Dear Merryhill Families,
Wow! Where did the summer go? We have been enjoying our summer and we look forward to even more adventures!
Please make note that our school will be closed on Friday, Aug. 14th for a Teacher Professional Development Day.
This month we will continue to enjoy our fun dress-up Fridays. On August 28th we are holding a “Merryhill’s Got Talent” show and Pot Luck! Sign ups will be in the office.
We will celebrate Back to School Night on Aug 19th from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. This is a great opportunity for you to meet your child’s teacher and learn more about our Links to Learning Curriculum. Please attempt to find child care because your attendance is important to us.
We are looking forward to a very busy September, make sure to check the dates!
Grandparents day is coming up and once again we would like to have our Merryhill grandparents come and read to the students. We will also be celebrating Occupation week with parent presentations about your given career. If you would like more information about these events please speak to Jandé or myself.
I look forward to an Amazing August!
Blanca Prieto-Preschool Principal
Calendar of Events
July 31st– Brax Cups Fundraiser Begins—Orders due on Aug. 13th by 6:00 p.m.
Aug.1st– Open House for perspective parents. Tell your friends and save $500.00 off tuition.
Aug. 7th– Crazy Hair Day & Music Matt Performance. Show starts at 10:00 a.m.
Aug. 14th-School Closed- Teacher In-Service Day
Aug. 19th- Back to School night- 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.- Parents only please
Aug. 21st- Wear a “vacation” t-shirt from somewhere around the world
Aug 28th- Dress like a Superhero Day
Aug 28th- “Merryhill’s Got Talent” Show and pot luck! Starts at 5:30 p.m.
Coming up…
Sept. 7th-School Closed- In observance of Labor Day
Sept. 7th – 11th- Grandparents Story time 10:00-11:00 a.m.
Grandparents can sign up to come and read to our students
Sept.11th- Patriot Day-Wear Red, White & Blue
Fri.Sept. 11th– Grandparents Ice Cream Social at 3:30 p.m.
Sept.13th – 17th- Occupation Week
Sept. 18th- Scholastic Book Orders Due
Sept. 20th- 24th – Johnny Appleseed Week
Sept. 23nd – First Day of Fall
Sept. 27th-Oct 2nd– Fire Safety Week
Specialty Classes
MiniKickers Soccer- is a new and exciting program that teaches basic soccer skills while developing strength, balance, coordination, listening skills and team work. Our professional, licensed British coaches will ensure your child has a positive soccer experience. Classes are on Monday starting Sept. 14th and will run for 8 weeks.
Amazing Athletes-provides a year-round, structured curriculum that introduces children to 9 different ball sports and helps them to master 7 key areas of motor-development. Our program is taught in a non-competitive, learning-based environment. We work with each child at their own progression level to ensure they are able to reach their highest potential. Classes will be offered every Tuesday.
Karin’s Culinary Cooking Class- Cooking with Karin is offered to 2’s and up. This class offers discovery and creativity while learning culinary skills, kitchen safety and proper etiquette. Classes will be offered every Thursday.
Music Matt- Mr. Matt will be teaching an introductory music class. This class is open to all 2 and 4 year olds and will introduce them to different instruments, singing and much more! We are excited to announce that Music Matt is available for birthday parties. If you are interested, please contact Music Matt either through his website or by email. Please check out his web site at www.MusicMatt.com. Classes will be held every Friday.
Diamond Dance- For living room leapers, bedroom ballerinas, and front yard frolickers, Diamond Dance offers the perfect program! Our Dance program introduces children to ballet, tap, and hip-hop techniques, while allowing them to express themselves through creative movement. Classes will be offered every Wednesday.
Reminders
Be sure to get that tuition in on time and adhere to our school hours. Remember that we close at 6:00 p.m., and half-day students need to be picked up promptly by 12:30 p.m. Any students picked up late will be charged $1 a minute per tuition policy.
Remember to supply your child with a crib-sized sheet and blanket everyday for naptime, along with an extra full change of clothes in their cubby
Art Files- please remember to check them at least once a week to pick up any correspondence between the office and/or teachers, along with your child’s exciting art work.
Links to Learning Files- please check these once a month. When you see the folder standing up take the contents home and lay the folder back down.
Our School is a NUT FREE zone. We have many students with nut allergies. Please make sure your child does not bring nut products to school.
School Spotlight
Refer a new family beginning 7/6/2015 and to start by 9/8/2015 and earn up to $500 off tuition.
*Please see our Parent Referral Program for all the details.
From Our Education Department
Reestablishing Routines for Your Preschooler
Maintaining Order & Staying on Track
As we reach the end of summer, now is a great time to reestablish comforting routines for your preschooler. Routines help children build self-confidence and independence, cope with transitions, and gain a better understanding of the world around them.
Our Links to Learning curriculum promotes students’ social and emotional development, which is necessary for following directions and demonstrating self-control. Our teachers focus on the importance of healthy living and safety routines in the Wellness component of our curriculum.
