I cannot express how impressed I have been with the sense of compassion and teamwork this class has developed. The unforeseen obstacles we have faced this year have strengthened and helped these children grow in ways that they would not have otherwise. They have grown and expanded into an amazing community and have learned life skills that will take them far in life. They have learned to recognize differences, needs and strengths in one another. I know some of you had the opportunity in sit in on our compliment circles and see how they are able to lift each other, recognize service, and celebrate who they are. I have seen the beauty of them becoming leaders and helping their fellow classmates. Teacher have come to me and expressed how impressed they are in the friendships and teamwork they witness with this group. These opportunities shape these young people for the better and I feel so fortunate to see this first hand. I have shed many tears of joy in seeing them develop further into amazing people this past year. It took a little longer than hoped because of our unique challenges, but we normalized into peaceful focused work cycles. The academic progress these students have made is so exciting. Upper el teachers are thrilled to hear how well prepared in large math these students from our class are for next year. Our reading has soared! One of the reading specialists was nearly in tears of joy as we were going over reading scores. These kids have made great strides and it takes all of us as a team to make this happen. Please, please, please, continue to have your children read regularly over the summer. It is so important to keep this momentum going.
As this year comes to an end, I am already planning for next year and wanting to make you aware of some of the changes you will see happening. This was a transition year for many of students and we thought it best not to change too many things at once. One thing that will be different will be home projects. Projects will have assigned due dates and guided topics. They will continue to be due monthly. We will also be having book shares monthly. Our first home project for next fall will be a little different in nature, it will be a show and teach. I will be sending further details, but you may want to be thinking with your student over the summer about something they enjoy doing and how they can teach that to the class.
I am trying to replace the sadness I feel in not seeing them over the summer with excitement for all the new things next year will bring. I have grown alongside them this year and love that this journey will continue as we meet together again next fall. The Montessori philosophy is beautiful in so many ways, but one particular strength I appreciate is that I as a teacher get to know and grow with your child for more than a year. I love knowing that with our soon to be level 2’s and 3’s, that I have already developed a knowledge of who they are and can continue to grow in that knowledge in order to help them reach their potentials. Often times, like in traditional school, by the time you really start to have a great feel for the child and their needs, the school year is already winding down and they move forward into the next class, only to start the process all over again. I love that we have the ability to develop a deeper understanding of each unique child we teach. I love them all and I celebrate how amazing each child is and thank you for allowing me to be apart of this great work.
We will be honoring the moving forward of our level 3’s into upper el on Tuesday. The bridging ceremony was changed from 11:30 to 11:00 a.m. Level 3 parents are invited to attend. It will be a short ceremony, followed by a picnic lunch for level 3’s joining upper el. Level 3’s please do not bring something to warm for lunch this day. Level 1 and 2’s will be having lunch in the classroom.
Wednesday is crazy hair day.
Thursday is crazy sock day.
Friday is pajama day and yearbook signing.
Don’t forget that all week is dismissal at 1:00 p.m. in order to provide time for conferences.