NEWTON NURSERY SCHOOL CELEBRATES 75^th ANNIVERSARY

           WEST NEWTON, Mass., June 15, 2009 – The Second Church Nursery School, in West Newton, Mass., kicks off its 75^th anniversary season this fall.  The school opened its doors to a post-war generation of preschoolers on Sept. 18, 1934.  Throughout its 75 years as a local institution, the school has graduated nearly 3,000 students, according to Elinor H. Dare, director.  The anniversary will be celebrated with a series of special activities for the students and special guests starting in September.  Festivities will include a puppet show, rock concert and a 75^th anniversary birthday party for the children, families and special guests.

 The quality of the educational and preschool experience has been the key to the longevity of The Second Church Nursery School, says Dare, who has been with the school for 39 years.  Industry experts and child psychologists agree on the importance of a quality pre-school

education as a stepping stone to success.  According to Dare, “Our school, the first formal nursery school in Newton, we believe, has adhered to that philosophy for 75 years.”  She continued, “The Second Church Nursery School promotes a child’s growth through enhancement of motor, social and cognitive skills.  We also believe that play is serious business.”  (Dare joined The Second Church Nursery School in 1971 as a teacher and has served as director for the past 22 years.)

 Findings from a  2008 study, published in the journal Science, determine that preschool often gives children an advantage in entering elementary school.[1]  The study finds that attending a quality preschool helps children improve mathematic ability, reading ability and social skills.  Researchers conclude that good preschools can offer an opportunity above and beyond what most homes can provide. 

 The Second Church Nursery School, located at 60 Highland St. near West Newton Square, opened its doors as a program of The Second Church.  The Church was founded in 1781 as a community institution.  A small group of church members later founded the nursery school to nurture child development using the best findings in pre-school education and Christian Education.  Programs were held at the Second Church Parish House five mornings a week.  Space was restricted to only 20 of the church members’ children because of limited funding.  Today, the school operates out of an extension of the church that was built in 1939.  There are six classrooms with a large function room for special events and an outdoor playground.  Since its founding, attendance at the nursery school has more than tripled and the school serves approximately 80 families in Newton and the surrounding communities.  Many students are second generation alumni.  The Second Church Nursery School has graduated many high achievers over the years, including Ted Murphy, who won a silver medal for rowing in the Sydney 2000 Olympics.   

 Mayor David Cohen says, “The Newton community is proud to have an organization that has been so committed to quality early childhood education.  For 75 years, the school has helped develop generations of young children who have become successful adults.  Our city is grateful for their services and we wish them continued success in nurturing our young citizens.”

 The Second Church Nursery School is governed by a board of parishioners.  An advisory committee of non-church members provides ongoing counsel and recommendations to the director.  The school has one director and 12 teachers and is a member of the Newton Early Childhood Association.  The Second Church Nursery School is a non-sectarian institution and a four-time recipient of the Newton Tab Readers’ Choice Award.  Funded solely through tuition and donations, the school offers extended day, toddler and summer programs, for children ages two to five.  Visit www.2ndchurchnurseryschool.org or call (617) 527-4770 for more information.