After teaching at Winchester Thurston school for 19 years (even though she is now only 25!), Mrs. Kerr began subbing here at FCPC, with the strong desire to teach 4s. When a full time 2s position opened, Mrs. Kerr ‘fell in love’ with them because of their ‘boundless energy and innocent goodness! She describes the 2’s children as saying the sweetest things and enjoying such simple pleasures.
Mrs. Kerr states she has the most wonderful husband of 18 years, and together they have 4 children: Jordan (15), Grace (13), Ryan (11) and Liam (8). This September the family rescued from the Humane Society, a puppy named Heath who has been a ‘source of constant amusement every day!’
An avid biker, hiker and rock climber, Mrs. Kerr, with family in tow, did some canyoneering over the summer in Utah. Describing it as a mixture of repelling, rock climbing, zip lining and chimneying, Mrs. Kerr fell in love with it! Unlike staff who do not look forward to snow, Mrs. Kerr gets excited seeing the ‘white stuff’ flying outside because at times, she will head to the mountains after school with a friend, ski for awhile, and get home in time for dinner and spelling words!!
As for favorite foods, Mrs. Kerr is a big fan of GOOD pizza, and anything someone else cooks! Though she does not like wearing yellow, it is Mrs. Kerr’s favorite color. Favorite music includes Rusted Root, Coldplay, and listening to Pandora. Working with 2s allows Mrs. Kerr to listen to Raffi and Laurie Berkner!
When asked what she has learned over the years from the children and parents, Mrs. Kerr replied: ‘From the 2s I learned that every day is a new day for them with a whole new world to explore. The curiosity, the enthusiasm and energy they possess to start each day is just breathtaking! We have a lot to learn from them and their positive attitudes! From the parents, I have learned about utter trust--leaving their most valued possessions in our care for the mornings is a huge responsibility and one I do not take lightly!”
New to the preschool is Mrs. Kim DeBaldo or ‘Mrs. D’! Mrs. D. states she has always loved young children. “I love that they are like sponges and continually growing and learning, exploring and starting to express themselves.”
Married to Joel, Mrs. D. is mom to daughters, Carly 17, Janelle, 15, Deena 12, son Dante, 11 and her pet Puggles. Always involved in her children’s sports, Mrs. D. also takes pictures, reads magazines, and enjoys walking as a work out.
Mrs. D. enjoys country music, the color blue, and pizza!
From the children, Mrs. D. has learned patience, computer skills, and the pure enjoyment of life. From the parents, she has learned wisdom, guidance and support.
Reflecting on Time for Twos!
By Mrs. Kerr and Mrs. D
One September morning, two teachers sat fatigued and despondent on the rug in the middle of their classroom wondering if they could survive another day. What a difference 5 short months can make! Each of the 19 two year olds that we work with has come a long way compared to the beginning of the year. The children that walk through our door now are much surer of themselves (to say the least), then they were in September.
Gone is the clinging to parents and caregivers with tears flowing at drop off. Now the children walk confidently into the room without even glancing back. The boys and girls have even begun hanging their own coats and pictures independently.
Gone is the group of strangers that stared at each other and moved around the room as separate entities. Now the children notice if a friend is absent and they also seek out certain friends to play with during the day. They don’t call each other “him” or “her” anymore, but use each others’ names.
Gone is the quiet hush of the classroom and the quiet lines walking in the hall. Now there is constant conversation in the room and the sharing of many stories during the day and at snack time. The children can also verbally express their needs much better so fewer conflicts arise during the day.
Gone are the teachers showing the children where things belong in the room and constant reminders of what we are doing next in our day. Now the children have assumed ownership of the room and the daily routine. When the bell rings, they clean up right away and are able to put all of the toys and equipment back properly. They line up with their shapes to go to the gym (or playground) and when they come back they know their snack mats will be waiting for them.
Gone are the circle times listening to only the two teachers singing and talking. Now the children know when they see their circles to come to the rug and sit on their bottoms. They know the song to start off circle and have many requests for old favorites and enjoy learning new songs also. They are eager to share ideas and stories when questions are posed to them.
Not much has drastically changed in our lives in the past 5 months, but our twos have definitely become more capable and independent and we are eager to be part of their continued growth during the rest of the preschool year!
