Preschool

Return to School Plan

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The Archangel Michael Preschool Program

Our preschool provides children aged 2-5 years old with a nurturing, supportive, and caring environment in which to grow. Our curriculum includes age- and developmentally-appropriate activities, including instructions in Greek language and our Greek Orthodox Faith. Our early childhood instructors are New York State-licensed or CD certified and our student to teacher ratio is low, ensuring personal attention. Our students and their families are encouraged to participate in all Archangel Michael programs, activities, and fellowship events, strengthening the connection between home and school.

 

Archangel Michael Preschool offers the following programs:

Toddler

2-3 year olds Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 9:00-11:30am

Nursery

3-4 year olds Monday—Friday from 9:00-11:30am or 9:00am-2:00pm

Pre-K

4-5 year olds Monday—Friday from 9:00-11:30am or 9:00am-2:00pm

Reading Readiness

Experience with early childhood literature develops cognitive skills and encourages imagination. An auditory introduction to Greek enhances listening skills.

Arts & Crafts

Using drawing and finger-painting as well as sand, Play-doh, and water play, kids express and develop their creativity. Color Theory Art Program also holds an 8-week in-school program twice a year for Nursery and Pre-K classes.

Music, Dance & Creative Expression

Kids express themselves through movement and music, which also offers developmental benefits by reinforcing academic concepts and fostering logical thinking.

Math & Science Concepts

At multiple discovery stations, kids engage in hands-on exploration of the fundamentals through measuring, cooking, and studying nature. Snapology Program is also incorporated during the school day for 8 weeks. Snapology is a program that uses LEGO, robotics and STEM activities to teach science. This class is offered to the Nursery and Pre-K classes

Introduction to Religion & Language

Kids feel supported and encouraged as they learn the building blocks of the Orthodox faith and celebrate major holidays. The Greek Language is introduced through songs, books and creative activities. The older children begin learning letters and sounds with skill level appropriate Greek language resources.

Preschool Early Drop Off, Soccer Shots, and Greek Enrichment Program

The Preschool offers an extended day for those families who would like added flexibility. You can learn more about Early Drop Off by contacting the preschool. See what Soccer Shots is all about by clicking here. We also offer an after school Greek Language Enrichment Program for Pre-K students. For details, click here. For more information about any of these programs, please email us at preschool@archangelmichaelchurch.org.

Healthy Snacks & Lunch

Sunshine & Fresh Air

Kids have fun climbing, swinging, and sliding in the school’s enclosed play yard. Both structured and unstructured play helps kids learn important social skills.

We provide healthy snacks for kids to enjoy with their friends and teachers. Lunch is provided by the parents. We are an allergy-aware preschool, so please let us know your child’s needs and preferences. We are glad to accommodate for food allergies and sensitivities.

Visit Our School

Find out how the Archangel Michael Preschool can provide your child with a strong foundation for life and learning by visiting our school. Our beautiful facilities, classrooms and staff are ready to welcome you! Take a tour, ask questions, and get to know our teachers. We look forward to meeting you and your child soon. Call 516-944-3184 or e-mail
preschool@archangelmichaelchurch.org.

Meet Our Teachers

Mrs. Linda Alimaras, Director

Mrs. Linda Maglaras Alimaras has been the Director of the Archangel Michael Preschool since its inception in 1996.

 

She attended St. John’s University as an undergraduate and graduate student where she earned a Bachelor and Masters degree in Early Childhood Education.  She holds permanent New York State certification in Nursery–6th Grade Greek Bilingual, English to Speakers of Other Languages.  

Mrs. Alimaras has also been a Kindergarten teacher at the Archangel Michael Greek Language Institute for over 10 years.   She was a former ESL teacher at Manhasset High School.   In addition, she teaches ESL at BOCES as well as the Continuing Education Program of Lifelong Learning at Nassau Community College.

Mrs. Alimaras has been a member of the Archangel Michael Church since 1991.  She is married to Peter Alimaras and they have 2 children.

 

Mrs. Elizabeth Alimaras recently retired from the New York City Department of Education where she taught Kindergarten through Second Grade.  Prior to teaching with the DOE, she taught at the Pace Little School in Manhattan.  

Mrs. Alimaras attended Pace University as an undergraduate student where she earned a Bachelor Degree in Early Childhood Education.  She earned her Master’s Degree at Queens College where she focused on Special Education.  Mrs. Alimaras holds a permanent New York Certification in Early Childhood and Special Education.  

When she’s not teaching, Mrs. Alimaras enjoys Pilates, traveling, and reading a good book. She resides in Douglaston with her husband, Gregory, and her daughter, Alexandra.  She is excited to teach at the Archangel Michael Preschool!

Mrs. Jane Katramados has been a Nursery teacher at the Archangel Michael Preschool for over 10 years. She is CDA Certified for ages 3 – 5.

Mrs. Katramados graduated from NYIT where she earned a degree in Liberal Arts. She worked as a Research/Marketing Manager for CMP Publications for 10 years. Mrs. Katramados worked as a volunteer substitute teacher at St. Aloysius Pre School and taught religion for 8 years.

Mrs. Katramados is married to George Katramados and they have 2 children.

Mrs. Alexandra Zarb has been at the Archangel Michael Preschool since 2017.

