Happy Hall Newsletter | March 2026
- Shawna Mccune
- 6 minutes ago
- 18 min read
What's Inside
Message from the Executive Director
March has a distinct energy. The days are getting longer, routines are humming, and you can feel the shift in our classrooms. Children are more curious, more social, and ready to move. Spring has a way of bringing that out in all of us.
This is a wonderful time of year in our programs. We lean into that natural momentum by giving students more opportunities for exploration, collaboration, and time outdoors. At the same time, we're mindful that transitions, even exciting ones, can stir up big feelings. Our teams are focused on helping children navigate that energy with confidence and self-awareness.
For families, March is a good moment to check in. Ask your child what they're excited about. Notice what's lighting them up. That conversation is one of the most powerful things you can do to support their growth.
Thank you for trusting Happy Hall Schools with your children. Spring is one of our favorite seasons to share with them.
Rachel Heck, Executive Director
Announcements
Preschool Enrollment for 2026–2027
Re-registration for current preschool families is underway. No action is needed to hold your child's spot. Registration and Materials & Technology fees will be processed automatically on April 15, confirming enrollment for the new school year. If your child will not be returning, a Withdrawal Request must be submitted by April 13.
New families interested in preschool are welcome to reach out to their site directly. Spots will open as re-registration is finalized.
Program Updates for 2026–2027
Our program names have been updated to better reflect the developmental stages they serve: Infant Program (4–18 months), Toddler / Jr. Preschool (18–36 months), and Preschool / Sr. Preschool (3–5 years). These changes take effect with the new school year and do not impact your child's current classroom or routine.
Part-week schedules are moving to consecutive days to support a more consistent weekly rhythm. Details and availability vary by site.
School-Age Enrollment Coming Soon
Enrollment for our School-Age programs will be opening soon. Stay tuned for details from your site. If you have questions in the meantime, reach out to your site director.
Summer Camp 2026
Summer is just around the corner, and Camp Happy Hall sessions are filling up fast! Give your camper an unforgettable experience packed with adventure, creativity, and new friendships.
We’re excited to offer camp at four convenient locations: Meadows Elementary School in Millbrae, Ortega and Sunset Ridge Elementary Schools in Pacifica, and our newest location at Washington Elementary School in Burlingame.
Spots are limited, so be sure to register soon—our Early Bird rate ends May 1!
Learn more and register at www.camphappyhall.com.
Rotary Highlight
It has been a busy and meaningful season for our Rotary community.
On February 26, the Rotary Club of Millbrae hosted a sold-out Lunar New Year Banquet, raising funds that will go directly back into our community. We were honored to welcome special guests from the Millbrae School District for the celebration.
In March, members attended the Rotary District Assembly, where incoming club presidents were recognized. We are proud to share that Happy Hall's own Rachel Heck will serve as President of the Rotary Club of Millbrae for the 2026–2027 Rotary year.
This spring also marks a major milestone. The Rotary Club of Millbrae was chartered in 1966, and this year we celebrate 60 years of service to the community. Six decades of showing up, giving back, and investing in the people and places that make this area home. We are honored to be part of that legacy.
Small Business Spotlight
Some of the best food comes from the most unpretentious places. RicoPan Latin Pastries on San Mateo Avenue in San Bruno is exactly that kind of spot. Don't let the humble storefront fool you — what's coming out of that kitchen is exceptional.
This neighborhood bakery operates with an international sensibility that you can taste immediately. The pastries are lightly sweetened in the European tradition, letting the flavor do the work rather than the sugar. Custard Danishes, alfajores, tres leches tiramisu, lemon taquitos — each one distinct, each one worth going back for.
And it doesn't stop at pastries. RicoPan also serves tamales and breakfast sandwiches, making it the kind of spot that works for any time of day.
As a community rooted in the San Bruno area, we love seeing small businesses like RicoPan thrive. The care and craft that goes into every item is obvious from the first bite. This is a place worth seeking out.
Stop in, support a neighbor, and treat yourself.
532 San Mateo Avenue, San Bruno, CA 94066
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
This month has been full of color, creativity, and exciting learning experiences! Our students explored themes of rainbows, spring, and cultural celebrations through hands-on activities that supported their development across multiple domains. We are so proud of the enthusiasm and curiosity our preschoolers bring each day, and we appreciate the continued support from our families in making these experiences so meaningful.
Program Highlights
Engagement Activities
This month, our curriculum focused on colors, patterns, and early science exploration. In celebration of St. Patrick’s Day, children painted and stamped shamrocks, helping them practice pattern recognition and strengthen their fine motor skills.
