About Our School
Community Nursery School is a state-licensed preschool offering non-denominational classes, 2 or 4 sessions per week. It does not offer a Day Care program or provide transportation. CNS is open to children ages 3-5 and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, national origin, sex, political persuasion, handicap, or ancestry.
CNS is a nonprofit organization, governed by a Board of Directors, composed of volunteer parents. We provide 4K (4-5 year olds) instruction as a Community Partner of the Appleton Area School District.
It is our intent to provide your child with a warm, positive, "first school" experience. We want him or her to form a positive self-image, learn how to get along with others, and be exposed to many new and varied experiences.
There are two 3K (3-4 year olds) classes offered. One meeting Monday and Wednesday mornings and another meeting Tuesday and Thursday mornings. The classes meet for 2 hours and 30 minutes twice a week. Children must be three on or before September 1st of that school year. The maximum class size is 14 students and is taught by one teacher and an aide.
There are two 4K (4-5 year olds) classes offered. One class meeting in the morning and another meeting in the afternoon. The classes meet for 3 hours 10 minutes, Monday through Thursday. Children must be four on or before September 1st of that school year. The maximum class size is 19 students and is taught by one teacher and an aide.
Our Teachers
**All teachers meet WI Department of Health and Family Services licensing requirements and complete at least 20 hours of continuing education per year. Our staff is also certified in First Aid and Infant/Child CPR.
3K Lead Teacher
Carrie Schuh has been the 3K (3-4 year olds) lead teacher for Community Nursery School since 1997. Mrs. Schuh is the mother of three adult children who have grown up way too fast. Her children started their educational journey at CNS and are now leaving the nest. Mrs. Schuh spends her time away from CNS volunteering various places and helping out when she can with her husband and his family’s Dairy Farm in Freedom. Her education background includes attending UW-River Falls majoring in Education and Psychology and Early Childhood courses at UW-Oshkosh. She encourages all children to feel comfortable and excited about learning and playing with their new friends at CNS.
3K Assistant Teacher
Kalyn Grant is our assistant teacher for the 3K classroom. She is a mom of two girls, who both attended CNS. She served on the board during that time and is thrilled to be working with Mrs. Schuh this year! Mrs. Grant graduated from UW-Oshkosh with a degree in Human Services and has several years of experience working with children. She strives to create a fun and loving environment for our little ones here at CNS!
4K Lead Teacher (Morning)
Amy Dugan teaches the morning 4K class. She is a former kindergarten teacher and has been teaching 4K at CNS since 2010. She has a PK-9 education degree in Early Childhood, Elementary, and Middle School with an Adaptive Education Emphasis from St. Norbert College. Mrs. Dugan has three grown children, two attending college and one high schooler. It is hard to believe that her youngest was a student in her very first 4K class & is now a senior in high school, time flies!! She is devoted to truly getting to know each student, and strives to create a warm and inviting learning environment for her students.
4K Assistant Teacher (Morning)
Jodi Hurley is the assistant teacher for the morning 4K classroom. She is the mother of three boys- all CNS alumni! She is a former first and second grade teacher with a degree in Elementary Education and a minor in Language Arts from UW-Eau Claire. Mrs. Hurley enjoys being involved in her children’s schools and loves supporting her boys in their various activities outside the classroom as well. She is dedicated to providing an environment where each little one feels special, cared for, and truly happy to be at CNS.
4K Lead Teacher (Afternoon)
Heather Pingel is our 4K PM teacher. She and her husband have two sons, one who is a senior in college at UW - Milwaukee and one who is a sophomore at UW - Madison. Mrs. Pingel has spent lots of time volunteering in classrooms, cheering at sporting events, and helping with theatre productions. She has an English degree from the University of Wisconsin - Madison but realized that obtaining her teaching degree in Early Childhood was what she was called to do. Mrs. Pingel is committed to providing an upbeat and nurturing classroom where each child can learn, play, and feel loved. With more than 25 years experience working with children, she is beyond excited to be a part of the CNS family!
4K Assistant Teacher (Afternoon)
Leah Mineau is the assistant teacher for the afternoon 4K classroom. She has three children, ranging in age from middle school to college, who keep her busy with school and extra-curricular activities. Her youngest is a proud graduate of CNS. Mrs. Mineau is a former first grade teacher and received her elementary education degree from the University of Wisconsin - Madison. She is thrilled to be working in 4K at CNS and strives to provide a caring, nurturing classroom where all children feel loved and valued.
**We all strongly believe in the philosophy of our school. To quote Fred Rogers, "Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children play is serious learning. Play is the real work of childhood."