Welcome

Dear Forest Glen Families, 

    Welcome to Bloomfield’s Early Childhood Center at Forest Glen!  I am happy to welcome you to this growing community and first stepping stone in your child’s public school education!  This is our eleventh year at the Early Childhood Center and we are just as excited to welcome new students this year, as we were during our Grand Opening in 2014!  

    This is my 21st year in the Bloomfield School District and the third school I've taught at in the district.  I previously taught children from preschool through 6th grade in the ABA Elementary program at Oak View School for 8 years, and spent one year at Berkeley School teaching the self-contained Preschool Disabilities class.  When Forest Glen opened in 2014, I began teaching in the Preschool Inclusion program, and continued for 9 consecutive years.  I am excited to return to the Preschool Disabilities self-contained classroom for the second consecutive year, teaching little learners and preparing them for inclusion opportunities as they reach their individual goals.  I am fortunate to be able to teach in such a welcoming, happy environment filled with learning and discovery, teaching the most precious of ages at Forest Glen.  Before teaching in Bloomfield, I earned my Bachelor's Degree in Special Education, Early Childhood Education and Elementary Education from Seton Hall University in South Orange, NJ.  

    One of my most important goals is to bring families together to help create a happy and productive learning environment for your children at Forest Glen.  I have always been a firm believer that teamwork makes all things possible.  This is especially true for when young children begin their education at school.  In the classroom, I work closely with classroom paraprofessionals and building support-staff to ensure each child is happy and thriving.  While we do have many resources at school, family support is the piece that brings it all together.  I trust you will be partners with me in your child’s education at Forest Glen, and will feel at ease when approaching me with any suggestions, questions or concerns you may have.  An open and honest partnership is what I strive for when building relationships with my students and their parents and families. 

    I am excited to share my passion for music and the outdoors with the children in my classroom.  I truly enjoy teaching, and watching the children thrive and develop throughout the school year.  I am married and have two little boys.  Charlie is 12 and will be starting the 7th grade at Middle School, and Liam is 5 years old and will be starting Kindergarten.  We also have a 17 year old cat named Sawyer, and have a 1 year old dog named Albie.  He has been keeping us busy and on our toes!  He is our first ever family dog! Our family spends our free time going to the playground, swimming, riding bikes, and reading books at the library.   As a parent, I understand the mixed feelings you may have, the anxiety and excitement that sending your child to their first or any school experience brings.  I will always do my best to ease your hearts, and reassure you that your child will be, first and foremost, safe and happy above all learning opportunities.  Learning academic skills will come naturally and at your child's lead, but will also be intentionally taught.  Our instruction is guided by our curriculum as well as your child's IEP.   As your child attends school and engages in stimulating experiences, he or she will develop in all areas of development, and progress monitoring will be fluid.  Our focus at the preschool level will be learning social and emotional skills to get them ready to learn and acquire the academic skills needed for their Kindergarten year and daily life activities.  

    The best way to get in contact with me is via email at Lpellicano@bloomfield.k12.nj.us or by messaging through the Class Dojo APP. Class Dojo also has a Language translator that you can read and send messages in your primary language.  Also, through our Class Dojo "story", I can share photos and descriptions of our activities for the week,  which allows you to get an idea of how your child is participating during class. This will serve to bridge the connection between home and school.  As always, THANK YOU for your support! 

     I am looking forward to an exciting year filled with happy smiles and busy little preschoolers!  

                                                      Sincerely, 

                                                     Mrs. Pellicano