Dear Parents, guardians and children!!

I would like to take the opportunity to introduce myself. I have been a Pre-K Teacher for 11 years at Columbus School! I have a New Jersey Dual Certification in Early Child Education, which has allowed me to teach both General and Special Education, however all that I have learn has been through on going trainings, working collaboratively with my colleagues and in the classroom with my students. I am a bilingual teacher who loves to teach both in English and in Spanish. I like to incorporate culture and diversity in my classroom. I also like to be creative with all my students, and learn together through play, educational games and hands-on activities. When I am not teaching, I love spending time with my family and I love outdoor activities. I also love to travel as a missionary to different parts of the world.

My assistant, and I do our best to provide a welcoming, nurturing, safe and positive environment. One thing you can always expect from me is that your child's education and safety will always come first. In the past I have earned a good rapport with my district staff, parents, and most important, my students. You know you have done the best you can when my former students still hold dear to their first memories of school. These are some of  the words that describe my classroom: creative, fun, adventurous, structured, and most importantly, safe. A place where the children feel like their classroom is their home away from home. You will learn more about me and my assistant during Back to School Night. Throughout the year I would like to keep an open line of communication to make sure you stay updated with your child's progress. 

 In the beginning of the school year we will start by getting to know the children well and for them to feel comfortable with my assistant and myself. We will get to know one another well and get to a place where the children feel comfortable, nurtured and secured. My goal is for the children to have new experiences and the best memories of their first year of school. Over the years my students have left their Pre-K class ready to succeed in Kindergarten and the years to come! 

We will be using our District Pre-K Curriculum, Tools of the Mind. I will work hard for your child's Pre-K experience to be wonderful! My assistant and I will individualize instruction, attempting to meet your child where he or she is in development each day. Your child will be engaged in large and small group lessons. They will also be partnered with other students during literacy, math, and science activities throughout the day. The leading activity for preschool aged children is an intentional, mature make believe play. self-regulation develops through engagement in this kind of play, creating a strong foundation for later learning. As the year goes by you will learn more about the curriculum and what the children will be learning. You will also learn about our classroom schedule and daily routines. 

I look forward to working with you as a team to ensure your child's educational success. I cannot wait to see what this new school year will bring and I can't wait to meet you and your family.

We will learn, have fun, and adventure this new journey together! It's going to be the best year ever!

Mrs. Berrios