Sixteenth Avenue School
There are 3 PRE-K CLASSES...
Fall 2008
Mrs. Obropta, Teacher, and Ms. Scolaro, Classroom Aide
Mrs. Obropta, Special Education Teacher
Pre-K / Transitional Kindergarten Class
I’m the Pre-K / Transitional Kindergarten Special Education Teacher. I graduated from Georgian Court University in Ocean County. While I was in college, I was a Teacher Assistant for four years in Lakewood, NJ. I have also taught in a Preschool Disabled class in Cliffside Park, NJ. I feel honored to work at Sixteenth Avenue since the fall of 2007, and I look forward to meeting everyone in the school community and making the pre-k program a success.
I want to welcome my new students and parents to 16th Avenue School's Pre-K/ Transitional Kindergarten. I’m so happy to have you in my class this year. This is an exciting time in your children’s lives filled with wonder and learning. I can not wait to watch their journey of trying new things and making new friendships.
We will be learning all about Fall and the fun events it brings in the next few months. We have begun learning our letters and numbers in fun multi-sensory ways. We have started learning all about the calendar each morning, and love to do music and movement at morning meeting. We even have a new pet fish named “Nemo!” We are off to a great start and can’t wait to see what else this year brings!
Mrs. Obropta, Special Education Pre-K Teacher
Ms. Danielle Scolaro, Classroom Aide
================================================
Ms. Martinez (aide), Mrs. Murray (teacher), Ms. Gambina (aide)
Mrs. Murray, Special Education Teacher
Preschool Autism Class
I am excited to be part of the first Preschool Autism class at Sixteenth Avenue School in Elmwood Park. I have been a special education teacher for the past six years, five of which I have spent teaching children with Autism in Maywood, NJ. I have also worked with students with multiple disabilities at Blythedale Children’s Hospital in Valhalla, NY. I have a Master’s Degree in Literacy from Long Island University and a passion for Special Education.
Through interactive, highly engaging activities students will learn a variety of learning readiness and academic skills. They will also work on self help skills to ensure that they develop a sense of independence and accomplishment in everything that they do. We will focus on social skills such as turn taking, sharing and playing cooperatively with our classmates. Activities will not only foster the development of language and communication, but also teach fine and gross motor skills as well. Students will learn to follow directions and complete activities in both small and large group settings. They will participate in school activities and become part of their new school community. I look forward to helping each of my students meet their individual goals and objectives that will prepare them to continue on with their education at Elmwood Park Elementary School.
=================================
Mr. Herget, Special Education Teacher
Rose Malfa, Classroom Aide
PM - Preschool Class / 3 yr. olds
I would just like to take the time to tell you about myself and why this is a great opportunity for me, both personally and professionally. When I found out about the Special Education Pre-K opening I was very pleased because I felt it was the perfect position for me, given my background and grade level preference. Growing up in a family where I was the second eldest amongst six children, I knew the importance of being responsible and loyal. I grew up looking after my younger brothers and sisters. Even to this day I am always making sure that they are doing well and are safe. I am also an uncle to my 17 month old niece, whom I adore. Although it sometimes can be exhausting, I still look forward to being around her and watching her grow. It is life experiences like this which are so immeasurable to me.
My education started out at St. Leo’s School (K-8) and from there I went on to Elmwood Park Memorial High School. Shortly after, I attended William Paterson University where I went on to receive my Bachelor’s Degree. Specifically, the past three years have been very important in my continuing development and experience in the field of education. In 2004-05, I started out as a substitute teacher for the Elmwood Park School District. Then in 2005-06, I spent a significant portion of the year as a long-term substitute for an 8th grade English teacher. I had to teach the class, follow lesson plans, and maintain good classroom management. This past year I was a One-To-One Teacher’s Aide in a Kindergarten/1st Grade Special Education class. My student was just five years old and in addition to being accountable for his safety, I also had the responsibility of teaching him. I utilized the materials that were given to me from the head teacher and followed through with the lesson plan for that particular day. I also provided home instruction for him when necessary. Currently, I am tutoring him during the summer for two hours each day.
My most recent position turned out to be a very beneficial one for me. In addition to gaining valuable experience, I also confirmed to myself that the elementary level was absolutely where I wanted to teach. I always felt that I had the patience, enthusiasm, and the ability to serve as a positive role model for young children. The student who I most recently worked had Epilepsy as well as other learning disabilities. I took it upon myself to make sure that he developed not only academically, but socially and intellectually as well. I felt I went above and beyond the scope of my job many times and did so without seeking recognition. Just seeing his progression throughout the school year and knowing I had directly affected his life in such a positive way, was very rewarding and gave me a great sense of achievement. I also felt like I gave him someone he could look up to as well as emulate. This is the best example of why I felt that I could connect and establish a better rapport with younger students.
Elmwood Park is a town that I have called home for more than 30 years. I played sports throughout my childhood, and was also a member of the Cub Scouts. As I got older, I still remained active. I was a coach in the Elmwood Park Junior Baseball League for 12 years and was involved in a church play for St. Leo’s for over 10 years. I also have worked for years as a head camp counselor at the Elmwood Park Recreation Center. I personally believe that my work experiences as a camp counselor are a very integral part of who I am today. It is how I developed a high degree of responsibility and trust from both children and their parents. Throughout all of these experiences I was able to gain a lot. Now I would like the opportunity to give back as a teacher in the school district in which I grew up. On a personal note, I recently became married in October 2007. I enjoy running, exercising, and other activities such as fishing and going white water rafting. I currently play in a softball league and play basketball with my brothers. I also like to read in my spare time and travel when I get the opportunity.