At Bay Pines Lutheran School, we believe each child is one of God’s greatest gifts. Our Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) program provides a warm, Christ-centered environment where four-year-olds are known, loved, and encouraged to grow.
Through faith-based instruction and hands-on learning, children build early academic skills while developing confidence, curiosity, and a joy for learning. Most importantly, they experience a safe and nurturing classroom where they are reminded daily that they are loved by God and valued as individuals.
We’d love to meet you!
Rachel Backus, VPK Director and Lead Teacher
Rachel.backus@baypineslutheran.com
A joyful love of learning.
We build on what children learn at home and encourage curiosity, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning in a caring, Christ-centered environment.
Come meet our early childhood director, explore our classroom, and learn more about our VPK program and early learning opportunities. We’re happy to answer your questions and help you decide if Bay Pines is the right fit for your family.
VPK Director and Lead Teacher
PRAISE – PLAY – POSITIVE MINDSET
Praise: Each child is a son or daughter of God, and can learn about His plan for us and His world daily. We can grow closer to Him through His Word and prayer, and can be comforted with His love when we struggle. Young children can give God praise by doing their best with the gifts He has given them.
Play: Play-based learning is the most effective way for a young child to take in new information, to problem solve, to develop and grow.
Positive Mindset: Young children should be encouraged to think for themselves, correct their mistakes, and solve problems. Positive social skill development and emotional regulation leads to thriving children!
VPK Aide
Serving Our Savior Since:
Retired from the Air Force in March 2022. Served for 20 years in various Civil Engineering positions ranging from Community Planner, Disaster Preparedness Flight Commander, Squadron Commander, and Basic Training Instructor.
First early educational experience, reading tutor for K and 1st graders at Pinellas Elementary.
Assistant at Seminole Elementary School in the ESE classroom
Math Tutor for 5th through 8th grade at Bay Pines Lutheran
2023 – Present Bay Pines Lutheran School Currently serving as the VPK assistant, PE teacher for kindergarten, first, and second grade. Assisting also with recess, lunch, & aftercare program monitoring
Education:
My goal in retirement is to assist the teachers that are working with the next generation. I would like to build self-discipline, health, organization, and confidence in each student.
