-         George Washington Carver, African American Scientist

As we enter the month of celebrating Black History, we pause to thank the great leaders who have helped to inspire and model freedom and justice for all.  The Black History committee from the upper elementary classroom will visit the Charles Wright African American Museum in Detroit tomorrow.  These children will then begin their research and do presentations for their class on a variety of topics related to African American history.

Thank You

to all of the parents who worked at the Texas Hold ‘Em  fundraiser this past weekend.  We brought in a little over $3000 which will go to the scholarship fund.  Our next event is March 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4^th in Northville.  Please see Renee to sign up for your shift.  This is a very easy job and requires no knowledge of the game.  If you can count you can do this job!

Singers of United Lands

We welcome the S.O.U.L. group to our school this Thursday, February 2^nd.  Parents are welcome to join us for the morning concert at 10 a.m.  Following the concert the singers will be doing workshops with each of our elementary classrooms.

Myers-Briggs Personality Inventory – this Friday, February 3^rd

Join us this Friday for the First Friday coffee.  We will be discussing personality types and how they impact our parenting styles.  Parents should take the inventory in advance and bring their results to the workshop.  We will begin at 8:15 and finish around 10 a.m.  If you need a copy of the inventory please stop in the office.

Free Children’s Concert – Saturday, February 4^th

Chicago’s Mark Dvorak will be giving a free children’s concert this coming Saturday at the Hannah center in East Lansing.  Mark plays the guitar and banjo, and sings many old favorite songs as he engages and entertains the children.  Check out his concert and the other weekend sing-a-longs at www.singingfestival.com.

Open House – Tuesday, February 7^th

Please plan to join us for the open house on Tuesday, February 7^th.  You may sign up to attend from 5 – 6 or 6 – 7.  This is a very special evening when your child becomes your guide to his/her classroom.  They will show you what they have been working on and you will become the student for the evening.  You won’t want to miss this opportunity to connect with your child and learn about how they spend their time each day.  We suggest that you leave children too young to be enrolled with a sitter if at all possible to allow you to focus your attention on your child(ren) who are in the school.  We look forward to seeing all of you during open house.  In the event of bad weather our snow date for the open house is February 29^th.

Auction News

The auction is less than eight weeks away.  If your plan is to approach businesses for your family’s donation, NOW is the time to do it!  Many places need corporate approval so you must act early.  If you are feeling stuck, looking for ideas – just stop in and talk with Mo or Renee.  We have a list of places that may be willing to make a donation if you just ASK.  Remember, we count on 100% participation in this event in order to make it successful.  Mark your calendars for March 23^rd.  Volunteer positions and auction items/reservation forms will be coming to you next week. The sooner you return your forms, the more likely it is that you will get your first choice of jobs.  Questions???  See Mo or Renee, any teacher, or any parent who was in our program last year.  We are all here to help you get started in this fun and successful fundraiser!

Jump Rope for Heart – February 24th

Friday, February 24^th, the extended day and elementary children will be participating in Jump Rope for Heart, which is sponsored by the American Heart Association.  Children will be accepting pledges (not required) to turn in on the day of the event.  We are looking for volunteers to help with this fun from 1:30 – 3 p.m.  If you would like to join us, please see Kim McKeon (physical education teacher for the extended day and lower elementary), or Mo and Renee.  In addition to helpers for the “jumping stations”, we need parents to make healthy, nut free treats (like oatmeal cookies) for the children to enjoy at the end of their exercise.  Please sign up to bake or join us!

Items Needed

We are in need of some new (or slightly used) games and puzzles for our Before and After School Programs.  We are also in need of girl’s underwear, sizes 3, 4, 5, and 6, as well as boys and girls socks for our young friends who have occasional accidents.  If you have any that you are willing to donate, we would greatly appreciate it.

School and Daycare’s Tax ID Number is 382321310.  You may need this information for your tax returns.

Curriculum Night – Wednesday, March 7^th 6:30 – 8:30

This is the time of year when parents begin to think of next year’s plans for their children.  Before you decide the future of your child’s education, please attend our curriculum night which is designed specifically for the parents of extended day, and third year children.  During this evening, you will visit the “next level up”, and hear from the teachers what you might expect at your child’s new level.  This occurs for the first 45 minutes or so.  Then a panel of alumni from middle and high school, college and beyond will be here to talk about how their experience at our school shaped them as students and people.  These former students self select, and every year we hear from new alums who want to share.  It is always an informative and fun evening.  Please plan to join us!

Calendar

February                7                              Open House, for all parents and their students, 5 – 7 p.m.

17 – 21                    President’s Day Break, NO SCHOOL FRI, MON, OR TUES.

                                29                            Snow Date for Open House                   

March                    7                              Parent Education – Curriculum Night / Alumni Panel  6:30 – 8:30

9                              Teacher Planning Afternoon – 11:30 DISMISSAL FOR ALL

                                15, 16, 22, 23                Conferences in p.m., 11:30 DISMISSAL FOR ALL EACH DAY

                                23                            ANNUAL SPAGHETTI SUPPER & AUCTION FUNDRAISER

                                30                            Spring Recess Begins, NO SCHOOL ON FRIDAY- April 8th

April                       9                              Classes Resume

May                        4                              Teacher Planning Afternoon – 11:30 DISMISSAL FOR ALL

25                            Records Day, NO SCHOOL

                                28                            Memorial Day, NO SCHOOL

June                        6                              Last Full Day of School, last day for the After School Program

7                              Last day for all (except graduates), 11:30 DISMISSAL FOR ALL

                                                                Also this is the last day for Before School Program

8                              Graduates Only, 9 a.m., Graduation Ceremony – 1p.m.

February Art Classes Begin this Wednesday, February 1st  

Class dates are February 1, 8, 15, 22, 29.  The cost is $100 for all five classes.  Classes are available to children in extended day and elementary.  See Renee for a sign up sheet.

Just don’t give up what you’re trying to do.  Where there is Love and inspiration, I don’t think you can go wrong.

- Ella Fitzgerald, African-American Singer

Mo and Renee

– Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Thank You

• to all of the parents who so generously gave their time in setting up for the holiday program and cleaning up afterwards. These folks include Rufus Isaacs, Mike Ware, Bruce Dvorak, Jim Blair, Artesia Wilder, Danielle Fink, Dave Johnson, Kim McKeon, Anthony Kendall, Mary Thompson, Senta Goertler, Emily Stevens, Stephanie Hills, Jessica Yorko, Meghan Pineda, Jennifer Nelson, Tom Lewis, Eric and Harriet Dhanak, Niconna Nicholson, Keila McKenna, Lisa Parker, Bethany and Jason Hartzell, Dana Casey, Sandi Lewis, Teresa Hyndman, Sheila Harper, Carl Kludy, Carl Sisko, Uma Venkat, and Peter Robinson. This list does NOT include all of the people who spontaneously chose to help. We appreciate ALL of you so much!
• to two volunteers that we forgot to thank earlier – Sheila Harper and Jim Blair for their help at the walk-a-thon. Jim provided our rescue/safety vehicle (the golf cart) and Sheila helped with refreshments.

Welcome

We welcome many new babies in our community!

• Naomi Macarl Gordon, born November 26, 2011 to Liz Kozlowski and Charles Gordon, weighing 7 lbs. 4 oz. and measuring 18 ½ inches. Naomi has a brother, Ambrose, in Mindy’s class.
• Danielle Rose Spry, born November 30, 2011 to Jacqueline and Bryan Spry, weighing 9 lbs. 7 oz., and measuring 21 inches. Danielle has a sister, Ava, in Candy’s class.
• Katherine Emma-Grace Mazzaferro, born December 2, 2011 to Kari and Robert Mazzaferro, weighing 5 lbs. 5 oz. and measuring 19 inches. Katherine has a brother, Alekzander, in Mindy’s class.
• Twins – Miles Evan and Noah Reid, weighing 3 lbs. 7 oz, and 4 lbs. 13 oz., born December 15, 2011 to Kelly and Gary Langin. Miles and Noah have a sister, Olivia in Pat Taylor’s class.
• Moksh Patel, born to Avani and Alpesh Patel, weighing 7 lbs. 12 oz., born December 15, 2011. Moksh has a brother, Tej, in Candy’s class.

