Happy Hall Newsletter | January 2026
- Shawna Mccune
- 19 minutes ago
- 17 min read
What's Inside
Message from the Executive Director
January invites reflection and renewal. It is a natural moment to look back at what we have built and ahead to what is possible. This year marks 75 years of Happy Hall Schools supporting families and nurturing children. That history matters. It reflects decades of trust, care, and steady commitment to creating spaces where children feel safe, known, and supported as they grow.
As we begin this milestone year, we are laying the groundwork for several meaningful initiatives that align with our values and respond to the evolving needs of families. We will share more as plans take shape.
Thank you for being part of the Happy Hall community. Your partnership is what allows our work to remain strong, thoughtful, and deeply rooted in care for children and families.
Rachel Heck, Executive Director
Announcements
Summer Camp 2026
Registration is officially open, and spots are already filling.
Super Early Bird discounts are now in effect.
Camp Happy Hall is a highlight of the year for many families. Our summer programs offer structure, creativity, movement, and strong relationships with familiar staff and peers. Demand is high, especially from returning families.
New this summer: Camp Happy Hall will run at four locations
Meadows, Millbrae
Ortega, Pacifica
Sunset Ridge, Pacifica
Burlingame
More locations mean more flexibility for families and more opportunities for children to stay connected to the Happy Hall community all summer long.
If summer care is part of your plan, we encourage you to register soon. Programs often fill earlier than expected.
Learn more and register at www.camphappyhall.com.
Lunar New Year Banquet
Join us for an evening of celebration, fellowship, and prosperity as we welcome the Year of the Horse. Proceeds benefit Millbrae’s schools and youth programs.
The Lunar New Year Banquet is hosted by the Rotary Club of Millbrae, where Rachel serves as President Elect. Members of the Happy Hall leadership team and teaching staff will be in attendance, and we hope to see many of our families there.
This event is a meaningful way to celebrate culture, connect with the broader community, and support local schools.
Event details and tickets:https://portal.clubrunner.ca/8929/Events/2026-millbrae-rotary-lunar-new-year-banquet
Small Business Spotlight
Pinot's Palette — San Bruno
533 San Mateo Ave, San Bruno, CA 94066
This month, we are featuring Pinot’s Palette in San Bruno, a locally owned studio that blends creativity, connection, and community.
The main studio is a 21+ space, designed for adults to relax, paint, and enjoy a social night out. In addition, Pinot’s Palette hosts family events, children’s art programs, summer camps, and kids’ birthday parties in the art gallery next door, creating a welcoming space for all ages to explore creativity.
We appreciate how this location balances adult-focused experiences with meaningful opportunities for children and families to engage in the arts. It is a great example of a business that brings people together through shared experiences.
Happy Hall family perk:
Use code HAPPYALL20 for 20% off a regular ticket.
The code is valid through July 31.
If you are looking for a creative night out or an engaging art experience for your child, Pinot’s Palette San Bruno is worth checking out.
Nominate a Small Business
Each month, we will highlight a small business connected to our Happy Hall community. If you would like to nominate a business to be featured, please email us with the name of the business and a short note about why you’re recommending them.
Email: info@happyhall.com
Stay Connected
Check out our photo galleries:
Happy Hall @ Dolores Way
Director's Message
Welcome back, and Happy New Year! We are so happy to be reunited with our families after winter break and hope you all enjoyed a restful and meaningful time with loved ones.
As we begin the new year together, the children have settled back into their classroom routines with ease. Each day they continue to grow in confidence, strengthen friendships, and joyfully engage in classroom activities. It has been wonderful to see their excitement and sense of belonging as they learn and play side by side.
We would also like to extend a warm welcome to the new families who joined us this month, and we are excited to welcome a few more new families in February. It is truly special to see our community continue to grow.
Program Highlights
Engagement Activities
As we have settled in this January children have been learning about cold weather and snow through art activities, sensory play, and group discussions. Classes have been reviewing letters, identifying numbers, counting objects etc. The Pine class has been enjoying using the new balance beam and teeter totter on the playground.
Professional Development
We are looking forward to meeting with you during conferences. You will receive an email with your digital portfolio prior to your google meet time so that you can review it and bring your questions to the meeting.
Community Events
On February 13 each class will take time in the morning to celebrate our Friendship Party with the children. If your child does not attend on Fridays you are invited to come with your child to celebrate. We will give more details closer to time. Each child is welcome to bring a small card for each friend in their class. Please do not bring goodie bags. Just sign each card from your child and we will help them pass them out.
