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“...a new stage of development, one that’s loud, messy and rude.”
Um, no thanks?
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Fantastic lineup for Parent University via Community Conversations...
5 Picture Day is 7 You look an September 25!
When should kids get cell phones!?
the 2013 SEPTEMBER ISSUE
awful lot like a Board Member.
Yes, you!
(Black-tie Optional)
RIVER CURRENT A MONTHLY PUBLICATION FROM RIVER MONTESSORI CHARTER SCHOOL
Message from our Executive Director Dear River Montessori Families,
Parent
UNIVERSITY C o mmunity
Conversations
ONE HOUR. EVERY MONTH. Dedicated time to talk with River’s Montessorians about supporting our children in their growth and learning! Meet new friends, ask questions, give and share perspective, and get a little support in the process.
For more details see page three.
We are in full swing! The children are working so beautifully in the classroom — I am captivated by their enthusiasm and depth of concentration every time I am in the classroom. When last I solicited an impromptu and informal poll about favorite work in the classroom, the children covered the gamut with “science, math, grammar, journaling, running the mile, drawing, history, anatomy, checkerboard (more math!), chemistry, art, snack, cooking, research, year-long project (sixth years), geography, and community meetings”. Sounds to me like our children have a good grasp of things: we address whole development in a Montessori school. Social, emotional, and physical development are required for intellectual (cognitive) work. Our children feel comfortable enough to observe, attempt something new, take a risk, and decline an invitation for a lesson. This allows for some big work when they are ready, their minds and spirits are open to their choice and this deepens the lessons and experience for the child, whether it be a social interaction, negotiation, or disagreement, an emotional reaction that takes them by surprise, or an academic activity that might be too hard and requires a renewed commitment to trying again. In adults, we celebrate the end results of such an education. We revere colleagues, friends, or family who can handle adversity
with grace and determination, leadership with aplomb, and disagreements with respect and peace. We admire those who have a calm way, an assured self-awareness, the knack for knowing when to speak and when to be silent. Those who have accomplished much but yet are fully present and enjoy their lives. Sometimes we forget that these traits develop in childhood. The elementary plane is a beautiful window into the very beginnings of great social awareness, understanding and caring for others, and the art of diplomacy. It is a foundation for the enviable development of a sense of time, organization, and accomplishment— a true balance of work and play. And let’s not forget the joy. Does anyone smile or laugh like an elementary child? The sense of humor is so endearing to watch develop— from the nonsensical to the inappropriate, they cover it all to figure it out. The elementary years are when we learn who we are, why we are here, and what we can do. When combined these growing strengths develop the necessary skills for negotiating the world and whatever one will encounter in life…whether it is in middle school, adolescence, or midlife. Here’s to the very big work that these little people do every day. May we all stand in awe and support them in their work! Peace, peace, Kelly
MONTESSORI
Matters Maren Schmidt, M. Ed.
13 May 2006
FROM Kids Talk Newsletter: Connecting Adults to Children in Powerful Ways
Beware of the Age of Rudeness ‘’Ever since Jill started first grade, she’s become louder, messier, and not as kind as she was in kindergarten. I think her first-grade classroom must be the reason she is the way she is,’’ Jill’s mother Paula said. Susan, a former kindergarten and first-grade teacher, smiled. ‘’Paula, I hear this every year. What’s happening with Jill is that she has entered a new stage of development, one that’s loud, messy and rude. Jill sounds like a six-year-old, a perfect six-yearold.’’ Yes, something different and mysterious begins to happen to our sweet and wellmannered five-year-olds. They turn six, lose teeth, get taller, and their hair loses its curl and becomes coarser and straighter. And their brains change. As physical changes occur in our children, we also see behavioral changes. Children — who a few months before were content to eat what was served, wear the clothes in their closet, and enjoy the activities available — become less accommodating. We begin to hear the phrases, ‘’that’s boring,’’ ‘’that’s babyish,’’ ‘’that’s not fair’’ and ‘’that’s yucky.’’ Then there is the question, ‘’Why do I have to?’’