Welcome New Casa Staff

Due to increased enrollment we have hired an additional staff person at the Casa. Bethany Hartzell (mother of Cooper and Izzy in Candy’s class) has joined the Casa each day from 11:30 – 3. Bethany was born in Michigan but spent her childhood living in Panama. She has been a ballroom dance instructor, a studio director at a local photography studio, and an office manager for her husband’s landscaping/irrigation and construction business. In her free time she enjoys dancing and her first love, photography. Welcome Bethany!

Calendar Changes

The remainder of the year calendar follows. There are 3 changes (in italics with *) due to staff availability. We hope these changes do not inconvenience anyone. Thank you for your understanding.

January 3 Classes Resume

16 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Teacher in-service, NO SCHOOL

February 7 * Open House, for all parents and students, 5 – 7 p.m NEW DATE*

17 – 21 President’s Day Break, NO SCHOOL FRI, MON, OR TUES.

29 * Snow Date for Open House- NEW DATE*

March 7 * Parent Education – Curriculum Night / Alumni Panel 6:30 – 8:30 – NEW DATE*

9 Teacher Planning Afternoon – 11:30 DISMISSAL FOR ALL

15, 16, 22, 23 Conferences in p.m., 11:30 DISMISSAL FOR ALL EACH DAY

23 ANNUAL SPAGHETTI SUPPER & AUCTION FUNDRAISER

30 Spring Recess Begins, NO SCHOOL ON FRIDAY- April 8th

April 9 Classes Resume

May 4 Teacher Planning Afternoon – 11:30 DISMISSAL FOR ALL

25 Records Day, NO SCHOOL

28 Memorial Day, NO SCHOOL

June 6 Last Full Day of School, last day for the After School Program

7 Last day for all (except graduates), 11:30 DISMISSAL FOR ALL

Also this is the last day for Before School Program

8 Graduates Only, 9 a.m., Graduation Ceremony – 1p.m.

Please remember that we close with the Lansing School District for snow days.

However, we never have a delayed start due to weather conditions.

If school is open, we will be here at the regular time.

First Friday Parent Coffee

This Friday, January 6^th is the first coffee for 2012. Please plan to join us at 8:15 for an informal time to connect with others. See the later note for our February session on Parenting Issues – a Myers-Briggs approach to understanding yourself and your child.

Upcoming Charitable Gaming Fundraiser for Scholarships

January 26, 27, 28, 29 are our next fundraiser dates at Trippers at Frandor. Parent volunteers are needed to work shifts (11:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m. – 9 p.m., 9 p.m. – 2 a.m.). You need NOT know how to play Texas Hold ‘Em or Black Jack. All you need to know is how to make change and count poker chips! Please grab a friend and sign up for a shift. This is an EASY way for us to make $6000 in a weekend for our scholarship fund. If you are able to help, please contact Renee in the office. Thank you!

Academic Performance After Montessori

As you might expect, one of the questions most frequently asked by current and prospective parents is, “How will my child do when they leave Montessori?’. Each year, the upper elementary students take the IOWA exam. For 4^th and 5^th year students, this is experiential, practicing standardized testing. Only the 6^th year scores are passed along to the middle school when a child graduates. We thought you might be interested in knowing just how our children place in the comparative national test scores. The following are the MEAN (averaged) scores for our children in the eighth month of their 6^th grade year:

When reading these scores, it is important to note that some children have difficulty taking standardized tests, and that this is certainly not a complete measurement of intelligence or ability. There are many aspects of the Montessori environment in general – and of the upper elementary classroom in particular – that focus on the social and emotional growth of the person, an area much more difficult to “test”. It is also important to note that the above scores are the MEAN. Last year, the top score in every category was 13+, indicating a college level of competence when these tests were given. The year prior to that top scores were 10 to 13+ (tenth grade to college), etc. All of this would seem to indicate that the Montessori method is working beautifully, and that your investment in your child’s education is well worth the time and effort from both students and parents.

Many former students and parents tell us that they really begin to see the “payoff” of a Montessori education once the children get to high school and college. This is when the self-motivation, self-reliance, and social/emotional maturity of our students becomes even more evident and sets our students apart from others.

Come meet a few of these wonderful young people for yourselves. Please plan to join us for the upcoming “Curriculum Night” on March 7^th. Our former students, and some of their parents, will be joining us to talk about how their experience here shaped the rest of their learning career. It is a panel well worth your time.

Boxtops for Education News

Semora Kludy (Boxtops and Label for Education Coordinator) would like to extend a big thank you to everyone turning in boxtops and labels at MCH! Boxtop coupons turn into cash for our school, and the UPC labels from Campbell’s/Pepperidge Farm products provide us points to buy items for our school. Both of these programs are important to our school and we appreciate your efforts to keep them both going strong!

Please note the next deadline for our Boxtops for Education submission is at the end of February.Submissions after February/March will go towards next year’s check in December.

S.O.U.L.

Singers of United Lands will be visiting our school once again this year on February 2nd. This year, the singers are from Bolivia, India, Namibia, and Poland. We look forward to their concert and workshops with the children! Parents are welcome to join us for the concert in the morning. More details will follow.

Spaghetti Supper and Auction – March 23rd

Mark your calendars now to be with us for the spaghetti supper and auction on March 23, 2012! Letters are ready to submit to businesses for requesting donations. These are available in the pockets outside of the office. First time at the auction? Please talk with seasoned parents or staff to learn more about this community building event. And plan to attend and participate! Stay tuned for much upcoming communications.

Our Tax Exempt Number is 38-2321310. Many parents request this number for your tax preparations.

 Myers-Briggs for Parents

Have you ever been curious about why you feel so instantly connected with some people – be they friends, coworkers, or even your children? And why some people seem to take more work when you are trying to understand or be understood? It could be a simple personality difference. At our February 3^rd parent coffee, Mo will be presenting a seminar on the Myers-Briggs Personality Inventory. We will start at 8:15 a.m. and will end by 10:00. If you wish to participate, please see Mo so that you can receive a copy of the inventory to complete ahead of time. It takes about 30 minutes to complete, and will make your participation in this seminar far more valuable. We will be discussing parenting issues related to personality differences. It will be fun, informative and lively!

Important Announcement

Please do not leave cars running in the parking lot. This is dangerous and allows fumes to come into our building. Thank you for your cooperation in this effort to keep all of our families safe.

Cooking with Children

We were so fortunate to have Karen Mojica (mother of Samantha in Pat Taylor’s room) for a cooking project before the holidays. She combined her heritage from Columbia and Puerto Rico to create Bandeja Paisa (“dish of the peasants”). Karen joined Violet, Dylan, Amelia, Mohra, Syri, Rohn, Jacob P., Joseph, Teo, Savannah, Izzy F., Nick and Alex A.

to teach us a bit about her cultures of origin. Notes and recipe from Karen follow:

Origin: 

The origin of the bandeja paisa was influenced by several different cultures that inhabited Colombia throughout the centuries, including the indigenous peoples of Colombia, as well as colonial Spaniards and Africans.

The typical Bandeja Paisa consists of: A Paisa platter must be served in a large, oval-shaped tray. Thirteen main ingredients must be present for the dish to be considered a bandeja paisa: red beans cooked with pork, white rice, ground meat, pork rind, fried eggs, plantain (patacones), sausage with lemon, arepa, hogao sauce, black pudding, and avocado.

