5/21/09
Reminder: Friday is the last day of school and a half day. Please pick your children
up by 11:30 (ALL STUDENTS).
Also, I have just completed all individualized summer homework packets. I cannot
emphasize enough how important it is to take a little time each week (not all at
once), during the summer, to work on what I've included in the packet. I chose each
Math sheet according to the areas of need for each student. If you are looking for
further work, email me and I can tell you what areas I have included within the
packets so you are aware of the concepts your child is focusing on. There is a summer
calendar along with cover sheets within each packet. Please take a few minutes to look
over, specifically, the letter, calendar, and informational pages. The basic
expectation is 2-3 Math pages per week, daily reading aloud, and Math fact practice.
Pacing the homework over the summer will allow your child a better chance to move
forward, after minimal review, when school starts as opposed to reviewing concepts
learned (previously) for the first several months and then moving forward. Although
every child learns and retains information differently, studies show that summer
homework does improve their chances of maintaining concepts.
Today we received a call from Josh Marcus (Sack It to You Organization). You may
recall the night of the Art Gallery his organization was chosen to receive a donation
on behalf of the students of our class. He called to personally thank the children and
offered inspiring words and thoughts for the children, bringing to attention the
efforts of the children have truly made a difference for the needy children who will
be receiving school supplies as a result of our donation. I put Josh on speaker phone
so all the children could hear his words. It was very special. Be sure and ask your
child about the call.
Thanks to each and every one of you for making this a spectacular year. We are sending
home something special with the children as a token of our appreciation. What a great
year we've had. Have a wonderful summer! Ms. Georgene, Ms. Laura, and Ms. Patsy
3rd Grade Graduation Information
Date: Friday, May 15, 2009
Time: 10:30am
Location: Mountain View Christian Church
2927 E. Campbell Ave
Phoenix, AZ 85016
May 11, 2009
Dear Parents,
Well it has been a hectic week but the children really had a good time giving their
reports and learning new information from their friends as well. If you were able to
come for the luncheon, you already know the food was the best ever! We had lunch,
the children went over their reports to parents who toured the classroom, and then
went outside for a short bit of time. Then off to the ice cream social. Definitely a
fun and memorable day!
Thank you for the wonderful week we had for teacher appreciation! We enjoyed lunch
at Pita Jungle on Tuesday, a Spanish lunch was brought in on Wed., and Thurs. we were
treated to a special lunch with unique sandwiches from a lunch spot we are sure to
visit on our own. There were flowers all around all week. Thank you to everyone for
making
our week extra special!
To all the fellow moms, we hope everyone had a fantastic Mother's Day!
This week will be pretty busy too. On Wednesday, 5/13 the 3rd years will be going with
all the other 3rd years (from other classes) to skate and have lunch together. While
they are away, the 1st and 2nd years will be preparing something special for the
graduation
ceremony. There will also be some surprise/treat in store for the first and second
years to enjoy as well while the 3rd years are gone.
On Thursday, 5/14 we will have a special visit from the Mad Scientist at 1:00. He
will be presenting information on the fascinating world of bugs with us!
This is a chance to get up close to the wonderful world of bugs. Students can
explore and learn about insect defenses, and their important role in our
ecosystem. With
plenty of fun hands-on activities, this class will bring a fascinating insight
into the
world’s most abundant animal.
Friday, 5/15 is graduation for all 3rd years. We are fortunate to have the use of a
facility at Mountain View Christian Church, 2927 E Campbell Ave. Phoenix, AZ 85016
thanks to the Loar family. Families and relatives of third year students are welcome
to join us
for the ceremony. The children will be at specials until 10:00 and then we will travel
by car to the
fellowship hall at the church. A permission slip will be sent home on Monday with a
spot for 3rd year
parents to indicate if they are able to help with transportation. The ceremony will
last less
than an hour and then we will enjoy cake and refreshments together before heading back
to school.
Our end of the year party will be at Jerome's house. There is a sign up sheet on the
website to choose an item to bring as it will be a potluck event. The party will be
from 10-2:00
on Wed., 5/20. Please stop by if you can. The address will be on your child's
permission slip
(coming home Monday also) so be sure to jot it down so you have the address and phone
number
handy. It is a pool party so your child will need to have sunscreen on and have their
own bottle
available to reapply, a towel, swimsuit (under clothes so no need to change when we
leave for
Jerome's), and comfortable shoes. A change of clothes may be helpful for after the
party should they
be needed. Please be sure your child has a tote bag with their name clearly marked
and all items
inside marked as well.
Georgene Cunningham
May 9, 2009
We need any and all pictures from Ms Georgene's class this year sent to Francis (RC's
mom).
She is doing the class DVD but needs picture files emailed today! Please send your
them to
her at fmward@xcp.org ASAP!!! She is trying to complete the project by Wed so please
email your pictures today.
Thanks, Kathryn
Francis fmward@xcp.org
Marci's Chocolate Fondue, from Switzerland
Chocolate Fondue
1/2 cup half and half
1 TBS honey
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
6 ounces solid milk chocolate, grated or milk chocolate morsels
3 ounces solid bittersweet chocolate, grated or morsels
Cut up fruit, pound cake, marshmallows etcs...
If using an electric fondue pot, turn setting to dessert. Add half and half, honey
and almond extract stirring constantly until warm. Add chocolate a little at a time
stirring well until all chocolate has melted.
Have each person dip in cake or fruit to chocolate, Enjoy
Thank you Marci and Dash!!
May 6, 2009
Friday Schedule Update
Due to the heat we will have lunch at 11:30, the exhibit/tour at 12:30, and the Ice
Cream Social is at 2:00. Please plan to have your potluck items for the luncheon at
school ready to serve by 11:30.
Thanks for you understanding,
Kathryn
Important Announcement from Ms. Georgene
FYI, there were nine children absent from school yesterday which is a record. Three
families were in Mexico recently which may or may not impact the absences. I wanted
everyone to be aware of this basic information as the children are experiencing
stomach-related illnesses, usually associated with a fever.
Laura, Patsy, and I have given a lot of thought to the impending field trip planned
for tomorrow. With the large amount of children absent, assessments are falling
behind. We have two completely disrupted days this week (Monday and Tuesday) due to
the emergency fire drill we are participating in. The drive to Southwest Wildlife is a
long one and it is a desert setting which may flare up allergies. For a number of
reasons, some stated, we have decided it would be in everyone's best interest to
cancel the field trip for tomorrow. Sorry for any inconvenience this may cause. In the
big picture of things, it feels like the right thing to do.
Ms. Georgene
April 28, 2009
Wednesday April 29th the class will be going to Southwest Wildlife Rehabilitation
Center. Please make sure that your child comes with a water bottle, sunscreen, and a
hat. Thank you to our chaperones: Angela, Frances, Misty, Bethany, and Maria.
Thursday, students will not need to bring a lunch. Thanks to Suzanne Siegel for
arranging a Greek restaurant to provide lunch for the entire class.
Friday May 1st and Monday May 4th are half days due to parent-teacher conferences.
Children will need to be picked up at 11:30.
Please double check signups for the European Luncheon, which will take place at
12:30 instead of noon. Also, check your times for presentations and
parent-teacher conferences.
Thanks,
Kathryn
April 23, 2009
Hi Parents,
Thank you for the great response to all the sign ups! Please confirm what you signed
up for also I posted a Parent Teacher Conference Schedule. There are just a few slots
available if you have not had a chance to email me please check it first then contact
me.
Friday is the deadline for the last Scholastic book order of the year. The LINKS tab
has the information for ordering online to stock up for summer reading.
