- Tell me about Ambler Weekday Nursery School.
- What is the stated purpose of Ambler Weekday?
- Why do the classes run on consecutive days?
- Can parents be involved in the school?
- Are the school doors locked during school hours?
- How can I volunteer to be a door monitor?
- How long has Ambler Weekday been educating children?
- Do you bring outside programs into the school?
- Does AWNS provide transportation?
- What is your LATE policy?
- Does the school have an elevator?
- What is the morning ARRIVAL procedure?
- What is the DISMISSAL procedure?
- Do you have Parent Conferences?
- Do you take field trips?
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Tell me about Ambler Weekday Nursery School.
Ambler Weekday Nursery School is a non-profit organization under the
direction of the Nursery School Committee of the First Presbyterian Church of
Ambler.
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What is the stated purpose of Ambler Weekday?
It's purpose is to:
* promote understanding among children of every race, religion, nationality,
and economic background.
* encourage appropriate play experiences that contribute to the physical,
social, emotional, intellectual, and aesthetic development of the child.
* broaden the child's horizon with learning situations based on play, which
build important foundations for future reading skills and other academic
pursuits.
* offer a professional staff with bachelor degrees carefully selected for
educational background, teaching experience, and ability to provide a
Christian atmosphere.
* welcome parent involvement in the school, so that parents and children
alike can experience the partnership of those who educate the child.
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Why do the classes run on consecutive days?
Our run on consecutive days for continuity. This teaches the children to go
to school one day after another, as opposed to every other day. We believe
this better prepares them for future years in kindergarten and elementary
school.
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Can parents be involved in the school?
Yes. Parents are encouraged to share their talents and to participate in
classroom projects at the teacher's disgression. Healthy snacks and party
supplies are often volunteered by parents. Father's Night, Mother's Tea, and
individual parent-teacher conferences offer other opportunities for
involvement.
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Are the school doors locked during school hours?
YES. The school entrance is monitored by a parent volunteer from 9:00 to
9:15 AM after which time the door is locked for the morning. The school
secretary unlocks the door at 11:55 AM and monitors the door for dismissal.
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How can I volunteer to be a door monitor?
Your classroom teacher will have a sign up sheet for this important activity.
Each class monitors the door 1 morning a week.
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How long has Ambler Weekday been educating children?
Ambler Weekday was established in 1966 and is celebrating its 42nd
anniversary this year.
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Do you bring outside programs into the school?
YES. We are constantly striving to improve the quality of experiences for
your child. In addition to our Music with Peter Moses program that the
children enjoy twice a month (once a month for the Rainbow Fish class) we
bring in a number of quality, outside programs. Some of these are: Bill
Wood Ha! Ha! Halloween storyteller, Eating Healthy Food nutrition program,
the Philadelphia Zoo, The Walnut Street Theater, Segal Puppet Theater's Tooth
Buddy program, SPCA, Quiver Farm chick hatching, Art Goes To School, Virtual
Whale Watch and Water Works science program. In addition to these programs,
the Pre-K class goes to the Keswick Theater each spring for a live
performance.
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Does AWNS provide transportation?
NO. Transportation is not provided by the school, but aid will be given in
establishing car pools.
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What is your LATE policy?
Unfortunately we have had problems in the past with parents being chronically
late in picking up their children. This year there will be a late fee if you
pick up later than 12:00 noon (or 2:30 PM for Lunch Bunch). You will be
given verbal warnings the first and second times you are late. After that,
you will be charged $5 for the first five (5) minutes and $1 for each
successive minute. This must be paid in the school office before the next
time your child comes to school. Please make sure you get a receipt for proof
of payment. We understand emergencies happen, but when they happen on a
regular basis, they cannot be considered emergencies.
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Does the school have an elevator?
The First Presbyterian Church installed an elevator a few years ago as part
of their renovation process. This elevator is intended for use by the
elderly, disabled, and those with physical conditions which make it difficult
for them to use the stairs. Under certain circumstances, others may be given
a pass to use the elevator.
The church has very graciously given Ambler Weekday parents permission to use
the elevator, but ONLY FOR THE SAME USES AS THE CHURCH MEMBERS - THAT IS,
THOSE WHO ARE ELDERLY, DISABLED, OR HAVE PHYSICAL CONDITIONS MAKING THE
STAIRS DANGEROUS OR A HEALTH RISK. ALL OTHER PARENTS AND CHILDREN ARE ASKED
TO USE THE STAIRS.
If you have a temporary reason to need the elevator, you may make the request
in the Nursery School Office, and we will forward it to the church. They
will make a decision on the elevator pass.
IF GIVEN PERMISSION TO USE THE ELEVATOR, YOUR CHILD MUST BE UNDER CONSTANT
SUPERVISION AND CAN NEVER BE ALLOWED TO RIDE THE ELEVATOR ALONE.
The elevator is very costly for the church to run, and we ask your
cooperation with this so those who truly need it are not denied access.
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What is the morning ARRIVAL procedure?
All children in the 3, 4, and 5 year old programs should be brought to the
door of their classroom each day NO EARLIER THAT 8:55 A. The children in
the Toddler class (2 year olds) should be brought to the door of their
classroom NO EARLIER THAN 9:25 AM. Please wait with your child until the
teacher has opened the door and greeted him/her.
Punctuality and regular attendance are of the gretest benefit to your child.
They aid in the development of skills and allow the child to feel a part of
the total program.
Parking is available in the municipal lot adjacent to the church. Please
park in the metered spaces only! Between 8:55 and 9:15 AM (for 3, 4, and 5
year old classes), you do not need to deposit money in the meter. DO NOT
PARK IN THE RENTAL SPACES, WHICH ARE ALL THOSE SPACES ALONG THE SIDEWALK
LEADING TO THE CHURCH, or double park so as to block these spaces in any
way. The Toddler class must put money in the meter at arrival time.
Unfortunately, the meter maid cannot promise us that she will not be in the
lot at this time.
YOU MUST WAIT FOR A TEACHER TO OPEN THE PARKING LOT DOOR AT 8:55 AM. DO NOT
BUZZ THE CHURCH OFFICE. After a teacher opens the door, you may enter the
building and go to your child's classroom.
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What is the DISMISSAL procedure?
In order to facilitate traffic at 12:00 Noon, we have developed the following
plan for dismissal.
5 DAY PRE-K CLASS - This class is dismissed from the playground each day,
weather permitting. Park your car in the lot or along Ridge Avenue, or pull
up next to the rental spaces near the playground. Come to the playground to
meet your child. Please do not block traffic lanes for an extended period of
time.
3 DAY DINOSAUR CLASS - This class will dismiss from the municipal parking lot
door at 12:00 Noon. Parents should form a car line behind (but not blocking)
the handicapped parking space near the school entrance (facing Mattison
Avenue School), but please do not arrive before 12:00 Noon.
2 DAY (3 YEAR OLDS & 3 DAY BUSY BEES - These children will be dismissed from
their classrooms. You must park in the metered spaces and meet your child at
his/her classroom.
TODDLERS - These children will be dismissed from their classrooms. Please
park in the metered spaces and meet your child in his/her room.
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Do you have Parent Conferences?
YES! Individual parent conferences will be held half way through the school
year for all classes except the Toddler classes. However, if at any time you
have concerns about your child, please do not hesitate to consult with
his/her teacher.
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Do you take field trips?
All classes have the option to take "walking" trips. The 5 Day Pre-K class
is the only class that is permitted to take field trips that involve actual
transportation from school. 5 Day parents will be asked to provide
transportation and assist the classroom teachers with supervision for these
trips.