We changed our recipe a bit in order to get more available items. Ingredients:

-Enriched Long Grain White Rice

-Queso Blanco (which can be bought at Walmart now, but it needs to be called Queso Blanco, because of the consistency)

-GOYA Red Beans, canned

-Chorizo (3 different types/brands of chorizo): Can be spicy or mild or combination of either

Beef chorizo-soft

Pork chorizo-soft

Pork chorizo-hard

RICE:

(For a typical household)

2 cups per 3-5 people

Rinse out the rice. Add to the pan – a quart size non-stick pan works best. Cover with water about 2 inches from top of rice. Add salt. “Taste test” after a few minutes to make sure it’s not too salty. After the salt is okay, add a regular size cooking spoon of olive oil. Put it on high, and let the water soak into the rice until you don’t see the water anymore. Cover, then simmer about 20-30 min, on low heat, turn after 15 min, “taste test” again, if the rice tastes undercooked, add about 1/4 c water, and continue simmering until it’s fluffy.

BEANS:

GOYA Red Beans, canned

First:

Use about 1 T Olive Oil, then add minced garlic about 1 t, and minced onion to saucepan, and saute together for a few minutes. Add the red beans, the whole can without draining. Mix together. Add about 2 T tomato sauce. Add 2 T Goya Sofrito, (Canned, tomato base). Add 1-2 packets of GOYA Sazon Culantro and Annatto packets. Taste before you add additional 2nd packet of GOYA Sazon, or more of the ingredients.

CHORIZO:

Start with the same saute as for the beans. Cut up the hard chorizo into small pieces. The beef chorizo should just break into pieces. Add GOYA Sofrito w/ cilantro, frozen kind -About 3 T. Continue to “taste test” until you get the flavoring you want.

Once it’s all done serve on a platter: Rice first, then the red beans, chorizo, and cheese on top, cut lengthwise. If you want a little heat with some lime, you can add the GOYA Botanita hot sauce, very good!

These are the products I use when cooking:

Goya Sazon Culantro and Annatto packets

Goya Sofrito, tomato cooking base, 12 oz jar

Goya Sofrito, with Cilantro, frozen

Goya Botanita snack hot sauce with lime juice

Most of the the products you can get at a little store called Handy’s Market on Willow Hwy. Or you can order these products from the following website:

www.thelatinproducts.com

Happy cooking everyone!

As we welcome in 2012 it is a good time to take stock of our many blessings. We are grateful to each and every one of you for continuing to be an important member of this community. Thank you for sharing your precious children with us.

Feeling gratitude and not expressing it

is like wrapping a present and not giving it.

- William Arthur Ward

With wishes for a very happy and healthy new year,

Mo and Renee

Walkathon Results
Many thanks to all of the donors who contributed to our walk-a-thon. Our total is $4033. We have ordered the new tables for the extended day lunch group AND new outdoor soccer goals! We appreciate your support, and know that the children will use this new equipment every day.
It’s Time for Warm Outdoor Clothes!
If your child stays for recess or the Casa, please be sure to send warm clothes, including hats, gloves and jackets. Snow pants and snow boots will be necessary soon. You may want to consider leaving a pair of snow pants at school or the Casa during the week. Please label all outdoor gear with your child’s name.
Conferences/Art Classes
It is time to sign up for conferences! The sign-up sheets are posted outside of the classes. Also, please remember that the sign-up sheet for extended day and elementary art classes for the upcoming half days is also available. Art classes are filled on a first come, first serve basis, so be sure to register early!
Box tops for Education
The box tops turned in this fall have earned us almost $123.00. This is a little less than we collected last year. Please remember that this is an easy way to earn money for our school and a simple way that grandparents and other extended family can help out without spending extra money! Keep clipping!
Can You Guess What This Is?
Children and adults have enjoyed the hall guessing game of unusual harvested crops from the farmers markets and local gardens. Ally Melvin, Josie Tanasse, Eli Tanasse, Emma McKeon, Emma Cooper, Alekzander Mazzaferro, Amanda Allen, Dylan Wohlfert, and Elijah Ellis participated in the cooking project that followed:
Roasted (or Stir Fried) Kohlrabi with Sweet Potatoes
Ingredients:
Olive oil, Kohlrabi, Sweet Potatoes, Celery root, Golden Raisins
Sea Salt, Cinnamon, Fresh Garlic, Pumpkin Seeds
Cut celery root, kohlrabi, sweet potatoes into bite size chunks
If roasting, coat all of the above in olive oil, adding sea salt, cinnamon, fresh garlic
Roast in hot oven, 450 degrees
If stir frying, heat olive oil in deep frying pan, then add kohlrabi, sweet potatoes, celery root, and fresh garlic. Once all is tender, toss in golden raisins and pumpkin seeds. Season with sea salt and cinnamon.
Serve very hot. Be sure not to overcook, so that the veggies maintain their color and a slight crunch.
Holiday Shopping Made Easy
November means that the holidays are just around the corner! Attached are the order forms for two different fundraisers:
1) Swags and wreaths from Van Atta’s Greenhouse in Haslett: These beautifully fresh and fragrant greens are made to order by an alumni parent’s business – Van Atta’s Greenhouse and Gifts in Haslett. Van Atta’s offers a lovely variety of gardening supplies, as well as many unusual gifts from around the world. Every year, on the delivery dates, we hear parents say: “oh…I wish I had ordered one of those!” As always, one size of swags and two sizes of wreaths are available with your choice of red or burgundy bows. Two different delivery dates are available. Please be sure to check your preference for delivery dates and bow colors.
2) Michigan Mints from St. Johns: These delicious gourmet mints/cherry almond chocolates are available at only the finest shops (i.e. Grand Traverse Bay resort, Dusty’s, Michigania) AND at our school. The dark and milk chocolate flavors are available in red, green, silver, purple, teal, lavender, white, pink, and gold (see order sheet for choices). You will find that our prices are much better than the places listed above for the same items. We thank the Hanover-Hall family, (alumni), who make this delicious fundraiser possible each year.
WE HOPE THAT EVERY FAMILY CAN PARTICIPATE IN THESE FUNDRAISERS IN SOME WAY. PLEASE PLACE YOUR ORDERS IN THE BOXES JUST OUTSIDE THE OFFICE.
PLEASE NOTE: All orders must be prepaid. Please note the specific deadlines on each order form, as each is different, and some are coming up very quickly! Thank you for your support!
Sixth Year Children Begin a New Community Service at Burcham Hills
Our 6th year students traditionally participate in several community service groups, including Meals on Wheels and Habitat for Humanity. In addition to these wonderful opportunities, they have begun bi-weekly visits to Burcham Hills. The first visit was spent getting to know the residents by playing bowling and racket games. The second visit occurred on Halloween, and the children and residents spent time creating crowns and hats. A wonderful time was had by all, with many smiles from both ages. What a fabulous connection for our Montessori children!
First Lego League
We wish our team good luck as they head to MSU this weekend to participate in FLL Robotics tournaments. They have put in a lot of time and effort preparing for these events. Special thanks to Rick Timm and Peter Robinson for coaching this team. Stay tuned for results!
Elementary Children at Jim McGrath
Each of our elementary classes is spending full days with Jim McGrath in Nature Discovery. Exploring each season as it unfolds is a great way for the children to mark the changes of our earth’s life cycles. If you have not yet had an opportunity to join your child’s class on one of these outings, we highly recommend that you join us next time. Your knowledge base will grow, AND you will get to experience the wonder of Jim’s expertise in natural world. It is no wonder that the children love him so!
Holidays Celebrated
Thank you to the families of Ava Spry, Tej Patel and Uma and Radha Malde for sharing the celebrations of Rosh Hashanah and Diwali with our classrooms. The children loved learning about these holidays!
UNICEF
UNICEF boxes are now due to your child’s classroom. We will keep you posted on the results of the children’s efforts.
Food Bank Collections
Our girl scout Daisy group is gathering food for the Greater Lansing Food Bank. If you have non-perishable items that you would like to contribute, please bring them in to the box on the table just outside the office. Items are due by November 15th. Thank you.
Holiday Gifts for Foster Care Children
Each year, our school sponsors foster care children in Ingham County for the holidays. Classrooms are assigned an age (ranging from infant to 18) to shop for the holidays. If each child is able to select a gift for another less fortunate child, we can make a big difference for these foster children in the holidays ahead. Packages should be wrapped, labeled with the appropriate age and gender and brought to the classroom NO LATER THAN 11:30 A.M. ON DECEMBER 8TH. Foster care workers will pick up these gifts that day at noon. Age assignments are as follows:
Ages 0 – 2 Pat’s room
Ages 3 – 5 Patty’s room
Ages 6 – 8 Candy’s room
Ages 9 – 12 Claud’s room
Ages 13 – 15 Mindy’s room
Ages 16+ Sharon’s room
This community service is a wonderful way to empower your child to make a difference in someone’s life. Allowing the child to brainstorm ideas with you about a gift selection, go to the store to purchase the item, and be involved in the wrapping of the gift can give added meaning to this activity. Please help your child have the full experience of giving by guiding them in this process.
Upcoming Calendar
November 10, 11 Conferences in p.m., 11:30 DISMISSAL FOR ALL, EACH DAY
17, 18 Conferences in p.m., 11:30 DISMISSAL FOR ALL, EACH DAY
23 Thanksgiving Recess begins, 11:30 DISMISSAL FOR ALL
28 Classes Resume
30 Picture Retake Day
December 15 No After School Program (holiday program set up)
16 Holiday Program at 9 a.m., DISMISSAL FOLLOWING PROGRAM
January 2 Classes Resume
16 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Teacher in-service, NO SCHOOL
Be Thankful
Be thankful that you don’t already have everything you desire,
If you did, what would there be to look forward to?
Be thankful when you don’t know something
For it gives you the opportunity to learn.
Be thankful for the difficult times.
During those times you grow.
Be thankful for your limitations
Because they give you opportunities for improvement.
Be thankful for each new challenge
Because it will build your strength and character.
Be thankful for your mistakes
They will teach you valuable lessons.
Be thankful when you’re tired and weary
Because it means you’ve made a difference.
It is easy to be thankful for the good things.
A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are
Also thankful for the setbacks.
GRATITUDE can turn a negative into a positive.
Find a way to be thankful for your troubles
And they can become your blessings.
- Author Unknown
May your family experience bountiful blessings during this month of gratitude and beyond, Mo and Renee

