Bridget Burke Weiss, affectionately known as Mrs. B, has brought more than her teaching expertise to Cedar Hill/St. John's programs. Her talents as actor and puppeteer are tools she effectively uses to engage the children to impart important lessons. Her passion for the performing arts has spread among the children as they enthusiastically planned and produced a music video with her puppets.

Mrs. B further demonstrated her dedication to exposing children to performing arts by personally providing the transportation for Alexia, Chelsee and Jessie to attend the Shakespeare of New Jersey Theatre Junior Corp everyday for two weeks, and the evening ushering opportunity given to Alexia and Chelsee at the F.M. Kirby Theatre.

The after-school experience begins with Mrs. B and after-school adult caregiver, Charlotte Miles, making the daily trek from School Street School, while Glorivee Lopez and several junior mentors walk with the kids from John Hill School to Cedar Hill/St. John's to ensure the children's safe arrival to the after-school program. As the children excitedly gather for their daily meeting around the Map of the World rug, it becomes plain that Mrs. B. has created an atmosphere of mutual respect, with the children showing genuine affection for her. The children settle down and eagerly await the agenda for the day. Instituted by Mrs. B, daily sharing provides a forum for discussion that strengthens relationships among and between the staff and children. After their discussion reinforcing courteous and gracious behavior, the kids sit for quiet, homework time after which they participate in a structured activity.

Mrs. B. has been the program director for two years. Each of her days are filled with wonder and countless possibilities as she encourages the children to appreciate the "firsts" they experience together. Nothing is more satisfying than seeing a triumphant smile on a child's face after conquering a milestone like creating a music video with puppets, performing in a play or riding a bike without training wheels for the first time!