Fall Fun at Pearson Nursery School

Fall has certainly arrived at Pearson Community Co-op Nursery School! The weather officially changed this week when our students started arriving in jackets and rainboots!

Pearson's hands on science centre has been transformed with mini pumpkins, bumpy gourds and colourful Indian corn husks to touch and feel. Under the light table we have fall leaves to explore with our giant child-friendly magnifying glasses.

We've been talking, teaching and singing about apples this season. What's your favourite colour apple? The RTL class even had a chance to peel apples and make their own applesauce for snack! Apple tasting day will happen later in the month.

Book of the week Oct 7

This week leading into Thanksgiving we're focusing in on being thankful and talking about turkeys! Check your child's art shelf for their very own special personalized turkey! Ask your child what sound a turkey makes (gobble, gobble).


Next week we will be heading off to Frootogo for a wonderful fall field trip to pick pumpkins and learn about apples in the orchard. We know the local farmer will teach us lots of fun things about growing your own pumpkin. (If you haven't returned your permission form yet, please do soon!)

Great books in Pearson's preschool curriculum this Fall

Books are the best tool for learning! At Pearson Community Co-op Nursery School we lead with literacy and develop our curriculum selectively around chosen books. Our teachers have selected a "Book of the Week" that is used as a platform for the week's "theme" and teachable moments. Often our artwork and discussions in the classroom match this theme.

If you're looking to add to your child's library at home or make a discovery trip to the Burlington public library, we'd love to suggest our book titles for the fall.

September 16-20: The Kissing Hand

September 23-27: Brown Bear, Brown Bear

September 30 - October 4: I Am An Apple

October 7-October 11: Bear Says Thanks

October 14-18: The Grumpy Morning

October 21-25: Ten Red Apples

October 28-November 1: Big Pumpkin

Soon you will notice Scholastic order forms in your child's art shelf. Keep an eye out for these books, sometimes we find our "Book of the Week" coincidentally featured! Ordering a book via Scholastic is also a fundraising benefit for Pearson.

Happy reading with your preschooler!

The Kissing Hand: Super preschool book for separation anxiety

Sometimes even the most excited Pearson students get nervous about starting school. That's totally normal, the school year is full of many new adventures and some feel a little scary to our preschool friends.Reading a book about those potential nerves sometimes can help calm a child or provide them comfort when those feelings arise.

We love the book The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn, it's a sweet story about a raccoon that learns a little tactic to remember their Mom & Dad's love while at school. Enjoy this video with your child or check out The Kissing Hand at the library together.

Registration still open: It's not too late to join Pearson Co-op!

Pearson Community Co-op Nursery School still has a few spots remaining in our 3 morning (3am) and 2pm (two afternoon) programs for this September. We're a top ranked nursery school in Burlington and we'd love to welcome your family!

Look at our fabulous school grounds and imagine your child learning and playing here!

If you would like more registration information, all Registration information is here on our main website. Or you can contact the school at 905-335-2385 or by email at: membership@pearsoncoop.com

Meet our 2013-2014 Pearson Board of Directors

As a Co-op school, the Board of Directors play an important role in the running of our school. The Board represents the parents and best interest of the students.

What are the Roles & Responsibilities of the Board of Directors?

• The BoD is comprised of elected members of Pearson. ("Elected" means we volunteer for the role but are voted in by the Co-op membership the previous year)
• The BoD is responsible for the management and administration of Pearson and its staff.
• The BoD must abide by the by-laws and resolutions as determined by the general membership and all applicable legislation. The BoD will set policy and procedure for the school.

The Board meets monthly to discuss all school business and the minutes of these meetings are shared transparently on the Pearson parent section of the website for all parents/Co-op members to review. The 4 General Meetings we hold every school year provide the membership the opportunity to vote and interact directly with the Board.

We'd like to introduce you to our Board of Directors so you feel as engaged as possible in the running of our school. Please introduce yourself to the BoD especially if they are a parent in your child's class. The BoD welcomes input and can take feedback to our monthly meetings for discussion. Please remember all members of the board are volunteer parents in the school participating in these roles on a part-time basis.

