Nice to Know
A stuffed bear is an important part of St. Philip's, and his name is Cuddles. He was introduced to the Nursery School in 2003, and for all those years he has accompanied the teacher or director leading our meeting time. Cuddles has rules he shares with the children: "Walking feet, listening ears, helping hands, kind words." He often whispers things to a teacher: it's someone's birthday, we have a special guest, he is upset because he heard some children arguing. He has been bandaged for a visit from the Ambulance Corps and wears a fire helmet when the Fire Department visits each October. He is an integral part of our teaching toolbox, and we are grateful for his continued presence.
In 2020, with the requirement that children be divided into two separate groups, Cuddles' cousin, named Snuggles, came to the Parish House to participate in meeting time with the Rabbits, our younger group.
In 2020, with the requirement that children be divided into two separate groups, Cuddles' cousin, named Snuggles, came to the Parish House to participate in meeting time with the Rabbits, our younger group.
For almost six decades, St. Philip's Nursery School has followed child-centered traditions. One of the most treasured is that of the Ducks and the Rabbits. Our four-year-olds are Ducks, and our two- and three-year-olds are Rabbits. The colors of the Ducks and Rabbits have changed to reflect enrollment patterns; at one point there were 26 four-year-olds enrolled and they became Yellow Ducks and Green Ducks. Today, our two-year-olds are Red Rabbits and our three-year-olds are Blue Rabbits. This avoids the use of age-related hierarchical names, and reflects the enjoyment each age-group experiences through working and playing with each other.
Our illustrated duck and rabbit were created for us many years ago by children's author and former parent Lawrence DiFiori.
Our illustrated duck and rabbit were created for us many years ago by children's author and former parent Lawrence DiFiori.