Montessori Monitor May 2010

INSIDE

Montessori Monitor

THIS ISSUE Changing of the Guard: Cover Drama: Cover & page 2 Beginners: 4 Preschool: 5 - 7 Preschool/Kindergarten: 8 11 1st & 2nd Grade: 12 - 13 2nd through 5th: 14 - 15 Middle School: 16 - 17 Video Production: 18 Physical Education: 19 Spanish: 20 - 21 Gardens: 22 - 23 Shell Mound: 24 MMS News: 25-27

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Changing of the Guard By: Jennine Brandt, PTO President

I can't believe that we are wrapping up another school year! Thanks for all of the support you have given the PTO this year. We have accomplished a lot. Our Relay for Life team was a HUGE success raising just over $2800 for the American Cancer Society. I hope you were able to be part of the fun and enjoy an amazing experience.

We also had a very successful Wine & Cheese Silent Auction on May 22nd at the Town of Tigoa Club House raising over $5,000.

All proceeds went to

the End of the Year Show, Alice in Wonderland, Jr! The PTO has arranged for a Bicycle Safety Day on June 7th for the 1st through 8th grade classes.

We are also hosting an hour of Puberty Education for the 5th Graders on June 7th. Drs. Ana Hanley, John and Jennine Brandt and Dave Kemp along with Mr. Richard will be providing the education.

We elected officers for next years PTO Board at our last meeting on April 22nd. Congratulations and a big thank you to the follow-

ing individuals for their willingness to serve our school next year!

President: Lonnie Phillips Vice President/Presidentelect: Irma Alvarez Secretary: Eileen SosaPesantes Treasurer: Constance Heuss I highly encourage all families to take an active part in the PTO and help make a difference for the children of MMS.

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Drama By: Christina Miller ―It is the child who makes the man, and no man exists who was not made by the child he once was‖ Dr. Maria Montessori In the twenty-first century, it is more important than ever before to be able to

communicate thoughts, feelings, and ideas to other individuals and groups in a variety of effective ways. This article addresses the role drama plays in building these skills, how it dovetails and enhances education, and how it impacts child development

in a holistic way.

A child is in the process of creating himself.

With drama, the self is used as the creative medium. One’s self activity and expression is all that is needed to communicate and create with others.

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Drama (cont. from page 1) This is different than other mediums which would require tools such as paints, technology or musical instruments.

Drama is thought of as a form of human expression found throughout history and all over the world. It is, therefore, a fundamental need of humans. It is spontaneous in children’s play when they ―rehearse‖ at being a parent, imitate a movie star, or imagine stretching abilities like a super hero. In Shakespeare’s play, As You Like It, Jaques says, ―All the world's a stage, And all the men and women merely players; They have their exits and their entrances, And one man in his time plays many parts.‖ Essentially, children are trying on life. After time, this develops into abstract thinking, problem solving, self esteem, flexibility, thinking outside the box, creating new knowledge and even common sense.

Howard Gardner’s list of eight intelligences is inherent to all humans. These are: 1.Spatial, 2.Bodily and Kinesthetic, 3.Logical-Mathematical, 4.Linguistic, 5.Musical, 6.Social Interpersonal, 7. Self-awareness Intrapersonal, 8.Naturalistic.

A well rounded developmentally appropriate education should include opportunities to develop all eight intelligences to prepare students for life in the twenty -first century.

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Drama helps to accomplish the aforementioned by providing a fertile ground for developing Interpersonal and Intrapersonal skills.

Also, there is an emphasis on developing Bodily, Spatial, and Linguistic intelligence.

These intelligences have long been eclipsed in traditional curriculum planning by reading, writing, and arithmetic.

Research now shows that even the three Rs are positively impacted by drama because it develops listening and speaking skills and improves memory and comprehension.

Drama, speech, debate and a well rounded performing arts program can be implemented easily within the curriculum. If viewed as a part of every subject area and not as an elective, education becomes authentic and meaningful as well as loads of fun.

In Science, students can enact the workings of a cell. In grammar, they can learn pronouns by memorizing the famous ―Who’s on First‖. In History and Humanities the opportunities are endless such as personifying historic people or doing a simulation of the Underground Railroad.