- Kent Nerburn (American Author, Sculptor, Theologian and Educator. b.1946)

Thank You

to Chitra Saravanam, Danielle Fink, Anthony Kendall, Mary Thompson, Lynn
Adrian-Roberts, Bethany Hartzell, and Cathy and David Lashbrook for helping with
the picnic.
to Brenda Ammon, Neeshan Mehretu, Artesia Wilder, and Leslie Melvin for
volunteering to help with the walk-a-thon; and to Lisa Knowles, Neeshan Mehretu and
Dina Krois for volunteering to make cookies for this event.
to Martin Overhiser for bringing in many different kinds of apples from his brother’s
orchard and presenting a lesson to the elementary children of Sharon and Claud’s classes.

Picture Day – Tuesday, October 18th

Picture day is coming right up. You should have received an order form for your child’s pictures.
Please make checks payable to Lifetouch for these orders, and return your order forms and your
check before or on the morning of October 18th. Extra picture order forms are available outside
the office if you have misplaced yours.

Flu Shots

JoAnne Adrian, nurse practitioner, will be doing flu shots at our school again this year. The dates
and times are as follows:

Wednesday, October 19th, at 7:30 a.m.
Wednesday, November 2nd, at 3:10 p.m.

You may elect a flu shot for $27 or the mercury free flu shot for $30. Parents must be present
for children to receive the shot. Adults may also receive the flu shot. We thank JoAnne Adrian,
grandparent of Scarlett and Lathram for making this possible.

Cooking with Children

The first cooking project for the year was Apple Crisp, which the children made for the school
picnic. Children who participated in this cooking project were Benjamin Gleeson, Griffin
Gleeson, Keliah Ellis, Eliza Lewis, Katie Hyndman, Sofie Johnson, Scarlett Roberts, Elijah
Ellis, and Taylor Chaliman. We are thankful to Martin Overhiser for bringing apples from his
brother’s farm. We used these beautiful fruits to make our crisp. The recipe follows:

Apple Crisp

6-8 apples
7-8 Tablespoons of butter
1 cup sugar, ½ brown, ½ white
1 teaspoon cinnamon
¼ cup water
2 Tablespoons lemon juice
¾ cup flour

Put apples in an oven safe dish. Pour water and lemon over the apples.
Work flour, sugar, butter until crumbly and spread over apples.
Bake slowly at 350 degrees. (45 minutes to 1 hour)

Serve warm with a dab of vanilla ice cream or frozen yogurt. Sigh with joy!

If you have a cooking project that you would like to share, please talk with Mo. Upcoming we have
Karen Mojica doing a Columbian or Puerto Rican dish, and friends from Meridian market doing a
Czechoslovakian cooking event.

Original Works – Your Child’s Art Work for Holiday Gift Giving

Friday you should have received your child’s art work for Original Works. These make GREAT
one-of-a-kind HOLIDAY GIFTS for those special friends and relatives in your child’s
life. Primary and Elementary children have made this art in their classes. Your orders will be
received before Thanksgiving, in time for holiday gift giving! We have been doing this for a
number of years, and are pleased with the quality of items from Original Works. What a great
way to celebrate your child’s creativity! For more information on these unique products, visit
www.originalworks.com.

Halloween

As is our custom, the Primary classrooms (Pat, Patty, Candy) will be celebrating Halloween on
October 31st, in a low key, simple fashion, with special activities in the morning. (No costumes)

Elementary classes will participate in a Halloween Party in the gym from 1 – 3, on Friday,
October 28th. Elementary children may change into their costumes AFTER recess, and should
bring their “gear” in a bag labeled with their name. An optional visit through the “haunted/fun
house” (put together by the 6th year) is also available. We try to keep the day as calm as possible.
Parents are welcome to join us for the Halloween party/haunted house on Friday, October 28th at
1:00 p.m.

As you help elementary children prepare for this celebration, please be sensitive to costuming
that others may find offensive. In addition, if your child’s costume includes any kind of
accessories which could be considered violent, please leave these at home.

Halloween Treats – NUT ALERT!!!

Now that Halloween is upon us, many of you may be sending a candy or two in your child’s lunch
for a treat. PLEASE make every effort to select candies that are nut free for school lunches,
as it is easy for these treats to find their way into pockets, and then into classrooms, onto the
playground , etc. Help keep kids safe! Send only NUT-FREE candy to school!

U.N.I.C.E.F.

As is our custom, we will be distributing U.N.I.C.E.F. (United Nations International Children’s
Emergency Fund) information and boxes and these will be coming home with your children soon.
We hope you will take the time to read this information with your children. Our goal for this year is
$1000 for UNICEF.

Illness in the School – School Closings

Already this year, we have experienced several illnesses in our community. If your child has a
fever, or a communicable condition, please keep them at home until they are no longer contagious.
Your child must be fever free for 24 hours without medication before returning to school. In
addition, if your child is on antibiotics, they need to have been on them for 24 hours before
returning to school. Thank you for helping us maintain a healthy school community.

Attached pleased find comparison of cold and flu symptoms for your review. PLEASE BE SURE
TO CALL US WHEN YOUR CHILD IS OUT AND REPORT THE SYMPTIONS so that we can
track illnesses in our school. If we need to close due to a large number of absences due to illness,
we will call you. Please be sure we have your correct home, work and cell numbers in the office.

