A Message From the Principal:
Love is in the air! The children are patiently waiting for Groundhog’s Day as we will find out will he see his shadow or will he not? This month the children will also be celebrating George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Valentine’s Day and Chinese New Year. Also to celebrate Dental Month we will be getting a visit from the Tooth Fairy on February 17th, the children will be learning all about the importance of healthy teeth.
It is that time to start planning your child’s continued preschool education for the 2015-2016 school year. Our school is currently full and we anticipate full enrollment again for the next school year. It is important for you to reserve your child’s space. We will begin Priority Registration this month, during that time the discount rate will be $90.00. That is a savings of $50.00 off the regular rate. After Priority Registration it will then be $140.00. Look for information in your sign in and out book, sometime this month.
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me or my assistant Ms. Robin at (916) 689-7322.
Warm Regards,
Nieva Gatbonton – Principal
Upcoming events:
- February 2nd- Valentine Grams go on Sale
- February 2nd- Groundhog’s Day
- February 9th- Cooking Class Begins
- February 10th- Cooking Class
- February 11th- Cooking Class
- February 12th- Cooking Class
- February 12th- Abraham Lincoln’s Birthday
- February 13th- Valentine’s Day Class Parties
- February 16th- President’s Day *SCHOOL CLOSED*
- February 17th- Dental Visit
- February 19th- Chinese New Year
- February 21st- George Washington’s Birthday
- February 24th- Mexican Flag Day
- February 27th- Skill Cards are available
- March 2nd- *School Closed* for Professional Development day
Reminders
PRIORITY REGISTRATION:
It is time to begin planning your child’s preschool education for the 2015-2016 school year. It is important that you reserve your child’s spot. Students that will be continuing with us (Infants through Pre-k), we will begin Priority Registration by the end of February. Look for more information as it comes closer.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT DAY:
We will be closed on Monday March 2nd for our Professional Development Day. This is an opportunity for the teacher to learn new ways to help the children grow and also be recognized as outstanding teachers which we already know.
REMINDER:
All tuition is due on the Friday prior to the weekly preferred schedule remember to read all communication, so you know everything that is happening in the school. Please make sure you are abiding by the parking lot rules enter and exit the appropriate way. Tuition is due Every Monday. A late fee of $25.00 will be assessed every Tuesday at noon. Our Academic School Day starts at 9:00 a.m. please make sure your child is to school on time. Make sure you update your emergency card for any changes of phone numbers or any information.
SHOW AND TELL FRIDAYS:
We welcome children to bring a special item for “Show and Tell” on Fridays. Please make sure that these items are small enough to be stored inside your child’s cubby. Toy guns and/or weapons of any kind are not allowed. Merryhill is proud to provide all our classes with enough materials that are fun and educational. Sometimes it is hard for the children to understand the concept of sharing special items that they bring from home. Some of these items are valuable to the child, therefore, we do not want to take the chance of them getting lost or misplaced.
SICK POLICIES:
Please make sure to carefully review our Sick and Medication policies. Our goal is to maintain a healthy environment for all our children and staff. We are asking you to abide by our sick policy as we will continue to enforce those policies with every enrolled student. Although their symptoms may not abide by the sick child policy, the school administration will determine when a child needs to go home according to their wellbeing. On occasion, symptoms may be outside the parameter of our Sick Child Policy, at that time the school administration will contact you if we feel your child needs parental care.
SIGN IN/ SIGN OUT:
Upon arrival and during pick-up time, please make sure that you sign your child in and out in the sign-in/out binder located in the front office. All information must be completed on each line and be clearly legible. You must write a phone number each day where we can reach you immediately should there be a need for it.
PARKING LOT SAFETY:
Just a reminder when you are coming into the school please be cautious and aware of your surrondings and the housing development. When entering the school you need to follow the rules. The parking lot is a one way street so please do not do short cuts to the preschool, thank you for your cooperation.
CALVINE WEEKLY WORD:
Don’t forget to be checking your email daily, for your weekly word from the principal. This helps you keep up with all the events or activities for the upcoming week. Please make sure that you are checking your email everyday!
NUT-FREE SCHOOL:
Due to nut allergies, we are now a nut-free school. Please make sure your child does not bring in any types of nuts or nut products to school. Thank you for your cooperation in this matter.
CHARACTER EDUCATION:
At Merryhill we are committed to the well-rounded development of each child, and we recognize that social and emotional skills are just as important as academics. This year we are introducing a brand new Character Education program for our Pre-K and Pre-K2 children. Our new character education program uses songs, puppets, games, books, and brain builder activities to teacher and reinforce skills. Although the complete program will be integrated into the Pre-K and Pre-K2 classrooms, many of the concepts and tools will be introduced to our younger children. This program is one more way we are preparing your child for a bright future.