Also, there has always been a strong relationship between storytelling and theatre. The National Curriculum for English recommends that all English teachers include drama when teaching reading and writing. Even the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics has added the history of mathematics as a standard for the twenty-first century.

A performing arts program would not be com-

plete without a theater production component. Experiencing a stage and memorizing and reciting lines offer children the opportunity to express themselves with self confidence. When a child is able to speak competently to adults or not be nervous in front of his class he will not develop the fear of public speaking. There are many authentic components of a theater experience. Within the structure lie opportunities for creating sets, memorizing lines, singing and dancing, auditioning, and learning about the technology of lighting and sound.

Drama in education builds skills that are needed in the twenty-first Century.

An authentic curriculum that is cutting edge and dynamic must be taught in an environment that includes drama in many subject areas because of how it impacts child development in a holistic way.

Children are naturally drawn to it because it helps them create the adults they are becoming, develop their self esteems, and provides opportunities to shine.

Set the stage and let the curtain rise!

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Ms. Crystal Sorrow

Beginner’s Class

Ms. Elizabeth Sheehan & Ms. Lonnie Phillips

The month of May has been a frolicking and fantastic month in the Little House. This month we have had fun activities planned and special event days to finish off the school year. We have enjoyed a bubble day on the playground, fun with yoga balls, creativity with sidewalk chalk and body tracing, and fairy Friday. We are capping off the month with a class dance party, followed by spirit week.

This time of year is always fun for the students and the teachers as we celebrate the year we’ve had together and the friends we have made.

Congratulations to Mariasole on her new baby sister!

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Preschool Ms. Renee Brohamer & Ms. Lily Tajalli -

St. Patrick’s Day

Decorating Easter Eggs

Making a map of the world

Playing Twinkle Twinkle at Parent Night

Parent Night ―Space Odyssey‖

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Preschool

Ms. Christina Eckstein & Ms. Jeanne-Marie Hrivnak The Spring season brought about our study of plants.

First, the students dissected seeds and discovered how the seed turns into a new plant.

Next, they labeled the parts of a plant. Several of the students created their very own push pinned tree. During our final unit of the year, the children examined a variety of flowers and the anatomy of a flower.

The children celebrated Earth Day by making their very own sand art creations of our

planet. We discussed the importance of taking care of the Earth and ways to keep it healthy. The recycling work that was added to the classroom proved to be a favorite activity of many students.

The children performed the musical ―Tikki Tikki Tembo‖ arranged by Carol Kaplan for our Parent Appreciation evening

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which was held on Tuesday, May 11, 2010. The musical coincided wonderfully with our unit study of Asia. Many skills were developed during the preparation of the musical including proper voclization, expression and following directions.

The children also enjoyed preparing special chow mein drop cookies which were served at the conclusion of the evening.

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Preschool/Kindergarten

Ms. Jackie Johnson & Ms. Kathleen Bastien LeLe, one on Indian music and the harmonium from Shiwani Avora, one on Indian dance from Vinata Vedam, and one on yoga from N.K Sharma. We also enjoyed guest speakers and demonstrators: Shreya Pathak (on her trip to India), Praveen Pathak (cricket and carrom), Hera Cole (growing up in India), Sharvari Pathak (Hindi writing and textiles), Natasha Alexander (textiles), and Madhava Mirel (living in India & the Mrdanga drums). With the help of many families we also had a delicious and authentic Indian feast.

We are so very grateful to all of the parents who made our India Unit so wonderful and contextually rich. The children loved it and learned so much!

In April, we completely switched out the classroom and set

We are so very grateful to all of the parents who made our India Unit so wonderful and contextually rich. The children loved it and learned so much.!

In March we finished our unit on Asia with an in-depth study of India. Our class was fortunate to have had a number of families with ties to India to help with this unit. We would like to especially thank Sharvari Pathak, Natasha Alexander, and Liji Jacob for their contributions. Sharvari was instrumental in organizing a number of spectacular guest performances and lessons including one on the tabla from Tan May

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it up for learning about the human body and nutrition. So far we have studied the human skeleton and the nervous system. The children find it all fascinating. We have a number of anatomical models for the children to observe, hold and put together. We also have x-rays of an actual child to assemble and study.

This last week and the first two weeks of May we focused on practicing for our Parent Appreciation Performance. This performance brought together, song, dance and poetry readings about the human body and nutrition. The children worked hard and had a lot of fun as well.

