CONGREGATION B'NAI ISRAEL PRESCHOOL
A quality program for preschool children of all faiths
Contact our Preschool Director, Bernadette Nevarez at 266-0155
Enrollment for the Fall semester is underway. The first day of school is Monday, August 8.
OUR DIRECTOR: BERNADETTE NEVAREZ
Under the leadership of new director Bernadette Nevarez, another successful year at Congregation B’nai Israel Preschool and Kindergarten is coming to an end.
Ms. Nevarez came to the preschool with 33 years of experience in education. She was a teacher for 14 years and an elementary school principal for the remainder of her career. Her time at the preschool since her first day on the job, October 7, 2010 has been “a rewarding experience getting to know a new group of children, families and community,” Ms. Nevarez is familiar with preschool programs having had Pre-K and Headstart in the elementary schools working with 3, 4 & 5-year olds. Ms. Nevarez is an early childhood education pioneer having minored in early childhood studies when she received her bachelor’s degree in 1973 at the University of New Mexico.
Ms. Nevarez has Jewish roots. Her family lived in Old Town near the Sandia Family Store, run by the Bessie Shapiro family. Bessie’s daughters were Ruth Mager and Helen Sands. Ms. Nevarez’s grandmother, Sophronia Montoya, who spoke mostly Spanish and Bessie Shapiro, who spoke mostly Yiddish, would have coffee together every morning. They became fast friends. Consequently, the families were intertwined. Ms. Nevarez has been to Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, weddings and funerals at B’nai Israel because of the families’ connection that continues to this day.” she says.
OUR CLASSES and CURRICULUM
This school year was full of much learning and celebration. The Pre-K/K class was taught by Jennifer Baca and Karen Jim and focused on following curriculum guidelines recommended by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).
The teachers for the Threes Class are Suha Amer, Nicole Grogg and Kim Lance. They have developed with their students letter recognition and sound, numbers, creativity, responsibility, socialization, large motor growth and fine motor skill development.
The Twos Class was led by Zeena Amer and the littlest ones this year had fun and are joyful every day. Their curriculum involves engaging in learning activities such as number, color and letter recognition, socializing with their friends and arts and crafts.
Ms. Ronni Sparks, who has worked in various capacities for seven years, is a part of the Preschool staff offering expertise in Early Childhood Education as well as Jewish learning.
Nicole Grogg, who has been with the school for five years says, “CBI has been a place where I have thrived. Working with children in a great community has provided me with the knowledge, patience and motivation to succeed in meeting the goals set for the children and set for myself. I’m grateful to the be a part of the ongoing team effort provided by the staff, congregants and families to preserve the success in a great Pre-K and Early Childhood Development Program.”
SPECIAL LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
Each week at CBI Preschool was busy. In addition to the general curriculum, students had Jewish learning, physical education, music and art. The Pre-K/K class had art lessons with local artist and educator Rachel Popowcer. Among their projects were printmaking and water colors.
On Wednesdays all the students participated in “Stretch-n-Grow” with teacher Stephanie. The physical education program teaches the children about the importance of nutrition and exercise in a fun way.
Music was taught by local musician and CBI parent, Gregg Daigle. On Grandparents Day, the children serenaded their guests with the folk songs he taught them.
Mondays is Torah Time with Sarah Egelman, another CBI parent. Ms. Sarah taught all the classes about Jewish holidays, observances and Hebrew vocabulary with stories, crafts and more.
The week at CBI Preschool always ends with a special Friday morning Shabbat service complete with prayers, songs, Challah and grape juice. Susan Shaddoff brings her guitar and voice to the service teaching the children fun participatory songs. Rabbi Arthur Flicker and Ms. Nicole often lead the services.
Next year, Ms. Nevarez plans to continue on this positive trajectyory with solid curriculum and enriching Art and Judaic learning. Her goals are to provide a quality program for our preschool students and to follow the highest standards in education for young children.
OUR SUMMER CAMP
Summer camp at CBI begins on Monday, June 6 and runs through Friday, July 29. Enrollment is now open for the circus-themed camp, “Under the Big Top.”
The Congregation B'nai Israel Preschool needs your help collecting credits for special items!
We have truly benefited from these wonderful programs.
Sign up for a Smith's Value Card and designate our preschool as the beneficiary
Bring in General Mill's box tops, labels from Campbell's soup and labels from jars of Prego
Drop them off at the office anytime. THANKS