Community
The concept of community building is an integral component the Okemos Nursery School philosophy. From the very beginning of each new academic year it is our desire and conscious intention to establish a working, cohesive sense of “community” within each of our classes, and throughout our entire school.
Our Natural CommunityWe begin as an eager collection of personalities and grow into a competent self-governing team with common goals. We develop an empathetic understanding and acceptance of the individual personalities that make up the chemistry of each class, and we learn to get along, forge friendships, and look after one another.
The children learn that their individual actions affect the common good, safety and happiness of the whole. Although the chemistry of each class is totally unique, everyone enjoys contributing their own special gifts, allowing all of us to realize a personal sense of joy and belonging. The success of this cooperative effort builds a strong and positive sense of self and community, which we believe our children will carry with them throughout their lives.
Families
Including families in their children’s daily experiences is an important goal at Okemos Nursery School. Our school community includes approximately sixty families with whom we share Weekly Sheets and Photo Galleries. This practice affords our parents valuable insights into all aspects of school life and activities. Families enjoy opportunities to join their children throughout the year for seasonal outings, Holiday sing-alongs, and special school gatherings.
At Okemos Nursery School we value and nurture a sense of community for the adults in our "care", almost as much as we do for the children. What better way to support families than to provide plentiful opportunities for friendships to be formed among parents as well as the children? We seek out opportunities to do good things together for the wider community, and just for the fun of it! We plan various social gatherings (with and without the chidlren!) throughout the year, and we celebrate the richness and joy that our families bring in return to the ONS Community.