It is hard to believe this year is winding down.

We have had a great year, a terrific group of students and a really supportive and generous group of parents. Ms. Kathleen and I are so appreciative; we feel privileged to teach such wonderful children. Thank you for a great year!

Congratulations to Gavin on his new baby brother!

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Preschool/Kindergarten

Ms. Elizabeth Falls & Ms. Widline Senecharles It is so hard to believe that this school year has come to an end! We would like to thank all the parents for the support and help they have given to their children and to the school. It seems like it was only yesterday that we had orientation!

First, we would like to congratulate Ms. Widline for successfully completing her AMS Associate in Early Childhood Credential!

In February, our Kindergarten students took the IOWA Standardized Test. All the students did very well; scoring higher than their actual grade level!

In the classroom, many of the children are working with the Stamp Game to better understand the Place Value concept. They have been working in the thousands; learning Dynamic Addition, Multiplication, and Subtraction. Some children have explored the concept of Division with remainders. We have also been working on Money Values, Telling Time and working with Fractions.

In Language, the children have been learning the difference between antonyms, synonyms and homonyms; and putting together compound words. Lessons on beginning punctuation and function of words

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(nouns, verbs and prepositions) have also been presented. In the Second Semester, the Kindergarten students began taking weekly spelling tests that focused on words containing phonograms.

The children looked forward to learning new words each week!

During reading groups, the children were able to pick out words they had learned for their spelling tests.

For Parent Appreciation the children learn all the aspects of putting on a play. This year the children performed ―Go Fish‖. A musical/play based on friendship and acceptance. The children learned their lines and the songs as well as some choreography! The children did a wonderful job! I believe we have some budding actors and actresses amongst us!

They are already asking when we are going to put on our next one! I want to thank all the parents for helping with their children’s costumes!

Developmental Art is carefully woven into our academic

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curriculum.

Fine and gross motor skills are constantly being developed through the various projects we do in the classroom.

Each year our class puts together a special project – a class quilt! This year’s quilt is entitled, ―Under the Sea‖ and was designed to coincide with our Unit Study of the Ocean. The children used their handprint to create the two, ocean scene panels. A ―silent auction‖ determined what lucky family got to take the quilt home.

As part of our unit study of the ocean the children learned about sharks.

They were surprised to learn that there were over 350 kinds of sharks and that scientists still do not know everything about them. A mini unit study of butterflies concluded our studies for this school year.

Children are our future! and they ―have the whole world in their hands!‖ With the help of Sunny Sorel’s Dad, Terrence, the children used paper mache to cover a wire model of Earth and then painted

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the planet. The children push-pinned the seven continents and used decoupage to put them on to the ―globe‖. It was a very fun art project and was enjoyed by all!

Each year I continue to be amazed at how much the children have grown emotionally, socially, and academically.

They have come so far since first entering our classroom. One of the most important days of the school year is almost here – Kindergarten Graduation! This occasion is bittersweet for us. Ms. Widline and I have watched your children grow so much in the short time they have been a part of our ―family‖. On Graduation Day, we will not be saying good-bye; we will be sending them on their way to further experience inner satisfaction and achieve pride in their accomplishments. Wherever they will be attending school next year, they will be terrific! They are very proud of themselves and we want to wish them the very best! Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your child’s early learning experience. We have had a wonderful year! Your child has definitely impacted our lives and we wish you much luck and success!

Take care, have a wonderful summer and we love you all! See you in August!

Ms. Elizabeth and Ms. Widline

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1st & 2nd Grades

Ms. Anita Bender & Ms. Susie Long The ITBS (Iowa Test of Basic Standards) testing went so well we wrapped up testing early. The children were well prepared and handled the testing very well.

Thanks to all of the families who brought in a special snack to share.

Also, the children have begun to rehearse for the End of the Year Show, ―Alice In Wonderland‖. Our children are working on practicing with their props, blocking, getting fitted for costumes and learning their songs and moves.

