Candlestick Article

Hard to believe that June has arrived and my first year as the Director of PBJCNS has come to an end.

In September we were strangers and now we are family. I can see why PBJCNS is such a stellar program. After being here for a year there is no question in my mind that it is the hallmark program in both secular and Jewish early childhood education in this part of New Jersey.

It has all the right components that goes into a model early childhood program.

An excellent staff well appointed classrooms an amazing amount of parent participation, outstanding enrichment programs, all ingredients for excellence!

My goal for this year was to meet and get to know all the PBJCNS families, learn over 160 names; acquaint myself with the staff and gain their trust and respect.

I also needed to assess the needs of the children and staff and see where changes needed to be made.

The staff was very open to the new ideas that I brought to the program and how we could integrate those ideas into the existing curriculum. Some examples were integrating different math and science concepts into the classroom. Extending the music curriculum so that the 4’s are learning about classical music and composers.

In our art program we introduced the children to 3-D by introducing them to Calder and his mobiles. Next year I hope to introduce a sculptor.

I hope to introduce the “Mad Science” program into to the curriculum for the 2010-2011 school year.

Now I want to say thank you to all the people who supported me throughout the year.

Thanks, to my wonderful staff that opened their hearts and minds; and were so willing to accept my suggestions and made me feel so accepted!

Thanks, to the parents who welcomed me into the school with open arms and made me feel so much part of the PBJCNS family.

Thanks, to Adam Kaufman, Randi Friedman and Rachel Krupnick for being my touchstones and helping me navigate the nuances of the PBJCNS program.

Thanks,  to Alan Rothberg for always sharing his sage wisdom  and having the time to listen.

Thanks, to Ira Rosenbloom for sharing his knowledge and expertise regarding PBJC and its many programs.

Thanks, to Rabbi Finkel for every Friday morning bringing the joy of celebrating Shabbat to the children, parents and staff of PBJCNs . Also his caring and concern regarding the Pre-school and staff.

Thanks, to Bob Kanarick  for  helping me negotiate  the administrative  end of my job  and answering questions about PBJC.

Thanks, to Arlene ,Robin and Ingrid for showing me the workings of the administrative office and to Ingrid for making sure that we get paid on time!

A special message to our graduates. I know that you are all well prepared to meet the challenges  of Kindergarten because of the academic foundation that you received at PBJCNS. Although you are leaving the school you will always be part of the PBJCNS family.

I hope that you will continue on to our wonderful Hebrew school to gain a deeper knowledge of your faith  and be prepared to be Bar or Bat mitzvahed!

I hope you will come back and visit and know that you always have a special place in my heart.

Have a wonderful summer!

Carol