2013-2014
Chairperson: Diana Dunnell (RTL)
1st Vice: Tammy Michener (2am)
2nd Vice: Courtney Potter (RTL)
Treasurer: Kristi Meagher (RTL)
Assistant Secretary: Ann-Marie Burton (RTL)
Recording Secretary: Alicia Moffat (2am)
Membership Secretary: Liz Woloshin (RTL)
Member at Large (Co-op/PCCA): Meghan Bower (2am)
Fundraising: Janice Barker (RTL)

Diana Dunnell: Chairperson

Read Diana's intro here

Tammy Michener: 1st Vice

My name is Tammy Michener and I'll be filling the position of First Vice on the Board this year.  Anna is my third child to attend Pearson Nursery School in the 2am class.  We obviously love Pearson which is why we keep coming back!   I love the amazing playground, and the emphasis on outdoor play.  The size of the classrooms is great, giving the kids plenty of room to explore and participate in all the wonderful activities.  There is always an amazing craft to take part in and a nutritious snack which is great.  But what really makes Pearson top notch is the teaching staff - with their high energy, loving nature and patience, they help prepare our kids for their first years in elementary school.  And last but certainly not least, it is the families at Pearson that make it such a wonderful Nursery School.  We've made many friends over the years, and some great memories to cherish.

 Courtney Potter: 2nd Vice

My name is Courtney Potter, and I am the second vice chairperson on this year's executive committee. I learned about Pearson through a good friend who sent her son there. As a result of her positive experiences, I knew it was a great fit for my boys. Jacob attended the Ready to Learn program last year, and this year it is Lucas' turn. Jacob loved his time at Pearson. He learned so much,  and came out of his shell in a big way. Lucas is very excited and can't wait for school to start. I am personally looking forward to being a large part of helping with the day-to-day administration of the school.

Kristi Meagher: Treasurer

My name is Kristi Meagher and I am the Treasurer for the 2013/2014 school year.  I am excited and looking forward to being on the board for Pearson Nursery School.  My daughter attended Pearson last year in the 2 pm class and will be attending the RTL program this year.  One of the things about the school that impressed me was that the parents do have the opportunity to be so involved in the school.  I was an on duty parent and found so much joy in having the opportunity to explore and learn right a long with my daughter.  I also loved that the 2 pm class has a French program.  The teachers are amazing with a sincere love of teaching. My daughter and I are super excited for all of the life experiences and learning to come our way this next school year at Pearson!

Ann-Marie Burton: Assistant Secretary

Each of our three children has attended Pearson - we love it here! Our family has been enrolled in the 2am and 2pm classes, both duty and non-duty and all programs have been fabulous. Megan graduated from the 2am program last year and is now returning into the RTL program. I'm excited to see the RTL program in action and watch our daughter learn and develop even more in the Pearson classroom. Last year I was on the Board as the Member at Large and found it both rewarding and eye-opening to see the details of how the school is run. I am so impressed with the leadership from Fiona as Supervisor and dedication of  the volunteer Board and incredible teaching staff. Pearson has provided my children with excellent  kindergarten prep and I know our final year here will be a bittersweet one for us. As the Assistant Secretary, my main role on the BoD is to manage the Advertising & Promotion of the school and I'm excited to develop this blog, our new social media channels and help ensure that every parent in Burlington knows that Pearson is the best nursery school in town!

Alicia Moffat: Recording Secretary

My name is Alicia Moffat and my daughter Lylah is participating in the 2am class this year.  This is my third child that has attended Pearson, and we have loved every experience so far!  I love how Pearson feels like home for the kids and I, and that everyone here feels like family.  I saw so much growth and development in my girls during their time here at Pearson, and felt like the teachers really helped them prepare for school...and with full day kindergarten, that was really important to us.  My position on the Board this year  is Recording Secretary and I am looking forward to the 2013/2014 school year!

