I can’t let November pass without a big shout out of THANKFULNESS to our Westminster Families. Your diligence and honesty in adhering to our safety guidelines, and your consideration for others in letting us know when you’ve been out of town or you’re child has the sniffles, is much appreciated. Thank you!
We as a staff are so thankful to be in school and are using this month especially to encourage the students to think about what they are thankful for. The people they love, the things that make them feel happy – this is what we celebrate at Thanksgiving. This year each student is making a placemat to bring home before Thanksgiving break as a way to contribute to the family table.
Baby Food Collection
Caring for others is one path towards thankfulness for what we have. Throughout November we will be collecting baby food for the Interfaith Food Pantry which has expressed a need for baby food and cereal. Please consider having your child bring in a donation for another child in need.
Flu Vaccine
As a reminder, all children enrolled in pre-school must receive a flu vaccine. This immunization requirement is mandated by the State of New Jersey. All flu vaccines must by administered by December 31st. If the office has not received the appropriate documentation, your child will not be able to return to school after winter break. If your child cannot receive the vaccine due to allergies, please provide the office with documentation from your physician to that effect.
Outdoor Play
We continue to go outside as much as possible for play. Please be sure your child has a warm jacket, mittens (if necessary) and a hat. Teachers will take the time to help your child get ready for outdoor play.
Reminder
Westminster is closed Wednesday November 25th and will reopen Monday November 30th.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Meet and Greet October 2nd
Our meet and greet is really a “drop in” between 1:00-2:00 and will be held rain or shine. Expect to see your teacher, drop off your signed parent packet, and see the new screening process. New this year – 3’s and 4’s will pick up a project bag to bring in on their first day of school.
What to bring the First Day
A change of clothes for your child in a large Ziploc bag with his/her name on it
An extra face mask in a small Ziploc bag with his/her name on it
A water bottle with your child’s name on it
This year we are using an abundance of caution and asking each child to bring his/own school supplies which will be kept in an individual “cubby” for his/her use only
Box of crayons
Box of colored pencils
Small bottle of school glue
Box of washable markers
Pair of child’s scissors
Arrival
Arrival will run from 8:55 – 9:15 to allow time for screening. You will need to notify the office if you will be late for any reason and we will try to accommodate you. Park your car and bring your child to the entrance portico. There will be distance tape if you need to wait your turn. If there is already a line, you may want to wait in your car until the line is reduced. At the screening you will sign your child in, answer a few questions and your child’s temperature will be taken with a contactless thermometer. A staff member will then clean your child’s hands and take him/her to the classroom.
Dismissal
Dismissal for the 3’s and 4’s is at 11:30. Mrs. Bocian’s class will dismiss from the back door accessed by the path down to the playground. Please wear a mask and respect social distancing as you wait for your child to be released to you.
Mrs. Ripp’s class will dismiss from the nursery school entrance. Please wear a mask and respect social distancing as you wait for your child to be released to you.
You will sign your child out.
What to wear
Your child will be painting, gluing, and playing outside. Please wear appropriate clothing. School smocks are single use only this year and may not always be available. Sneakers and socks work best for outdoor play and going up and down the stairs. “Easy up and down” pants make bathroom visits easier for the children.
Snack
We provide a simple snack for the 3’s and 4’s classes. If you would like to bring a snack in for the class, individual prepackaged items are welcome.
Outdoor Play
Fall has officially arrived and the weather is getting cooler. We will go outside to play as much as possible. Please remember to send a jacket, sweater or sweatshirt on cool days. Long pants are also a suggestion. Teachers will always take the time to help the children put on jackets and sweaters.
Westminster’s Facebook Page is frequently adding new pictures. Please “Like Us” on Facebook.
Halloween
Children do not wear costumes to school for Halloween, nor do we have a “Halloween Parade”. Through experience, we have found costumes unsafe and uncomfortable to wear for the school day and there just is not enough time to dress and undress an entire class during one class session. We will recognize Halloween through our artwork and books.
Happy Fall!
Great Article https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/answer-sheet/wp/2015/09/01/the-decline-of-play-in-preschoolers-and-the-rise-in-sensory-issues/?utm_term=.777b715b3959
Music Week
Music Week will be held from March 16th - 20th. Each day will start with a morning assembly. We talk about keeping the beat, our voices as instruments, and String, Wind, and Percussion instruments. During the assembly, guest musicians demonstrate different types of instruments, including piano, hand bells, violin, and flute. The children make their own musical instruments and play along with our guest musicians.
Art Show
Mark your calendars! Our annual Art Show will be held on Tuesday evening, April 28th from 6:30-7:30 pm. All of our WNS children will have artwork on display. The show is a time for our children to bring their moms, dads, siblings, grandmas, grandpas, and anyone else who is important in their lives to show off their creations. Refreshments will be served. A sign-up sheet will be posted outside each classroom door for parents willing to provide cookies for this occasion. The children take this exhibit very seriously and are quite proud of their masterpieces. Please plan to join us.
A Visit from the Dentist
In February, all of the children enjoyed a visit from Pearly Whites of Berkeley Heights. They talked about the importance of taking care of our teeth, brushing our teeth (twice a day), and what kinds of foods are not good for our teeth (sticky and sugary). The children went home with a new toothbrush and toothpaste.
Spring Enrichment Camp
WNS will again be offering Spring Camp for all enrolled children. Spring Enrichment Camp is scheduled for June 8th - June 16th. Camp runs from 9:00 - 11:30 am. A separate flyer and registration form with additional information will be sent home at a later date.
Facebook and Website
Hopefully you saw the pictures on Facebook this month. They are adorable. Our website has any information you need about Westminster Nursery School. Try to visit both sites so you don’t miss your child’s pictures!
Scholastic
Please order from Scholastic so we can get free materials from points we earn. They have books for $1. Anything would help.
Calendar Dates
Tuesday, March 3rd – School Closed for Staff In-Service (the staff will be attending a conference with 275 other area pre-school teachers and will be re-certified in CPR and First Aid)
Monday, March 16th - Friday, March 20th - Music Week
“One of today’s biggest problems with the increase in technology is the decrease in dialogue and human interactive communication.”