Dearest Merryhill families,
Get ready for a “Spook-Tacular” month!
Halloween fun is here, and I wanted to inform you of the special events we have here at Merryhill Preschool during this time. Even though this year is unlike all other years, we have planned “Spook-Tacular” activities for the Fall Fun! Starting off we will have our annual Pumpkin Patch on our playground October 27th at your child’s AM outside recess time. Each child will pick their very own pumpkin to take home. The school will provide the pumpkins at no extra cost. One of the most exciting events that happens each year is our annual Halloween Parade. Here at Merryhill Preschool in San Jose, we normally make our own costumes. We design and craft them here at school with the help of the children and teachers. This year we will not be able to do this, but please don’t worry, we are going to have fun with their “store bought” costumes from home! Please have your child bring in a costume from home for our Halloween Parade that will be held on Friday, October 29th at the clasroom’s morning recess time. Unfortunately, at this time we will not be able to invite you inside to watch, but we will take pictures and share with you through the Link2Home app.
On November 11th, our school will be closed for Veteran’s Day. We will also close on November 23rd for our Parent/Teacher Conferences. There will be no school for the children on the 23rd of November, but the teachers will be here to “Zoom” conference with you. Parent/Teacher conferences will not be “in-person”, but through “Zoom” only. We will have sign-up sheets for you to pick a time for your child’s “Zoom” conference. These signup sheets will be located at the check-in table by November 8th.
Did you know? Car seats expire…check your car seat and make sure it is not expired…
Join us for our Virtual Potty Training Workshop on October 27 from 1:00 PM PDT / 4:00 PM EST
Are you ready to take that next step? Do you need ideas or support to make your child’s potty training a success? Learn tips and techniques to ensure a successful, positive experience. Register today at https://conta.cc/3ywftwW.
FAMILY FUN: Celebrate Día de los Muertos at Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose – San Jose, October 23
Join us for this joyful program where we honor the lives of departed ancestors and loved ones. During your museum visit, you can create a stunning sand painting with stencils, learn about the rich traditions of Día de los Muertos and enjoy a Storytime, and delight in the bigger-than-life skeleton puppets and the Calaveras parade led by Teatro Familia Atzlán.
Halloween at Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose – San Jose, October 31
It’s fall, and you know what that means: Halloween! We are hosting a day that will give everyone pumpkin to talk about! This year’s fang-tastic Halloween is an “all treats, no tricks” bash. Join us for a frighteningly good time making Bernoulli Ghosts, exploring spooky science, making your bones glow, adventuring in a Hay Maze, and marching in a Monster Mash parade along the Healthy Treat Trail on Sunday, October 31, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. This is going to be a gourd time!
I know we have some Dinosaur LOVERS at our school. There will be another Dinosaur Drive-thru event being held at the Alameda County Fair at the end of October and beginner of November. We wanted to pass this information along to our Dinosaur fans. The link for information on the event is below too.
Dinosaur Drive-thru
Important Note From the Elementary School Principal:
For our older siblings that are eligible for the Elementary School level, visit the front office for information on how to reserve your seat! Our Elementary side has opened for “on-campus” schooling and we would love to have you join us! You can always schedule a “Zoom” tour, or an “after hours” personal tour (by appointment only) with Ms. Sousae. Please contact the Elementary Principal for more details. Her name is Joan Sousae and her contact number is 408-254-1282. You can also reach her at joan.sousae@merryhillschool.com
As always if you have any questions or concerns my door is always open. We are here to help you and “our” children in any way we can. Everyone at Merryhill is special and important to us. Let us continue to make this an amazing school year! We can do this together! We are strong!
“All the flowers of tomorrow are in the seeds we sow today.”
_____________________________________________
Calendar of Events:
*October 23rd – Open House by appointment only: 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
*October 27st – Pumpkin Patch- Individual classrooms will go to the pumpkin patch located on the preschool side at your child’s designated AM recess time.
