Fridley Preschool Newsletter

Friday, February 7th, 7p.m. at District Auditorium

ECFE Friendship Festival:

Saturday, February 15th, 4 - 6p.m. at Fridley Community Center Gym

No School:

Monday, February 17th

Fridley Preschool Registration Information Night:

Tuesday, February 25th, 5 - 6:30p.m. at Fridley Community Center

Title IX Notice- August 1, 2024

The Fridley Preschool would like to highlight our Special Education team this month. The Special Education team (also known as SPED and ECSE) is composed of dedicated teachers and paraeducators who help with instruction by providing services directly in the classroom. The group works in partnership with the classroom teachers and are a vital part of our program. Thank you to this team for all the work you do for the students of the Fridley Preschool.

Team members are:

Dr. Pat Varro - school psychologist

Heather Johnson - ECSE teacher

Lindsey Miller - ECSE teacher

Nicole Allen - Deaf and Hard of Hearing

Hellen Keraka - ECSE teacher

Sarah Anderson - Speech and Language Pathologist

Kristina Marchetti - Speech and Language Pathologist

Karissa Rother - Occupational Therapist

Kelsey Michkschl - Physical Therapist

Sadiq Hirsi - Behavior Intervention teacher

Renee Swanson - BCBA

Donna Yabut - ECSE teacher

Maxel Aguinaldo - paraeducator

Caitlin Westad - paraeducator

Sheila Jensen - paraeducator

Abby Gigley - paraeducator

Shaq Shoulders - paraeducator

We nurture our curiosity, developing skills for inquiry and research. We know how to learn independently and with others. We learn with enthusiasm and sustain our love of learning throughout life. To learn more about the IB Learner Profile click here.

Over the next five years the Fridley Preschool will be engaging in Pyramid Model training with all staff birth to age five. This training will provide staff with strategies related to self regulations for students, modeling behavior strategies and other tools. Part of this training is partnering with families on strategies that can be used at school and at home. Every month we will publish a strategy for families to use at home. If you have any question please call Karin Beckstrand at 763-502-5117.

Transition warnings are beneficial for little kids because they help ease the shift from one activity to another, reducing stress and frustration. Young children often become deeply engaged in what they are doing and may struggle with sudden changes, leading to meltdowns or resistance. By providing a gentle warning—such as "In five minutes, we’ll clean up for snack time"—children have time to mentally prepare and adjust their expectations. This practice supports their developing sense of routine, enhances cooperation, and builds emotional regulation skills. Transition warnings also foster a sense of security, as kids feel more in control when they know what to expect next.

• Jarrett Person: Front Desk Receptionist - 763-502-5100
• Wendy Newman: Secretary for Preschool and Community Education - 763-502-5105
• Karin Beckstrand: Preschool Coordinator - 763-502-5117
• Stephen Keeler: Director of Community Education - 763-502-5106
• Afolabi Runsewe: Early Childhood Administrator - 763-502-5101