phonics, and high-frequency word recognition skills, extending their understanding of narrative and informational text, and increasing their efficiency in written communication. 

Journeys by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Complete thematic reading units (each unit has five lessons)
*We will typically spend 6 days on each lesson. We will begin a new lesson each Day 1. This is when students will receive new spelling and vocabulary lists.

Practice using a dictionary, glossary, and thesaurus
Learn how to alphabetize words
Vocabulary words for each language arts theme
 16 Spelling words
Dictate sentences using the spelling words
Write using capitalization and punctuation correctly in complete sentences
Read more fluently with expression
Work on decoding and comprehension skills
Learn and practice the different types of writing (narrative, opinion, etc.)
Social Studies and Science are incorporated into the language arts curriculum.  In addition, we will learn about the days of the week, months of the year, continents and oceans, compass directions, the four seasons, our addresses, planets, and states.  

Math

New math series – My Math by McGraw-Hill
Students will have deeper experiences with Mathematics due to narrowing the scope of concepts expected to be taught at each grade level.
Students will develop a conceptual understanding, learn procedural skills and develop fluency, and apply mathematical concepts in real-world situations.
Contents in Brief:
Operations and Algebraic Thinking
Chapter 1: Apply Addition and Subtraction Concepts
Chapter 2: Number Patterns
Chapter 3: Add Two-Digit Numbers
Chapter 4: Subtract Two-Digit Numbers
Number and Operations in Base Ten
Chapter 5: Place Value to 1,000
Chapter 6: Add Three-Digit Numbers
Chapter 7: Subtract Three-Digit Numbers
Measurement and Data
Chapter 8: Money
Chapter 9: Data Analysis
Chapter 10: Time
Chapter 11: Customary and Metric Lengths
Geometry
Chapter 12: Geometric Shapes and Equal Shares
We will be memorizing addition and subtraction facts.  Each set of facts will be copied on a different color of paper.  The students will cut them out at school and keep them in a brown envelope. They are quizzed orally on these “flash cards”. 

School Attendance

Your child’s regular and prompt attendance at school is crucial to his/her success.

Learning takes place when there are teacher/student interactions.  This is next to impossible to make up at home.  Please view school as a priority, and see to it that your child attends every day except in cases of illness or emergency. 

Please use the excuse blanks in the back of the calendar.  One excuse needs to be sent to school on the day the child returns to school.  If you are planning a trip during the school year when your child will miss class, make sure that you have filled out the necessary forms from the office.  

Mrs. Conjack’s Second Grade Classroom Expectations

I make good choices!

I am expected to:

• Raise my hand and wait to talk.
• Stay in my seat. 
• Use kind words and actions. 
• Listen to Mrs. Conjack and all adults at Buffalo.
• Always try my best.

Consequences If Rules Are Broken:

Warning
Loss of recess
No recess or loss of privilege
Teacher’s Choice of Consequence
Call or write home to parents
Talk with the principal and parents

If an expectation is not met, the students will be required to write/draw about their actions and how to make better choices either during recess or special event (assembly, movie, etc.)

Good Behavior = praise, stickers, special rewards from the prize box

Homework Assignments

Homework is very important.  It is reinforcing what we are doing in class, not busy work.

Second graders are expected to spend time completing homework daily.
Homework may include:  worksheets with math problems, practicing math flash cards, writing, practicing, and orally reading vocabulary words, writing and practicing spelling words, reading “Take-home books” and other classroom books sent home, reading weekly story from the unit, daily reading – assigned or not. 

Your child should be able to complete it with little assistance.  Give help only when asked and never do the work for your child. 

You will be notified if work is not done on time.   

Grades

Grades will be taken on tests, homework, class work, and performance tasks.

Grades are taken on work that the students have had enough practice on to be assessed.  You will know which pieces have been graded because they will have a score at the top of them.

The Grading Scale of the FASD is as follows:
91 – 100 A
81 – 90 B
70 – 80 C
60 – 69 D
0 – 59 F

District Assessments

Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills (DIBELS)
Given 3 times each year—benchmarks-50, 70 and 90 wpm.
Measures of Academic Process (MAP)
Given 3 times a year
None of these are graded for report cards.