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Between the ages of six to twelve years, children are in a period of development where they are trying to become more independent of their family and close circle of friends. They are trying to ‘’break out into society’’ and make themselves into social beings. The child of this age has a strong desire ‘’to go somewhere,’’ whereas younger children are happy to be home and in fact might resist trips out of the house. The older child wants to dress differently than younger children. The older child, in fact, is striving to push parents away as he or she develops independence within a group. We shouldn’t be too quick to label a child discourteous or dirty. These behaviors manifest themselves as independence grows, and can turn into rebellion if not allowed in some aspect of the child’s life. Children may want to change their names, style of dress, hairstyles and favorite colors. At age six, one of my daughters went from shoulder-length hair with a penchant for lavender party dresses and black patent leather shoes, to red and blue rugby shirts, corduroy pants and an over-the-ear haircut. She also changed her name to Luke, in honor of Luke Skywalker. It was hard to miss that she was not five any more. During this six- to twelve-year-old period of childhood, there are extremely powerful forces at work within the child. It is a period of robust good health. The colds and ear infections of the previous six years are infrequent. Growth is steady, and good health gives strength to the mind.
The intellect of the child is most receptive to learning at this age. The ability to reason appears, and the use of imagination begins. A developing sense of morality emerges in the child, along with an awareness of good and evil. The child is also drawn to the enormous or the oddball. At this age children love exploring the Guinness Book of World Records. Hero worship is also part of this age child’s activities. As you notice these changes in your sixand seven-year-old, don’t panic. Your child is taking his or her first steps into a new world of independence, great intellectual growth and development of a sense of right and wrong. There is so much of the world and life for the six- to twelve-year-old to learn, experience and understand. Impatience can be read as rudeness. At the next stage of development, during ages twelve to fifteen, we’ll have an opportunity to reintroduce the grace and courtesy of social skills to a more receptive audience. Enjoy the missing teeth, the new hairdos and the different clothes because these changes let you know that your child is navigating the path to adulthood.
“.. A NEW STAGE OF DEVELOPMENT, ONE THAT’s LOUD, MESSY AND RUDE.”
THE SILENT
Parent University
We All Learn New Things at River Community Conversation Meetings are a dedicated time to talk with River’s Montessorians about supporting children in their growth and learning! Come meet new friends, ask questions, give and share perspective, and get a little support in the process. Each meeting is hosted by our administrator and/or a guide and includes a loose topic for inspiration and time for agenda-free questions and discussion.
Journey Hosted by RMCS & YOUR River Guides FRIDAY, November 1
Next Session:
&
September 19, 2013, 6– 7 p.m. Practice in Peace: Social Scenarios in the Montessori Elementary
SATURDAY, November 2 The Montessori Journey is a two-
Community Conversation Meetings are held just before the Foundation meeting.
session experiential introduction into the life of an elementary
Dates & Topics
Parent University
student in the Montessori Elemen October 17 Why does Montessori Work? Research says it all! November 21 Children & Media: When is the right time to get a cell-phone? December 19 Montessori and the Future of Education. A Nueropsychologist’s Approach to What Children Need
tary classroom. Friday, November 1 from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. and Saturday, November 2 8:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
For more information
January 16 Life After RMCS: An Alumni Panel
7 0 7. 7 7 8 . 6 4 1 4
Montessori
February 20 Vulnerability Creates Success.
March 20 Book Review: Montessori Madness: A Parent to Parent Argument for Montessori by Trevor Eissler
April 17 Bring on the Learning Revolution! May 15 The Happiness Advantage
SAID “The liberty of the child
Our River Community: Mentor Families Calling all new families… Wishing you could have a sneak peek at what’s ahead? Want to ask about how you really can trust this whole Montessori thing? Mentor Families are here! Some of our seasoned families have kindly offered their names and numbers for those of you who might like to ask a quick question or have a good chat about understanding Montessori, elementary development, and/or River Montessori Charter School.
Wish List Patio Umbrellas • Patio Furniture • Picnic Tables Tree Stumps • Area Rugs Carpet Samples • Roomba Vacuum • Power Drill Dishwasher
should have as its limit the collective interest. It is well to cultivate a friendly feeling towards error, to treat it as a companion inseparable from our lives, as something having a purpose which it truly has.”
