Hudson United Methodist Nursery School
Hudson United Methodist Nursery School (HUMNS) has been preparing and educating children from Hudson, Ohio and the surrounding communities since February of 1975.
We are oriented toward learning through a variety of hands-on experiences as well as through socialization and creative play. We offer a number of developmentally appropriate activities which enhance every aspect of a preschooler’s growth along with the love and understanding necessary for this development within the Christian atmosphere of the church.
The Hudson United Methodist Church Nursery School is licensed to operate by the Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services.
Registration Information
Thank you for your interest in HUMNS. Registration for Fall Programs occurs in late January. Please check our website in December or contact our office for specific Registration Dates.
HUMNS follows the Hudson City School Calendar, however any variances will be communicated in the beginning of the school year.
Please use the Contact form, below, to arrange an appointment or tour, or call us at 330-650-4091, ext. 106
Overview & Schedule
Program Descriptions
2 ½ Year Old Toddler Time Program
These classes are designed for the very youngest of preschool children. A relaxed non-threatening introduction to the educational environment. The purpose of these classes is to help trigger the development of a child’s most basic and fundamental social skills. All children must be 2½ years old by September 30 to enroll for the fall, 2 day classes. We also offer a 1 day program starting in February for children 2½ by February 1st. Students do not need to be potty-trained to attend these classes.
3 Year Old Programs
Two Day Program
This class is planned for the younger 3 year old that may not have had any previous preschool experience. The purpose of this class is to help the child develop social skills, become involved in group activities and make new friends. All children must be 3 years old by September 30 and totally potty-trained to enroll in this class.
Three Day Program
These classes are somewhat more comprehensive than the 2-Day class, due primarily to more time spent in the classroom, as well as slightly more involved activities. The nurturing of basic three year old appropriate social skills is still their primary purpose. Children must be 3 years old by September 30 and totally potty-trained to enroll in these classes.
4/5 Year Old Programs
Three Day Program
These classes are designed for the children who are moving up from the 3 year old program as well as for the child who is experiencing preschool for the very first time. Classes provide children the opportunity to continue to grow both socially and academically by way of a wide variety of developmentally appropriate hands-on activities. Children must be 4 years old by September 30 and totally potty-trained to enroll in these classes.
Five Day Program
This afternoon class is designed for the children who are moving up from the 3 year old, 3 day program and who are ready to attend 5 days a week. Classes provide children the opportunity to continue to grow both socially and academically by way of a wide variety of developmentally appropriate hands-on activities. Children must be 4 years old by September 30 and totally potty-trained to enroll in this class.
Five Day Pre-K Program
This morning class is designed for the younger 5 year old who is ready for an everyday routine but not quite equipped to handle the structure or demands of Kindergarten. The child may be moving up from one of our other programs or joining us for the very first time. These students are challenged to grow socially and to be exposed to a wide variety of developmentally appropriate readiness activities that are provided via the benefits of a consistent daily routine. This class is an excellent final preparation for the child who needs a little more “growing time” before moving onto Kindergarten. Children must be 5 years old by February 1st and totally potty-trained to enroll in this class.
Supplemental Programs
Preschool Extended Day Enrichment
PEDE is intended to provide three and five day students with the opportunity to be involved in a developmentally appropriate preschool experience based on a wide variety of curriculum topics (including but not limited to: art, science, movement.) Children will attend before or after their class and will extend their school day an additional two hours. Monday, Wednesday and Friday classes are available to all 3, 4 and 5 year old students of HUMNS. Each day will offer different activities, so your child has the opportunity to participate in more than one day. Every year the Lunch Bunch takes a journey through the United States, exploring states, counties, national parks and even learning about the US Presidents. This program runs mid-September thru the end of the school year.
Explorer Program
The Explorer Program is a two day a week extended day program for our 4 & 5 year old preschoolers. Children will attend before or after their classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays for an additional two and a half hours. The class is a more in-depth program for our oldest preschoolers, helping to enrich their skills for Kindergarten; writing, letter recognition, fine motor skills, geography, social development, confidence and independence. In our Explorer Program the children will follow Flat Stanley around the world, exploring the continents and different cultures. We will spend a few weeks on each of the continents and the students will get to stamp their very own passports as they learn about the countries. This program runs mid-September thru the end of the school year.