Our class sizes are:
Pine: 15
Oak: 27
Elm: 12
Looking Ahead
January 16 - Closed for Conferences
January 19 - Closed for MLK Jr. Day
February 16 - Closed for President’s Day
March 13 - Staff Development
Shelley Marquez
Program Director
Happy Hall @ Dolores Way
Happy Hall @ Ortega
Director's Message
Welcome back, and Happy New Year! We are so happy to welcome our preschool families back after winter break. We hope you all had a restful and enjoyable break spent with family and loved ones.
As we begin the new year, the children have transitioned back into their classroom routines smoothly. They are growing more confident each day, building strong friendships, and engaging happily in classroom activities. It has been wonderful to see their excitement and sense of belonging as they learn and play together.
We would also like to warmly welcome our new preschool teacher, Ms. Rakel. We are excited to have her join our preschool team and look forward to the care and support she brings to our classrooms. We are looking ahead to a great year of learning and growth together.
Program Highlights
Engagement Activities
In preschool, students will be learning about winter weather and animals that live in snowy environments through engaging, hands-on discovery centers and projects. They will explore topics such as snow, ice, and how animals adapt to cold weather through art activities, sensory play, and group discussions. Alongside this theme, children will practice recognizing and exploring the letters S, K, and M through songs, stories, games, and hands-on letter activities that support early literacy development.
Professional Development
Our lead teacher is currently finishing up the children’s portfolios in preparation for upcoming conferences. Preschool will be closed on Friday, January 16th to allow our staff time to meet with all parents via Google Meet. During these conferences, teachers will review each child’s portfolio and discuss their progress, development, and any questions you may have. This dedicated time ensures that we can provide meaningful feedback and support for each child’s growth.
Community Events
We would like to thank all the families who joined us for our winter event! It was wonderful to see both preschool and school-age families come together to make crafts, enjoy hot cocoa, and spend quality time with their children. Events like this are a great way to connect as a community, and we look forward to hosting more family events in the future.
Student Achievements
Our preschool children continue to grow and learn important life skills such as caring, flexibility, cooperation, and more. Before the break, they filled up their life skills gumball machine and celebrated with a fun PJ’s, movie, and cookie decorating party as a class! We will be starting a new life skills chart this month, giving the children another opportunity to work together and earn rewards, with the goal of celebrating again by summer.
Reminders
Please let us know if your child will be late, out sick, or on vacation. You can mark them absent in the 1Core app, email us at ortega@happyhall.com, or call or text 650-355-5026.
We also want to remind families to have children at preschool by 9:00 a.m. whenever possible. Many of our learning activities take place in the early morning, and arriving on time helps children take full advantage of these activities while building strong routines that will support them as they get ready for school.
Looking Ahead
January 16 - Closed for conferences
January 19 - Closed for MLK Jr. Day
February 16 - Closed for Presidents Day
February 17-20 - Attendance by signup
Nichole Lancaster
Program Director
Happy Hall @ Ortega
Happy Hall @ Santa Inez
Director's Message
Welcome back to school, everyone! I hope you all had a wonderful and restful winter break. We are so happy to be back on campus and jumping right back into the rhythm of our days together. The children have done a great job settling back into their classroom routines, and our teachers have been focused on gently reminding them of classroom expectations while helping everyone ease back into learning and play.
So far in January, our classrooms have been full of meaningful and engaging experiences. In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, children explored books and created art projects connected to the holiday, helping introduce important themes of kindness, fairness, and community. Our younger students have been challenged with more complex puzzles and sensory materials as they continue developing their fine motor skills, while our older students have been diving deeper into name recognition and practicing writing through fun, age-appropriate activities.
Creativity has also been front and center this month! From making festive New Year’s fireworks using paint and straws to exploring a variety of open-ended art projects, the children have loved expressing themselves. With all the rainy weather we’ve had, our teachers have also been getting extra creative by planning exciting indoor games and movement activities to keep bodies active and spirits high. Thank you all for your continued support, we’re looking forward to a great rest of the month together
Program Highlights
Professional Development
We will be closed this Friday, 1/16, for Parent-Teacher Conferences. While our lead teachers are busy connecting with families and discussing each child’s development, the rest of our teaching team will be on campus participating in professional development trainings and preparing their classrooms for the next half of the school year alongside Ms. Erin. This dedicated time allows our team to reflect, grow, and ensure our learning environments continue to support our students in the best possible way.
