Being thankful for all we have is the main theme for this month.  It’s a good time to begin a practice of being grateful for all the little blessings we receive each day.  The students of Bridges are learning this and much more as you can see by our November Newsletter.

I was recently asked to explain what achievements I thought my Manalapan Pre School had accomplished in the last 20 years of operation.

I was tempted to go on about the high standard of academics, our customized curriculum, or any other number of “educational” accomplishments. Then, I remembered, there is so much more than just learning going on at Bridges.

There are lives being shaped, personalities being guided, friendships being formed, and memories being made. I think this is our greatest contribution.

In just the last few months, I have been fortunate enough to witness the past being honored in the present.

One of the moms in our school brought in the Christmas card her brother had made in Bridges, 17 years ago. It was bent, worn, and beautiful. It has been a part of their Christmas celebration for 17 years.

A former student of ours, who has returned to complete her student teaching, brought in the photograph album her mother made for her depicting her nursery school and Pre-K years. I delighted in seeing the pictures of her first day at school, her Christmas show, Grandparent’s Day, Mother’s Day and graduation. (I did not delight in the fact that I looked much younger then!)

She was so proud of these snippets of her life. Her goal is to provide her future students with these same gifts.

Last Christmas I was invited to my daughter-in-law’s parent’s home for dinner. When I arrived I was so touched to see familiar yet long forgotten Christmas decorations adorning their tree and mantle. Her sister (who is a freshman in college) used to attend Bridges. Our projects served as a reminder of simpler times.

This week I attended a funeral service for a man whose children attended our school. I thought about how difficult this would be for his family. As I entered the visitation room, I was struck by the number of faces I recognized. So many of the friends his wife had made were there supporting her. These families had continued their friendships long after their children had left Bridges.

So when I am asked to explain my greatest achievements, I think the long term effect of our work speaks for itself.

We are making memories and building relationships.

Could there be anything more worthwhile?

During this busy season when free time is at a minimum, here is a worthwhile way to spend your limited supply.  It requires little, but has great dividends.  To learn how to invest, click December Literacy

September is a month of “firsts”. There is the first day of school, the first day of Autumn, the first day of soccer, the first day you need a jacket, and so on. It is also a time for new beginnings. We meet new people, make new friends, and adjust to new schedules. It is a chance to begin again.

As we embrace these opportunities for new starts I would like to welcome back all our students and their families.

The summer is almost over and I have missed seeing you.  I have missed your smiles, your hugs, your giggles, your voices and the enthusiastic way you approach all the challenges set before you.  It will be good to start again.

I would also like to welcome our new families.  To those of you who are beginning nursery school or Mommy & Me for the first time, I can assure you it will be a rewarding experience you and your child will look forward to.

For my new friends, who have come to Bridges from other schools or communities, I want to thank you for your choice.  It will only take a short while before you will become a welcome part of the Bridges family.

So here is to one more first…let me be the first to say:  ”Welcome to Bridges”.

Each day my mailbox is filled with bills, solicitations, notifications of regulation changes, notifications of changes to the changes, and other mind numbing information.

Today, as I sorted through the mail, there was an envelope that stuck out.

It was addressed by hand. I looked at the return label and smiled when I saw the name. I remembered the family as their child was at Bridges from Mommy & Me through Kindergarten. I estimated him to be about age 7 by now.

I reflected on how quickly time moved and how much I missed our daily discussions. Joey always had something to tell me. I opened the envelope and read his letter.  I have always been proud of the fact that people say Bridges Nursery School & Kindergarten  is like a family.

This to me was a great example.

Thanks Joey!