Welcome to Hoffman-Boston’s
Virginia Preschool Initiative (VPI) Program
The VPI program follows VIRGINIA’S EARLY LEARNING & DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS (ELDS). This year we will be implementing a new curriculum called STREAMin3. STREAMin3 is an innovative, engaging, and interactions-based curriculum for children ages birth through five. STREAMin3 Curriculum was developed at the University of Virginia’s Center for Advanced Study of Teaching and Learning (CASTL). To learn more about STREAMin3 visit https://streamin3.org/.
Your child will learn to be a member of the school community, be independent, get along and play with peers, and respect adults and others. We will help your child to be ready for Kindergarten both, socially and academically through hands-on developmentally appropriate activities. Your child will learn through songs, movement, discovery, play, and manipulation of materials. Our goal is to support your child’s development and learning in partnership with families by providing enriching learning experiences. We are excited to have you as part of our team.
Click here to see your child’s specials schedule
Curriculum Overview
Your child will participate in each of these activities during their day with us in Pre-K!
Heggerty
- Focus on spoken language
- Sing new and familiar songs
- Play games with sounds in words
- Identify and practice rhyming words
- Build phonemic awareness
STREAMin3 Groups
- Letter of the day
- Writing
- Match and identify letters
- Draw and describe pictures
- Letter games
- Memory games
- Practice reading predictable texts
- Math games and exploration (i.e., counting, colors, patterns, numeral recognition)
- Calendar
- Graphs
- Measuring
Story Time
- Read a variety of children’s books
- Read books several times to develop understanding
- Learn new vocabulary
- Answer questions to understand what is happening in a story
- Act out other people through characters in books
Choice Time
- Plan – Children tell teachers and friends what they will do
- Do – Children are allowed to play in the classroom with a variety of materials
- Review – Children tell teachers and friends what they did after they have finished
Content
- Social Studies content when applicable (i.e., how do we take care of babies)
- Science (i.e., sink or float)
Social Emotional Learning
- Connect as a class community
- Explore feelings
- Practice being “social thinkers”
- Explore what it means to be a good friend
- Being independent
Supply List
● 1 backpack (regular sized – no wheels)
● 1 small blanket
● change of clothes (labeled)
o 1 shirt
o 1 pair of pants
o 1 pair of socks
o 1 underwear
● 1 leakproof, reusable water bottle
Meet the VPI Team!!!!!
Ms. Peterson and Ms. Elaine’s Co-Taught VPI and Special Education Class
Ms. Peterson and Ms. Elaine’s Daily Schedule
Ms. Peterson
General Education Teacher
Role
As a VPI teacher, my job is to teach students the foundations of literacy and numeracy as well as foster their social and emotional learning. I want my students to learn independence in the classroom so they can begin to take care of themselves and become problem-solvers. I love reading and playing with my students. I will work with Mrs. Fargo to ensure all our students are receiving the best education.
Professional Background
I went to James Madison University for both undergrad and graduate school. I received my Masters of Arts in Teaching in 2014. I have been teaching VPI in Arlington since 2016. Hoffman-Boston is my favorite place to be. 😊
Personal Interests
I enjoy going to the beach with my family, hanging out with friends, or spending time alone at home.
Literary Connection
One of my many favorite books is Brown Bear Brown Bear What Do You See? It was a favorite of mine as a child and I still love reading it today. I enjoy the different animals in the story, especially those with unexpected colors.
Ms. Elaine
Special Education Teacher
Role
Hello! My name is Elaine Fargo. My role as a VPI Special Education Co-taught teacher includes providing specially designed instruction for students with special needs, while ensuring students have access to the general education curriculum. I will be co-teaching with Ms. Peterson, providing the modifications and adaptations needed for students with special needs to progress academically, functionally, and socially, and working with students toward meeting IEP goals. I am excited about the learning experiences students will have in exploring hands-on learning opportunities, as well as learning about the world around them. Music, dance, art appreciation, stories and playtime are fun ways of learning in combination with literacy, math, and science in a supportive and nurturing environment.
Professional Background
My first experience teaching took place at American School for the Deaf (ASD) in West Hartford, CT. It was the first Deaf school in America and had a rich history of Deaf culture. I worked at ASD as a teacher aide for the Deaf for 11 years with the philosophy of Total Communication. An interesting fact is that I learned my mother’s adopted grandparents both attended ASD after I started working there. Next, I worked at a special education school in Washington, DC as an instructional aide and Deaf interpreter and then I came to Arlington Public Schools and worked in the Communication’s Program for eight years, and one year in Life Skills. This is my first year working with VPI; I love children and I look forward to this school year. I attended George Mason University and earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and for special education, EDSE.
