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Northglade Newsletter
1914 Cobb Avenue
Kalamazoo, MI 49007
visit us at: www.northglademontessori.org
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October 20, 2008

Note from the Principal
Mrs. Flora E. Harrell

Dear Northglade family,

You hear the children talk about the Great Lessons. What are the Great Lessons?
The Great Lessons are Montessori's five major stories given by the instructors at the beginning of school. They dramatize the known truths of the universe and the progression of human civilization. They present in turn the creation of the earth, the beginning of life, the coming of human beings, and the tool of human communication, that is, language and mathematics. The law and order of the universe gradually become clear to the children through each successive story. Montessori called the five major stories the Great Lessons.

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ATTENDANCE

Parents and Guardians please be reminded, If you are making arrangements to pick up your child early please have arrangements (including phone calls) made prior to 3:30 p.m. It is almost impossible to connect with your child when a phone message is put through during dismissal. Please help the office by writing permission slips for your child to ride other busses or go to their friends house.

THANK YOU

Thank you to all parents who are respectful of Mr. Allen who serves outside in the morning to direct parents to the parking lot drop-off for your children, and helping the buses have a safe passage for dropping off their passengers, and run more timely.

READING

Part of our Professional Development in the beginning of the school year was about the implementation of the new 90/30 Literacy Block. Currently all Northglade students are engaged in 90 minutes of Reading and 30 minutes of Writing daily. The District is expecting better outcomes as a result of District wide implementation of this Literacy component of the Montessori Program.

Northglade's Reading programs includes Reading A-Z, which comes with lesson plans, Comprehension worksheets and exams. SRA Reading Cards, Accelerated Reading, which also a leveled reading program through our Library. After reading their book, students take comprehension test on the computer.

Montessori Education "Saving the World one Child at a time."

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IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER FOR OCTOBER

• MEAP Assessment Gr. 3-6 Continue this week Language Session 2 10/21/08
• 
  
• (MEAP) Math Makeup Monday, October 20 grades 3-6
• 
  
• MEAP Science and Social Studies Thursday, 10/23/08 grades 5&6 only
• 
  
• MEAP Makeup Dates Language Session 2 10/27/08. Science and Social Studies 10/28/08.
• 
  
• October 30 Skate Night
• 
  
• PICTURE DAY Monday, November 3, 2008
• 
  
• HEARING &VISION Thursday, November 20, 2008
• 
  
• PTO November 20, 2008
  

NORTHGLADE NEWSLETTER
1914 Cobb Avenue
Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Visit us at: www.northglademontessori.org
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Notes from the Principal --- October 2008

Dear Northglade family,

We are off to a good start. We are looking forward to a wonderful and fun year of learning. It is amazing how the staff and community have embraced me as the new leader of our school. We greeted many parent at our recent Open House. The Teachers hosted panel discussions in the Cafeteria while others visited the classrooms.

One of my Visions for Northglade is to have parents involved in the building and in the lives of the children we serve. It is critical that we all come together for the education of our children. I am a firm believer that a truly successful school is one where parents invest time and effort in the educational process of their children. I welcome you to come and take an active part in your child's day whenever possible.

Please come and take advantage of our computer equipped Parent Room across from the office. Sign in at the office, and ask for the key.

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Attendance Policy

Punctuality and attendance are very important to your child's education. Children should come to the school by 8:30 a.m. to eat and socialize. Parents are requested to notify the school (337-0700) as soon as possible when a student will be tardy or absent. For your convenience, an answering machine is available when the school office is closed.

Instruction begins at 8:53 a.m. Please be sure your child is on time. Tardy students must report directly to the office for a late slip in order to be admitted to class. If you are making arrangements to pick up your child early, please have arrangements (including phone calls) made prior to 3:30 p.m.

For the safety of your child, please do not drop children off in the turn-a-round. We ask that you use the parking lot south of the building.

Reading

In all classrooms reading is required at every level for a minimum time period daily. Reading improves with practice and there are different ways parents can ensure their children practice reading. You can read to your child, your child can read aloud to you or a younger child. Your child may read by himself/herself for a designated time period, which you may set. Sometimes children are more encouraged to read when they see parents and other siblings reading,so set aside time to read along with your child.


Montessori Education "Saving the World one child at a time"

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Important Dates to remember for October

• MEAP Assessment Gr. 3-6 October 14-23, 2008
• (MEAP) Makeup Dates October 23-28th
• Cognitive Abilities Test Gr. 2 - During MEAP testing
• PTO meeting October 16@ 6:30
• PTO sponsored Skate Night Thursday, October 30 at Roller World 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Come get involved in our parent group. We need you!

Thank you for all of your participation in the fall fundraiser.

