Welcome to Nursery! There is an exciting year awaiting, designed to promote and enhance your child’s growth and development. This very important year promises to be one filled with discovery and joy as your child works and plays in an environment that is warm, safe, and stimulating.

About Me

Hello! My name is Joanna Bodnar and I am so excited to be your child’s first teacher at St. Francis.  I have been working at the prekindergarten level on and off since 1997, as both an assistant and teacher. I moved up to junior high after completing my degree at Stony Brook University. I took some time off with my children, but returned to pre-K in 2012, when my girls were 5 and 7. I started back as an assistant in pre-K and then switched to nursery a few years later. I am honored to have the opportunity to teach your children and am looking forward to a great year!

School Hours  

The Nursery class meets everyday from 7:45AM – 2:20 PM.

Our entrance is around the back, past the playground and pre-k entrance. We are so fortunate to have our own quiet entrance/exit. The children are able to enter right into the classroom without the noise of the hallway. It makes for a much easier transition into school. 

            *IMPORTANT NOTE*

Students entering Nursery school must be potty trained. The children must be in underwear, no diapers or pull ups. Sneakers with socks are also the best shoes for the children to wear in the classroom. 

Our Daily Routine

Throughout the school day, the structure of activities is carefully planned to encourage independence, self- confidence, and group cooperation through large group, small group, and one-on-one participation in a variety of hands-on, interactive experiences. The activities will incorporate instruction with developmentally appropriate reading strategies, mathematics, science, social studies, art, fine and gross motor skills, social/emotional skills, and language development. 

Our Schedule

What To Expect

Our Curriculum is designed around the alphabet. We will work on letter recognition, words that start with that letter, and writing the letter. Seasonal and holiday crafts are also worked in each week along with stories and songs that reinforce concepts. 

Religion

Religion is a very big part of our curriculum. We say the Our Father and Hail Mary everyday. We also have a special prayer that we say each day before snack and lunch. We will be doing some special projects each month as well.  For example, in October, while the upper grades are getting ready for the Rosary Rally, we will be making our own Rosary Beads. During the month of November, we say thank you to God for all that we have. December is all about getting ready for Jesus’ birth. Each day of Advent, Mary and Joseph travel to a different part of our classroom getting closer and closer to Bethlehem. The children love finding where they might be on their journey each day. During Lent, we lightly discuss what happens to Jesus and get ready for Easter Sunday. The children will each make a beautiful journal about the special days leading up to Easter Sunday. Finally,  the month of May is devoted to the Blessed Mother. We are also very excited to have a new Religion program with special coloring sheets geared towards our littlest learners. Please look for the pages in your child’s folder. 

Snack Fee

This fee, $65 and cash only, is used to purchase snacks, water, and special items for school celebrations. A healthy snack (goldfish, pretzels, crackers, etc.) will be provided for your child.

Parent / Teacher Communication

I believe communication is the key to your child’s success and a great parent/teacher relationship. Nursery will be using Seesaw as our main form of communication. In September, you will receive information on how to join our class. You can choose to receive notifications when we upload pictures, videos, or messages to our Seesaw class page. If you do send an important message regarding your child during the school day, I ask it be sent within an hour of our class start time.  If you do not receive a response, it is important to call the office to make sure the message is received.You can always email me at [email protected] if you have any questions.

Supply List

•  1 backpack (large enough to fit a folder, no wheelie bags)
•   1 lunch box
•  1 two sided folder with bottom pockets
•  change of clothes (underwear, pants, shirts, socks and please send in a large ziplock that is labeled)
•  $65 snack fee (Cash only) (please send in an envelope with your child’s name on it
•  2 packages of baby wipes
•  2 bottles of antibacterial hand soap (not orange dial)
•  2 boxes of 3 oz plastic bathroom cups
•  4 purple Elmer glue sticks
•  1 Crayola watercolor palette / 8 colors
•  4 box of tissues
•  2 rolls of Bounty paper towels
•  1 box of gallon size freezer ziplock bags
•  1 box sandwich size ziplock bags
•  6 wallet size photos of your child
•  1 package large, (9in)  plain white plates
•  1 package small, (6in) plain white plates 
•  1 roll painters tape - BOYS ONLY
•  1 roll of clear packing tape - GIRLS ONLY
• 1 box of plastic forks - BOYS ONLY
• 1 box of plastic spoons - GIRLS ONLY
• 1 box of straws - GIRLS ONLY
• 1 can Barbasol original shaving cream - BOYS ONLY 

Getting Ready for Nursery

Here are some helpful tips to get your child ready for Nursery School.

• Establish a set schedule
• Stick with morning and bedtime routines
• Take advantage of teachable moments
• Work on fine motor skills
• Set up daily chores
• Make time for reading

Don’t over prepare your child. Nursery is a big step. Try to talk about school in a positive and upbeat way. 

Be prepared for separation anxiety. Each child responds to separation differently, but always remember your child is loved and in safe hands.