Conferences

Sign up sheets for conferences will be posted soon outside each of the classrooms. Please be sure
to sign up for a conference with your child’s teacher. We will have an 11:30 dismissal for all
children on conference days, November 11, 12, 18, 19.
Childcare and Art on Conference Days

Nov. 10, 11, 17, 18 After School Arts and Crafts Classes 11:30 – 3 -Renee Dvorak will once again
be offering after school craft classes during these four conference days. These classes are open
to extended day and elementary children and are filled on a first come, first serve basis. The cost
for each craft class will be $20, and includes the materials fee. Classes run from 11:30 – 3 p.m.
Children BRING lunches for these days. A registration form will be coming home to you soon,
which will include all 4 afternoons. You may elect to enroll your child in any one or all of the
above.

In addition, our after school staff will maintain the regular after school hours for children
enrolled in the art program on these four days. If your child is not usually a participant in the after
school program, and you wish for them to stay, the regular $18/day fee will apply for each day they
are enrolled.

Conferences – for Parents Only

If your child is not enrolled in one of the above programs, please do not bring them to school
during your conference time. This allows you one-on-one time with the teacher without being
distracted. Please make arrangements to have your children supervised at home, as our staff will be
busy with the children enrolled in art and aftercare. Our community spaces will be used by these
groups, so children will not be able to be in the gym or on the playground during conferences.

School Directory

School directories are now available. Please check to be sure that your information is correct, and
let us know if you see any mistakes. We create these directories from the most current information
in your child’s file.

Birthday Invitations – A Request

If your child wishes to pass out birthday invitations, please consider mailing these to the children
involved. When these are passed out at the school or daycare, it creates hurt feelings amongst the
children not included. You now have a list of all the current addresses (see above). Thank you for
honoring this request.

Health Forms/Immunizations

Some of you have received notes about immunizations and health forms that are overdue. Our
report to the health department is NOW OVERDUE. Please let us know the date of your scheduled
appointment to complete these requirements. If you wish to waiver these immunizations, we have
waiver forms in the office. Thank you for getting these to us right away.

Parent Coffee

We had a very successful parent coffee on October7th, and will have our next one on the first
Friday of November at 8:15. Please plan to stop in and chat with others, make a connection with
other parents, and explore future topics for discussion.
School Newsletters Online

Did you know that you can view our newsletters, (current and past) + our school calendar and much
more at our website, www.mchlansing.org ? Check it out! Contact us if you need the parent portal
password so that you can get into the newsletters.

Now is the accepted time, not tomorrow, not some more convenient season. It is
today that our best work can be done and not some future day or future year. It is
today that we fit ourselves for the greater usefulness of tomorrow. Today is the seed
time, now are the hours of work, and tomorrow comes the harvest and the playtime.

- W. E. B. Du Bois (American Scholar, Sociologist and Civil Rights Leader)

May this time of fall harvest bring you and your family the cherished fruit of your efforts,

Mo and Renee

Symptom Spotter

Colds

* Transmitted through touch.
* Results from contact with individuals or objects.
* May begin slowly, two or three days after infection with the virus.
* Usually starts with a sore throat, followed by sneezing and a runny nose.
* May experience a yellow or green nasal discharge, congestion, or a slightly
elevated temperature.
* Hacking cough, fatigue, and weakness are common.
* Symptoms generally last two days to a week.

* Transmitted by air.
* Just being in a room with germs. Headache, dry cough, and chills often signal
sudden onset.
* Muscle aches, often in the legs and back, or a high fever.
* May experience extreme fatigue—a “knocked out” feeling.
* Respiratory symptoms such as nasal congestion and sore throat are common.

Allergies

* Symptoms: Runny nose with thin, watery discharge; sneezing; congestion;
wheezing; itchy nose, throat, and eyes
* Onset: Symptoms begin almost immediately after exposure to allergen(s). If
allergies are seasonal, symptoms occur at the same time every year. If allergies are
perennial, symptoms are present year-round.
* Duration: Symptoms last as long as you are exposed to the allergen.

This information is provided by the American Academy of Allergy Asthma &
Immunology.

• Maria Montessori

Welcome to all who have entered our doors this fall.  We are so pleased that you have chosen our school community for your family, and we look forward to many wonderful moments shared over the next school year.  We value your partnership in this important  journey, and honor you as the first and most important teacher of your child.

Welcome

We have had several new babies born in our community:

• Craig Anthony Jones, born August 3rd to Sara Cooper and Craig Jones.  Craig (Jr.) has a sister, Lillianne, in Pat Taylor’s class.  Craig  arrived weighing 8 lbs. 5 oz., and measuring 22 ¾ inches.
• Athena Gregg, born to Jessica Henderson and Elijah Gregg.  Athena has a brother, Peto, in Patty Blackburn’s class.  Athena arrived weighing

Picnic – Thursday, September 22, 5:30 – 8 p.m.

Please join us with your family at our all school picnic coming up on Thursday, September 22nd.  Bring your favorite foods and join us for a great evening in the park.  Some of the elementary children will be preparing a dish using fresh apples that they picked at Clearview Orchards.  The picnic is at Frances Park, 2600 Moores River Drive.  There is a map on the back of the orange picnic invitation that you received a few days ago.  We look forward to sharing this time with you and your family.

Frances Park is a very large park, and borders the Grand River.  While we have the entire pavilion reserved, there may be other groups using the park as well.  Please keep your children within your supervision at all times.  The rose garden will be available for casual strolls, but take care to watch children there, as these lovely blooms are in the peak of their season.  Running in the rose garden is not permitted.

We need parent helpers to set up and clean up at the picnic.  Please contact Mo or Renee to volunteer!

New  Before / After School /Casa Staff

Stephanie Hills, parent of Donovan Hills (in Mindy’s room), is our new Before School Program Director. We are so pleased to have Stephanie join us for the early morning program.

Wendy Kopitsch (mother of Garret in Sharon’s room) will continue as the director of our after school program.  Wendy will also be assisting in Pat Taylor’s class in the mornings, and will do the Friday Care group for the extended day children from 11:30 – 3.

Kristen Fine joins us as a recent transplant from Colorado.  Kristen will be assisting in Mindy Banks’ class as well as assisting Wendy in the After School Program.  Kristen is Montessori trained at the primary level and has worked both with 3-6 year olds and lower elementary children in Montessori schools in Colorado and California.  We are very excited to have her join us this year!

Thank You

Many parents pitched in over the summer and at the beginning of schoo to assist in keeping up the grounds and school.  We wish to extend our sincerest thanks to the following people:

• Bobbi Tanasse, Brenda and Scott Ammon, Dana Watson, Bill Arnold, EmilyStevens, and Teresa Hyndman for helping with the new parent breakfast.
• Paul Cullimore for lawn maintenance
• Bruce Dvorak for general maintenance, painting,etc.
• Casa staff – Amy and Carla for caring for our peace garden, and especially to Amy for staining the wood of the raised beds and spreading mulch.
• Steve Parker for sanding and refinishing the picnic tables.Tara Davis and Lisa Wiley Parker for cleaning the windows.
• Dean Banks for power washing the entrance area.
• Amanda Hunn for caring for our hallparent space plants.
• Joan Johnson for her design advice on the new bathrooms.
• Bill Tanasse and Key Builders for our exceptionally beautiful new bathrooms!

Pesticide Notification

Rose Exterminators will do routine pest control at our school and daycare each month.  This company treats several schools, including the Lansing School District.  If you require advanced notification, please let us know.

