Sunshine shines the spotlight on Angela Finelli’s Preschool Class (one of Sunshine’s Early Education services). As the classroom teacher, Angela is grateful to her team who all work so hard to create a wonderful learning experience for their young students. Together with Teaching Assistants Sharon Fitzmaurice and Dana Wright, she has created a bright, colorful and inviting classroom for students to learn and explore in a safe, creative, nurturing environment. The daily routine includes morning circle, enrichment groups and individualized instruction. With the arrival of the spring season, the classroom walls have been expanded to include the outdoors. This includes a new addition this year of a raised-bed Magic Garden, inspired by Dana and built by Freddy in Facilities. “Giving students access to all that nature has to offer inspires the multi-sensory curriculum,”says Dana. Angela added, “The garden — with all the vegetables, herbs and potted flowers — lends itself to all kinds of related projects, including construction of bird feeders, garden stones and wind chimes. We are planning to host a harvest garden party with a community summer salad once our crops are in.” The Team also seeks learning opportunities in the community. Their annual outing to Muscoot Farm is always a success. “All the baby farm animals are together in a special pen, knee high so our children can see them. They are always mesmerized by the piglets and chicks, and it’s my favorite part of the trip,” says Sharon.
So as we close the chapter on another successful preschool year, we extend a heartfelt thanks to the teachers, therapists and support staff who make it all happen.