Nursery School Office: 301-762-5594
Nursery School FAX: 301-610-5827

Select a name below to send an email to...

• Karen Greenberg, Nursery School Director
• Jill Finci, Nursery School Administrative Assistant

To join our on-line community for Temple Beth Ami Nursery School (TBANS) families, please send us an email by clicking on this link to: Join Nursery School Listserv- The forum is used to share Parent Committee information and reminders in a private, positive and friendly electronic environment.

Office Hours:

8:30 am - 2:30 pm M-F 

School Hours: 

Age 2 > 9:30 am - 11:50 am 

Ages 3 & Pre-K 4's > 9:30 am - 12:00 noon

Optional enrichment for ages 3 & Pre-K 4 > until 2 pm M-Th

Optional Lunch Bunch for age 2 > until 12:30 pm

Friday > all classes end at noon

Early Arrival (optional) > 8:30 am
* Must be scheduled in advance *

 Camp Information and Applications for Summer 2009 will be available in February 2009.

Please use the following procedure if you think Nursery School may be delayed or cancelled because of snow or other emergency situations:

Check the Open/Closed indicator at the top of this page and on the website's main page. The key is as follows:

	School is operating normal scheduled hours
	School opening delayed. Check website, TV, and Radio for updates
	School is closed due to weather or other unusual circumstance
	School is on a scheduled break or vacation

Listen for information regarding Montgomery County school delays or closings on local TV channels or radio stations:

• If Montgomery County schools are closed, we are closed.
• If Montgomery County schools have a delayed opening, our morning classes will begin 1 hour late Early Arrival will begin at 9:30am; morning classes at 10:30. We are not considered a Montgomery County preschool.
• If Montgomery County schools announce an unscheduled 2 hour early dismissal, due to weather conditions, the nursery school will close at the end of morning classes (11:50 or noon. There will be no Lunch or Enrichment.

PLEASE USE YOUR JUDGEMENT WHEN THE WEATHER IS INCLEMENT. IF YOU FEEL THAT THE DRIVING IS HAZARDOUS, PLEASE KEEP YOUR CHILDREN AT HOME.

• Karen Greenberg - Director

Karen Greenberg was appointed the first Director of the Nursery School in the summer of 1989. She had previously been a preschool teacher for nine years at B'nai Tzedek and Beth Shalom Learning Centers. While at B'nai Tzedek, she served as teacher representative on the synagogue's nursery school committee charged with organizing and implementing policy and serving as a liaison between the congregation and the teaching staff. She is actively involved in the Board of Jewish Education’s Early Childhood Directors’ Council and is a member of the National Association of the Education of the Young Children.

Karen grew up in New Bedford, Massachusetts where she took an active lead in Jewish youth groups, becoming the founding President of the BBG/BBYO chapter. She attended Syracuse University, where she graduated cum laude with degrees in both Education and English. She taught English for two years in Massachusetts at an agricultural vocational high school for boys.

Karen's marriage to Jerry Greenberg, an author and professor of Health Education, took her to Buffalo, New York for eight years before arriving in Potomac, Maryland in the summer of 1979 when Jerry accepted a position at the University of Maryland. They have two children, Todd and Keri.

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• Jill Finci - Nursery School Administrative Assistant

Jill Finci is responsible for phone support for staff and programs, accounts receivable, correspondence, data base, and mailings.

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2008-09 Classroom/Teacher List  

• 2’s

Rm 5/Teddy Bears: M-W-F Loretta Blue/Linda Dagen/Debra Strickman

Rm 7/Rainbow Fish: M-W-F Deena Klopman/Michelle Beinart/Beth Jolles

Rm 9/Curious Creatures: T/Th Susan Chirumbole/Karin Swissman/Andrea Anders

• 3’s

Rm 1/Terps: M-W-F Karen Kominsky/Rhonda Gaynor/Chris Mullett

Rm 4/Shining Stars: T-Th-F Leslie Becker/Laurie Galfond/Ilana Halem 

Rm 2/Parparim (Butterflies): 5-day Jody Rosenblum/Toby Morse/Linda Tebeka  

• Pre-K 4’s

Rm 6/Candyland: Denise Silver/Marsha Diamond/Avi Goldscheider

Rm 8/Ladybugs: Beverly Kragen/Ellen Bortz/Susan Bloom/Nancy Yarvin 

Rm 10/Jungle Friends: Karen Asman/Ellen Keifetz/Amy Wollins

The Basics
Temple Beth Ami opened its Nursery School in September of 1989. The program is offered to two, three and four year olds. The school conforms to the regulations as stated by the Maryland Department of Education.

Our Philosophy
The basic philosophy of the Nursery School is to provide each child with a comprehensive preschool experience, concerned with the growth and development of the child in all areas: physical, social, emotional and intellectual. Our program recognizes that, not only is each of these areas of growth of equal importance, but each is interrelated. A balanced program will provide quiet and active activities, small and large muscle activities, inside and outside activities, and free and structured activities. The program encourages the development of both independent and group skills. Our program recognizes the individuality of each child and attempts to respond to each child's individual needs and interests.

Our Main Goals

• Help each child develop a positive self-image and a wholesome attitude toward his/her body.
• Give each child a thirst for knowledge.
• Help each child get a good start toward reaching his/her potential.
• Provide opportunities for each child to develop his/her whole person
• Encourage each child to express him/herself through materials, movement and language
• Stimulate language development through hearing and using language.
• Develop an awareness of the five senses.
• Encourage independence and initiative.
• Help each child increase his/her knowledge by asking questions and exploring his/her environment and to help him/her develop a sense of curiosity by providing ample firsthand experiences.
• Further knowledge and understanding of Judaism and Jewish culture through celebrations and study of Jewish holidays, and through literature, music and language.