September 2022
“If children feel safe, they can take risks, ask questions, make mistakes, learn to trust, share their feelings and grow” -Alfie Kohn
Welcome to Mrs. Murray’s Nursery School
Welcome to the MMNS community! We encourage a welcoming atmosphere to ensure that everyone feels Mrs. Murray’s is a warm, friendly, comfortable and safe place to learn new things, make new friend and have lots of fun.
The first day of school will bring a wide range of emotions for YOU and your child. Please take a moment to read Helping Your Child Have A Great First Day Of Preschool (copy the link below)
www.verywellfamily.com/helping-your-child-have-a-great-first-day-of-preschool-2764897
Our plan to help with first day jitters, we suggest making a “quick exit”.
Bring your child to their classroom and greet the teacher. Let your child know they will have a fun day, and that you can’t wait to hear about their day at pick up. Give them a big hug and kiss and say goodbye. The classroom teacher will do their “magic” to get your child started with their school day.
If you have a reluctant child, just breathe, and let the teacher take them from you. We know that it is very difficult to do but…we have found over the many years of teaching if you prolong your goodbye, it prolongs your child’s chance to settle in. I will be in the entryway just in case you need a hug as well.
As soon as possible, we will be in touch to let you know how your child is doing either by calling you or by sending you a picture of your child via class dojo.
Teachers and Classrooms
It has been a busy summer with some changes. The first being Ashley Murphy has left to return to Masconomet Regional School. We are sad that she had to grow up and leave preschool. We wish her the best!
We have hired Alyssa Ritter on MWF and Sarah Adams on T/Th. Both are licensed Preschool Teachers and will be co-teaching with Lindsay Forrest. Liz Tingley, a familiar face for some, will be returning as a substitute. We are thrilled to have them part of MMNS!
The teachers have been getting their classrooms ready and we have switched a couple of them. Mrs. Smith and Mrs. Flansbury’s MWF PreK class has moved from Room 5 to Room 2 so that both of Mrs. Forrest’s classes will be able to be in Room 5. This will make it easier for a few of our “middle” class students who attend Five days as well as Mrs. Forrest.
Health and Safety Protocols
While there is no mask mandate in place for this year, we want the school to be a healthy environment for all. Please send your child with a mask if that’s what makes you and your family more comfortable. Also, we have updated our Healthcare policy which will be emailed to you.
Meet and Greet
Five Day and T/TH Programs: September 13th at 9
MWF Programs: September 14th @ 9
A teacher will be at the entrance to greet you and give you a name tag for you and your child.
First Day of School Dates
Teachers: September 12th --CPR and First Aid Training
Five Day and T/TH Programs: September 15th (8:45 – 12:30)
MWF Programs: September 16th (8:45 – 12:30)
Drop off will be at the classroom door. If you prefer to begin the year dropping off at our entrance, I will be there to greet you and assist your child to their classroom
Pick up: At this time, pick up will be at our entrance door for Mrs. Mirra and Mrs. Forrest’s classes and the doors on the right for Mrs. Gray’s and Mrs. Smith’s classes.
Tuition
Payment plan installments are due the first of the month. Invoices will be emailed approximately 5 days prior to the first, you may pay online, by mail or in person. If you would like to switch your method of payment, please let me know. Late payments will be assessed a $15 late fee and there is a $30 return check fee.
Communication
Our School Calendar is posted in our Parent’s Lounge.
Monthly School Newsletter: you will receive an email or a message on class dojo when the newsletter is posted to our Parent Lounge.
Class Dojo App: You will receive an email from your child’s teacher to join. On the app, you will receive daily/weekly updates and you are able email your teacher.
I am always available if you need an answer asap through email, text or by phone.
FIELD TRIP
We are in the process of finalizing our first field trip. It will either be to Applecrest Farms, Hampton Nh or to Connors Farm in Danvers. Both farms are approximately 25 mins away. Parents will need to provide transportation to the farm. More information will be provided once we make our decision.
Five Day and T/TH Programs: September 29th
MWF Programs: September 30th .
There will be no school for the Five Program on September 30th .
Note: In the event this field trip is canceled, there will be no school on either day as the church is rented out for a Quilters Bazaar from Thursday through Saturday.
Snack Time
Please supply their lunchbox with a Napkin, a Healthy Snack, and drink or a water bottle. ☺ PLEASE remember we are TREE NUT and PEANUT SENSITIVE. Please make sure your child’s snacks DO NOT contain any PEANUTS OR TREE NUTS Products
Children’s Records
Please notify the office of any changes in address, email addresses, phone numbers, Emergency contacts, authorization to release or custody agreements. The office will notify you a month in advance, when your child needs a new physical, if it is during the school year.
Fire Drills and Evacuation Drills
We will practice fire drills once a month and lock down drills twice a year. The first full week of school we will practice a fire drill. The teachers explain to their class what a fire drill is and then do a walk through with them. In future months, I will use the smoke detector outside the classroom doors to alert the classrooms we are having a fire drill.
During the first month of school, the Newburyport Fire Department will come in and conduct a fire drill.
Parent Participation
Parent participation is always welcomed. There are many ways to become involved, you can read a book, do a craft, supply treats for our holiday party, etc. You can spend 10/15 minutes or an hour with us. Your child would be happy no matter how much time you are able to spend. If you are interested, there will be a form for you to fill out during the meet and greet.
Scholastic Books
We will be bringing back online ordering for Scholastic Books. This month’s Scholastic Reading Club Flyers are now available online at scholastic.com/reading/club. With every order you help our school earn free books and supplies. Please make sure to use our code: DK2M4
For September:
With a $25 order, you can pick a FREE $5 Book (use code: READS).
Class Order Due Date: 09/28/22
Shop Our Class Page: https://orders.scholastic.com/DK2M4
Shop Digital Flyers for Our Grade with Your Child: https://clubs.scholastic.com/prek
Please share the Class Page link to extended family and friends.
Upcoming Events
No School: Columbus Day
School Pictures
Halloween Party and Parade
Read More