The Westminster Nursery School Times
Conferences
Thank you to all for your time during conferences. Years of research demonstrate that family involvement in education can lead to positive benefits for children and youth, such as increased school attendance, higher academic performance, and improved attitudes about school. It also improves school readiness, student achievement, and social skills.
RESCHEDULED Visit with MKM Principal
Mrs. Annie Corley-Hand, principal of the Mary Kay McMillin Early Childhood Center in Berkeley Heights, will visit Westminster on February 15th to talk with parents about topics of concern regarding the Berkeley Heights kindergarten program. All parents (not just those whose children will be attending Kindergarten next year) are encouraged to attend.
Dental Health Month
Each February, the American Dental Association (ADA) sponsors National Children's Dental Health Month to raise awareness about the importance of oral health. Westminster will have visits on February 16th and 22nd from Pearly Whites. The children will learn about taking care of their teeth. Developing good habits at an early age and scheduling regular dental visits helps children get a good start on a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.
Valentine’s Day
What would February be without Valentine’s Day! February is about a lot more than just saying, “Happy Valentine’s Day.” February is the perfect time to talk with young children about feelings, especially the love they have for the very special people in their lives, their families! Here at Westminster we will be celebrating Valentine’s Day with special snacks and a Valentine exchange. Each child should bring in a Valentine for each of the other children in the class with names on the envelopes. Please be mindful of allergies should you choose to include a treat.
Boots
Should your child wear boots to school, please be sure to bring shoes and change your child into them when you arrive. We have found boots to be a problem with some of our Movement activities and on the stairs.
Peanut/Nut Product Reminder
Just a reminder, Westminster is a peanut and nut free school. We have a number of children with life-threatening allergies to peanuts and nuts. Please do not send in any foods with peanuts and nuts in them. Be especially diligent when packing lunches for our Extended Dayers – avoid peanut butter sandwiches.
Kindergarten Registration
Kindergarten Registration for the Berkeley Heights Public Schools was recently held at Mary Kay McMillin. If you somehow missed the registration, please contact the Early Childhood Center (464-5583) for more information and forms. Registration in neighboring towns should also be occurring around this time. Please contact your Board of Education for additional information.
Teacher In-Service Date Approaching
As a reminder, school will be closed on Tuesday, March 7th so that the Westminster Nursery School staff may attend a local conference with staff from other area nursery schools.
Illness Reminder
We would appreciate a call in the morning if your child will be absent, so that teachers may plan accordingly. In addition, if your child has a contagious illness such as strep throat, pink eye, lice, Fifth’s Disease, Coxsackie virus, chicken pox, etc. please let the office know. We are required to notify the other parents that their children may have been exposed.
Don’t miss out on great pictures of your children on Westminster’s Facebook page. Our website is also full of great pictures that are changed often.
Calendar Dates
Monday and Tuesday, February 6th and 7th -Wear Red Days
Monday and Tuesday, February 13th and 14th -Valentine Exchanges
Wednesday, February 15th - Mrs. Corley, principal of Marky Kay McMillin School visits
Thursday, February 16th - Dentist Visit
Monday, February 20th - School Closed (President’s Day Weekend)
Wednesday, February 22nd - Dentist Visit
“We’re so busy giving kids what we didn’t have that we’re forgetting to give them what we did have.”