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Kenan Center Education

"I have always believed firmly that a good education is the most cherished gift an individual can receive."--William R. Kenan, Jr.

Education News:
Summer Music Arts Program June Concert Photos
Nursery School--Open House Sept 7 & 8
Fall Classes: Ballroom Dancing & Mary Dunn's New Music Program!



Fall 2010 Issue of Be Here

Download a copy of our "Be Here" mailer that lists Kenan Center classes, gallery exhibits, upcoming performances, special events, along with workshops, programs and lectures provided by our afilliate grousp: the Kenan Arts Council, Kenan Quilters' Guild, and Friends of the Kenan Herb Club. Download here. (1.10 MB file)



Music Arts Program End of School Year Concert, June 10

Fourth grade students from seven Lockport City School District elementary schools performed before an audience of more thn 200 at North Park Middle School. Photos taken by Brian Sheffler.

Support for the Music Arts Program is Provided by
The Thelma L. and Milfred R. Bequest administered through the Niagara Area Foundation
Grigg Lewis Foundation

Kenan Center Nursery School--Registrations Ongoing for 2010-2011!

Lockport Mayor Michael Tucker takes time out of his busy morning to nead "A Very Hungry Caterpillar," to four-year-old students in the Kenan Center's Nursery School.

Check Out the Nursery School Blog!
For parents, friends and family--or anyone thinking about a preschool program for their 3 to 5-year-old. Go to Kenan Center Nursery School Blog and keep in touch with news provided program director and teacher, Mrs. Robin Wagner.

Purchase a Book from Our Library "Wish List!" Attached is a downloadable pdf with a list of recommended books. The list will also be available in the Kenan Center Business Office. When you purchase a book, please drop it off in the Kenan Center Business Office where it will receive a bookplate that you can sign your name as the gifter of the book. Download booklist here.

Kenan Center Nursery School Fall 2010 Open Houses


Learn more about the Kenan Center Nursery School, a special program specially designed to nurture young learners ages 3-5. Visit us during our Open Houses, Tuesday, September 7, 9 am-Noon or Wednesday, September 8, 9 am-Noon.

Program & Registration Information

The Kenan Center Nursery School (KCNS) program nurtures each child’s unique physical, social, and intellectual development by providing planned learning experiences. The goal of the KCNS program is for each child to develop self confidence, perseverance, sense of accomplishment and positive feelings toward learning.

Kenan Center Nursery School follows the Lockport School District calendar for all holidays and snow days. Exceptions are school district teacher conference and parent-teacher conference days. Nursery School is in session from September until mid-June.

2 Day Week for 3-Year-Olds: Tuesday & Thursday, 9:00 am—11:45 am
A fun and exciting curriculum is planned around the whole child. There is emphasis on tasks and activities that develop longer attention span, while providing opportunities to practice independent skills and foster the love of learning. Children in the class will also be exposed to colors, shapes, name recognition and much more!
*Child must be 3 by December 1st.
*Child must be fully potty trained before entering the program.

3 Day Week for 4-Year-Olds: Monday, Wednesday & Friday, 9:00 am—11:45 am
What a wonderful place for your 4-year-olds! The class uses learning centers based on fun and exciting monthly units to immerse your child into hands-on learning. Your child will become chefs, scientists, musicians, artists and authors! Your child will become familiar with numbers, letters, sounds and other independent skills necessary for a smooth transition into kindergarten.
*Child must be age 4 by December 1st.

Application and Admissions Process
The Nursery School is open to any child between the ages of 3 and 5, provided that the school can meet the needs of the child. The process begins when you submit an application form with a non-refundable application fee of $45.00 for Kenan members and $55.00 for non-members. A completed medical statement and year's tuition (or first month’s tuition installment payment), are due by August 1st. (This deadline does not apply to parents wishing to register a student after the school year has begun. Depending on openings, parents will be advised by Mrs. Wagner when the medical forms and first tuition payment are due.)

Download an application form for the 2010/2011 school year.
Download Medical Forms--required with application

The Nursery School Director and Staff will meet students and parents prior to the start of the school year. A tour can be scheduled by calling 433-2617. There will also be open houses in March and August.

Parent Involvement and Communication
Parent involvement is encouraged and appreciated! We have an open-door policy at our school, which means that parents are always welcome to spend the day with us! There are also opportunities for participation with many of our special programs. Some are: cooking/baking activities (weekly), guest readers (monthly), special programs/holiday celebrations and field trips.

