A Spring Hill Blog

Summer at The Spring Hill School: A Season of Laughter, Learning, and Community

As the warm sunshine spills over our campus, the unmistakable sounds of summer come alive. Laughter, excited chatter, and the joyous shrieks of children fill the air as our summer camps are in full swing. It's a vibrant reminder of the strong sense of community we foster here at The Spring Hill School.

Summer Camps: A Hub of Fun and Exploration

Our summer camps are a melting pot of kids from all over the community, each bringing their unique spark to our campus. This summer, we are thrilled to offer two distinct and exciting camp experiences:

• Preschool Montessori Water-Themed Camp: Our youngest campers, ages 3-5, dive into the wonders of water through our unique Montessori-based program. They engage in hands-on activities that explore the properties of water, its importance in our world, and fun water play that keeps them cool and curious throughout the summer days.
• Steve and Kate's Camp (Ages 5-12): For our older campers, Steve and Kate's camp provides a dynamic mix of STEM activities, creative arts, game shows, and plenty of outdoor play. This camp is designed to ignite imagination and foster a love of learning through diverse, child-driven activities. Whether building robots, creating art masterpieces, or participating in exciting game shows, kids are guaranteed to have an unforgettable summer experience.

The energy is infectious at both camps. It's heartwarming to see the joy on their faces and to think about the potential new friendships and discoveries they are making each day.

Teachers: Resting and Recharging

Behind the scenes, our dedicated teachers are also making the most of their summer. Some are taking this time to relax and recharge, enjoying well-deserved vacations and sharing pictures of their adventures. Others are attending professional development workshops, honing their skills and gathering fresh ideas to bring into the classroom. Their commitment to lifelong learning ensures that they return in the fall with renewed passion and innovative teaching methods that benefit our students.

A Glimpse into the Future

As I look out over our campus and see the happy faces of our summer camp participants, I can't help but imagine how wonderful it would be to see these same faces when the school year begins. The curiosity and enthusiasm they bring to summer camp would be a perfect fit for the vibrant academic and social environment we cultivate during the school year.

Join Our Community

To our regular-year school families, we invite you to share your love for The Spring Hill School with the new friends you've made during our summer camps. If you've experienced the energy and community spirit that makes our programs so special, why not introduce your camp friends to our school? Let them know about the exceptional education and warm community that awaits them here.

Encourage them to join us for a summer tour, available in both English and Spanish, to see our beautiful campus and learn more about our programs. It's a wonderful opportunity to welcome new families into our vibrant school community.

Summer Tours Available

We would love to welcome you and your friends to explore our school. Our summer tours provide an opportunity to experience firsthand the dynamic and nurturing environment that makes The Spring Hill School a standout choice for education.

Preventing the Summer Slide: Board Games!

To help your child stay sharp and avoid the summer slide, here are a few fun and engaging games to consider:

Board Games: Building Skills, Learning Sportsmanship, and Bringing Families Together

Board games have long been a beloved pastime, and for good reason. Not only do they provide hours of entertainment, but they also offer a myriad of benefits for children and families. From developing critical skills to fostering sportsmanship, board games are an excellent way for friends and families to connect. Here’s a closer look at the advantages of board games and some top recommendations for children aged 3-13.

Building Skills

Board games are a fun and effective way to build various skills in children:

1. Cognitive Skills: Many board games require strategic thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making. Games like "Chess" and "Settlers of Catan" challenge players to plan ahead, anticipate opponents' moves, and think critically.
2. Math Skills: Games such as "Monopoly Junior" and "Chutes and Ladders" incorporate counting, money management, and basic arithmetic, making math fun and engaging.
3. Language Skills: Word games like "Scrabble Junior" and "Bananagrams" help expand vocabulary, improve spelling, and enhance reading skills.
4. Social Skills: Games often require communication, cooperation, and negotiation. Playing "The Game of Life" or "Ticket to Ride" teaches children how to articulate their ideas and work together towards a common goal.
5. Fine Motor Skills: For younger children, games like "Candy Land" and "Hi Ho! Cherry-O" help develop hand-eye coordination and dexterity through actions like moving pieces and spinning dials.

Learning Sportsmanship

Board games are excellent tools for teaching sportsmanship. Children learn to take turns, follow rules, and handle both winning and losing gracefully. Games such as "Connect 4" and "Uno" are great for reinforcing the importance of fair play and respect for others. These experiences help children understand that the primary goal is to enjoy the game and the time spent with others, rather than just focusing on winning.

Great for Friends and Families

Playing board games is a wonderful way to bring friends and families together. They provide a structured yet fun environment where people of all ages can interact and bond. Whether it's a family game night or a playdate with friends, board games encourage face-to-face communication and strengthen relationships.

Excellent Games for Ages 3-13

Here are some top board game recommendations for different age groups:

Ages 3-5:

• "Candy Land": A simple racing game that introduces young children to basic game mechanics and color recognition.
• "Hi Ho! Cherry-O": A counting game that helps preschoolers practice math skills in a fun way.
• "The Sneaky, Snacky Squirrel Game": Enhances fine motor skills and color matching.

Ages 6-8:

• "Connect 4": A two-player game that involves strategic thinking and planning.
• "Sorry!": A classic game of luck and strategy, teaching children to plan ahead and cope with setbacks.
• "Guess Who?": A deduction game that promotes critical thinking and attention to detail.

Ages 9-13:

• "Settlers of Catan": A strategy game that involves resource management, trade, and negotiation.
• "Ticket to Ride": A game that encourages strategic planning and geography knowledge as players build train routes across the map.
• "Clue": A mystery-solving game that hones deductive reasoning and logical thinking.

As we continue to enjoy the summer season, let's celebrate the community and love of learning that make The Spring Hill School a place where every child can thrive. Oh, and remember to relax and laugh together! We look forward to seeing you around campus and welcoming you back in August for the start of the 2024-25 school year!.

Warmest regards,

Tracy Walthard
Associate Head of School for Enrollment and Strategic Initiatives