Ethical Society Nursery School
LET ME PLAY. TRUST ME, I’M LEARNING.
Summer Camp
We offer seven weeks of summer camp starting the first week of June. We have a three morning program for children 2 1/2 -3 1/2 years old and a 5 morning program for children 4 to 7 years old. We provide fun themes and lots of outside water play and activities. We have an optional Extended Day program two days a week for children who are potty trained. You can pick a day or come all seven weeks! We always have lots of fun.
Activities
WHAT WE DO
Periods of activity and quiet play include:
Outdoor playground activities Nature walks on the grounds Dramatic play Group games Music-making Cooking Art projects Block and building play Water play Field trips Science projects
The school’s program also focuses on the nuts and bolts of early childhood physical and mental development; the children have opportunities to practice their gross- and small-motor skills and they are encouraged to be creative, to explore, and to try out new things. Our daily routine provides many opportunities for the children to practice self-sufficiency. When we encourage children to actively participate in the care of themselves and the world around them, we foster a sense of independence and of pride.
We feel that the most conducive environment for playing is one that gets kids to explore what they are interested in. Thus we have no screens in our classrooms (TVs or computers) to distract them from engaging with what the class has to offer. We get the kids outside, year-round, and incorporate Nature themes in our activities.
We focus on the children’s social and emotional development by encouraging them to identify and discuss their feelings and ideas, and to learn how to resolve conflicts with other people. Indeed, we believe that one of the most important tasks of early childhood is learning how to get along with others. And one of the best ways children learn to develop socially is through play. As children learn to enter play and cooperate with their peers, we gently guide their interactions in order to empower them to advocate for themselves, to include their classmates in their play, and to peacefully resolve conflicts when they inevitably arise.
Philosophy
WHAT'S OUR GOAL
Our preschool occupies the east wing of the Ethical Society building on Clayton Road. The Ethical Society is a liberal religious fellowship dedicated to universal, humanistic ethical principles, rather than to a particular creed, ritual, or tradition. Accordingly, the Nursery School welcomes children of all racial and religious backgrounds.
Membership with the Ethical Society is not a prerequisite for registration to the school.
Our Environment
Full of natural light, our three classrooms are warm and inviting. The cozy environment is enhanced by children’s artwork lining the walls and a wide variety of toys, games, and art materials within their reach.
Our popular playground is composed almost entirely of natural, sustainable materials and allows for creative free play and practice of gross motor skills.
The north end of our property includes beautifully maintained nature trails for children to explore, as well as an outdoor classroom.
Two of our classrooms open to a large porch containing a sandbox, sensory table, and plenty of room to run and play. The children enjoy observing the surrounding vegetation and wildlife.
A local farmer visits frequently to teach the children how to grow their own food organically. The children participate in every step from seed to harvest and at times our snacks are straight from the garden!
Affectionately dubbed “The Rainbow Room” by the children, music class and other large group activities are held here.
Meet our Staff
WE ARE ALL HERE TO HELP YOU
Jenny Bosworth
Two Day Green Room
Jenny is excited to continue as a Green Room Teacher with the other ESNS staff. She has a special appreciation for the school because she was an ESNS student herself back in the
day, and her own two children (now in elementary school) are alumni as well! She has a
background in the field of special education, and is especially excited to be a part of a learning
environment that helps children develop a strong sense of self-esteem, independence, and
problem-solving skills. Jenny's other interests include travel, hiking, and singing with a local
chorus.
Becky Shostak
Two Day Green Room
Becky loves being at ESNS. She previously spent fifteen years teaching in the 2/3 year old classroom at University United Methodist Preschool. Becky graduated from Southeast Missouri State University with a degree in Speech Pathology and a minor in Child Studies. She is certified in Early Elementary Education. Becky has been married to her husband Elliott for 25 years and they have two sons, Benjamin and Aiden, who attend Mizzou. Outside of school, Becky is an avid walker, a reluctant runner and a wannabe artist.
Carrie Harding-Michl
Three Day Green Room
Carrie is originally from the Midwest and graduated from Eastern Illinois University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology. She later went on to earn an additional Associate's degree in Occupational Therapy. In 2018, Carrie moved to St. Louis and stayed home with her growing family. In 2022-2023, Carrie's son began attending ESNS and she was given the opportunity to substitute teach within the school. Through that fateful, wonderful experience, Carrie was inspired to continue working with children and pursue teaching. Carrie is now honored and excited to begin her 2nd year as a teacher at Ethical Society Nursery School in the Three Day Green Room. In her free time, she enjoys being active, spending time with her family, and traveling. She currently resides here with her husband, Michael, daughter, Aelish, and son, Lochlan.
Jenny Bosworth
Three Day Green Room
Jenny is excited to continue as a Green Room Teacher with the other ESNS staff. She has a special appreciation for the school because she was an ESNS student herself back in the
day, and her own two children (now in elementary school) are alumni as well! She has a
background in the field of special education, and is especially excited to be a part of a learning
environment that helps children develop a strong sense of self-esteem, independence, and
problem-solving skills. Jenny's other interests include travel, hiking, and singing with a local
chorus.
pastry and mixology at home
Jen Frakes
Blue Room
Jamie Reese
Blue Room
Jamie Reese has been working in early childhood education for 9 years. The last 7 years have been spent as a nanny to some wonderful alumni of ESNS. She lives in south STL city with her husband and daughter, Hadley. She is so excited to be working in the Green Room this year. She loves working with children of this age as they enjoy participating in
dramatic and sensory play, using their imaginations and developing their motor skills as they grow more Independent each day. She feels it's truly a joy and an honor to be part of this phase of their lives, and is looking forward to a great year ahead!
Maggie Biscan
Yellow Room
Amy Cavato
Yellow Room
She is very excited to be teaching at ESNS and be a part of the team and the community. Amy has enjoyed teaching preschool for 13 years, including experience at University United Methodist preschool and The Lab School. Prior to preschool, Amy taught First grade for 8 years in both public and private schools. She has a BA In Elementary Education from John Carroll University and a Masters in Elementary Education with a Reading Specialization from University of Missouri-St. Louis. A St. Louis native, Amy and her husband have 2 children. Abby attends Fordham University and Ryan attends SLUH. She also enjoys baking, reading, spending time with her family and cheering on the Cardinals.
Stacie Zink-Duda
Director
Stacie loves being the Director at ESNS. She was formerly the summer camp director at ESNS for 6 years from 2015-2020. She also has 19 years experience teaching preschool and pre-k children. She taught at University United Methodist Preschool in University City until it closed in 2020 and taught at Harper School for two years. All four of her young adult children live and work in St. Louis. She enjoys coaching grade school volleyball and basketball and running a small local food pantry. She has a MS in Child Clinical Psychology from SIUE.
Parent Involvement
HOW WE STAY CONNECTED
Private Facebook Group
Snack Share
Parent-Teacher Phone and E-mail Contacts
Weekly Classroom Facebook Posts
Field Trips
Family Evening Programs
Parent Volunteer Projects
Family Oriented Fundraisers
Two Scheduled Parent Teacher Conferences
Contact Us
CALL, TAKE A TOUR, OR EMAIL
9001 Clayton Road
St. Louis, MO 63117
Director: Stacie Zink-Duda
staciezd@gmail.com
Tel: (314) 991-1353