Vanessa Hernandez attended Gavilan College and graduated
from the University of California at Santa Cruz before becoming
a Cal-SOAP staff member. She said the programs “encourage stu-
dents to be well-rounded by teaching them about college prepa-
ration; health, fitness and wellness; and how to be a positive
member of the community.”
Christine Wanish is the mother of two Las Animas
Elementary students; Isabella, 9, and Alexander, 11. Her kids
have participated in both programs for five years. According to
Wanish, “As a parent, it excites me to see the enrichment and
growth they have exhibited by being a part of the Power School
programs; they love them and are excited about learning.”
The Power School programs are funded through a three-year
renewable State After School Education and Safety (ASES) grant,
in addition to multiple extremely competitive five-year Federal
21st Century Community Learning Centers grants.
Gilroy Unified School District Superintendent, Dr. Debbie
Flores, expressed her hope that these vital programs will
continue to be supported by grants going forward.
“We are fortunate to have staff develop such a collaborative
model program that benefits our students in so many ways with
essential learning experiences to promote academic success as
well as help close the student achievement gap,”
Flores said.
The Importance of
Kindergarten Preparedness
By Kimberly Beare, PIO, Morgan Hill Unified School District
T
he first day of Kindergarten is a key milestone in a child’s
life—filled with excitement, a bit of uncertainty, and
an overall sense of adventure. But not every child who
walks into our classrooms is ready for school. Standards for
Kindergarten students have risen in recent decades, so it is more
important than ever that parents help their children start off on
the right foot academically.
Morgan Hill Unified School District Kindergarten and
Transitional Kindergarten (TK) teachers Debbie Baker, Paula
Dennery, and Terry Muscatell, have collectively dedicated more
than 50 years to educating local youth. Their experiences
provide valuable insights into the impact that “classroom
preparedness” has on a young child’s confidence and academic
success.
Debbie Baker
Terry Muscatell
Paula Dennery
The two most important factors for parents to consider before
enrolling their children in Kindergarten are academic and social-
emotional preparedness. A child’s overall preparedness is highly
dependent on the learning that has taken place long before they
reach the age of five. Positive interactions with parents and other
children contribute to their readiness and confidence.
Debbie Baker is an 18-year veteran of teaching. As she
explained it, “Children who are given the guidance and time to
explore and interact with books, crayons, chalk, paint, modeling
GILROY • MORGAN HILL • SAN MARTIN
dough, Legos, and
safety scissors before
they come to my
Kindergarten class are
more willing to try; more confident because of practice;
and show independence sooner because they have had
that opportunity.”
Paula Dennery, a 20-year TK and Kindergarten teacher,
added that, “with exposure to books at home, children have
a more extensive vocabulary and background knowledge to
understand concepts taught in school. They are ready to sit
and attend to books and lessons in class from the start.”
The children of parents who are more involved with
their school tend to experience a higher level of academic
achievement. According to Kindergarten teacher Terry
Muscatell, “We encourage parents to get to know their child’s
teacher and give us insight into their child’s personality. Young
students’ brains are eager to learn, and if we as teachers
have parental support, children will exceed the defined
Kindergarten standards.”
Baker said parents play a critical role in providing early
support and educational stimulation at home. “Turning off
electronics and spending at least ten minutes every day
reading and talking with your incoming Kinder or TK child
can drastically improve their success in school,” Baker said.
“It really can be that simple.”
School district staff and teachers are taking an active role
in helping parents prepare their children for the classroom,
including the creation of a TK and Kindergarten Preparedness
Guide. Among other things, the guide includes practical tips
on how parents can incorporate basic learning skills into
daily routines.
For example, they can point out and read signs to their
children while they’re driving around town, or select and name
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017
gmhtoday.com
39