MONDAY EXPRESS

NORTHGLADE MONTESSORI MAGNET SCHOOL

(269)337-0700

Dr. Terina Harvey, Proud Principal

Kalamazoo Public Schools

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Monday, September 8, 2008

What is the “Monday Express?”

Twice a month, parents and students will read about upcoming school happenings and important dates. You can also expect to receive learning and parenting tips and reminders about safety, behavior, and other important building procedures and routines. The principal’s office is committed to providing ongoing communication between school and home. Please contact the school with questions, concerns, and comments or use the suggestion box in the office. Together we will make the difference at Northglade Montessori.

Our PTO Needs You!

The Parent-Teacher Organization serves as an instrumental force in providing for our wonderful learning environment. At this time, parents are needed to join the important work of the PTO. Please attend the monthly meetings and/or contact President Kizzy Bradford for details.

Read to Learn…Open Doors

This year, we will continue to stress the importance of reading daily at home to build skills, gain confidence, and acquire enjoyment from the author’s message.

September’s Grace & Courtesy Focal Points:

· When others give compliments be sure to give good eye contact and say, “Thank you!” “I appreciate your kind words,” etc.

· Quietly open and close doors to avoid disrupting others.

· Sit in chairs without rocking or leaning on back legs.

· Cough or sneeze in fold of arm. Use arm to cover mouth and nose.

Friendly Parent Room Available During the School Day (Please Visit!)

We are very proud to once again invite parents to visit the Parent Room to check out interesting reading materials, use the computer, attend meetings, relax and work on school and personal matters.

Upcoming State and Local Tests

During October, please be sure to support your children in taking the MEAP (Grades 3-6) and the Cognitive Abilities Test (Grade 2) by encouraging them to get plenty of rest, eat healthy meals, and do their personal best on the tests. These tests are important and measure students’ knowledge in the core content areas.

Questions & Answers About Montessori!

We are excited to offer your child(ren) a quality education at Northglade using the Montessori approach. Children learn to explore, expand, and excel! You are invited to visit classrooms during the school year to gain a deep understanding of how and what students learn. Below are some commonly asked questions about Montessori:

Where did Montessori come from? Montessori (pronounced MON-tuh-SORE-ee) education was founded in 1907 by Dr. Maria Montessori , the first woman in Italy to become a physician. She based her educational methods on scientific observation of children’s learning processes.

How is Montessori Different from Traditional Education?

Montessori emphasizes learning though all fives senses. Developmentally appropriate materials of interest are presented in small groups and one-on-one. Children work at their own pace and explore activities from hundreds of possibilities. Traditionalists set goals for the majority not individual students.

Visit our Website

to learn more about Montessori at

NorthgladeMontessori.org.

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Magnificent Dr. Maria Montessori…

“Only the best for the smallest.”

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IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

WE LOVE NORTHGLADE!!!

• Thursday, September 18^th – PTO/School Improvement Meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. (Pizza served at 6:00 p.m.)
  
• September 15^th – 23^rd (Fundraiser)

• Tuesday, September 23^rd – Open House w/ Book Fair (6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.)

• Thursday, October 30^th – Skate Party from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at Roller World

• November 20^th & 21^st – Vision & Hearing Screening

• December 15^th & 16^th Mobile Dentist Unit
  
• Monday, November 3^rd – Picture Day (Smile!) & Picture Retakes on Monday, December 8^th

• Thursday, January 22^nd – Family Game Night!

• February 11-13 – Valentine’s Day Sale!

MONDAY EXPRESS

NORTHGLADE MONTESSORI MAGNET SCHOOL

An American Montessori Society (AMS) Accredited Public School

(269)337-0700

Dr. Terina Harvey, Proud Principal

Monday, June 2, 2008

The mission of Northglade Montessori Magnet School, a diverse nurturing family of students, educators and parents, is to prepare each student to become a well-educated, responsible and respectful contributor to family and community by enhancing academic achievement through a literature-rich curriculum that integrates technology, addresses individual needs (social, emotional, academic, and physical) and unique talents, in partnership with family and the community.

Catch the Sizzling Summer

Reading Buzz!

Check out fabulous summer

book recommendations, tips,

activities, and resources to

help motivate all readers at

scholastic.com/readingbuzz/.

You may also download

reproducible bookmarks

and sheets to record titles

read and enjoyed over the

summer. Students who

share with classroom teachers

the titles of books read (at

least 25 titles for grades K-3

and 35 titles for grades

4-6) will earn a prize in

September. Happy Reading!!!

