Contact Us: (315) 967-9561 or playschool@firstbaptist-manlius.org
Playschool Preschool registration for 2024-2025 open now
Melissa Mapstone
Hello, and welcome to our school page! I am an elementary school teacher with a Master’s in Education Administration. I value building safe and nurturing classrooms with teachers who provide hands-on activities to encourage play and social interaction. I believe children learn letters and numbers best in the context of everyday experiences, and I love to see their artwork brightening our classroom walls and hallways! The saying, “Fight Fear with Faith,” grew in meaning to me as God and I journeyed through my 2nd brain tumor diagnosis, and you’ll often see me wearing gray in recognition of brain tumor awareness. Supporting others as I have received comfort and care is important to me. I am also a photographer. I enjoy taking photos of our children around our family farm, where I live with my husband, Peter. Our children attended Playschool, and I am excited to continue to be a part of the school community as Director. I look forward to welcoming you to the Playschool family!
Schedule and Programs:
Our classes are held Monday – Friday from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m.
Tuesday/Thursday: 3-year-olds & Playschool Prep
Monday/Wednesday/Friday: 4 & 5-year-olds
Monday – Friday: 4 & 5-year-olds
Gymnasium or playground occurs daily
Monthly music class sessions
Story Time Visit from Miss Windy from the Manlius Library Each Month
About Us
Playschool’s curriculum is theme-based to help connect young children’s experiences to their learning. We emphasize developing both social and academic skills for Kindergarten Readiness. The program takes a playful approach to teaching activities that encourage: sensory, fine, and gross motor development; reading readiness; music; and movement.
Our School
Our program is dedicated to promoting independence, group interaction, and personal responsibility. We provide a nurturing and welcoming environment where children learn to respect themselves, others, and the toys and materials they use.
Small Class Sizes
Our instruction is designed to meet each child’s unique needs. With a limit of 7 three-year-olds and 8 four-year-olds per class, our teachers can personalize instruction and create a caring, Christian atmosphere that takes into account the whole child – HEAD, HANDS, and HEART!
Educational Fun
Each activity at Playschool is designed to be both engaging and purposeful to promote cognitive and social development. We provide ample time for play, balanced with age-appropriate whole group and individualized instruction.
Family-Oriented
Our school places a strong emphasis on creating meaningful connections between home and school. We offer a range of activities through the year to encourage family participation: Rally Day, Trunk-or-Treat, Parents’ Afternoon Out, Craft Night, Field Trips, and a Christmas Concert.
in the Chapel
Field Trips:
In addition to the daily learning and fun activities at Playschool, we also go on lots of field trips:
Trip to the Zoo
October visit to Our Farm (pumpkin picking, petting zoo, corn maze)
Seasonal show at a theater in Syracuse
Visits to local parks
Bowling
And more…
Sharing and Caring:
Throughout the year, Playschool students and parents can participate in the charitable and community programs of the First Baptist Church of Manlius:
Operation Christmas Child
Food Pantry Donations and Pajama Drive with FM Community Outreach
Mitten Tree
Grace Abounds (clothing charity at First Baptist Manlius)
Wednesday Morning Bible Studies
Playschool parents are invited to join Melissa Mapstone’s Wednesday morning Bible studies in the church library.