My handsome escort greats me at the door and leads me to a table decorated with beautiful, handmade gifts that I will treasure forever.

Where am I, you may wonder? I am at the annual Mother’s day Luncheon at Century Nursery School, of course!

It is a highly anticipated day for us CNS Moms. The children spend a lot of time making gifts for us - a hand-painted flower pot, a tray with facts about Mom - just to name a few. The teachers set-up a buffet of finger sandwiches, deserts and punch. A story is read by Mrs. Israel and the children sing songs. The look of excitement and pride on the children’s faces is priceless. With lots of camera flashes and a few tears, this is a memorable and fun day for the Moms and students!

Last year’s luncheon was adorable!  I’m really looking forward to what lays ahead at 2008’s luncheon! in May!

My daughter loved her Adventure Bear Andy experience at Century Nursery School and as a parent I feel it is one of the most creative ideas I have seen.

Every Friday she would tell me who was taking him home for the weekend, wondering with anticipation when it would be her turn. She was so excited when that day finally came.

Even though she is in first grade now, she still remembers their adventures together: a trip to the library, swimming lessons, church and out to the movies.

One of the best parts is the book-Andy’s Great Adventures that we all received at the end of the school year. What fun we had reading her classmates stories together and now she can even read them to me! The pictures are priceless and a wonderful reminder of her time in nursery school.

It’s proof that at Century Nursery School, learning is fun!

Adventure Bear Andy is in his third year at Century Nursery School and still going strong!

Each Friday we pull one of the children’s names from an envelope and that child gets to take our teddy bear Andy home for the weekend. Andy goes home with his suitcase filled with clothes, toothbrush, sleeping bag and pillow and his favorite bedtime story. Andy also carries his camera to take pictures for his scrapbook and a journal to record his great adventure.

Every week Adventure Bear Andy sets out for a new adventure with one of our children here at Century Nursery School. Andy’s bag is packed with all his favorite things - ready for anything!

When students (and Andy) return to school on Monday they are so excited to share their stories, photos or drawings with their classmates.

The response that we have had from our Century Nursery School families in regard to our Adventure Bear Andy program has been wonderful. The whole family seems to get involved from siblings to parents, grandparents cousins and friends. Andy has really become a great tool in helping to promote more quality time between our preschoolers and their families.

At the end of the year, Century Nursery School gives each of our preschool graduates a book of Andy’s Great Adventures which includes all the childrens’ stories over that past year, along with some of the photos they took with Andy on their weekend.

It’s all a wonderful way to remember some of their preschool experiences and the many friends that they made here at Century Nursery school.

Adventure Bear Andy has had many exciting adventures while at Century Nursery School. Here are just a few places Andy has visited with some of our preschoolers:

One of Andys first adventures was to the Mum Festival Parade with Kelly, Minors Farm with Gary where he got his picture taken with the Mayor, and fishing with Jared and his brothers.

Andy even rode in a state trooper car with Joey and the police dog. And, he’s been to New York City with Jillian and recently went to see Santa with Christina.

We can’t wait to here what great adventure will be waiting for Andy next.

We’re here to help you keep the dialog going about your children, how they develop, the things we do here and the fun ideas and events that the students of Century Nursery School become involved in.

Please comment when you are inspired to. We’ll do our best to communicate and respond in a timely fashion.

Enjoy and help us keep the conversation alive!