South Orange Preschoolers To Plant Seeds Of Kindness In Others

SOUTH ORANGE, NJ — Students at a village preschool will plant seeds in a yearlong initiative designed to foster a greater sense of community among people in town, especially children.

The Iris Family Early Childhood Education Center at Temple Sharey Tefilo-Israel is planning different lessons around various topics.

Some monthly activities will include:

• October: Planting seeds of the future. Temple clergy will welcome new students to the school during a special ceremony.
• November: Planting seeds of nurturing. A teacher appreciation breakfast will be held.
• December: Planting seeds of cultural appreciation. Students will learn about different cultures and holiday celebrations.
• January: Planting seeds of giving. Students will participate in collecting donations for nonprofits, including the Interfaith Food Pantry of the Oranges.

In March, a special celebration of Carol Paster's 30 years at the temple's school.

The school picked the "planting seeds theme to showcase ways in which we each contribute and help our community thrive," said Lauren Byers, the preschool's family outreach coordinator. "This will also help nurture a sense of community beyond Temple Sharey Tefilo-Israel."

Email: daniel.hubbard@patch.com