Strategic Planning

Expectations Are Now on Our

Webpage for Parents! Visit

our fine school at

www.northglademontessori.org

End-of-the-Year Expectations for All Students…

• Follow the Golden Rules (Respect Self, Others, and the Environment) on the school grounds and bus.
• Continue to complete all assignments using your personal best. Learning will take place until the second week of June.
• Return library books, borrowed items, special notes with instructions, and permission slips in a timely manner.
• Before coming to school, know the plan for dismissal time to avoid calling home for instructions.
• Monday, June 9^th is the last day to carry backpacks to school.
• Check for lost or misplaced items in the cafeteria and Room C1.

Updated contact information is needed to end the year with accurate records for students. Thank you for your prompt response.

June’s Grace & Courtesy Focal Points:

· When traveling around the school, walk around work.

· When deep cleaning, remove stray pencil marks.

· When visitors ask about your work, report on two or three of your favorite works using positive words.

· Help a younger child to carry his/her breakfast tray in the cafeteria.

· Walk in line when exiting or boarding the school bus.

Needs List for School…Thanks!

Please donate small gardening tools, wicker baskets, small glass containers, and small glass serving trays. We also need pants (sizes 5-8) and belts.

“A child’s parents are not his makers but his/her guardians. They must protect him/her and have a deep concern for him/her like one who assumes some sacred trust.”

--Dr. Maria Montessori

IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER - MARK YOUR CALENDARS! – WE LOVE NORTHGLADE!!!

Wednesday, June 4^th – Kindergarten Dessert Night!

Friday, June 6^th – End-of-the Year Celebration

Monday, June 9^th – Talent Show (Contact Kizzy Bradford) – 1:40 p.m.

Wednesday, June 11^th – Last Day for Kindergarten

Thursday, June 12^th – Last Day for Grades 1 – 6 & 6^th Grade Graduation (10:00 a.m. in the Gym)

HAVE A HAPPY SUMMER

Cut and return the bottom portion of this newsletter to participate in the weekly drawings (held on Fridays) for free books or bookmarks.

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I have read the Monday Express with my child(ren) and pledge to promote reading in our home this week by _______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________. Signature of Parent/Guardian__________________________________________________________________________________

Student(s)______________________________________________________ Date_______­­­­­­___Teacher(s)___________________________________________________________

MONDAY EXPRESS

NORTHGLADE MONTESSORI MAGNET SCHOOL

An American Montessori Society (AMS) Accredited Public School

(269)337-0700

Dr. Terina Harvey, Proud Principal

Monday, May 19, 2008

The mission of Northglade Montessori Magnet School, a diverse nurturing family of students, educators and parents, is to prepare each student to become a well-educated, responsible and respectful contributor to family and community by enhancing academic achievement through a literature-rich curriculum that integrates technology, addresses individual needs (social, emotional, academic, and physical) and unique talents, in partnership with family and the community.

IT’S TIME TO SPRING CLEAN TO PROMOTE LEARNING & GIVING!

As the school year draws to a close, consider completing the following organizing/cleaning activities with your family to prepare for a sensational summer of learning, giving, and fun:

• Supervise big cleaning tasks in bedrooms or learning spaces to neatly sort and organize your child(ren)’s spelling lists, math practice sheets, writing assignments, projects, etc. Contact the teacher for additional work or copies of previously assigned lists.

• Clean bookshelves or bins to locate reading materials. Take unwantedgently used books to the mission, churches, or other local agencies. In the newly organized space in your home, include challenging books on various topics. Contact the office or classroom teacher if additional books or other reading materials are needed to engage your child(ren) in 30-minute daily reading time this summer.

• Donate unwanted clothing (in good condition) to Northglade or others in need. Consider contacting the Deacon’s Conference Center, Salvation Army, Goodwill Industries, etc. for picking up donated items such as clothing, toys/games, furniture, appliances, etc.

“The unknown energy that can help humanity is that which lies hidden in the child ”

--Dr. Maria Montessori

May’s Grace & Courtesy Focal Points:

· When traveling around the school, avoid touching the windows or walls with hands or feet.

· Store pencils in your classroom when traveling to another location.

· When visitors ask, “How are you?” your answer should include words such as, “I am fine. How are you?”

· Give a sincere compliment to someone doing good things. Start your statements with words like…”I like how…”, “That was really good when…” “I noticed when…” “Nice job on…”

Needs List for School…Thanks!

Please donate small gardening tools.

We also need pants (sizes 5-8).

IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER - MARK YOUR CALENDARS! – WE LOVE NORTHGLADE!!!

• Tuesday, May 20^th – PTO Meeting in the Library (4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.)

• Wednesday, May 21^th – Spring Concert at 2 p.m.

• Thursday, May 22^nd – Girls on the Run 5K at Western Michigan University (6:30 p.m.) Please support our girls!!!

• Monday, May 26^th – Memorial Day – No School!

