Dear Families,

It was another successful week in our classroom. Each student worked on creating their daily to-do list independently. Through these daily t0-do lists, students are learning what responsibility and time management means. Each student has daily expectations such as: daily math, spelling practice, reading, and completing two follow-up works. Each follow-up work has a due date and students are expected to follow their planners to identify when assignments are coming due. This has been challenging, but we have seen improvements from each student. Take a look at the big highlights from the week below.

Highlights from the Week:

• September 11th Remembrance: Together, we discussed the sacrifice individuals gave to protect our nation. It was a beautiful discussion on respect and gratitude towards the police, fire, and military forces that protected us then and who continue to protect us now.
• Habit #2: Think With the End in Mind.
• Acceptance and Fairness: We had a wonderful discussion on what acceptance means and how we can accept each individual. We also discussed what fairness means. We came to a conclusion that every student in our classroom is getting exactly what he/she needs. Fair looks different for each individual.
• 3rd Great Lesson: The Coming of Humans: We reflected upon our previous great lessons and listened to Ms. Lana tell the story of the first humans. Following the story, students had the opportunity to explore different tools and artifacts related to the story.

Upcoming Events/Reminders:

• MMA offers parents to order pizza for their children on Fridays. Pizza Fridays have started. Please talk to the office for order forms. All order forms and money have to be turned in by Wednesday morning of the week that your child would like to get pizza. Students need to bring the money to our classroom, in an envelope or plastic bag, with their first and last name labeled on it.
• International Peace Day is this Thursday, September 21st, 2017. As a class, we will be learning a song called “Light a Candle for Peace” that we will sing on Thursday. Around the world, students will be singing this same song. To learn more: http://singpeacearoundtheworld.com/
• Our annual 5K and Pancake Breakfast will take place this Saturday, September 23rd. Please join us for lots of fun and support MMA in their biggest fundraiser of the year. Volunteers are still needed for that day. Please contact the office if you are interested in helping out or would like to sign-up to race! Ms. Lana and her husband will be running in it.
• We are looking for a weekly spelling volunteer! If you are interested, please see the information at the link and sign-up: https://www.wejoinin.com/sheets/tlgnp
• September Home Project: Creative Writing. Information for this can be found on the September Home Project post.

Thank you for your continuous support in making this year wonderful! If you have any questions, concerns, or comments, please email us at LPas@mariamontessoriacademy.org.

Kindly,

Ms. Lana and Ms. Carolyn