Preschool & Jr. Kdg.

Our Team

 
Mrs. Caron Pollock, Pre-K 3
cpollock@saintclareofassisi.org
636-227-8654  ex. 159

Hello! I am Caron Pollock and I teach our PreK 3 yr. old class. I have been a member of St. Clare of Assisi Parish since 1985 and I have been working at St. Clare Parish School since 1989. Over many years as a teacher assistant, I worked at every grade level and 4 years ago decided to take the leap of faith and become a full time PreK teacher. I LOVE every minute of it. Shaping the hearts and minds of these beautiful children God created is exciting and humbling. We have
lots of fun and get closer to God in everything we do. My classroom is center based allowing for plenty of one-on-one learning and group play and cooperation. I meet your child where they are developmentally and help them grow into confident little students for the rest of their school years. Our class becomes a family, and I am blessed and honored to be at St. Clare of Assisi School.

 
Mrs. Karen Baerveldt, Pre-K 4
kbaerveldt@saintclareofassisi.org
636-227-8654  ex. 151

I'm Karen Baerveldt, and I am a passionate and experienced preschool teacher at St. Clare of Assisi School . I have over 24 years of experience in early childhood education and hold a Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Development from Fontbonne University. Here at St. Clare of Assisi, I foster a warm and nurturing environment that encourages young children to explore, learn, and grow.I provide a safe and stimulating space where children can develop their social, emotional, cognitive, and physical skills. I use a play-based approach to learning that is tailored to meet the needs and interests of each child.I incorporate a variety of educational activities, such as music, art, storytelling, and sensory play, to promote learning and development in a fun and
engaging way. Beyond the classroom, I am committed to building positive relationships with parents and families.I work closely with families to ensure that each child's individual needs and
strengths are met, and I provide regular communication and updates on children's progress and development.

 
Mrs. Susan Rhoads Jr. Kdg.
srhoads@saintclareofassisi.org
636-227-8654  ex. 157

Welcome!  I am Susan Rhoads and I have been teaching at St. Clare for 10 years.  I am the Jr. Kindergarten/Preschool teacher. My background includes a Bachelor Degree in Elementary Education and a Masters Degree in Reading/Literacy.  I am certified in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Special Reading, and Archdiocesan Religious Certification.  I have been in the education field for over 30 years.  I have taught grades preschool through third grade and was also a Parent Educator in the Parents As Teachers Program. We have a lot of fun in preschool!  I believe that children learn best through play and hands-on experiences, so I incorporate a lot of interactive and engaging activities into my lessons. I strive to create a warm and welcoming environment where children feel safe, valued, and respected. We incorporate our faith and our Catholic identity daily through our ongoing activities.  Exploring and learning in the Atrium is a favorite!  I love the positive and welcoming environment at St. Clare, and love being part of this community!

Your children are such an amazing gift from you and God and we thank you for sharing them with us.
We are blessed to have so many little disciples join us this year.  At St. Clare of Assisi, we believe every child is a gift from God; a child of God who deserves love and respect.  Every student has a right to be successful and nurtured, intellectually and socially, at our school and we, the teachers, pledge all of our time and energy to work towards that success and happiness.
At the preschool level we get to see your child grow in so many ways: spiritually, intellectually, socially, emotionally, and physically. 
SPIRITUALLY: We teach your child how to be a little disciple of Jesus through stories, songs, and our own actions.
INTELLECTUALLY: We have a combination of centers based learning and table work to develop critical thinking, communication and problem solving, all while increase our large and fine motor skills.
SOCIALLY:  Your child will have a chance to have pretend play, so your little one can be the superhero, fireman, or teacher they have always wanted to be.  They will play games while learning to treat themselves and other with respect and kindness, learn to share, and to use our manners.
EMOTIONALLY: Every day your child walks into St. Clare of Assisi they will be encourage to express themselves and their emotions.  They will have a safe, nurturing environment where they can tell us how they feel and why they may feel that way.
PHYSICALLY:  Along with learning self control inside the classroom we want children to be able to get a break and run off energy.  Students will be encouraged to strengthen their large motor skills at recess, PE, and our outdoor classroom.