What is your favorite quote and why?

Yesterday's history and tomorrow is a mystery, today is present...that's why it is called a gift. I love this quote because it reminds me to focus on the present and be grateful for every day and for whatever we face in life.

What is your favorite book? (children's or adult book)

The Kissing Hand and A Pocketful of Kisses are my favorite books. I love these books and have read them to my children hundreds of times. It really helped them to know that I was always with them. When my students are sad and miss family members, I read the book, and when it's not available to read, I explain how the kissing hand works. So many students have told me how much it helps.

Who inspires you? Why?

My husband inspires me. He always has a smile on his face and is so positive.

What made you decide to work in education?

I decided to work in the Department of Education for the schedule and summers off. When I first began working, I was a substitute school secretary and worked F-Status. After working for a couple of years, I was offered to get nominated as a paraprofessional and was able to hold both licenses. I decided to sub for numerous years; I wasn't ready to work full time, but it was perfect, and it gave me exposure in both the clerical end and the classroom. I was offered a full-time secretary job and a full-time paraprofessional job in the same week at two very different schools. I decided to take the paraprofessional job because that is where my heart was.

What was your favorite subject when you were in elementary school and why?

My favorite subject when I was in school was art. I loved art because I didn't have any pressure of taking tests or getting an answer wrong. It was also so much fun creating clay projects and being able to be myself and not feeling pressured.

What is your favorite part of the school day?

My favorite part of the day is when I walk into class and see all the kids' faces light up with smiles. I love hearing what they did and what they are going to do.

What is the best thing about the PS65 community?

I love that PS 65 is my extended family. Everyone at our school is so kind and caring. We all take care of each other.
I also love how everyone loves each and every student. We all treat the kids like they are our own. Everyone is so kind and caring, it truly is an amazing place to go every day.

Do you have kids? If so, tell us about them!

Yes, I have two kids. Riley will be twenty this month, she will be entering her junior year at Mount St. Mary College. She is going to school for education. She is a student ambassador at school she works in the admission office, gives tours, and works student orientations. She just got an additional job on campus she will be the Chairperson of Events. Riley also plays softball at college she has been playing since she was four. Riley is a lot like my husband she always has a smile on her face, her nickname is Smiley Riley. Kyle will be seventeen in July, he will be going into his senior year at St. Peters Boys High School. Kyle plays baseball at St. Peters, he has been playing baseball since he was 4 and loves it. Kyle buses tables and works for parties at the Manor House. Kyle is not as smiley as Riley.

Do you have any hidden talents? Tell us about them!

I love to craft and bake!

If you could spend a week, anywhere in the world, where would it be?

I would love to go to Italy, my grandparents were born in Italy. My husband lived and studied to be a chef in Italy. I have heard so many wonderful stories, I want to experience it.

What is your favorite season and why?

My favorite season is the summer, I love to relax, read, and spend time with my family.

What do you want our students to remember most about school?

I want my students always to remember to try their best, and that it's okay to get something wrong.

What do you do to remain calm when you are feeling frustrated?

When I am upset, I breathe and put myself in my happy place which is the beach. I have been using this technique this school year with my students, and it works.

Jennifer Senk's profile