Merryhill Preschool

A Note from Our Principal 

Autumn has been filling our days with exploration, play, and meaningful learning. This month, we are focusing on gratitude and the special connections we share with our families. Our students will participate in activities that celebrate kindness, giving back, and appreciating the people and community around them.

We are so thankful for each of our families and for the trust you place in us every day. We look forward to another month of discovery, joy, and togetherness! 

Sincerely,

Jordan Velasquez

Principal

Holiday Giving 

Our annual Holiday Giving initiative is a way for students to spread cheer this holiday season while developing an appreciation for what they have, showing gratitude towards others, and seeing the positive impact of their actions. This year, we are collecting new, unopened, unwrapped toys for Mustard Seed School, an emergency school that supports children (ages 3–15) while their families seek stable housing. Thank you in advance for your partnership and generosity.

Native American Heritage Month  
November is Native American Heritage Month, a time to celebrate the rich traditions and wisdom of the first peoples of our land. In our classrooms, children will explore the importance of gratitude, storytelling, and nature through simple, meaningful activities.

Thanksgiving Celebrations
Our students will be celebrating Thanksgiving with a Multicultural Friendsgiving. This year we will be celebrate the beautiful diversity in our community! Each Family is invited to bring a dish that represents their families heritage, culture or tradition 11:30am-12:30pm. Students will be celebrating their roots with creating a family tree with their family and they will show case to their classmates.

Family Referral Bonus

Do you know a colleague who has recently had a baby, a friend in need of care who just relocated to the area, or a family member who is seeking a new preschool for their child? When you refer a friend and they enroll, you’re eligible for a free week of tuition. Ask us for details!

Special Upcoming Event from our Sister Elementary School! 

Virtual Kindergarten Info Session Tuesday November 18, 2025 at 11:30AM and/or 5:30PM. During these online sessions you will be provided an overview of our curriculum, daily schedule, specialty classes and share more about what makes Merryhill Midtown such an amazing place to learn and grow.

Important Dates 
November 3 – School CLOSES at 3pm for Professional Development

November 11 – Veterans Day School CLOSED

November 14 – Last Day of Kids Can Food Drive

November 21 – Multicultural Friendsgiving

November 26 – 28 – School CLOSED for Thanksgiving

7 Books to Celebrate Native American History

Reading can open a window into new worlds. This November, we celebrate Native American History Month with books that teach children about family, community, and our connection to nature. Each story shares lessons in gratitude, kindness, and the traditions of Native peoples.

Fry Bread by Kevin Noble Maillard

Fry bread is more than beloved food. It embodies history, family, and more. Through this story, children can see how food connects us to people and culture.

We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga by Traci Sorell

In this story, we journey with the Cherokee people through a year of seasons, expressing thanks for each one. Children learn about meaningful ceremonies, joyful celebrations, and traditional foods. This book teaches the value of gratitude while immersing readers in the Cherokee language and culture.

My Heart Fills with Happiness by Monique Gray Smith

Through the perspective of a young Native American child, this story celebrates the simple moments that bring children joy, such as seeing the face of someone they love, feeling the warmth of sunlight on their skin, and walking barefoot on the grass.

When We are Kind by Monique Gray Smith

This gentle story shows children many simple yet powerful ways to show kindness. It explores how small acts of kindness can brighten someone’s day, and make their own hearts feel happy with joy and warmth.

May We Have Enough to Share by Richard Van Camp

This beautifully crafted board book features striking photographs by Indigenous women, each page expressing heartfelt wishes such as “May we have enough to share” or “May we have enough to help.” Through its images and words, the book celebrates themes of love, nature, and community, making it both a visually stunning and deeply meaningful read for young children.

Berry Song by Michaela Goade

A young Tlingit girl and her grandmother gather gifts from the earth. As they work, they sing to the land and give thanks for its abundance. This beautifully told story highlights the deep connection between people and nature.

Giving Thanks: A Native American Good Morning Message by Chief Jake Swamp (Tekaronianeken)

This book shares a daily message of gratitude drawn from the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Thanksgiving Address. Each page gives thanks to the earth, plants, animals, and people, while teaching children about the profound interconnectedness of all life. It is a wonderful way to begin or end the day with gratitude and mindfulness.

At our school, we believe children benefit from learning about the many cultures and traditions that shape our world. Books, meaningful discussions, and intentional, engaging hands-on experiences help students explore different ways of life. They embrace and honor the qualities that make each person unique, cultivating empathy and a deep respect that inspires them to understand and care for others.

To learn more about how we bring cultural learning to life in the classroom, contact us today!