Classroom Placement Requests for 2012-13

If your child will be graduating from Extended Day or Lower Elementary next spring and you wish to reserve a place for the next level, please give us a signed and dated request.  Additionally, requests for a specific classroom are considered, but please understand that we consider many factors when determining placement for the children, including teacher recommendation, gender, age, etc.   Letters of intention to continue should be signed and dated by the parent and given to the office.

Parking Lot

Please note that there is one way in and one way out of the parking lot. Even if you park near the exit – please make the loop all the way around the lot.  If you follow the painted arrows on the pavement, making the loop each time you enter the parking lot, we can avoid congestion, fender benders, and keep your children safe!  Also, please use the crosswalks when in the parking lot, and hold hands of the primary children.  This is very important in keeping children safe.

Lunches

We ask that lunches for children follow the same protocol as last year, as we have some VERY SERIOUS food allergies in our community again this year, and several of these children are now in our extended day program, having lunch for the first time at school.  Following the simple requests below will help insure the safety of all children in our care:
1)  We would prefer that ALL nut products be discontinued in lunches.  Please be mindful as you pack lunches for your children.  We will make every attempt to repackage any leftovers and send them back home so that the environment can be as uncontaminated as possible.
2)  Please try to send HEALTHY lunches for your child, packaged in re-sealable containers (like Tupperware).  Being able to reseal Tupperware containers allows us to return uneaten food.  Please include a healthy drink (ie. water, milk, non-sweetened juice), in your child’s lunch.  In addition, we ask that you refrain from sending “Lunchables” whenever possible, as these create a great deal of refuse, and are often prepared with nut products and nut oils, and are not easily re-sealed.
3)  Please review the attachment entitled The Five E’s – our practices and procedures for a risk reduction plan adopted in the spring of 2007.

Car Safety

Please be reminded that children under the age of 13 should be riding in the back seat of your car.  Airbags can present a very serious hazard to your child.  No children may be transported in the front seat of a car on a field trip.

6th Year Bottle Drive

Once again, the 6th year children are doing a fund-raiser for their trip to Pennsylvania.  They would really appreciate it if you would bring in your bottles and cans to help them raise money for the trip.  The large tub for these returnables is under the shelves across from the office.  Please rinse donated bottles and cans if at all possible. Thank you for your help!

Tuition Payments

Tuition payments are due between the 1st and 10th of each month unless you have made other arrangements with Mo.  There is a tuition box in the office, at the end of the long countertop.  If your child attends the childcare center, before school, or after school, please note in the “memo” space on your check how much of the payment is designated for each part of the payment.  You will not be receiving a “bill” for tuition, but will be notified if your payment is late.  If you require receipts for tax purposes or for reimbursement accounts through your workplace, we are happy to sign them.  Our tax number for your records is 38-2321310.

Health Forms

All Primary (Patty, Pat, Candy) children need a new green health form filed in the office EVERY year.  If you need a new form, please see Mo or Sue.  These are due by the end of September.  Sixth year children also need a new green health form on file.  These forms must be signed by your child’s physician, and must include updates of immunizations.  Blank forms are available in the office.

Update Your Child’s Emergency Contact Information

All children are required to have an updated registration form in the office.  If you have not filled one of these out, please do so right away, so that we have your current information in the event of a need to contact you.  We need this information quickly to prepare emergency contact information to send with the children on their field trips.  You should have received a bright green ½ sheet asking for your current email address for paperless communication.  These need to be returned to the office asap.  Please note that all of our all-school newsletters + the school calendar and much more is on our website, www.mchlansing.org for easy access from your worksite.

Allergy Form Updates

If your child has a serious allergy or other medical condition, please be sure we have CURRENT protocol in the office and in the classrooms, as well as any supplies needed for medical attention in the event of an emergency.  If Epi-pens are required, we must have current ones in the office and classroom, and daycare and after school (if enrolled in these programs), so that there is always one close and available for your child.  If you are unsure of what forms are needed, stop into the office and see Mo or Renee as soon as possible.  Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.

Walkathon Fundraiser – October 20th   1 – 3 p.m.

Each year our extended day and elementary children do a 1-3 mile walk in the fall.  The children solicit pledges from relatives and family friends, with the goal being that each child raise $75 – $100 in pledges.  This has been a very successful (and easy) fundraiser in the past, and goes a long way to help us with new items for our school.  This year’s money will go to the purchase of new cafeteria tables for the extended day lunch group.

A pledge sheet and envelope will be coming home with your extended day and elementary children in late September.  You may also choose to contact people via email.  Whatever you are comfortable with is fine.

All parents are also welcome to walk with us!  We need lots of volunteers on the day of the walk, Thursday, October 20th, 1 – 3 p.m.  Parents should let Mo or Renee know AHEAD of time so that we can assign each volunteer a station.  We will need people to be at stations along the way and to serve refreshments.

Arrival Time

The doors open at 8:20 a.m., and the cafeteria door is locked at 9 a.m.  If your child is in the building before 8:20, we assume that they are in the before school program, and you will be charged the additional $8 per day.

The teachers would like for children to be in the building by 8:25-8:30 – the elementary morning circles begin at 8:30 or shortly thereafter.  It is very important that children be present for the entire circle time, as it sets the agenda for the day and gives the child the information that they will need to function that day.  Please make a special effort to have all children to class by 8:30.  Thank you.

Dismissal Times

Please be prompt in picking up your child at the 11:30 and 3:10 dismissal times.  During these points of transition, it is important to your child that you are ready and waiting for their reconnection to you.  Children leaving at 11:30 may be picked up anytime between 11:25 and 11:30.  This is also a time of transition for the children being escorted to our daycare house next door.  Parents wishing to stay after dismissal times should be advised that our large play structure on the east side of the building is licensed for 5-12 year olds.  Children younger than 5 must be closely supervised by parents.  Please understand that the 5 year olds are having recess at 11:30, and will be running and playing hard during this time.  If you wish to stay, please watch very carefully, and be respectful of the extended day recess area.  Thank you!

Please be reminded that at the 3:10 dismissal, only upper elementary children may wait outside, just outside the locker room door.  Lower elementary children are to wait in the locker room, and extended day children wait in their classroom – these children must be escorted, by an adult, in the parking lot.  The after school program staff are gathering their children in the cafeteria on the far side of the gym.  No other children should be in the gym at this time, in order to reduce confusion.  If your child is still here at 3: 20, they will automatically be enrolled in the after school program.  The fee for occasional use of After School is $18/day.

Specialists for Extended Day and Elementary Children

Once again, we are so pleased that many of our specialists are returning this year to work with our extended day and elementary children.  They enrich your children’s experience in so many ways and we are fortunate to have them year after year. Jim McGrath will be here on Thursdays for Nature Discovery with extended day and lower elementary children.   Jim will also create some special events with the upper elementary children this year.  You can keep up with the many events offered by Jim on his website, naturediscovery.net.

Friday afternoons, the upper elementary will have a new gym teacher – Kristen Fine.  As we mentioned earlier in the newsletter, Kristen comes to us from Colorado wearing several different hats this year!
Returning specialist include:
- Kim McKeon –extended day and lower elementary physical education on Mondays and Tuesdays.
- Jaime DeMott – from MSU Community Music School – band on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons for the 5th – 6th year.
- Linda Abar- music on Tuesdays and Wednesdays with extended day and 1st-5th year children.
- Cheryl Kendall – computer in the afternoons to our 3rd – 6th year children.

We are extremely pleased to have such high quality people returning this year to enhance the instructional environment for your children.

Missing First Aid Kits

We are missing several of our portable first aid kits that go with parent drivers on field trips.  If you have driven on a field trip in the last year, please check your car to see if you accidently left a kit in your car.  If you find one, please bring it to the office, and all will be forgiven!!!