Thanks,
Kathryn
April 21, 2009
Hi Parents,
We have 3 events to sign up for! From right here on the website please sign up to
provide something for the European Luncheon Friday, May 8th also your child needs
to be signed up for a presentation time. Both sign up tabs are on the left toward
bottom. Go ahead and take care of that right now and come back for the rest.
Great thanks for taking care of that European duty!!
Friday, May 1st and Monday, May 4th are both half-days with the children needing to
be picked up by 11:30. Parent Teacher Conference times are Monday, May 1st and
Friday, May 4th starting at 7:30am with the last slot at 2:30pm. Each conference is
20 minutes. Ms Georgene will take lunch from noon until 1:00pm both days. In order
to avoid signup confusion please email me at 4kathrynjohnson@gmail.com your
first three preferred times and I will let you know what is available and help you
work out a time that works with your schedule/availability.
Thanks!
Kathryn
April 17, 2009
I hope everyone enjoyed the Child as Teacher event. It was a great opportunity for the
children to show their pride in all their hard work over the school year by sharing
some of the knowledge they have gained. I took some great pictures which I will pass
on to Monica and Shannon for the annual auction dinner. If you are able to attend the
auction, be sure to watch for these and other wonderful pictures taken over the school
year.
I also want to ask 3rd grade parents to really talk to your children over the weekend
about being role models for the other children. It is typical, by this time of year,
to start outgrowing the classroom and trying out some less than desireable behavior.
Nothing serious, mostly just not following directions and as I'm sure you can guess,
it is catchy. I feel that a strong partnership between teacher and parents make all
the difference in the world so please discuss this and encourage them to remember how
much the other children look up to them and how important it is to be a good leader
for them. We discuss this frequently, especially lately. I would love to cut down the
need for this conversation and your support will surely make the difference.
As the year is winding down with just 5 weeks left, be sure to check the calendar on
our website to keep yourself informed of what is happening. There are so many things
that are happening as the year is coming to an end. Here is what is in store for the
upcoming week...
On Wednes., 4/22 the 3rd years will be going to the E2 campus for a special Earth Day
event. Please sign the permission slip coming home today and return to us on Monday,
4/20. They will eat lunch with us and then shortly after they will be transported by
bus to the E2 campus.
Fri., 4/24 3rd grade guided reading activity is due
Sat., 4/25 Annual Auction Dinner
April 15, 2009
Our field trip to Imagine Spain started out a bit rocky as some of the parent drivers
were unable to make the trip. I recognize that it would be helpful for all to do
reminders for parent drivers as there is a great deal of time that goes by between the
time drivers sign up and the actual trip. It's hard to plan this way. Although I did
include a notation on the homework cover sheets referencing the drivers, I feel a
reminder would be helpful as well so I am committed to doing the reminder email from
this point forward. And then, of course, life happens and things will still come up
which is totally understandable. With all this being said, Tesa Bartell (our field
trip coordinator) scrambled to ensure we would have enough drivers and succeeding in
doing so. However, the restaurant closed five days ago and they did not notify us.
Therefore, we will obviously not be going on the trip. Despite this disappointment,
Tesa has gone above and beyond her role as field trip coordinator by arranging to
prepare a pasta lunch for all the children today. I understand Dawn Fuller will be
providing drinks for the children as well. What a sweet and thoughtful thing to do to
cushion the disappointment the children will surely feel at not being able to go on
the trip. We are so grateful. Many thanks to Tesa for her dedication to our
classroom!!!
On another note, Rhonda Smith graciously accepted the invitation to prepare a bookcase
for our class auction item. She generously purchased a bookcase on her own, to save
Manuel the time of building one for us (as he is typically relied on to construct all
the furniture that is decorated for the auction for all the classrooms). She and Quinn
did a beautiful job on the bookcase. It will surely be a hot item at the auction. If
you are there, be sure to look for it...It's beautiful! Many thanks to Rhonda and
Quinn for their gift of money and time to make our bookcase to contribute to the
auction.
There seems to be some difficulties with the sign up process on our website. We have
struggled with this from time to time but unfortunately, it still seems to be without
some glitches. Kathryn, our classroom coordinator, has worked extensively on the
website to try different things. We appreciate your patience with us as we do our best
to work around the glitches. There seems to be an issue with signing up at the same
time someone else is and then one of the updates are accepted and the other is not. It
is a good idea to double check that your name appears after you finish signing up. If,
at any time, you experience difficulty for example, signing up and then noticing it
does not show please email either Kathryn or myself and we will work it out for you.
Please be sure to note research progress on each week's homework cover sheet and be
sure to attach at least two spelling activities as well. If your child is practicing
orally, just note that on the cover sheet. And, of course, daily reading aloud to a
parent should be part of the homework as well. Please note the title of the book and
the number of pages written on the cover sheet. If, for whatever reason, a cover sheet
is lost, just turn in a handwritten cover sheet and sign it on the bottom.
Spelling is back on track, now that testing is over. Tests will resume on Mondays. If
you do not receive your child's spelling list by Tuesday, be sure to email me. I will
either email the words or send a hard copy home.
Ms. Georgene
April 14, 2009
We are so excited for our field trip tomorrow to Imagine Spain. Huge thanks to John
Kroeger,Steve Bartell, Dawn Fuller, Shelley Hubbard, Misty Kapfer, and Tesa Bartell
for driving. We could not do it without you!! The children are encouraged to dress up
(comfortably) for tomorrow's special lunch event.
Please sign up for the Child as a Teacher event this Thursday...Space is filling up:
http://TeacherWeb.com/AZ/VillaMontessoriSchool/GeorgeneCunningham/Table5.stm
Parent Teacher Conference times are Monday May 1 and Friday May 4 starting at 7:30am
with thelast slot at 2:30pm. Each conference is 20 minutes. Ms Georgene will take
lunch from noon until 1:00pm both days. In order to avoid signup confusion please
email me at 4kathrynjohnson@gmail.com your first three preferred times and I will let
you know what is available and help you work out a time that works with your
schedule/availability.
Thanks for your support to the classroom,
Kathryn
4kathrynjohnson@gmail.com
April 9, 2009 CHILD AS TEACHER EVENT
As you know from your homework cover sheet and the calendar link, we are having a
special event called Child as Teacher next Thursday, 4/16. There is a sign up sheet
posted to choose a time for you to come in and experience a bit of your child's day in
a Montessori classroom. This special event is an opportunity to experience some of the
work your child has been doing. You will be learning from your child as they present
their three favorite works to you. An invitation will be sent home today, 4/9,
including the names of the work your child has chosen especially for you.
There are three time slots to choose from. Each of the slots allow 9 children and
their families to come into the classroom to present materials. Once your time slot is
over, others will begin their special time. Please arrive on time and leave when your
time period is over to allow others to enjoy their full half hour slot as well.
The children will be preparing cookies (in class prior to the event) to enjoy while
you are at the event. Refreshments will be available as well.
March 25, 2009
Friday, 3/27 is a half-day Friday. Children are to be picked up at 11:30. However,
there will be circle for all day contract children.
If staying past 11:30, be sure to bring a lunch as there is no pizza Friday. Also,
Guided Reading Activity is due Friday, 3/27 (2nd
years).
Monday, 3/30 is the Writing portion of the AIMS test for the third years. Water
bottles are HIGHLY recommended as the children
are not permitted to leave the testing area. The other students will do work as usual
in ODE and on the picnic tables outside.
Please ensure that your child gets a good night of sleep, on Sunday in particular, has
a solid breakfast and arrives to school on
time (irregardless of whether they are testing or not). Also the second week of the
Research Packet is due.
