Overview
About the West Side Nursery School
The West Side Nursery School celebrated its 50th anniversary last year. The school has expanded from the original three teachers to a staff of about 18 under the leadership of director Gayle Sussman. There is an Advisory Board of church members and members of the Nursery School community.
The school offers preference in registration to children of West Side members. All nursery school families are welcome at all church events.
In the fall, the Nursery School sponsors a book fair as a fundraiser. In December, the children perform in a Christmas concert. In the spring, there is a concert for little children held in the Dining Room.
West Side Nursery School is a warm and caring place for children to learn and grow while they play and have fun. Large, well-equipped classrooms are the scene of arts and crafts, stories, singing, playing, and other activities that encourage individual creativity, learning, and socialization.
While the curriculum includes developmentally appropriate accademic goals for preschoolers, West Side Nursery School's primary goal is to nurture children so that they may grow in a positive manner, becoming caring, creative, and responsible members of our society.
A music teacher augments the music program of the school. In addition, the children have weekly session of movement, gymnastics, and special indoor exercise with a trained specialist.
A half-acre playground is part of the school. The fenced-in area is naturally landscaped and has unusual equipment built by the parents and the church. Children go out onto the playground every day all year long.
The Staff
The director and staff, all trained in early childhood education, are capable, friendly, experienced, and accessible. Teachers are always available for conferences, whether formal or informal. They take pride in providing a rich program for the children that enables them to work effectively and have a positive feeling of self. All teachers also are CPR and first aid certified. 
Parent Participation
We rely on volunteer class parent representatives, newsletters, bulletin boards, and the telephone and e-mails to communicate with parents and to make everyone feel welcome to West Side. Parents have opportunities to socialize and make friends for themselves and their children.
Nursery School Board
There is an Advisory Board made up of church members and representatives from the school's families. Members are:
| President: | Lorien Gallo |
| Treasurer: | Lauren Cuneo |
| Secretary: | Candace Papageorge |
| Hospitality: | Kim Brady |
| Elizabeth McCarthy | |
| Fundraising: | Anne McDonnell |
| Danielle Nugent | |
| Publicity: | Maureen Neumann |
| Parent Liaisons: | Jenny Stillman |
| Tracey Clem | |
| Director: | Gayle Sussman |
| Minister: | Penny Hogan* |
| Session Rep: | Elisabeth Sue* |
| Trustee: | Elizabeth Shadbolt* |
*West Side Presbyterian Church Member