March 2023

Peek Inside Lower Elementary

BLACK BEAR

Dear Families,

What a great month we had! It is so good to be back with my Black Bear familia and get back in the routine!

Every year we are amazed at the hard work and dedication the children put into planning the sleepover and enjoying the fruits of their labor! This year was no exception. The children enjoyed each other’s company, delicious food prepared by them and some yoga time with Ms. Lucy. And now, they are ready for the next step: The Big Trip!

In the classroom we have continued lessons and community building as we prepare for the end of the year. We could not do it without your trust and continued support!

Warmly,

Ms. Rebeca and Ms. Carmen

COYOTE

Dear Coyote Parents and Families,

It is hard to believe we are entering the month of April. The weather will continue to be unpredictable but hopefully warmer weather is on the way. With the arrival of spring, we will have more hours of sunshine and temperatures on the rise which will provide a renewed spirit and opportunity to become more focused.

One of the most beautiful aspects of a Montessori environment is how children are given the opportunity and responsibility to be held accountable for their actions. We are a group of lifelong learners, working together in a common space, creating a community, figuring out how to meet our own needs while supporting others as they meet their needs. One of the greatest opportunities the children have to practice their responsibility is during our annual sleepover and big trip. The sleepover was a success! The children worked hard to arrange sleeping arrangements, seating assignments, set up and clean up schedules, prepare and cook dinner and breakfast for the entire group. They had a great time getting in tune with their bodies through sound meditation on the night of the sleepover, and continuing that practice with movement in multiple movement exercises the next morning. As we prepare for the big trip, please do encourage your children to practice packing, unpacking their backpacks as well as their sleeping bags. Helping them work through their nighttime and morning routines are helpful as well.

We are excited to see what the month of April holds for the Coyote classroom.

Best wishes,

Ms. Neyamah

Peek Inside Upper Elementary

FALCON

Can you believe April is here?!

Even with Spring Break taking one week in March, the children did so much work during the month. Planning for the sleepover and carrying out the plans successfully took most of the our time during the beginning of the month. It was a great opportunity to bring more depth to our Upper Elementary community and further develop the children’s sense of responsibility for themselves, others, and their environment.

In the classroom, academic work continues. Lessons, presentations, art, research projects, and math have permeated the environment. As a group, we had conversations about civics, morals, and virtues.

When we spoke about the organization of the State and Federal Governments, the children decided that they wanted to hold their own elections in the classroom.

We have spent time reading through Aesop’s Fables and discovering the moral of each story. This month we have focused on empathy and kindness. I also brought a new book to the classroom, The Children’s Book of Virtues by William J. Bennett. While the children can read through it freely, I introduced the meaning of virtue to them and shared some stories about perseverance and courage.

We are all looking forward with excitement to the Big Trip!

Thank you for your continuous support and trust,

Ms. Ximena and Ms. Carla