Monday Express

MONDAY EXPRESS

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NORTHGLADE MONTESSORI MAGNET SCHOOL

(269)337-0700

Dr. Terina Harvey, Proud Principal

Kalamazoo Public Schools

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Monday, October 2, 2006

What is the “Monday Express?”

Twice a month (on the first and third Mondays), 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. You will also explore our beautiful learning environment via photo essays arranged each semester by Mr. Poe, our talented technology expert. The principal’s office is committed to providing ongoing communication between school and home. Please contact the office with questions, concerns, and suggestions. We love hearing from you on a regular basis. Together we will make the difference at Northglade.

Our DEDICATED PTO Needs Your Involvement This Year!

Over the years, the Parent-Teacher Organization has been an instrumental force in providing for our wonderful students, teachers, and building environment. At this time, parents are desperately needed to continue the important work of the PTO as we strive to make Northglade Montessori Magnet School an outstanding place to learn. If you are interested in working with the PTO this year, please attend the monthly meetings or contact the office at 337-0700. We have many opportunities for parental involvement this school year.

Friendly Parent Room Available During the School Day (Please Plan on Visiting!)

Last year, we were able to organize a pleasant work and/or relaxation area for parents at Northglade. We are very proud to once again invite parents to visit the Parent Room to check out interesting reading materials, use the computer and telephone, attend meetings, relax and work on personal matters, etc.

Important State and Local Testing for Students in Grades 2^nd Through 6^th

During the second and third weeks of October, please be sure to support your children in taking the MEAP (Grades 3^rd through 6^th ) and the Cognitive Abilities Test (2^nd Grade) 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 Northglade Montessori.org.

IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER

WE LOVE NORTHGLADE!!!

• Monday, October 2 – Fundraiser Orders Due in the Office

• October 2^nd -6^th – Scholastic Book Fair at Northglade in Room C1

• Tuesday, October 10^th – PTO/School Improvement Meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. and concludes promptly at 8:00 p.m. Your input is needed. (Pizza Meal & Free Babysitting Provided.)

• Wednesday, October 11^th – Picture Day (Smile!)

• Monday, November 13^th (4:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. & Wednesday November 15^th (12:30 – 8:30 p.m.) – Fall Parent-Teacher Conferences / Please Attend!! No School for K-6 On November 16 & 17^th.

• Friday – Sunday, November 17-19 – Festivals of Trees

• Monday, March 26 (4:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.) & Wednesday, March 28 (12:30 p.m. – 8:30- p.m.) – Spring Parent Teacher Conferences – No School on March 29^th & 30^th for K-6.

• October 2006 – May 2007) – Book Nook - Once a week, students have the opportunity to purchase inexpensive books in the library. Please contact Mrs. Bolhuis at 337-0700, if you are interested in helping.