Our garden, is abundant and beautiful. The flowers are blooming and the vegetables are maturing. The children picked herbs, fruits, flowers and vegetables for the food they prepared for our Mother’s Day Tea. In May, we took a field trip to the Center for the Performing Arts for Gainesville Chamber Orchestra's presentation of Celestial Celebrations: we went on a majestic visual tour of the solar system that inspired Holst’s masterpiece The Planets while the orchestra performed the landmark piece. The concert included great music from the film Star Wars and Disney's Aladdin. The first and second grade students have been studying and researching the planets and making associations to the gods associated with the planets Mercury, Venus and Mars.

Our lessons in Geography and in History for the rest of the year will

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be about the concept of time. The children continue their study of timelines. We discussed BC/AD or BCE/ ACE and what things took place on the timeline before and after this time period. The History of Writing is another of Maria Montessori's exciting Great Lessons. The children will be studying the way communication has changed from caveman, Greek, Roman to the Illuminated Texts, into the age of the moveable press and all the way up to modern day technology.

We will continue to look at different histories through time for the remainder of the year.

Thanks to our volunteers: We also thank all of the people who donated items for our special activities and parties.

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Looking Ahead...

May 31 School Holiday Memorial Day

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June 7 Bicycle Safety Presentation June 8 Field Trip: End of the Year Party (TBA)

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June 2 Field Trip: PK Yonge for Dress Rehearsal June 4 End of Year Show: Alice In Wonderland PK Yonge - 5:30pm

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June 9 Last Day of School/ Awards Day

Congratulations to Brennan New and his family on his new baby brother!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY! MAY Ameia Smith Ms. Anita Bender JUNE Caroline Tosolini Matthew Fogleman

JULY Maxx Adkins

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2nd, 3rd & 4th Grades

Mr. Richard Aslanian & Ms. Suzi Rumsey We had some surprise guests in our classroom during the last month.

Mr. Richard’s pet rats became parents the day after Spring Break.

This allowed our class to see the process of growth in the life of a fancy rat during April and May. We were amazed to see how quickly they grow in size and how the color traits from the parents are passed on to the offspring. It truly has been a wonderful experience.

We have continued our tour around South America, visiting Chile, Argentina, and Bolivia. We would like to thank Ms. Gigi Tajalli for coming to our class and talking to us about

her home country, Chile.

In Science, our focus has now shifted to Botany. We looked at the many different shapes of leaves in the Montessori leaf cabinet and spent some time walking around MMS and investigating some of the leaves on campus. We looked into root systems and flowering plants during May. Our Social Studies classes have us now learning some of the history of Alachua County.

What does the word Alachua really mean?

We will be learning about important people, events and the formation

of our county as well.

Congratulations to Sage Trunnell (2nd), Shreya Pathak (3rd) and Dillon Webb(4th) for earning the title of Spelling Bee Champions for their respective grades.

Thanks to moms and dads for all your hard work and support throughout the year. We hope you enjoyed Father’s Day Field Day and Mother’s Day Tea.

We look forward to providing you with one more gift this year, Alice in Wonderland on June 4th!!

Birthdays May

June

July

10—Shreya (9) 20-Vishnu (10)

Lacey and Lindsey (9)

12 Matt (10) 17—Charlie (9)

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4th & 5th Grades

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Ms. Christina Miller, Ms. Susan Salvatore & Ms. Erin Sorel It’s hard to believe it is already the end of May! There is a feeling that the end is near now that we have completed our ITBS testing, and have started rehearsing for our end-ofthe-year show. Our class would like to congratulate Dillon for winning 1st place in the Fourth Grade Spell-

ing Bee. Fourth grade students in Ms. Tina and Ms. Erin’s Florida History class were treated to several special events during the past weeks. One highlight was our field trip to Shell Mound to explore coastal wetlands with Ms. Amilda’s husband, Dr. Mark Clark.

There were lots of squeals and giggles as we slipped around in the mud trying to experience several different

types of wetlands and examine their characteristics.

In April we were

visited by Civil War reenactor Tom Fasulo, who helped the Civil War come alive for us with his interac-

tive and entertaining presentation.

During the fourth quarter we discussed modern Florida.

Students planned road trips to destinations including State and National parks, bodies of water, and historic sites previously unknown to them in Florida.

They examined road maps and presenting their trip in a Google Earth presentation.

In U.S. History with Ms. Susan Hansen, 5th graders presented skits about the diverse peoples of the West.

