Hello!

Well, we made it through the first two weeks of school!  Your children are adjusting well and building relationships.  These first weeks of school are so important as we get to know each other, learn routines and procedures, and go through the normalization process.  Here are some reminders from our school and Maria Montessori about this crucial time:

PLEASE RESPECT THE FIRST 6 WEEKS OF SCHOOL BY ALLOWING YOUR CHILD TO INDEPENDENTLY ENTER AND EXIT THE SCHOOL.

ALL PARENT/STUDENT INTERACTIONS ARE LIMITED DURING THE SCHOOL DAY TO EMERGENCIES ONLY.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR COOPERATION

“Among the revelations the child has brought us, there is one fundamental importance, the phenomenon of normalization through work… it is certain that the child’s aptitude for work represents a vital instinct; for without work his personality cannot organize itself and deviates from the normal lines of construction. Man builds himself through working.”

“During normalization the child is becoming his best possible self and doing so without effort and with complete joy.”

“Love of work; concentration; self-discipline; and sociability~all characteristics of the normalized child.”

“The child, in fact, once he feels sure of himself, will no longer seek the approval of authority after every step.” 

Maria Montessori 1870-1952

This week we will delve more deeply into learning as we continue to do team building activities and get to know each other better.  We will begin our science rotations tomorrow with 4th graders going to Mr. John, 5th graders going to Ms. Amity, and 6th graders staying with me.  We will also begin our spelling and vocabulary, so check your child’s planner for their words for this week.  Our PE and music classes get started on Thursday.

This week we are also welcoming a new assistant teacher into our class named Ms. Venessa!  I am excited to work with her and know that she will be a great addition to our classroom.

Just a reminder that planners go home every day and should be signed by you and returned to school the next day.  Overall, this is going well, but we are still having some students forget.  They like to say, “My mom was too busy to sign my planner” or “My mom forgot to sign my planner.”  I remind them that it is their responsibility to make sure their planner is signed and returned.  Please support your children in this effort.

Thanks to those of you who have signed up to provide snack for our class.  The first week went pretty well!  We still have MANY weeks without anyone signed up to provide snack.  Please see the link on the right sidebar to sign up if you are able.

If you are interested in having a Celebration of Life for your child when they have a birthday, please let me know so that we can schedule a time.  This is a great opportunity to share pictures and stories about your child with our class and celebrate the life that they have lived so far.

I know that this post is getting lengthy.  I just want to let you know that I have loved these first weeks of school with your children.  They are truly amazing and it is a joy to spend my days with them.  We have a fantastic class this year!  I can’t wait to see what the rest of the year brings…

As always, please e-mail me if you have any questions or concerns.  kgonzales@mariamontessoriacademy.org

Kirsten