August 2023
Peek Inside Lower Elementary
BLACK BEAR
Dear Black Bear families,
What a wonderful month we just had! We have been working hard on building community, getting lessons, singing songs, taking care of our environment, working in the garden with Ms. Laura and even having a few successful going outs already!
The children have heard the first two Great Lessons, and the whole world of Cosmic Education has been opened to them! There is definitely a healthy buzzling as the children get lessons, explore, and make discoveries.
We are looking forward to keeping this excitement and activity going, as the children continue their growth and transformation!
Warmly,
Ms. Rebeca and Ms. Carmen
COYOTE
Dear Coyote Families,
This year we got new floors.
We also got new art, new tables and new contributions.
We have lots of new lessons happening.
Some examples of lessons we got are writing music, the large bead frame, and still life drawings.
We saw the first great story and watched a volcano erupt!
Ms. Laura has been doing gardening with us and we planted new seeds.
We got a new rug, hula hoops, teachers, and new children in the classroom.
There are research projects that are going on right now that are on dogs, Titanic, polar bears, and snakes.
We are reading the book Because of Winn Dixie together.
We can’t wait until next month!
Sincerely,
Kaitlyn and Maria (Coyote Students)
Peek Inside Upper Elementary
FALCON
Dear Falcon Families,
I am thrilled to provide you with an update on the first month of the school year in our environment! It has been an exciting and enriching period of growth and exploration for your children.
The children have truly embraced the spirit of community building this month. Through collaborative activities, group discussions, and team projects, they have been fostering a sense of togetherness and mutual respect. Our classroom is becoming a place where every child feels valued and heard.
One of the cornerstones of our Montessori education is the cultivation of grace and courtesy. This month, we have been focusing on the importance of these qualities in our daily interactions. Children are practicing how to communicate effectively, resolve conflicts peacefully, and extend kindness and empathy to their peers.
Inquisitiveness and a thirst for knowledge are thriving in the Falcon classroom. Children have dived into various research projects, with a particular highlight being the exploration of our solar system. Guided by Ms. Carla, they embarked on a creative journey, crocheting the planets and the Sun to create a stunning mobile. It's been a beautiful fusion of art and science, sparking their curiosity about the universe.
The children have been actively involved in planning Going-Outs to extend their learning beyond the classroom. They scheduled visits to the library; to Boyce Thompson Arboretum for a botanical art project; a hiking trip to the Superstition Mountains; and a visit to the Phoenix Herpetological Society.
As we embark on this journey together, let us remember the wisdom of Maria Montessori:
"Education is a natural process carried out by the child and is not acquired by listening to words but by experiences in the environment.”
In these formative years between 9 and 12, the development of grace and courtesy, as well as the nurturing of responsibility, are paramount. Ms. Carla and I are excited to witness your children's growth in these areas and look forward to the adventures that lie ahead in their educational journey.
Thank you for entrusting us with the privilege of guiding your child's education. We are eager to see what the rest of the school year holds for us and your wonderful children.
With warm regards,
Ms. Ximena and Ms. Carla
ROADRUNNER
Dear Roadrunner families,
We hope your summer was filled with joyous memories and relaxation. We have been so excited to have the children back with us and simply cannot believe we are a month in already! We have had a wonderful start to the school year as the children arrived full of enthusiasm and energy to be together. In the spirit of building a strong and connected community, we started off the school year with a series of community-building songs, games, and activities. These experiences have provided our students with opportunities to forge new friendships, strengthen existing bonds, and aid in cultivating a sense of belonging. It has been heartwarming to watch these bonds flourish and strengthen.
The month of August has seen the children delve into a variety of activities and projects, setting a promising tone for the rest of the school year. There has been an array of research projects started by our students from our lovers of science who are exploring chemistry deeper to our animal and world geography lovers. A PE program is being created by two of our sixth-grade boys and it has brought much joy to many children. The children also recently completed an impressive escape room coordinated by a group of children, complete with a help guide and many hidden clues. Many big projects have started and many going-outs are in the process of being planned. As we celebrated two birthdays this month, the children explored card-making with geometric patterns, including the use of AI to create geometric floral designs to add to their cards. We have shared a few community meals together and everyone is looking forward to spending more time together.
A special mention goes to our group of sixth graders who started out the school year aiding in the giving of our first Great Lesson and have also begun their Capstone project journey. This project marks a significant milestone in their academic journey and offers them an opportunity to demonstrate their skills, knowledge, and creativity in a meaningful way. We are excited to witness their growth throughout this endeavor and look forward to the successes and strengths they find along the way.
As we move forward, we are filled with excitement in anticipation of the wonderful experiences and accomplishments that lie ahead. Your continued support, encouragement, and involvement play a fundamental role in aiding your child’s development. We are honored to be but a part of their journey to the discoveries of both the world and themselves.
With gratitude,
Ms. Lauren and Ms. Juany
