FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common questions 
of students and parents.
  1. What time is lunch?
  2. When can we buy lunch?
  3. When can I talk to the teachers?
  4. Are the kids always in a big group?
  5. Do you have recess with other students?
  6. What do the colors of the groups mean? Are kids in that group all the time?
  7. What is an advantage of a multiage class?
  8. Do MAC kids have to take the same tests as all the other students?
  9. Do you mind if parents come in to help out?
  10. Who are the multiage teachers?



What time is lunch?

Lunch time is 12:10 - 1:00 for all Lake Bluff students. Grades 1-
3 goes outside first while grades 4-6 eat and then when the 
younger kids come in the older kids go out. If you plan on taking 
your student to lunch, please let us know and have them back to 
school by 1:00. 
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When can we buy lunch?

You can send money any day and it will be added to your 
"account". Children just need to give their number when getting 
lunch. Teachers have the numbers and have students memorize them.
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When can I talk to the teachers?

General questions specific to individual children can be answered 
via email from this site, phone (963-6972 EXT. 4133) or if you 
drop a note in the Important Paper Box (large grey basket near 
teacher desk) we will call you at a time convenient to all. We 
will be having 2 parent/student/teacher conferences during the 
year so that is another option. We ask your understanding if we 
are unable or seem unwilling to talk with you during the school 
day. It's not that we don't want to, but there is generally a lot 
going on that we need to monitor. For personal or urgent 
situations, we will certainly make ourselves available with no 
delay.
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Are the kids always in a big group?

No. Children participate in many kinds of groupings throughout 
the day. Sometimes we work whole group, but generally you will 
see small groups or independent work time monitored by both 
teachers. Children go to specials like art, music, and p.e. in 
classroom size groups of 21. Those are the Red and Blue groups.
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Do you have recess with other students?

Yes. We have recess and lunch recess at the same time other 1-3 
graders do.
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What do the colors of the groups mean? Are kids in that group all the time?

The group of 41 is divided in two, Red and Blue groups of first 
and second graders. They go to art, music, and p.e.in these 
classroom sized groups. One teacher has Red Group, the other 
blue. At times we have to break kids into groups according to 
grade. Orange is first grade and yellow is 2nd grade. So if your 
child is in Blue group and orange group that means they are first 
graders who hang their coats on the south end of the 
classroom and go to specials with Ms. Cassidy. They are assigned 
to these groups for the year, but the other groups formed for 
instruction and activities change very often.
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What is an advantage of a multiage class?

A big advantage is that we have children for two years, thus 
giving all of us time. The amount of stress at the beginning of 
each year is diminished because we always know half the class and 
their families. Throughout the year the children get to know 
Kitty Moore and Mike Roberts who teach MAC2 (3rd and 4th grade), 
so again the transition is met with a bit more security. 

Academically, we are able to group children for math and reading 
with other children at a similar level of competency, skill level 
and interest. This comes about because of the double grade in one 
room and because of the flow that can take place among all the 
MAC classes in the building.
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Do MAC kids have to take the same tests as all the other students?

Yes. Any test given from the district or required for any other 
Shorewood student will be administered to our students as well.
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Do you mind if parents come in to help out?

We love it. 
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Who are the multiage teachers?

MAC 1 (1st/2nd): Kelly Cassidy and Johanna French
MAC 2 (3rd/4th): Mike Roberts and Kitty Moore
MAC 3 (5th/6th): Sachin Pandya and Amy Miller.
Rooms are on each side of hallway as you walk past office going 
south and directly above on 2nd floor.
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