Looking Ahead
January 16 - Closed for conferences
January 19 - Closed for MLK Jr. Day
February 16 - Closed for Presidents Day
Erin Olivas
Program Director
Happy Hall @ Santa Inez
Engagement Activities
This month, we began by concluding our Oceans & Marine Life unit, with a special focus on Deep Ocean Life and bioluminescent animals. Children explored how and why certain sea creatures glow, sparking curiosity and thoughtful discussion about ocean ecosystems and adaptation in extreme environments.
We have now transitioned into our Inventors and Inventions theme. During this unit, children are learning about innovators from different historical periods and how their ideas have shaped the world we live in today. Through hands-on activities, children are using their creativity and critical thinking skills to design mazes, build suspension bridges, and explore how Archimedes’ screw works to lift objects. These activities encourage problem-solving, collaboration, and teamwork, while helping children understand real-world applications of engineering and design concepts.
In the coming weeks, we will transition into our next themes: Technology, Health and Well-Being, and Citizens of the World.
During our Technology unit, children will explore how technology has influenced our world and the many positive ways it supports learning, communication, and creativity. Children will engage in activities such as creating simple animations, learning introductory coding concepts, and working together to help our Sphero Bots solve mystery puzzle mazes. Our older groups will also have the opportunity to develop podcasts and participate in friendly competitions, fostering collaboration, communication skills, and confidence in a fun and engaging environment.
In our Health and Well-Being theme, children will focus on both physical and mental health, learning how to create balance in their daily lives to stay strong and healthy. They will explore the importance of movement, mindfulness, and self-care, as well as learn about different fruits and vegetables, what a healthy menu looks like, and how proper nutrition impacts our bodies and overall well-being.
Finally, during our Citizens of the World theme, children will discover and learn about different cultures and traditions. Activities will include creating cultural quilts, sharing and discussing family traditions, and exploring how communities are formed. Through these experiences, children will gain a deeper understanding of diversity, empathy, and how we work together to create a caring and inclusive community.
Happy Hall @ Green Hills
Director's Message
Happy New Year and welcome back! As we begin this new chapter, students are smoothly returning to their routines and rediscovering the rhythm of the school day. It has been a joy to hear their stories from the break and to see the excitement as they reconnect with classmates and friends.
Program Highlights
Professional Development
Our team will be reviewing safety drill procedures and ensuring we are fully up to date with the latest revisions to the Big Five protocols.
Reminders
If your child will be absent from Happy Hall, please inform us via text, email, or through 1Core.
For any unexcused absences/early pick-ups, please be sure to fill out the Attendance Form in a timely manner.
Please remind students that toys, collectibles, and other personal items from home should not be brought to Happy Hall, as we cannot be held responsible for any lost, broken, or stolen items.
Come by to check if your child is missing a jacket or a water bottle, our lost and found is growing and will be donated at the end of the month!
Looking Ahead
January 19 - Closed for MLK Jr. Day
February 16 - Closed for Presidents Day
Tiffany Tamin
Program Director
Happy Hall @ Green Hills
Happy Hall @ Lomita Park
Director's Message
Happy New Year and welcome back! As we start this new chapter, students are settling back into their routines and embracing the rhythm of the school day. It has been a pleasure listening to their stories from the break and seeing the excitement of being reunited with classmates and friends.
Program Highlights
Professional Development
Our team will be reviewing safety drill procedures and ensuring we are fully up to date with the latest revisions to the Big Five protocols.
Reminders
If your child will be absent from Happy Hall, please inform us via text, email, or through 1Core.
For any unexcused absences/early pick-ups, please be sure to fill out the Attendance Form in a timely manner.
Please remind students that toys, collectibles, and other personal items from home should not be brought to Happy Hall, as we cannot be held responsible for any lost, broken, or stolen items.
Come by to check if your child is missing a jacket or a water bottle, our lost and found is growing and will be donated at the end of the month!
Summer Camp registration opens next week! Be sure to reserve your space early to take advantage of the Super Early Bird Discount.
