Joan Schapiro to be honored

The Village of Rockville Centre will be honoring long-time nursery school teacher Joan Schapiro by naming the nursery school at the Recreation Center after her.

The Joan S. Schapiro Early Childhood Education Center will be dedicated at a public ceremony on June 14 at 11 a.m. The Rec Center is extending an invitation to the people who were fortunate enough to have worked alongside Schapiro, as well as past and present Recreation Department employees. The Rec Center also hopes to see many of Schapiro’s former students in attendance.

Schapiro began working for the village as a nursery school teacher in 1968. She was an innovator in early childhood education, and also initiated many other preschool classes, including parent/toddler workshops, Gym and Jam, For Boys Only and cooking.

As part of the celebration, there will be a showcase of the many years of Schapiro’s experiences with preschool-aged children, including photos and anecdotes. Any former students and coworkers can submit photos or stories to the Rec Center.

Schapiro’s children are going to establish a scholarship in her name for children who would like to attend the Rec Center’s nursery school but can’t afford it. Anyone who wishes to donate can do so at the Rec Center office.

The deadline for submission of items for the display is May 15, so drop off your photos, anecdotes or contributions soon. Please RSVP for the dedication ceremony by June 7.