Personal Interests
My interests include enjoying nature, forests, rivers, waterfalls, and beaches. I love to garden and reap a harvest. I enjoy singing and I took up a new hobby of learning how to play the piano.
Literary Connection
My favorite book is Corduroy by Don Freeman. I find this to be a warm and caring book, bringing to life a teddy bear who was looking for a place to call home. His experiences come to life at night as he investigates the world around him. Although, he was passed by more times than he wanted, he finally was adopted by a caring girl who was so excited to buy him, take him home, and love him. Although he was missing one button, it was an easy fix for the girl who gladly sowed a new button on his overalls. I like this story because the tale comes to life and teaches good socio-emotional values and leaves the reader with a warm feeling.
Ms. Valerie
Instructional Assistant
Professional Background
I have been teaching children since I had my first child. I started working in Arlington Public Schools in Extended Day in 2001 and, while there, I also started substituting. In 2004 I started working in the classroom as an instructional assistant.
Personal Interests
I enjoy cooking, watching movies, spending time with family and friends. I love eating seafood and traveling. My passion is working with children just to see their faces after they have accomplished a task that they have set out to do. It is a joy!
Ms. Williams
Instructional Assistan
Role
My role as an educator is to help in all areas of the classroom. Beginning with greeting the students in the hallway each morning and asking them whether they have brought a lunch or will be buying it and ending with walking the bus riders to their buses. These everyday interactions build relationships and trust. I help to support the students as they learn and we build community together. I guide students towards independence and help them gain stamina for a full day of work and play.
Professional Background
I have been working for Arlington Public Schools for 5 years. My first position was as Staff for the Extended Day Program (2015). I have worked at various schools in this position. In 2018, I worked as a long-term substitute at Hoffman-Boston Elementary. During my assignment at Hoffman-Boston, I was offered a Pre-K Special Education Assistant position. Currently, I’m a VPI Assistant at Hoffman-Boston and this is my second year as Co-teacher. I believe working with children is fun and rewarding. I love that no single day is the same. Also, I’m impressed by their endless energy, honesty, creativity and flexibility. My students motivate me to be a better person.
Personal Interests
I have taken up cooking this summer and love it. I play basketball in some of my free time and always enjoy spending time with my family.
Ms. Tagle’s VPI Class
Ms. Tagle
General Education Teacher
Role
As a VPI teacher, I believe my role is to facilitate learning and exploration. I work to provide a nurturing environment where students can become kind, independent, and persistent thinkers! I also believe in the importance of celebrating and learning about the diverse backgrounds of my students and their families.
Professional Background
I grew up in Arlington and attended Nottingham, Williamsburg, and Yorktown HS. I received my B.A. in Psychology and Spanish from The George Washington University. After college, I worked for two years as an ABA therapist for children with autism. Working with kids was so rewarding that I transitioned to APS as an instructional assistant in kindergarten at Jamestown ES. While working in the classroom, I earned my Master’s Degree in Elementary Education from Marymount University. I began teaching kindergarten at Hoffman-Boston in 2008 and three years later I moved to Pre-K. I love being an All-Star!
Personal Interests
In my free time I love to be active-I run, practice yoga, and hike. I also enjoy baking and spending time with my family. I have two brothers and my parents still live here in Arlington.
Literary Connection
I chose to share the book The Color Monster by Anna Llenas. The Color Monster wakes up confused one day and he’s not sure why. A friend explains that his emotions are all jumbled up. She helps the Color Monster make sense of how he feels by separating his emotions. Each one has a color: yellow shines like the sun and represents happiness; red represents anger which we can sometimes feel when life seems unfair. At the end of the story, the Color Monster learns that he feels so much better after sorting through his emotions. I love how this story describes feelings and represents them with colors. We teach students social-emotional skills in Pre-K and this story is an age appropriate and relatable way to identify and describe emotions.
Ms. Dalila
Instructional Assistant
Professional Background
My name is Dalila Adams. I joined HFB last school year as a Pre-K Assistant. This was my first experience in Pre-K. Lots of fun and learning! I have been employed with APS since 2005. I started as an Administrative Assistant at Barcroft Elementary and later began to work with students. It is what I really enjoyed, so I became a Special Education Assistant after taking the Para Pro Exam. Prior to working in Pre-K, I supported third through fifth grade in content areas (math, social studies, science, reading and language arts). I became a familiar, friendly face as we spent a lot of time together, even after school. I supported the Homework Club providing further assistance in Math and Reading.
Personal Interests
Here is a bit more about me: I have three sons who attended APS. The youngest graduated in 2017. I am a Nationals fan and enjoy watching baseball. Art is something I enjoy too. I have taken to clay art slab classes at Kenmore Middle School. Creating art out of clay is my favorite! Making Christmas ornaments and cross stitching are other hobbies I have. Reading is another interest of mine.
