CRANBURY PRESBYTERIAN NURSERY SCHOOL: 1984 – 2009
- 1983: Church members/Educators met informally to explore the possibility of a church affiliated Nursery School.
- July 1983: Session authorized Ad Hoc Committee (Task Force) to study needs and make suggestions regarding such a school.
- Nov. 1983: The Task Force reported back to Session recommending the establishment of a church affiliated Nursery School, stating its goals, and naming a Board of Directors who would organize the school to begin in September 1984.
- 1984/85: C.P.N.S. opened with 2 teachers, 12 three year olds and 5 four year olds, mornings only, in Rooms 17, 18.
- 1985/86: Full enrollment of 14 three year olds and 16 four year olds, mornings only.
- 1986/87: Afternoon classes added, doubling students to 60.
- 1987/88: Two teachers added, classes held simultaneously, brought enrollment to 120. A formal Music Program introduced.
- 1990/91: Darlene Chermak, member of this church, assumed position of Director. Room 15 became storage area for school.
- 1991/92: Board commissioned Mrs. K. to develop program for 2 ½ year old classes, with renovations to Rooms 16, 17.
- 1992/93: “Two’s Program” began. C.P.N.S. now serves 144 children.
- 1993/94: C.P.N.S. experienced the making of the movie, “I Q”, when our church was headquarters for the filming and actors.
- 1994/95: A Developmental Consultant was incorporated as part of our program.
- 1997/98: A sectional fence replaced orange cones around playground. “Fun Friday” morning was offered each week for enrichment. We expanded to 160 students to accommodate 1 more class of four year olds whose school had closed. Lunch Program began.
- 1999/00: Janice Parker, C.P.N.S. Teacher, was promoted to Director as Mrs. Chermak moved to Texas. A small bathroom was installed in 3’s classroom. New C.P.N.S. Library cabinets were dedicated in memory of Gayle Abrahams, former Board Member, and Jack Specht, Elder. Current playground was installed.
- 2000/01: Classes were restructured and our total enrollment returned to 144 with a staff of 13. Lunch Program expanded to 4 days each week.
- 2002/03: A storage shed was installed at the rear of the playground for the school’s outdoor equipment.
- 2003/04: We are celebrating our 20th year with “Panda Parties” for students and alumni on May 17 – 23.
- 2004/05: Participated in the Township’s Annual Cranbury Day for the first time. Introduced “Creative Curriculum” as a new resource to enhance our existing curriculum. Added a new board position of a Cranbury School Teacher. Completely accessible via the church’s web-site; www.cranburypres.org.
- 2006-2007: Offered enrichment programs. Janice Parker, Director received the Degree of Master of Education in Early Childhood from the College of New Jersey.
- 2007-2008: Offered our lunch program 5 days a week. In the Spring that year we began our journey towards the National Association of Young Children’s mark of excellence through accreditation.
- 2008-2009: Mentored students “teachers” from the College of New Jersey. Two assistant teachers, Kathy Iorio and Debbie Petro obtained their Child Development Associates Degree. First Summer at CPNS program being offered.
May God continue to bless our C.P.N.S family for many years to come…