March 2010 Newsletter
Dear Montessori Parent,
“Teacher, the grass is getting green.” These words came from a young student one year. It is true again; and we all share a sense of relief that the long winter is over. Each season has its own offerings, and young children readily identify with Spring. Let’s join them in spirit and be hopeful and happy about the “grass getting green” once again.
We’d like to remind you that Parent Conferences are scheduled for March 12th and 26th. You should be receiving your appointment time very soon. Of course, there is no school on conference days.
On Friday, March 19th, be sure to wear your red and blue, our school colors chosen by student vote, and be prepared to cheer and shout. That’s Montessori School Spirit Day! Hip, hip, hooray! It’s also Hot Lunch day, in which we all gather together over the lunch hour, and do our Montessori cheers! We need helpers to serve the lunch, and there will be sign-up sheets for this outside the Office. Morning and afternoon children are invited to come even if they do not normally stay for lunch. Morning children stay until about 12:15 and afternoon children may come at 11:30. The payment is $3 for children who don't normally participate in Hot Lunch. This year’s lunch is a little different from before, in that it will be “Pajama Day” for the children! The elementary classes celebrate “Spirit Week”, and each day has a different theme, Friday’s being “pajamas”. So, this year, instead of wearing red and blue, all children are invited to attend school in their pjs! Along with that, our lunch menu will be based on the “Breakfast for Lunch” theme. Please join us for this fun all-school event!
We are offering an American Sign Language class, taught by certified sign language instructor Abbey Cook, for ages 0-3 and 3-5. The class is four sessions in length and begins March 11th. Registration forms and more information are available outside the office.
Ms. Jacobson, our Elementary science teacher, is spearheading an effort to get our Montessori parents who live within Peoria to sign up for a free recycling service provided by the City of Peoria. The school is eligible for a cash prize based on the number of households that sign up. The service is free, but the city of Peoria charges a $50 refundable deposit for the toter. Forms for this with more information will be available outside the Office.
School registration for next year will begin later this month for currently enrolled families.
You will receive a form to return with the appropriate down payment which will ensure your child’s spot next year. You will receive more info on this soon.
We would still like to have new morning greeters. We do need your assistance to make this program a success. It takes 20 minutes of your time each day, or whatever days you are available. The children will greet you with a smile! Speak to Mr. MC in the Office if you are interested in helping out.
On Saturday, March 27th, from 11:00 to 4:00, there will be a Spring Bazaar, hosted by some of our Montessori parents, here in our school gym. There will be art for sale, entertainment, and activities for both parents and children. There is a sign-up outside the Office for those who are interested in having a booth to offer a craft or some of your handiwork. There will also be a special booth devoted to Haitian relief. All are invited to attend! More information will be available soon.
On April 19th, we will begin what we are calling “Culture Week” here at school. During that time, we would love to have parents come in and share with the children information about their culture. In a few weeks a sign-up will be available outside the Office for any parent who would like to participate by taking time to talk with the children and make a small presentation about their culture. It would be lovely if we could benefit from the rich cultural resources of all the families we have from around the world. The culmination of Culture Week will be our Elementary Culture/History Fair on Thursday, the 22nd.
Don’t forget, Spring Break is April 2nd-9th this year. School will resume April 12th.
Thank you,
The Montessori Staff