Happy Hall @ Ocean Shore Newsletter | April
- Annie Quintana
- Apr 21
- 4 min read
Updated: Apr 24
Director's Message
Happy April Ocean Shore Families! It’s beginning to feel like Spring outdoors where we feel the warmth of the sun and see flowers in bloom everywhere we look! The days are getting longer, and it's the perfect time for outdoor play, discovery, and soaking up the fresh, vibrant energy of the season. Spring is also a wonderful opportunity for families to enjoy nature walks, plant a garden together, or have a picnic at the park to celebrate the beauty of the season.
Program Highlights
Engagement Activities
This month, our school-age program is buzzing with excitement as we explore engaging themes like Sports Science, Bug Exploration, Insect Habitats, and Self-Reflection. Students will dive into a variety of hands-on experiences designed to spark curiosity, build teamwork, and fuel a love of learning.
Our Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) games will encourage communication, empathy, and problem-solving, while high-energy movement activities will keep everyone active and having fun. Through STEAM projects, students will tap into their creativity and critical thinking with exciting challenges in art, science, and design.
We’re looking forward to a month full of discovery, connection, and plenty of springtime fun!
This month, our preschoolers are diving into all things springtime! With themes focused on gardening, bugs, and caring for the Earth, the children have been busy digging in the soil, planting seeds, and eagerly watching their wildflowers grow.
Throughout the month, we’ll continue learning about how to protect our planet—like recycling at home and being mindful of water use. These hands-on experiences are helping to build awareness and a sense of responsibility for the world around them.
In addition to exploring these exciting seasonal topics, our preschoolers are practicing important foundational skills, including cutting, drawing, and creating. During our morning small group times, we’re also continuing to build on letter recognition, numbers, and counting.
And for our preschoolers getting ready to move on to Transitional Kindergarten or Kindergarten—graduation prep has already begun! Don’t be surprised if you hear some new songs being sung around the house as they practice for their special day.
Professional Development
Our Administration Team recently completed a dynamic three-day training centered around Connection & Collaboration, Strategy & Vision, and Planning & Innovation. It was an invaluable opportunity to gain fresh insights, strengthen our teamwork, and recommit to our mission of supporting staff, families, and—most importantly—our children.
Looking ahead, we’re excited for a season of preparation and growth:
April 25th (Morning) We’ll host a Summer Staff Development Session focused on camp readiness and safety. This session offers a great opportunity for new team members to receive training and for returning staff to refresh their skills as we prepare for a fun, safe, and successful summer. Happy Hall will be OPEN on April 25, with preschool and aftercare hours remaining the same.
We’re energized, aligned, and ready for what’s ahead!
Community Events
Our Happy Hall PRESCHOOL is welcoming the joys of spring with a special Family Fun Afternoon on April 17, 4-5pm! Parents are invited to join us for a hands-on Earth Day craft with their preschoolers, followed by a festive springtime egg hunt. Come enjoy the smiles and laughter as the children explore and celebrate the season together!
Teacher Appreciation Week is May 5–9! Let’s come together to celebrate our amazing Happy Hall staff who care for and inspire our children every day after school. I’ll be posting a list of each teacher’s favorite things on the door—feel free to use it as inspiration if you'd like to purchase or create a small token of appreciation to help us spoil them! Happy Hall will be treating the staff to a special party with food and prizes, and I’ll also be sharing a little goodie with them each day throughout the week. If you’d like to contribute or need help with any ideas, I’m happy to support you!
"It takes a big heart to help shape little minds." — Unknown
Student Achievements
🎉 Congratulations to our Star Students! 🎉 We’re so proud to recognize students who have been shining examples of kindness, responsibility, and teamwork. These amazing kids showed strong life skills by being caring friends, helping others, and being positive role models.
Congrats to: Emma, Micah, Grace, Mari, Coralie, Hayze, Isobel, Noah, Anaise, Liam, Theo, Tessa, Mira, Frederic, Edison, Oren, Lisbeth, Seher, Riley, and RJ!
Way to go, Stars—keep up the great work! 🌟
Reminders
Absences: Please remember to let us know if your child will not be attending Happy Hall after school. You can call and leave a message, email us, or use the Absent feature on the 1Core app. When we don’t know a child’s whereabouts, it pulls a teacher away from supervision while we make calls to locate them—thank you for helping us keep everyone safe and accounted for!
Looking Ahead
Upcoming Events & Closures:
May 5–9: Teacher Appreciation Week — Let’s celebrate our wonderful staff all week long!
Monday, May 12: Mother’s Day Party — 3:30–4:30 PM in Preschool
Monday, May 26: Happy Hall is CLOSED for Memorial Day
Stay Connected
Check out our photo galleries:
Thank You!
Thank you for being such a supportive part of our Happy Hall community. We appreciate all you do to help make this program a joyful place for the children to grow, play, and thrive!
Annie Quintana and the Ocean Shore team
Happy Hall @ Ocean Shore
