The Shadow
LOW MOOR, Va. (VR) — Kolby Hiner’s warm and engaging teaching style makes her a natural fit as a Virginia Preschool Initiative (VPI) teacher at Mountain View Elementary School.
In her classroom, she uses the STREAMin3 curriculum to create an interactive and supportive learning environment that helps prepare three and four-year-olds for success in kindergarten and beyond by focusing on developmental skills.
VPI is a state-funded program designed to provide high-quality preschool education to children who meet certain criteria, ensuring they gain the skills needed to thrive in school. Parents must register their children for the VPI program in AHPS elementary schools.
At Mountain View Elementary, Hiner seamlessly integrates the STREAMin3 curriculum, which fosters academic skills, problem-solving abilities, and positive social interactions through hands-on activities.
On a recent school day, Superintendent Kim Halterman of Alleghany Highlands Public Schools observed as Hiner taught her students about letter identification, shapes, cooperation, and encouragement – all in a 30-minute lesson. She used her teaching skills and kind personality to seamlessly transition 18 students from art to reading.
“As a former kindergarten teacher, I can attest to how important it is for children to develop skills that help them learn how to learn,” said Halterman. “We appreciate the hard work of families, teachers, and young kids to help children learn about following directions, describing shapes, recognizing letters, and even cutting paper.”
In Hiner’s classroom, learning is interactive and engaging, thanks to the VPI program and STREAMin3 curriculum.
“Early learning experiences are crucial factors for emotional, intellectual, cognitive, and physical development. Ultimately affecting how well a child will perform in elementary school. My goal is to inspire my children to want to learn more about themselves and the world around them,” Hiner said.
“There is nothing more inspiring to me than to see the face of a child who has mastered a new skill or conquered a new challenge. Teaching preschool is a gift, and each day, I thank God that I can make a positive difference in the lives of these small children,” she said.
Seated together on the classroom carpet, also used for Responsive Classroom Morning Meetings, Hiner’s students eagerly searched for the letter “O” in their surroundings, cheering for each classmate’s discoveries and exclaiming its resemblance to a circle.
Student Lenox Humphries beamed with pride when he found a lowercase “O” in his name tag.
“I was happy to find the letter ‘O’ in my name. Letter ‘O’ is my favorite letter,” Lenox said, while proudly noting that he uses ‘O’ to spell his name.
Mountain View Elementary Principal Mallory Thompson, who has specialized training in preschool classroom observations called CLASS training, praised Hiner’s ability to create a nurturing and stimulating environment.
“Miss Hiner has wonderful relationships with her students, and this translates to her and her students’ performance,” said Thompson.
Hiner, a graduate of Mary Baldwin University, previously worked at the Alleghany Highlands YMCA before joining Alleghany Highlands Public Schools. She credits her mentor, Tammie Hoke-Looney, a fellow VPI teacher at Jeter-Watson Elementary, with helping her transition into the role.
“In my CLASS observations, I am continually impressed with her ability to take constructive criticism and Kolby’s constant desire to improve,” Thompson said. Dianne Garcia, of the Alleghany Highlands Early Learning Partnership (AHELP) has been instrumental in ensuring local educators have access to STREAMin3 resources. As a former teacher, Garcia understands the impact of high-quality early childhood education.
“STREAMin3 fosters essential skills to help a young child with relationship-building, self- regulation, problem-solving, communication, and movement – all of which lay the foundation for future learning,” said Garcia. “Research shows that 95 percent of brain development occurs by age four, making these early experiences crucial.”
STREAMin3 is widely used across the Alleghany Highlands, with both YMCA Early Learning and Alleghany Highlands Public Schools incorporating it into their programs.
Families seeking resources to support early childhood development can explore the AHELP website at https://ahelpva.com.
Alleghany Highlands Public Schools will hold a VPI registration event on March 20 from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at Jeter-Watson Elementary School. Parents may bring information such as recent physicals, shot records, and birth certificates to begin the process of determining enrollment eligibility. Those interested may contact their division home school for more information or visit smart2start.org for more information on the VPI program.
With approximately 2,700 students, AHPS was created when Alleghany County Public Schools, Covington City Public Schools, and Jackson River Technical Center merged in July 2022. The school division is jointly funded by Alleghany County and the City of Covington.
AHPS news and events are regularly updated on Facebook at AHPublicSchools and
Instagram at ahpublicschools. Information is also available at www.ahps.k12.va.us.