Due to testing on Monday, 3/30 all spelling tests will be given on Tuesday, 3/31.
Don't forget to sign up online to contribute to our class auction Backyard Sports
Basket. Feel free to purchase items not on the
list (gift cards are always welcome). All items need to be in the classroom by
Monday, April 6th. (Just two weeks for you online
shoppers.)
Thanks for all you do, our wonderful parents!
March 20, 2009
Ceramics: We REALLY need volunteers for an hour (10-11) every other week on Fridays.
Please
click on the ceramics tab and sign up. We are able to accomplish so much when we have
this
valuable time to get caught up in the classroom. Please help!
Class DVD: Every year a class DVD is made showcasing many of the wonderful events that
took
place during the school year. Laura has traditionally created this DVD. This year
Laura is happy
to pass the job to Frances Ward who is generously devoting time to creating a DVD for
us. If you
have any pictures taken over the school year, please forward to Frances:
fmward@xcp.org
Auction Basket: Our theme for this year is Backyard Sports. Please check the sign up
sheet for
needed items. All items are due by April 6th. Remember, the auction is a fundraiser
that helps
pay for our assistants for which we could accomplish so little without their help.
Please do
what you can to show your support for this special event.
Upcoming dates to remember:
Monday, 3/23 Research Homework Week 1 is due
Friday, 3/27 Early Dismissal (11:30)/No Pizza Friday
Guided Reading Activity due (2nd years)
Monday, 3/30 AIMS Writing Test (3rd years only)
March 18, 2009
Field Trip Reminder: Tomorrow we will be taking a field trip to AZ Mining and Mineral
Museum,
courtesy of parent drivers: Kathryn, Angela, Misty, Laura, and Tesa. Thank you to our
wonderful
drivers! We will be leaving around 9:30 am to arrive in time for our 10am tour. The
tour will
last about 1 1/2 hours so we will be leaving at 11:00 to be back in time for our
regularly
scheduled lunch and recess at 12. All children will need to bring a tote bag and a
clipboard (if
they have one, if not there are some available in the classroom). Also, if your child
has a
field trip shirt they are encouraged to wear them. For all others, we have extra
shirts in the
classroom that are available.
Gift Shop/Goodie Bag Update: Margo has asked that all children be given the same
opportunities
when we are on our field trips. Therefore, we will not be participating in goody bag
offers or
visiting gift shops. Inevitably, children forget their money or prefer not to
participate and
then it becomes a burden on our classroom activity funds to purchase goody bags, etc.
for all. I
would rather use these funds to pay for the wonderful trips we take. If your child is
particularly excited about a field trip they've taken, perhaps a family trip could be
planned at
which point a visit to the gift shop could be included. I hope everyone understands.
Ms. Georgene, Ms. Laura, and Ms. Patsy
March 16, 2009
Tomorrow is our special lunch for two event. For those children who brought lunch for
their
special friend on Valentine's Day, they will now be receiving a lunch from the same
friend they
had previously. A reminder note went home today as well as lunch ideas and completed
surveys
giving your child an idea of their friend's various interests as well as some of their
favorite
foods.
Due to a special visit from a local dance group treating us to the wonder of Irish
Step Dancing,
spelling lists will not go home until Tuesday. The spelling test will be next Monday,
3/23 so
there should still be plenty of time to prepare for the test.
Please check the dates on your child's research packet carefully. Nothing should be
turned in
until Monday, 3/23. If your child already sent it in, I have returned the forms and
they should
be turned in next Monday when due.
Thanks to the help of many parents who came in to help prepare the classroom for the
installation of our new carpet and to help put everything back in place afterward. The
classroom
looks amazing and the children really seem to be enjoying the new look of the room!
Ms. Georgene
March 7, 2009
Often children are bothered by the problems in our world, but think that they dont
have the
power to make a difference. Children might even
ask themselves, What could I possibly do to help others? Well, the answer is PLENTY!
Here
are three stories about children just like us who
wanted to help others and did. Let these children making a difference in our world
inspire you.
This was the theme for our Gallery Night Peace. The children raised $500! They all
did a
wonderful job with their artwork. Many, many thanks
to Rhonda Smith (Quinns mom) for making this project happen. She worked tirelessly to
make
this event one that the children will never forget.
Thank you to all of our wonderful parents for donating food and drinks! From the
proceeds, $250
will be sent to the Sack it to You project
started by Josh Marcus. By the time Josh Marcus reached the age of fourteen years
old, he had
helped over 2,000 kids get an education. He
donates backpacks and school supplies to needy children through his organization
called Sack it
to You. He calls this his lifes mission.
The other $250 will go towards a community service project. The children voted to
make tissue
paper flowers and donate these along with other
items (we have a list of items needed, thanks to Sheas mom) to the childrens
hospital. We
will let you know when this will happen and get you
all the details soon.
Toy Drives - Child Life Wish List
Thank you for your interest in making a child's day brighter through donated toys.
Children are in need of items in all age groups, in both English and Spanish
languages. The
greatest needs are listed under "Infants," "Toddlers,"
and "Adolescents." Additionally, the most requested items for each age group are in
bold. Of
course, we greatly appreciate all donations.
A few quick guidelines: Please make sure that all toys are new (because of infection
control)
and paints and glues are non-toxic. Please do not
donate play guns or war toys, latex balloons, scary action figures, candy, gum, or
other food.
Infants
Infant Rattles/ Teething Toys
Crib Mobiles
Musical and Light-up toys
Crib aquariums
Infant Stimulation Toys (black, red, and white)
Infant Mirrors
Infant Kick and Play's/ Activity Gyms
Swings/Bouncers
Toddlers
Pop-up toys
Musical and Light-up toys
Musical/talking play phones
Books (touch & feel, pop-up, musical)
Elmo toys
Large blocks
Shape Sorters and stacking toys
Vinyl Play/Tumbling Floor Mats (No larger than 5x5)
DVD Movies (Baby Einstein, Elmo, etc.)
Pre-School Age
Hot Wheels and Matchbox cars
DVD movies (newer releases, G and PG rated)
Popular action figures (Dora, Diego, Sponge Bob, Spiderman, etc.)
Popular dolls (Dora, Diego, Sponge Bob, Disney Princesses, Barbie)
Plastic cars and trucks
Large electronic interactive toys (Leapfrog, etc.)
Legos (small and large) and lego people
Bubbles
Books (interactive, musical, pop-up books, Spanish)
School Age
Sports stuff (nerf toys, nerf basketball hoop and balls, etc.)
Small lego sets (star wars, bionical's, sets 250+ pieces, etc.)
Black velvet fuzzy posters
DVD movies (newer releases, G and PG rated)
Craft/Art kits (model airplanes, model cars, etc.)
Anything with Hannah Montana, High School Musical, Sponge Bob, Cheetah Girls, etc.,
themed
Books (I Spy, chapter books, Chicken Soup, etc.)
Beading kits
Hand held electronic games
Walkie Talkies
Paint by number sets
Remote control cars
Game Boy games
Teenagers
Gift cards in lower price ranges (Target, Wal-Mart, Blockbuster, Movie Tickets, Sports
Authority, Best Buy, etc.)
DVD movies (newer releases, up to PG-13 rated)
Black fuzzy posters
We are in desperate need of parent volunteers to help move shelves on Monday of next
week prior
to the installation of new carpet. We will also
need people on Friday of next week to move the shelves and boxes back into the
classroom. If
you can help, please contact Kathryn Johnson at
602-722-8489 or 4kathrynjohnson@gmail.com Thank you Kathryn!!
