Fact: There is no known single cause of autism, but increased awareness and early diagnosis/intervention and access to appropriate services/supports lead to significantly improved outcomes. (source: http://www.autism-society.org/what-is/)
Also of interest to note: a new Muppet, Julia, was introduced yesterday on Sesame Street, as their new initiative kicked off: See Amazing in All Children. Check out their resources: http://autism.sesamestreet.org/.
Meal Support
Our PE teacher, Mrs. Jamie is home recovering from surgery, and Mrs. Renee has created an online signup system for families to help with meals. http://www.takethemameal.com/meals.php?t=DXMN3620&welcome=1
Families can either drop the meal off to Jamie’s house (address within the signup page), or meals may be brought to school to be sent home with Ava (Reef Gecko class).
Bake Sale Wednesday
Mrs. Shannon & Ms. Jenni are hosting a bake sale after school this Wednesday, by the independent walker gate to support additional travel expenses associated with the Early Secondary end of year trip to Washington DC.
Professional Day Friday
School will not be in session Friday (4/14) as the staff will have a Professional Development Day. Ms. Adele has scheduled a Plein Air workshop for students, for those families who need child care: http://www.kwahs.org/event/professional-day-workshop-plein-air
Student Art Show & Auction
Please join us from 5-7 pm this Saturday (4/15) at Stone Soup Gallery for our annual Student Art Show and Auction. View nearly 100 pieces of art created by students of May Sands Montessori School. Each grade level has produced a piece using various art mediums as well as incorporating the child’s self within the work, guided by art teacher Bria Ansara. Our Kindergartners have created lovely abstract pieces using pastels, Lower Elementary students are working on decorative tile clay projects, and our Upper Elementary students have developed new skills in printmaking. Our Early Secondary Middle School students have constructed beautifully detailed pen and ink drawings, and have collaborated on one large piece representing diversity, which will be sold as an individual work.
Our very own Montessori parent, Layla Barr, will be making gourmet hors d’oeuvres, and wine and craft beer will be offered. A separate silent auction with community items will also be featured.
Tickets are $20 and may be purchased at the door.
The proprietor of the Stone Soup Gallery, Melissa Trader, will be offering an incredible discount on framing, $40 for each purchased piece. Additionally, she is donating half of the proceeds from the price of framing back to the school. This and the income from the tickets and silent auction provides an opportunity for the school to raise needed funds associated with operating a tuition-free Montessori program as well as a means of empowering students. “It is my belief that children gain self-confidence and peace of mind expressing themselves creatively,” says Ansara. For more information, call Melissa Trader at Stone Soup Gallery: (305) 296-2080.
For those families on social media, please share the link with your network: https://www.facebook.com/events/1876962849194331/
Community Outreach Event
We will host an Open House from 5:30-6:30 on Wednesday, 19 April for prospective families and for those families making the transition to the next program level. Please share the event with your network of friends with school-aged children, and consider attending as well! https://www.facebook.com/events/128291704377663/
Endangered Species Earth Day Celebration
Earth Day will be observed at May Sands Montessori School on Friday, April 21, 2017, and we’ll have a special Flag Raising ceremony to celebrate the day. The Instructional staff has been encouraging students to hone their research skills with this activity, but students are also encouraged to work on their project at home. We will honor Earth Day with an awareness of the many endangered or threatened species facing extinction, and celebration of their special characteristics. I have attached a PDF of the information to this message, and have also posted it on our school’s calendar (4/21). Families may also contact Ms. Gabriela with any questions about the celebration: [email protected].
Theater Club
There is still space for any students who want to participate in our after school performance club, which takes place Mondays and Wednesdays (except Early Dismissal days). For more information, please email Ms. Rachel at [email protected]
Aftercare is still collecting Altoids and other mint tins for a special project.
Ready, Set, Action!
We have started a Youtube channel! Right now the URL is https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPTvoZVnIrQmvo3uu__A7jg but as soon as we receive 100 subscribers, we’ll have a custom URL. Also, we have only one video – our Upper Elementary students’ performance of Dig It! If you’d like to see our other videos, check out our Vimeo account: https://vimeo.com/user11551600/videos
Papio’s Kinetic Parade Update
Our Upper Elementary and Early Secondary students will meet with Ms. Adele and local artist Steve Linden this Thursday to learn more about Stanley Papio and our upcoming participation in the Kinetic Parade. The parade takes place Saturday, May 6th @ noon.
Ms. Bria will host a pre-parade workshop the morning of the event (10:00-12:00), and she is collecting clean, recycled items for use. Students may bring items to the Art Room any time up to 4 May. In addition to typically recycled items, Ms. Bria also welcomes washers, nuts & bolts, screws, and any other items from which students may create works of art.
Early Secondary Class Performance
The Blue Tangs will be performing some original mini-dramas this Thursday at 1:15 in the Blue Tang room. Each group is writing an original script, creating props and costumes, and storyboards about different groups who originally explored the West in the 1800s. You are cordially invited to attend these performances. We hope to see you Thursday at 1:15!