These skits showed the hardships of people who tried to move to the Western United States in the 1800s. Groups included Mormons, Chinese immigrants, Mexicanos, Nez Perce Native Americans, Forty-niners, and Oregon pioneers. Students created costumes and props and enjoyed giving their presentation for Mr. Richard’s class and Ms. Tina’s fourthgraders.

In 5th grade science

students have been working with plants, comparing plant vascular systems and animal circulatory systems using Venn diagrams. Students enjoyed the celery experiment in which they discovered how xylem and phloem tubes work to bring nutrients to the plant cells.

Now students are getting ready to discuss the food pyramid and how cells get the energy they need.

Fourth graders just finished up a Science module about the human body, bones and muscles. They created working models of joints, muscles, tendons and ligaments using rubber bands, popsicle sticks, and other household items.

There were lots of squeals and giggles as we slipped around in the mud trying to experience several different types of wetlands and examine

Our last weeks of school will be busy and exciting! In early May, 4th and 5th graders went on a field trip to the Gainesville Chamber Orchestra’s Children’s concert. The Safety Patrollers’ went on a field trip to Aquatica at Sea World and our end-of-theyear trip to Blue Springs is coming up soon!

their characteristics.

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Middle School (M3S)

Ms. Sherilyn Farris & Ms. Susan Hansen As the school year winds down, things are still very busy, as usual, in the middle school. Middle school students are prepared for the end of the year show, Literary Magazine, Mother’s Day Tea AND Eighth Grade graduation!

Slowly, but surely, the middle school scenes for the end of the year show, Alice in Wonderland, Jr. are taking shape.

Students are getting more comfortable in their roles and embracing the nonsensical whimsy for which Charles Dodgson was known.

touches to the magazine.

We honored our Mother’s with a lovely tea; complete with yummy refreshment, lively entertainment and lovely flowers.

During the third quarter, the seventh and eighth grade students, turned graphic designers, created the beautiful third annual literary magazine, The Gallery. We took time out of the busy ITBS week to add the Fourth quarter is also a time for transilast minute, tion as our graduating eighth graders prefinishing pare for high school. We send them off in style at the graduation ceremony, Monday, June 7 at 6 p.m. at Unity Church.

To prepare for graduation, all middle school students are writing speeches for the ceremony. Graduating eighth graders will deliver extemporaneous speeches recalling their fond memories of MMS. Some of the seventh graders will introduce eighth graders, and some will deliver belief statements based on the popular NPR series ―This I Believe.‖ The sixth graders MONTESSORI

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M3S Cont...

Our Graduating Eighth Graders:

are writing poems in either the terza rima, villanelle or Spenserian sonnet style about themes related to graduation and moving forward.

Dominick Aslanian – Eastside High School, IB program Gini Bernal – St. Francis Catholic School Laura Clark – Eastside High School, IB program Derek Lipsig – Eastside High School, IB program Ilie Tomlin – Buchholz High School, Entrepreneurship Program It has been another wonderful year in the M3S classroom. We’re always so surprised by how fast the year goes but when you’re learning AND having fun at the same time – that tends to happen! We would like to wish our eighth grade graduates – Dominick, Gini, Laura, Derek & Ilie – the best of luck in high school. To the incoming sixth, seventh and eighth grade students, have a summer full of adventures to share in community meeting when you return in the Fall. To our M3S Parents, thank you for your continued support.

Sincerely, Ms. Sherilyn & Ms. Susan

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Physical Education Coach Cam Parker

39% were National)! As we close out the year, students are learning the basics of lacrosse for the first time with Coach Cam. The lower field is even getting some use for the first time. It has been another fabulous year in PE. Coach Cam looks forward to seeing you at summer camp. Even if you don't attend, stay active and safe in the Florida sun. Go Knights!

The weather is finally warming up and the cold days that forced us inside have disappeared. During those blustery days, the children learned a few line dances with a brief dance unit. Middle school students met the challenge of creating their own routine. Before Spring Break the children performed their final testing for the Presidential Physical Fitness program. As usual, the students exceed expectations! 81% of our students have placed at the National Level or above (42% were Presidential and

MMS Grade 2-3 Football The 2-3 Football team remained utterly undefeated throughout the team’s season. All games have had a 20 point or more margin of victory. Plays such as ―Free Willie‖ and ―Center Drag‖ have scored us points on nearly every drive. Our defense has been outstanding with several interceptions (often run back for touchdowns) and smothering coverage guaranteed to halt any forward progress by our opponents.