Here are some examples of ways we establish routines in the classroom, as well as ideas for you and your child to do at home.
TODDLERS (ages 1-2):
In the classroom: Naptime gives children an opportunity to recharge and reboot. Our toddlers transition from napping in cribs to napping in cots. Teachers schedule naps at the same time and in the same area of the classroom every day. Soothing music is played to help toddlers wind down.
At home: Talk with your child’s teacher about the naptime routine at school. Minimize naptime battles by attempting to maintain the same routine at home.
Recommended reading: Naptime by Elizabeth Verdick
BEGINNERS (ages 2-3):
In the classroom: Around age two, children begin to learn basic self-help skills such as dressing themselves. Our Beginner students practice snaps and zippers, and are encouraged to complete basic sequences like putting on socks before shoes.
At home: Offer your child a choice during routines in order to increase his interest in the activity. For example, lay out two outfit options for him to wear. Allow him to choose the outfit he prefers. Give him ample time to dress himself before offering assistance. Praise every attempt.
Recommended reading: Let’s Get Dressed by Caroline Church
INTERMEDIATES (ages 3-4):
In the classroom: Teachers focus on the importance of sleep in the Wellness component of our curriculum. Students read and act out We’re Going on a Bear Hunt by Helen Oxenbury and Michael Rosen. They discuss why the bear was sleeping, and why sleep is important.
At home: Create a bedtime routine for your child. For example, bathe, brush teeth, read a story, go to sleep. Follow the same sequence of events at the same time and in the same order every night.
Recommended reading: The Going-to-Bed Book by Sandra Boynton
PRE-K/PRE-K 2 (ages 4-5):
In the classroom: Our older students follow an arrival routine at the start of every school day. They sign themselves in, say goodbye to their parents, and put away their belongings. Students learn rhymes and songs to help remind themselves what to do when they enter the classroom.
At home: Mornings are critical for setting the tone for a successful and positive day. Establish a morning routine for your child with a maximum of four steps. For example, get dressed, brush hair, brush teeth, eat breakfast.
Recommended reading: Waking Up is Hard to Do by Neil Sedaka & Howard Greenfield
Following routines helps children develop the habits of responsibility that will be crucial for their future success and well-being. Kindergarten students are expected to follow instructions, listen to their teacher and complete specific tasks. By setting routines in the preschool years, your child will be better prepared as he enters elementary school and beyond.
– Lauren Starnes, PhD – Director of Early Childhood Education
Classroom Corner August ’15 Infants – Beginner A
Classroom Corner August ’15 Intermediates- PK 2
August News
Dear Merryhill Families,
Wow! Where did the summer go? We have been enjoying our summer and we look forward to even more adventures!
Please make note that our school will be closed on Friday, Aug. 14th for a Teacher Professional Development Day.
This month we will continue to enjoy our fun dress-up Fridays. On August 28th we are holding a “Merryhill’s Got Talent” show and Pot Luck! Sign ups will be in the office.
We will celebrate Back to School Night on Aug 19th from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. This is a great opportunity for you to meet your child’s teacher and learn more about our Links to Learning Curriculum. Please attempt to find child care because your attendance is important to us.
We are looking forward to a very busy September, make sure to check the dates!
Grandparents day is coming up and once again we would like to have our Merryhill grandparents come and read to the students. We will also be celebrating Occupation week with parent presentations about your given career. If you would like more information about these events please speak to Jandé or myself.
I look forward to an Amazing August!
Blanca Prieto-Preschool Principal
Calendar of Events
July 31st– Brax Cups Fundraiser Begins—Orders due on Aug. 13th by 6:00 p.m.
Aug.1st– Open House for perspective parents. Tell your friends and save $500.00 off tuition.
Aug. 7th– Crazy Hair Day & Music Matt Performance. Show starts at 10:00 a.m.
Aug. 14th-School Closed- Teacher In-Service Day
Aug. 19th- Back to School night- 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.- Parents only please
Aug. 21st- Wear a “vacation” t-shirt from somewhere around the world
Aug 28th- Dress like a Superhero Day
Aug 28th- “Merryhill’s Got Talent” Show and pot luck! Starts at 5:30 p.m.
Coming up…
Sept. 7th-School Closed- In observance of Labor Day
Sept. 7th – 11th- Grandparents Story time 10:00-11:00 a.m.
Grandparents can sign up to come and read to our students
Sept.11th- Patriot Day-Wear Red, White & Blue
Fri.Sept. 11th– Grandparents Ice Cream Social at 3:30 p.m.
Sept.13th – 17th- Occupation Week
Sept. 18th- Scholastic Book Orders Due
Sept. 20th- 24th – Johnny Appleseed Week
Sept. 23nd – First Day of Fall
Sept. 27th-Oct 2nd– Fire Safety Week
Specialty Classes
MiniKickers Soccer- is a new and exciting program that teaches basic soccer skills while developing strength, balance, coordination, listening skills and team work. Our professional, licensed British coaches will ensure your child has a positive soccer experience. Classes are on Monday starting Sept. 14th and will run for 8 weeks.
