Massanutten School                                    Voice Mail Phone (540) 432-7177
                                                                                                    

                                                                                Read what parents are saying
about Massanutten School

Classes Offered for 2009-2010
The following classes are being offered during the coming year. Each class is led by a certified, licensed early childhood teacher. There is also an experienced assistant in each classroom. All staff personnel have had criminal background searches, tuberculosis tests, child abuse checks, and are certified in CPR and First Aid.

Our Philosopy
Massanutten School is a non-profit, church sponsored, child-care program designed to provide a secure, nurturing environment in which young children are offered a vareity of exciting learning experiences. Our program offers an atmoshphere which stimulates creativity and provides opportunities to help children gain the confidence needed to make the next step in their educational journey a successful one. Our daily goal is to make the process of learning and discovering fun and pleasant in every way.

We view every child as unique and significant, and encourage each one to discover and take pride in their personal capabilities. Activities are developmentally appropiate to promote each child's physical, intellectual, emotional, and social well-being. We understand that children develop individually, and do not set expectations on the acquistiion of skills. Our program has a Christian emphasis as our belief in a loving God forms the basis of our approach to dealing with children.

State License
Massanutten School complies with the rigid standards set by the Virginia department of Social Services for child day care centers. Our program has once again received the maximum license given by the state which indicates that our center exceeds the standards for child care centers set forth by the state.

Our school year begins the day after Labor Day, and ends the week prior to Memorial Day celebration. Tuition is paid for the nine months that the children are in school.

Two Year Old Classes
Mia Sherwood will be returning to teach both of the classes. Mia has taught in Rockingham County and in Hunter McGuire before finding a home with Massanutten School two years ago. Mia graduated from James Madison University with a BA in early childhood education. She, her husband, and two sons live in Lakewood.

Jenny Dillard is returning for her 2nd year with the two-year-old class.  She has worked with children in her church for many years and is enjoying her time at Massanutten School.  She and her family live in Keezletown.

Three Year Old Classes
Beth McDaniel is returning for her 2nd year in our three-year-old class.  She graduated from Longwood College with a degree in early childhood education. Beth taught three-year-old preschoolers for several years in northern Virginia. When her husband relocated to Rockingham County, Beth began looking for another place to work, and we were lucky enough to have caught her. She, her husband, and two children live in Lakewood.

Deb Comer will be returning for her 6th year in the three-year-old class. She attended James Madison University as well as Blue Ridge Community College. She has worked with our children in school as a mom and as a teacher. She is also actively involved in the church. Deb, her husband and two sons live in Elkton.

Four Year Old Classes
Sherrie Dumler will be returning for her 6th year at Massanutten School.  We captured Sherrie after she "retired" from teaching in public schools. Sherrie graduated from James Madison University with a degree in sociology and early childhood development. Sherrie, her husband and two daughters live in Lakewood.

Susie Diehl will be teaching with Sherrie in the four-year-old class. This will be Susie's 6th year with our school. She has worked with our three and four-year-olds at Massanutten School and also works actively in the church programs. Susie is a graduate of Virginia Tech and lives with her husband and three children on Goods Mill Farms Road.

Kindergarten
Cindy Grimes has worked at Massanutten School for 11 years.  She graduated from Lenoir Rhyne College with a degree in early childhood education.  Cindy has been employed as the four-year-old class assistant, three-year-old teacher, four-year-old teacher and part-time director prior to her current position.  She, her husband, and daughter live in Penn Laird.  

Mary Marshburn will be returning to teach with Cindy in the kindergarten class. Mary has been with Massanutten School for 4 years.  Mary graduated from Longwood College with a BS in anthropology. She, her husband and two children live in McGaheysville.

Director
Cindy Grimes returns as director again this year and as Teacher for kindergarten. Cindy has worked at Massanutten School for 11 years. She graduated from Lenoir Rhyne College with a degree in early childhood education. Cindy was employed as the four-year-old assistant, three-year-old teacher, four-year-old teacher, and part time director prior to her current position. She, her husband, and daughter live in Penn Laird.

****All of the staff at Massanutten School have had background checks through the Virginia Department of Social Services and through the Virginia State Police. Five of our staff hold teaching certificates from the state of Virginia, and  the other staff members have worked with children for four years or more. Each staff member also receives 14 hours of continuing education during the year, and is certified in First Aid and CPR.

What Parents are Saying About Massanutten School

"This kindergarten program has been better than I imagined. What a blessing it has been. I distinctly remember running into school one day to drop something off to my son. All the kids were working hard on their Polar Express pictures, and music was playing. The atmosphere in the classroom was almost magical. I thought to myself, "This is what kindergarten is supposed to be like!" Thank you for providing such a wonderful environment to our children." Joni

"Last Spring, I started to contemplate what would be the best decision for my son, regarding enrolling him in kindergarten. He has a late July birth date and I knew he was socially immature. I spent 14 years in  Rockingham County Schools working among educators, and knew that some children needed an extra year of experience before entering public schools. After praying and searching for the right setting, I discovered that Massanutten School was starting a 1/2 day kindergarten program...what an answer to prayers!! My son has made leaps and bounds socially, and even family and friends notice the significant difference in his personalty and demeanor. He now wants to write, read, and work on academics. He is also exposed to Spanish, music, art, computers and the Bible. What more could you ask for in a kindergarten setting! The teachers are the perfect combination of both firm and nurturing. My son loves to go to school and even wants to go on weekends. What a testimonial to the setting that is being created by these instructors. I highly recommend this program to any parent trying to make the best decision for their child." Julie

 "Being part of Massanutten Kindergarten is one of the best decisions we have made for our son. He has really blossomed this year. The small classroom environment is like a small family. Coming to Massanutten Kindergarten is a decision you will never regret." Kim

"Here are some things I love about Massanutten School:
1. It offers and interactive learning experience for children. The hands on activities really keep their interest and have them excited about going to school.
2. The smaller class size allows more one-on-one interaction, which benefits my children greatly.
3. Although the class is not culturally diverse, the teachers still incorporate lessons about other races and cultures." Hollie

"The staff at Massanutten School is outstanding. When my son was diagnosed with a blood disorder last year, the entire school came together in support of  our family. I put all of my faith in each and every staff member at this school. I know he's in caring hands when he is at school. Through hands-on, fun-filled activities, learning centers and morning business, learning is endless in the classroom. Love, support, and the true gift of teaching shine through in both teachers. I feel blessed to have been able to provide this level of education, love, and support to my child through Massanutten Kindergarten." Porcha

If you would like more information about our school, please contact Cindy Grimes, director, by phone at (540) 432-7177, or (540) 746-0362, or by email at mpcpreschool@comcast.net

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