About RNS
Goals
Rush Nursery School (RNS) operates separate classes for two, three and four year old children. Currently we are also a satellite for the Rush Henrietta Universal Pre-K (UPK) Program. The major emphasis of our program is to provide an atmosphere within which children will grow in self-esteem, confidence, and social skills.
Program
Our three year old classes have a maximum class size of sixteen children. The structure of their program provides an environment which helps them to accept non-family, caring, adult guidance. They are encouraged to actively participate in group and individual activities. These activities emphasize large and small motor coordination, sharing with others and independence.
The four year old program offers children the opportunity to discover new ways in which to use familiar materials and abilities with an emphasis on readiness skills. Listening and verbal skills are expanded to foster meaningful conversation and creative communication. Large and small motor activities are included within the structures of group games, music, and crafts both indoors and outdoors. The maximum class size is twenty.
A Daily Schedule
Gathering is a time for sharing. This is the time when the day's activities are discussed and art projects are introduced. It is a time for teachers to communicate with the entire class. Subjects such as the calendar, weather, and various events are talked about.
Free time is when a smorgasbord of events are presented. Children are encouraged to move freely among the special areas of the room. They may choose from dress up, kitchen corner, blocks, painting, puzzles, work bench, books, and various arts and crafts, to name a few. During this time new activities are introduced such as play with the sand and water tables, finger painting, splatter painting or new games. This is also the time when once a week they go in small groups to the gym (sanctuary) where they may slide, climb, tumble, or bounce on special equipment.
- Story time is a time to listen.
- Rest time is a time to unwind. Each child rests on his or her mat for a short time.
- Music is a time to listen, sing, or dance.
- Snack time is a time to share a nutritional snack with the group.
- Finger play is a time to learn a coordinated song with small motor activities.
- Group activities is a time for circle games and turn-taking activities.
- Outdoor play is a time to play outside on playground equipment. Weather permitting.
Objectives
Rush Nursery School is committed to helping each enrolled youngster have the best possible preschool experience.
Nursery school acts as a supplement to the home and can provide your child with a variety of creative, intellectual, and social activities within his own age group. Through exposure to new experiences, situations, and ideas, he or she is encouraged to explore his or her environment and expand upon present concepts.
To aid in the child's development, RNS offers a flexible structured program.
Children’s Library
The RNS Children's Lending Library was started during the 1983-84 school year for the enjoyment and enrichment of our children. It now contains over 800 books that have been donated by families and friends of the school.
Once a week, on your child's gym/library day your child will choose a book to take home for a week to enjoy with you and your family.
RNS Educators
Kirstin O’Connell has been co-director of Rush Nursery School since 2005. She started as a teacher aid in 2002 and began teaching 3 years later. Previously, Kirstin taught 6th grade for 7 1/2 years, taking time off to have her own children. Kirstin brings to Rush Nursery School a Masters Degree in Elementary Education, with a minor in Special Education.
Donna Payne began as a teacher aide in 1992 at Rush Nursery School and began teaching in 2000. Donna has spent numerous summers as the Division Head in a local preschool program. Donna has completed many early childhood workshops. Also, Donna has been a Catechist working with 2nd grade children for many years.
Jenna Cowie had both of her children attend Rush Nursery School in all 3
programs. She has also served on the parent board for the past two years. In addition to being a substitute teacher at Rush Nursery School Jenna has also been a substitute teacher for Rush Henrietta Central School District for the last two years. She is a graduate of SUNY Potsdam School.
Karen Hart joined the Rush Nursery School staff in 2008 as a teacher aide and began
teaching in 2010. Immediately following college Karen taught computers for the
Diocese of Rochester but left for a retail management career. She resigned from retail to raise her children. Karen brings to RNS a Masters Degree in Secondary Education in Mathematics.
Denise Chamberlain has been working part time at Rush Nursery School as a teacher aide since 2006. Previously Denise has taught in other pre school settings and has worked with special education students and substituted in the public schools. Denise brings to RNS a degree in Elementary Education.
INFORMATION FOR NEXT YEAR!
2011-2012 Pre-school Registration Information
We offer many options for your child to be part of the Rush Nursery School Family
TRADITIONAL TWO YEAR OLD NURSERY SCHOOL PROGRAM OPTIONS
1 day per week class – Fridays AM or PM
TRADITIONAL THREE YEAR OLD NURSERY SCHOOL PROGRAM OPTIONS
2 day class – Tuesday/Thursday AM or PM
2 day class – Monday/Wednesday AM or PM
TRADITIONAL FOUR YEAR OLD NURSERY SCHOOL PROGRAM OPTIONS
2 day class – Tuesday/Thursday AM or PM
3 day class – Monday/Wednesday/Friday AM or PM (PM may be combined with UPK class)
5 Day class – AM or PM (will be combined with UPK classes)
Registration Timeline – Registration will be mailed on Saturday, January 15 to current families
Classes will be formed on a first come, first serve basis, so return your completed application as soon as possible. For additional information or to receive an application after January 15th please contact:
Jennifer McDougall
Registrar
359-4566
Email Jen
UNIVERSAL PRE-K PROGRAM OPTION AND REGISTRATION
5 Day class – AM or PM (may be combined with traditional classes)
All RH residents get mailed an UPK application automatically after Christmas break. Call the school district if not received by 2nd week of January.
Fill out and return the application to the school district ASAP.
Returned applications are dated stamped and numbered.
You will receive a confirmation letter in the mail that your application has been received by the school district.
Acceptance or waiting list letters are mailed out from the school district by mid-February.
Once you receive your acceptance letter, call to schedule your interview appointment with the school district.
Interviews appointments begin at the end of April.
Must bring birth certificate
Must bring proof of residency
Must bring completed health and immunization form less than one year old.
Once the school district’s interview process is complete, you will receive a letter from them that tells all UPK sites that you have permission to register for their programs.
Contact the specific site you are interested in to register for their UPK classes.
Judy Cook and Connie Bellanca – Rush Henrietta’s UPK program coordinators – 359-7914