• Tuesday, May 27^th – Gardening Day in the Children’s House (Please dress appropriately!)
• May 27, 2008 – Support Staff Recognition Week!

• Friday, May 30^th – Lunch with Your Child!

• Wednesday, June 4^th – Kindergarten Dessert Night!

• Friday, June 6^th – End-of-the Year Celebration

• Wednesday, June 11^th – Last Day for Kindergarten

• Thursday, June 12^th – Last Day for Grades 1 – 6 & 6^th Grade Graduation (10:00 a.m. in the Gym)

DON’T FORGET!!!

LUNCH WITH YOUR CHILD ON MAY 30^TH.

Visit our fine school at www.northglademontessori.org.

Cut and return the bottom portion of this newsletter to participate in the weekly drawings (held on Fridays) for free books or bookmarks.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------I have read the Monday Express with my child(ren) and pledge to promote reading in our home this week by__________________________________________.

Signature of Parent/Guardian______________________________________ Student(s)_____________________________________________________ Date_______________________________Teacher(s)________________________________________________________________________________

MONDAY EXPRESS

NORTHGLADE MONTESSORI MAGNET SCHOOL

An American Montessori Society (AMS) Accredited Public School

(269)337-0700

Dr. Terina Harvey, Proud Principal

Monday, May 5, 2008

The mission of Northglade Montessori Magnet School, a diverse nurturing family of students, educators and parents, is to prepare each student to become a well-educated, responsible and respectful contributor to family and community by enhancing academic achievement through a literature-rich curriculum that integrates technology, addresses individual needs (social, emotional, academic, and physical) and unique talents, in partnership with family and the community.

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REMEMBER TO VOTE TOMORROW (TUESDAY, MAY 6^TH)!!!

Here are the facts for your consideration:

• ¨ The upcoming millage is a renewal. Taxpayers will be paying the same millage rate as they have paid for the past three years.
• ¨ KPS receives $3.8 million annually from this millage. It is budgeted in the district’s operating revenues. If this source is eliminated, budget cuts would be inevitable.
• ¨ The tax revenues are distributed by KRESA to school districts in the county, including KPS, on a per student basis. Each school district receives the same per student amount.

Expect Daily Reading at Home Summer is almost here and students need to continue reading for at least 20-30 minutes each day. If you are interested in receiving A-Z Reading Books, please notify your child(ren)’s teachers or the office. We know that reading opens doors and enriches lives.

* * * * *

Looking for Options for Early Childhood Experiences Next Fall?

Contact the school office this month at Northglade for information on enrolling your children (ages 2½ - 4) in the Children’s House for only $75 for half days Monday through Friday. Spaces are limited so please do not delay.

Loy Norrix Child Care Center is now accepting registrations for preschool/child care. Call 337-0264 for information on services provided.

May’s Grace & Courtesy Focal Points:

· When traveling around the school, avoid touching the windows or walls with hands or feet.

· Store pencils in your classroom when traveling to another location.

· When visitors ask, “How are you?” your answer should include words such as, “I am fine. How are you?”

· Give a sincere compliment to someone doing good things. Start your statements with words like…”I like how…”, “That was really good when…” “I noticed when…” “Nice job on…”

Needs List for School…Thanks!

Please donate small gardening tools.

We also need pants (sizes 5-8).

“The child is the father/mother of the (wo)man that s/he will soon become”

--Dr. Maria Montessori

IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER - MARK YOUR CALENDARS! – WE LOVE NORTHGLADE!!!

• Tuesday, May 6^th – Millage (REMEMBER TO VOTE!)
• May 5^th – 9^th Teacher Appreciation Week! (We love our teachers for caring!!)
• Thursday, May 8^th (NEW DATE) – Game Night!
• Tuesday, May 13^th - School Improvement/PTO Meeting (Pizza served at 6:00 p.m. before the 6:30 meeting & free babysitting provided!)
• Wednesday, May 21^th – Spring Concert at 2 p.m.
• Thursday, May 22^nd – Girls on the Run 5K at Western Michigan University (6:30 p.m.) Please support our girls!!!
• Monday, May 26^th – Memorial Day – No School!
• Friday, May 30^th – Lunch with Your Child!
• Wednesday, June 4^th – Kindergarten Dessert Night!
• Friday, June 6^th – End-of-the Year Celebration
• Wednesday, June 11^th – Last Day for Kindergarten
• Thursday, June 12^th – Last Day for Grades 1 – 6 & 6^th Grade Graduation (10:00 a.m. in the Gym

MILLAGE UPDATE!!!

DON’T FORGET TO VOTE

ON TUESDAY, MAY 6^TH

Visit our fine school at www.northglademontessori.org.