November 2009 Newsletter
Dear Montessori Parent,
Thank you so much for all of your donations and participation in our Halloween carnival on October 28th. It went very well, due in no small part to all the volunteers we had helping out with activities. We’d like to especially thank Amy for organizing our volunteers and Mrs. Roos for being our fortune teller extraordinaire. It’s always fun to see the children of all ages milling about with one another, having fun; and it’s even more fun when they’re in costume! It’s also especially gratifying to us to see so many of our families having a good time together. Also, the Upper Elementary class would like to thank everyone who purchased one of their Halloween Bags.
We have our first set of parent conferences this Friday, with the next set on the 21st. Please contact us if there is any issue with the appointment time for your conference. Of course, there is no school on conference days. Please note, as well, that there is no school on Wednesday, November 11, for Veteran’s Day.
Thanksgiving break occurs on November 25-27th. And looking ahead, the holiday break is from December 21 to January 1. School will then resume on Monday, January 4. This is the same schedule observed by District 150 and other schools across the state. We’d also like to remind you that, if you need to consult a school calendar for any dates, one is available on our website at www.peoriamontessori.org.
The Great Feast is coming soon! Just before Thanksgiving vacation, on Tuesday, November 24, we will all share in a Montessori tradition. This is in lieu of our normal Hot Lunch for November, and we call it the "Great Feast". It is a special meal which helps the children to understand what the spirit of friendship must have meant to everyone at the first Thanksgiving. On that day, the morning children are invited to stay until noon, so they can eat at 11:30 with the full-day children. Afternoon children should come at 11:30 to join us, also. Each student should bring food to share, such as finger sandwiches, bread/muffins, meatballs, cheeses, veggies, fruits, and any other appropriate munchies. You may speak to your teacher for other suggestions. Also, cans of fruit juice for punch would be appreciated. Sweets will not be necessary, as the Elementary class will be preparing a baked dessert for our meal. We will put out sign-up sheets for helpers, to serve our school community. Helpers are needed from about 10:30 to 12:30. Please consider taking part, as we finish our study of the first Thanksgiving with this all-school event.
Be on the lookout for more news regarding the Scholastic Book Fair, which will run from November 30th until December 4th. We’ll have more about this later.
Giving thanks for all of you....
Montessori Staff