Communication is the key to a successful early childhood experience! At KCNS we always welcome the opportunity to converse and keep families updated on happenings in your child’s life. Every month you will receive a calendar, a “what’s happening” letter and updated announcements on our nursery school blog!

Assessment reports are distributed to families in March, describing your child’s growth. There will also be one-on-one conference after the distribution of the assessment for further discussion if needed.

Tuition and Fees
Tuition may be paid for a full year or in monthly installments, due the 1st of each month, or the Monday following if the 1st is on a weekend, beginning August 1st. If you choose to pay in monthly installments, the last payment is due May 1st.

Payments can be made by mailing or dropping off the payment to the Business Office, which is located in the Kenan Center House from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm, Monday through Friday. The Kenan Center offers discounted fees to members and a multi-child discount (please inquire).

Returning Students
Parents must submit an application form with non-refundable fee of $45 members/$55 non-members, which covers administrative costs, prior to the beginning of each school year.

Kenan Center Educational Programming for Adults and Children

REGISTRATIONS FOR FALL CLASSES BEGIN AUGUST 16!

Children & Music Together with Mary Dunn

New! No Materials Fees Required!

The Children & Music Together program uses music to encourage early learning and creativity in young children. Music is the means, not the goal. Mary Dunn, instructor, has taught a childrens' music program at the Kenan Center for the last 15 years, and is also an early childhood and elementary school teacher. Classes are for children ages 3 moths to 5 years. American Sign Language is incorporated into all classes. Classes start October 4. To register by phone, call 433-2617 or register in person at the Kenan Center Business Office, M-F, beginning August 16.

Wonderfully New
Ages 3 to 17 months. 10 weeks starting October 4.
Fee: $85 Kenan members; $95 non-members.
Monday, 5:15-6 pm or Wednesday, 10:30-11:15 am.

The World Around Me
Ages 18 months to 3 years. 10 weeks starting October 4.
Fee: $85 Kenan members; $95 non-members.
Monday, 6:15-7 pm; Tuesday, 9:30-10:15 am; Tuesday, 10:30-11:15 am; Wednesday, 9:30-10:15 am; Wednesday, 6-6:45 pm.

Imagination
Ages 3 1/2 to 5 years. 10 weeks starting October 6.
Fee: $85 Kenan members; $95 non-members.
Wednesday, 4:30-5:30 pm.

Ballroom Dancing with Jackie George

Learn how to have real style on the dance floor, whether you're getting ready for a wedding, or just want a new activity to share with a partner! In this class you'll learn the ten basic American ballroom dance styles including Fox Trot, Waltz, Rumba, Cha-Cha, Tango and Swing styles. Wear comfortable shoes--not sneakers--and casual clothes. Instructor Jackie George has been teaching ballroom dance at the Kenan Center since 1990.
10 weeks beginning September 22; Wednesdays, 7:00-8:00 pm
Fee: $55 Kenan members; $75 non-members

Intermediate Ballroom Dancing
10 weeks beginning September 22; Wednesdays, 8:00-9:00 pm
Fee: $55 Kenan members; $75 non-members

To register call 433-2617 or visit the Kenan Center Business Office, M-F, 9 am-2 pm. Classes may be cancelled due to low enrollment. A full refund is provided if a class is cancelled. Normal refund policy: 100% refunded up to 7 days before the first week of a multi-week class. No refunds if less than 7 days prior to class starting date.

Partial support for Kenan Center’s Education Programming is made possible with public funds from the New York State Council on the Arts, celebrating 50 years of building strong, creative communities in New York State’s 62 counties.



For Teachers

Kenan Center Student Art Gallery

The Kenan Center Student Gallery, located in the community meeting room adjacent to the Taylor Theater, provides an exclusive space for the display of student artwork during the school year. The Student Gallery is one of the important ways that the Kenan Center provides the community with arts and education programming year-round. To be considered for an exhibit, teachers must submit an application detailing the theme, type of media and date preference. For additional information, call 433-2617.

Institutional Scholarship Program

The Kenan Center Institutional Scholarship Program offers 23 academic scholarships each year. These include:
Kenan Arts Council Scholarships, which go to students pursuing higher education in the arts
Kenan Center Soccer Committee Scholarships, which are given to Kenan soccer alumni pursuing higher education
Kenan Center Program Scholarships, given to young people and adults in need to allow them to participate in Kenan Center programs.




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