MERRYHILL CALVINE ELEMENTARY:
For more information about our Elementary school please contact: (916) 689-7322- Jennifer Okimura or go to http://calvine.merryhillschool.com/
PARENT AMBASSADOR:
If there is one thing that parents love to do, it’s talk about their children’s successes.When friends ask you about your child’s experiences at Merryhill, what type of success stories do you share?Do you mention the personal and educational discoveries that your child is making thanks to our advanced curriculum?Do you talk about the new levels of self and social confidence your child has gained thanks to our encouraging atmosphere?Whatever glowing reports you deliver about how your child is growing with his or her education, we couldn’t be more appreciative.In fact, we’d like to show you just how thankful we are for your endorsements.Now when you tell other parents about our school,you can become a Merryhill School ambassador.For every new child you refer who enrolls at our school for three months, you’ll receive an Ambassador Certificate for one FREE week of tuition for your child!
NEWS FROM THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT:
Learning About the Uses and Benefits of Technology
Children today have many opportunities to interact with technology for entertainment value and learning. Most often we think of children using computer technology, including handheld devices loaded with games, books, music and movies. In moderation, these devices can aid in children’s learning and development.
Within our academic curriculum, we involve children in activities and reflection on ways that technology can improve our understanding of the world around us, help us do our jobs, and make the world a better place. We help children see how the understanding of science and math moves technology forward, and that someday they too might create new and improved ways to do things.
Below are a few ways that we integrate technology in our classrooms and some ideas to try at home.
INTERMEDIATES
In the classroom: Beginning in our Intermediate program, students learn common technology vocabulary, such as mouse, keyboard and email. Students also explore the double meaning of verbs that describe online and offline activities, such as “tapping” and “surfing”.
At home: Dot. by Randi Zuckerberg is a great book to read with your child to continue the learning at home. Dot, the main character, is a tech savvy little girl who leaves her electronic devices at home while she taps, swipes and shares in the real world.
PRE-K
In the classroom: Teachers encourage our older preschoolers to use technology as a tool to express themselves. For example, students use a camera to take photos of seasonal changes outdoors and write what they observed in their journal. This activity promotes creativity and provides a fun opportunity to practice writing skills.
At home: Allow your child to explore his world using digital photography tools. Ask him to describe his photos and explain why he chose those objects or locations to photograph. Encourage him to use descriptive language and emotion vocabulary.
In summary, we provide numerous opportunities for children to explore technology in our classrooms. Through these activities, children become excited to use technology educationally, and are better prepared to use technology in elementary school and beyond.
– Lauren Starnes, PhD- Director of Early Childhood Education
February News
A Message From the Principal:
Love is in the air! The children are patiently waiting for Groundhog’s Day as we will find out will he see his shadow or will he not? This month the children will also be celebrating George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Valentine’s Day and Chinese New Year. Also to celebrate Dental Month we will be getting a visit from the Tooth Fairy on February 17th, the children will be learning all about the importance of healthy teeth.
It is that time to start planning your child’s continued preschool education for the 2015-2016 school year. Our school is currently full and we anticipate full enrollment again for the next school year. It is important for you to reserve your child’s space. We will begin Priority Registration this month, during that time the discount rate will be $90.00. That is a savings of $50.00 off the regular rate. After Priority Registration it will then be $140.00. Look for information in your sign in and out book, sometime this month.
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me or my assistant Ms. Robin at (916) 689-7322.
Warm Regards,
Nieva Gatbonton – Principal
Upcoming events:
Reminders
PRIORITY REGISTRATION:
It is time to begin planning your child’s preschool education for the 2015-2016 school year. It is important that you reserve your child’s spot. Students that will be continuing with us (Infants through Pre-k), we will begin Priority Registration by the end of February. Look for more information as it comes closer.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT DAY:
We will be closed on Monday March 2nd for our Professional Development Day. This is an opportunity for the teacher to learn new ways to help the children grow and also be recognized as outstanding teachers which we already know.
REMINDER:
All tuition is due on the Friday prior to the weekly preferred schedule remember to read all communication, so you know everything that is happening in the school. Please make sure you are abiding by the parking lot rules enter and exit the appropriate way. Tuition is due Every Monday. A late fee of $25.00 will be assessed every Tuesday at noon. Our Academic School Day starts at 9:00 a.m. please make sure your child is to school on time. Make sure you update your emergency card for any changes of phone numbers or any information.
