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on Karitsa Ave. in Natomas, CA
Dear Merryhill Families,
The start of the new school year brings fresh energy, new opportunities, and so much excitement! We’re thrilled to welcome both new and returning families to our community. We hope everyone had a wonderful summer, and we look forward to a year full of friendships, joyful learning, and growth. Children are naturally curious to learn about themselves and their peers, and gain a sense of self when given the opportunity to share their likes and interests with others. With that in mind, we will be celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15. Books are an easy and interactive way to expand your child’s awareness and appreciation of Hispanic culture. We have a Multicultural Library available at the school with wonderful books for all teachers to read in the classroom to celebrate this meaningful occasion.Make sure to check the monthly parent folders and read the information provided so you can support at home the skills that your child is learning here at school. The lesson plans and developmental guidelines change every week and our staff use them as tools to implement fun and educational activities to support the skill being taught. Lesson plans are posted of the Family Boards by the classroom doors.We look forward to working with you and your family and having a happy and successful school year!Yvonne Valenzuela – Principal
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.
When Not to Help Your Child: Fostering Independence and ConfidenceAs parents and caregivers, it’s natural to want to step in right away when we see our child struggle. We want to make things easier and faster and avoid frustration. But sometimes, the kindest way to support children is by letting them figure things out for themselves. Every day, at school and at home, your child encounters opportunities to feel the joy of accomplishment. It’s our job to give them the space for success.Building Independence at SchoolWe believe that fostering independence and teaching kids self-confidence in the early years is one of the greatest gifts we can give. Our classrooms are designed to encourage responsibility, self-care, and confidence with teachers who guide children patiently as they practice doing things on their own. Would you believe that toddlers can help clean up after they eat? It’s true! In our toddler and 2-year-old classrooms, children bring us their dishes after meals, help tidy up toys, and locate their own coats when it’s time to head outside.By the time our students are ready for kindergarten, they’re independent in many everyday skills—zipping coats, washing hands, following routines, and even taking on classroom jobs. Our teachers model these skills, then step back to let children try on their own. Often, this means standing nearby with patience and encouragement as a child wrestles with a zipper or carefully pours water into a cup.And when they succeed? The look of pride on their face says it all. These “I did it myself!” moments help children’s confidence bloom and grow. It’s one of the many benefits of letting kids do things on their own: children not only gain practical skills but also learn to believe in their abilities.Encouraging Independence at HomeThere are lots of ways to encourage independence at home, too. Check out our list of suggested activities. At first, you may need to model these skills. Over time, let your child take the lead.● Watering plants with a small cup or watering can● Setting napkins on the table at mealtime● Putting toys away into labeled containers● Pouring and serving using a child-sized pitcher or spoon● Practicing dressing skills such as putting on socks, shoes, or coats● Helping with clean-up by wiping a table and bringing their dishes to you or the sink● Building self-care habits like brushing teeth or washing hands
Why Parents Shouldn’t Always HelpIt’s only natural to want to jump in when your child is struggling, but stepping in too soon can keep them from growing. Kids need the chance to work through tasks on their own so they can build persistence, coordination, problem-solving skills, and a genuine sense of pride. Without those opportunities, they may begin to doubt their abilities—when often they just need a little more time and space to figure things out.By holding back, you’re allowing your child to experiment, make mistakes, and discover solutions. If you notice them fumbling with a button or sorting toys into the wrong bin, try not to rush in. Instead, encourage their effort with simple phrases like, “You’re doing great!”, “Almost. You can do it!”, or “It’s okay, take your time.”It’s also important to let go of perfection. A backwards sock or a bed that wasn’t made quite right is fixable. What matters most is that your child is trying and learning.A Community that Builds ConfidenceAt school and at home, children thrive when adults work together to support independence. Our teachers guide children through daily routines, celebrate their achievements, and encourage patience as they learn new skills. When parents also incorporate these strategies at home, children gain consistency, confidence, and trust in their own abilities.These early moments of independence add up. Each time a child pours their own water, zips their jacket, or solves a simple math problem on their own, they are learning more than just a new skill—they are building confidence for a lifetime. Over time, these experiences help children believe in their own abilities so they can say with pride and certainty, “I can do it!”To learn more about how we build independence and confidence in our students, 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!
