St. James’ Nursery School News …

This year St. James Nursery School has been celebrating its 40th Year Anniversary. Their goal and vision to have the best preschool and early education program in the area has been proven time and time again. With lots of hard work and dedication their goal and vision continues to be accomplished. St. James Nursery School is fortunate to have the best staff and teachers around. The Board is very thankful for all their hard work and dedication.

This excellent news arrived on 5/15/15 from Pat Castle – “Today we received a wonderful affirmation from the Maryland State Department of Education. Two validators from the state visited our school this morning and assessed our program across the board (from “nuts-to-bolts”) for our re-accreditation with the state. They just left and told me how wonderful our program is. Some of the commendations they are reporting to the state include, but are not limited to: High level of hands on science opportunities for the students, great balance of teacher directed and child selected activities, classroom well stocked and language rich, Creative Curriculum Guide enhanced by thorough monthly theme schedule, thoroughly written handbook, clear evidence of partnership with local school system, extensive monthly newsletter and made available on website, etc., etc., etc.!!! Our staff rock!!!!”

In honor of 40 years, the Nursery School donated 40 bags to Mt. Airy Net for children – these bags contained toiletries, books, and activities and were very much appreciated.

The Nursery School 2014/2015 year is winding down from a year filled with many, many fun and wonderful activities and events. If you are a Facebook member please check out St. James Nursery School Facebook page, click like, take a look at pictures and posted updates. End of year activities included, Muffins for Mom, Donuts for Dads, end of year picnic, graduation, etc. A very exciting event for the children just happened (starting on 5/10/15) – the incubated chicken eggs hatched. They are so cute with these little puffs on their heads. Board members had the fun opportunity to see them and you can too if a Facebook member as their picture is on Facebook!

Making St. James Nursery School a safe environment for the children is a priority. The security goal set for this year was accomplished. In addition to the cameras and locked entrance doors (that were added last year), blinds where installed in classrooms and the classroom doors kept locked at all times.

A momentous event for the school year is the closing of the St. James’ Annex location. It is with mixed-emotions to move out of our Mt. Olive Methodist Church location. The school has enjoyed 15 years at the Annex and many St. James’ children moved through the program there. All classes will now be held in St. James lower level location utilizing all classroom space.

CPR and First Aid training for staff will be held at the end of August and if interested, church