St. Andrew’s Nursery School and Kindergarten in Cherry Hill is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2016 and wants to extend a special, reunion birthday party invitation to anyone who has ever been associated with the school — a universe that stretches back in time to include nearly 12,000 beloved students, plus all their parents, grandparents, nannies, staff, church members and assorted other friends and associates.
The birthday party will take place at St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church on Wednesday, April 20, from 6 to 8 p.m., downstairs in the all-purpose room. Cake and punch will be provided for all.
Also on that festive evening, St. Andrew’s will be showcasing the school’s famous and spectacular, 43rd annual children’s art show, which will be on display throughout the entire building.
“Come one; come all,” said director Jill Mayo. “It will be a fabulous 50th Anniversary evening. We are anxious to see everyone — past and present.”
Mayo has just announced that she will retire at the end of this special anniversary year. She had been thinking about retirement, she says, but the timing didn’t feel quite right until recently.
“Jill has done a terrific job, and we are sad to see her step down,” said office administrator Connie DiRocco, “but we do expect a perfectly smooth transition, and I assure you that all our great programs will continue.”
The school governing committee has selected a familiar and highly qualified St. Andrew’s teacher, Megan Falcone, to succeed Mayo. The transition will take place on May 28, at the beginning of the school’s summer program. Falcone has a master’s degree in education/early childhood education, and taught first grade in public school before coming to St. Andrew’s. “I’m a parent myself, and I started at St. Andrew’s as a parent,” Falcone said, “so I have that important parent’s perspective. I’ve been teaching different classes here for quite a few years, and this spring, I’m shadowing Jill closely. I’m just thrilled to be taking on this new role.”
Following the big birthday party in April, the school plans to host a special gala evening for all past and present teachers and staff and church members on Saturday, May 7, at the Marian House on South Kings Highway in Cherry Hill.
The landmark nursery school is busy, as usual, accepting registrations for its summer camp program, as well as for the 2016–2017 school year. Regular classes range from Mother’s Morning Out and Toddler programs through kindergarten enrichment and transitional kindergarten classes. Additional enrichment options include a literacy lab for 3 year olds and a science and math academy for 4 year olds.
For more information on the 50th Anniversary events, contact the school office at StAndrewsNSK@verizon.net or (856) 429–4470. You may find more information on the school’s programs at www.staNurserySchool.com.
