I officially joined the GLES staff as a teacher-librarian 2019, but I have been around the school for many years as a GLES parent and as a substitute teacher. Prior to my work at GLES, I was a teacher in Torrance, California and Harlem, New York. I have also taught in Shangahi, China and Tugela Ferry, South Africa. I have a Master's degree in International Education and have taught ELL as part of University of Washington's extension program.
Fun Fact: Most people around GLES call me Ms. Pickle. The name was started by students who really wanted me to finish reading a chapter book to them called Pickle. Prior to being called Ms. Pickle, I answered to Arielle's mom, Aliya's mom, Bodie and Kaila's mom, Andrea and Ms. Bernasconi (and its multitude of mispronunciations). It was complicated and, somehow, Ms. Pickle just works
Brown, Darien
Instructional Assistant - Special Education Extended Resource Program
Green Lake elementary is a fabulous place to be. I love getting to help make the building run more smoothly so staff can get down to the awesome work of helping our students grow and learn.
Cha, Mindy
Instructional Assistant - Special Education Extended Resource Program
“Students learn, and use their learning, differently. Being different is both a fact and a goal for most of us.” -Ferguson, D.L.
Green Lake Developmental Preschool Welcome to Green Lake Elementary Developmental Preschool program. We serve children ages 3-5 that face multiple challenges. Our preschool program is designed to offer a continuum of services to meet individual developmental needs. Onsite services include communication, fine and gross motor development, vision, adaptive/life skills, social skills, and/or cognitive development.
Preschool consists of afternoon sessions running Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, 12:40-3:25. Parents may drop-off and pick-up their children or make arrangements with the teacher to receive district transportation services. Buses are equipped with wheelchair tie downs, lifts, or three-point harnesses system for toddlers under 35 pounds.
Our two ½ hours together are packed! During the week we are joined by our PT/OT, speech and vision therapist, as well as augmentative communication consultants. Our daily routine is tailored to meet individual needs and includes individual work time, and a half-hour snack during which we address oral motor skills. The afternoon ends with closing circle.
Like our students, our classroom is unique. Our program is designed for emerging learners who may be non-verbal and non-ambulatory. Sensory integration opportunities are embedded into our daily curriculum. Emphasis is placed on activities that involve touching, seeing, hearing, smelling, and tasting. We work towards insuring active participation. Green Lake Elementary has a full-time nurse.