Classroom Procedures

Take-Home Folders:  ORANGE FOLDER – Check and send back EVERYDAY.
4 items your child must keep in his/her Return to School folder ALL week:
Spelling list
Vocabulary list
Math flash cards (in brown envelope) (will receive later in the school year)
Behavior/Homework Chart
The yellow Homework Sticker chart should stay on the outside of the folder at ALL times (in the plastic part of the folder). 
When in doubt about a paper or item, return it to school. I’ll send it back again if we no longer need it here.
All checked papers, notes, and notices should be removed from the Keep At Home side of the folder each night.  Please send in absence excuses on the day the student returns, and apply to the main office for vacation absences. 

Language Arts curriculum will be taught during the 6 day rotation (Days 1 – 6).  The majority of tests will be given on Days 5 and 6 of the rotation. (This could change due to holidays/cancelations/etc.)

Math Flash Cards:  BROWN ENVELOPE- Return to school EVERYDAY.  (as mentioned above)

As homework your child will be asked to read the weekly story to an adult each week.  After your child can read the story to you fluently, please sign and return The Weekly Reading Log the following day.  

Take-Home Books:  Your child should read the book to an adult.  Please sign the take-home book.

Show and Tell:  Last school day of the week – Your child’s name will be on the newsletter if he/she has Show and Tell the following week.

Boys and girls are encouraged to share something each week as a way to practice communication skills.
Students may bring in items to show, or tell about special events, ideas, or learning. 
Valuable items should not be brought to school.
Names on common items are very important.

Snacks and Drinks:  Designated snack time: (Please only send in healthy snacks. For example fruits, vegetables, fruit snacks, crackers. Your child will be told to not bring in anything unhealthy.  Please NO chocolate, cookies, candy, etc.) Water bottles may be brought to school.  Students should take them home frequently to be cleaned. 

Book Orders:  Will come home once a month (Please do not send cash. Make checks payable to Scholastic Book Clubs)

Newsletters:  Will be sent home every Friday and emailed to you weekly. 

Star of the Week:  Each student will have an opportunity to be the Star of the Week.  When your child is the Star of the Week, a paper with questions to be answered will be sent home.  The items a student brings in are displayed for the week and presented by the student. 

Recess

No handheld video games should be brought to school. Students are expected to play actively outside and cooperatively inside in bad weather. 
Boys and girls need to have hats and gloves during cold weather.  We like to go outside in all but extreme weather.  Layered clothing works to keep children comfortable inside and out.
No toys should be brought to school except items to be used during recess in active play.  We welcome donations of balls, jump ropes, board games, etc. 

You may send in a treat with your child or drop it off at the office.
Treats should be a snack that is easy for your child to pass out.  Please not the school rule regarding delivering flowers, etc.
Summer birthdays may be celebrated whenever you wish during the year.  Please let me know ahead of time.
Please use discretion when distributing birthday invitations. 

Special Area Classes

Computer: Mr. McGrath
Library:  Mrs. Eiler
Music:  Mr. Harris
Art:  Mrs. Clark
Gym:  Mr. Yard
 

Daily Schedule

Day 1: Gym 1:20

Day 2: Art 9:40   Music 1:20

Day 3: Art 1:20

Day 4: Library 1:20

Day 5: Gym 1:20

Day 6: Computer 1:20

Technology in the Classroom

With current trends in the use of technology to enhance learning and communication, I will be using different means of classroom media include a Bright Link, Smart Board, Smart Clickers, computers, etc.  Additionally, I will use a digital camera in our classroom to capture special events that happen during the day.  The photographs will be strictly used for educational purposes.  Please inform me if you do not wish to have your child in photos. 
 

Thank you!

I am looking forward to a great year working with your child!
Please save this outline for future reference.
Thank you in advance for your support throughout the year! 

 Class Dojo is the fastest way to communicate with me!

  Our classroom uses Class Dojo to communicate with families about classroom happenings.  We will also share photos of the wonderful activities taking place throughout the school day.  Please make sure that you are signed up to receive massages. 

