Dear Friends of Pilgrim Nursery School,
This year Pilgrim Nursery School
celebrates 50 years of providing quality education
to the pre-schoolers of our community. Although
the faces at Pilgrim have changed over the years,
the voices remain the same – joyful children,
caring teachers and watchful parents celebrating a
child’s first steps toward independence. The
years have been good to Pilgrim. Our educational
philosophy has stood the test of time, and
continues to focus on developing the whole child
through learning and play. We still enjoy the
Pilgrim Feast each Thanksgiving, complete with our
gourmet soup and cookies, lovingly prepared by the
students in the church kitchen. The Christmas
program rivals anything that could be seen at
Radio City and the Pilgrim Olympics give
spectators a glimpse of the athletes of the
future. Popsicles on the playground and Pilgrim
diplomas provide the stuff that memories are made
of. Pilgrim is a good place to be.
While traditions have been maintained, Pilgrim has
seen changes, too. This year, Pilgrim was
delighted to welcome our new director, Theresa
Messineo. Working with our experienced staff,
Theresa has maintained Pilgrim’s style while
introducing new ideas. New trends in teaching are
explored, ensuring that the curriculum remains
current and up-to-date, providing the students a
sturdy platform from which to dive into ‘big
school’ once the Pilgrim days have ended. The
physical plant is continually upgraded to provide
a safe, clean environment for learning (although
old favorites like the oatmeal table still occupy
center stage). In an effort to provide further
enrichment for our older students, Pilgrim offers
an extended program two days each week, when our
four-year-olds are invited for special adventures
through reading, cooking and experimenting.
Our outdoor activities continue to provide a major
part of Pilgrim life. In good weather, the
children are free to run and play on our wonderful
playground space. Who knows where their
imaginations take them when they soar in the tire
swing or watch an industrious ant drag a crumb
across a curbstone? In celebration of our 50th
birthday, we would like to renovate this fantastic
play space for use by future generations of
Pilgrims.
Thirty-five of our fifty years was spent under the
direction of our own Jean Williams. Jean gave
selflessly to the school, and helped Pilgrim
become- and remain- the cherished institution that
it is today. Therefore, we would like to create
The Jean Williams Memorial Playground in
recognition of this very special woman.
Plans have been drawn for a state-of-the-art
playground, complete with new landscaping and
equipment. In order to fund this project, Pilgrim
will be hosting a Family Fun Day on Saturday, June
10 on the South Lawn of the Congregational Church.
We hope that this day will give alumni and former
‘Pilgrim Parents’ of all ages an opportunity to
come home to Pilgrim, and perhaps reconnect with
others who shared the playground over the years.
This is no small undertaking. The complete project
will cost approximately $75,000. But, Pilgrim only
turns 50 once. We hope that you will join us on
the 10th, or if you are unable to do
so, we hope that you will consider contributing to
the Jean Williams Memorial Playground Fund. All
gifts are tax-deductible and would be gratefully
appreciated.
Sincerely,
Prudence Younger
President, Pilgrim Board of Trustees
11:00am – 4:00pm - Carnival on the South lawn of
the
Glen Ridge Congregational Church
Games, Moonwalk, food, surprises, slideshows in
Robinson Hall
7:00-9:00pm - Battle of the Bands in Robinson Hall
Tickets are $15 per adult, $8 per child (12 and
under)
$5 for the Evening’s Performance
The proceeds will benefit the new
Jean Williams Memorial Playground
Do
you need directions?