We also explored several fun and engaging science activities. One highlight was creating a rainbow using Skittles and water on a paper plate, allowing children to observe color blending in action. Another favorite was our “rainbow fizzle” experiment using vinegar and colored sugar, which introduced simple chemical reactions in an exciting, hands-on way.
To celebrate Holi, the Festival of Colors, children wore white and joyfully ran through colorful powder, creating a vibrant and memorable cultural experience. We wrapped up our rainbow theme with a special rainbow party (earned by completing their life skills goals!) where children worked together to make rainbow Jell-o and enjoyed their delicious creation together.
Community Events
We are excited to announce our upcoming Spring Egg Hunt on Thursday, April 2nd! Children will have the opportunity to search for colorful eggs and enjoy festive springtime activities with their classmates.
Professional Development
On Friday, March 13, and Saturday, March 14, preschool staff participated in the first two days of a three-day professional development training. During these sessions, educators explored strategies to support children’s social-emotional development, including self-reflection and self-regulation skills.
The training provided valuable tools and techniques that teachers have already begun implementing in their classrooms. These strategies are helping children build confidence, better manage their emotions, and stay actively engaged in learning and play. The team looks forward to completing the final day of training in June and continuing to strengthen their practices to provide high-quality learning experiences for all students.
Student Achievements
Our preschoolers demonstrated wonderful teamwork and perseverance this month by completing their life skills goals, earning them a well-deserved rainbow party. We are so proud of their growth in independence, cooperation, and responsibility!
Reminders
If you have a part day schedule, please remember to arrive after 8:50am and pick up no later than 2:05pm. You can let us know if you ever need to add an hour for $20 to your child’s day.
Looking Ahead
April 2nd – Spring Egg Hunt
Shelley Marquez
Program Director
Happy Hall @ Dolores Way
Happy Hall @ Ortega
Director's Message
We have truly been enjoying the arrival of spring and the beautiful weather it brings. Our preschoolers have been making the most of the sunshine by participating in a variety of fun and engaging outdoor activities that support both learning and play.
As we move closer to the end of the school year and the beginning of summer, we are thoughtfully preparing our friends for the transitions ahead. Whether they are moving on to a new program or continuing with us, we are supporting each child as they grow, adapt, and build confidence in all the exciting changes to come.
Program Highlights
Engagement Activities
This month, our preschoolers have been actively engaged in a variety of warm-weather activities, especially enjoying time at the water table and in the sandbox. These hands-on experiences have provided plenty of opportunities for exploration, creativity, and social interaction.
Our themes have centered around the excitement of the season, including St. Patrick’s Day, rainbows, clovers, and springtime fun with Easter eggs and flowers. These topics have brought lots of color, creativity, and joy into our classrooms.
In addition, children have been building their early literacy skills by learning and exploring the letters G, U, E, Q, and P through a variety of fun and interactive activities.
Professional Development
On Friday, March 13, and Saturday, March 14, our preschool staff participated in the first two days of a three-day training. During these sessions, the team explored strategies to support children’s social-emotional growth, self-reflection, and self-regulation skills.
The training provided valuable tools and techniques that our staff have already begun incorporating into daily classroom routines, helping children build confidence, manage their emotions, and fully engage in learning and play. We are looking forward to completing the final day of this training in June and are excited to continue growing as a team to provide our preschoolers with the best possible experiences.
Community Events
Our preschool will have a Spring Egg Hunt on Friday, April 3rd! The children will have fun searching for colorful eggs and enjoying some springtime fun together.
Earlier this month, the kids also made a leprechaun trap, and we had a surprise visit from the leprechaun! He left a glittery mess in the classroom and even some green footprints, which made for a very exciting and memorable day. We can’t wait to celebrate more fun moments with our preschool friends this spring!
Reminders
If your child will be absent from Happy Hall, please inform us via text, email, or through 1Core.
We kindly ask that children do not bring toys or personal items from home. These items can sometimes cause challenges with sharing or may get lost or damaged, which can be upsetting for little ones.
Please make sure all jackets are clearly labeled with your child’s name. Labeled jackets help us keep track of everyone’s belongings and prevent them from being mixed up or accidentally taken by another child. This helps ensure that each child’s jacket stays safe and returns home at the end of the day.
