PK3 Program
The Holy Cross Pre-Kindergarten Program for three year old children is a faith-centered, play-based learning environment that builds confidence and encourages curiosity in our youngest learners! The program is designed to develop the whole child through hands on experiences while fostering social, emotional and cognitive growth in a safe and nurturing setting.
As a member of our PK3 program, your child will:
Experience individual, small group and whole group instruction
Engage in language arts, math, science, social studies and religion through a wide variety of activities
Create beautiful art, participate in group dramatic play and investigate items through examination using the five senses
Discover nature through the exploration of our beautiful nine acre campus
In addition, PK3 students enjoy an enriched curriculum that includes Music, Physical Education, Library, Technology, Spanish and Art throughout their school week.
Our flexible PK3 program offers parents the choice of full-day from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm or half-day from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm, Monday through Friday. Full-day students are offered an afternoon rest period and after school care is available. We accept a maximum of 20 students with two experienced and dedicated full-time teachers. Students must be 3 years of age by August 31st of their incoming year and are required to be proficient in their bathroom skills.
Teacher: Julia Bueno
Julia Bueno earned a Bachelor of Science from the University of Illinois and a Juris Doctorate from the American University. She completed her Maryland teaching certificate from Notre Dame of Maryland University and is a certified catechist. Mrs. Bueno is also a member of the Maryland and D.C. Bar.
Mrs. Bueno began her career in education is 2012. She joined the Holy Cross family in 2018 when she taught the school’s first Pre-K 3 class and has been in love with the age ever since.
Mrs. Bueno believes her students learn best through play. She runs a fun, high-energy, faith-filled class where young students are introduced to school and begin to foster a life-long love for learning. Her classroom motto is, "There are no bad days, only good and better days!"
Teaching Assistant: Laura Bilek-Menjivar
Laura Bilek-Menjivar earned a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Concord College, and a Master of Arts in general psychology from American University. She worked as a psychiatric rehabilitation counselor before deciding to stay home to raise her family. An opportunity arose for her to reenter the work force in the field of child care and she gladly accepted. Mrs. Menjivar enjoys working with three year-olds because of their inquisitive nature.
Teaching Assistant: Flavia Wright
Flavia Wright joined Holy Cross School as a teaching assistant in Pre-K3 in 2020. Teaching is Ms. Wright’s second career; she came to Holy Cross after working as a licensed pharmacy technician. Ms. Wright is passionate about working with children and being a positive voice in a healthy learning environment.
Ms. Wright is working toward earning Bachelor of Science degree in psychology and diversity awareness as well as a clinical mental health care certification. She previously earned an Associate of Arts degree. She is a member of the Alpha Sigma Lambda National Honor Society.
Ms. Wright is not just a member of the Holy Cross faculty, but also a parent! She has been heavily involved in Holy Cross athletics through the CYO since 2019. She is a dual citizen of the United States and Italy.