Dear Families,

Thank you to those families that were able to attend our Parent Open House. If you were unable to, we placed a packet in your student’s backpack with what you missed. If you have not sent in your parent survey, please do so. We’ve enjoyed learning a little bit more about each student!

We can’t believe we are headed into our fourth week of school! We’ve continued to build our community through games and activities which have assisted with normalization. The students have been working hard on understanding the work cycles. We’ve been working together to understand that when in the classroom, we discuss work and at recess, we discuss our weekend plans (social talk). Students are continuing to work on using their planners and how to schedule their days to have successful work periods.

Highlights from the week:

• We’ve been practicing sign language within our classroom to help have a peaceful, focused class. We’ve learned: stop, please, thank you, restroom, walk, and help. Ask your student to share these signs with you! This would be a great opportunity to practice sign language in your home as well.
• Our 2nd levels started the week off with attending a presentation from the Loveland Aquarium! Students actively participated in discussions related to zoology.
• All students were able to participate in Music and PE this week with Ms. Rachel (Music) and Ms. Julia (PE). The students came back from these specialties with smiles. We are lucky to have both of these talented individuals at our school. Ms. Julia would like to remind our class that students need to wear tennis shoes on TUESDAYS for their PE class.
• Our 3rd levels participated in computer class with Ms. Megan this week as well. They will be going to computer class on Thursdays to practice their typing skills.
• Habit #1: Be Proactive. The students created their own “Be Proactive” posters for the classroom to wrap up their understanding of Habit #1. This week we will transition to Habit #2: Begin with the End in Mind.
• 2nd Great Lesson: The Coming of Life. This Great Lessons led us into a great discussion on the first living things on this planet. Following the lesson, students worked together to create a classroom “TImeline of Life.”
• We began our designs for Original Works. Your student will be creating an original art piece, which will be submitted to Original Works in New York.  You will be able to purchase your student’s art on a choice of many different items, coasters, magnets, t-shirts, bags, coffee mugs and much more. These items are great gift ideas for Holidays for grandparents, aunts, uncles and friends. The finished items will be delivered the first part of December. This fundraiser is specifically for our classrooms, allowing us to purchase needed classroom items.

Reminders:

• Please remember to sign-up for snack. Our students are growing and using their brain juice to focus during the work cycle. All student enjoy a break from work to refuel at the snack table. Here is the link to sign-up: https://wejoinin.com/sheets/hvclv. We have access to a fridge, so fresh foods are always welcome!
• 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.
• Our annual 5K and Pancake Breakfast will take place on 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.

As always, please let us know if you have any questions, concerns, or comments at LPas@mariamontessoriacademy.org.

Kindly,

Ms. Lana and Ms. Carolyn