Looking Ahead
January 19 - Closed for MLK Jr. Day
February 16 - Closed for Presidents Day
Conner Chicoine
Program Director
Happy Hall @ Lomita Park
Happy Hall @ Meadows
Director's Message
Welcome back, and Happy New Year! We are diving right into getting back into our school routine. I have truly enjoyed hearing about the students’ adventures over the break—it has been so nice to have everyone back, ready to learn, and reconnecting with friends.
As we reflect on Winter Camp, it was heartwarming to see children building connections in small groups and forming new friendships. The extended time together allowed us to incorporate additional activities across STEAM, Movement, and Social-Emotional Learning (SEL). Our continued focus on life skills created meaningful opportunities for growth and learning.
These moments of shared joy and camaraderie added an extra layer of magic to our Winter Camp experience, and we look forward to carrying that positive energy into the weeks ahead.
Program Highlights
Community Events
Join us as we celebrate the Lunar New Year with a potluck on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, from 3:30–5:30 PM. Please sign up if you would like to bring an item to share.
Professional Development
Our staff will be reviewing safety drill procedures and ensuring we are up to date on the most recent revisions to the Big Five protocols.
Student Achievements
This month, our focus will be on the life skill of Patience. I will be handing out additional life skills tickets to students who demonstrate patience and recognizing them during “gotcha” moments.
Reminders
Happy Hall will be closed on Monday, January 19, 2026, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and on Monday, February 16, 2026, in observance of Presidents Day.
We will also be offering a March Camp Day on March 13. Please keep an eye out for an email with more information coming soon.
Summer Camp registration opens next week! Be sure to reserve your space early to take advantage of the Super Early Bird Discount.
Looking Ahead
February 25 - Lunar New Year Potluck
March 13 - March Camp
Marina Hamack
Program Director
Happy Hall @ Meadows
Happy Hall @ Ortega
Director's Message
Thank you to all the families who joined us for Winter Camp! It was so nice to spend those days together and see the children having fun, being creative, and connecting with one another during the break. Having a smaller group allowed for extra bonding and made the experience feel especially special.
As we start the new year, we’re excited to welcome our students and families back from winter break. January is a wonderful time to ease back into routines, reconnect with friends, and begin new learning experiences. The energy in the classrooms has been great, and it’s been a pleasure having everyone back together.
February Camp enrollment is now open, and we’re hoping to see more children join us. Summer Camp enrollment will also be opening soon, with more information to come. Wishing you and your families a happy and healthy start to the new year.
Program Highlights
Community Events
Thank you to all the families who joined us for our winter family event in December. It was so nice to see everyone together and enjoy time making crafts, having hot chocolate, and spending time with friends and family.
We appreciate you being part of our Ortega community and taking time to join us. These events help bring our after-school program and families closer together. We look forward to hosting more family events in the future and hope to see you there.
Student Achievements
At Ortega, we continue to focus on building important life skills with our students. These skills help children grow both in and out of the classroom. We encourage kindness, empathy, responsibility, flexibility, patience, and trying your best each day. Each group works toward rewards in their own way by showing these positive behaviors. Group 3 recently earned an ice cream party for their great effort, and we are very proud of them.
Reminders
Please be sure to inform Happy Hall if your child will not be attending on a scheduled day. If a child does not arrive within 5–7 minutes after dismissal, our staff begins following our safety procedure by checking with teachers and the school office, then contacting families by phone or text. This process requires staff to step away from supervising the group, so advance notice from families is extremely helpful in keeping all children safe.
Looking Ahead
January 19 - Closed for MLK Jr. Day
February 16 - Closed for Presidents Day
February 17-20 - February camp days
Nichole Lancaster
Program Director
Happy Hall @ Ortega
Happy Hall @ Spring Valley
Director's Message
Thank you to all the families who joined us for Winter Camp! It was a joy to spend those days together and see students engaged in fun activities, creativity, and connection during the break. We truly appreciate everyone who took part and helped make Winter Camp such a positive experience.
As we begin the new year, we are so happy to welcome our students and families back from winter break. January is an exciting time as we settle back into routines, reconnect with friends, and look ahead to new opportunities for learning and growth. We’re looking forward to a great start to the year and many more moments of fun and community together.
Warm wishes to you and your families as we step into the new year.
Program Highlights
Community Events
This month, students will be participating in a special Lunar New Year activity that highlights cultural traditions and community learning. Children will take part in a Lunar New Year–themed project where they will decorate their own Gong Bao (red) envelopes, while learning about the meaning and symbolism behind this tradition.