Literary Connection
I have read many children’s books. These are some of my favorites for beginning readers: Goodnight Gorilla and In A People House. I have read many book series such as: The Spiderwick Chronicles, Magic Tree House, Percy Jackson and Artemis Fowl. Now I am reading A Lincoln Cavalryman and The Civil War Letters of Henry Suydam. I chose this book because history is an interest of mine as well.
Ms. Freeman-Moore’s VPI Class
Ms. Freeman-Moore’s Daily Schedule
Ms. Freeman-Moore
General Education Teacher
Role
As a classroom teacher in the VPI program my role as an educator is to work collaboratively to foster independent problem solvers through play-based activities that focus on their social and emotional development.
Professional Background
This is my sixth year as a teacher in the VPI program in APS. I received my undergraduate degree in Early Childhood from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. I coached collegiate basketball for many years and, while coaching, received my master’s degree from Long Island University. I continue to seek out educational opportunities and love working with the dedicated, kind, and committed staff at Hoffman-Boston. Go All Stars!
Personal Interests
I am married to Aaron, but I call him Freedog 😊. I am the mother of four awesome sauce kids!. I was a college athlete and still play and coach basketball in my free time. I volunteer in my community and have been a referee for basketball for many years through the rec program. I love to try new things, spend time with my children, write letters to friends, play and eat. During this time of COVID, I have taken myself to many destinations through my imagination, by reading different books!
Ms. Aicha
Instructional Assistant
aicha.ouaajal@apsva.us
Role
As preschool Instructional Assistant my role is to provide variety of materials and resources for students to explore, manipulate and use both in learning activities and in imaginative play, and keep students safe inside and outside classrooms by proactively monitoring behaviors and tracking students movement.
Professional Background
My first experience in teaching was working as an assistant teacher at a private school. I worked as a special education assistant in MIPA class at Hoffman Boston. I earned my Bachelor’s degree from University Hassan II in Morocco!!
Personal Interests
I love sports, learning new skills and spending time with my little family. 😊
Mrs. Taylor’s VPI Class
Mrs. Taylor
General Education Teacher
Role
Hello! My name is Helena Taylor and my role as a VPI teacher is to support my students’ education in any way I can. My goal is that all my students make a full year of progress: from being shy to working together with friends, from struggling to hold a crayon correctly to drawing pictures with many details, and from not knowing the difference between numbers and letters to recognizing many uppercase and lowercase letters (including their sounds) and numbers.
Professional Background
I received my Master’s Degree in Elementary Education from University of Jana Evangelista Purkyne in the Czech Republic. I taught there for 4 years before coming to the USA. Here I started teaching preschool at a private school and fell in love working with the little ones. In 2009, I joined the VPI Team at Hoffman-Boston first as an assistant and then, after receiving my Virginia Teaching License, as a teacher. I feel fortunate working with such a great group of enthusiastic educators. Go All-Stars!!!
Personal Interests
In my free time I enjoy the outdoors. I went hiking, jogging and biking with my family and friends during the pandemic quite often. Recently I started playing pickle ball and it’s a lot of fun. On rainy days, I like to solve puzzles, listen to audible books and cook with my daughter.
Literacy Connection
There are many early childhood books that I like. I picked Chicka Chicka Boom Boom written by Bill Martin, Jr. and John Archambault and illustrated by Lois Ehlert. This book is a great example of how learning the alphabet can be fun. If you have never seen the Chicka Chicka Boom Boom video from Scholastic, you should watch it with your preschooler. The melody is very catchy and you will be humming it for the rest of your day. Just like I do with my students when I teach lowercase letter recognition.
Mr. Klein
Instructional Assistant
Role
My role as an educator is to demonstrate a positive attitude in the classroom every day and come in ready to teach. I am there to maintain a safe environment and be there as a support system for the students and teacher. I promote and maintain a positive working relationship with diverse groups. I am continuously learning and growing in my profession daily.
Professional Background
I earned an Associate’s Degree in Social Sciences and Teacher Education from Northern Virginia Community College and am currently taking classes at Old Dominion University to finish up my Bachelor’s Degree. I worked as an Extended Day Aide for 6 years at Barrett Elementary School before starting as a Pre-K Instructional Assistant here at Hoffman-Boston. I am starting my 9th year at Hoffman Boston and I absolutely love it. Go All Stars!
Personal Interests
I have lived in Arlington my whole life, so I am pretty familiar with the area. In my spare time I enjoy outside activities such as skateboarding, playing golf, and hiking. If it is a rainy day I love playing video games, reading a good book or watching a movie with my family!
@HFB_VPI
