Merryhill School News
February 28, 2020
2020-2021 School Year Registration due Monday
Coronavirus Update
Steps we are taking, Illness Prevention and Planning, and Monitoring Coronavirus Developments
As you are likely aware, on Tuesday, February 25, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) gave a press conference updating the country on the current status of the coronavirus (COVID-19), and what steps should be taken moving forward. The CDC emphasized that there is not currently a coronavirus pandemic in the United States, and at this time the number of cases across the U.S. is relatively small. However, given how quickly the global situation is evolving, we are monitoring developments and will continue to reevaluate our steps and actions daily. Although we have no reported cases within our school communities at this time, we want you to rest assured that we are prepared and ready. Our planning and response will continue to be grounded in directives from the CDC, the World Health Organization (WHO), and local governmental organizations.
As a school, we are prepared for a range of possible contingencies, such as school closures, that may occur as this situation develops. In the event that school must be dismissed for an extended period of time, we want to assure you that we will incorporate a variety of instructional strategies to connect with the home. In all eventualities, we are committed to providing you with clear, timely communications about this fluid situation.
Of course, our highest priority is ensuring the health and safety of every member of our community. As we have emphasized in previous updates, the most effective way to stay healthy and minimize the spread of infectious disease is to follow basic health best practices like:
● Enforcing great hygiene, like washing hands thoroughly and covering up coughs/sneezes.
● Ensuring all faculty, staff, and students who are feeling ill to stay home until they recover.
In addition, we are also thinking ahead regarding the potential impact on spring break travel, upcoming school trips, and other non-typical school activities, should the situation escalate. An increasing number of countries are being placed under travel advisories due to the coronavirus. We ask that you stay informed of the CDC’s travel advisories, particularly because we cannot know what the status of the outbreak will be when spring break time arrives.
Given the level of media attention to the coronavirus, some children may become anxious and have concerns about the virus and its transmission. These tips for talking with children about the coronavirus may be helpful to you and your family. In addition, it’s important for families to make contingency plans and preparations at home. This NPR article may provide a helpful starting point to guide preparations both at home and work.
In times like this, we are particularly grateful for the strength and togetherness of our community. Please be assured that further communications from us will continue in the event new information directly impacts our school community.
Pirates 2! Musical
Picture Day - March 2nd and 3rd
- Monday, March 2nd - All students in preschool building (including sibling groups in preschool building)
- Tuesday, March 3rd - All students in elementary building (including sibling groups in elementary building) and Kindergarten cap and gown photos (caps and gowns provided by Merryhill for photos)
Parking Lot / Breakfast
We did also notice a true need to address some parking lot issues. Please be extremely cognizant of your speed, as children are not always aware when they are moving across the driveway. We definitely understand how busy life is and the hurry that we all get in, but we want to make sure that all measures are taken to ensure the daily safety of each and every student! Thank you for your awareness of this!
Spring Break - March 9-13
All students in Kindergarten through 6th Grade have sign up sheets on their classroom doors and need to be signed up for days attending by Thursday, March 5th (additional charge will apply to sign ups after March 5th). The Spring Break activity schedule will be sent home today for all elementary students.
Save the Dates
- March 9-13 - Spring Break
- March 28 - Art Show 9:00 am -12:00 pm
- April 6-8 - 4th and 5th Grade class trip to Austin and San Antonio
- April 9 - Spring egg hunts and parties
- April 13-23 - Elementary standardized testing
- April 24 - Family Movie Night
- April 28-May 1 - 6th Grade class trip to Philadelphia
- May 1 - Elementary early dismissal 11:00
- May 1-7 - Elementary end of year parent conferences
- May 4-8 - Teacher Appreciation Week
- May 15 - Pre-K Picnic
- May 15 - Aloha Dance (2nd grade and older)
- May 22 - Elementary Field Day
- May 26 - Awards Assembly - Grades 1 and 2 at 1:00 / Grades 3-6 at 2:30
- May 27 - 6th Grade Graduation at Bob Duncan Center 1:00 pm
- May 27 - Kindergarten Graduation at Bob Duncan Center 7:00 pm
- May 28 - Last day of school / Early dismissal at 11:00
- May 29 - School closed in preparation for summer camp
- June 1 - First day of summer camp
Upcoming Events
- March 2nd - End of early registration
- March 2nd - Spring pictures - Preschool building
- March 2nd - Dr. Seuss Day
- March 3rd - Spring pictures - Elementary building and Kindergarten cap and gown photos
- March 3rd - Kindergarten Club
- March 4th - Caring Lunch Bunch
- March 4th - Kona Ice 3:30 p.m.
- March 5th - Spring Musical at Bob Duncan Center 7:00 p.m. (1st through 6th grades)
- March 6th - 1st Grade enrichment trip to Fort Worth Cattle Drive
- March 6th - Spirit Day
- March 6th - Big Steps Little Feet 10:00 a.m.
- March 9-13 - Spring Break
- March 16-20 - Scholastic Book Fair
- March 17 - Character Day - Responsibility - wear green
- March 18 - Timeless Concerts presentation 1:00 p.m. for 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th grades
- March 18 - 4th, 5th, and 6th grade Parent trip meeting 6:00 p.m.
- March 18 - Final trip payment due for 4th and 5th grades
- March 20 - College Day
- March 20 - 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th grade enrichment trip to tour the Texas Rangers' new ballpark
- March 26 - Elementary report cards sent home
- March 26 - Chuck E Cheese Spirit Night
- March 27 - Fantastic Friday
- March 27 - Colors of Love
- March 27 - 3rd Grade enrichment trip to Dot It Factory tour
- March 28 - Art Show 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
- March 30 - April 3 - Science Fair
- April 1 - Kona Ice 3:30 p.m.
- April 3 - ERB Practice tests
- April 3 - Big Steps Little Feet 9:30 a.m.
Merryhill Preschool and Elementary School
Email: michelle.bechtel@merryhillschool.com
Website: arlington.merryhillschool.com
Location: 711 W Arbrook Blvd, Arlington, Texas
Phone: (817) 472-9494
Facebook: www.facebook.com/MerryhillArlington
Twitter: @MHSArlington