Students in Ashley Denaro and Cindy Melendez’s Lion Classroom at Jones County Pre-K recently picked out their first school library books and explored a fun classroom unit all about pets.
Melendez introduced her pet tortoise, Georgina, to the class. Students observed Georgina and learned that tortoises can live up to 150 years.
“That’s pretty old,” one student said.
Denaro added more facts about tortoises.
“They eat shrubs, grass, and cactus, and they have an excellent sense of smell,” she said.
She showed a video of tortoises to help students connect visually with the lesson.
One student reacted to a tortoise eating lettuce in the video.
“Yum,” the student said. Another student commented on the tortoise’s size and age.
“She is big and old. She is a grown-up,” the student said.
Melendez invited students to gently touch Georgina in her habitat after the video, learning how to properly interact with an animal. Melendez also placed Georgina on the carpet so students could gather around and observe her up close.
Denaro and Melendez then guided the class to the school library. Students picked out their first-ever library books, with many choosing pet and animal-themed stories such as Rainbow Fish, Peppa Pig, and Llama Llama.
One student selected a lion-themed book to match the Lion Classroom.
Denaro explained that students will be learning all about lions as part of the theme and learning unit on pets.
“We are also going to learn all about lions since that is the theme of our classroom,” she said.
Melendez asked students what they are supposed to do in a library.
“We read a book,” one student replied.
She encouraged students to take their books home and read with their families.
Students commented about the fish tank while leaving the library.
“Fishy,” one student said.
“I found Nemo,” another said.
“Look, there’s a mermaid,” another added.
Denaro selected one student to feed the class fish, Sharky, upon returning to the classroom. She thoroughly explained the importance of caring for animals, which is central to the classroom learning unit.
“Now our fish is fed and happy,” she said.
Denaro is a first-year teacher in the Jones County School System.
She earned her bachelor’s degree in business from Middle Georgia State University and worked in insurance before deciding to pursue a career in education.
“I called my mom, she is a teacher and asked what I needed to do and if I needed to go back to school to become a teacher. So, I took and passed my GACE test and got accepted into a master’s program in early education within the span of three months, and now I am here at pre-K,” Denaro said.
She shared that her decision was inspired by her parents, who are both educators.
“So, this is my very first time ever being in a classroom as a teacher in this scenario, besides growing up in the classroom, because my parents are both teachers. So far, I love it, and I feel like it’s where I am meant to be,” she said.
She added that once she was offered the opportunity, she knew she had to take it.
“I have always loved children and helping them, and when Mrs. Marlowe called me and asked if I wanted to teach pre-K, I said I would love to. So that’s how I got here, and it’s amazing getting to work with little kids every day,” she said.
Denaro is from Haddock and grew up in the Jones County School System. Her father teaches math at Jones County High School.
“I just feel like this is home,” she said.
Her favorite classroom activities involve arts and crafts.
“I love seeing the kids be able to express themselves through art, and I try to incorporate that into our classroom,” she said.
She shared what she has enjoyed most about teaching so far.
“Having their love. In the beginning, it can be overwhelming, but their little hugs and love make it all worth it. Yes, they can be jumping off the walls, but they still love you and you love them,” she said.
She also talked about her hobbies outside of school.
“I like to ride side-bysides and do off-roading. I love to read, of course. I feel like that’s every teacher’s hobby. One of my biggest hobbies right now is running. So, one of my ‘crazy’ goals is to compete in a 100-mile marathon in under 30 hours,” she said.
Denaro shared that her family inspires her every day.
“I also have three dogs, and I am married to my husband, and they are my whole life,” she said.
Melendez also plays a vital role in the classroom and brings a unique story and perspective to her work with students.
She has worked in education for four years and has experience with high school, elementary, and now pre-K students.
She is originally from Colombia and came to America when she was 17. She currently lives with her three children in Twiggs County.
“My oldest, Jorelle, is 18 and starting college this year. He was the salutatorian of his school last year. I also have two daughters, Jomylee and Josindee. Jomylee is a 10th grader, and Josindee is in eighth grade. I also have two dogs,” she said.
She shared that she recently experienced a significant loss that has guided her recent career decisions.
“My husband, Jose J. Melendez Jr., passed away last year. We were married for 17 years. He was sick for 14 years of our marriage, that is why I put my education on hold for a while,” she said.
She previously earned two associate’s degrees, one in electronic engineering and one as a medical assistant and now plans to finish her bachelor’s degree in Spanish.
“I am finishing my bachelor’s degree this December to become a teacher. I love education and I love learning,” she said.
Her ultimate goal is to become a Spanish professor. She plans to stay in pre-K for a few years and considers working with young students a blessing.
“I like pre-K because the kids are so little, and I love their imaginations. They are always telling you, ‘I love you,’ and, you know, that really makes you feel good, especially with that pain from the loss of my husband, because that is still hard for me,” she said.
Melendez stays busy outside of school to support her family.
“I have my own jewelry store, Sindypao Creations, so I hand-make jewelry and sell it online. I also sell antiques online. It is called Finds by Sindypao,” she said.
She also runs a cleaning business to help provide for her children.
“I opened my own cleaning service, Mimas Plus Cleaning. I have an LLC, and I have people work for me, and sometimes I go out and clean, too. So, I do a little bit of everything, because I am now raising three kids on my own,” she said.
She shared why she decided to pursue a path in education.
“My whole family is teachers. Everybody. My aunties, uncles, brothers, and some are professors at universities. I felt like teaching might be my calling, so here I am,” she said.
She also shared why working with pre-K students has been so special.
“This grade level has changed my life. Everything goes away when I am teaching the kids and reading books to them. They are always hugging me and telling me they love me. This is like a blessing,” she said.
