Pre-School

Billy Dalwin Pre-School (BDPS) Notes

In 1986, Robert Fulghum published the best-selling book, All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten. It presents lessons learned in kindergarten and describes how the world would be better if adults followed the same rules of kindness, sharing, cleaning up after themselves and balancing work, play and learning. Fulghum’s book prompted me to think about what I have learned at the Billy Dalwin Pre-School of Temple Emunah during this year of the COVID-19 pandemic and I’d like to share those thoughts with you.

First, I have learned that the power of community is much stronger than the power of COVID-19. The BDPS staff, families and board of directors, the Temple Emunah staff and lay leadership collaborated to build an infrastructure that overcame the challenges created by the virus and the restrictions that it imposed. And thanks to this successful collaboration, we have been able to provide our children with a warm, engaging and safe preschool environment every day.

Second, I have relearned the value of hard work and thinking outside of the box. Since we entered the age of COVID, I have embraced my creative problem-solving skills… over and over again. There have been no short-cuts and often when I thought that a task had been completed, requirements changed and I needed to start again. But keeping the end goal of reopening in mind, it was clear to me that it was worth the effort.

Third, I have been reminded of the importance of encouragement and appreciation. In the most demanding times, they keep us going strong. This year we are celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Billy Dalwin Pre-School of Temple Emunah and I am so grateful for our amazing board of directors and our incredible staff. Ailsa, Amy, Anna, Audrey, Brittany, Deb, Hannah, Kate, Nareeluck, Sally, Sara, Sue and Tanya have been the heart and soul of BDPS in 2020-2021 and they were recognized by the board along with former BDPS teachers at a virtual Teacher Appreciation Brunch in February.

Most important, this year has renewed my belief in the resilience of children. If we pay close attention, our children can be our best teachers. The toddlers and preschoolers at the Billy Dalwin Pre-School entered in September expecting to have fun, to play with their friends and to experience the joy of learning. I am proud to say that their expectations have been met on a daily basis. The masks don’t matter, the frequent handwashing doesn’t matter, the social distancing doesn’t matter and the new daily routine doesn’t matter. It hasn’t even mattered that parents can’t come into the building for drop-off and pick-up. They only things that have mattered to our children is that they are back at the school that they love, learning and growing with their friends and teachers.

During this year, we have reexamined our BDPS values and our beliefs about what constitutes quality Jewish early education. We’ve seen that children can learn the value of sharing even if they are using different materials. We’ve created new ways for children to benefit from sensory play even if we can’t have a sandbox or water table in the classroom. We have observed important benefits from moving many of our activities outdoors. And we’ve experienced joyous and meaningful connections at family events like the Sh’ma Pajama Party and the BDPS Havdalah even using a Zoom platform.

The staff and I will apply all of this learning as we joyfully plan for Passover and our annual BDPS Israel trip. The format might be different than in previous years, but the level of engagement and hands-on learning will be the same.

We are also beginning to plan for our Kaytana Summer Program and the 2021-2022 school year. Kaytana will operate this year from Tuesday, July 6–Friday, August 13 and very limited space remains. If you know of anyone who would like more information about Kaytana or our school program, please contact me at the Pre-School office. I’d be happy to set up a virtual tour. L’Shalom, Shelley Rossman, Pre-School Director

781-861-0708; srossman@templeemunah.org

Billy Dalwin Pre-School (BDPS)

is now accepting applications for toddler & pre-school classes for the 2021–22 school year. Children may enroll in our half-day (9 am–1 pm) or full-day program (9 am–3:30 pm) Monday–Friday. Extended hours are available from 8–9 am daily . COVID restrictions permitting, BDPS will reinstate our Keshet Plus Program from 3:30-5:30 pm Monday-Thursday as well as our gap camps in February, April and June.

For more information or to receive an application packet, please call Shelley at the Pre-School office (781-861-0708).