There are some Upcoming dates and Important announcements from MARRKENS!!

Greetings MarrKens Learning Academy Parents,

 Can you believe how time has flown? Already, we are into our first trimester for the school year and our MLA students are making headway cognitively, socially/emotionally and physically in their respective classes. Report cards will be issued before the holiday break to mark the progress our preschoolers are making up to this point. 

 We have a new staff member, Ms. Amari Avery (In the photo above) who has joined us as the preschool teacher for our young three (3) year olds. She is energetic, nurturing and her preschoolers have bonded with her very well. They love to engage her during story time and art activities. November's theme was "Me, My Family and Community." In December the children will be learning signs of winter.

And finally, we are in the first phase of creating a vision for a new school. We extend our warmest gratitude to each one of you who graced us with your presence at the Vision Session Luncheon on November 18th, 2023, and those that were there in spirit. Your participation and engagement made the event truly special, and we appreciate the valuable insights and enthusiasm you brought to the discussion. Also our 2023-2024 King & Queen fundraiser and Dance was a success. We are truly thankful for the support and participation in assisting MarrKens' in raising $18,200; not far from our goal of $20,000. The year 2024, will mark sixty (60) years of us building a strong foundation for educating young children. 

Your continued support is greatly appreciated. 

Dr. Rhonda Muhammad 

(In above photo): Yasir Robinson (2yo) in

Ms. Ashley 's class working on developing fine motor skills

Important Upcoming Dates:

• Dec. 21st by 12pm Early Dismissal
• Dec. 22nd Professional Development (School Closed)
• Dec. 25th through Jan. 1st MLA Winter Break
• Jan. 2nd Return Back to School

Ms. Ashley's Class:

As we close out the month of November and end out the first half of the school year, the toddlers are geared up and ready to go. We have been discussing and learning all about ourselves, our families, and communities. All about ME, and my Community helpers, were the ultimate highlight of last month discussions, as we spent a lot of time learning more about these concepts through play in the block center reenacting emergency situations, and building communities and playing out scenarios! We learned so much in all different ways, but most importantly how to do our part in keeping ourselves, families, and communities safe and clean!

This month in December, the toddlers are excited to learn how the seasons will change! In this first week, we will learn new vocabulary words pertaining to winter, and how to identify the first signs of winter (Cold weather/snow), warm clothing, animal hibernation and migration, geography/weather, winter sports and activities and how we can use all of these learning concepts to correlate to our theme of Season changes. We will discuss these topics and more each week as we move throughout the rest of this month and going in to the new year. Please look forward to hearing all about your little ones fun day along side many art projects that will be sent home at the end of the month! The toddlers are rocking and rolling as we continue learning and growing!

 (In below photo): Yasir Robinson and Easton Joyner (2yo) playing with cars.

Ms. Bianca's Class

The Fall season has come with so many changes taking place before our eyes. We have thoroughly enjoyed our theme of the 5 senses this month and have extended our learning into the month of November’s theme. This month, in the Kool Kids’ class, we have been discussing the topic “All About Me and My Community” and the important roles everyone plays! We have been working on our extended project, ‘A Self-Portrait’, that displays each child’s unique details which makes up who they are! We are enjoying the process and looking forward to the outcome when finished! (In the photo below): Carver Matthews working on her self-portrait.

 Mrs. Boone’s Class

Camille Faison (2023-2024 Queen)

reading sight words.

Our November theme “Me, My Family and Community” will help our students build quality relationships and create a sense of belonging amongst each other. The students have begun 

sharing their likes, dislikes, as well as their talents “All About Me”. 

    Many Pre-K’s want to focus mostly on learning and talking about themselves. Therefore, our class will share a little about their family, community, favorite color, favorite foods, what pets they have, and the things that they love by designing a “Family Tree”.  This theme will help children see how we all are different..yet unique in our own way.

(In Picture below): Lenden Hayes (2023-2024 King) In the math center counting with the ten frames.



MLA PARENT'S CORNER: Language Development in Children

The first 3 years of life, when the brain is developing and maturing, is the most intensive period for acquiring speech and language skills. These skills develop best in a world that is rich with sounds, sights, and consistent exposure to the speech and language of others.

Children vary in their development of speech and language skills. However, they follow a natural progression or timetable for mastering the skills of language. Talk to your child’s doctor if you have any concerns. Your doctor may refer you to a speech-language pathologist( SLP), who is a health professional trained to evaluate and treat people with speech or language disorders.

The speech-language pathologist will talk to you about your child’s communication and general development. He or she will also use special spoken tests to evaluate your child. A hearing test is often included in the evaluation because a hearing problem can affect speech and language development.

*** Beth Jones, SLP; currently works with children at Marrkens and can offer her services to other families who may be interested. Please feel free to contact her at Total Rehabilitation Inc. (919) 968-3456 for questions and concerns.

At MarrKens, we want to assist and inform parents on what promotes healthy growth and development in children. We will begin a parent engagement program, beginning the first of the year of 2024. MLA's P.E.P. vision is to establish educational and social opportunities for our families to be knowledgeable about early childhood development and be fully equipped to support their child(ren). To help us get a better scope of our parents and their needs, please complete the survey below by December 28th at 11:59pm.

Your cooperation is appreciated,

Anjail Muhammad