European research project packets went home today. The topic deadline was yesterday,
so for
those children who had not yet picked a topic,
they were given choices today in class. New homework cover sheets also went home.
Reminder: Third grade guided reading activities due Monday, March 16th (instead of the
13th due
to Spring Break)
Check the website to sign up for our class auction basket. Items can be brought to
the
classroom and the basket will be auctioned at our
annual school-wide auction.
Thank you Bethany Miller (Eddie's mom) for the lettuce from the class garden sent home
today
with the children. The last couple of Fridays
Bethany has come into the classroom and prepared wonderful salads from our garden.
Thank you
for all the hard work over many months
keeping the garden!
If your child was absent today, please give them their spelling test over break and
send it in
Monday.
Have a wonderful spring break!
**********
March 2, 2009
Hi Parents,
Please check your child's communication folder for a yellow paper with their job for
the Art
Show. Please email Ms Georgene ASAP if there is a
conflict with the time your child was assigned. The class was reminded today to dress
up for the
event, please be on time for their job, and be
on their best behavior while talking about their artwork and while guests in the
gallery.
Also, thank you to Charmagne Donahoo, Angela Garcia, Rebecca Fitzpatrick, Rodger Loar,
Frances
McMahon Ward, Marci McDaniel, Shelley
Hubbard, Kris Straub, Tesa Bartell, Phyllis Kroeger, and Dominika Gaines and Bethany
Miller who
all volunteered to bring things for tomorrow
night.
It is going to be a wonderful night!!!
After Hours Gallery 5:30-7:00 116 W. McDowell Rd
Thank You Rhonda Smith!
********
Feb. 27, 2009
If your child is going to be absent or late, please email me as opposed to calling the
office. I
often do not receive messages from the office. Also, please remember to sign in your
child on
the form in ODE if they are arriving late or leaving early. Thank you for your help
with
this : )
Due to the beginning of Spring break, there is not an opportunity to test your child
on spelling
next Monday. Therefore, I will be sending home a spelling list today (2/27) and plan
to give the
tests on Friday, 3/6. If you feel confident your child has mastered the current week's
spelling
words, I would suggest reviewing them over the weekend as they begin to study and
complete
activities for their new words.
Our Europe research has begun in class. Many thanks to Laura for all her time and
effort in
creating individual research booklets to contain various research on Europe done in
class. New
homework cover sheets and research information will be sent home on Friday, 3/6. I am
happy to
take topic requests up to Thursday, 3/5. Please discuss with your child what European
animal
(1st years) or European country (2nd and 3rd years) they would like to study and then
jot down
three choices and turn in via your child's communication folder and be sure their name
is on the
paper.
The calendar has been updated with all the upcoming events. We are still in need of a
family to
host our end of the year swim party. We often do a potluck for the party so that
everyone is
able to contribute and not cause a financial burden on the family choosing to host the
party. We
also hire a lifeguard to watch over the children to ensure they are safe at all times
as well as
establish basic rules during the party. If you are interested in hosting this year's
swim party,
please email me so I can work out a time and put the info. on the calendar : )
We are expecting to have new carpet installed over spring break. I will be meeting
with Margo on
Tues. 3/3 to coordinate how the shelves of materials will be moved prior to the
installation as
well as after. I am almost certain I am going to be in desperate need of parent help
to make
this happen. If you are staying in town and think you may have a bit of time to spare,
even if
just an hour or so, please email me and I will be in touch as to what day we will need
help in
moving everything.
Finally, our Gallery Night is approaching and we are so excited. I have only received
an RSVP
from 5 families. I am assuming, at this point, that everyone is planning to attend and
that
those who do not plan to be present from 5:30-7 have already contacted me to let me
know. I will
begin working on a rotation for the children to take on different jobs for the evening
such as
door greeter, server, etc. If you have forgotten to email me regarding a limit of
time, please
let me know today so I can make any necessary adjustments to the rotation I am working
on. Thank
you to everyone who signed up to contribute food, drinks, etc. for the event. It was
wonderful
to see the sign up sheet filled up so quickly! Rhonda and Quinn have requested five
students to
come over to their home on Sun. and decorate cookies for the event. The sign up for
this is
located just below the main food/drink sign up sheet. Please consider coming over to
help
prepare cookies for our event and sign up today : )
Just as a reminder, half of the proceeds from the evening will go to an organization
that began
from a child's interest in making a difference in the world. I will put the names of
all
organizations started by children in a basket and announce the lucky organization that
will
receive our class donation during the event. The other half of the proceeds will go
toward
purchasing items for a class community service project (to be announced during the
event as
well) and if any money is leftover after purchasing what is needed, the remaining
funds will be
used to create a warm and more inviting peace area in ODE for our children to go to
feel
peaceful or resolve conflicts.
Thursday: Cooking Thank you Anne and Marci!
Friday: Ceramics (need volunteers)
Monday, March 9 - Friday, March 13th School is Closed for Spring Break All Day
Contracts Only
Feb 24, 2009
We are a week away from the big show! The children are so excited as they add their
final
touches to their artwork. Rhonda Smith, Quinn's
mom, has done spent so much time planning in order to make this happen: the gallery,
invitations, and posters, etc. THANK YOU!!!
Here is what we need from the rest of the class to make it a magical night for the
children...Parents please go to the Gallery Sign Up tab and
choose an item to bring asap. The item should be delivered to the classroom by
Tuesday morning
(3/3). Because this is a benefit, you should
be able to get donations from your local grocer. All you'll need to do is explain the
nature of
the fundraiser and see what they are willing to
supply. On the handout tab is a document that can be used to help explain the show.
Please
note there is a space to write contact info (Rhonda
Smith).
Invite family, friends and neighbors and let us know how many you are bringing asap!
Remember
to check out the website for the art show
http://afterhoursgallery.com/peace.html
Feel free to forward the website link to anyone you would like to invite.
Have a great day and thanks for your help!
Also,
Attention all party planners and hosts/hostesses!
We are busy planning the Villa Events for this years' auction. Last year everyone had
fun and
the school benefited from the funds! This year we
tentatively have the following events available:
Moms Night Out-hosted by Becky Worrall
Game Night-hosted by Tommy and Shannon Smith
Peace Garden- hosted by Monica Bush and Patrice Bonnell
Football Clinic-hosted by Brophy Coaches
Murder Mystery Party-hosted by Patick/Linda Collins and Joe/Karen Farugia
We are looking for additional events. Consider collaborating with another family or
two and
hosting an event for Villa. You will have fun AND
help raise funds for the school. Some possible ideas include:
Cooking Class in your home
Mother-Daughter Tea Party
Wine and/or Beer Tasting
Backyard BBQ
There is one family interested in hosting the Casino Party and we are looking for
other families
who want to help underwrite the costs of this
party. The costs include table and dealers ($2,000), Food ($500), and
Decorations/Prizes ($250).
A big THANKS to VINCE AND SUE WATSON WHO
WILL BE UNDERWRITING THE COSTS OF THE BAR! Last year this party was a huge success and
helped
raise big money for the school. Please
consider contributing to the costs of putting it on again!
Please feel free to contact Linda Collins (ljmcollins@aol.com or 602-570-4407) if you
are
interested in hosting an event or contributing to the
costs of the Casino Party.
Feb. 20, 2008
We have had a great week. We are so excited as we prepare for Gallery Night. The
children have
been busy getting ready and the artwork that has resulted has been very meaningful.