*October 25th – October 29th – Virtual Scholastic Book Fair this week
*October 29th – Annual Halloween Parade during the AM recess time. *Have your child wear their store-bought costume to school* We will send pictures of the parade through Links2Home.
*November 7th – Day Light Savings Time: Turn Clocks back one hour
*November 8th – Pajama Day! Wear your pajamas to school today!
*November 11th – School Closed for Veteran’s Day
*November 19th – Thanksgiving Feast with friends! 11:45 am – 12:30 pm (the teachers will decorate the classroom and have some fun for their lunch time)
*November 23rd – for our Parent/Teacher Conferences via Zoom
*November 24th, 25th, 26th – School Closed for Thanksgiving Holiday!
*November 29th – “Toys for Tots” Begins: Our Giving Event (bring in a new toy to place under the Holiday Tree and the US Marines will donate to the needy children in the bay area!)
HOLIDAY SHOW TIMES:
| December 13th – Beginner Room Holiday Performance recorded in the classroom |
|
| December 14th – Intermediate A Room Holiday Performance recorded in the classroom |
| December 15th – Intermediate B Room Holiday Performance recorded in the classroom |
| December 16th – Pre-K A Room Holiday Performance recorded in the classroom |
|
| December 17th – Pre-K B Room Holiday Performance recorded in the classroom |
|
December 13th – Toy Drive Ends…This week we will have the Marines come and pick up your donations!
*December 17th – @ 9:00 am Santa Claus comes to visit Merryhill Preschool! *It will be Ms. Heather in costume…don’t worry* 😊 I will only pass out the presents and not have the children sit on my lap. Safety first but keeping our traditions ALIVE! These Merryhill School traditions are what makes us special!
*December 23rd , 24th – School Closed for Holiday!
*December 30th & December 31st – School Closed for Holiday!
January 10th – Priority registration begins! Save your spot before it fills up!
*January 14th – @ 9:30 am Snow Day at Merryhill Preschool! Yes, real snow will be dumped in the back yard for all to enjoy! We will send pictures to you through Links2Home.
*January 17th – School Closed for Martin Luther King Holiday!
**Look on our website to see all events and closure dates for the entire school year** http://capitol.merryhillschool.com
Join us for our next Open House!
October 23rd, 2021 10:00 am – 1:00 pm by appointment only. **Tell a friend and if they register you will receive one free week of tuition!**
________________________________________
Extra-Curricular Activities **Postponed at this time**
Tuff Tumblers Class – Held on Wednesday now… For more information go to http://tufftumblers.com or call 925-551-8900
| Tuff Tumbers – Gymnastics, Sports, Soccer Classes for Children
tufftumblers.com
Tuff Tumblers, established in 1989, offers gymnastics/sports, and soccer classes for children 2 years old and up.It is our purpose to introduce exciting gross motor development classes to children in a setting that is safe, age appropriate, and fun! |
|
|
MiniSoccer – **Postponed at this time** Held on Tuesdays For more information go to this link: https://challenger.mycustomevent.com/ShoppingCart.aspx?com=detailview&iid=76592
Merryhill San Jose is proud to offer Challenger Sports NEW MiniKickers Program in association with the Challenger Soccer Academy.
Amazing Athletes– **Postponed at this time** This educational Sports Program is amazing! To get more information go to www.amazingathletes.com/Southbay or you can reach the owner at nicolette@amazingathletes.com and by phone at 408-799-7014, ask for Nicolette.
________________________________________
Parent Referral Program:
If there’s one thing parents love to do, it’s talk about their children’s successes.
When friends ask you about your child’s experiences at Merryhill School, what type of success stories do you share? Do you mention the personal and educational discoveries your child is making thanks to our advanced curriculum? Do you talk about the new levels of self and social confidence your child has gained thanks to our encouraging atmosphere?
*For every new child you refer who enrolls at our school for three months, you’ll receive one FREE week of tuition for your child*.
