Exciting Times For Newtown Congregational Preschool

By Susan Coney

Newtown Congregational Preschool, in existence since 1969, now finds itself enjoying a new facility as well as a new transition from a cooperative preschool to a more traditional teacher-run program. Although the school retains the Congregational name and is housed in the church’s new facility built in 2004, it is an independent, incorporated, nonprofit, and nondenominational school.

“We have discovered that parents new to our town or with young siblings are finding it too difficult to fulfill the requirements of a co-op,” said school director Kathy Murdy. “However, we still encourage our parents to enjoy time with their children in our classroom on a voluntary basis.”

In addition to being the school’s director, Ms Murdy often joins teachers Donna Miklaszewski and Liz Flynn in teaching the 3- and 4-year-olds. Helen Malyszka, the director of Suzuki Talent Education School in Sandy Hook, provides the musical instruction. The school has extended the 4-year-old program to a four days a week class.

“Our curriculum has undergone many new changes,” said Ms Murdy. “Since the school system has made more academic demands on our children we have made appropriate changes in our curriculum to meet their needs. The teachers will make visits to kindergarten classes to keep in touch with their curriculum. We will continue with our art and enrichment program.”

On Thursday, February 9, in preparation for Valentine’s Day, the 3-year-old preschoolers were busy working with Ms Flynn making colorfully decorated hearts while Ms Miklaszewski was engaged in an adjacent classroom running a musical explorers enrichment group for the 4 year olds.

The classrooms at the preschool are large, brightly colorful, and very child friendly. The youngsters were actively working, playing, singing, and exploring the use of musical instruments.