“But, above all it is the education of adolescents that is important, because adolescence is the time when the child enters on the state of adulthood and becomes a member of society.”
-‐ Maria Montessori, From Childhood to Adolescence, p. 60
Dear MMA Junior High Students & Families,
Welcome to the 2017-2018 school year at Maria Montessori Academy (MMA). This year promises to be filled with continued growth and development for the students and our MMA community. Enclosed in this letter, you will find a variety of useful and important information. We encourage you to play an active role in your child’s education by providing guidance and support in their success during their adolescent years.
The Junior High Staff & Faculty team is as follows:
| Rene Baker | Director | rbaker@mariamontessoriacademy.org |
| Kacee Weaver | Assistant Director | kweaver@mariamontessoriacademy.org |
| Valeri Cruze | Counseling | vcruze@mariamontessoriacademy.org |
| Adrian Stumpp* | Social Sciences | astumpp@mariamontessoriacademy.org |
| Michelle Olsen* | Sciences | Molsen@mariamontessoriacademy.org |
| Travis Smith | CCA/Business Marketing | tsmith@mariamontessoriacademy.org |
| Sarah Dalton | Performing Arts | sdalton@mariamontessoriacademy.org |
| Shilo Lucyk* | Language Arts | slucyk@mariamontessoriacademy.org |
| Kat Lowe* | Special Education | klowe@mariamontessoriacademy.org |
| Leigh Owen* | Erdkinder/Peer Mentor | LOwen@mariamontessoriacademy.org |
| BreAnn Hopfenbeck | German | bhopfenbeck@mariamontessoriacademy.org |
| Casey Swain* | Health/PE | cswain@mariamontessoriacademy.org |
| Andria Yost | Visual Arts | ayost@mariamontessoriacademy.org |
| Dave McConkey* | Math | dmcconkey@mariamontessoriacademy.org
|
*Advisory teachers
Please be sure to familiarize yourself with the MMA Junior High Handbook. The Handbook includes important information to aid in your understanding of the Junior High philosophy, policies and procedures. And, each student will be provided a school planner; we encourage you to review the planner with your child to ensure a strong bridge between school and home.
Schedules are available via ASPIRE logins and have been mailed to your home. If you have questions please contact the front office 801-827-0150 or email Ms. Valeri vcruze@mariamontessoriacademy.org
Parent and family support systems are one of the most important aspects in a young person’s life. They are also one of the most valuable assets for teachers and staff at MMA. Please contact the applicable teacher if you are interested in volunteering in classrooms or activities/events specific to the Junior High program. Please be sure to subscribe to the Junior High Blog, here you will be able to stay up to date with current happenings and important events.
Key Points to take Note:
- Reacquaint yourself with the Dress Code Policy.
- Review the Bell Schedule to prepare for the cycle and timing of
- Field Experiences are a core part of our Montessori Adolescent Program; they allow students to expand their learning, comprehension, and knowledge within a real world context.
- Examine, sign and return the student agreement.MMA Junior High Student-Agreement
- Examine, sign and return the Electronic Device policy. 17-18 MMA Student Electronic Device Policy
As a reminder, every family is expected to Volunteer 40 Service Hours throughout the school year. Suggested opportunities specifically for the Junior High include:
Transport students to/from a field experience.
Chaperone a field experience.
Cut out laminated items.
Provide requested donation items (often listed on the blog).
Volunteer to enrich class subject (e.g. share information about a hobby, career,
or personal experience related to the subject).
Assist with various projects throughout the year (e.g. sewing, cooking, gardening, or construction).
Montessori Academy Parent Association (MAPA) activities.
- Individual student schedules are included in this packet. We tried to accommodate all student course requests, however, every student was not granted their first choice of course selections. We aim to offer similar opportunities during the second semester. Course offerings are subject to change.
- Student Fees – Junior High Fees for the 2017 – 2018 school year are $195.00 per Please pay this fee to the Office or utilize the Online Payment option as soon as possible. All fees must be paid in full by October 1st. Please contact the office to discuss payment options.
- Supply List – Refer to the list, included in this packet, for general school supplies to purchase for this school Individual teachers may have specific supplies that will be discussed the first week of school and evident on their syllabus.
- Upcoming Events –
- North Shore Swim Night on August 15th 7-9pm
- First day of School on August 21st 8:30am
- Solar eclipse viewing
- Early Release August 21st-25th Pick up at 1pm
- Weber State Low Ropes Course August 30th or 31st (depending upon Advisory house)
- Parent Orientation Night on September 7th, 6-7:30pm
