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February News

A Message from the Principal

Dear Merryhill Families,

Welcome to all of our new families that have recently joined us. February is a very busy month filled with celebration. We start our month with a visit from the Summerlin Pediactric Dentistry to focus on dental health month. In the middle of the month we have one of our favorite visits from the Royal Air Force. On that same week we the Chinese Dragon Dancers will help bring in the Chinese new year. To finish the month Mrs. Nort our special guest reader will share a few new stories and songs. Finally, keep your eyes open for registration paperwork for next year.

January was also a very busy month. Since being back fron our Winter break our children seem to be little sponges looking for more to learn. This is the time of the year that many of our skills are becoming mastered and we are add several new skills so dont forget to check out our education boards and ask your children what they learned today.

Many parents have been asking about all of the fundraisers that have been coming out. It is our companies intent to provide many different fundraisers so you as a family can select the one that fits the best for you. Please do not feel that you need to participate in all of them but our company does align great incentives for being involved.

Thank you for being part of our family and trusting us with the education and care of your child.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Fitzgerald, Principal


Reminders

Parking
Let’s keep our children safe by holding their hands as you are in our parking lot. Also, thank you for not using our fire lane for drop off. This helps keep us safe in case of an emergency.

From our Parent Association
We are always looking for parents to help support our activities. Please stop by the front desk is you have any extra time.

Friendly Safety Reminder
When bring your child to school or picking-up please make sure he/she stays close to you. We do not want children unattended in our school, parking lot or playground.

Also, upon entering school grounds, please refrain from using your cellular phones. While driving in our parking lot, we need to have our full attention on our surroundings. Our children are small but very quick. It just takes a second for a child to dart out in front of a moving vehicle. Also, when you are in the school, please dedicate your attention to your child and what they want to share with you. They work very hard each day and are excited to show you their accomplishments.


From the Education Team

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

 

 

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