Mrs. Zarb has a Bachelor Degree in Liberal Arts (Communications and Marketing) from Adelphi University. She has a Masters Degree in Elementary Education (Pre-K through 6th Grade). She worked at a number of radio stations in New York for 10 years in sales and marketing. From 2004 to 2011, Mrs. Zarb was the Pre-K Teacher at the Archangel Michael Preschool.  Previous experience includes substitute teaching in Farmingdale and Levittown Schools.

Mrs. Zarb has been a member of the Archangel Michael Church since 1995.  She has 2 daughters, Amanda and Elizabeth, both alumnae of the Archangel Michael Preschool.

Ms. Ioanna Fiotodimitrakis is a teacher currently based out of Queens and Long Island. She is a first generation Greek-American with roots from Crete, Greece. 

Ioanna studied and graduated from CUNY Queens College with her Bachelor’s degree in Arts and Sciences, majoring in Linguistics and Communication Disorders. She graduated with a Master’s degree in Elementary Education and is currently obtaining a Post Master’s certification in Special Education. 

Ioanna studied American Sign Language for 3 years at the Sign Language Center in NYC to acquire a better understanding for the nonverbal community she teaches. Additionally, she stays informed and is always learning through Childhood Development seminars, First Aid and CPR Training, and Health and Safety seminars. 

Ioanna has experience as a lead teacher in a preschool as well as a Greek School teacher on Saturdays. In addition, she teaches and tutors beginner’s Greek sessions virtually and in-person to children and adults. 

Ms. Fiotodimitrakis is a former member of the “Labrys” Cretan dance group for the Cretan Association House “Omonia” in Astoria, NY for over 10 years. With this troupe, she traveled nationally and internationally, performing at the Folklore Dance Festival (FDF) in California as well as performing folk Cretan dances at the Theatro Anatolikis Tafrou in Chania, Crete. Since then, Ioanna has been teaching Greek folk dance to children. 

Presently, Ioanna has added Lead Teacher to her designations as one of the Nursery teachers at the Archangel Michael Preschool. She is thrilled to be working at the Archangel Michael Preschool and anticipates a lively, fun-filled, and joyous school year ahead!

Maria Skaliarinis has been working in the educational field for over 15 years. She loves working with young children in a field where she is making a difference in a child’s life. Mrs. Skaliarinis loves the beginning and end of each school year, seeing the growth students have made. It’s very fulfilling and rewarding. She constantly seeks out opportunities that will further her career and knowledge.

Mrs. Skaliarinis is currently working towards her CDA (Child Development Associate Certificate) license with the State of NY.

Mrs. Skaliarinis is the proud mother of two boys, Petros & George. Both of her sons were active in the Archangel Michael Church Hope/Joy/Goya basketball program. She has been married for 30 years to her husband Paul. She loves reading,  traveling and learning about different cultures of the world.

Mrs. Eleni Siaxabanis has been working as a teacher’s assistant and teacher in the Toddler Class at the Archangel Michael Preschool since 2018. She graduated from CUNY Queens College in 2009 with a degree in Speech Language Pathology. She later went on to earn her Masters Degree at LIU CW Post in Early Childhood Education/Special Education. Mrs. Siaxabanis then worked as a substitute teacher and a leave replacement teacher in the NYC Department of Education for several years. 

Mrs. Siaxabanis is married to Peter Koklanos and they have two young children who attended the Archangel Michael Preschool.

Mrs. Georgia Yioupis has been working as a Teacher’s Assistant at the Archangel Michael Preschool since 2014.  She has been a substitute Teacher’s Assistant in the Port Washington School District.  Mrs. Yioupis also has experience in the banking industry working at Marathon Bank for 10 years.

Mrs. Yioupis is married and has two children, Nicole and James, who have attended Archangel Michael Preschool, and were active in both Archangel Michael Church HOPE/JOY and GOYA programs.

Ms. Georgia Fiotodimitrakis works with children and adults as an Occupational Therapist, having earned a Master’s in Science from New York University’s Steinhardt School in 2013. She has loved being a part of the Archangel Michael Community as a Greek Dance Troupe instructor as well.  She has been an integral part of our competition groups’ successes.

Presently, Miss Fiotodimitrakis is teaching Music & Movement classes at the Archangel Michael Preschool.  With her vast experience in music and dance, she looks forward to adding her knowledge and creativity to the program at the preschool.

Ms. Fiotodimitrakis began dancing at the age of 5 at the Omonoia Cretan Association of New York. She expanded her Hellenic folk dance knowledge as a member of other folk dance groups. As an adult, Miss Fiotodimitrakis wanted to give back to her community by teaching Cretan dances at Omonoia, as well as the Cretan Association Minos. She also teaches Hellenic folk dances from various regions of Greece to adults and children.

Miss Fiotodimitrakis is looking forward to working once again with this beautiful community and embracing new milestones with the Preschool children!

The Archangel Michael Church
100 Fairway Drive
Port Washington, NY 11050
PHONE: (516) 944-3180
FAX: (516) 944-3185
info@archangelmichaelchurch.org
Fr. John K. Lardas, Proestamenos
Retired Clergy: Fr. Dennis Strouzas, Protopresbyter