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ALUMNI Spotlight BY LUCY LONDON Petaluma Junior High Lets face it, Junior High is a scary thing. There are so many different kinds of people there it feels like you are in New York City! Although I know a lot of kids there, I feel like I can be an individual and not have to share my life or thoughts with someone else. The teachers there treat each and every person like and individual adult. We get loads of homework already, but it’s not so bad. At lunch and break a lot of the River kids eat lunch together. It’s nice to know people who are adapting to the new system the way you are. Although it is so big and scary, we are all adapting well and it is starting to feel like home. (Or school!)
the Children's
HOUSE Articles, Interviews, Poetry, Creative Writing & Special Interests
Jean – Our Wonderful Guide BY ZACHARY, Tuolumne I’m a student in the Tuolumne classroom, and I want to share more about our Guide Jean Hicks. Jean grew up in Alma, Michigan in the center of the state. She has three kids Tom, Christian and Cara and she loves them very much. Before becoming a teacher she was a librarian, a baker, and a candy shop worker. Jean has been a teacher for 30 years. She wanted to be a teacher since 3rd grade. Her favorite part of teaching is building a classroom community where children learn to work to play and create together. Jean loves to travel and the favorite place she’s been is Israel. She likes California because of the weather and the people and the food.
Overheard & PRICELESS “Second grade math is
different
because
of
the hard times and two divisions.”
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MIA, San Lorenzo
CAPTURE THE SCHOOL YEAR Picture Day is September 25 What to wear for Picture Day: Picture day will take place Wednesday, September 25 — one day for both Upper and Lower Elementary. Portrait proofs will be posted online for purchase and a password protected web link will be provided when proofs are ready. If you would like to receive a paper proof please sign up in the front office. No paperwork needs to be handed in prior to picture day.
Picture Day
09.25
Avoid shirts with logos, writing or busy patterns, dress your child in clothes that complement hair, skin tone and eye color. We recommend solid color and simple patterned shirts or dresses. Be sure to come to school with hair combed. The most important part of course, are the brilliant smiles. Photos will be taken outdoors in a natural setting (weather permitting) with a multiple shades of green as the background.
If you have questions please contact elizabethbaird@yahoo.com
“While we try to teach our children all about life, our children teach us what life is all about.”
- Angela Schwindt
ROWING WITH RIVER CREW Fall Break and Thanksgiving Join the fun in River Crew as we host some of the best play dates in Petaluma! In the Montessori spirit, children are given their choice of activities within a peaceful, joyful, and inspiring environment. At any given time you’ll find an individual child or a small group of friends playing games, cooking, playing outside, conducting science experiments, building structures and engineering, or simply enjoying a good read. Regular Hours: 7:00a.m. - 8:00 a.m. Monday - Friday 3:15p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Monday - Thursday 12:15 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Friday
Fall Break: Fall Break River Crew to explore Famous Inventors with special guest speaker, Local Inventor, Susan Ross who inventor of the board game Quirkle. THANKSGIVING Break: Join the River Crew Rock Hounds as we go on mineral and rock quests and learn about gems and crystals over the Thanksgiving Break.
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COMMUNITY
Work Day The classrooms of San Lorenzo + San Joaquin are sponsoring the first Community Work Day
SHIP
Shape Housekeeping, Reminders, Community Work Days
of the school year.
Arrival, Dismissal & Traffic
Please join them on
We have had a parent volunteer to ticket speeders in the
Saturday, September 14
driveway BUT we think perhaps a reminder to go
from 8:30 - 12:00 noon.
CALLING ALL
Neat Freaks! Regular maintenance at school can be time-consuming and expensive. Thanks to volunteers we are able to keep these costs down and put those dollars toward the classrooms and
s l o w l y
when on campus should be sufficient! Thanks for taking extra good care for our children’s safety!
Attendance Awareness Month FROM THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION September is the California Department of
Families should avoid extended vacations
Education’s School Attendance Awareness
that require your children to miss school.
Month.
The CDE asks that schools and
Try to line up vacations with the school’s
parents make attendance and punctuality
schedule. The same goes for doctor’s
a priority this year and offer the following
appointments.
information for families:
For younger children, you can set a regular
Some absences are unavoidable... children
bedtime and morning routine. Make sure
will get sick and need to stay home
they get 9 to 11 hours of sleep. You can lay
occasionally. The important thing is to get
out clothes and pack backpacks the night
your children to school as often as possible.
before. For older children, you can help
Sporadic absences, not just those on
them develop homework and bedtime
consecutive days of school, matter. Before
routines that allow for 8½ to 9½ hours of
Montessori school’s newsletter?).
you know it – just one or two days a month
sleep. Make sure that when the lights go
Feel free to come join us on the first
can add up to nearly 10 percent of the school
out, so do the cell phones, video games
year. If too many absences occur, it is still a
and computers.
staffing. We are looking for 201314 volunteers to tidy, clean, and organize spaces at school. People who have loved these jobs in past years have been Type A, Control Happy, Neat Freaks (Can you say that in a
Friday afternoon of the month or a day of your own choosing. Lather. Rinse. Repeat. Remember if you are volunteering on campus,
problem whether they are excused or unexcused because they represent too much lost learning time in the classroom. Studies show many children who miss too many days in kindergarten and first grade can struggle academically in later years. They often have trouble mastering reading
your children may
by the end of third grade.
enjoy River Crew for free!
