Julie Everakes is delighted to be joining WISH as a kindergarten teacher! She earned her BA from Loyola Marymount University in Film & Television Production. Having spent years as a tutor, camp counselor, and nanny, Ms. Everakes (or Ms. E) realized how much she missed working with kids and returned to Pepperdine University, where she received her teaching credential and Masters in Teaching. Ms. E loves teaching students, writing and fostering an appreciation for stories and storytelling. Watching students' creativity and curiosity grow is one of Ms. E's favorite aspects of teaching. When not in the classroom, Ms. E enjoys watching TV (with a big bowl of chocolate ice cream), FaceTiming her family and dogs in Chicago, and going on walks. She thinks WISH is a wonderful place to teach because of the strong community of staff and involved families that work together to help all students learn and grow!

 

Kyle Gleason is thrilled to be teaching Kindergarten at WISH! Mr. Gleason earned his BA degree from UC Santa Cruz and his Masters in Education and teaching credential from Loyola Marymount University.  He decided to become a teacher because of his desire to foster the love of learning that he shares in all of his students. His favorite subject to teach is writing, because he loves to see the creativity and growth of each student as a writer. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his family, camping, and skateboarding.  He thinks WISH is the best place to work because it is so innovative and collaborative!

 

Wendy Johnston adores teaching Kindergarten at WISH! She earned her BA degree and teaching credential from The University of Georgia. She earned her first Masters's Degree from American College of Education in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Classroom Management. She also earned a second Masters's Degree and her Literacy and Leadership Specialist credentials from California State University Fullerton. Ms. Johnston also has a Gifted and Talented Education Extension. Kindergarten is her grade year to teach, as you get to see SO MUCH GROWTH from the little ones during their time together. Ms. Johnston believes in creating an engaging, nurturing, and supportive environment that encourages all students to get creative, foster new friendships, and to LOVE coming to school! In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, going to the beach and traveling. She thinks WISH is the best place to work because of its dedication to making sure that every child feels safe, supported, and challenged.

 

Steve Brostowitz is adrenalized to be teaching as the special education teacher for Kindergarten, and 1st grade here at WISH! He earned his BA degree and single subject in social sciences from Illinois State University and his special ed. teaching credential from CSUN and clear credential through CSUDH.  He decided to become a teacher because he enjoys helping students learn. His favorite subject to teach is phonics because there are so many fun games to play and characters to dress as! In his free time, he enjoys exercising and watching sports. He thinks WISH is the best place to work because of the people!

 

 

The Kindergarten Program at WISH Charter Elementary emphasizes individualized instruction tailored to students academic and socio-emotional needs and goals. Using technology, research-based practices, and a constructivist approach, WISH's Kindergarten program makes learning relevant and engaging for a wide array of students.

Through song and dance, technology and art, scientific inquiry and math literature, kindergarteners learn about the world around them through exploration and real world examples. At WISH, we regularly practice the skills that are the foundation of instruction- reading, writing and mathematics. However, our students do not simply learn letters and numbers, they apply their knowledge regularly through Reader's and Writer's Workshop- a balanced literacy approach.  Students are not only empowered to learn the rudiments of language, they are empowered to write and share their own narrative stories, how-to books, review writing, and more through our units of study. In Kindergarten, we work together to provide instruction that is standards based, but designed with your child in mind.