Pre-K 3 Our Adventure Begins Here!
Hello,
My name is Maricela D. Cordell, and I was born and raised in San Antonio, TX. I graduated from Southside High School in 1999 and earned my Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies EC-4 with a minor in Reading from the University of the Incarnate Word in 2010.
I am currently in my second year of teaching Pre-K 3, and I'm passionate about helping your child succeed in their academic journey. My goal is to foster a love for learning and help each student become a successful learner. I believe in creating a nurturing and stimulating environment where children can explore, grow, and develop essential skills that will serve as a strong foundation for their future education.
My journey in education began in 2009 as a special education aide in the behavior unit, and I later moved into life skills. I have also worked in the Multilingual Services Department and served as an assistant principal's secretary. Additionally, I have experience in the non-profit sector as a healthcare advocate and as a Child Protective Services investigator. This diverse background allows me to bring a unique perspective to the classroom and address the varied needs of our young learners.
When I'm not working on campus, I can be found helping my family with our three small businesses. In my downtime, I love cooking, reading, and exploring surrounding cities and cultures. I also enjoy spending quality time with my husband and our two dacshund dogs.
I'm excited to partner with you in your child's educational journey and look forward to a fantastic year of growth and discovery!
Dear Pre-K 3 Families,
Welcome to our "Camp Learn-A-Lot" Pre-K 3 classroom! I'm thrilled to be your child's guide on this exciting adventure through the wilderness of early education. Just as campers embark on new experiences in the great outdoors, our little explorers will discover a world of learning, friendship, and growth.
Our Campsite (Classroom): Our classroom is set up like a cozy campground, complete with:
- The Reading Tent: A quiet spot filled with books for our young readers
- The Nature Discovery Center: Where we'll explore science and nature
- The Campfire Circle: Our gathering spot for songs, stories, and discussions
- The Trail of Numbers: An area dedicated to early math skills
- The Arts and Crafts Lodge: For creative expression and fine motor skill development
Our Daily Trail (Schedule):
- 8:00 AM: Camper Check-In and Free Play
- 8:30 AM: Morning Circle Time (our "Campfire Chat")
- 9:00 AM: Learning Hikes (Rotating Centers)
- 10:00 AM: Outdoor Exploration (Recess)
- 10:30 AM: Snack Time at the "Mess Hall"
- 11:00 AM: Story Time in the Reading Tent
- 11:30 AM: Lunch
- 12:15 PM: Rest Period (Quiet Time in Our "Sleeping Bags")
- 1:15 PM: Afternoon Activities and Centers
- 2:30 PM: Closing Circle and Pack-Up
What to Bring:
- A backpack (their "adventure pack")
- A change of clothes
- A small blanket and pillow for rest time
- A reusable water bottle
Our Learning Trail: Throughout the year, we'll explore various "camping trips" (themes) such as:
- All About Me Camp
- Seasons and Weather Expedition
- Animal Kingdom Safari
- Community Helpers Hike
- Numbers and Shapes Nature Walk
Parent Partnership: Just as every successful camping trip needs a team, I believe in strong partnerships with families. I encourage you to:
- Volunteer in our classroom when possible
- Attend our "Campfire Nights" (parent-teacher conferences)
- Share your family's unique "camping stories" (cultural experiences)
I can't wait to meet all of our young campers and embark on this wonderful journey of learning and discovery together. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to me via email at [email protected].
Let's make this year an unforgettable camping adventure!
Happy Trails,
Mrs. Maricela D. Cordell Pre-K 3 "Camp Counselor"