Looking Ahead
Friday April 3rd - Spring Egg Hunt
Nichole Lancaster
Program Director
Happy Hall @ Ortega
Happy Hall @ Santa Inez
Director's Message
This past month has been full of fun, exploration, and exciting learning experiences across our classrooms! With the recent heat wave, our students enjoyed extra outdoor time, including special water play days where mini pools, water sensory tables, and “splash zones” created with garden hoses helped everyone stay cool. The children had an absolute blast engaging in hands-on, sensory-rich play, building social connections, and exploring water in creative ways. It was wonderful to see so much laughter and joy out on the yards as students made the most of the warm weather together.
We also had a festive celebration for St. Patrick’s Day, where classrooms read stories about how to catch a leprechaun and worked together to design and build their very own leprechaun traps. Many of our students came dressed in their best green attire, adding to the excitement and school spirit! Throughout the month, classes embraced spring-themed learning, exploring rainbows, flowers, and sunshine through a variety of art projects and STEM-based activities. Our older classrooms continued strengthening their early literacy skills with letters of the week. In addition, we celebrated many March birthdays and were excited to welcome new friends into several of our classrooms, making this a joyful, busy, and memorable month for our entire school community.
Lastly, I would like to extend a big thank you to all of our families for their participation in our Scholastic Book Fair this month, it was a wonderful success! It is always so special to see our students excited about books and continuing to build their love for reading and early literacy skills. A special shout-out to the families who generously donated books to our classrooms. Thanks to you, each classroom library now has several new stories for our children to enjoy. Your support truly makes a difference!
Program Highlights
Professional Development
On Friday, 3/13 and Saturday, 3/14, our staff joined other Happy Hall campuses for two full days of professional development and training. During this time, we focused on strengthening our curriculum, fostering deeper relationships with our students, and exploring new, engaging ways to enhance learning in our classrooms. We’re excited about the ideas and strategies we gained, and you may begin to see some of these new activities gradually introduced over the summer and into the 2026–2027 school year!
Reminders
Please ensure that any family members or friends who will be picking up your child are listed in your 1Core profile as an authorized pick-up. They should also have their individual codes ready to present to classroom teachers at pick-up time. This helps us safely and securely track who is dropping off and picking up each child, and ensures we maintain accurate records for the safety of everyone on campus.
Looking Ahead
Friday, 4/3 : School Closed. Spring Break
May 4-8 :Teacher Appreciation Week
Friday, May 22 : School Closed. Staff Development Day.
Monday, May 25 : School Closed. Memorial Day Holiday.
Erin Olivas
Program Director
Happy Hall @ Santa Inez
Engagement Activities
As we wrap up March and move into April, our program will be exploring several engaging and meaningful themes designed to spark curiosity and creativity.
Retro Reflections will encourage children to explore and reflect on the past, including memorable trends, historical events, and cultural elements that have helped shape the world we live in today. Through discussions and activities, students will begin to make connections between the past and present.
Through Trends and Innovations, students will dive deeper into influential cultural movements and technological advancements from different decades. They will explore how inventions, styles, and ideas have evolved over time and how these changes continue to influence our daily lives.
In Urban Gardens, children will learn about creative and practical gardening solutions in city environments. This unit will emphasize sustainability, space efficiency, and the positive environmental impact of incorporating green spaces into urban areas. Students may also explore hands-on ways to grow and care for plants.
Finally, Pollinator Paradise will highlight the essential role of bees, butterflies, and other pollinators in maintaining healthy ecosystems. Children will learn how pollinators support plant growth and food systems, as well as simple ways they can help protect and encourage biodiversity through pollinator-friendly gardens.
Happy Hall @ Green Hills
Director's Message
Happy Spring! It’s wonderful to feel the renewed energy this season brings as we approach the final stretch of the school year.
This month, we’re focusing on building perseverance and flexibility. Students are learning that change is a natural part of growth, and by using good judgment, staying adaptable, and responding positively, they can navigate challenges with confidence. Even when things don’t go as planned, we can keep moving forward with resilience and grace.
Program Highlights
Community Events
Spring Camp – March 30 to April 3, 2026 Registration ends March 26.
Join us for a variety of fun and engaging spring activities!
Egg Hunt - Our Egg Hunt will take place Wednesday, April 8, 2026.
Summer Camp Registration – Now Open!
Please visit our website at camphappyhall.com for more information and to register.
Professional Development
On March 13, several staff members participated in a comprehensive all-hands training centered on curriculum concepts. The session was both engaging and impactful, and many team members have already begun integrating new tools and strategies into their daily work.
Reminders
If your child will be absent from Happy Hall, please inform us via text, email, or through 1Core.
