What strikes you most about the students at Hillbrook?
In one word – joyful. Laughter, movement, and joy are at the center of experiences here.
When you think about the students at Hillbrook, what’s the one thing that stands out to you?
Children are constantly learning about who they are throughout their days here at Hillbrook. I think Hillbrook gives intentional choices to help children develop their own identity and passions.
What is your favorite unit or project?
Anything involving reading aloud, especially ancient Greek and Indian mythology. It’s incredible to watch children deeply connect to bigger themes in texts that are quite complex. It’s also neat to watch how each child remembers different parts of these stories, and discussion brings them all together.
What made you choose to teach at Hillbrook?
Hillbrook is the perfect combination of joy and laughter paired with a dedication to growing and getting better each day.
What are you most looking forward to at Hillbrook in the next few months?
I’m excited to see what the new Hub will bring in terms of adding possibilities to our already stellar curriculum.
What is the last book you read?
Dare to Lead by Brene Brown and The Mosquito: A Human History of our Deadliest Predator by Timothy C. Winegard
Anything else we should know?
A personal passion of mine is people’s stories around the decision-making process in elderly care. My mother, who has late-stage Alzheimer’s disease, moved in with us about a year and a half ago. Along with my mother, a full-time caregiver from the Philippines has also joined our family. Additionally, we have become a part of a community at the Hearts and Minds Alzheimer’s Day Center in San Jose. Not only have I learned about this disease and how to better care for my mother, but I have also learned about how we are all connected in this unique journey of caring for our parents.
I have two bunnies (Chewy and Petunia). They are so much fun to watch, and they have their own personalities. Chewy is a little shy, but curious and loves food. Petunia loves to be pet, and she cuddles with Chewy. These little guys (well, one boy – Chewy – and one girl – Petunia) visit our class every week.
We hope you enjoyed getting to know more about Ms. Scholten!