About My Role

The 2011-2012 school year marks my 26th year at Greenacres and my eleventh year as teacher-in-charge. As teacher-in-charge some of my responsibilities are constant and some of my responsibilities change according to the current needs of Greenacres.

Professional Development of Teachers consumes a considerable amount of my time. PD for teachers includes modeling lessons in classrooms, meeting with teachers to plan lessons, and finding teacher workshops and consultants to further the expertise of teachers. As part of professional development, I organized and maintain a book room for teachers and aides. The book room houses sets of leveled trade books, mentor texts, reference books and videos, poetry books, green books, mathematics manipulatives, and a complete set of math books for every grade level. Ordering and maintaining the appropriate materials to assist teachers and aides implement programs is helpful and beneficial to the staff.
 
Aide placement and training is an ongoing responsibility.  We have many talented, enthusiastic, hard working aides at Greenacres.  The aides are placed so their strengths meet the needs of the children with whom they work.  Sometimes I meet with the entire group to discuss issues such as allergies, safety, confidentiality, and appropriate behavior.  Sometimes I meet with a category such as cafeteria aides to discuss lunchroom and recess expectations.  I meet with the CSE aides to discuss the curriculum, teaching techniques, and the needs of particular children. 
 
Testing is one area in which I have been consistently involved. State testing has increased over the years.  As test coordinator I order the tests, instruct teachers as to the administration of the tests, provide accommodations for students who need them, assist with make-ups, collect and prepare tests for scoring, and participate in scoring the tests.  I am available to meet with parents who are interested in knowing specifics about their children's performance on the tests.

Gardening has taken on new important at Greenacres; we are gardening for beautification as well as learning. We hope for gardening to improve environmental attitudes, increase interest in eating fruits and vegetables, and improve nutritional knowledge. This fall we are planting bulbs in the perennial gardens.  We are also preparing our vegetable garden so we can plant seeds in the spring and harvest in the fall.
 
Carole Phillips and I are promoting the use of a picture book a month to promote community. The concept of our community uniting to discuss themes in a chosen picture book is exciting and meaning for all of us. The PTA makes this endeavor possible.

Scheduling events and providing coverage happens constantly on an as needed basis.

Please feel free to contact me with any suggestions you may have to keep Greenacres such a happening, learning place.

Cindy Sansone