As part of the activity, each child will also receive a mandarin to take home, a common symbol of good luck and prosperity. This activity offers a meaningful opportunity for students to explore cultural diversity while celebrating together as a community.
Student Achievements
As we begin the new year, students will be focusing on kindness as an important life skill. Through upcoming group discussions, collaborative activities, and everyday interactions, students will explore what it means to show kindness to themselves and others. This focus will help set a positive tone for the year ahead as students learn ways to practice empathy, respect, and inclusion within our community.
Reminders
As a reminder, please let us know if your child will not be attending school.
Looking Ahead
January 19th - Happy Hall Closed for Martin Luther King Jr. Day
February 16th - Happy Hall Closed for Presidents Day
February 17th - Lunar New Year Celebration
Matt Howell
Program Director
Happy Hall @ Spring Valley
Happy Hall @ Sunset Ridge
Director's Message
Welcome back to school, and wishing you all a very Happy New Year! I truly missed the children over the break, but it was wonderful for both children and adults to have some much-needed time to rest, relax, and enjoy friends and family.
Winter Camp was small but such a great time! Registration for February Camp is now open and Summer Camp will be opening within the next week, so please be on the lookout for more information and those super early bird rates for summer camp. We would love for more friends to join us in our full-day camps!
This month, we are finishing up our “Deep Under the Sea” unit and jumping into our new theme of becoming inventors. The children will engage in games such as Minecraft Tag, Striker Ball, and Endzone Escape. During STEAM, Group 3 will solve problems and learn about Archimedes’ screw. We will also challenge the children to draw and invent items that could help with everyday life.
Program Highlights
Community Events
We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all of the families who joined us for our winter party in December. It was wonderful to see everyone together - children creating crafts, enjoying hot chocolate, and spending time with family, siblings, and friends.
We truly appreciate you taking the time out of your busy schedules to celebrate with us. Moments like these help strengthen the connection between after school care and home. Be on the lookout for more family events with Happy Hall in the future. We look forward to many more opportunities to gather and connect!
Student Achievements
We continue to focus on life skills here at Happy Hall. Life skills are positive traits that help children grow and succeed as members of society. Some of the life skills we emphasize include kindness and caring, empathy, responsibility, flexibility, effort, and patience.
Each week, we select “Star Students” who demonstrate these traits, as well as others such as teaching a friend a new skill, inviting new friends to play, or being an extra-helpful classroom cleaner. Students who show these behaviors earn Star Student recognition and shout-outs during group time. We truly have spectacular students, and I love getting to celebrate them so often!
Reminders
Please remember to notify Happy Hall if your child will not be attending. When a child does not arrive on time, a teacher must step away from the group to try to locate them. We first contact the school, then parents, and if we are unable to reach anyone, we may need to contact authorities for assistance.
You can notify us by email at sunsetrige@happyhall.com, by text or voicemail at 650-355-7377, or in person if you know ahead of time that your child will be absent. Please also help us by reminding your child to come directly to Happy Hall after school.
Looking Ahead
January 19 - Closed for MLK Jr. Day
February 16 - Closed for Presidents Day
February 17-20 - February camp days
Annie Quintana
Program Director
Happy Hall @ Sunset Ridge
Happy Hall @ Taylor Middle
Director's Message
Happy New Year, Families! We’re excited to welcome everyone back as we kick off January in our after school program. This month, students will continue building routines, strengthening friendships, and engaging in fun, hands-on activities that support learning and growth. Thank you for your continued partnership and support. We’re looking forward to a great start to the year together!
Program Highlights
Community Events
Thank you to all the parents and families who joined us for our Holiday Family event in December! It was wonderful to see our community come together to decorate sweet treats, share smiles, and celebrate the season with our students. We truly appreciate your participation and support.
Reminders
Student Phone Policy - Students must keep their phones in their backpacks during program hours. If you need to contact your child during program time, please call our work phone at 650-609-1117.
Attendance - If your child will not be attending the program, please notify us by calling or texting our work phone, emailing us, or updating attendance through the 1Core App. Thank you for helping us keep our records accurate and ensure student safety.
Looking Ahead
January 19 - Closed for MLK Jr. Day
February 16 - Closed for Presidents Day
Ariel Zipagan
Program Director
Happy Hall @ Taylor Middle
Thank You!
Thank you for your continued support and for entrusting us with your child’s care and growth. Your partnership allows us to create a nurturing and engaging environment where every child can thrive.