SHOW AND TELL FRIDAYS:
We welcome children to bring a special item for “Show and Tell” on Fridays. Please make sure that these items are small enough to be stored inside your child’s cubby. Toy guns and/or weapons of any kind are not allowed. Merryhill is proud to provide all our classes with enough materials that are fun and educational. Sometimes it is hard for the children to understand the concept of sharing special items that they bring from home. Some of these items are valuable to the child, therefore, we do not want to take the chance of them getting lost or misplaced.
SICK POLICIES:
Please make sure to carefully review our Sick and Medication policies. Our goal is to maintain a healthy environment for all our children and staff. We are asking you to abide by our sick policy as we will continue to enforce those policies with every enrolled student. Although their symptoms may not abide by the sick child policy, the school administration will determine when a child needs to go home according to their wellbeing. On occasion, symptoms may be outside the parameter of our Sick Child Policy, at that time the school administration will contact you if we feel your child needs parental care.
SIGN IN/ SIGN OUT:
Upon arrival and during pick-up time, please make sure that you sign your child in and out in the sign-in/out binder located in the front office. All information must be completed on each line and be clearly legible. You must write a phone number each day where we can reach you immediately should there be a need for it.
PARKING LOT SAFETY:
Just a reminder when you are coming into the school please be cautious and aware of your surrondings and the housing development. When entering the school you need to follow the rules. The parking lot is a one way street so please do not do short cuts to the preschool, thank you for your cooperation.
CALVINE WEEKLY WORD:
Don’t forget to be checking your email daily, for your weekly word from the principal. This helps you keep up with all the events or activities for the upcoming week. Please make sure that you are checking your email everyday!
NUT-FREE SCHOOL:
Due to nut allergies, we are now a nut-free school. Please make sure your child does not bring in any types of nuts or nut products to school. Thank you for your cooperation in this matter.
CHARACTER EDUCATION:
At Merryhill we are committed to the well-rounded development of each child, and we recognize that social and emotional skills are just as important as academics. This year we are introducing a brand new Character Education program for our Pre-K and Pre-K2 children. Our new character education program uses songs, puppets, games, books, and brain builder activities to teacher and reinforce skills. Although the complete program will be integrated into the Pre-K and Pre-K2 classrooms, many of the concepts and tools will be introduced to our younger children. This program is one more way we are preparing your child for a bright future.
MERRYHILL CALVINE ELEMENTARY:
For more information about our Elementary school please contact: (916) 689-7322- Jennifer Okimura or go to http://calvine.merryhillschool.com/
PARENT AMBASSADOR:
If there is one thing that parents love to do, it’s talk about their children’s successes.When friends ask you about your child’s experiences at Merryhill, what type of success stories do you share?Do you mention the personal and educational discoveries that your child is making thanks to our advanced curriculum?Do you talk about the new levels of self and social confidence your child has gained thanks to our encouraging atmosphere?Whatever glowing reports you deliver about how your child is growing with his or her education, we couldn’t be more appreciative.In fact, we’d like to show you just how thankful we are for your endorsements.Now when you tell other parents about our school,you can become a Merryhill School ambassador.For every new child you refer who enrolls at our school for three months, you’ll receive an Ambassador Certificate for one FREE week of tuition for your child!
NEWS FROM THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT:
Learning About the Uses and Benefits of Technology
Children today have many opportunities to interact with technology for entertainment value and learning. Most often we think of children using computer technology, including handheld devices loaded with games, books, music and movies. In moderation, these devices can aid in children’s learning and development.
Within our academic curriculum, we involve children in activities and reflection on ways that technology can improve our understanding of the world around us, help us do our jobs, and make the world a better place. We help children see how the understanding of science and math moves technology forward, and that someday they too might create new and improved ways to do things.
Below are a few ways that we integrate technology in our classrooms and some ideas to try at home.
INTERMEDIATES
In the classroom: Beginning in our Intermediate program, students learn common technology vocabulary, such as mouse, keyboard and email. Students also explore the double meaning of verbs that describe online and offline activities, such as “tapping” and “surfing”.
At home: Dot. by Randi Zuckerberg is a great book to read with your child to continue the learning at home. Dot, the main character, is a tech savvy little girl who leaves her electronic devices at home while she taps, swipes and shares in the real world.
PRE-K
In the classroom: Teachers encourage our older preschoolers to use technology as a tool to express themselves. For example, students use a camera to take photos of seasonal changes outdoors and write what they observed in their journal. This activity promotes creativity and provides a fun opportunity to practice writing skills.
At home: Allow your child to explore his world using digital photography tools. Ask him to describe his photos and explain why he chose those objects or locations to photograph. Encourage him to use descriptive language and emotion vocabulary.
In summary, we provide numerous opportunities for children to explore technology in our classrooms. Through these activities, children become excited to use technology educationally, and are better prepared to use technology in elementary school and beyond.
– Lauren Starnes, PhD- Director of Early Childhood Education