Who’s Who in the School (Part 3)

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Who has a room that is an office, a meeting space, a library, a Stay N Play space and a place to go to learn about “Thumbs up choices”? Yes, it’s me! Mrs. Liz Ryan.

As the Director of St. Paul’s Day School, I wear many “hats” and have a variety of responsibilities and my office reflects that! But you’ll notice, there are always toys, chairs of “just the right size” (for little people and big people), and a welcoming smile on my face.

One of my favorite things to do each day is greet each family at the car line and say good morning to each child. It’s important to let children know that they are cared for and valued from the moment they get out of their car in the morning to the moment they climb back into their carseat at the end of their day. Are they smiling? Are they tired? Are they excited? Are they anxious? Checking in with each little one and their parent (or grandparent) gives useful information to the teachers and me that we can use to shape our teaching that day. And if my silly earrings or preschool print clothes can coax a smile or a giggle out of a little one who might be unsure, so much the better!

We are blessed to be a small school with three classrooms (and a multi-use room) where each student is treated like an individual and have their needs met. No crowds of children trying to get attention. Enough friends, but not too many children in a class. That allows the teachers to spend time with each child and get to know them well.

Building relationships with the whole family helps a child know that they are part of a loving community. Knowing the names of moms, dads, siblings, grandparents and pets, and creating connections with them, helps us as staff understand the children and their life experiences. And when we become “one big happy family” we can learn about how to succeed in the world! And we do!

I’ve raised three children of my own (two sons and a daughter) and helped raise hundreds of other little ones in my 47 years of working with children. It always makes me smile when “my” little people come back to visit me when they have grown up a bit… whether they are 8, 14, 25 or 48, I am filled with joy because they have all left handprints on my heart!

Along the way, I’ve learned a lot. And around the Day School I have a tendency to share “Pro Tips from Mrs. Ryan!”  Things that will work most of the time that I’ve learned through experience. So this blog seems to be an appropriate place to share them with you. I hope you’ll enjoy them!

 

PRO TIP #1

Mornings can be chaotic and confusing when you are trying to get the family out of the house every day. (Especially with a three or four-year-old in tow!) Finding backpack, folder, lunchbox, sneakers and Show & Tell toy is enough to get everyone snarling and hollering at one another! My Pro Tip is: designate a space you will see on your way out of the house, lay out a placemat or make a rectangle out of tape on the floor and make sure you “put your school friends to bed” for the night before your child goes to sleep. (It should be big enough to hold all the things mentioned above.) In the morning you’ll be set to go without the hassle of having to chase down that left sneaker or find out if the folder is in the car or if the lunchbox has an open container of yogurt inside!

You might even have time for a quick dance party to get everyone smiling!

 

Who’s Who in the School (Part 2)

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There’s a new face at St. Paul’s Day School in Delray Beach, but she is by no means new to teaching 4-year-olds! Ms. Sakeena Jawad is teaching our PreK-4/VPK class and brings with her a wealth of experience. Holding a degree in Educational Policies and Community Studies, training from the Florida Department of Children and Families and the Florida Department of Education, and all the certifications a PreK teacher needs, Ms. Sakeena also has one more thing this private Christian preschool has been missing. She’s BILINGUAL! Ms. Sakeena speaks Spanish which is a skill that lends itself to not only translation for children who speak Spanish but sharing that skill in the classroom! She’s reading stories in Spanish, teaching Spanish vocabulary and giving the children a wider world view!

She brings a gentle voice, kind manner and love of early education (watching children light up when they grasp new ideas and concepts… who wouldn’t love that!?) One of her students recently told me (her Director), “I love my teacher ‘cause she plays with us!” With three children of her own, Ms. Sakeena understands that preschool children learn best through play and uses her practical experience in the classroom every day!

She shares a creative spirit with the children who are fortunate enough to be her students, and each day is a new adventure.  Her approach to social-emotional development includes using social stories and “feelings dolls” and illustrating emotions by acting out feelings with toys!

We’re blessed to have Ms. Sakeena here at St. Paul’s Day School! We can’t wait until you meet her!

Who’s Who in the School? (Part 1)

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Have you met our wonderful teachers yet? Let’s pretend you are entering St. Paul’s Day School for the first time as a three-year-old… You walk into a cheerful classroom with tables and chairs just your size, lots of interesting books that you can touch any time you want, and fun posters and pictures on the walls. There are all sorts of toys to play with (your favorites!) You sit down on a bright colored rug, and you hear a voice say, “I’m so happy to meet you!” A smiling lady sits down next to you and says, “What’s your name? I’m Ms. Karen!” She listens as you tell her all about your Mom and Dad and your dog “Ruff” and she tells you all about the fun activities she has planned for your class and introduces you to your new best friend!

You see, Ms. Karen is skilled at social emotional growth as well as introducing PreK-3 students to letters, numbers, colors and shapes. She is an experienced and passionate Early Childhood Educator. Having worked with ages one to five, Ms. Karen understands that this time of life in a child’s development creates the foundation for all the learning to come. A child’s brain reaches 90% of its adult size by the age of 5. And because children learn more and faster at this time, we cannot waste time on empty “entertainment.”

Ms. Karen has practical experience with three children of her own. Ages 7 to 12. She’s been “knee deep” in education at home as well as school! Her own experience with unique learning styles gives her a deep understanding that children do not all process information the same way, at the same rate. So, she’s a creative partner in the discovery which is the way each individual child learns.

This all sounds very serious. But Ms. Karen also has the most contagious laugh, an impish sense of humor, a sweet and gentle heart and an artistic way of looking at the world. Three-year-olds love her silly songs, her fabulous storytelling and her willingness to get on the floor and play!

Hip, Hip, Hooray! It’s Time to Learn and Play!

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Welcome to our blog from St. Paul’s Day School’s Children’s Village!

Nestled near the Old School Square neighborhood in  Delray Beach, St. Paul’s Day School has begun its developmentally appropriate preschool classes for the 2026–2027 school year. Our spacious classrooms are filled with age-appropriate toys, materials, and opportunities for discovery, while our large, enclosed playground provides plenty of room for active play. At St. Paul’s Day School, we provide our students with the nurturing environment and experiences they need to expand their understanding of the world around them. Our three- to five-year-olds learn in the very best way children know how—through play!

Each day is filled with opportunities to develop social, motor, literacy, and early math skills while making friends, building confidence, and trying new things. We begin each morning with the Pledge of Allegiance and the Lord’s Prayer, followed by a joyful rendition of the Bible song “This Is the Day!” As an Episcopal school, we encourage our children to be kind, to love their neighbors, and to respect the dignity and worth of every person.

Come along with us as we share the joyful adventures, discoveries, and learning that take place each day in our Children’s Village!