We will use a phase-in for our Pre-Primary class for the 2008-2009 school year. Returning students will begin school on Monday, August 25th. New students to Pre-Primary will begin on Tuesday, August 26th.
I am originally from Bogota, Colombia. I earned an undergraduate degree in Early Childhood Education and am certified by the American Montessori Society. I began as a Lead Teacher with the 3 to 6 year old Pre-primary Program at Discovery in 1994.
My Associates are Pat Klepinger and Amy Mohr. Pat previously worked in the Lower Elementary program for 5 years and last year returned to the Pre-Primary program in my classroom. We have worked together previously in the Pre-Primary classroom and with various summer camps. Pat brings great experience and energy to our classroom. Amy Mohr will be returning for her second year in our classroom as an Associate Teacher. She has a B.S. Degree in Marketing from Syracuse University and is co-owner of the World Martial Arts Academy. We have even incorporated some of her Martial Arts experience into our weekly line time. We have a wonderful team and are looking forward to an exciting and successful year with the children.
Arrival time for school will be from 8:25 a.m. to 8:40 a.m. at the front entrance of the Pre-Primary building at 1520 Shetter Avenue. You must enter our circular drive via a right hand turn, which will require you to drive to the western end of Shetter Avenue and turn around. Please wait for a teacher to come to your car. You are asked to please remain in your car. This is a safety issue the school requests you respect. A teacher will escort your child to the classroom. It is critically important that children arrive at school punctually.
A snack will be available for children during classroom time. Each family is asked to participate by supplying the snack on a rotating weekly basis. A snack date list for the school year and a selection of suggested items is included. We will give you the large snack bin on the Friday preceding your designated week for your convenience. For children eating lunch at school, we ask that you use lunchboxes (please, no backpacks due to our lack of storage space!) The lunchboxes need to be self contained (cold foods able to be kept cold, hot foods items in a thermos, etc). Please send juices and utensils needed for lunch. Due to limited refrigerator space, we cannot keep foods cold, nor will we be able to heat lunch items for your child.
Please be sure all students send in a labeled plastic bag with a change of clothes (including socks and underwear) on the first day they attend school. Please remember that we have a uniform policy at Discovery, which will be clearly outlined in your Parent Handbook.
All clothing must be clearly marked with your child's name. In the event of a water accident, the wet clothes will be placed in a bag and sent home to be washed and returned.
I hope you all are having a wonderful and restful summer of sharing and exploring with your children. I look forward to meeting all the new students, greeting the returning students, and working and learning with each child this coming year.
Sincerely,
Pilar Neira
Pre-Primary Lead Teacher
Files for Your Information:
Pilar Classroom Schedule
Pilar's Classroom Celebration Calendar
Pilar's Open House Schedule 2008-09
Ms. Pilars Snack Schedule 2008-2009
Ms. Pilars Snack Supply Letter
Pre-Primary Social Screening
Health - Illness Policy
