Businesses show pupils’ art

FARMINGDALE — The National Association for the Education for Young Children (NAEYC) has designated the week of April 11-17 as the Week of the Young Child. Together with the local merchants of Farmingdale, St. Catherine of Siena Nursery School and full-day kindergarten will again celebrate their little ones this week.

According to a press release, each year the nursery school children prepare for the event by working on projects with their teachers. Each class chooses a theme and the teachers prepare lesson plans centered on that theme. As part of the learning experience, the children read stories, sing songs and create art projects. This year, the themes include bugs, butterflies, flowers, rainbows, the five senses and the USA.

Merchants in Farmingdale celebrate along with the children by displaying these art projects in their stores and businesses throughout the week. The public is encouraged to stop by the following locations that have partnered with St. Catherine of Siena Nursery School: Connie’s Restaurant, Shop and Bag, U.S. Post Office.

This year a new component was added to the annual event — another class has joined the town-wide display. Recognizing the need of many of today’s families, St. Catherine Nursery School has grown to include a fully accredited full-day kindergarten program.

The nursery school began eight years ago through the vision of Pat Cranmer, coordinator, along with the Rev. Michael Vona, pastor, and Dr. Anthony Novembre, director. It has grown to nearly 100 students in five preschool classes and one kindergarten, ages 2½ through 5.

Community involvement is not new to the children of St. Catherine of Siena Nursery School. Each year they also participate in a trike-a-thon to raise money for sick children at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. This year the children raised more than $3,000 to benefit research at St. Jude.

In addition, the school is reaching out to the community to form partnerships with local businesses in a new format called “Adopt-a-Class.” All are invited to join this new program and get involved with the school. Visit www.sienanurseryandk.com for more information.

According to the press release, the students, teachers, parents and merchants are all very proud to be a part of this unique partnership that celebrates the accomplishments of the very young children of their town.