Lower School Science Teacher
Know Your Pelicans
What do you teach? What is one of your favorite parts of the curriculum?
I teach Science to the amazing PreK3, PreK4, K, 1st and 2nd Grade scientists. I love when students’ faces light up and they scream with delight as they work together to make something function, or they discover something new. Often they excitedly add, “Miss Sharon, it’s not magic, it’s science!” - awesome! It’s also pretty cool when students who are afraid of live specimens, fight their fears and gently handle them. The look of pride on their faces as they realize what risk takers they are, is a beautiful thing.
Besides your subject, what’s something you hope to teach your students?
Kindness. It counts most. We may not be able to control every situation and its outcome, but we can control our attitude and how we deal with it. I also hope that our youngest scientists quickly learn to realize that no matter their age or size, they can make a difference, and that the smallest things they do can lead to big changes.
What is something that most Packer people wouldn't know about you?
I am a member of Empire Dragons NYC. We are a group of dragon-boat racers who all happen to be cancer survivors. The teams’ mission is to promote the sport of Dragon Boating as a unique and healthful survivorship program, to be advocates for clean waterways and the overall environment, and to be supporters of innovative cancer research and programming. We are one of several survivor teams, hailing from all over the world. We compete in festivals including the IBCPC Dragon Boat Festival, which occurs every 4 years, and will take place in Florence, Italy during the summer of 2018. This Dragon Boat Breast Cancer Survivors “Olympics”, includes opening and closing ceremonies, parades of countries (123 teams from 18 countries represented in Florence) and so much more; it’s a celebration of sisterhood and being “in the same boat”.
Being a member of the team has helped me in many ways, including becoming a better teacher.
If you had an inspirational fridge magnet (and we’re not saying you would), what would it say and why?
Kindness + Hugs = Best Medicine
Think like a Proton and Stay Positive!
Why? Scientists have discovered that hugs lower stress levels and blood pressure, strengthen the immune system and help heal cuts, reduce feelings of depression and increase the sense of well being, boost energy and fight insomnia. Plus, everyone loves the hugging heart!