Too many absent students can affect the whole classroom, creating churn and
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slowing down instruction [lessons].
Above all, set an example for your child. Show him or her that attendance matters to you and that you won’t allow an absence unless someone is truly sick. And avoid asking older students to help with daycare and household errands.
2013•2014
RMCS Board of Directors Is this YOUR time to serve? Welcome back to the 2013-2014 school year! I hope everyone had a great summer break and are settling into the school routine again. I would like to invite all of you to attend our monthly school board meetings. In case you haven’t met the great people on the board, let me introduce them to you: Beth Laurence, Ginny Hautau, Milagros Ott, Norman Lorenz, Julie Petersen and me, Julie Parnow. I invite you to consider joining our board which is made up of parents and community members. There will be elections in late September for one parent board member. If you are considering running for the position, you would be required to attend the next school board meeting on Tuesday, September 10 (at 6:30 pm at RMCS) and submit your name, a brief bio (1 to 3 paragraphs, which will be included on the ballot as information for parents), and information about your skills and qualifications to our Secretary, Beth at blaurence@rivermontessoricharter.org by Monday, September 23. The voting will take place September 25 – October 15
(including on student conference days), and the newly elected member will be notified on October 16. The parent member -elect must plan to attend the Tuesday, October 22 board meeting at 6:30 pm. Please see below the RMCS Board Director Job Description. Also, if you know someone (who does not have a child that attends the school) who would be a good candidate to fill the open community member position on the board, please give me a call at (707) 478-7716 or email at jparnow@rivermontessoricharter. org. We are particularly in need of people with financial, legal, civic, and educational expertise. I’m honored to serve River, Julie Parnow, RMCS President -------------------------------Julie has a B.S. in Business Administration/ Finance; served 10 years on the Petaluma Educational Foundation Board, the last three as president; has been a financial advisor for 10 years; currently works for State Compensation Insurance Fund as a claims adjuster.
Board Job Description THREE-YEAR PARENT TERM 1. Attend regular meetings of the 4. Prepare Charter School board, which are each approximately three hours in duration. The board is scheduled to meet 12 times per year. Be accessible for personal contact in between board meetings.
2. Provide
leadership to a board committee. Each board director is expected to serve as an active, ongoing member of at least one committee.
3. Participate
in the fund-raising activities of the school.
prior to regular board meetings, by reading and studying materials sent in advance regarding key actions the board is expected to take at the next meeting.
5. Participate in the annual board
BOD PRESIDENT & INTERIM TREASURER
Julie Parnow, Community SECRETARY
Beth Laurence, Parent MEMBER
Norman Lorenz, M.Ed., Community MEMBER
Julie Peterson, Community MEMBER
Ginny Hautau, Parent MEMBER
Milagros Ott, Parent COMMUNITY MEMBER
Know a good fit?
Meeting Dates
BOD NEXT MEETING: Wednesday, September 10, 2013 at 6:30pm Meetings are typically held on the 2nd Wednesday of each month,
development and planning retreat usually held in January of each year.
but please check the RMCS web
6. In general, utilize any pertinent
October 22 November 12 December 10 January 16 February 11 March 4 April 8 May 13 June 17
personal and professional skills, relationships and knowledge for the advancement of the Charter School.
site for any changes or additions.
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Foundation S p e c i a l THANKS The
Foundation
Board
gives
special thanks to all the hardworking River volunteers who donated their time and services to the Back to School BBQ including: Erik Ott & Milagros, Nicky Ovitz, Nancy Beltstein, Eden Belov, Dana Wade, Mark Hall, Tammy & Jerome Cleeland, Julie
Compton,
Sara
Peraca,
Mike Mannion, Chris Carlson, Javier Alverde & Matt Fagundes... THANK YOU ALL!