Summer Camps
We offer 2 four-day Summer Camps in the spring that provide preschoolers an opportunity to extend their school year to align with local school district calendars. This is a great opportunity to get enrichment through hands on lessons. Each Camp adopts a unique and engaging theme to make the experience special year after year. Previous themes include: Hawaii, Cooking, Fun in the Sun and Carnival.
Special Events
Beckwith Orchard
Parents are invited to join their children in a trip to Beckwith Orchard in Kent, OH. The children have an opportunity to learn about how apples grow and are processed into the apples they eat. There is a walking tour of the orchard which includes a visit to the corn maze, a look at the original homestead, and a taste of several different types of apples. At the conclusion of the trip, apples and cider are brought back to the school for snacks during subsequent school days.
Hudson Springs Park
Children enjoy a wonderful Fall Day exploring Hudson Springs Park. Children take a hike to learn more about the trees and animals that live in our park. Arts and craft projects such as leaf collages and leaf rubbing are a part of this outdoor adventure. A story and special trail snack round out the school day activities. Parents are invited to join this activity.
Meadowsweet Farm
Farmer Dawn, the owner of Meadowsweet Farm in Randolph, Ohio, comes to the school several times a year to teach the children about outdoor animals. Programs include tracking, hibernation, and egg hatching. Farmer Dawn normally brings some type of small animals for the children to see and touch.
Akron Symphony Concert
Each May we attend the children’s concert performed by the Akron Symphony. This special program includes an opportunity for the children to learn about all the instruments used in the Symphony. The children are then treated to a performance by young actors who use the symphony to act out a story.
Fire Safety Day
Our three year old classes are treated to a visit by a Hudson Firefighter. The children learn about fire safety including how to “Stop, Drop, and Roll”. The four and five year old classes take a trip to the Hudson Fire Station. The children have an opportunity to try on fire gear and climb on the fire trucks. The children practice “Stop, Drop, and Roll” and learn more about how to protect themselves in case of a fire. The trip is rounded off with a snack and trip to the adjacent playground.
Akron Zoo
Staff from the Akron Zoo come to the three year old class to talk about nocturnal animals. The children have an opportunity to see several of these animals up close and personal.
School Pictures
The Nursery School provides two opportunities for school pictures. Once in the Fall and again in the Spring. The Fall picture taking session also provides an opportunity for a class wide photograph.
Halloween Party
The Halloween Party begins with our traditional Halloween Parade. Parents and friends are invited to watch the parade. The audience is then treated to several songs sung by the children. After returning to their rooms the children participate in a Halloween Party include games, stories and snacks.
Thanksgiving Feast
This special activity is an opportunity for children to invite their grandparents or special adult to a fun event. The children learn a variety of songs and motions about the Fall and Thanksgiving. The children perform these songs dressed in head pieces and necklaces made during classroom arts and crafts time. After the songs, the children join their special guest for a Thanksgiving snack.
Christmas Program
All children have an opportunity to learn songs and motions about our winter holidays. The younger children share these with their parents during a daytime program. The older children gather together to present an evening holiday program, complete with cookies and punch.
Christmas Party
Christmas parties are held in all classrooms just prior to the Christmas break. The children enjoy making a special arts and craft projects and well as holiday stories and snacks.
Vision Screening
This free service is provided by the Cleveland Sight Center. Each child ages 3-5 is provided a basic vision screening test.
Visits with Mrs. O
A long time Hudson Librarian, Mrs. “O” comes monthly with a collection of special books that she shares with all the children.
Illusion Factory
Each year the Illusion Factory of Akron comes to the school to put on a performance. These fun productions are based on preschool age books such as “If You Take a Mouse to School” and “The Hat”. Families are invited to these performances.
Dental Health
Dr. April Yanda visits the school each Spring to take to the children about the importance of brushing and flossing their teeth. The children talk about dental health and proper nutriention.
