Monthly Administrative Updates

January 2025 Administrative Update

Erin Jamesson, Assistant Director of Pupil Services

by Erin Jamesson
Assistant Director of Pupil Services

Parkdale Elementary’s Pre-K Program: Inspiring Creativity and Growth

 Prior to the holiday season, Parkdale Elementary students’ energy and excitement were palpable. In the pre-kindergarten wing of the building, that energy and excitement have been present since September. Parkdale’s Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK) program is a vibrant and dynamic environment where creativity, exploration, and foundational skills are nurtured every day. Through innovative teaching methods and hands-on activities, Parkdale’s UPK program provides a unique and enriching experience, preparing students for success in kindergarten and beyond.

Classroom Highlights: A Year of Discovery and Fun
Parkdale UPK classrooms are filled with exciting activities that spark curiosity and foster foundational learning.

  • Ms. Helak & Ms. Deyell’s class focused on positional words for math in a hands-on lesson involving rhythm sticks and creative gingerbread house building. Students practiced spatial vocabulary while enhancing motor skills, listening skills, and teamwork.

  • Ms. Kerr’s & Ms. Bauer’s classes explored global holiday traditions through their “UPK Airlines” theme, traveling virtually to countries like Israel, Germany, Australia, and Mexico. Students celebrated diversity and broadened their understanding of the world by engaging in cultural activities such as playing dreidel games, decorating gingerbread men, and breaking piñatas.

  • Ms. Graves’ class emphasized science with experiments from “Dr. Science,” including testing materials to protect Humpty Dumpty during a fall. From observing seasonal changes to predicting whether items would sink or float, these experiments nurtured critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

  • Ms. Wolford’s class completed a “Gingerbread Book Comparison, Retelling, and Writing” unit. Students read and analyzed five gingerbread-themed stories, expressed their creativity through writing and drawing, and participated in Gingerbread Centers where they decorated gingerbread houses, designed playdough creations, and enjoyed gingerbread cookies.

SPOT Program: Supporting Speech, Language, and Motor Skills
Parkdale’s UPK program also benefits from the SPOT (Speech Language and Occupational Therapy) program. Led by Ms. Oleksy, Parkdale’s preschool speech-language pathologist, and Ms. Ryan, an occupational therapist, SPOT provides push-in lessons aligned with the preschool curriculum.

The SPOT team visits classrooms offering engaging activities that support speech, language, and fine motor skill development. Recently, they led an “I Spy” holiday ornament-making activity, where students practiced initial sound identification, rhyming, 1:1 counting, fine motor skills, and more.

Each child created a personalized ornament with an attached “I Spy” list, encouraging language and literacy practice at home with their families. The Parkdale PTO generously provided materials for the activity, showcasing the community’s dedication to enriching student experiences.

Key Information for Interested Families
Parkdale’s UPK program provides a holistic approach to learning, blending academic readiness with social, emotional, and cultural growth. Through hands-on activities, collaborative projects, and supportive programs like SPOT, students are set up for success in kindergarten and beyond.

The program emphasizes exploration, creativity, and skill-building, ensuring every student feels valued and supported.

Registration for the 2025-2026 school year will begin in mid-January. Parkdale Elementary School’s UPK program is open to four-year-old district resident children, offering them an enriching start to their educational journey.

For more information, contact the school office or visit the East Aurora Union Free School District website.