NCCNS Eagerly Awaits New Home

By Larissa Lytwyn

During a recent visit to Newtown Congregational Cooperative Nursery School’s (NCCNS) soon-to-be new location, Director Kathy Murdy could not stop smiling.

While NCCNS was originally established on church property, in recent years it was been using space in the former Church House, which is currently owned by the Newtown Savings Bank.

Now, NCCNS is coming back to the church in new and improved space at 14 West Street. The church is in its final stages of renovation and expansion.

The 48- by 14-foot space is considerably larger than the school’s previous site.

“The building will definitely be ready for our children during the 2004-05 school year,” said Ms Murdy. “There will be plenty of parking. It’s very accessible.”

Directly outside the new site will be the school’s new playground area, notably larger than the school’s current playground.

Children used to have to walk across the traffic-heavy Newtown Savings Bank parking lot to access the playground, often damaged by vandals.

Now, the children and staff will only have to open their door to stand on the new playground.

“We’re going to be moving three of our pieces from our current location here to the new site, including our ‘Stegosaurus,’ swing set, and [toy] fire engines,” she said. “We’ll also be putting in a new sandbox.”

Part of the uniqueness of a cooperative nursery school is that a board of parents, according to NCCNS’s brochure, operates it, allowing “each family to give their time and talents to enhance the quality of the program.”

“We have a real community here,” said Ms Murdy. “It’s a great place for young families new to town. We really encourage [NCCNS] parents, grandparents, and relatives to be involved with their children here — even if it’s just a quick visit during their workday.”

While Newtown Congregational Church members have priority enrollment, the school is open to all Newtown residents.

There are still several openings; for more information, contact Ms Murdy at 526-1657.