1. Where are you from?
I was born and raised in the Philippines. I moved here with my whole family when I was 17 years old.
2. How long have you been with ADNPP?
I have been with Action Day for thirteen years.
3. What is your teaching background and experience?
I started with the Infant Center program when I was still in school. After I graduated, I taught Pre-K for four years. I was one of the first Jr. Kindergarten teachers when the program started. After one year of Jr. Kindergarten, I accepted the Kindergarten position and have been teaching Kindergarten for the past three years. This is going to be my fourth year teaching Kindergarten.
4. What do you like most about your job?
I like EVERYTHING but mostly the hugs, compliments, singing, dancing, field trips, and getting notes and drawings everyday. The list is endless!
5. What do you think is special about your ADPP location?
My school is the best place to work because of all the staff. We feel comfortable with each other. There’s a great deal of teamwork and respect for one another.
6. What is your favorite part of the day at ADPP?
When I see my class in the morning. That is when the fun begins.
7. What is the last book you read out loud?
I Love You Stinky Face, by Lisa McCourt
8. What is the last book you read to yourself?
Three Weeks with My Brother, by Nicholas and Micah Sparks.
9. What is the funniest thing a child has said/done in your class?
There is a lot! One that stands out was when we were reciting the pledge of allegiance and one of my kids said ‘and to the Republic, where Richard stands, one nation….’ She was even saying this with her eyes completely closed!
10. What do you do in your spare time?
I love spending time with my two daughters, Inna, 11 and Bel, 8. They love going out for Sushi, shopping, or just hanging out. I also enjoy photography.
11. What achievement are you most proud of?
As a teacher and at the end of the year, I’m most proud when my class can read stories in front of the class or to their parents. It’s like music to my ears! That’s when I know I’ve done a marvelous job during the year. As a mother, I’m proud of seeing my daughters growing up to be the persons that I want them to be: respectful of others and very well mannered.
12. What should children look forward to doing/learning in kindergarten?
Lots of fun, “work”, games, singing and dancing! And at the end of the year, they are able to read stories to their parents and friends.
13. What is the single best piece of advice you can give parents of kindergartners?
Be involved with your child’s everyday school activities. Take a look at the weekly lesson plan and ask your child, ‘What did you do in school today?’ Take an active role in their academic lives. Help them with their homework, and most importantly, read to them everyday!
14. Do you have any healthy lunch ideas?
An ideal lunch would be a sandwich, yogurt, fruit, a drink (water is great too), and a small treat. Make your child’s lunch creative! If it is appealing to their eyes, chances are they will eat it! Cookie cutters make great shapes for child size sandwiches.
15. Do you have any learning to read tips or other useful tips?
SORTING! It’s great for Math skills, but also great to build pre-reading skills. Children will learn how to sort and classify words and word families if they learn sorting skills in school and at home. Sorting laundry, utensils, their closet, or anything at home is great practice.
