St. Francis Preschool campers and staff enjoy a sunny day on the playground.
WESTON, CT - Attention campers -- don your shorts and shades and head for the Saint Francis of Assisi playground! The Saint Francis Preschool Camp will open its doors to all community 3, 4, and 5 year-olds (not just current students) on Tuesday, May 31st. When most area preschools end in spring, parents seek to keep toddlers busy while their school-age children are still in session. A wonderful option is the fun-filled, 3-week camp at St. Francis of Assisi, located in the heart of town at 35 Norfield Road, Weston.
The 2011 Summer Camp is held from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., has three sessions, and kicks off Memorial Day week (a 4-day week due to the holiday). Session 1 spans May 31st - June 3rd, Session 2 is June 6th -10th, and the camp ends with Session 3 taking place during June 13th - 17th. Tuition for each session is $129, with a $75 deposit (needed to secure your camper’s spot), which will be applied to the tuition. Camp activities include water and outdoor play, games and crafts, and a nut-free snack is provided. Summer Camp registration forms are available at the Preschool or via the parish website at www.sfaparish.com. Registration for fall classes is also open. Those interested should contact school director, Eleanor Moore, at 203.454.8646 or emoore@sfaparish.com.
Saint Francis of Assisi Preschool was founded in 1999 and is one of Fairfield County’s only Catholic preschool programs. The school is accredited by the State of Connecticut and its philosophy centers around both play and age-appropriate academics. In addition, the Preschool regularly uses an educational consultant and publishes lesson plans for parents’ review. Though parish-run, children of all denominations attend.
The St. Francis of Assisi Preschool was the brainchild of former pastor, Monsignor Nicholas Grieco, whose passion for education spurred him to erect a parish Preschool. The current pastor, Father Michael Dunn, visits the 3s and 4s weekly and ensures the school mission -- caring for children’s growth and development in a nurturing, Catholic environment -- continues. “Our Preschool is an integral part of the parish. It not only provides the academics that are stepping stones for kindergarten, but nurtures the children’s faith life and fosters self-discovery and a respect for others,” said Dunn.
Saint Francis Preschool offers the following year-round programming: “Bright Beginnings,” a drop-off (two or three-day) class for 2s (toilet-training is not necessary), a 3s Program offering three or five days of instruction, and a 4s Program, with a four or five-day option. What’s more, parents can enroll 3 and 4-year olds in the Preschool’s extended day enrichment classes, which take place from 12:00 noon - 2:00 p.m. and has included the following. “Lunch Bunch” incorporates lunch, music, movement, crafts, and outdoor play. “Cooking” has students prepare edible treats as they learn self-help skills, reading and math concepts, nutrition, and task completion. “Pre-Literacy Skills,” open to all 4s, lays the foundation for literate thinking and kindergarten readiness and incorporates reading, rhyming, and story-telling. And “Heathy Kids,” a combination of sports, exercise, and games, may also return for the 2011-2012 school year. Based on demand, a Mommy and Me once-a-week, year-round class for parents and children 18 months - 2 years old, may be added to the St. Francis Preschool schedule as well.
Director, Eleanor Moore, who has been on campus for five years, has sought to broaden the curriculum during her tenure, specifically with the addition of technology, foreign language, and social science instruction. Formerly on staff at The Convent of the Sacred Heart in Greenwich, Moore wanted to instill much in her young students. “It is of utmost importance to develop the whole child -- academically, spiritually, emotionally, and physically -- and that they leave well-rounded and prepared for the years ahead.” “I’ve also tried to instill a sense of helping others in our students,” added Mrs. Moore.
Mrs. Moore’s community outreach vision has since taken root at St. Francis. Past projects she has spearheaded include sending Halloween candy and tooth brushes to troops in Iraq, donating toys during the holidays and collecting baby and maternity clothes for under-privileged mothers. This year, the Preschool adopted a 2nd Grade Class from Roberto Clemente Elementary School in New Haven, to which they donated books-on-tape, backpacks, winter wear and school supplies. Moore also oversees the school’s Parents Association, fund-raisers, monthly newsletter, Field Day, annual Christmas Pageant, graduation, and yearbook production.
To register for the Saint Francis of Assisi Summer Camp or year-round Preschool program, visit the school or call 203.454.8646. Additional details can be found at www.sfaparish.com
