ST. BARTHOLOMEW
CATHOLIC SCHOOL
Where the rich tradition of Catholic Education lives on in 21st century classrooms
Our Pre-Kindergarten Team
PreK-3
Ms. Chin, Lead Teacher
Hometown: Treasure Beach , Jamaica
Education: Liberty University, Virginia- Bachelor of Science, Early Childhood Education Interdisciplinary Studies
What makes you passionate about teaching?
I am passionate about teaching as a result of the positive influence my teachers had on me during the first few years of my education.
What is your approach to ensuring success in the classroom?
I use the zone of proximal development to ensure that each student receives support based on their needs. I adapt my lesson plan and activities and differentiate lessons so that my students can enhance their skills and achieve their goals. Positive reinforcement is another strategy that I use so students can become motivated to participate throughout the learning process.
If somebody walked into your classroom, what would they see happening?
My students engage in meaningful learning activities. They would be working cooperatively and display enthusiasm while learning.
Fun Facts:
I have lived in several states and traveled several times to Canada. I enjoy being in a social gathering with people from different cultures and recognize the similarities among our cultural traditions.
Ms. Velasquez, PreK Aide
Hometown: North Bethesda, MD
Education: Saint Louis College- BA In Political Science, UMGC- BS in Management
What makes you passionate about teaching?
I am passionate about teaching because I get to inspire kids. Some children are eager to learn when they arrive at school. Others are not as certain. I want to motivate children to love learning and, perhaps more crucially, to have confidence in their own capacity for growth. I get to inspire children by providing them with opportunities, help, and new experiences.
What is your approach to ensuring success in the classroom?
It is important for students to be able to relate what they are learning in the classroom to their daily lives. For teaching to be effective, these real-world links are crucial. If you don't help students understand how a subject relates to them, you won't be able to convince them of its importance. Students shouldn't ever be left wondering why a certain subject is being taught.
If somebody walked into your classroom, what would they see happening? I’d be seen leading groups and conferencing with particular students to provide support. A group of pupils eager to practice social skills will likely greet you with a chorus of "hellos" and "good mornings." You would feel safe and at ease making mistakes inside the classroom because that’s how we learn. Most of all, you would feel valued and loved.
Fun Facts:
One fun fact about me is that I can bake the most amazing cheesecake. Baking is a favorite hobby of mine.
PreK-4
Mrs. Plunket, Lead Teacher
Hometown: Fairfield, CT
Education: St. Joseph's University, Elementary and Special Education degree
What makes you passionate about teaching?
I love being with the children at a young age - instilling a love of learning. I enjoy seeing the pride they have in their achievements and progress in their first years of school. I know that it will foster their desire for continued achievement through their lives.
What is your approach to ensure success in the classroom?
I teach to various learning styles, making sure information is presented visually, auditorily, and with kinesthetic-tactile techniques.
If somebody walked into your classroom, what would they see happening?
The would see students and teachers celebrating each other in their wins. In PreK we don't just celebrate the big wins or major milestones; we celebrate the small wins along the way - the "inchstones."
Fun Facts:
As a former spin and pilates instructor, I like to be active. You can find me on the Peloton and running around the park with my kids when I'm not at school.
Mrs. Bautista, PreK Aide
Hometown: Calgary, Canada
Education: University of Maryland University College - Child Development Associate Degree and Legal studies (ABA certified Paralegal); State Certified Med Tech (Diabetic management, Concussion NFHS, CPR), National Child Passenger Safety certified “CPS”; National Association for Education of Young Children - continuing studies in best practices in early childhood education
What makes you passionate about teaching?
Quite simply, the children!
What is your approach to ensuring success in the classroom?
We are having fun in PreK-4!
If somebody walked into your classroom, what would they see happening?
They would see learning, and learning through play.
Fun Facts:
I have four wonderful children, and I am bilingual in English and Spanish. I love traveling, coach some of our school’s teams, and I love to exercise myself.