Westminster Family Connection - December 2022
It may not be snowing yet, but there is an undeniable chill in the air letting us know winter is coming! Let’s warm the chill in the air with the warmth in our hearts as we celebrate this month’s holidays. Whether celebrating Hanukkah (Dec. 18th), Kwanzaa (Dec. 26th), Christmas (Dec. 25th), National Llama Day (Dec. 9th), or National Cocoa Day (Dec. 13th) let’s all do our best to find joy amidst the busy-ness this month often brings. Here at Westminster, our hearts are warmed daily by the children entrusted in our care. Thank you for that.
Westminster Staff Westminster would not be Westminster without the genuine care, educational background in early childhood education and extensive experience of our staff! Terry Machin teaches our 2.5s. Susan Bocian, with the assistance of Christina Coler, teaches our 3s. Nancy Ripps, with the assistance of Jaime Andrews, teaches our 4-and 5-day 4s. Mrs. Diaz teaches our 3-day 4s and our 4’s Enrichment. And Donna Marsh leads our 3s Lunch and Learn. Helping our students wash their hands, keeping art supplies clean and surfaces sanitized and too much more to list here, are our helpers in the hall who help everyone: Eileen Vass (daily including every afternoon except Fridays), Ruth Gombas (Monday, Tuesday and Friday mornings), Marilyn Klein (Thursday mornings and Friday afternoons) and last but not least, our newest helper Andrea Welsh (Wednesday mornings). For more information, please see our website www.westminsternurseryschool.org.
Culture of Care On behalf of our students and families, this year Westminster Nursery School is making a donation to the Annabelle Forever Young Foundation. This scholarship fund was created in Annabelle’s (Annie’s) name after she passed way too soon in 2019. We have fond memories of the pre-school years she spent here at Westminster and are grateful to honor her memory in this way.
Westminster Swag! Thank you to all of those who ordered sweatshirts, T-shirts, and magnets! We expect them in the week of December 12th and are looking forward to getting them to you in plenty of time for the holidays!
Baby Food / Food Collection We urge your child to bring in their favorite food (no ice cream allowed) as a donation to children less fortunate than themselves – and of course, other foods are welcome as well.
We will be collecting through next week and taking the food to our local Little Flower Pantry. Thank you for your support!
Registration Registration for next year 2022-2023 will begin in January. Current families will be notified first and have a two-week priority registration period.
Extended Day Looking for an extended day for your 3-year-old? Our Monday/Wednesday/Friday Lunch and Learn program meets 11:30am – 2:30pm. Your child is welcome to join us for $30 each day, simply email or call the office in advance to make sure a spot is available.
Early Drop Off Early drop off is available daily at 8:30am for $5.
It Never Hurts to Ask... If anyone is upgrading their vacuum cleaner, we are in need of a working upright vacuum cleaner that can handle glitter and sand. : )
Snow Day and Delayed Opening Reminder Westminster Nursery School follows Berkeley Heights Public Schools when it comes to closings and delayed openings due to inclement weather. Parents will receive an e-mail between 5:30 am and 6:00 am in the event of a closing or delayed opening. If there is a delayed opening, classes will be in session from 10:00am until noon, with extended day in session noon to 2:30pm. Should you have questions regarding this policy, please contact the office.
Reminders
Universal Child Health Records are past due.
Flu vaccine documentation must be in the office before December 22nd as children without it may not be admitted to school in 2022.
Update your child’s extra set of clothes here at school for the winter months – those shorts and T–shirts are too cold for this weather! : )
Upcoming Dates of Note
December 5 – Final tuition payment is due
December 22 – Flu vaccine documentation due
December 22 – School closed for the winter break
January 2 – School reopens
From our “house” to your house - we extend our best wishes for a holiday filled with peace and joy