It’s our way of saying thanks for doing what comes naturally – singing the praises of your child and sharing your experiences with the Merryhill School difference!
________________________________________
PARENT INFO
*Participate in our new Automatic Payment Program
Tired of having to remember weekly tuition payments? Save time and avoid late fees with this program. Contact your school principal for more information on how to join.
________________________________________
From the Education Department
Ways to Encourage Your Child’s Speech and Language Development at Home
Speech and language skills support children’s ability to communicate and engage with others, express and understand feelings, and help them understand the world around them.
Our teachers encourage speech and language development by creating a literacy-rich environment filled with pictures, books and words, and modeling language usage on a continuous basis. In our classrooms, books are readily accessible, materials are labeled with photos and words, and children’s writing attempts are apparent. The constant access to expressive and receptive literature encourages children to explore printed text, listen for new vocabulary, make connections between printed words and illustrations, and to ask questions.
Below are some age-appropriate activities you can try with your child at home.
Infants & Toddlers (0-2 years)
- Encourage your child to make sounds back to you (i.e., “ma,” “da,” “ba”).
- Point out colors and shapes in books and in your environment.
- Gather a group of toy animals and sing “Old MacDonald.” Hold up each animal as you say its name and sound. Encourage your child to sing along and say the names of the animals with you.
- When your child begins to speak, repeat their words and add a word or two. Point to a toy car and ask what it is. When they respond “car,” say, “Yes, that is a bright red car.”
Beginners & Intermediates (2-4 years)
- Read a favorite book with your child. Ask questions about the characters and key events.
- Put on a play with dolls or puppets. Encourage your child to narrate and have conversations with you.
- Take a walk outdoors and ask your child questions about the weather, animals you see and sounds you hear.
- During a time with limited distractions (i.e., bath time or dinner), ask your child to talk about their day. Use questions like, “Who did you play with today?” and “What did you draw at school?”
Pre-K & Pre-K2 (4-5 years)
- Ask your child to make up their own short story and tell it aloud.
- Encourage your child to tell you how to do something, such as make a sandwich or draw a picture. This will help them communicate something they wouldn’t normally think about.
- While shopping, ask your child to describe each item you buy. Listen for words like “small” and “large,” “round” and “square,” and “heavy” and “light.”
- Practice writing, language and memory by pretending you and your child are at a restaurant. Encourage them to fulfill orders by writing down what you say.
Fun Fall Scavenger Hunt for Preschoolers
Fall is a great time to enjoy the outdoors with your family. From colorful leaves to seasonal decor, there is so much to see and explore.
Our fall scavenger hunt is a free printable that you can download and print at home. We’ve included pictures and words, so preschoolers of all ages can participate. Scavenger hunts are the perfect excuse to get outside and help children observe and identify what is happening in nature all around them. See how many items your child can find!
October Newsletter
Dearest Merryhill families,
Get ready for a “Spook-Tacular” month!
Halloween fun is here, and I wanted to inform you of the special events we have here at Merryhill Preschool during this time. Even though this year is unlike all other years, we have planned “Spook-Tacular” activities for the Fall Fun! Starting off we will have our annual Pumpkin Patch on our playground October 27th at your child’s AM outside recess time. Each child will pick their very own pumpkin to take home. The school will provide the pumpkins at no extra cost. One of the most exciting events that happens each year is our annual Halloween Parade. Here at Merryhill Preschool in San Jose, we normally make our own costumes. We design and craft them here at school with the help of the children and teachers. This year we will not be able to do this, but please don’t worry, we are going to have fun with their “store bought” costumes from home! Please have your child bring in a costume from home for our Halloween Parade that will be held on Friday, October 29th at the clasroom’s morning recess time. Unfortunately, at this time we will not be able to invite you inside to watch, but we will take pictures and share with you through the Link2Home app.