With the temperature of late Spring starting to heat up, our parents are looked forward to cold Gatorade, pop-up tents and cheering our awesome team forward as we finished the rest of our season. Many thanks to our Coaches who have made this season such an exciting one to watch and to the kids for having so much fun! Go Knights!!

PS: Cleats for Feet reminder: We are still taking old cleats to catalogue and have ready for Fall’s soccer season. Please drop them off at the front office.

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Beginner, Preschool & Kindergarten Spanish Ms. Jeanne-Marie Clune-Hrivnak

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1st - 8th Grade Spanish Ms. Erin Sorel 1st and 2nd Grade Ms. Anita’s Class was presented with vocabulary relating to clothing and parts of the body. Students played several body part games such as ―Simón Dice‖ (Simon Says) and sang some fun songs as well. Students enjoyed naming body parts to add to our class drawing of a monster and presenting ―monsters‖ of their own in Spanish using body part cut-outs and vocabulary.

During the last quarter we will work on themes including the family and Mothers Day, the Mexican holiday Cinco de Mayo, and words related to summer time and vacation.

2nd and 3rd Grade Mr. Richard’s 2nd and 3rd graders worked on the theme of the house and specifically things in our rooms. Students enjoyed using vocabulary to discuss things that are or are not found in each of their rooms. As a final project, students created an ideal room or ―cuarto ideal‖ which they compared with their actual room in writing as well as in a class presentation. During the last quarter we will work on topics including family members and adjectives used to describe people and we will review much of the language we learned this year.

4th & 5th Grades 4th and 5th graders worked on grammar and vocabulary to describe their house and their room.

They created a project in which they wrote about

and drew their real and ideal rooms and presented to the class. Recently we began reviewing vocabulary related to the family. During the remainder of the year we will also work on some Spanish verbs and verb forms which will prepare 5th graders for Middle School Spanish next year.

6th and 7th Grade Students have been studying the city and places in a city. They have learned how to give directions in a city and how to talk about where people and places are using the Spanish verb estar, meaning ―to be located‖. Students created tricky logic puzzles giving clues to characters’ locations in a fictional city, which we all attempted to solve. We have completed our basic unit on verb conjugations with the help of some funny songs to help us remember the steps.

8th Grade Spanish Students finished up their study of grammar and vocabulary related to cultural activities. Each student researched a famous artist of Spanishspeaking descent and presented their research in a Power Point presentation. Our next unit was a review of clothing and fashion related words, and now we are beginning our final chapter which deals with Summer time and vacation.

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Gardens

By: Ms. Christina Miller There is in the soul of a child an impene-

chete or scooping seeds out of a pump-

trable secret that is gradually revealed as

kin.

it develops.

Dr. Maria Montessori

A class garden provides a perfect opportunity for the children to cooperate with

It is developmentally appropriate for chil-

each other for a common goal. Each child

dren to learn hands on and through their

has a turn watering, weeding, harvesting

five senses. One of the most joyful ways

and solving problems. Sometimes insects

is to plant seeds and watch them grow.

or squirrels, for example, may destroy

Children are constantly drawn to smell,

some of the plants. Sometimes plants

touch, and gather collections of leaves,

may be selected to attract butterflies. La-

seeds, flowers, and even insects. They are

dybugs may be purchased and released to

fascinated by the tiniest of things and

solve the pest problem naturally. All

watching a tiny seed gradually reveal

these decisions make wonderful class

itself as it grows provides a magical ex-

discussions.

perience and can bring about a peace of mind.

The academic extensions are endless. A Flowers

garden is an ever changing laboratory for

daffodils pop up

fine tuning observation skills needed in

sunflowers sway in the sun

every subject area. It is a ripe environ-

dandelions blow

ment for graphing, measuring, journaling,

by Chloe (age 5)

researching, identifying, and vocabulary building such as whether a particular

Children as young as two years can and

leaf’s shape is reniform, elliptical, or

should have the opportunity to garden

maybe spatulate.

before they develop an aversion to nature. More often than not children are told not to touch something or put something in their mouths. All the attitudes that accompany the sanitizing trend have contributed to children being tactilely

Flowers white, pink, red, yellow rain, sunshine, flowers to grow happy, pretty earth

by Kayla (age 5)

defensive. Many children today cannot tolerate putting their hands in paper ma-

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A class garden is appropriate for all ages.