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!
Tiffany Tamin
Program Director
Happy Hall @ Green Hills
Happy Hall @ Lomita Park
Director's Message
Warm spring greetings! It’s inspiring to see the fresh sense of energy this time of year brings as we head into the closing months of the school year.
Throughout this month, our emphasis is on strengthening resilience and adaptability. Students are discovering that change plays an important role in personal growth, and by making thoughtful choices, remaining flexible, and maintaining a positive mindset, they can handle challenges with confidence. Even when situations don’t unfold as expected, we can continue progressing forward with determination and poise.
Program Highlights
Community Events
Spring Camp – March 30 to April 3, 2026 Registration ends March 26.
Join us for a variety of fun and engaging spring activities!
Summer Camp Registration – Now Open!
Please visit our website at camphappyhall.com for more information and to register.
Professional Development
On March 13, several staff members participated in a comprehensive all-hands training centered on curriculum concepts. The session was both engaging and impactful, and many team members have already begun integrating new tools and strategies into their daily work.
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!
Conner Chicoine
Program Director
Happy Hall @ Lomita Park
Happy Hall @ Meadows
Director's Message
Happy Spring, everyone!
We are enjoying the beautiful weather and the longer days, and it’s exciting to feel the energy of spring as we head into the home stretch of the school year.
This month, our focus is on perseverance and flexibility in our development. We are exploring how things often change and how using good judgment, staying adaptable, and pivoting positively can help us navigate those changes. Students are learning how to persevere through challenges by remembering that even when things don’t go as expected, we can still move forward with grace and resilience.
I am looking forward to the next few months as we continue to create meaningful experiences, celebrate growth, and make wonderful memories together before the school year comes to a close.
Program Highlights
Community Events
MEF Gala – April 11, 2026
We hope to see you there!
Spring Camp – March 30 to April 3, 2026
Registration ends March 26.Join us for a variety of fun and engaging spring activities!
Summer Camp Registration – Now Open!
Please visit our website at camphappyhall.com for more information and to register.
Professional Development
On March 13, several of our staff members attended a special all-hands training focused on curriculum concepts. The team found the training engaging and valuable, and many have already started incorporating new tools and ideas into their daily work.
In the coming weeks, staff will be participating in camp-specific training while continuing to practice our monthly emergency drills to ensure the safety and well-being of all students.
Reminders
If your child will not attend on April 27, please send a quick email or text so we are aware of their absence on this minimum day.
Please take a moment to check our lost and found collection if your child is missing a jacket, water bottle, or other items.
Marina Hamack
Program Director
Happy Hall @ Meadows
Happy Hall @ Ortega
Director's Message
With the arrival of spring, our campus is filled with a fresh sense of motivation and optimism. This season naturally encourages growth and reflection, making it an ideal time to support students as they continue progressing toward the end of the school year.
In the weeks ahead, we are placing an emphasis on perseverance and adaptability—helping students understand the value of staying determined while also being open to change. Learning to adjust plans, think flexibly, and keep going when faced with challenges are essential life skills that we are proud to nurture each day.
I look forward to all that we will accomplish together in the coming months and appreciate the ongoing partnership of our families and staff in making this a positive and rewarding experience for every student.
Program Highlights
Community Events
Spring Camp – April 6 to April 10, 2026
Registration ends March 30. Join us for a variety of fun and engaging spring activities!
Egg Hunt – Our Egg Hunt will take place Wednesday, April 1, 2026.
Summer Camp Registration – Now Open!
Please visit our website at camphappyhall.com for more information and to register.
Professional Development
On March 13, a group of our staff members participated in a full-team training centered on strengthening our curriculum approach. The experience was both informative and engaging, and it has been great to see staff already beginning to incorporate new techniques and ideas into their everyday routines with students.
Looking ahead, our team will take part in additional camp-focused training while continuing to carry out our regular emergency drills. These ongoing opportunities help ensure that staff remain prepared, confident, and equipped to provide a safe, supportive, and enriching environment for all students.
Reminders
If your child will be absent from Happy Hall, please inform us via text, email, or through 1Core.
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
April 6-10 - Spring Camp- Registration ends March 30th
Nichole Lancaster
Program Director
Happy Hall @ Ortega
Happy Hall @ Spring Valley
Director's Message
We’ve been loving the sunny weather and longer days! It really feels like spring is here, bringing a fresh sense of energy as we move into the final stretch of the school year.