On November 11th, our school will be closed for Veteran’s Day. We will also close on November 23rd for our Parent/Teacher Conferences. There will be no school for the children on the 23rd of November, but the teachers will be here to “Zoom” conference with you. Parent/Teacher conferences will not be “in-person”, but through “Zoom” only. We will have sign-up sheets for you to pick a time for your child’s “Zoom” conference. These signup sheets will be located at the check-in table by November 8th.
Did you know? Car seats expire…check your car seat and make sure it is not expired…
Join us for our Virtual Potty Training Workshop on October 27 from 1:00 PM PDT / 4:00 PM EST
Are you ready to take that next step? Do you need ideas or support to make your child’s potty training a success? Learn tips and techniques to ensure a successful, positive experience. Register today at https://conta.cc/3ywftwW.
FAMILY FUN: Celebrate Día de los Muertos at Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose – San Jose, October 23
Join us for this joyful program where we honor the lives of departed ancestors and loved ones. During your museum visit, you can create a stunning sand painting with stencils, learn about the rich traditions of Día de los Muertos and enjoy a Storytime, and delight in the bigger-than-life skeleton puppets and the Calaveras parade led by Teatro Familia Atzlán.
Halloween at Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose – San Jose, October 31
It’s fall, and you know what that means: Halloween! We are hosting a day that will give everyone pumpkin to talk about! This year’s fang-tastic Halloween is an “all treats, no tricks” bash. Join us for a frighteningly good time making Bernoulli Ghosts, exploring spooky science, making your bones glow, adventuring in a Hay Maze, and marching in a Monster Mash parade along the Healthy Treat Trail on Sunday, October 31, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. This is going to be a gourd time!
I know we have some Dinosaur LOVERS at our school. There will be another Dinosaur Drive-thru event being held at the Alameda County Fair at the end of October and beginner of November. We wanted to pass this information along to our Dinosaur fans. The link for information on the event is below too.
Dinosaur Drive-thru
Important Note From the Elementary School Principal:
For our older siblings that are eligible for the Elementary School level, visit the front office for information on how to reserve your seat! Our Elementary side has opened for “on-campus” schooling and we would love to have you join us! You can always schedule a “Zoom” tour, or an “after hours” personal tour (by appointment only) with Ms. Sousae. Please contact the Elementary Principal for more details. Her name is Joan Sousae and her contact number is 408-254-1282. You can also reach her at joan.sousae@merryhillschool.com
As always if you have any questions or concerns my door is always open. We are here to help you and “our” children in any way we can. Everyone at Merryhill is special and important to us. Let us continue to make this an amazing school year! We can do this together! We are strong!
“All the flowers of tomorrow are in the seeds we sow today.”
_____________________________________________
Calendar of Events:
*October 23rd – Open House by appointment only: 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
*October 27st – Pumpkin Patch- Individual classrooms will go to the pumpkin patch located on the preschool side at your child’s designated AM recess time.
*October 25th – October 29th – Virtual Scholastic Book Fair this week
*October 29th – Annual Halloween Parade during the AM recess time. *Have your child wear their store-bought costume to school* We will send pictures of the parade through Links2Home.
*November 7th – Day Light Savings Time: Turn Clocks back one hour
*November 8th – Pajama Day! Wear your pajamas to school today!
*November 11th – School Closed for Veteran’s Day
*November 19th – Thanksgiving Feast with friends! 11:45 am – 12:30 pm (the teachers will decorate the classroom and have some fun for their lunch time)
*November 23rd – for our Parent/Teacher Conferences via Zoom
*November 24th, 25th, 26th – School Closed for Thanksgiving Holiday!
*November 29th – “Toys for Tots” Begins: Our Giving Event (bring in a new toy to place under the Holiday Tree and the US Marines will donate to the needy children in the bay area!)
HOLIDAY SHOW TIMES:
December 13th – Toy Drive Ends…This week we will have the Marines come and pick up your donations!