Dad’s Night
This special evening out with Dad, provides an opportunity for Dad’s and their children to spend time together at the school. The children work with their Dad on several craft project including a special gift given to their mom’s later in the year. The evening also includes a picture with Dad and an ice cream sundae.
Valentine’s Day Party
Each classroom participates in a special Valentine’s Day party. Children are encouraged to write valentines to their classmates. The party includes delivering valentines, crafts, stories and snacks.
Art Show and Book Fair
This Spring event is an opportunity for the children to show case their artwork from the year. The school entry and halls are filled from floor to ceiling with this special work. Families are invited to tour the art exhibit and take part in a scholastic book fair. The book fair provides an opportunity to purchase value priced books and help the school library grow at the same time.
Mom’s Day Brunch
This special event for Mom’s, provides the children with an opportunity to thank their Mom’s for all their hard work. The children have snack with their Mom and present them with several very special presents that they have made.
Picnic and Last Day of School Program at Hudson Springs Park
Families are invited to bring a picnic and join the school staff in enjoying a time at the park. Children are recognized for their participation during the school year. It’s a fun way to end the school year!
Our Staff
Carrie Albrecht
Carrie joined HUMNS in 2017. She is currently the lead teacher in our extended day programs, Lunch Bunch and Explorers She has a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Bowling Green State University. Carrie and her husband reside in Hudson and have 3 children, one of whom attended HUMNS.
Carol Groves
Carol joined HUMNS in 2020. She will be teaching the 3-yr. old program. She has been teaching preschool for 20 years. Carol has a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Akron in Food and Nutrition. When she is not enjoying teaching, she can be found walking her dog Sadie, playing yard games, or watching sports with her three sons. She lives in Stow with her husband Steve.
Cathy Hunt
Cathy is excited to take on the role of assistant in the 3-year-old classes this year. With a Bachelor of Arts degree from Bucknell University and a Master of Fine Arts from Kent State, she brings a wealth of knowledge and experience. Before dedicating time to her family, Cathy excelled as a public and school librarian, and she also taught high school students. She is passionate about reading, writing, and photography. Residing in Macedonia with her husband and three children, who are all proud HUMNS graduates.
Lisa Sinko
Lisa joined HUMNS in 2006 as a five-day assistant teacher and also assists with Lunch Bunch and Explorers. She is a mother of three and enjoys spending time with her five granddaughters.
Meg Sinko
Meg began teaching at in 2002. She currently is the lead teacher for the 5 Day, Pre-K class. Meg has a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Kent State University. She previously taught the Preschool Extended Day and Kindergarten Extended Day classes before taking the position in the 5-day class. She is the mother of four children, two of which graduated from HUMNS. Meg loves spending time with her two granddaughters.
Casey Timberlake
Casey is excited to join Mrs. Piel as an assistant in the toddler class. With a background as a registered nurse in the NICU, she brings a wealth of experience and compassion to her work. After taking time off to raise her two daughters, Casey is ready to make a positive impact. In her free time, she enjoys running, reading, exploring the outdoors, and spending time with her family.
Frequently Asked Questions
When are the registration deadlines?
Registration for Fall Programs occurs in late January. Please check our website in December or contact our office for specific Registration Dates.
Are there tours of the school available?
We are happy to schedule personal tours of our school and answer any questions. Please Contact Us to arrange an appointment.
What is the typical class sizes, student/teacher ratio?
It various based on each age group and program.
2 1/2 year old programs are typically 10 students to 1 teacher and 1 assistant.
3 year old programs are typically 17 students to 1 teacher and 1 assistant.
4 & 5 year old programs are typically 18-20 students to 1 teacher and 1 assistant.
What is the holiday/vacation schedule?
HUMNS follows the Hudson City School Calendar, however any variances will be communicated in the beginning of the school year.
What opportunities are there for Parent involvement/volunteering?
There are many opportunities for parents to volunteer and get involved in the HUMNS community. A few examples include: Holiday Parties, Library Time, Birthday celebrations, and special events.
Is there a car line for drop off/pick up?
We have a car line for child drop-off and pick-ups all year long. More details are provided to enrolled families on particular times and practices.
Contact Us
You may reach us by calling 330-650-4091, ext. 106.
Don Novosel, Treasurer