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This year, 4th grade students planted a variety of

nature and seeing woods, children can identify

seeds and plants which tied in directly to our core

pine trees, oak trees, and native flowers. Rather

subjects. For example, when we studied Florida's

than just seeing birds, children see more specifi-

native Timucua people who used agricultural tech-

cally robins, bluebirds, and others. In this way our

niques to grow gourds for use as drinking vessels,

gardening and exploration of the outdoors has

students planted the same type of gourds in our

served to enrich the students' world view.

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class garden. This was one of our most exciting experiments, as the vines grew at an amazing pace

Garden

and the giant fruit was something most students had

grass covered soil

never seen before. To connect with Spanish class we grew marigolds, which are the traditional flower of Day of the Dead, a Mexican holiday to honor

digging, chopping, feeling good planting seeds, growing

by Ahmik (age 5)

departed friends and family members. We used our marigolds to decorate the authentic altar we created

Some years back one of my elementary first

in celebration of this holiday. Our gardening en-

through third grade classes’ garden experienced a

deavors not only connected students with their core

very cold winter such as the one from which we

classes in a more meaningful way, but inspired them

just emerged. The children took their clipboards

to learn more about plants and start gardens of their

out to the garden to make their observations. They

own.

were all horrified to observe the results of the hard freeze. One child wrote: The beans are dead. The

Several students chose an experiment for their sci-

carrots are dead. The endive is alive. The ground is

ence project which involved growing plants. Cris-

colder than the air.

tina designed a garden and presented her design to

And, yes, that pretty much summed it up.

our parent organization. It included a space for contemplation, topiary of our mascot, as well as native

The academic extensions are endless.

A garden is an ever changing laboratory for fine tuning observation

flowering plants. As a school, we will work to

skills needed

manifest her garden.

in every

As the weeks passed, our gardening time also gave

subject

us a chance to observe the changing seasons, the birds which frequent our schoolyard, and the types of trees and wildflowers that grow there. In a time when many children are focused on indoors activities, such as computer and video games, our students had a chance to experience the natural world in a more meaningful way. Rather than looking to

area.

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Shell Mound By: Christina Miller & Richard Aslanian On March 29th, the fourth grade students in Mr. Richard Aslanian’s and Ms. Christina Miller’s classes suited-up for a fun filled day at the Shell Mound wetlands in Cedar Key. Dr. Mark Clark, professor from the University of Florida, led the students on a guided journey through several coastal wetland ecosystems. The children were encouraged to get their feet wet and muddy as well as ex-

amine the different textures and composition of the soil in each wetland. Dr. Clark did an excellent job of explaining how the contents of the soil effects what is able to grow in each system as well as describing the plant and animal life in each.

Jalyn said it was the most disgusting and awesome day she had ever had!!

We congratulate the students for their bravery in walking through swamps, forests and muddy coastlines.

NEWSLETTER

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Father’s Field Day Each spring MMS hosts Father’s Field Day for all first through eighth grade students. We had over 100 dads (and moms) in attendance for this annual event. We had beautiful weather and even landed a spot on

TV 20 news! Check out our Facebook page to view the clip!

Barnes & Noble Bookfair In late March a bookfair was held at Barnes & Noble on Archer Road in Gainesville. Thank you to all of the families that joined us. We had some wonderful performances by the thespians, Daisy Scouts, and our teachers. A special thanks to Ms. Crystal for organizing the event. Over $740 was raised and a fun time was had by all!

See you there next year!

Enjoying the Arts Day MMS hosted an Arts Day for its first through eighth grade students on Wednesday, March 17.. The students enjoyed a vocal ensemble led

by Paul Sikivie, an MMS alumnus, and his band as well as an artist/illustrator presentation by Arthur Edwards, a

children's book illustrator and painter, also an MMS alumnus.

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Middle School Internships Each year the seventh and eighth grade students are required to participate in a week long internship. The seventh graders stay on campus and work in one of the classrooms. The eighth graders leave campus and intern at a local business/office.