The post
cards, which were sent home, are for you to pass out to friends and family. There is
also a
special link you can forward to family and friends to invite to the event:
http://afterhoursgallery.com/peace.html The children will be by their artwork for
part of the
evening explaining the meaning behind it and part of the evening taking on a role such
as
host/greeter, food server, etc. I will be rotating the children through these
different jobs so
if you are limited to a certain time frame, please let me know right away. Also, if
you not
planning on attending I need to know also. Please contact me via email if you are
limited in
time or not attending asap. The poster your child brought home today is to post
wherever you
would like to let people know about our event. We are going to need help providing
hors-
d'oeurves and drinks for the evening. We are planning the final details (what is
appropriate to
include for the event and quantity needed) and will most definitely need help getting
what is
needed together. I will let everyone know when a sign up is posted. Also, we are
asking the
children to please dress up. This is going to be an incredible evening! We are so
excited!!!
Feb 18, 2009
THURSDAY:
In honor of our fifth grade student, Scott Adams, who passed away last June we will be
having
our first annual HATS ON DAY on Scott's birthday,
February 19th. âââ
€Ãâ
€¦Ã‚¡Ãƒâ€šÃ‚¬Ãƒâ€šÃ‚¨ ÃÆâ
€™ÃƒÃ
¢â‚¬Å¡Ãƒâ€šÃ‚
¢ÃƒÆ’¢â€šÂ¬Ãââ
‚¬Å¡ÃƒÃ
¢â‚¬Å¡Ãƒâ€šÃ‚¨HATS
ON DAY is a national event
that was started as a way to
support families
of pediatric cancer patients. Students can wear a
hat that day as a sign of compassion for kids (like Scott) who have battled cancer,
since so
often these kids wear hats (or bandanas) to conceal
their hair loss from chemotherapy treatments. Your child can wear any type of hat
that day as
long as it is appropriate and not distracting. This
is a purely optional opportunity with no pressure for your child to participate. It
is totally
participation by choice.
FRIDAY:
VILLA PACK 324 FOOD DRIVE- Friday, 2/20/09The Villa Cub Scouts would like to request
your
assistance with our upcoming food drive,
benefiting St. Mary's food bank. You might have heard the food banks are being hit
hard this
year, and are in need of all the help we can give
them.
Villa Cub Scouts will be at your child's campus this coming Friday, February 20th,
between 7:00
a.m. and 8:30 a.m. to collect your donations as
you drop your child off at school.
SUNDAY:
DON'T FORGET THE ANNUAL PICNIC IS THIS SUNDAY! Our Annual Family Picnic is scheduled
for
Sunday, February 22 from 11:00am - 1:00pm.
Come and share a fun social time with other Villa families. Bring a picnic lunch,
blanket and
some lawn toys if you would like. We will begin
with a short dedication of the peace garden to Scott Adams, our fifth grade student
who passed
away last June. We will also show a landscape
architect's rendering of our plans for that space.
So...âââââ
€šÂ¬Ã…¡ÃÃ
¢â‚¬Å¡Ãƒâ€šÃ‚¬ÃƒÆ’‚¨ Ã
ÂÂÂÂ
¢ÃƒÆ’ƒÂÂ
¢ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…¡Ã‚¬Ã‚Ãâ
€šÃ‚¨Please
come,
stake out your spot, put your
picnic items down and join us
over
in front
of the main campus by 11:15.
Tuesday, March 3 Gallery Night 5:30 to 7:00
*************
Feb 12, 2009
Today the children had a wonderful field trip to the Golden Butterfly and a picnic
lunch in
Mesa. Ask
your child what the liked the best about it. The weather was just perfect for eating
outside on
the green
grass. Thank you Tesa Bartellfor all the arrangements Shelley Hubbard for chaperoning.
Tomorrow will start with Friday specials; math facts and 3rd years guided reading
activities.
Following
that the Valentine's Day fun will begin with a craft, passes out valentines and fun
food for the
party.
Speaking of food are you able to help with the food? Please sign up right now on the
Valentine's Party
Sign Up tab.
Remember Monday Feb 16th school is open and homework is due as usual.
Thanks and have a lovely Valentine's weekend!
Kathryn
****************
February 6, 2009
This week the children heard about our upcoming Art Gallery Night planned for Tues.,
March 3.
Thanks to Rhonda Smith, Quinn's mom, we will have use of an art gallery to display the
children's artwork on the theme of peace. We have been talking about other children
who have
taken action when they became aware of some injustice in the world. Organizations have
been
started by children for children. We have also talked about how our artwork should
reflect the
peace we feel inside when we "give back" to others by way of community service. The
children
brainstormed ideas as to what they may do, in order to know what that sense of peace
feels
like after helping others. Your child may have come home talking about their ideas to
visit a
children's hospital to read to sick children, to deliver a plant to a resident at a
nursing
home, etc. If you are able to facilitate this for your child, it is greatly
appreciated. If
not, the ideas can still be used as the children imagine doing the type of community
service
they have in mind and drawing from their imagination. We would like to have a variety
of artwork
so the children are welcome to use their resources from home as well. All artwork will
be
collected and then chosen, based on space allowed, for displays. We intend to send
home
invitations soon and they may be shared with anyone you would like to bring. Please
RSVP via
email once the invitations go home (for planning purposes). The time will be 5:30-
7:00PM.
Hors 'oeurves will be served along with refreshments. Is anyone interested in
coordinating this
part of the event? If so, please email me. The artwork on display will be sold that
evening (set
price for each piece). The proceeds from the evening will be divided so that half will
go to an
organization we have discussed in class (names of these organizations will be chosen
at random
from a basket during the event) and the other half will go towards purchasing
materials to
use for a class community service project. Some of the ideas so far are to purchase 27
attractive pots and seeds to plant and grow. Once ready, these plants would be
delivered to a
nursing home by the children. Another thought was to purchase a collection of books
and then
deliver them to sick children in the hospital. These ideas, as well as those suggested
by the
children, will be voted on and then announced during the event. We are in need of
ceramic
plates. If you are able to send one in for your child to use, that would be great.
They will
paint their ceramic piece in class and we will coordinate the firing of the piece with
the
ceramics teacher. Small-sized mounted canvas pieces are needed as well. They are
readily available at Michael's. Again, if you are able to send one in, it would be
helpful. If
not, I will purchase what I can with classroom money. This is so exciting! More
details to
come...
Wed., 2/11: Next week we will have our annual lunch for two event. Notification went
home today
(2/6) as to whether your child is bringing or receiving lunch on Wed., 2/11. Please
look for the
note. If your child is bringing lunch, you should have also received a list of lunch
ideas and a
completed survey for the child lunch is being prepared for. The reciprocal lunch for
two will be
Tues., 3/17.
Thurs., 2/12: Field trip to see The Golden Butterfly, a story about a young girl and
her brother
who follow a golden butterfly and their dream of uniting the world in peace. Their
journey takes
us through many lands, and encounters with many wonderful characters along the way, as
they
search for the key to living in peace. We will be arriving by bus, departing school at
10:15, to
the Mesa Arts Center to see this performance. An optional homework packet was sent
home with
some fun activities that can be done at home. It does not need to be turned in.
Friday, 2/13: Valentine celebration. All children need to send in a wrapped tissue box
(gift
wrap or paper will work) to decorate in class. If your child would like
to bring Valentine cards, be sure they are signed by your child, but not addressed to
anyone
specific. If candy accompanies any valentine cards, the children understand we will
not be
eating it in class. I feel it is up to you, as their parent, to decide whether it is
ok and to
what extent. Please check the website for a snack sign up sheet if you'd like to bring
something.
Friday, 2/13: Guided Reading activities are due (3rd years).