Amazing Athletes-provides a year-round, structured curriculum that introduces children to 9 different ball sports and helps them to master 7 key areas of motor-development. Our program is taught in a non-competitive, learning-based environment. We work with each child at their own progression level to ensure they are able to reach their highest potential. Classes will be offered every Tuesday.
Karin’s Culinary Cooking Class- Cooking with Karin is offered to 2’s and up. This class offers discovery and creativity while learning culinary skills, kitchen safety and proper etiquette. Classes will be offered every Thursday.
Music Matt- Mr. Matt will be teaching an introductory music class. This class is open to all 2 and 4 year olds and will introduce them to different instruments, singing and much more! We are excited to announce that Music Matt is available for birthday parties. If you are interested, please contact Music Matt either through his website or by email. Please check out his web site at www.MusicMatt.com. Classes will be held every Friday.
Diamond Dance- For living room leapers, bedroom ballerinas, and front yard frolickers, Diamond Dance offers the perfect program! Our Dance program introduces children to ballet, tap, and hip-hop techniques, while allowing them to express themselves through creative movement. Classes will be offered every Wednesday.
Reminders
Be sure to get that tuition in on time and adhere to our school hours. Remember that we close at 6:00 p.m., and half-day students need to be picked up promptly by 12:30 p.m. Any students picked up late will be charged $1 a minute per tuition policy.
Remember to supply your child with a crib-sized sheet and blanket everyday for naptime, along with an extra full change of clothes in their cubby
Art Files- please remember to check them at least once a week to pick up any correspondence between the office and/or teachers, along with your child’s exciting art work.
Links to Learning Files- please check these once a month. When you see the folder standing up take the contents home and lay the folder back down.
Our School is a NUT FREE zone. We have many students with nut allergies. Please make sure your child does not bring nut products to school.
School Spotlight
Refer a new family beginning 7/6/2015 and to start by 9/8/2015 and earn up to $500 off tuition.
*Please see our Parent Referral Program for all the details.
From Our Education Department
Reestablishing Routines for Your Preschooler
Maintaining Order & Staying on Track
As we reach the end of summer, now is a great time to reestablish comforting routines for your preschooler. Routines help children build self-confidence and independence, cope with transitions, and gain a better understanding of the world around them.
Our Links to Learning curriculum promotes students’ social and emotional development, which is necessary for following directions and demonstrating self-control. Our teachers focus on the importance of healthy living and safety routines in the Wellness component of our curriculum.
Here are some examples of ways we establish routines in the classroom, as well as ideas for you and your child to do at home.
TODDLERS (ages 1-2):
In the classroom: Naptime gives children an opportunity to recharge and reboot. Our toddlers transition from napping in cribs to napping in cots. Teachers schedule naps at the same time and in the same area of the classroom every day. Soothing music is played to help toddlers wind down.
At home: Talk with your child’s teacher about the naptime routine at school. Minimize naptime battles by attempting to maintain the same routine at home.
Recommended reading: Naptime by Elizabeth Verdick
BEGINNERS (ages 2-3):
In the classroom: Around age two, children begin to learn basic self-help skills such as dressing themselves. Our Beginner students practice snaps and zippers, and are encouraged to complete basic sequences like putting on socks before shoes.
At home: Offer your child a choice during routines in order to increase his interest in the activity. For example, lay out two outfit options for him to wear. Allow him to choose the outfit he prefers. Give him ample time to dress himself before offering assistance. Praise every attempt.
Recommended reading: Let’s Get Dressed by Caroline Church
INTERMEDIATES (ages 3-4):
In the classroom: Teachers focus on the importance of sleep in the Wellness component of our curriculum. Students read and act out We’re Going on a Bear Hunt by Helen Oxenbury and Michael Rosen. They discuss why the bear was sleeping, and why sleep is important.
At home: Create a bedtime routine for your child. For example, bathe, brush teeth, read a story, go to sleep. Follow the same sequence of events at the same time and in the same order every night.
Recommended reading: The Going-to-Bed Book by Sandra Boynton
PRE-K/PRE-K 2 (ages 4-5):
In the classroom: Our older students follow an arrival routine at the start of every school day. They sign themselves in, say goodbye to their parents, and put away their belongings. Students learn rhymes and songs to help remind themselves what to do when they enter the classroom.
At home: Mornings are critical for setting the tone for a successful and positive day. Establish a morning routine for your child with a maximum of four steps. For example, get dressed, brush hair, brush teeth, eat breakfast.
Recommended reading: Waking Up is Hard to Do by Neil Sedaka & Howard Greenfield
Following routines helps children develop the habits of responsibility that will be crucial for their future success and well-being. Kindergarten students are expected to follow instructions, listen to their teacher and complete specific tasks. By setting routines in the preschool years, your child will be better prepared as he enters elementary school and beyond.
– Lauren Starnes, PhD – Director of Early Childhood Education
Classroom Corner August ’15 Infants – Beginner A
Classroom Corner August ’15 Intermediates- PK 2