This month, we’re focusing on building perseverance and flexibility. We’ve been talking about how things don’t always go as planned, and how making thoughtful choices, staying open to change, and adjusting with a positive mindset can help us handle those moments. Students are practicing how to keep going through challenges, learning that even when situations shift, they can respond with resilience and confidence.
I’m excited for what the next few months will bring as we continue to provide meaningful experiences, celebrate progress, and create lasting memories together before the year wraps up.
Program Highlights
Community Events
Spring Camp – April 6 to April 10, 2026
Registration ends March 30. Join us for a variety of fun and engaging spring activities!
Egg Hunt – Our Egg Hunt will take place Wednesday, April 1, 2026.
Summer Camp Registration – Now Open!
Please visit our website at camphappyhall.com for more information and to register.
Professional Development
On March 13th and 14th, a number of our team members took part in a comprehensive training centered on curriculum development. They found the session both engaging and beneficial, and many have already begun applying new strategies and tools in their day-to-day work.
In the weeks ahead, staff will continue their professional development through camp-focused trainings while also maintaining regular monthly emergency drills to support the safety and well-being of all students.
Reminders
If your child will be absent from Happy Hall, please inform us via text, email, or through 1Core.
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!
Matt Howell
Program Director
Happy Hall @ Spring Valley
Happy Hall @ Sunset Ridge
Director's Message
March has been a joyful and engaging month here at Happy Hall @ Sunset Ridge! As we transition into spring, our focus has been on growth, creativity, and exploration. We’ve embraced hands-on learning opportunities that spark curiosity and bring excitement into our classrooms. Thank you to our families and staff for continuing to support a positive and enriching environment for all of our students.
Program Highlights
Engagement Activities
This month, students explored the fascinating world of pollination, learning how plants grow and the important role that bees and other pollinators play in our ecosystem. Through interactive lessons, art projects, and discussions, students gained a deeper appreciation for nature and science.
We also had a blast with our creative Leprechaun Trap activity, where students designed and built their own traps using imagination and problem-solving skills. It was wonderful to see their creativity shine as they worked together and shared their ideas!
Community Events
Our March activities included fun, festive moments that brought our community together.
Students participated in seasonal celebrations and collaborative projects, creating a sense of belonging while learning about traditions and teamwork.
Student Achievements
We are so proud of our students for their enthusiasm and effort this month! From creative project designs during the Leprechaun Trap activity to thoughtful participation in our pollination lessons, students demonstrated curiosity, teamwork, and a willingness to learn.
A special congratulations to Shubreet and Adrian, our Star Students of the Month! We are proud of their positive attitude, hard work, and the example they set for their peers.
Reminders
Attendance / Policy Reminders: Consistent attendance is essential for your child’s success and helps them stay connected to daily learning experiences. Please continue to review general program policies. If applicable, please refer to UPP policy guidelines for any specific requirements or updates.
Looking Ahead
April 6-10 – Spring Camp Registration ends March 30th
Laura Barraza
Program Director
Happy Hall @ Sunset Ridge
Happy Hall @ Taylor Middle
Director's Message
As we welcome the month of March, we’re excited to see our students continuing to grow, learn, and build meaningful connections each day. From hands-on activities to moments of creativity and collaboration, it’s been wonderful watching their confidence and curiosity flourish.
As a reminder, Spring Break will take place at the end of the month. We hope this time offers your family a chance to rest, recharge, and enjoy special moments together.
Thank you for being a valued part of our community—we appreciate your continued support!
Program Highlights
Community Events
We’re so excited to celebrate our students with a special Ice Cream Party on Wednesday, March 25th! This sweet treat is a way to recognize their positive behavior, kindness, and the wonderful effort they’ve shown throughout the month. It’s also a fun opportunity for our community to come together and enjoy a joyful moment before Spring Break.
Professional Development
On March 13th, members of our team participated in a special training focused on implementing curriculum concepts. We’re excited to bring these fresh approaches into our classrooms to further support student learning, creativity, and engagement. Our staff is always growing so we can continue providing the best experience for your children!
Reminders
Attendance: If your student will be absent from our program, please call or text 650.609.1117, email, or log in the absence on the 1Core Family App.
Phone Policy: Students must keep their phones in their backpacks during program hours. If you need to contact your child, please call our work phone, and we will ensure they receive the message.
Looking Ahead
April 20 - April 23 - Students dismissed from school at 2pm, Program hours: 2 - 6pm
April 27 - April 30 - Students dismissed from school at 2pm, Program hours: 2 - 6pm
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.