My name is Kelly Ortquist and I am a fifth grade teacher at Spring Lake Intermediate School. I was born and raised in Muskegon. From first grade on I attended the Muskegon Catholic Schools until graduating in 1991. I received my bachelor's degree from Hope College in 1996 and master's in reading education from Grand Valley State University in 2004. I married my husband Joe (an avid Star Wars collector) in 2003 and we have two beautiful daughters, Gwen and Tess. Our family enjoys camping, gardening, theater, going to the beach, movies, and books.
As a teacher, my philosophy is that every child can succeed. Together with parents, it is my job to help every student reach their full potential. That may not mean all A's, all the time, for every child, and that's OK. In the end, I believe hard work should be it's own reward.
I believe the key to academic success lies in the ability to comprehend the written word. Therefore it is my wish that, while in my classroom, every child will find something that turns them on to reading eagerly and often. Whether it be through comic books, American Chillers, or exceptional classical literature, my goal is to have a classroom truly steeped in literacy!
As a teacher, my philosophy is that every child can succeed. Together with parents, it is my job to help every student reach their full potential. That may not mean all A's, all the time, for every child, and that's OK. In the end, I believe hard work should be it's own reward.
I believe the key to academic success lies in the ability to comprehend the written word. Therefore it is my wish that, while in my classroom, every child will find something that turns them on to reading eagerly and often. Whether it be through comic books, American Chillers, or exceptional classical literature, my goal is to have a classroom truly steeped in literacy!
Grading Policy
Students will be expected to turn in all homework immediately after the morning announcements have been completed. Anything not handed in at that time will be considered late. Assignments handed in one day late will receive a grade of 70%, assignments more than one day late will be given an automatic 59%. Late assignments will be accepted at anytime prior to the printing of report cards.
Excused absences due to illness, vacation, etc. will not be considered late.
Excused absences due to illness, vacation, etc. will not be considered late.
Homework Policy and Information
If a child is ill, homework can be sent home if requested by the parent. It can be waiting for pick up in the office or can be sent home with a neighbor or sibling.
If a prolonged absence is known in advance (due to a vacation, etc.) homework will most likely not be given prior to the absence.
For a calendar of events and important due dates, go to the Calendar/Due dates page under the "more..." menu button.
Contact info:
kortquist@springlakeschools.org
616-847-7905, ext. 3038
If a prolonged absence is known in advance (due to a vacation, etc.) homework will most likely not be given prior to the absence.
For a calendar of events and important due dates, go to the Calendar/Due dates page under the "more..." menu button.
Contact info:
kortquist@springlakeschools.org
616-847-7905, ext. 3038
