Welcome Back to the PNS Post!


(P.S. Happy Fall from your PNS Pals!)

A Monthly Newsletter for Friends of Princeton Nursery School

Hi Friend of PNS!


As the leaves begin to change, there’s a wonderful sense of energy and renewal at Princeton Nursery School.


This fall, our classrooms are alive with curiosity, creativity, and connection. From new programs and partnerships to special celebrations and community advocacy, there’s so much to share about how our mission continues to grow and thrive.


Thank you for being part of the Princeton Nursery School family. Your support helps us create opportunities that uplift children, empower families, and strengthen our community each and every day.


Warmly,

K. Leanna Jahnke

Executive Director

Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration


In October, Princeton Nursery School celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month with joyful classroom activities, music, art, and storytelling that reflected the cultures and traditions of our families.


Families were invited to participate by sharing favorite recipes, bringing in cultural items, and uplifting our bilingual program through songs & activities in Spanish.


The highlight of the celebration was a special visit from a mariachi band, who filled the playground with lively music and even played a crowd favorite, “Baby Shark,” to the delight of our students!


Hispanic Heritage Month is a cherished tradition at PNS, reflecting our deep commitment to honoring the identities of our children and families; values that lie at the heart of everything we do at Princeton Nursery School.

 

SAVE THE DATE!

2026 Princeton Nursery School Gala



We’re excited to share that the Princeton Nursery School Annual Gala is coming soon!


📅 Date: January 31st, 2026 at 6:30 pm


📍 Location: The Meeting House, 277 Witherspoon Street



Join us for a joyful evening celebrating community, compassion, and nearly a century of early childhood education and family support at PNS.

Enrichment & Education at PNS!


Mayor Mark Freda Visits PNS for Our Month of Gratitude!


As part of Princeton Nursery School’s Month of Gratitude, we had the wonderful honor of welcoming Mayor Mark Freda, Mayor of Princeton, to our school this week. His visit brought so much joy, warmth, and inspiration to our students and staff.


Mayor Freda joined our classrooms to read Gratitude Goggles, a beautiful story that teaches children how to notice the good around them and appreciate the small moments that make each day special.


We are deeply thankful to Mayor Freda for taking the time to celebrate gratitude with us. His presence made the day memorable, and his commitment to supporting our school and families means so much.


At PNS, gratitude is more than a lesson - it’s a practice we strive to nurture in our children every day. This visit was a wonderful reminder of the strong, caring community that surrounds our school.


Thank you, Mayor Freda, for sharing your time, your voice, and your gratitude with us! 🍁✨



PNS Spirit Day & Our Board of Trustees! 🤍📸


Our incredible PNS Board of Trustees joined us to support families during Picture Day and Spirit Day last week, and their presence made all the difference!


Board members helped students get photo-ready, brought extra excitement to the celebrations, and even handed out brand-new PNS spirit t-shirts to every child.


The smiles, pride, and joy on our students’ faces said it all.


We are so grateful for a board that not only leads with vision, but shows up with heart - making our school community feel supported, connected, and celebrated.

PNC Bank Supports Financial Literacy Workshops


A huge thank-you to PNC Bank for their generous $2,000 donation supporting our Financial Literacy Workshops.


This program empowers PNS families with the tools to build financial stability and confidence an essential part of our mission to strengthen the whole family.

We’re excited to welcome our friends from the Center for Modern Aging’s GrandPals Program!


Each week, GrandPals visit our classrooms to read stories, share their love of books, and connect with our students through the joy of storytelling.


These special moments build intergenerational friendships and create lasting memories for both our children and our GrandPals.

Grants & Community Partnerships

Fund for Women & Girls: Princeton Area Community Foundation Luncheon & Awardee Recognition


We are honored to share that Princeton Nursery School has been awarded a $25,000 grant from the Fund for Women & Girls of the Princeton Area Community Foundation!


This generous support will go toward our upcoming capital renovation project, helping us create a safer, more engaging, and welcoming space for our students and families.


We are deeply grateful to the Fund for Women & Girls for recognizing and investing in our mission to provide quality early education and support for working families in our community.


Start Strong New Jersey

Early Childhood Education Advocacy


A Campaign for Childcare Equity & Affordability


Princeton Nursery School is proud to be an active participant in Start Strong NJ, a statewide initiative dedicated to strengthening early childhood education and ensuring that all children - regardless of background - have access to high-quality preschool experiences.


This fall, our team attended the Start Strong NJ Conference, joining educators and advocates from across the state.


A major focus of the conference was the ongoing Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) funding freeze, which has had a significant impact on providers and working families throughout New Jersey.


Recently, the New Jersey Department of Human Services announced that it will begin the process of reopening CCAP for a limited number of slots, with the goal of allowing applications for new children in January. The first opportunity to apply will be offered to families who fall into the program’s priority groups and complete a registration form beginning in December.


Throughout this process, Princeton Nursery School has played an active advocacy role at the state level, partnering with organizations like Start Strong New Jersey to push for equitable access to child care assistance. We remain committed to this work and will continue advocating with Governor-elect Sherrill’s administration to ensure long-term, sustainable support for the families who depend on it.


🎄 PNS Operation Elf 2025 🎁


Our hearts are overflowing with gratitude. This year, our community came together in a powerful way to make the holidays brighter for our students and families - and the impact was truly extraordinary.


Thanks to the kindness of our amazing PNS Elves, we are proud to share this year’s Operation Elf highlights:


🌟 74 families served

🎁 154 children supported with gifts

🧝‍♂️ 69 individual elves spreading joy

💛 Every single family was matched!


Your generosity brought smiles, relief, and warmth to families who needed it most. Because of you, children will open gifts with joy and parents will feel the love and support of a community that cares deeply.


From all of us at Princeton Nursery School: Thank you for helping us make this season truly magical. 🎄💛🎁

Up & Coming at Princeton Nursery School: Stay Tuned!

Created by: Natalie Ramsay, Development & Finance

 
Facebook  X  Instagram