on Karitsa Ave. in Natomas, CA
Dear Families,
Happy February! As we step into this heart-filled month, our school community will be focusing on kindness, friendship, and caring for others—values that are so important during the early years.
Throughout the month, children will participate in age-appropriate activities that help them learn how to be kind friends. This includes practicing sharing, taking turns, using gentle words, recognizing feelings, and learning how to include others in play. These everyday moments are powerful building blocks for empathy and strong social skills.
You may hear your child talking about being a “kind helper,” giving compliments, or helping a friend who feels sad. Our teachers will guide children through stories, group discussions, and play-based experiences that reinforce cooperation, respect, and connection.
This month we will also incorporate activities that include learning about our Presidents and the role they play in our daily lives. The month of February brings multiple opportunities for us to incorporate the community, family, and school to create a wonderful learning environment. We will celebrate Black History Month through song, reading, and hands on activities. We will also teach the children how to care for their hearts and teeth in honor of American Heart and Dental Health Month.
Thank you for being such an important part of our school family. Your partnership and support help us create a nurturing environment where children feel safe, valued, and loved.
As always, please feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns. We are grateful to share this journey with you and your children.
Yvonne ValenzuelaPrincipal
As we get ready to kick off a new school year, we want to make sure you’re kept in the know. In addition to this newsletter, our website’s “For Parents” section also includes links to our menu, monthly calendar, and school year calendar. If you’re not currently receiving photos and daily reports for your child, you can easily start by downloading the Links 2 Home app on your phone from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. After downloading, you can register with the same email address that you used to enroll your child in our school.
We wanted to thank you so much for re-enrolling with us for the upcoming school year!
Your continued trust and commitment to our Merryhill community truly means so much to our entire team. We are grateful to partner with your family and to be part of your children’s learning journey as they grows, gains confidence, and reaches new milestones. These moments, both big and small, are what make our work so meaningful. Because of families like you, Merryhill is more than just a school; it’s a warm and caring community. We can’t wait for another year of learning, laughter, and growth together.
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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!
Diversity makes our world a beautiful and interesting place, and we believe it should be celebrated from the very start. At our preschool, children learn about the cultures and traditions within our own community, as well as those from around the world. When young children explore both differences and similarities, they begin to understand that while people may look, speak, dress, or live in many ways, we all share the same need for kindness, respect, and connection.
Learning about other people and ways of life helps children grow into caring, thoughtful individuals. It builds empathy, encourages curiosity, and teaches respect for others. Below are a few of the ways we bring these important lessons to life in our classrooms each day.
Citizens of the WorldCitizens of the World is the social studies part of our curriculum. Through stories, pictures, discussions, and hands-on activities, children learn about different places, people, and traditions. They explore holidays, family life, and daily routines from cultures around the world. They may taste new foods, listen to folktales, or explore traditional clothing from other countries. These experiences help them build respect for others and understand that every culture has value. Over time, they begin to see themselves as part of a larger world.
Classroom Spaces That Reflect Every ChildOur classrooms are designed to help every child feel seen and valued. Our libraries include books that reflect families of many backgrounds and ways of life. Children often create class books about their families, and photos from home are proudly displayed on our walls.
When children recognize their own lives and cultures in the classroom, it helps build confidence and a strong sense of belonging. It also teaches them that while families may be different, love and care look the same everywhere. These simple touches help create a warm, inclusive community where every child feels welcome.
Learning Through the Creative ArtsDramatic Play – In our dramatic play centers, children use their imaginations to explore the world. They dress up, take on new roles, and work together to act out real-life experiences. One day, this space might become a kitchen where students make tamales, another day an igloo in the Arctic, a Native American wigwam, or a stage for sharing important messages like those of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.!
Art – Our students learn about artists from many cultures and time periods, such as Alma Thomas and Vincent van Gogh. They explore different art techniques and use a variety of materials and tools to create and express their ideas. For example, they might make clay pots with play dough after learning about Japanese Raku or paint water lilies inspired by Claude Monet’s work. Students sometimes create art while listening to music from around the world, allowing the sounds to influence their art.
Music – Music is a joyful way to explore culture. Children dance to songs from different countries and try instruments from around the world. You might hear maracas shaking during a lesson about Mexico or drums playing as children learn about African music traditions.
Sharing Stories and Building UnderstandingDuring morning and afternoon circle time, children talk about what makes them special. They share stories about their families, favorite foods, holidays, and daily routines. Listening to one another helps children learn to respect different experiences and feel proud of their own.
Growing Kind Hearts and Open MindsWhen children learn about people and cultures from around the world, they become more curious and open to new ideas. They practice sharing, listening, and working with others who may be different from them. They begin to see that every person brings something special to the world.
To learn more about how we bring the world into our classrooms, contact us today!
Looking for “the best private school in the Sacramento area?” At our WASC-accredited elementary and middle school, we offer outstanding private school education from Kindergarten through 8th grade. Our teachers work with each child to help them thrive academically, while also building character, communication skills, and teamwork. We are proud to be named a 2026 Grade A School by Niche, making us one of the top private schools in Sacramento.
Summer Camp 2026: Kinder Prep Camp, Open to ALL! 7:30AM-5:30PM, $315/week and include extended care!
We’re thrilled to already have many of you signed up for Kindergarten! Whether you are enrolling with us for Kindergarten or not, we hope you’ll join us for our Kinder Prep Summer Camp program. This program is designed to be a bridge from preschool to Kindergarten and is a perfect balance of work and play. From Food Truck Fridays, to onsite guests including face painters, Disney Princesses, and more, our Summer Camp program has been voted one of Sacramento’s Favorite camp programs. We’ve attached the Summer Camp Brochure, and you may register your child here. Please note that our Kinder Prep Summer camp program waitlists every year, but Merryhill families are guaranteed a space if they sign up before 2/2. Merryhill students typically graduate PreK in early June, and join our camp program after graduation. The program runs all summer, and is the perfect way to transition students between PreK and Kindergarten.Chick here for more information about our Kindergarten Prep Camp
Kindergarten Enrollment 26-27 (age 5 by 10/1 – later than the public school cut off!)
From now through the end of the year, Our Elementary School will be holding monthly Kindergarten Virtual Informational Sessions for families on Zoom. Information about these sessions will be provided to Merryhill preschool families each month. The next steps from Merryhill Preschool for these students is Kindergarten, and we would love to welcome you to Elementary program.As a note, the age cutoff at Merryhill Elementary is October 1st, so students who are 5 on or before that time are eligible to join. The school also offer early admissions for students who may not meet that age cutoff, but who are ready for Kindergarten (based on our assessment, which is offered at no cost to you).Click here for information about the 26-27 Kindergarten enrollment process for Merryhill Preschool Students.
We look forward to welcoming many of our Merryhill Preschool students at our Merryhill Midtown campus soon!To learn more or to schedule a private tour, reach out to Michelle Gosselin, Manager of Enrollment, at Michelle.Gosselin@merryhillschool.com or call 916-429-6055.
