Hillside Elementary School

Welcome Back,

 

I am so excited for this new school year, it officially marks my 20th year of teaching and my 14th year teaching in Hastings, my how time flies! In 1993 when I graduated with my B.A. in Psychology from Teikyo Post University, I had my sights set on becoming a sports psychologist, I was a certified fitnesss instructor teaching adult fitness classes and substitute teaching. I took time off before pursuing my masters degree and during that time I learned alot about myself. I decided to pursue a career that would allow me to share my love of fitness and the importance it plays on ones psyche. I loved working with kids so I found a way to merge the two, thus earning my M.A. in Physical Education from Adelphi University.

 

I am married with a 7 year old daughter who is my world and I learn from her everyday. She reminds me to continuosly look beyond the forest and the trees, that nothing is set in stone and that things will not always work the way you envision them in your head. This past year was filled with numerous personal challenges , yet followed by joy and triumph. Due to these challenges I decided to make this the year of self discovery. Therefore I want the children to focus on "What, Why and How?"  What are we doing? Why are we doing it? How do we do it/get there? Please know that even though I say we because we move as a unit collectively, I really mean "I" for every student is their own individual with a unique footprint which will come with their own personal challenges and rewards.

 

Please understand that my expectactions for your child/ren are high, and not everyone is an athlete but I do expect them to try and participate to the best of their ability. I am firm, but fair, I know when to fold them and when to hold them my cards that is. We will pace ourselves because movement is powerful. A strong foundation will eventuallly leave one indestructible we all stumble and fall, but that inner core is what makes and keeps you strong when you hit those roadblocks.

 

I look forward to any input you may have regarding your child, feel free to contact me via email or by phone anytime if you have any questions, comments or concerns. It really does take a village, transparency is a good thing when you are shaping lives and remember health is wealth and more important in its weight than gold.

 

 

Mrs. Ericka Melvin