Beloved “Snoopy School” Celebrates 50th Anniversary

The term “Snoopy School” is well-known by many. However, most don’t know how Severna Park United Methodist Church Nursery School (SPUMCNS) — celebrating its 50th anniversary this September — got its playful nickname.

“When the school was first established, they had a sign on Benfield Road that featured a beagle that looked much like Snoopy,” explained Heidi Taflan, director of SPUMCNS since 2014. “We’ve been known locally as Snoopy School ever since.”

Angela Gahs began working at the nursery school in 1993 as an aide before moving on to a teacher role and retiring as director in 2011.

“Up through when I retired, there was a stuffed Snoopy from ‘The Peanuts’ comic strip that sat at the front of each classroom, and the children loved to hold it,” said Gahs. “There was also a large Snoopy flag hanging in the hallway that said, ‘School is Cool.’ Eventually, it became synonymous with the school.”

A Look Back at the Beginnings

In 1971, Patricia “Pat” Woodall Miller opened the nursery school after learning that a group of young mothers in Chartwell were looking for a place for their children to gather.

Pat Kern, teacher and director of SPUMCNS from 1980 to 2003, remembers Miller fondly.

“Pat Miller was soft-spoken, kind, always had a sweet smile on her face and had a strong Christian faith,” said Kern. “She cared deeply for her students and coworkers.”

Several of Miller’s former colleagues noted how she loved Halloween and was sure to have a memorable costume year after year.

“I was hired by Pat Miller in the fall of 1983 and enjoyed working with her at the school until her retirement,” said Sharon Stelmaszek, a longtime teacher at the school. “One of Pat's favorite times there was Halloween. She had the best costumes. Little Red Riding Hood and a Smurf were two that come to mind.”

Miller passed away peacefully in February 2021, but her legacy lives on through the school.

What Separates SPUMCNS?

When asked how SPUMCNS differs from other preschools or early learning centers, Taflan shared how the size is a major advantage. The classes are small with a maximum 7:1 student/teacher ratio.

“Because our classes are so small, our teachers are able to tailor our program to meet each child's needs and help him or her grow and develop in a warm, nurturing, exciting and developmentally-appropriate educational environment,” said Taflan.

Building a community among the families, children and staff is a big priority. Some of the most anticipated events each year include holiday parties, field trips to the pumpkin patch, nature scavenger hunts in the garden, field days and Mother’s Day Tea, to name a few.

Gahs explained how she always looked forward to the 4-year-old farewell program. “The children would sit on the stage and sing their songs that they learned through the years for their parents,” Gahs said. “It has been gratifying to see the same children in Severna Park High School’s Rock ‘N’ Roll Revival singing on the stage and know that they got their start with us!”

Looking Forward

Taflan attributes Snoopy School’s longevity and reputation to the committed, enthusiastic and caring staff members who implement a curriculum that emphasizes both social and academic development. The fun activities and events that complement the curriculum enhance the school’s commitment to its students.

“The biggest tribute to this milestone is the fact that the school is still thriving and has such a tremendous reputation for excellence after five decades,” said Taflan. “We had to pivot and innovate last year to continue through the pandemic and operated at one-third capacity for the full year. It's gratifying to know we'll be viable for the coming year, and while we still have seats available, we'll be able to offer our full array of classes.”

One thing is for sure, the Snoopy community has had a long-lasting impact on all who have worked there or attended the school. Retired teachers and aides who call themselves the “Snoopettes” gather twice a year for lunch. Also, many former students return as adults to enroll their children. That’s the case for this writer, whose oldest daughter recently had her first day of school. Knowing that several of her first memories will be formed at Snoopy School, and similar to my beautiful memories, makes me so incredibly happy.