Director's Message
I hope you’re all enjoying this festive time of year! A big thank you to everyone who joined us for our first-ever preschool and school-age trick-or-treat event. It was wonderful to see everyone in their costumes and having such a great time together! As we move into November, I’m excited for the fun activities we have planned. Stay tuned for more updates!
Program Highlights
Engagement Activities
In November, our school-age program is excited to transition from exploring Weather & Seasons to the new themes of Sounds & Music and Natural Wonders. Students will engage in fun activities like creating homemade instruments and discovering the unique sounds they make, while also learning about natural wonders like the Northern Lights and the Grand Canyon. Hands-on projects will combine these themes, and the kids are enjoying their new routine, especially the SEL games and movement activities!
In November, our preschoolers will keep developing essential skills through projects centered on fall, gratitude, and turkeys. They'll be focusing on the letters X, K, and M, as well as the numbers 7 and 8. We're also excited to host a Friendsgiving event this month, so stay tuned for more details!
Professional Development
On Friday, November 1, we held a dedicated staff development day for both our preschool and school-age teams! This was a fantastic opportunity to revisit our pre-year training and discover how tools like 1Core and camera phones can improve family communication and enrich our curriculum. Our preschool staff also learned more about setting up kids' portfolios and preparing for conferences in January. We’re excited to implement these strategies and continue providing the best experience for our children and families!
Community Events
We’re excited to announce that our preschool will be hosting a friendsgiving potluck lunch! More details will be shared via email later this month, so stay tuned for information on how you can participate and what to bring. We look forward to celebrating together!
Student Achievements
Our school-age students are working hard to develop their life skills by earning tickets each week, which they can use to choose prizes from our prize box! They’re also collaborating in their groups to accumulate points towards a party by demonstrating their life skills together.
Meanwhile, our preschoolers are focused on their own life skills as they strive to fill up their class rainbow for a fun party as well. It’s wonderful to see everyone putting in the effort and enjoying the process!
Reminders
Please be sure to email us at Ortega@happyhall.com or use the 1Core app to inform us if your children will not be attending the program. This is important for teachers to account for all children, as it can take time away from their responsibilities to search for those who don’t show up after-school. Please remind your child(ren) to check in at Happy Hall within 5-7 minutes after the bell rings. Thank you for helping to keep your child safe!
Happy Hall will be CLOSED on:
Friday, November 1: Closed for Staff Development
Monday, November 11: Closed for Veterans Day
November 25-27: School Age - Camp week. Please use the link previously sent out to sign up for camp.
November 25-27: Preschool - Regular school days, but we ask that you sign up if your child will attend, as many families may be traveling and some staff want additional time off. The sign-up form will be sent out in early November.
November 28-29: Closed for Thanksgiving
Looking Ahead
As we look forward to December, we’re excited to investigate cause and effect through engaging hands-on experiments in our school-age program, including fun reactions like baking soda and vinegar and cornstarch and water. The school-age group will also dive into the fascinating world of oceans and the animals that inhabit them. Meanwhile, our preschoolers will learn about winter and explore holidays around the world. Don’t forget to watch for details about our upcoming Family Fun Night, where we’ll invite families to join us in celebrating the winter season in both preschool and aftercare!
Stay Connected
Check out our photo galleries:
Thank You!
Brigette Gauthier
Program Director
Happy Hall @ Ortega
&
Nichole Lancaster
Assistant Director
Happy Hall @ Ortega
