We hope everyone enjoyed a meaningful holiday season. It's so nice to now get into our regular school routine.
Tomorrow morning, between 8-9am, the alarm company will be testing the building's fire alarm system. If you are dropping off your child/children any time during that hour, you may hear a loud sound or see bright flashing lights. The teachers have been made aware of this and for those children being dropped off for Before Care, they will be well-prepared for possible noises and/or lights.
Looking ahead in the week, we see that Halloween is on Thursday, October 31, 2024. For most, Halloween is a secular American holiday, with traditions emphasizing local community and neighborhood connections. For others, its pagan origins (dating to ancient times), Christian associations (dating to the Middle Ages), and history of anti-Semitic activity make it a religious celebration and therefore off-limits for Jews. The full range of participation in Halloween is visible in the Jewish community: some families embrace it fully, some reject it completely, and some find a spot for themselves somewhere in-between. All those responses are represented at Beth El Nursery School. Because we are a Jewish Nursery School, we do not include Halloween in our programs of holiday celebrations or in our classroom curriculum.The school does not post decorations, have children come in costumes, or distribute candy/treats. Those rituals are reserved for Purim, an explicitly Jewish holiday. At the same time, Beth El Nursery School does not presume to tell families how to engage with Halloween. This means some students in every classroom will talk about their plans with great enthusiasm, while others will be silent. Our job (teachers and parents alike) is to be alert to these conversations as they occur, and to recognize their potential to make a Beth El Nursery School student feel like an outsider within their Jewish classroom and Jewish school. We are all responsible for providing a safe and supportive forum for examination and reflection, if necessary. We thank you for your understanding and cooperation. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to us.
On a separate note, for our After Care families, due to a Staff Meeting on Tuesday, November 5, After Care will end at 3PM for all children. Please be sure to mark your calendars.
Also, with the clocks changing this Sunday, early dismissal Fridays will begin on Friday, November 8. All full-day classes will dismiss at 1:30PM.
Be sure to scroll down for important information regarding upcoming events at Beth El and the surrounding community so you don't miss out on anything.
Wishing you a wonderful rest of your week, Ronnie and Shery
Hello! My name is Julie Schnur and I am happy to introduce myself to you as a social work consultant at Beth El Nursery School! I’m excited that Beth El continues to partner with Westchester Jewish Community Service’s Project SEED Program. Project SEED (Supporting Early Emotional Development) will be available throughout the year as a resource for children, parents, and teachers.
I am a licensed child and adolescent therapist and have been working as a social worker since 2012. I hold a Bachelors degree in Child Development from Tufts University and a Masters Degree in Social Work from NYU Silver School of Social Work. I have extensive experience providing therapeutic treatment to children, adolescents and families in hospitals, community centers, schools and private practice.
This year I will be collaborating with parents and teachers to help support children, both at home and at school. I am available to provide guidance and support on issues such as sleep, emotional regulation, social skills development, setting boundaries, establishing routines, and much more.
I look forward to getting to know you and partnering with your school this year! Please know that I am here to support you in any way possible and please never hesitate to reach out. I will be at Beth El beginning Monday, November 4, and then every other Monday moving forward.
You can contact me at jschnur@wjcs.com or ask Ronnie to put us in touch!
Mums' Night Out on Thursday, November 14
Looking for a fabulous night out? Don't miss Mums' Night Out! Join fellow Nursery School moms and enjoy a floral decorating class together on Thursday, November 14 at The Flower Bar! $60 per person will include flowers, supplies, wine and snacks. Please register by Thursday, November 7.Click here to register.
Dads' Night Out on Thursday, November 21
It's time for a dads hang out! Enjoy a night of golf with fellow Nursery School dads at our annual Dads' NIght Out! The event will take place at Golfzon. $50 per person will include pizza and golf.Click here to register.
The Magic of Camp
Are you missing the magic of camp? Interested in learning more about Beth El Day Camp? Mark your calendars for Sunday, November 17 at 3PM for a Magic Show! Additional details below. Click here to register.
Thinking of Sending Your Child to The Leffell School?
Thinking of sending your child to The Leffell School? Please mark your calendars for The Leffell School's Open House for Young Families - Sunday, November 17 at 10:00 a.m. Enjoy the beautiful fall foliage on the Lower School campus and learn about The Leffell School in informational sessions focused on their academic program, Jewish life and learning, and the kindergarten experience, while your child engages in art, movement, and music activities led by teachers. The program concludes with lunch and the opportunity to meet with current parents and members of school leadership. Click here to register.
Sign Up to Participate in Our Parent Association!
We are incredibly energized by the good turnout at our recent Beth El Nursery School Parent Association meeting and are eager to launch the year along with everyone who wants to volunteer to support our school. We put together a list of volunteer opportunities and we’ve outlined what the job entails along with approximate time commitment.
We hope that this will provide some clarity and illustrate that volunteering for the Nursery School can really be as limited or expansive as fits your schedule. We know that many of you filled out the sheets at orientation. We are asking that you now fill out this spreadsheet which we will use as our master list. Should you be interested, please feel free to sign up for more than one job! You can access it, here. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out!
Enjoy the week ahead, Andrea and Kara - Parent Association Co-Presidents
Save the Date
Casino Night is the Nursery School's biggest fundraiser of the year and everyone in attendance enjoys a fabulous night out. Be sure to mark your calendars for Saturday night, January 11!
Challah in Your Cubby Fundraiser Beginning Nov. 1. Sign Up Today!
Sign Up Now for Toddler Time If You Have A Child Who Was Born in 2023
Our Fall Session of Toddler Time, facilitated by Morah Tina Schwartz has begun, but it's not too late to join our vibrant group. Details may be found on the flyer below and rates will be pro-rated. Click here to register.
Sisterhood's Fall Craft Fair and Boutique on Sun. Nov. 10
We are continuing our fundraising through Mabel's Labels. With every order we will earn 20% commission for our school. If you are not familiar with Mabel's Labels, they offer personalized waterproof name labels for your children's items. This is the perfect time to get your orders in before the school year begins. Visit campaigns.mabelslabels.com and choose Beth El Nursery School (New Rochelle) from the organization list. Click here to order.