Summer Camp We will once again offer an enriching and exciting day camp for Preschool/Kindergarten, Elementary and Middle School students June 14-July 23. The program activities will include specialty classes, crafts, games, sports, and special events that revolve around a variety of themes. The Preschool & Kindergarten students will experience a Montessori hands on curriculum, weekly educational fun themes, arts & crafts, music and playground fun! The First

through Eighth grade campers can choose from the following options: Enrichment, Theater, Young Filmmakers, Wide World of Sports, Technology and Fit Club camps.

DATES & PROGRAMS: June 14 – 18 Photography June 21 – 25 Woodworking June 28 – July 2 Mad Scientist July 6 – July 9 Geography July 12 – 16 Drama July 19 – 23 Drama

Every Friday will be splash day and an optional pizza lunch is available for all students.

REG TOD ISTER AY! !!

For more information visit the front office and pick up a copy of th summer camp brochure.

We look forward to spending the summer with your child(ren)!!!

Keep Collecting...

Thank you to everyone for clipping Box Tops off of select General Mills products. Congratulations to Mr. Richard’s class on collecting the most box tops winning the Ice Cream Party. Keep collecting all summer long! www.boxtops4education.com

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State of Florida Science Fair Winners Millhopper Montessori School had two winners in the State of Florida Science Fair that took place at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL April 7-9, 2010. Jacqueline Kessler received first place in the Behavioral and Social Sciences category. She was awarded a $50 from the Florida Museum of Natural History for Outstanding Research in the Biological Sci-

ences. She was also awarded a $25 gift certificate to Barnes & Noble from Thomas Alva Edison Regional Science and Engineering Fair. This award is given to both a Junior and Senior section student whose project shows the best use of scientific and creative thinking. Ashley Frye received third place in the Physics and Astronomy category. Both students are taught science under the direction of Ms. Carol Fogleman.

Mother’s Day Tea Mother’s Day was celebrated a few days early in our Elementary/Middle School Classes! A long standing tradition here at MMS as the students perform for the mother’s (and father’s) while serving them hors’d ourves and tea! This is always a very special day when the children express their love to their parents.

IOWA Test Scores The scores for the First through Eighth Grade Iowa Scores are here! Below are the composite scores for each grade! For a complete breakdown visit our website at www.millhopper.com!

Grade 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Grade Equivalent 2.7 4.0 6.2 6.9 9.3 9.3 13+ 13+

National Stanine 8 8 8 7 8 8 7 8

National Percentile Rank 89 90 93 83 89 89 87 96

MMS Calendar June 2010 Tuesday, June 1

End of year show Technical Rehearsal – for directors & some leads

Wednesday, June 2

End of year show Dress Rehearsal – 9:30-2:30 at PKY

Thursday June 3

Kindergarten Graduation – 1:30 PM

Thursday, June 3

Alice in Wonderland full run through at MMS 9:00-12:00

Friday, June 4

End of Year Show at PK Yonge 5:30 PM

Friday, June 4

Last Day of School – Preschool through Kindergarten – Regular full day with the after school program

Monday, June 7

Eighth Grade Graduation – 6:00 PM

Tuesday, June 8

Blue Springs Trip for Mr. Richard Aslanian’s, Ms. Christina Miller’s and Ms. Sherilyn Farris’ Classes

Wednesday, June 9

Last Day of School – First through Eighth Grade – Regular full day with the after school program

Friday, June 11

Elementary/Middle School End of Fourth Quarter

Monday, June 14

First Day of Summer Camp

Friday, June 18

Elementary/Middle School Report Cards are sent Home

July 2010 Friday, July 16

Summer Camp Ends

Monday, July 26

Entertainment Book Sales Begin

August 2010 Monday, August 16

First day Preschool/Kindergarten Students

Monday, August 23

First day for Elementary/Middle students

September 2010 Monday, September 6

Holiday - Labor Day

Friday, September 24

Fall Individual & Group Picture Day

Thursday, September 30

Entertainment Book Sales End

October 2010 Monday, October 11

Sally Foster Sales Begin

Friday, October 15

Holiday - UF Homecoming

Thursday, October 28

Sally Foster Orders End

Friday, October 29

Student Holiday/Teacher Workday

November 2010 Thursday, November 11 Wednesday, November 24 Thursday, November 25 Friday, November 26

Holiday - Veteran’s Day - Flex Day Holiday Thanksgiving Holidays