We have not had volunteers for ceramics and would really appreciate if anyone can
spare the time
for an hour every other Fri. to help out. Even just on occasion is greatly
appreciated. There is
a sign up sheet on the class website.
Next week is review week for class work as well as spelling. In order to receive a
review week
spelling list, rather than a new list, you would need to have at least 10 words not
yet mastered
from previous weeks. Otherwise, the review words continue to accumulate until your
child has
approx. 10 review words. If a review list is not needed, a regular spelling list will
be sent
home instead.
Jan. 14, 2009
If you have not already done so, please consider signing up for a potluck dish for our
Australian luncheon on Friday. We are in need of several side dishes as well as a
couple main
entrees.
Thank you, Georgene, Patsy, and Laura
Jan 4th, 2009
Australian Presentation Times and Potluck Sign Up: Please choose a time for your
child's
Australian presentation as well as something you are willing to bring for our potluck
luncheon
on Friday, 1/16.
Many Thanks!
Dear Parents,
Happy New Year! I hope the holiday break has been a great time for all. School resumes
Monday,
Jan. 5. There are two homework cover sheets due. Be sure to note, on the cover sheets,
how your
child is
progressing through their research project. Also, please include books read and number
of pages.
If your child did
not turn in the homework cover sheet that was due on the Friday prior to Winter break,
please
include this as
well. The sign up sheet will be posted soon on the class website to choose a time for
your
child's presentation.
Remember we will be having an Exhibit tour/luncheon on Friday, Jan. 16.
A quick note on the holidays...there were some grumblings from some of the parents of
children
who had parties in their classrooms and wondered why we didn't do the same. Most of
you have
never experienced
the week before winter break and how the children struggle to focus in the classroom.
Either it
can be a week
lost in the children's education or we can try to maintain our usual schedule in an
effort to
keep that from happening.
We certainly did enjoy our holiday field trip to the Phoenix Symphony and the children
chose to
work on research
related to the holidays and other fun things tied to the holiday season. In fact, if
any
observations were made
it would be clear to see the children were enjoying their choices and were working
contently. We
heard not one
comment from a student complaining we weren't partying in our classroom. Sometimes
when children
question the
differences in the classroom experiences, a parent's reaction can lead a child to feel
there is
an unfairness
to the situation or just the opposite when it is pointed out that every classroom is
unique and
different. If your
children are in different classes and experience different things, this should be
expected and
celebrated as
each classroom offers wonderful things to the children in different ways. We had a
peaceful, yet
joyful, week together
prior to winter break. It was great to see all the children engaged and enjoying their
work.
Upcoming Events:
1/8 Field Trip to the Phoenix Zoo, including an Australian animal
exhibit : )
1/9 Ceramics (volunteers needed)
1/12-1/15 Presentations begin (parents welcome)
1/16 11am: Exhibit tour 12:00: Australian Potluck luncheon (parents and
grandparents
welcome-no siblings please)
As a class, we have a special event we will be preparing for in the upcoming weeks. We
have, and
will continue to, discuss the work of children helping other children in need by way
of
community service. As more
examples are shared, we will also be discussing the true meaning of peace and what
that looks
like to each of the children.
We are then planning an evening at an art gallery where the children's art work will
be on
display as well as for sale.
Part of the proceeds will go toward an organization the children have learned about.
The other
portion will go toward a
classroom project. It will be an exciting and fun event, complete with hors d'oeuvres
and
refreshments. We are very
appreciative for this opportunity, thanks to Rhonda Smith (Quinn) who came forward
with the idea
and the means to put this special
evening together. More details to come as an exact date is determined.
Georgene Cunningham
Patsy Taylor
Laura Altmaier
Thursday, Dec 4th
The class has a field trip to Symphony Hall for a Winter Wonderland concert. This is
an
opportunity to dress up and get geared up for the holidays! We will leave the school
at 9:15 and
return at Noon. Also we have a
make up Ceramics class so your child may want to bring something to change into
protect those
nice clothes. We still
need 2 volunteers for the Ceramics class at 1:00. Please email
4kathrynjohnson@gmail.com or call
Kathryn 602-722-8489 if
you can help for 45minutes Thursday afternoon. Thanks!
Friday, Dec 5th
Spelling test and the 3rd years Guided Reading Activities are due.
Parent/Teacher Conferences start It is an early dismissal day - No Pizza Friday - All
Day
Contacts Only
Monday, Dec 8th
Week 3 Homework Due
Parent/Teacher Conferences continue
Early Dismissal day - All Day Contracts Only
******************
Upcoming events:
Nov 28 Book orders due
Dec 1 Monday Week 2 Homework due with activities continue to research progress
Dec 4 Thursday Winter Wonderland @ Symphony Hall 10:00 and Ceramics, Winter
project/treasure
box 1:00 need 2 volunteers dress nicely for the symphony may want a change of cloths
for ceramics
Dec 5 Friday Half Day No Pizza Friday-11:30 Dismissal Parent/Teacher Conferences (All
Day
Contracts Only)
2nd half of Pizza Friday payment due Spelling Test 3rd years Guided Reading
Activity Due
Nov 22, 2008
Hi Parents,
Please check the class web site calendar for weekly information. Monday the class has
a field
trip to the Capri
Nursing Home. The children may wear their class t-shirts.
Thank you to the families that have already signed up to bring something for the
Thanksgiving
Feast Tuesday,
November 25th. Please go to the Thanksgiving Feast tab to sign up for your
contribution.
For the Fall Parent/Teacher conferences we are trying a new method of sign ups to
avoid some of
the confusion
we have had in the past. Please send me 3 choices of times from the list below and I
will email
a confirmation of
the date and time that is available of you.
Thank you,
Kathryn
4kathrynjohnson@gmail.com
Same schedule for Friday, 12/5 and Monday, 12/8:
7:30-7:50
8:00-8:20
8:30-8:50
9:00-9:20
9:30-9:50
10-10:20
10:30-10:50
11-11:20
11:30-11:50
12-1 LUNCH BREAK
1-1:20
1:30-1:50
2-2:20
2:30-2:50
4kathrynjohnson@gmail.com
*********************************
Ms. Georgenes Class
Newsletter
November 3-7, 2008
Annual Montessori Conference
I have decided to attend the annual Montessori conference held in Garden Grove, CA
from 11/14-
11/16. I have signed up for some great
workshops including Celebrating Peace, a day long workshop on the Four Aspects of
Following the
Child, a keynote address by Jane Nelsen on
positive discipline for developing capable young people, a Botany refresher,
Montessori
parenting, and empowering children to resolve conflicts.
I am very excited about what workshops I have in store. I will also have an
opportunity to
purchase classroom materials minus the usual
shipping charges as there is an entire ballroom utilized for Montessori vendors. Our
pizza
fundraiser will support my conference fee and hotel to
the conference. The remaining cost will include gas and parking fees which will be
funded by the
pizza payments to be made in December. I will
use wrapping paper funds to purchase materials. Patsy and Laura will also be attending
the
conference this year, although they are paying their
own conference fees. We are looking forward to sharing our workshop info. with each
other,
brainstorming new ideas, and the opportunity to
come back refreshed and ready to implement new and improved work and approaches to
further meet
the individual needs of our classroom
children. Every year I have attended has resulted in a great experience that trickles
into the
classroom as we continue to strive to improve. We
will be leaving Thursday, following our field trip. In our place, the children will be
in the
best of hands. We are fortunate to have Tesa Bartell and
Kathryn Johnson in our place, as well as Angela and Angela (Brodys parents) as parent
volunteers. I am entirely confident that the children will
be expected to continue to work and maintain the usual expectations while we are gone
for a few
hours on Thurs. With Friday morning specials
and a half day as well, I am not expecting a great deal of work. Specials will end
prior to 10am
and then the children will return to the classroom
to work for an hour, clean up, and go home. Thank you to the parent volunteers who are
helping
to make this trip happen!!
