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February News

Reminders

  • Please remember to sign your child in and out each day. The sign in sheets are located at the front desk area of both buildings.
  • Remember to pick up your Links to Learning folders on the last school day of each month. You will find the Links to Learning skills from the month, a snapshot at what is ahead, and samples of your child’s work included in each folder.
  • Our school offers a referral credit to families who refer another family to our school. Stop by the office for more details!
  • Sick Policy Reminder: The purpose of our sick policy is to reduce the spread of illness among children and to encourage full recuperation of sick children before they return to school. We depend on parents to assist us in maintaining a safe and healthy environment for all of our children.

From Our Education Department

Branching Out with STEM

“Too often we give children answers to remember instead of problems to solve.”
-Roger Lewin

There is a wide recognition that American students need broader and deeper science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education; however, many schools do not introduce this interdisciplinary approach until middle school. At Nobel Learning Communities, we believe that starting STEM education in preschool is important to help students build problem-solving, reasoning and critical thinking skills, as well as self-confidence and self-direction.

This fall, all of our principals and teachers have participated in professional development sessions to create innovative lesson plans featuring STEM activities. Both students and teachers are having fun exploring real-world problems together.

Below are a few ways that we integrate STEM in our classrooms and some ideas to try at home.

Science: In our classrooms, students participate in various science projects to practice close observation and experimentation. They make volcanos using baking soda, food dye and vinegar, observe the result of soda bottle geysers, and create rain clouds using shaving cream and food dye. Perform a science experiment at home by making a lava lamp using a plastic bottle, water, oil, and food dye. Ask your child to make predictions on what would happen to the ingredients in the bottle. Will the oil and water mix?

Technology: We integrate technology into our academic curriculum by providing opportunities for students to explore changes in technology over time, use technology to express themselves creatively, and learn terminology relevant in this digital age. For instance, they explore sun dials, analog clocks and digital clocks and discuss how each item is used to tell time. At home, have your child look for different forms of technology such as computers, tablets, telephones and cell phones. Ask him to share the differences and similarities he sees.

Engineering: Our students work collaboratively to design and create inventions, while building communication, creativity and cooperation skills. They build boats and cars using cardboard boxes, make containers to grow plants, and build cities out of blocks. Continue the learning at home by asking your child to build a fort using pillows, assemble a tower from magazines, or create a necklace using macaroni and string.

Mathematics: We give children hands-on experience with math concepts such as pattern, size, shape and quantity. For example, student sort and count different types of cereal and graph their favorites. Take a nature walk with your child and have him collect leaves or small rocks in a basket. When you get home, ask him to count the objects and describe the colors, shapes and textures.

In summary, we provide numerous fun and challenging STEM projects to encourage collaboration, problem solving, decision making, creativity and innovation. Through these activities, our students build the foundation they need for a lifetime of learning.

– Lauren Starnes, PhD- Director of Early Childhood Education


Ancillary Programs

  • MiniKickers Soccer
  • J.D. Mobile Sports gymnastics program
  • Dance Dreams

Pamphlets and information on all of these programs are located in the Pre-K building and front office.


 Our Mission

At Merryhill School, we provide a positive and nurturing learning environment where children are prepared for their future through friendship, teacher guidance, and a thoughtful and engaging curriculum.

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