NURSERY
Mrs. Ann Marie Mears
Mrs. Deirdre Hutchison
Overview
St. Augustine School Nursery Program provides a warm,
loving and rich environment that is designed to consider the total development of
each child and to meet his/her individual needs. Because we
are St. Augustine Nursery School, emphasis is placed on developing Christian values
and learning in a nurturing atmosphere through example and instruction. Teachers recognize that a child learns best when he/she has a good self-image and
is accepted for who they are, both by adults and other children.
Children are given diverse choices that lead to independence, self-confidence, self-control,
and a sense of responsibility. Through play and hands on experience, children are
given the opportunity to become acquainted with all aspects of the learning and
play environment.
Curriculum
Through a variety of structured and supervised free-choice activities, the Nursery
Program curriculum focuses on fine and gross motor
development, health, safety, art, and music. Social interaction is an important aspect of development
at age three, therefore a great deal of time is focused on this
area. Daily reading of a variety of fine children’s literature is strongly
emphasized. The program attempts to provide a balance of activities that are
structured/unstructured, informative/creative, active/quiet and observing/participating.
Every effort is made to bring out the best in each child by understanding the
whole child, thus creating a positive experience and healthy self-image.
Drop-off
The program begins at 9:00 a.m. Cars may park in the St. Augustine Church parking lot. There will be coat hooks
within your child’s reach in the classroom. This is where children keep their
outside clothing and book bags.
Each child receives a St. Augustine School bag (approximate cost $1.00). This is where all personal
belongings from home are kept. Please check your child’s bag daily for notices from teachers and/or to collect any artwork or project work that
is completed during school.
Free Play
When children arrive,
they have 40 minutes of free play. The variety of options provided encourage children to make
choices, learn to play cooperatively with others,
and promote cognitive
and physical skills. During free play, teachers spend time helping children
make transitions from one activity to another, stimulating interest in different areas and helping problem solve when issues arise.
Snack
Snack time is a time for sharing
and remembering to be thankful for the many gifts that God has given us. A snack list is distributed to parents that will inform you of your assigned date
to bring in a snack for the class.
Circle Time
We start the year with a
short circle time (about 10 minutes) until the children become comfortable and are better able to sit for longer periods. During circle
time, we play group games, have dramatic
play, and learn songs and rhyming games.
This is also when we talk about special
holidays, learn about songs, customs, food, and various thing related to any given holiday.
We use this time for story telling as well.
Bathroom Procedure
Children do not have a specified
bathroom time. A child is always taken to the bathroom by a teacher who will
assist if necessary. Each child washes his/her hands after using the bathroom.
Students entering the Nursery Program MUST be fully toilet trained prior to the
beginning of school.
Discipline
At no time is a child singled out or embarrassed. We do lots of talking, reading,
and role-playing to set the proper example and find appropriate ways to manage emotions.
Sometimes a child is asked to sit and think about his/her actions, giving him/her
a chance to calm down if necessary.
Dismissal
Dismissal is at 11:30 a.m. Teachers assist the children with their coats.
Communication
The direct phone number to the Nursery classroom is 978-474-0889. Once classes are determined,
a class list is provided for each student. If there are any changes
with regard to addresses or phone numbers, those changes must be reported to the school
office so records remain up to date. If you have any questions, please
do not hesitate to call.
School Calendar
The Nursery Program follows the regular school calendar for holidays, vacations,
and observance of religious days. A complete school calendar for the upcoming school
year is available in June. We follow the Andover Public Schools with regard to school cancellations due to weather.
If a delayed opening is announced, there will be no Nursery Program that day.
ON THE FIRST OR SECOND DAY OF SCHOOL, YOU
WILL BE ASKED TO SEND IN A COMPLETE CHANGE OF CLOTHING IN A PLASTIC BAG. PLEASE
LABEL THE BAG WITH YOUR CHILD’S NAME.
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