Liz Woloshin: Membership Secretary

My name is Liz Woloshin and I am the membership secretary at Pearson.  My daughter's name is Katie and she is in the RTL program this year.  This is our fourth year at Pearson - my son came for 2 years and now this will be my daughter's second year.  It has been such a wonderful experience for all of us and I really love being involved with the preschool!  Looking forward to another fantastic year!

Meghan Bower: Member at Large

I am the current Member at Large for Pearson Nursery School's Board for the 2013/14 school year. My daughter will be attending Pearson in the 2am program, starting this fall. My son attended the same 2am program the year before. Pearson was recommended to me by a friend. Last year was my first experience with the school and I have only good things to report. I adore the teachers and administrators at Pearson School. They create such a fantastic educational and nurturing environment for pre-school children to learn and grow in. Having watched her older brother being dropped off at school twice a week last school year, my daughter is extremely excited to be starting in September. I look forward to another wonderful school year.

Janice Barker: Fundraising

I am thrilled for our second school year at Pearson as my daughter Fiona returns in September, this year for the RTL program. I am also happy to be on the board this year as Fundraiser, and look forward to coordinating the annual silent auction in November. Pre-Fiona I worked in marketing, but love my new job as stay-at-home momma to my energetic little read head. Here's to another great year at the best pre-school in Burlington!!

What School Supplies do we need for Pearson Nursery School?

It's back to school season and school supplies are on sale everywhere! What does your child need for Pearson Nursery School? Your list for Pearson is actually very simple and short.

1. A Waterproof Backpack
Plan to bring the backpack everyday to school. It should be size appropriate (no need for a giant one for your tiny preschooler) but large enough to take home artwork each day. It also needs to hold a full set of spare clothes each day. Please label this backpack.

2. Indoor shoes
Comfortable running shoes or soft-soled shoes must be worn in the classroom for safety. No boots, flipflops or crocs can be worn in the classroom so it's best to pack running shoes in the backpack everyday. When we start in the fall, shoes worn to school may also be worn in the classroom, changing into "indoor" shoes comes more into play when boot weather persists. Label all shoes and boots!

3. Comfortable Play Clothes
Children learn best when they are comfortable and aren't restricted by clothing. We get messy at school with sensory and creative play so send your children to school in clothes they can learn and play in best

4. Appropriate Outdoor Clothing
We play outside everyday - even in the snow and rain. Please ensure your children are sent to school with clothes appropriate for the weather - warm coats, raincoats, boots, mitts etc. Please ensure all items are labeled with their names. Splashpants are great to have in the fall and spring so children can have as much fun on the playground as possible.


Do you notice we keep on referencing labels and names on everything? At preschool, we see many pairs of black splashpants or yellow rubber boots. If they are labeled it helps your child identify their items and means they don't hit the lost and found. Mabels Labels holds a fundraiser for Pearson and a % of their proceeds comes back to the school when you order labels from them. Click here to order and fund raise for the school in one spot: http://pearson.mabelslabels.com/http://pearson.mabelslabels.com/

Meet Pearson's 2013-2014 Chairperson of the Board

My name is Diana Dunnell, Chairperson for 2013-14 and on behalf of the Executive Board, I would like to welcome you to Pearson Co-operative Nursery School!

Pearson was mentioned to me by friends and parents in the community, but only after having my second child so we never had the opportunity for our first to attend.  While considering the options, Pearson kept coming up and everyone was so pleased with the learning experience provided to their child.  They had nothing but positive comments!  We are extremely pleased to have our daughter, Kyera, enrolled in the upcoming RTL program.

Every child and every parent play an integral part in the success of the school so once again, welcome, and I look forward to working with you to create a memorable 2013/14 school year!


Diana chairs our parent board at Pearson Community Co-operative Nursery School. At our General Meetings you will be introduced to Diana and the rest of the board and learn about the process of running our co-op school. Feel free to reach out to Diana or anyone on the board if you questions.