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UPK Classroom Spotlight: Brewster CSD

As you walk into St. James the Apostle School in Carmel, you hear the sounds of little voices in the gymnasium, smell pancakes from the cafeteria that overlooks the lake, and see student artwork on all of the walls. It is clear it is a happy place.

The school, which is 70 years old and serves 138 students in PreK through fifth grade, houses three BCSD UPK classrooms with 34 students in total. The program is only two years old, but “the transition has been so smooth,” said Director Maura Crawford. “Every detail was considered–from food services, which provides two well-balanced meals a day, to transportation–everyone was flexible, there were open lines of communication, and we worked together.”

The UPK classrooms are brightly decorated and set up for directed play. There are centers for imaginative play, which change on a regular basis–Cupid’s Corner for Valentine’s Day, in which students can pretend to make and sell baked goods; building–wooden blocks, train tracks, and cardboard brick boxes for larger structures; math–farm animal manipulatives, counting trays, magnatiles; writing–letter cards, paper, pencils, pictures to show letter sounds; and a reading corner filled with books, cozy chairs, and puppets.

Students have been involved in a building unit in which they read “Iggy Peck Architect” by Andrea Beaty; created building-themed artwork; acted out a puppet show version of the Three Little Pigs, with an emphasis on the types of building materials used for the three houses; and are coming together for an end-of-unit celebration with parents to recreate their own community out of boxes, including familiar buildings in Brewster, Carmel, and Mahopac. 

Diana Poli, one of the UPK teachers, is reading “Let’s Play” by Herve Tullet, an interactive experience for students who are seated on a rug with colorful button designs. In a whisper she asks the students to count the steps shown in the book. They count together. They continue:

“Tip-toe, tip-toe,” she whispers.

“Za-Za-Zoom,” the class responds.

After she reads, students pick their own center in which to spend time. There is a buzz at Cupid’s Corner where a group is busy selling croissants, cupcakes, and donuts.

“Do you want to buy this strawberry cupcake?” asks Hailey Atkinson. ”It’s only one dollar.”

Sold! She takes the pretend money and puts it into the cash register and smiles. 

Another happy customer.

Office of Early Learning

2024-2025 Webinar Series



The Office of Early Learning recently hosted the Inclusion in PreK: Why it Matters webinar on May 14th. This webinar focused on creating inclusive classrooms and practical strategies for fostering a welcoming and supportive learning environment for every child. To view past webinars from the Office of Early Learning, see the link below.