After surveying our community, it was evident there was much interest in having an all-day preschool program. We have moved classrooms,painted, purchased new equipment, and hired two excellent teachers. We are excited to introduce our Preschool Plus teachers,
Our Team
Jane Jungerman and Tracy Simpson.
Between the two teachers there is experience in teaching early education, primary grades, special education, and counseling. St. Mary School now offers a program beyond the norm for Preschool children who are enrolled in morning or afternoon classes. Our Preschool Plus program will allow students in pre 3, pre 4, and pre k to remain in school all day. Through a combination of structured learning and free play, our students develop spiritually, socially, physically, cognitively, and emotionally. Our students build friendships and learn self-esteem and respect for themselves and others. This program is geared specifically for Early Childhood and aims to create a loving, safe atmosphere for the entire day so that parents have the opportunity to extend our super preschool environment in a familiar atmosphere. Our program is enrichment to our excellent Preschool curriculum with our preschool teacher.
Joan Miller, and teacher assistant, Donna Ortman.
We also will continue to be gifted with the helping hands and loving guidance of Penny Mallo and Mary Fritts in Pre-3, and our grandmas from Tri-County Opportunities, Grandma Gyrlie and Grandma Judy. While at "Preschool Plus" students will eat their lunch (provided by family), have a quiet time, have free play, large and small motor play, crafts, computer learning games and other social/educational activities. On nice days students will go outside to play and have the opportunity to play in our gymnasium. We hope to accommodate your specific needs. Call our school office 815-284-6986 with any questions or to set up an appointment to visit our preschool. St. Mary offers one of the very best preschool programs in the area.
The Importance of a Catholic Education
Catholic education has been called “...the most effective means of transmitting Gospel values…” to young people. Study after study documents both the effectiveness and the quality of America’s Catholic schools. Not only are graduates well prepared for further education and careers, but they are more likely, as adults, to be active leaders in their church and community as well as educate their children in Catholic schools.
Catholic traditions define and enhance the St. Mary experience—traditions of a love of God and service to others, scholastic achievement and care for the whole person. St. Mary’s puts its commitment on the line—to make learning dynamic and energetic, to maintain a safe and appealing school grounds, to renew facilities and update technology, and to offer every student an exceptional education.
St Mary Preschool Offers:
Math Readiness
- Counting
- Shapes
- Sizes
- Matching
- Comparing
- Sequencing
- Number Recognition & Concepts
Language Arts/Science/Soc. Studies
- Storytelling
- Journals
- Role Playing
- Exploring
- Experimenting
Music/Art/Participation
- Singing
- Rhythm
- Painting,drawing & clay
- Process Art/Creativity
- Balance Beam
- Motor Skills
Daily Religion
- God made the world
- Family
- Prayer
- Living Together
Reading Readiness
- ABC's
- Name Recognition
- Likenesses & Differences
- Rhyming
- Sequences
- Charting