Parents, this is a follow up concerning Certified Drivers.  The front office asked that we share this with you.

Thank you for all your support in providing supplies for our classroom this year.  Students are getting anxious to have their three ring binders, yet we are short for about a third of the class.  I do know some of you mentioned that you were in the process of donating supplies.  If you could bring these in by Monday it would help me know where we stand in need for supplies.  If all you donate is the 1 1/2 inch white binder, pencil pouch for three ring binder, and dividers, it would be much appreciated.  Thanks so much.

Also, it is a dress code infraction for not having inside shoes.  I understand how challenging this can be, especially this time of year and this is why it has been held off for a week.  Monday, students will be given a dress code violation for not having these.  The only exception will be families who have contacted me regarding shoes coming in the mail.

If you need to contact me, the best way is through my school email, which can be found anytime on the school website.  Or for your reference: bherrera@mariamontessoriacademy.org

Emails sent through this blog go to an account which I don’t use.  This is generally standard for all teachers at MMA.  The best way to contact all teachers is through school email.

Thank you for all your support.  Have a wonderful weekend.

Just a quick reminder to sign up for snack HERE.

We have a really fun group this year and it is so much fun getting know these new faces.  Students have been busy getting to know each other, creating teambuilding experiences, and learning the grace and courtesy of our school.  Next week we will be starting our great lessons and slowly transitioning into our regular work cycle.  As always, if you have questions, concerns, or celebrations, please email me.

If you are interested in helping our classroom by becoming a certified driver for our field trips, please plan on attending back to school night on September 4th.  Background checks and fingerprinting will be done at that time.  The cost is $60 and is good for 5 years.  If you are new to our  classroom this year and are already certified, would you please let me know.  Certified drivers help make it possible to attend fieldtrips.  We do not have a busing system here at Maria Montessori Academy and therefor it is up to the parents to provide transportation for your own student to fieldtrip sites.  With the help of certified drivers, we are able to make fieldtrips possible for students who need rides.  If you are interested, please send me a quick note.  The time you spend as a certified driver counts toward your 40 volunteer hours.

Parents I cannot emphasize enough how important it is that we do not allow students to bring colored drinks.  These spill so easily and stain the carpet.  I have issues with students bringing large sport drinks, powder colored drink mixes, etc.  Please do not make me the bad guy and save these for when you are home.  Also, red hot cheetios are not allowed during school hours.  They have created burning yes, red fingers which stain materials, etc.  Please use caution when purchasing items for your child’s lunch.

We will no longer have plates and silverware provided by the classroom for lunch.  If your child needs such items, please make certain they are packed in their lunch for the day.   It became a management issue for children to wash the classroom dishes they borrowed in the past.  I rather spend my time lesson planning and not washing dishes at the end of the day.  Please note, children have the means available to wash their own dishes before they are packed to return home.

Thanks for your support in making lunch a success.

Annual 5k Run for the Redwoods

Saturday, September 13, 2014

Run, Walk, Skip or Jump

Come help support the 6th graders to the Redwoods for their spring field trip!

Run for the Redwoods- registration form

Hi Families, just wanted to quickly let you know that I posted a link on our classroom blog that allows for you to access the school main blog.  I noticed that you can now order school spirit shirts which can be worn any day of the week.  This is the only shirt that can be worn during school hours that does not have a collar.

I cannot believe summer vacation is coming to an end!  I am so excited to see everyone. I have missed those sweet smiles and dancing eyes so much, and I am looking forward to meeting new smiles in only a few short days.  All 1st graders and new to the school 2nd and 3rd grade students will attend this Friday the 15th from 1:00-1:45 p.m.  Ms. Lily, my assistant, will be out front with a sign.  Please gather with her and she will bring everyone in together.  Please also note that parents will not be coming into the school with your children during the first 6 weeks of school. ( If needed, older students will be available the first few days to help younger students find classes.)  This is all apart of the Montessori normalization period which ends on October 1st.  This is to help students gain independence and confidence.  If you have questions regarding this philosophy feel free to contact me.

The first few days back to school are really busy, with that being said, it would be helpful if school supplies could be dropped off before school starts Monday.  I am at the school all this week, please feel free to stop in and drop them by.  I forgot to include that your child will need a water bottle.  This can be filled throughout the day to minimize the distraction of leaving to visit the water fountain. They will be sent home at the end of the week to be washed and then returned back to school on Monday.

I will be posting a link under wejoin in for snack sign up.  Please choose at least 1 or 2 weeks to provide healthy snacks for our classroom.  The children will prepare the snack as part of their practical life work for the day, please do not precut fruits and such.  These snacks provide the students with the fuel they need to get through their morning work cycle.  Thank you for your help with this.

We also have the school run for the redwoods 5K coming up on September 13th.   This is a great way to have fun and help with the 6th grade fundraiser so, start training.  If you are interested in helping with this fun event please let the front office know and they can provide contact information.

We also have our back to school breakfast this Saturday from 8-10 a.m..  This is a fun way to start the year, come together and help kick off the 6th grade fundraising.

Lastly, I am looking for a room mother, mainly to help organize classroom parties. This is a great way to get in your 40 hours of volunteer work.  Also, if you are interested in coming into the classroom to read with students, please let me know.