11/01/24

Halloween Fun

Halloween is always a highlight of the school year, and this year was no exception! Our annual trick-or-treat event brought our school family together. 

We were greeted at each classroom by a fantastic array of costumes. From werewolves and kitty cats to superheroes and princesses, the creativity on display was truly impressive. It was heartwarming to see students take pride in their outfits.

The laughter of children echoed through the halls as they ran from door to door, their faces lighting up with each piece of candy collected.












10/25/24

Spooky Fun: Counting Eyeballs with Vampire Teeth!

 Halloween is a fantastic time for creativity and learning, and our preschoolers had a blast with a thrilling activity that combined counting, hand-eye coordination, and a sprinkle of spooky fun!

Materials Needed:

  • Plastic eyeballs (or balls painted like eyeballs)
  • Vampire teeth (plastic or foam)
  • A large bowl or basket
After the activity, we gathered to talk about what we learned. The kids shared their favorite parts, and many were excited to tell us how many eyeballs they managed to grab!

Learning Outcomes:
  • Counting Skills: Children practiced counting in a playful setting, reinforcing their numerical skills.
  • Hand-Eye Coordination: Manipulating the vampire teeth to pick up eyeballs helped enhance their fine motor skills.
  • Social Interaction: Kids worked together, cheering each other on and sharing tips for success.

This Halloween activity was not only educational but also filled with laughter and excitement. 









10/18/24

Carseat Installation with Franklin Police Department

We were so excited to have a special event with the Franklin Police Department! They will be visited our preschool to offer free car seat installations and safety checks. This was fantastic opportunity for our community to ensure that our little ones are as safe as possible when traveling.


During this event, trained officers will help parents and caregivers properly install car seats, ensuring that they are secure and correctly positioned. Correct installation is crucial for the safety of our children, as it can significantly reduce the risk of injury in the event of an accident.

Tips for Correct Car Seat Placement

To help you prepare for the event, here are some essential tips for ensuring car seats are installed correctly:

  1. Choose the Right Seat: Make sure you have a car seat appropriate for your child’s age, weight, and height. Infants should be in rear-facing seats, while toddlers can transition to forward-facing seats once they outgrow the rear-facing option.

  2. Check the Manual: Always refer to both the car seat manual and your vehicle’s owner manual for specific installation instructions.

  3. Tighten the Seat: The car seat should not move more than an inch side-to-side or front-to-back when pulled at the belt path. Use the seatbelt or LATCH system as per the car seat's instructions.

  4. Proper Angle: For rear-facing seats, make sure the seat is at the correct angle to prevent your child’s head from flopping forward. Many seats come with built-in level indicators.

  5. Harness Safety: Ensure the harness is snug against your child’s body and that the chest clip is positioned at armpit level.

  6. Positioning in the Car: The back seat is the safest place for all children under 13. If possible, use the middle seat, as it is typically the safest spot in the vehicle.

  7. Regular Checks: Revisit the car seat installation periodically, especially as your child grows. Make sure it is still appropriate for their size and is installed correctly.

We encouraged all families to take advantage of this event. Proper car seat installation is a crucial step in keeping our children safe on the road, and having trained professionals assist you can provide peace of mind.





10/09/24

Prescholar Enrichment

 At The Academy, our preschooler enrichment program is more than just a curriculum; it’s a vibrant experience that nurtures curiosity and creativity. By providing a rich environment filled with diverse learning opportunities, we empower our young learners to explore, discover, and thrive. Together, we’re building the foundation for a bright and successful future, one little mind at a time.




Heartbeat Experiement


Learning how the brain functions and creating our own brain!




10/05/24

 Today, we had a fantastic time at circle time connecting with our special friend, Fernando the Frog! 🐸 As we gathered in our cozy circle, the excitement in the air was palpable. Fernando, our beloved Frog Street Friend, helped us learn about the importance of connection and friendship at an early age.

Building connections is vital for young children. When we engage with friends like Fernando, we learn to share, listen, and communicate. These interactions help us develop social skills that are essential as we grow. During our circle time, we sang songs, shared stories, and even did a little dance with Fernando, fostering a sense of belonging among all of us.





















9/17/24

My School Family

 Involving families in designing the yearbook cover not only adds a personal touch but also strengthens our sense of community. It’s an opportunity to showcase the creativity of our students and their families, and to celebrate the shared experiences that make our school special.

We’re excited to see the diverse and imaginative designs that our families will create. Let’s work together to make this year’s yearbook cover a true reflection of our school spirit and the memorable moments of the year.

We loved that our families, got those creative ideas flowing, and started designing a yearbook cover that captures the essence of our school year. 

Our famlies were able to vote on their favorite cover to showcase in our first My School Family Yearbook. The winner gets to see their cover showcased in our school and a great family game night basket because family time is the BEST time!







9/13/24

Messy Play!

 Our Toddler 3 classroom had a blast with messy play this week! The little ones explored fingerpainting in a whole new way—using their feet! This sensory activity not only sparked their creativity but also helped with fine motor development. It was a joy to see their bright smiles and colorful masterpieces come to life!







My Favorite Thing's Show and Share

 At The Academy of McKay's Mill, our friends enjoyed a special "My Favorite Things" Show and Tell as part of our Frog Street "All About Me" theme! Each child had the opportunity to bring in their favorite toy or item from home and share why it was special to them. This fun activity helped build confidence and communication skills while allowing our friends to learn more about one another's interests and personalities. It was a delightful experience filled with stories, smiles, and special memories.



9/10/24

National Teddy Bear Day

 National Teddy Bear Day was a delightful celebration at The Academy of McKay's Mill Preschool! Our friends brought their favorite teddy bears to school, and it was wonderful to see the variety of beloved bears shared by our little ones. The day was filled with fun activities, from storytelling and bear-themed crafts to a cozy teddy bear picnic. It was heartwarming to see the children bond over their cuddly companions and create lasting memories with their friends and teachers. Thank you to everyone who helped make this day extra special!





Grandparents Social

 We had a wonderful time celebrating Grandparents Day with a special Grandparents Social at The Academy of McKay's Mill Preschool! The event was filled with heartwarming moments as our little ones got to share stories, crafts, and laughter with their grandparents. It was a joy to see the smiles on everyone's faces as generations came together to create beautiful memories. Thank you to all the grandparents who made this day so special for our preschoolers!