*December 17th – @ 9:00 am Santa Claus comes to visit Merryhill Preschool! *It will be Ms. Heather in costume…don’t worry* 😊 I will only pass out the presents and not have the children sit on my lap. Safety first but keeping our traditions ALIVE! These Merryhill School traditions are what makes us special!
*December 23rd , 24th – School Closed for Holiday!
*December 30th & December 31st – School Closed for Holiday!
January 10th – Priority registration begins! Save your spot before it fills up!
*January 14th – @ 9:30 am Snow Day at Merryhill Preschool! Yes, real snow will be dumped in the back yard for all to enjoy! We will send pictures to you through Links2Home.
*January 17th – School Closed for Martin Luther King Holiday!
**Look on our website to see all events and closure dates for the entire school year** http://capitol.merryhillschool.com
Join us for our next Open House!
October 23rd, 2021 10:00 am – 1:00 pm by appointment only. **Tell a friend and if they register you will receive one free week of tuition!**
________________________________________
Extra-Curricular Activities **Postponed at this time**
Tuff Tumblers Class – Held on Wednesday now… For more information go to http://tufftumblers.com or call 925-551-8900
tufftumblers.com
Tuff Tumblers, established in 1989, offers gymnastics/sports, and soccer classes for children 2 years old and up.It is our purpose to introduce exciting gross motor development classes to children in a setting that is safe, age appropriate, and fun!
MiniSoccer – **Postponed at this time** Held on Tuesdays For more information go to this link: https://challenger.mycustomevent.com/ShoppingCart.aspx?com=detailview&iid=76592
Merryhill San Jose is proud to offer Challenger Sports NEW MiniKickers Program in association with the Challenger Soccer Academy.
Amazing Athletes– **Postponed at this time** This educational Sports Program is amazing! To get more information go to www.amazingathletes.com/Southbay or you can reach the owner at nicolette@amazingathletes.com and by phone at 408-799-7014, ask for Nicolette.
________________________________________
Parent Referral Program:
If there’s one thing parents love to do, it’s talk about their children’s successes.
When friends ask you about your child’s experiences at Merryhill School, what type of success stories do you share? Do you mention the personal and educational discoveries your child is making thanks to our advanced curriculum? Do you talk about the new levels of self and social confidence your child has gained thanks to our encouraging atmosphere?
*For every new child you refer who enrolls at our school for three months, you’ll receive one FREE week of tuition for your child*.
It’s our way of saying thanks for doing what comes naturally – singing the praises of your child and sharing your experiences with the Merryhill School difference!
________________________________________
PARENT INFO
*Participate in our new Automatic Payment Program
Tired of having to remember weekly tuition payments? Save time and avoid late fees with this program. Contact your school principal for more information on how to join.
________________________________________
From the Education Department
Ways to Encourage Your Child’s Speech and Language Development at Home
Speech and language skills support children’s ability to communicate and engage with others, express and understand feelings, and help them understand the world around them.
Our teachers encourage speech and language development by creating a literacy-rich environment filled with pictures, books and words, and modeling language usage on a continuous basis. In our classrooms, books are readily accessible, materials are labeled with photos and words, and children’s writing attempts are apparent. The constant access to expressive and receptive literature encourages children to explore printed text, listen for new vocabulary, make connections between printed words and illustrations, and to ask questions.
Below are some age-appropriate activities you can try with your child at home.
Infants & Toddlers (0-2 years)
Beginners & Intermediates (2-4 years)
Pre-K & Pre-K2 (4-5 years)
Fun Fall Scavenger Hunt for Preschoolers
Fall is a great time to enjoy the outdoors with your family. From colorful leaves to seasonal decor, there is so much to see and explore.
Our fall scavenger hunt is a free printable that you can download and print at home. We’ve included pictures and words, so preschoolers of all ages can participate. Scavenger hunts are the perfect excuse to get outside and help children observe and identify what is happening in nature all around them. See how many items your child can find!