Field Trip Survey
Be sure to take a moment to respond as to your thoughts on adding an addl field trip.
There is
a link on our class website called Response
where you can read further information and send your response.
Spelling Review Lists
Spelling scores are recorded each week. Once your child has accumulated approx. 10
words, a
spelling review list is sent home. If your child has
not received a review list in a while, it is because they are doing well and have not
accumulated enough words to equate to a review list.
Review Week
Review week occurs every two weeks. I have revised the work journals in an effort to
make it
easier for all to support the expectations I have in
place. Although I look at the efforts of each individual student as to whether they
are managing
their time well. I do have some general
expectations that I have included on the revised work journal. I will begin using this
new work
journal next week (11/10-11/14). The general
expectations for the week include daily Albanesi (individualized math), Math
(general), or
Geometry, 2 phonogram works (once phonograms are
all mastered, children will take AR quizzes in place of phonogram work), 1 creative
writing
assignment, 2-3 Cultural works, 1 Grammar work,
and 2 tower works (Language Arts such as compound words, etc). Before lunch, as a
group, we also
take a daily 2 minute timed Math fact test.
Friday morning the children take their weekly fact test that lasts for 5 minutes.
There is
always room for more or slightly less work than listed
above, depending on the ability of each student, but the general expectations should
be helpful
for you, as a parent, to better read the work
journals that come home. If there are no teacher initials next to a work on the work
journal,
the work has not been completed. Review week
work journals are created after I carefully assess the previous two weeks of work that
each
child has completed and look for work that will
create a balance of the overall curriculum.
Accelerated Reader Update
There are definitely some glitches with the AR program. Many parents have had
difficulty logging
onto the website outside of normal school
hours. I am working on a solution to this issue and will get back to everyone as soon
as the
issue has been resolved. Meanwhile, if your child has
finished a book at home and wishes to take the AR quiz, we are happy to offer the
opportunity at
school. As you know, we have just one
computer available so the children will need to take turns. Either send in a note in
your
childs communication folder requesting a quiz, along
with the title of the book read, or encourage your child to let us know. Thank you for
your
patience as we try to make this program successful.
Reading levels were listed on the Diagnostic Report that was sent home. The reading
range is
given as a ZPD. Although there is a median score, I
have encouraged the children to choose anything within their range. However, the
ultimate goal
is to foster a love of reading. If your child wants
to read books outside their range, allow them to do so. The quizzes will offer insight
as to
whether the books are being comprehended or not. If
your child wants to read books that are outside their comprehension ability, it is
likely due to
their reading status. In other words, it is difficult to
follow a story that is advanced if you are sounding out your words rather than reading
fluently.
To encourage the enjoyment of books, simply
read the advanced book aloud to your child and talk about the story. Be sure to
continue to
listen to your child read aloud to you daily. We are
working toward fluency and reading aloud is key to developing this skill. As I said
earlier, the
ultimate goal is to foster a love of reading so if you
suspect your child is feeling discouraged with these new limitations, feel free to let
me know.
I will happily work with you to find a means of
fostering an enjoyment of reading.
Field Trip on Thurs., 11/13 to Capitol
STUDENT FUN PACK: $3
A Copper Pencil Listing Arizonas Five Cs
Citrus, Cotton, Copper, Cattle and Climate
Two Stickers the State Seal and the State Flag
A Thematic Postcard Commemorating Your Visit
A miniature copper utensil from the copper state
An Arizona state shaped magnet
A beautiful 8 X 10 Arizona desert print by Sergio Gonzales Aranda valued at $9.00
Packaged in a Gift Bag Imprinted with the Image of the Capitols Dome Statue Winged
Victory
If you would like your child to receive a student fun pack, send in $3 NO LATER THAN
MONDAY,
11/10. We have to order the packs ahead so I
cannot take any orders after Monday.
Upcoming Dates:
Mon., 11/10: Cookie Dough and Tamale orders due
Tues., 11/11: School is closed for Veterans Day
Thurs., 11/13: Field Trip to the Capitol (bus leaves at 9am, return to school by 11:30)
Teachers are traveling to CA for annual Montessori conference
Australia Research packets coming home
Fri., 11/14: Early Release @ 11:30
Wed., 11/19: E2 Information night for parents of current 3rd graders
(Cheryl campus @ 7:00pm)
*******************
Nov 3, 2008
Hi Parents,
Please click on the Response tab to the left for a quick class survey.
Thanks.
Happy Voting!
Oct 23, 2006
Hi Parents,
Tomorrow is the first field trip. The bus will leave at 9:15 and return to school
about 1:00.
The class will experience Mesa Storytelling Festival
present the art of the spoken work for children. National, regional and youth talent
gather to
share folk tales, tall tales from America and all over
the globe. The class will have a picnic lunch at the Park. Please have your child
bring their
lunch. There is no pizza Friday. The children can
wear their Georgene Gem shirts on the field trip. The class does have extra shirts
too, so no
worries.
Saturday is the Halloween Carnival please go to the sign up page to fill in the last
two slots
for our booth. Thank you to Brileen and Jerome both
of their families have already volunteered. Also Georgene's daughter Zeina filled
three slots
for our class!! THANK YOU Zeina!!!! The Carnival is
on our campus from 5-9 and is tons of fun for the whole family. Hope to see you there.
Thanks,
Kathryn
Please have your child bring their lunch and wear their Georgene Gems t-shirt. There
is no pizza
Friday.
****************
Oct 9, 2008
Reminders:
Scholastic book orders are due this Friday! Go to the links tab to order online.
username: georgenesclass
password: bookorder
Please see the Halloween Carnival Sign Up tab for an opportunity to fill a time in our
class
booth during the Carnival Saturday, Oct 25, 2008. the
sign up sheet is due into the office this Friday.
Fall Break Oct 13-17 All Day Contracts Only
Thanks, Kathryn
****************
Ms. Georgenes Class
Newsletter #5
Sept. 22-26, 2008
Review Week
Next week is review week.
Just as an fyi, review weeks are scheduled every two weeks to ensure accountability
and overall
balance of the curriculum. After a weeks time
and ample opportunity, all review week contracts should have been completed. Some
students
require a great deal of structure in order to
manage their time. As you know, in a Montessori classroom, children are expected to be
somewhat
self-directed and independent. Although
there is a great deal of re-direction on the part of the teachers toward students who
are not
using their time well, not having finished a review
week contract is an indicator that your child is struggling with time management. If
children
are using their time unwisely and do not complete
their work, I step in by imposing a daily contract. These daily contracts will specify
the daily
expectation as well as the particular work expected.
At the end of each day, the daily contract will be sent home to be signed and
returned. Daily
contracts will be used for all students who did not
finish their review week contract for the next two weeks.
If all work is complete by weeks end for our next review week (9/29-10/3), any
children that
have requested to have a weekly or daily contract
as opposed to using a work journal, will begin using a contract. Those that chose to
continue
using the work journal are free to do so. The
option of either contracts or work journals is based on personal choice as well as
freedom. For
those children using their time wisely, I will
support their choice of either a contract or a work journal during the weeks between
review
week.
