Beth Weisblatt (Nursery School Director) has spent her career as an advocate for helping children develop self esteem, confidence, and love of learning. Having taught as a Lead Teacher for the past seventeen years at The Nursery School at Temple Emanuel, Beth has been named as the School’s Director. Beth received a B.S. degree in Nursing at Adelphi University and completed her M.S. degree in Child and Family Psychiatric Nursing at Boston University.
While a staff nurse at Children’s Hospital, Beth met her husband Rick and her family later settled in Andover MA where her children attended the Nursery School. Beth’s twenty-three years affiliated with Temple Emanuel has given her a deep appreciation of the importance of community among teachers, families, and their children.
Barbara Hacker (Nursery School Assistant Director) comes from Peabody, MA and has lived in Andover for the past 38 years. She earned a degree in Elementary Education from Boston University and began her teaching career in the Peabody Public Schools as an early elementary school teacher. Barbara’s relationship with the Nursery School began when her daughter entered the Redbird program. In 1986, Barbara joined the teaching staff and over these many years she has taught Redbirds, Bluebirds, Four Plus More, and Directed Camp June Bugs. Barbara assumed the additional role of Assistant Director in 1994.
Barbara has also been an active member in the Temple Emanuel community. For many years she was a member of the Religious School Committee including service as its Co-Chair.
Educational Philosophy and Mission Statement
Children find meaning and joy through play. We create an environment that encourages children to learn through discovery. Our commitment to this is seen in our rich developmentally appropriate play-based curriculum. We provide experiences for children, which aid in the academic domains of literacy, math, and science as well as the more traditional early learning areas, cognitive, social emotional, physical, and language development. We meet every child at their developmental level, nurture their growth and foster excitement of their own discoveries.
The Nursery School at Temple Emanuel provides a safe, warm and caring environment that welcomes children and families to our community. We encourage children to explore, experiment, and create while promoting self confidence, self expression, independence
and a lifelong love of learning. Please feel free to download or read our 2011-2012 Nursery School Handbook.
Experienced Faculty
Our Nursery school benefits from our talented and experienced staff who are committed to working with young children. They participate in a continuing program of in-service education and studies for professional advancement; in order to remain knowledgeable to the ever changing need’s of today’s families and to the findings of current research. Our school promotes dynamic teaching practices, self reflection and professional growth.
School Environment
Our classrooms are bright and spacious offering quiet spaces for children to work in small groups, cozy corners for being comfortable with a book, and inviting areas that allow children to engage in activities such as building, writing and dramatic play. During the course of the day children have the opportunity to use the different learning centers for exploration involving nature, stories, music, and expressive arts. We also have a large art studio where children can create their own masterpieces. Our brand new playground offers safe and exciting opportunities for children to play and practice climbing, mastering new gross motor skills. The children’s rock wall offers adventure while the triple slide encourages fun with friends. Our ball toss, musical instrument section and large sand area provide other activities for school yard fun and learning.
Small Classes
Children thrive in the environment fostered by our low child to teacher ratios. This allows teachers to meet every child’s individual needs.
Commitment to Diversity
The Nursery School at Temple Emanuel is committed to an inclusive learning environment. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion or family structure.
Enrichment Specialists
Our wonderful enrichment programs include weekly “Tiny Tunes” music classes where children learn new songs, participate in movement with rhythm and accompany their singing with instruments. The weekly “Art Studio” classes in our new richly equipped art studio allow children to explore different art mediums such as paint, clay, woodworking, and collaging. Our Art Specialist sparks the children’s imagination to produce their own works of art and build a portfolio of their work. Every Friday our school celebrates Shabbat featuring singing, guitar playing and eating delicious challah.
In addition we have a monthly “Discovery Science” program that encourages children to question and explore the physical world around them. Our “Get Youth Moving” program promotes physical fitness and healthy living. Children learn an array of games, exercises, and new ways to enjoy our playground equipment as they grow and build their gross motor skills.Visiting puppeteers, storytellers and magicians provide wonder to our children throughout the year. Our diverse group of parents at Temple Emanuel Nursery School are encouraged to share their own traditions and talents in the classroom.
Preschool Programs
Morning Classes: 9:00AM-12:00PM
Yellowbirds 2 days/week 2.9-3 years old (Tue & Thu)
Redbirds 3 days/week 3-4 years old (Mon, Wed, & Fri)
Bluebirds 4 days/week 4-5 years old (Mon,Tue, Wed & Fri)
Four Plus More 1 day/week Optional 5th day for Bluebirds (Thu)
Lunch Bunch: 12:00PM-3:00PM (Available Monday-Friday)
Lunch Bunch is our afternoon program and is open to all children in our school. Children attending this program enjoy packing a dairy lunch to be eaten at school and benefit from an afternoon filled with friends and playtime. Children may attend 1-5 afternoons a week.
Early Drop – Off: 8:15AM (Available Monday – Friday)
Application Process
Visits by prospective parents begin in November for Temple members and siblings and the end of November for the community at large. For registration information, please call the school office at 978-470-1563.
