It was in the early years of my own K-12 education in Catholic Schools, that I began to think about teaching, as a career. Pursuing this interest, I earned my degree in Early Childhood Education. When I arrived at St. Michael School, I knew I had found the right fit, and was hired in 1996, as the first Pre-K program was about to open.

My commitment to teaching pre-school comes from my strong belief that a child's introduction to education should be fun and inspirational. I value my role as one of the first teachers a child will meet, and welcome each one into the world of ideas, while encouraging them to think and ask questions.

In Pre-K, each day is filled with discovery, excitement, fun, learning and laughter. I enjoy and find deep satisfaction in teaching at St. Michael School.

• Children grow and develop at unique individual rates that are often unrelated to chronological age.
• Children learn best through doing, through direct, immediate involvement with the environment, and through the sensory input of observation, manipulation, and experimentation.
• Pre-Kindergarten children are experiencing rapid and important growth in many developmental areas, including the cognitive/intellectual, psychosocial, and physical-motor domains.

Young children are tireless experimenters and investigators. At Saint Michael’s, they will be encouraged to think creatively. They will be stimulated, guided, and encouraged in carefully planned activities that allow them to develop at their own optimum rate.

Our teachers respond to individual differences in ability, interests, development, and learning styles. They provide the motivation and skills for success in school through developmentally appropriate activities. They work to provide your child with both academic success and joy in learning. Your child will be assured of appropriate learning experiences woven throughout the class time in a secure, unpressured environment.

• Open communication between home and school is essential. Do feel free to contact your child’s teacher at any time. If you are comfortable with your child’s learning situation, s/he will be also.
• Do share your child’s interest in and enthusiasm for new experiences. Learning is truly a life-long experience. Share the joy!
• Regular attendance is important. It will help build sound habits and reinforce seriousness of purpose.

The Pre-Kindergarten program is the foundation for later grades. The curriculum progressively supports and builds on learning and development throughout the elementary years. The teachers at Saint Michael School design curriculum across grades to ensure the integration of subject matter and learning.

• Pre-Kindergarten students need to be four by September 1st.
• Pre-Kindergarten students attend for a 5 half-day program. Sessions do not change mid-year.
  Morning sessions – 9:00a.m.-11:45a.m.
  Afternoon sessions – 12:30p.m. - 3:15p.m.
• Children should come to school each day with a snack that is peanut butter free and a drink.
• You will be provided with a written evaluation of your child's progress twice each year. A formal conference will be set up with your child's teacher.
• Physical education, music and library time are provided for students.

• There is a full time nurse on staff
• All parents are automatically members of the Parent Teacher Organization.
• A school newsletter is published each month, and sent home via e-mail.
• The weekly Trumpet is e-mailed home each Monday. It contains important information about school activities for the upcoming week.
• Nursery and Pre-Kindergarten School students are allowed to attend Extended Day Care. Please be sure to fill out an enrollment form.
• We strive to be a peanut butter free school. Please do not send in items that contain peanut butter.
• Nursery and Pre-Kindergarten students are asked to wear navy blue or gray elastic waist shorts, pants, and shirts. Clothing does not have to be purchased from JB Edwards Uniform Company. Items do NOT need to bear the SMS logo. Sneakers and socks should be worn.