Hi! I am Stephanie Bearden, and I started teaching 3rd grade at Buffalo Elementary in 2015. Before then, I worked as a substitute teacher, and I taught 6th grade in Baltimore, Maryland for 10 years. I am thrilled to be a member of the Buffalo Elementary faculty, and I love teaching 3rd grade!

I earned my Bachelor's Degree from Clarion University, and I earned my Master's Equivalency through Langston University. 

Mrs. Cherosky and I work together; I teach reading, and she teaches math. I also teach spelling, grammar, and science. We also work together to provide fun, educational activies that coincide with our curriculum. 

Please feel free to contact me anytime if you have a question, or if would like to meet regarding your child. I can be contacted by email or by phone. (The best times to reach me by phone are 8:15-8:30 and 3:30-3:45.) 

Hello!  My name is Mrs. Andrea Jackson  I am a second grade teacher at Buffalo Elementary.  I started teaching at Buffalo in 2023. Prior to 2023, I was teaching elementary and middle school in Denver, CO. 

In May 2012, I received my Bachelor's of Arts from the University of Pittsburgh. I then went onto graduate school and in May 2013, I graduated with a Master's of Arts in Teaching from the University of Pittsburgh. I then went back to school in 2017 to receive a certificate in Culturally Linguistic and Diverse Education from Regis University.

The other second grade teachers and I team teach. We work together to provide fun, educational activities that coincide with our curriculum.

I am thrilled to be a member of the Buffalo Elementary faculty, and I love teaching 2nd grade!

Mrs. Lauren Clark began her career as an art educator 18 years ago at Freeport Area School District. She currently teaches Kindergarten through 5th Grade Art at Buffalo Elementary. She previously served as Art Department Coordinator for the District for 9 years.

Mrs. Clark holds a Bachelor's degree in Art Education from Edinboro University, and an M.Ed. in Art Education from Carlow University. In addition, painting and sculpture are her favorite media and she loves Art History.

A member of the National Art Education Association (NAEA) and the Pennsylvania Art Education Association (PAEA), Mrs. Clark’s art has been featured at various galleries and venues across the state. Her professional interests include arts advocacy, creative intelligence, and art-integrated curriculum (incorporating visual art within the academic subjects). Finally, Mrs. Clark has served as a cooperating/mentor teacher for IUP and Carlow University student art teachers.

Mrs. Clark believes in the importance of a well-rounded arts education for all students to promote imaginative learning, critical-thinking abilities, and creative problem-solving skills.         

Mrs. Clark loves her career as an art teacher. The best part of her job is working with the wonderful Freeport students and families!

Meet Ms Wells

Hello! My name is Madison Wells. I am the 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade learning support teacher at Buffalo Elementary.   I graduated from Clarion University in 2015 with my bachelor’s degree in early childhood and special education. I am currently enrolled in Clarion’s master’s program to become a reading specialist.  This is my first year at Buffalo Elementary and I am so excited to be teaching in the same school I attended as a child. My past experience includes teaching 3rd grade in Naples, Florida and being a long-term substitute for Freeport. 

WELCOME!!!

Hello!  My name is Kelli Otterman.  I am very excited about having your child as my student!  I feel parent/teacher communication is very important in order to help your child succeed this year.  We will have a very busy, exciting, & rewarding school year together!

I wanted to tell you a little bit about myself...

~I graduated from Freeport in 1992.

~I graduated from Westminster College in 1996 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education.

~ I have a Masters of Education in Curriculum & Instruction.

~I have been teaching for 23 years.  This is my 21st year of teaching first grade at Buffalo.

~ I have two wonderful children who attend our Middle School and High School.

Thank you!!

Welcome to Kindergarten!  My name is Michele Ortlip and I will be your child’s teacher for the coming school year. You should know that I usually ask the kids to call me Mrs. O. – Ortlip is a mouthful, even for grown-ups!  I have been teaching Kindergarten here in Freeport for twelve years.  

My goal is to make my classroom an inviting place where the students can feel comfortable to explore and ask questions. We will sing songs, create art projects, play learning games, explore new math concepts, and do A LOT of reading and writing!               

