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BROWN MEMORIAL WEEKDAY SCHOOL
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Programs
 Weekday School - The Brown Memorial Weekday School
In operation since
1963, the Weekday School provides a rich variety of experiences and
activities for young children in a warm, secure, accepting
atmosphere that encourages learning. The school treasures each child
and encourages individual esteem and creativity. Morning classes
(with opportunity for extended day) are provided for children two
through six. |
 History of the
School
The Weekday School is
sponsored by the Brown Memorial Woodbrook Presbyterian Church. At the time
the church was built, a weekday school was envisioned so that
architectural plans contained special accommodations for small children.
The school was planned as a service to the local area. Brown Memorial is approved by the MSDE (Maryland State Deparment of Education).
Philosphy
The staff of Brown Memorial
Weekday School believes that each child is a unique individual. To fulfill
the child's needs, we provide a rich variety of activities and
experiences. We endeavor to create a warm, accepting atmosphere in which
the child feels secure and wants to learn. Learning is an ongoing process
which begins at home and expands as horizons widen. With the help we seek
from parents and by means of a curriculum that is sensitive to individual
development, teachers guide each child in growth toward social maturity.
It is our hope that each day offers not only challenge without pressure,
but also many opportunities for success so that every child leaves school
with feelings of contentment and self-esteem.
Admissions
Applications are accepted for
children of any faith, race, color or national origin. We try to ensure
that our school and the individual classes are a balanced mix of children
of different needs, cultural background, gender, abilities and
personalities. The school, however, is not equipped to provide programs
for children with special needs. Priority is given to children whose
families are members of the church congregation and to children whose
families are or have been affiliated with the school. Date of application
is also considered.
Curriculum
Play for young children is
their work, education and fun. It is one of the most important experiences
in total development. Each teacher incorporates the following into the
curriculum:
 Outdoor
Time:
Large muscle activities -
running, climbing, bike riding, balancing, digging are necessary to build
strong, well-conditioned healthy bodies. There are also many things to
learn about science, as seasons change and the children observe their
world. Social skills increase as children play together in the freedom of
the outdoors.
Rest Time:
A child selects a book to
look at while resting on his or her mat. Children learn how to treat
books, that books are fun.
Story Time:
This is a great opportunity
to widen horizons as well as to facilitate language development. A child
learns to listen, a skill which is so necessary for future school success.
A child' reading readiness is enhanced by the appreciation for books
developed at story time.
Snack Time:
This is a special time during
the day for developing social skills - opportunity to thank our Lord, to
talk, to listen to others and to learn. An interesting object may be
placed in the center of the table which can spark conversation and new
learning.
Music Time:
Music increases language
skills, stretches the vocabulary, develops an awareness of and response to
rhythm, and best of all, it's fun!
Free Choice
Time:
The child has an opportunity
to choose from a wide variety of activities. Here, ways are planned to
develop small muscle coordination - wood working, easel painting, puzzles,
manipulations and play dough. Dramatic play offers the child a way to
identify with adult roles, to cope with frustrations and to experience
success. Blocks are particularly advantageous for imaginative play and to
invite group participation. Nothing in the program is so relaxing or so
conducive to a feeling of well-being as water play. All the creative
materials offer the child opportunities for freedom of expression and
encourage creative development.
Additional Offerings
Music:
Music class with a specially
trained instructor is offered for all classes at the Weekday School.
Five Day
Classes:
Children in the five day
classes are offered additional classes in gym, science, French and art.
All of these classes are planned so as to be rich in hands-on experiences
and an exchange of thoughts and ideas.
 Chapel:
Chapel services are held at
appropriate times during the year. As parents, you are invited to attend.
Extended Day:
Extended Day is a service
provided for children who are at least 4 years of age. It offers a
well-supervised, planned afternoon program on Mondays through Fridays
until 2:45. Spaces are filled on a first come, first served basis. An
additional fee is required.
Parent Observation
Class:
Brown Memorial offers the
Parent Observation Class to parents of young children between the ages of
two and three. Children must be two by September 30th to enroll. Tuition
covers both you and your child.
Mary E. Draper, Director of
the School
Mary E. Draper is the Director of Brown Memorial Weekday School.
Raised in Chicago, Ill., Mary is a Summa Cum Laude graduate of Macalester
College, Saint Paul, MN, and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. Her Master of
Arts in Teaching with a concentration in Early Childhood Education is from
the College of Notre Dame in Baltimore. She comes to Brown Memorial after
serving as Executive Director of The Children of The World Co-op,
affiliated with The Johns Hopkins University, since 1996.
Mary's personal gifts, her broad intellectual grasp, her love of children, and her deep understanding of the philosophy of the School make her a perfect fit at Brown Memorial. Mary has been Director of the school since
August of 2002.
Brown Memorial Weekday School
Brown Memorial Woodbrook Presbyterian
Church
The church welcomes you and
anyone you know who may be searching for a pleasant place to worship.
Please stop by the church office, call 410-377-7232 or see our Contact
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