I am pleased to be asked to pen a message about Winthrop United Methodist Church (WUMC) and Wonder Awhile Nursery School (WANS) because I had the privilege in 1964 of being the co-founder. The idea of starting WANS was born in a study-prayer-sharing group out of concerns for the need of a ministry for young children and their families in the Winthrop area. At that time there was no nursery school closer than Augusta, and that wasn't well planned for preschooler's developmental needs. The dream quickly spread and became reality. WANS has provided an important step on the road of lifelong learning. It has been our mission to honor, support, and educate both young children and their families. I was proud of WANS then and it has done nothing but improve over the years. Our high standards were set long before nursery schools were required to be licensed. In fact, we became a model from which statewide standards began to be developed!
~ Priscilla Small
Our History
This seems a good time to discuss the history behind the naming of our school. One of the most difficult tasks almost half a century ago was that of choosing just the right name to describe this very special place. Great thought and much prayer went into the decision, and eventually, the only one that seemed to say what we felt so strongly was Wonder Awhile; wonder at God’s magnificent world; wonder at the joy of discovery!
A factor of great concern was that it could be misspelled or miss-pronounced, becoming WANDER AWHILE! This was not the connotation we were looking for! Our desire was to provoke the feeling of a loving, challenging place to which children would come, full of expectation; where curiosity would be encouraged and young minds stretched. In short, a place full of wonder and joy which would lay the foundation for a lifelong love of learning.
The first class met in the fellowship hall (which was then supported by many iron posts) and a tiny Sunday School room which was also used for miscellaneous storage, choir robes, and music. Each piece of equipment and all supplies had to be dragged out, set up, then put away almost every day. The results were well worth all of the effort. Both parents and church people were enthusiastic, and even the shared-refrigerator problems were worked out!
I’m pleased and proud to say that over the years WANS has grown and improved beyond my wildest dreams. NOW, many decades later, we’re looking at it and doing an evaluation of sorts, I feel sure it has passed the test of time.
Directors of WANS have been: Priscilla Small, February 1964 – 1970; Jane Poitras, August 1970 – December 1972; Audrey Hazen, January 1973 – 1974; Joanne Manheimer, 1974 – 1989; and Linda Findlay, 1989 to 2012; Jane Brennan, 2012 to present.
It might be interesting to include a few quotes from the past:
“…the shared work in Christian Education is also grounded in solid relationships with our sister congregation in Winthrop, and the Nursery School which as an expression of the mission is a dynamic part of the service which is offered through the dedication of our people. Continuing to grow from its beginning in Winthrop, the Nursery School prepares children…
- Rev. Peter Misner’s Report of the Pastor in the 1976 Charge Conference Report
“Sunday School Kindergarten and First Grade classes are using the toys and some equipment such as the sand box on Sunday mornings. Carolyn Morgan and Betty Parlin are the teachers and will be responsible for putting items back into their proper places. Members were in agreement.”
- Nursery School Committee report by Elizabeth Skomro in 1972 (Carolyn Morgan was also a Nursery School teacher, and Betty Parlin was a Nursery School treasurer at different times.)
“WANS has reported faithfully to the Commission, indicating a very active year with full attendance and a waiting list. These teachers are to be commended for their interest, love and for the time given to each child…, also for their initiative in seeking a better than average teacher-parent relationship with the parents of children involved”.
- Priscilla Connor, Chairman of the Commission of Education, 1966
Church Relationship
Because Wonder Awhile is a mission of outreach to the Winthrop area, the church provides their space without cost. In return, WANS makes a donation to the church of 5% of tuition income to help with utilities. WANS pays their Director and teachers' salaries, provides their janitorial service, and often helps with major maintenance needs. WANS' Parent Teacher Organization members plan fundraisers and work tirelessly with other parents to earn money for scholarship funds and to keep tuition low. (Scholarships of reduced tuition are given to children of families who participate under WIC guidelines).