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