Dear parents,

Next week I will be with the 6th graders on the Redwoods field trip. It is unlikely that I will be able to answer any email queries while I am there, so you if you have any questions that are not urgent, then please hold onto them until I return. The 4th and 5th graders are divided between the remaining upper el teachers and they have been left with work to do.

When we return, there will be the math SAGE test on Tuesday May 8th from 9-12 and that will wrap up the SAGE testing for the year. The following week, beginning May 14th, we will start our continent and country report presentations. Tuesday May 15th is our field trip to Crystal Hot Springs and if you haven’t sent back the permission slips yet, please hold onto them until I return.

Also, on Monday May 14th we are running a “Swap Meet,” a  kind of mini-market, with several other upper el classes. This will run in the morning from 9-11 am and students will have the chance to swap goods, or purchase goods using “Montessori money.” They earn this money during the weeks previous to the swap meet, through good works, being helpful, going above and beyond etc… No “normal” US dollars can be used and students are encouraged to be courteous and honest in their transactions. Typically, students can earn between $15-25 of Montessori money in school prior to the meet. Students can bring baked goods from home (cupcakes, cookies, brownies etc…) and other items they want to swap or sell. School policy still applies though, meaning no candy, soda, weapons, or potentially offensive material can be brought. Also, due to the new Junior High build, we will not be able to run electricity to the black top where it will be held. After the meet we will hold a meeting with the students to see who was the most successful, what goods sold the best, what were the best selling strategies etc… As usual, email me any other questions you may have.

The week beginning May 14th is also spirit week:

Thanks everyone and have a great weekend!

John