Rye’s “small by design” nursery school program, Christ’s Church Nursery School, has a long history as a successful play-based nursery school. CCNS’s educators believe that the best child-appropriate practices are those that support play as a vehicle to learning. Families can be assured that CCNS is committed to providing a safe and healthy physical environment for children to learn and grow in an exceptional and nurturing environment.
CCNS will welcome students back in September to bright, freshly painted walls in both the hallways and classrooms. Many classrooms were reconfigured to provide bigger, airier, and more open learning and play spaces. The bathrooms were also fully renovated and upgraded with new child-size toilets and sinks.
The school boasts an expansive, block-long playground, already equipped with a soft rubber track for bicycles and scooters, a small turf field for soccer or other sports, large Legos, and multiple climbing play structures, and is adding a brand-new sandbox and playhouse. Gifted by CCNS’s active and generous Parents Association, the sandbox and house will allow students ample dramatic play opportunities.
In addition to the classroom, bathroom, and playground upgrades, CCNS continues to enhance safety measures. Building upon last year’s security improvements that included a key card only entry system and ultimate safety doors, CCNS has added more cameras for greater visibility throughout the school and property. To help ensure the safety for all, Christ’s Church will join CCNS in locking all doors during the school day while continuing to welcome their visitors with a camera and buzzer system.
NEW STAFF
The caliber of the teachers is a hallmark of CCNS; all Head teachers have a Master’s in Education.
Myrna Kara, a teacher’s assistant since 2012, will become a Head teacher in the 3’s program. She completed her Master’s in Early Childhood Education in the spring, and with an open position, the school community is thrilled to have her fill the spot.
CCNS also welcomes three new assistant teachers to its 2’s Program. Erica Kinshel comes to CCNS after a year as a leave-replacement aide in grades 1 to 3 at Osborn School. She also worked as a Head Counselor for preschool children at Rye Recreation KiddyCamp. She is excited to continue working with preschool children as they continue their educational journey.
Janet McClure, a lifelong resident of Rye, loving mother of four adult children, and parishioner at Christ’s Church, brings a warm, calm, and nurturing presence. She previously taught at Our Lady of the Rosary Chapel School and is taking classes at Westchester Community College in pursuit of an Early Childhood Education degree in Special Education and the Arts. Mrs. McClure’s goal is to work with young children to enrich the children’s school experience.
This spring, Leah Yusi graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Sports Studies from Manhattanville College, where she plans to pursue a master’s degree in a child-related area. Her passion for working with children has benefitted Westchester Country Club, where she has spent the past seven summers as a camp counselor. “Leah has a strong interest in child development and loves working with children to help them acquire the core skills that will help them in school and beyond,” said CCNS Director Ann Hirsch.
Christ’s Church Nursery School
2 Rectory Street, Rye
914-967-5758
www.ccnsrye.org/
Director: Ann Hirsch
