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on Karitsa Ave. in Natomas, CA
Dear Merryhill Parents,
We hope your children enjoyed their fall lessons, pumpkin themed activities, and classroom celebrations last month. Seeing our students enjoy their Halloween costumes and fall attire is one of the highlights of the year for us. The Trunk-r-Treat was a huge success, and we can’t thank you enough for your attendance and participation and for your support in making this event such a big successful, we could not have done it without you!
This month we are focusing on gratitude and connecting with our community. Each of our classrooms will be celebrating Thanksgiving with gratitude and care. We have many special activities planned for our students and are looking forward to sharing photos with you all on Links 2 Home.
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.
Last but very important, please check your child’s LTL folders to find information about upcoming curriculum, parent reports, and other important information.
I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday with your families and friends.
Yvonne Valenzuela
Principal
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 partnering with out Elementary campus and other Merryhill campuses to collect items for Mustard Seed School. Mustard Seed’s main goal is to provide a safe, structured, nurturing environment as we prepare students to enroll in public school. This is a free, private, emergency school serving children experiencing homelessness, ages 3 to 15, where each student is welcomed into a classroom to prepared with their academic and social-emotional needs in mind. Students receive healthy snacks and meals, school supplies, clothing, survival supplies, counseling, health screenings, and access to various other community resWe thank you in advance for your partnership and generosity.
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.
Thinking About private school ?
Merryhill Midtown’s exceptional school age program is now enrolling for the 2025–2026 school year! As a current Merryhill family, you have the unique opportunity to secure your child’s spot at any time. Let us know if you would like to receive more details about what makes our program so special—from strong academic foundations to a focus on social-emotional growth. It’s never too late to start exploring your options! 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.
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!
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!