Again, I welcome you and your child to Kindergarten!  If you have any questions or concerns at any time throughout the year please feel free to contact me.

Here’s to a great year!

Mrs. O

Hello! My name is Melanie Love.  I am the Writing and Grammar teacher for the entire 5th grade at Buffalo Elementary.  This is my 9th year teaching here at Buffalo.  I graduated from Slippery Rock University in 2010 with a dual major in Elementary and Special Education.  

I look forward to helping my students develop a passion for writing through a method called Writer's Workshop.  We will have class discussions, mini lessons to develop writing styles and strengthen writing skills, and we will explore how grammar and writing overlap.  

I look forward to an awesome school year full of fun and learning!

Welcome to Mrs. Lampus's Kindergarten Class!

Hello, and welcome! My name is Emily Lampus, and I am thrilled to have you here. With 19 years of experience teaching kindergarten, I can confidently say that each year brings new excitement, joy, and the opportunity to help young minds grow.

Kindergarten is such an important time in a child's life, and I am honored to be a part of this journey with you and your child. My goal is to create a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment where every student can thrive, explore, and develop a love for learning.

On this website, you'll find everything you need to stay informed and connected throughout the school year. From classroom updates and important announcements to resources for parents, this will be your go-to place for all things kindergarten!

A Little About Me

When I'm not in the classroom, I love spending time with my family. My son, Lane, is in high school here at Freeport, and I couldn't be prouder of him. We enjoy lots of sports and exploring new activities together. I love the beach and Starbucks the most! 

What to Expect This Year

In our classroom, every day is an adventure! We’ll be learning through play, hands-on activities, and creative projects that make learning fun and meaningful. I believe in fostering a sense of curiosity and wonder in every child, and I can't wait to see how each of my students will grow this year.

Thank you for visiting, and I look forward to a fantastic year together!

Welcome to 5th grade!

My name is Marla Keibler.  I have been a 5th grade teacher for the Freeport Area School District for the past 16 years, but have been teaching for the past 17 and a half years.  I graduated from Clarion University in 2001 with degrees in both Elementary and Special Education. I teach primarily math, but support both math and language arts during our flexible grouping periods.   I am happy to be a part of the Freeport School District and look forward to working with your children this year.

If you have a concern(s) and would like to schedule a conference to discuss your concern(s), please email me and we can set up a good time for the both of us to meet or talk.

This is my 4th year teaching 2nd grade at Buffalo! I completed my Bachelors of Science in Early Childhood Education and Special Education at IUP. 

I am also a proud graduate of Freeport Area High School and a former South Buffalo Elementary School student.

Go Yellowjackets!

Please email me if you would like to set up a conference for your student.

I believe a good parent-teacher relationship is necessary for maximum school success.  Please e-mail me at any time if you have questions or concerns about your child. I would be happy to set up a phone conference or meeting with you.

Welcome!

About Mrs. Huth:

• I graduated from Highlands High School in 2007.
• I received my Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary/Early Childhood Education from Slippery Rock University in 2011. 
• I began teaching second grade at Buffalo Elementary in 2013. I love second grade!
• I received my Master of Education degree with a Reading Specialist Certification and Instructional Coaching Endorsement from Slippery Rock University in 2015.

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me via e-mail. I would be more than happy to set up a phone conference or meeting with you. 

About Ms Lepish:

Hello! My name is Lydia Lepish. This is my first year teaching Autistic Support at Buffalo Elementary. I received my Bachelors of Science Degree in Early Childhood Education and Special Education from Slippery Rock University in May of 2019. I graduated from Freeport in 2015, and I am thrilled to return to the same school I attended as a child! 

Please check out the Buffalo Elementary School Library's page for more information!

Welcome to Kindergarten! I have been teaching in the Freeport Area School District for 25 years. I have been teaching kindergarten Freeport for 23 years. I have taught first and second grades here in Freeport, too.

I started my career at Freeport Elementary School, which eventually became the Freeport Kindergarten Center. 

My husband graduated from Freeport and Pitt. He is a nurse. We have 3 children.

My oldest is in the US Army & graduate of RMU. My daughter is a pharmacy major at Pitt. My youngest is a Senior in HS.

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