Sally Foster Update
Great job everyone! The class raised $1,930 which means $965 to the classroom for
workshops at
the annual Montessori conference as well as
towards the purchase of Montessori materials. There is a possibility that I will not
be
attending the conference this year, due to the expense, in
which case all funds will be used for materials. One factor that would be helpful in
making this
decision would be to determine if anyone has
frequent flyer miles they might consider donating. This would cut my cost down enough
that the
trip would be more of a possibility. For those
of you unfamiliar, the annual Montessori conference is an incredible opportunity to
participate
in a variety of workshops aimed at bringing
creative ideas back to the classroom (your children). A number of the wonderful things
we do in
the classroom has resulted from the
information acquired from workshops attended.
Snacks
Please, please, please be sure to send in a snack (clearly labeled) at least on
Fridays, if not
daily!
Spelling Scores on the Class Website
Every week, your childs spelling score is posted on the class website. To access this
information, go to the class website and look for the link,
Spelling Scores. Once on this page, you will need to enter your childs first initial
and full
last name.
Accelerated Reader Update
The children have all been registered with Accelerated Reader. The first step in the
process is
to take the Star Reading test. All 3rd years, thus
far, have completed their test and you should have received a Diagnostic Report for
your 3rd
year student showing their reading level and
helpful information to guide their reading practice. Once you have received the
Diagnostic
Report, please visit the following website to find
books in your childs reading range: www.arbookfind.com Next, encourage your child to
complete
reading comprehension tests available on the
Accelerated Reader website as books are completed. Website for reading comprehension
tests:
https://hosted110.renlearn.com/306110/
Your childs username is their first initial and full last name. The password is
password. Any
comprehension tests taken can be seen in my
teacher report but it is helpful if you note the test taken on the homework cover
sheet to alert
me to check progress.
If your child has not completed their Star Reading test, please wait for the
Diagnostic Report
before locating books or completing
comprehension tests. I appreciate your patience with this process, as I have only one
computer
available for the children to use to take their test.
This makes the process slower. This is also the reason I am requesting that your child
complete
their comprehension tests at home, as one
computer does not go very far here at school.
Montessori Corner
In Montessori classrooms, children are constantly on the move. Even when they sit for
lessons,
the lessons keep the child active. Because
children are constantly moving their bodies to do work in Montessori classrooms, Dr.
Montessori
saw recess as physically unnecessary. Dr.
Montessori saw recess both as an impediment to concentration and as unnecessary, since
the
functions it serves in traditional schools (exercise,
a mental and physical break from the status quo, and social time) are already served
within the
classroom. Having said this, the children do have
an opportunity for recess after lunch as part of their day. For those students who
have work to
make up, recess is a time that is utilized to
ensure work is being completed and accountability is upheld. Given the understanding
of how a
Montessori classroom functions and the great
deal of physical movement, I will support this extra time to work if needed. Freedom
is issued,
hand in hand with responsibility in Montessori.
At home, attention can clearly be trained with practice. The practice of regulating
ones own
attention might lead to positive changes, including
improved social skills, increased empathy, reduced aggression, increased happiness,
and improved
immune response.
Taken from the book, Montessori: The Science Behind the Genius by Angeline Stoll
Lillard
**********************
Sept 9, 2008
Hi Parents,
This is one of the rare opportunities for us to gather as a community. Please make the
time Wed
to come to the meeting to hear and see the
things that the administration has to share with us this year.
Hope to see you there!!
Kathryn
Dear Parents,
Just a reminder that our All School Parent Meeting is this Wednesday evening (Sept.
10) at
7:00pm in the Camelback High School Auditorium.
As you enter, your child's teacher will be standing out front. Please check in with
them before
entering the auditorium.
The program includes a video of our own children working at every level in order to
convey the
big picture of what goes on here on a daily basis
along with some other important parent information.
We won't keep you for more than an hour. Thanks in advance for your attendance.
Sincerely,
Margo S. O'Neill, M.Ed.
Head of School
***
Sept 9, 2008
Families,
Thank you for your support with our Sally Foster sale this year. If you haven't
turned in your
catalog order to your teacher, please do so
immediately. Our volunteers are working to get them all checked and turned in.
There is still time to order ONLINE! If you or someone you know still wants to order,
We have
been given an extension for online orders only.
You may order, for prize credit, up until midnight on Thursday Sept.11. We will still
be able
to give the profits to your child's teacher.
Use the Villa Montessori code 354053 and your students seller number.
Online ordering is available throughout the winter, and Villa will still get the
credit for the
sale. Only sales for Prize Credit will conclude at
midnight on Thursday Sept. 11.
Thank you again for all your support for this great fundraiser! Your teachers
appreciate you!!!
Elizabeth Pulley
Stacy Vivas
Bobbi Jo Claywell
*********
Hi Parents,
Thank you for the wonderful turn out last night your time is greatly
appreciated. Please let us know if you have any questions.
Included in the packet of information, but not covered, was a t-shirt order
form. Rhonda Smith has designed a wonderful t-shirt for the class.
You may order a shirt for yourself and your child too. If your company is
interested in sponsoring the shirts we have plenty of room for a logo!
Please contact Rhonda directly through her email on the form with questions.
A couple of house keeping details:
If your child has not yet turned in their homework or homework binder,
please do so ASAP.
If you would like your child to participate in Pizza Friday (beginning
8/29), sign up and send in a check payable to Dawn Fuller ($100 year). You
are welcome to pay in two installments, $50 each, in which case your next
payment would be due following Winter break.
Please complete the orange volunteer opportunity survey form and return
Monday the 18th.
Again this year we have the opportunity to receive the National Geographic
Explorer magazine at the low rate of $4.27. If you wish for your
child to receive the magazine, please send a check in payable to National
Geographic by Friday, 8/22 .
This Friday please remember to send your child with a healthy snack for the
10:00 group snack time, a lunch and an additional snack if they stay
for circle.
Tuesday is the first day of PE. Please have your child dress accordingly,
along with tennis shoes, and bring a water bottle.
The Halloween Carnival sign up is posted on the web site please consider
signing up to help : )
Please check the website for updates.
Thanks!
************************
Aug 12, 2008
Hi Parents,
Parent Night will be this Wednesday, August 13 at 7 PM in Ms. Georgene's
classroom.
Georgene will be sharing and handing out a lot of important information at
this meeting.
It is very helpful to your student to please have someone from your family
attend.
Also, note that there is NO parking allowed on the street just south of the
campus. However,
you may park at either the Meadowbrook or Main campuses.
Thanks, Kathryn
**************************
Hi Parents,
The Open House was a wonderful event for students, parents and teachers!
Here are just a few reminders for Monday:
Please bring all supplies (if you have not already)-a list is posted on the
web site.
http://www.teacherweb.com/AZ/VillaMontessoriSchool/GeorgeneCunningham/NewsFla
sh.stm
A check for $11.50 made payable to Georgene Cunningham.
Parent Input and Something About Me form.
Dawn Fuller is again doing our Pizza Friday this year. Thank you Dawn!
Please include your check
to Dawn for a full year $100 or you may split
in into two payments.
All students must have a snack each day of the week. Please make sure to
send your child with
lunch starting Monday.
Summer homework is to be checked by us (parents : ) ) and included in the
students communication
folder to be turned in tomorrow.
Please make sure to attend the Parent Orientation Meeting this Wednesday,
Aug 13th at 7:00pm in
Georgene's classroom.
Let me know if you have any question.
Kathryn
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
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Skills:
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Know and have been trained to perform:
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Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
Conscious Rescue Breathing
Unconscious Rescue Breathing
Love children :)
Know the basic techniques of:
Feeding
Dressing
Diapering
Bathing
Playing
Information:
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Grade: Freshman
School: Arcadia High School
Age: 14
Price:
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And $1.00 for additional children.
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