Message From the Principal:
Dear Merryhill Families,
The month of February is a great reminder of the value of friendships. By the time children are preschoolers, they often can work together to make friends. They learn to play co operatively, socially, and even dramatically. They learn that some games require taking turns and showing good sportsmanship. They can use words to assert themselves and show empathy when another child is hurt or sad. Preschoolers need to know the limits of appropriate social interactions. They need to know the rules for social behavior, how to express their feelings, and how to enter into a group.
Children need help to see that they can set reasonable social goals for themselves. Model behavior; teach your child that friendships are built out of mutual respect and kind words. Encourage your child to use their words and problem solve as a solution to conflict situations. This is such a valuable tool for success in years to come.
Wishing you a Happy Valentine’s Day!
Nina Taylor, Preschool Principal
Important Dates
- February 2nd – Ground Hogs Day
- February 10th – A visit from the Dentist
- February 12th – Valentine’s Day Class Parties & Dance ( Wear your red, pink, purple or white)
- February 13th – No School Teacher Inservice
- February 14th – Valentines Day
- February 16th – No School – President’s Day
- February 19th – Chinese New Year
- February 27th – A Visit from the Librarian
From Your 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
Reminders
Yearbook
Yearbooks are on sale! Please reserve yours ASAP as quantities are limited.
Sick Policy
Please remember to adhere to our sick policy. In order to maintain a healthy environment for our children we require children to be home 48 hours symptom free. This policy will be strictly enforced. Thank you in advance for considering the health and safety of all of our students.
Registration
Early Bird Registration will run through March 1st for upcoming 2015/2016 school year. Students who register for the next school year by the end of February will receive an early bird discount of $50 off of the registration fee. Please see Nina or Maria if you have any questions.
Silent Auction & Wine Tasting
Our PTO is hosting their Annual Silent Auction & Wine Tasting Event. The event will held on March 7, 2015 at 6:00pm at the Cili’s @ Bali Hai. Along with the auction items to bid on, there will be food, wine, and other beverages. Several raffles will be offered throughout the evening. This will be a fun and exciting event for our families and friends. Tickets for this event are $50 per person. Please see your child’s teacher for information on basket themes and requested items.
February News
Message From the Principal:
Dear Merryhill Families,
The month of February is a great reminder of the value of friendships. By the time children are preschoolers, they often can work together to make friends. They learn to play co operatively, socially, and even dramatically. They learn that some games require taking turns and showing good sportsmanship. They can use words to assert themselves and show empathy when another child is hurt or sad. Preschoolers need to know the limits of appropriate social interactions. They need to know the rules for social behavior, how to express their feelings, and how to enter into a group.
Children need help to see that they can set reasonable social goals for themselves. Model behavior; teach your child that friendships are built out of mutual respect and kind words. Encourage your child to use their words and problem solve as a solution to conflict situations. This is such a valuable tool for success in years to come.
Wishing you a Happy Valentine’s Day!
Nina Taylor, Preschool Principal
Important Dates
From Your 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
Reminders
Yearbook
Yearbooks are on sale! Please reserve yours ASAP as quantities are limited.
Sick Policy
Please remember to adhere to our sick policy. In order to maintain a healthy environment for our children we require children to be home 48 hours symptom free. This policy will be strictly enforced. Thank you in advance for considering the health and safety of all of our students.
Registration
Early Bird Registration will run through March 1st for upcoming 2015/2016 school year. Students who register for the next school year by the end of February will receive an early bird discount of $50 off of the registration fee. Please see Nina or Maria if you have any questions.
Silent Auction & Wine Tasting
Our PTO is hosting their Annual Silent Auction & Wine Tasting Event. The event will held on March 7, 2015 at 6:00pm at the Cili’s @ Bali Hai. Along with the auction items to bid on, there will be food, wine, and other beverages. Several raffles will be offered throughout the evening. This will be a fun and exciting event for our families and friends. Tickets for this event are $50 per person. Please see your child’s teacher for information on basket themes and requested items.