Header Image

February News

A Message From the Principal

Dear Parents:

February is here and the end of the school year will be here before we know it.A big welcome to all of our new friends who have joined our Merryhill Family.

A LOOK BACK AT January: After the busy holiday season, January brought a calmer and less hectic calendar.

Thank you to all of the volunteers who helped with Pizza Friday last month. Having those extra hands when we have so many hungry tummies waiting for pizza is so very helpful. If you would like to help with Pizza Friday or any other classroom events and have not signed up to do so, please check with your child’s teacher and we will get you plugged into a slot that is just right for you.

THIS MONTH:

Classroom Valentine’s Day Parties will be held on Thursday, February 12th. Please check with your child’s teacher for details.

We will be closed for a Staff Development Day on Friday, February 13th.

We will be closed for President’s Day on Monday, February 16th.

As we begin to think about registration for the 2015-2016 school year, you may wonder what the next step in your child’s academic journey looks like. Curriculum Night is a wonderful opportunity for you to chat with the teacher that teaches the next grade level and view the curriculum expectations for that level. Please join us for this informative evening on Wednesday, February 18th, from 6:00-7:00 pm.

This month’s Pizza Friday will be held on February 20th. If you have not already signed your child up to participate, please see Mrs. Louis-Jacques at the front desk.

Your child’s Progress Report will be coming home for the second tri-mester during the last week of February.

Looking Ahead at March:

Spring pictures will be taken Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, March 2nd, 3rd and 4th. A schedule with the particular days that your child’s class will be photographed will follow as the dates draw closer.

Pizza Friday will be March 13th.

Classroom St. Patrick’s Day Parties will take place on Tuesday, March 17th. Check with your child’s teacher for details.

Our next Open House will be held on Saturday, March 21st, from 10:00 am-1:00 pm. Spaces are limited, so if you know of a family that is looking for a quality preschool program for their child, please invite them to join us for a tour of our school.

We will be sponsoring St. Jude’s with a Trike A Thon during the week of March 23rd. We will provide you with more information as the date approaches.

Spring Break Gap Camp will be available from March 30th through April 3rd. What will your children be doing during this week while school is out? Joining us for Spring Camp will ensure that their days are filled with engaging activities sure to keep your child entertained and begging for more.

Thank you for sharing your beautiful little treasures with us each day. It is truly our priviledge to care for and teach them here at Merryhill.

Melody Luther

Principal


From Our 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

This entry was posted in Henderson Preschool. Bookmark the permalink. Both comments and trackbacks are currently closed.