RiverWear O N L I N E
NEWS + VIEWS River Montessori Foundation : Founded by Families : Funded with Love
For the Love of River JOIN THE FOUNDATION As the parents’ organization for River Montessori Charter School, the Foundation is primarily responsible for River’s fundraising activities and is constantly working to create new fundraising events that will help us meet our donation goal to the school.
donation baskets for the Spring Auction, identifying and soliciting Dine and Donate opportunities at local restaurants.
We have a number of upcoming events that could benefit from the time and skills of River families. We’re looking for volunteers who help with all sorts of Foundation duties big and small, such as: writing donation request letters, helping create
Matt Hautau mphautau@gmail.com or Sarah Mart at sarahmart924@gmail.com. We’d love to hear from you!
If you’d like to find out how you can help, please email:
River Targets Facebook Contest VOTE EARLY. VOTE OFTEN. OKAY, WEEKLY. received 25 votes (which we already have!), Target will donate $1 per vote, which will be
COMING SOON:
paid out in Target gift cards. Like last year,
River Wear will soon be available online through the RMF web site.
the Foundation will give River’s Target gift cards our amazing Guides! The Foundation’s goal for the Target promotion is for River to earn over 300 votes! Please enlist all of your Facebook friends to help us hit this mark and provide Target’s popular school giving program –
a gift for our Guides!
Give with Target - is back for a second year and the Foundation wants to see River come out on top!
Beginning August 14,
guests can visit Target’s Facebook page and access the Give with Target app to vote for
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River once per week. Once a school has
HELP US REACH OUR GOAL OF
300 Votes
FOR OUR GREAT RIVER GUIDES
River's Back to School BBQ recapping a great afternoon It was great seeing so many River families at the Back-to-School BBQ in August! Many thanks to all the hardworking Foundation volunteers who put together this important community-building event for River and for the River Guides for their valuable participation and attendance. The afternoon saw hundreds of River kids, moms, dads, aunts, uncles and grandparents enjoying a beautiful day together while munching on a BBQ lunch, picking up the newest Riverwear shirts, and raising almost $1000 at the Dessert Auction!
RMF
CALENDAR The Foundation has added a few new events to its September & October calendar. Look for more details on the Foundation website, River’s Facebook page and in the Foundation e-newsletters …
September 27 Foundation Social @ Lagunitas, Petaluma
October 15 Dance, Dine and Donate @ Redwood Café,Cotati
January 25 Pancake Breakfast @ Applebee’s, Petaluma
January TBD Rock for River @ Lagunitas, Petaluma
Meeting Dates
RMF NEXT MEETING: Thursday, September 19, from 7-8pm Meetings are typically held on the 3rd Thursday of each month, but please check the RMF web site for any changes or additions.
A great time had by all … can’t wait to see you again at our next event!
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GRATITUDE Many Thanks Brian
Holiday
for
repairing cabinets! EriK Ott and Committee for our great Family BBQ! The children for a lovely
presentation
of
kind words and written affirmations
for
their
guides and assistants!
River Montessori CHARTER SCHOOL
September Calendar SEPTEMBER 2 Labor Day Holiday No School or River Crew SEPTEMBER 3 Finance Meeting Rescheduled for October BOD Facilities Meeting 6:30 p.m. Pasta Tuesday SEPTEMBER 5 Burrito Thursday SEPTEMBER 9 Conference Sign-Ups Begin in Trib Hall Pizza Monday SEPTEMBER 10 BOD Facilities Meeting 6:30 p.m. Pasta Tuesday SEPTEMBER 12 Burrito Thursday SEPTEMBER 14 San Lorenzo and San Joaquin sponsored Work Day at 8:30 - 12:00 noon SEPTEMBER 16 Pizza Monday SEPTEMBER 17 Pasta Tuesday SEPTEMBER 19 Community Conversation 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. Foundation Meeting 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. Burrito Thursday SEPTEMBER 20 International Day of Peace Celebration SEPTEMBER 23 Pizza Monday
RIVER
SEPTEMBER 24 Pasta Tuesday
C H A RT E R S C H OO L
SEPTEMBER 30 Fall Break Begins - School Resumes Octover 14
Montessori
SEPTEMBER 26 Conferences NO SCHOOL, River Crew Available SEPTEMBER 27 Conferences NO SCHOOL, River Crew Available
3880 Cypress Street Petaluma, CA 94954 www.rivermontessoricharter.org
ADDRESS LABEL HERE
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