Dear Families,

Another week has come and gone! Check out the highlights from our week.

Highlights from the Week:

• Creative Writing Home Projects are off to a great start! Thank you to those students who presented theirs on time. We’ve had a variety of stories, both non-fiction and fiction, along with poems. After each student presents, our students give compliments. Having these compliments helps students feel more at ease and boosts their confidence. We look forward to seeing the rest of our students present this week. Please make sure you check the September Home Project post to see when your student presents.
• Studio started for all of our students on Friday. This is a time where we divide into grade levels and rotate through three different areas of our curriculum to go more in-depth. Each grade rotates through science, art, and social studies. This a great opportunity not only to go more in-depth, but to learn from a different teacher and to be with students in your grade level who are from the other lower elementary classes. All students seemed to really enjoy studio time.
• Library with Ms. Kari started on Friday for our students. The students were very excited to get an introduction of our library at our school. This week, students will be able to check out one book, that will stay at school. We’ve had a lot of discussions lately regarding care for our books. In our classroom, our class is having a difficult time handling our books properly and returning them to where they belong. If you can have a conversation with your student about the importance of caring for our books, that would be greatly appreciated.
• Original works were sent in to New York on Friday. Your student created an original art piece that you will be able to purchase. Your student’s art can be purchased 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.

Friendly Reminders/Upcoming Events:

• Lunch: Students may use the classroom microwave, but we ask that they limit their heating time to only ONE MINUTE in order to provide time for multiple students. We are having an issue with students brining items such as cup-o-noodles and mac and cheese, which take 3 minutes to heat. When you have multiple students brining these items, they end up spending their lunch waiting to heat their meals. Also, candy is not allowed at lunch.
• Healthy habits: Please remind your student of washing their hands when they use the restroom, before snack, when they sneeze or cough, and use a tissue. It is the season for sickness and we have the ability to lower the risk of getting sick by having healthy habits. Also, please remind your student that they are responsible for washing their water bottle during the week. We have encouraged our students to wash their water bottle with our hot, soapy water, at least once a week.
• Gary Hogg, a local children’s author, will be coming to our school this Tuesday, October 3rd. He will be presenting to all students and then having mini writing lessons with our 3rd levels. We sent home a sheet that lists his books that your student may want to purchase.
• Picture Day will be held on Wednesday. October 11th. Your student will be brining home a picture packet on Monday.

As always, thank you for your continuous support. If you have any questions, concerns, or comments, please email LPas@mariamontessoriacademy.org.

Kindly,

Ms. Lana and Ms. Carolyn

Dear Families,

We are finally getting into a grove in our classroom. It is beautiful to see our students beginning to normalize and guiding one another. Our students have really done an excellent job with their community helpers jobs and assisting each other with their jobs. Who knew dusting shelves and works could be so much fun!

Highlights from the Week:

• Computers on Wheels (COW) — our level threes were the first to work on the COW this week. Level threes are in the process of writing their first personal narrative using UtahCompose. Students were asked to complete a graphic organizer and begin their first draft on the computer. They will be finishing their drafts this week before entering into their final stage of writing. Level ones and level twos will be on the COW this week as well, but focusing on using Imagine Learning for language and math.
• Fact Frenzy — on Mondays and Wednesdays our students are asked to complete a five minute fact test based on where they are in their memorization of facts. Each time, we encourage our students to push themselves a little harder. They are competing against theirselves and no one else. We’ve gotten to the point that when Ms. Lana pulls out the Fact Frenzy bin, students are anxiously waiting for their folder. If you are interested in practicing at home, we use math-drills.com. Each student should know what they are working on, but if they do not, please email us and we can let you know. By the end of the year, all level ones should complete their addition facts to +10. Level twos should know all of their addition facts to +10 and their subtraction facts to double digit minuends. Level threes should know all of their addition facts to +10, their subtraction facts to double digit minuends, and their multiplication facts to x12. Math fluency is critical in the student’s ability to complete large operations.
• International Peace Day — our students did a beautiful job singing “Light a Candle for Peace.” A large amount of students remembered singing this song last year and even remembered the hand movements with it. Each student also had the opportunity to create their own Prayer Flag. These will be displayed in the South Kiva.

We are looking forward to listening/watching each student present their Creative Writing Home Project this week. Please check the September Home Project post to find out when your student presents.

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

With gratitude,

Ms. Lana and Ms. Carolyn

Dear Families,

This month’s home project students will be asked to write a poem, play, short story, song, or any other style of creative writing to share with the class. If they would like, they can dress up as a character in their project. They will need to bring a change of clothes to change into after their presentation. Presentations will be September 25-October 6, 2017. 

Please see below when your student will present:

Monday, September 25th 2017

1. Skye
2. Dash
3. Madden

Tuesday, September 26th, 2017

1. Addison
2. Evee
3. Emmy

Wednesday, September 27th, 2017

1. Carter
2. Bridger
3. Carsen

Thursday, September 28th, 2017

1. Brinlee
2. Celia
3. Taige

Friday, September 29th, 2017

1. Zach
2. Samantha
3. Aysa

Monday, October 2nd, 2017

1. Kaido
2. Ariana
3. Mary Jo

Tuesday, October 3rd, 2017

1. Zyan
2. Lilli
3. Randi

Wednesday, October 4th, 2017

1. Megan
2. Jonathan
3. Gen

Thursday, October 5th, 2017

1. Adalyn
2. Andrew
3. Julian

Friday, October 6th, 2017

1. Caenna
2. KateLyn
3. Isaiah

We look forward to hearing original works done by our students!

Kindly,

Ms. Lana and Ms. Carolyn

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

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

We are hosting a Parent/Guardian only Open House next week on September 7th from 6-7:30pm. This is a great opportunity to get to know Ms. Lana, get familiar with the classroom environment and the Montessori Method. You will be provided important information for our classroom along with a classroom tour.

Schedule for the Evening:

6:00pm-6:30pm Classroom Tours/Information

6:30p,-7:00pm Montessori 101 workshop in the gym

7:00pm-7:30pm Classroom Tours/Information

You have the choice to come to the earlier or later classroom tour, whatever fits your schedule best. Even if you are a seasoned parent, please still join us as things are different from previous years.

Secondly, in order to better serve each family, we would like each family to complete a family survey. This information will assist us with getting to know your family, along with the best way to communicate with each other. Please either copy and fill out this form and send it back via email (LPas@mariamontessoriacademy.org), or you can print off a copy and have your student return it to school. Do whatever is easiest and most convenient for you. We would appreciate all forms turned in b y Thursday, September 7th, 2017.

Family Survey

Student’s Name: _____________________________ Parent(s)/Guardian(s):________________________________

Student

1. Does your child have any allergies? If so, please list.

2. What are your child’s interests?

3. What is something that motivates your child?

4. Does your child have an area for improvement in school? If so, please specify.

5. What are your child’s areas of strengths in school?

Family

1. Describe your family

2. Does your family have any planned vacations for the school year? If so, please list the dates below.

Parent Communication

1. Do you prefer verbal (face-to-face), written (notes), or electronic (email) communication?

I look forward to seeing you and learning more about your family.

Kindly,

Ms. Lana