Target/Meijer Rewards Program/Boxtops for Education/Campbell’s Soup

Now is the time to sign up for the Target Take Charge Program (code 22251). 1.5% of your charges come to our school.  Meijer’s Rewards Program is also EASY to join, and costs nothing!  Our organizational code for Meijer is 181233.  You may register online at Meijer.com/rewards, or pick up a form in the pockets just outside the office door.  Please help us continue to raise money for our school with this painless method!  See Mo if you have questions.

Please continue to collect Boxtops and Campbell’s Soup labels.  Funds are redeemable for all sorts of school and sports equipment.  The receptacle for box tops and soup labels is in the hall parent area.  Thank you!

Scrips Fundraiser

The SCRIP display is on the table just outside of the office.  Please pick up information and enroll your family.  The proceeds from this fundraiser go directly into your child’s tuition account, making your May 2012 payment reduced or non-existent!  Please take the time to register for this easy fundraiser.  You and other members of your extended family (as well as friends), can buy gas, groceries, clothes, restaurant and motel gift cards, school and office supplies, etc. and all the while be contributing to your child’s tuition.  It is definitely worth checking out!

After School Art!

Renee Dvorak, assistant administrator, will be teaching after school art classes again this year.  Similar to last year’s program, classes will run 4 – 6 weeks, one day per week, from 3:10 – 5 or 5:30.  We will also offer art classes on some of the half days for extended day and elementary children.  These classes on the half days require advanced registration.  For all classes, children will be registered on a first come, first serve basis, with enrollment being limited to 15 children per session.  These hands on art classes will be held in the cafeteria across the gym during after school hours.  Watch for a flyer and registration sheet coming soon.

In addition, Renee will have afternoon art classes on the conference days in November, and Holiday Craft classes between the weeks of December 1st and December 16th.  We will keep you posted about these wonderful opportunities for your child.

Keeping in Touch – Facebook, Website, Email, Visits

There are many ways for you to stay in touch with us.  We have a Facebook page where we post photos and updated musings (Montessori Children’s House) plus our website www.mchlansing.com has our school calendar, newsletters, and a parent portal for classroom communications.  Our school email address is m.children@comcast.net.  The school phone is 517.482.9191 and the daycare number is 517.702.9190. And of course we always welcome face to face visits with you anytime!  If you are new to the community, and wish to see what your child is working on, please feel free to talk with your child’s teacher about a time to stop in and visit – especially after the children are fully acclimated to the environment.  We always enjoy having parents join us for birthday celebrations, to share a special holiday celebration, or anytime!

International Cooking with Children

Last year the children had fun learning about other cultures by preparing foods from many lands far and near.  We experienced ethnic foods from the Creole/Cajun tradition, as well as from Brazil, Ethiopia, Lebanon, China, and India.  If you would like to share your culinary culture with children, please contact Mo so that we can arrange a date for you to join us as a “guest chef”.  It is a fun way to expose the children to new foods and delicious time for all!

First Friday Coffee

We are interested in hearing from you.  A suggestion has been made that we have an informal coffee hour on the first Friday of each month from 8 to 9.  This is a time for parents to gather in a way that allows you to get to know the school and each other in an extended way.  Mo will be available at the gatherings to talk with parents and answer questions.   A sign-up sheet will be posted on the parent bulletin board (just inside the double doors).  If you are interested in participating, please add your name.  We hope to get enough people to make this a worthwhile and regular event.

Elementary Camp Dates

Each spring our entire elementary goes to Camp Miniwanca in Shelby, MI for 3 days and 2 nights.  This is a glorious outdoor classroom with a mile of private Lake Michigan beachfront and many wonderful activities planned especially for the Montessori children.  This year’s dates are May 16 – 18, 2012.  We ask parents to go as chaperones, along with our staff.  Please mark your calendars now!

In Closing

Let us close the first newsletter of the year by again saying how glad we are that you are here.  Be assured that we do not take for granted your decision to entrust your child’s education with us.  We are already seeing confidence grow in the new children, who enter each day a little more secure in their sense of belonging.  It is a heartwarming experience to watch them unfold and spread their wings.

Children new to our elementary are also gaining confidence in academic, social and emotional arenas.  They are learning the deep satisfaction that comes from trusting one’s own internal decision making skills.  As parents and educators, this calls upon us to listen without judgment, wait and see what solutions the child can create, and give children room to execute their plans without interference.  In short, we are asked to TRUST the wisdom of the child.

At the upper elementary level, the children are moving into yet another level  of decision-making, and are faced with the growing demands of freedom AND responsibility.  These lessons will serve them well as they prepare to leave us and move into the decisions facing them in middle school.  As parents, you will appreciate all of the practice that they have had with decision making.  Keep listening for your child’s changing cues of what they need from you, and appreciate all they do share with you, refraining from judgment.  If you talk too much, they will stop talking.

We are reminded of Dr. Steven Hughes statement at his recent parent address in late August:  “The development of the executive function is the greatest predictor of success”.    These critical cognitive functions of judgment, planning, imagining, foresight, organizing, self-awareness and self-correction help us to prioritize, pick strategies, and monitor progress as they interact with the environment.   It is the many experimental interactions with the environment that help us develop our executive function and make us “Good at Doing Things”.

And so we, all of us, are on this journey together.  We will all change in the year ahead, much like the upcoming autumn leaves.  It is our hope to share this partnership with you with love, care, and a growing sense of purpose and community.  Thank you for being with us.

The Five E’s –  Establishing practices and procedures for a risk reduction plan

Educate     staff, parents, and children about food allergies.  The goal is to elevate                     awareness and be prepared in the event of an emergency.

Encourage    cooperation/risk reduction from parents and children as they pack and                     bring lunches,     snacks, and special treats into the building.

Eliminate    nut products from all classrooms.

Exceptions    create a safe procedure for handling exceptions.  Items containing nuts                     need to be clearly labeled, and easily identified by everyone.

Emergency    action plans must be in place.  These include a Food Allergy Action Plan,                     to be filled out by the child’s doctor, AND an emergency care made with                 the school administrator and the parents.  Parents must allow the                     administrator to speak with the child’s allergist.

The following practices will continue to be in place:

1. Our daycare facility, all of our classrooms, and our after school programs (including chess, language classes, art, etc.) will make every reasonable effort to remain nut free.  This means that our school and daycare staff will not provide any refreshments/snacks/treats that contain nuts.
2. We respectfully request that when packing your child(ren)’s lunches, that you avoid nut butters, and other nut products.  We encourage all parents to help us reduce the risks by following this request.
3. For Elementary:  We will maintain nut-free tables in the common eating areas for lunchtime.  These tables will be kept separate, and children may sit there ONLY if they do not have nut products in their lunch.  These tables will be washed down before the children with allergies use them.  For Extended Day:  Special chaukies will be brought from the classroom each day for children who need a nut free table.  A new oil cloth will be purchased and used for these children as well.    For Daycare:  Lunches will continue to be nut free.
4. Separate cleaning sponges and buckets or disposable paper towels + soap and water will be used to clean the nut free tables and chalkies each day before lunch.
5. Children will not be permitted to trade or share foods and utensils at lunchtime.
6. Emergency action plans for allergic children must be in place when the child is enrolled at our school.  This includes sitting with the teacher and administrator, creating a procedure and providing 2 epi-pen injectors for each environment (the classroom, the office, and the daycare).  It is the parent’s responsibility to insure that epi-pens remain current, and that any changes in the emergency action plan are discussed with the teachers and administrators.
7. Staff will participate in ongoing staff trainings in first aid, CPR, and allergy response, including the use of epi-pens.

over please

The following NEW practices for further RISK REDUCTION will be put into place over the next 6 weeks with ongoing evaluation and feedback from the staff:

1. A sign will be posted on our doors stating that we have serious nut allergies in our community.
2. If a child has a nut product in his/her lunch, they will be asked to wash their hands, wipe their face, and brush their teeth before leaving the lunchroom.  This reduces the risk in our common areas, such as the water fountain, playground, etc.  Likewise, we request that if your child has consumed a nut product before arriving at school that they brush teeth and wash hands to rid of any residue before they come into our building.
3. We request that all parents help us to reduce the risk to allergic children by not sending in special treats (like for birthdays, holiday program, picnic, auction) that contain nuts.
4. We request that parents of allergic children keep a supply of safe, individually packaged “treats” for their child in our freezer or cupboard, so that these children are not left out during special treat occasions.
5. Brief educational notes will come home in your child’s lunchbox regarding food suggestions, including nutritious alternatives to nut products.  These will be designed to give you new ideas for lunches and snacks that are safe for nut allergic children.
6. Teachers will talk with the children in their classrooms about how to keep each other safe, and the importance of working together toward this common goal.
7. Both lunchrooms will have paper towel dispensers installed to facilitate hand washing and reduce the risk of cross-contamination.
8. Food Allergy Action Plans will now be filled out and signed by a doctor for each child with a life threatening allergy.  Parents of allergic children will be asked to allow the school administrator to speak with the doctor/allergist regarding the plan. These plans must be updated annually.
9. Parents of allergic children must meet with the administrator to review their child’s Allergy Action Plan (created by the doctor), and to create an additional Emergency Plan for their child, if necessary.  At this time, the parents will be asked to sign a document stating that they have completed this review.
10. Two epi-pens are required for each environment that the child attends (classroom, daycare, afterschool) + 2 for the office.  It is the parent’s responsibility to insure that these are replaced when outdated.  These epi-pens, a copy of the child’s Food Allergy Action Plan, and a cell phone will follow the child to each activity throughout the day – ie. gym, music, computer, recess, etc.
11. Parents of severely allergic children will be asked to drive on all field trips, unless alternative arrangements are made with the teacher.
12. Lastly, the goal of our efforts is to REDUCE the risk of exposure to allergic children.  It is important that no child feel ashamed of what they bring to eat for lunch at school.  Therefore, we ask that you clearly label or notify staff of any nut product that comes into the school.  Easy identification is critical for safety.

THANK YOU FOR TAKING THE TIME TO READ THIS CAREFULLY.

Nature is the teacher, and the child is the disciple.

Children are the disciples of life.

– Maria Montessori

In just a few weeks we will begin our 39th year in the Lansing Community. We are very pleased that your family has chosen to put your child’s education in the forefront for the coming year. In doing so, you are joining a community of dedicated educators and parents committed to the highest degree of quality education in a diverse, peaceful, and loving environment. Each of us, new and returning, old and young, is enriched by the presence of each family in our community. Thank you for choosing to share your child and your family with us. We welcome you with an open spirit.

Staff

We continue to appreciate a highly experienced and committed staff dedicated to providing a rich learning environment for the children. The following is a list of teachers and their assistants.

Primary (3-6 year olds)

Patty Blackburn Barb Opsommer, Sherie Mason (assistants)

Pat Taylor Lynette Davison, TBA (assistants)

Candy Voigt Tina Stevens, Lorie Latsko (assistants)

Elementary (6-12 year olds)

Claud Agnello Marie Crutcher (assistant)

Mindy Banks Cheryl Kendall, Kristen Fine (assistants)

Sharon Dhanak Vicki Cassidy (assistant)

Casa – Childcare Facility

Amy Rautmann (Director) Carla Martins (assistant)

Office

Mo Newton Administrator

Renee Dvorak Administrative Assistant

Kristi Taylor Bookkeeper

Specialists and Before and After School Staff

Before School Program Lorie Latsko

After School Program Director Wendy Kopitsch, assisted by Kristen Fine

Music Linda Abar

Band Jaime DeMott

Nature Discovery Jim McGrath

Computer Teacher Cheryl Kendall

Physical Education Kim McKeon (Primary and Lower El.)

Kristen Fine (Upper El.)

We Need Help from Some Seasoned Parents…

Once again, we are in need of a few “seasoned” parents to purchase and prepare our continental breakfast (fruit, muffins, coffee and juice) for the new parents on September 6th, from 8:20-10. Please call Mo or Renee at the school and leave a message if you would like to help welcome these new families to our community. Reminder: This day is for children new to each level ONLY. It is a half day for 1^st and 4^th year children (11:30 dismissal). New primary children (Candy, Pat and Patty’s classes) are dismissed at 10 a.m.

Health Forms

The health department requires that all 3-6 year olds have a current health form filled out by a doctor in the child’s file. If you have a child in our primary classrooms (Pat, Patty, Candy), you must have a current health form in your child’s file by September 30. These must be filled out and signed by a physician and include the immunization records. Sixth year children must also have a current health form on file by September 30. Please check with Mo or Renee if you need a new health form. These are required for our yearly report to the Health Department in early October.

Hall Parenting

Although we are not a cooperative nursery school, we do ask parents to help. We like to have two persons in the hall each day between 8:20 and 11:30. Young children need assistance in the bathroom, at the drinking fountain, etc. A sign-up calendar will be posted in the hall just outside the staff room. If you can help once a month, that would be wonderful! Children get very excited when it is their parent’s turn to “come to their school”. A “job description” is also posted in the hall so that parents, grandparents, etc. are aware of what they need to do. This is an excellent way for new parents to get a sense of the school environment and meet other parents.

A clearance from the Ingham County Family Independence Agency is required for all volunteers who might be helping children in the restrooms. This is a very easy process of filling out the form, submitting it to FIA, and returning the results to us for our files. It can be done in person (takes about 15 minutes) or by mail (takes about 3 weeks). Forms are available in the office or at FIA on south Cedar Street in Lansing. Please take the time to bring your clearance paper to our office. We need you!!!

Electronic Toys at School

Please refrain from sending electronic toys, watches with alarms, cell phones, and other distracting items to school. They will not be permitted in the classroom or during recess or after care programs. Thank you for keeping these items at home.

School Shopping

As you prepare to begin the school year, we ask that you keep your school clothes simple. Please choose practical, plain, easy clothing – free of distracting designs.

Parking Lot Rules – Please read CAREFULLY

Our parking lot will be resurfaced and re-striped soon. For the safety of all involved, please follow the arrows and obey the rules that we reiterate every year. As you enter our lot, please hang up your cell phone, and turn down your tunes so that you can focus completely on the safety of our children. Thank you.

It is very important that all drivers comply with the rules of the parking lot. These rules are critical for the safety of your children. Please share this section of the newsletter with anyone and everyone who may be transporting children to and from the school.

1) DRIVE SLOWLY and courteously.

2) Abide by the one way arrows. Do NOT drive across the center crosswalk.

3) Check and double check before backing up…(if you have an SUV or van you cannot easily see small children who might be behind your vehicle)

4) ALWAYS hold hands with young children as they walk into the school, and out of the school to your car. Remember to do this even as children are going to and from the play areas.

5) Please complete your cell phone calls before you enter our parking lot and school. The children need your FULL attention during these transition times.

No children under the age of Upper Elementary will be permitted outside without a parent during arrival and dismissal times. This is a safety rule. If you are on the playground with your children before or after school, please do NOT allow them to go into the parking lot without you. At dismissal times, please come in the building to pick up primary and lower elementary children so that they can be escorted safely.

Class Lists/Change of Address/Email

The class lists with all the names, addresses and phone numbers for each class will be handed out in early October. If you have a change of address or phone number since last year’s class list, please be sure we have it in the office so that we can accurately prepare a current list for 2011-12. Additionally, all enrollment forms need to be updated with your accurate home, work, and cell phone numbers ASAP. Please include your email address on your enrollment information so that we may send you paperless correspondence.

Tuition for 2011-2012

Typically, tuition will be due on the first of the month. If you need to make different arrangements, please see Mo.

Morning Children $465/month $4185/year + $150 deposit

Extended Day $550/month $4950/year + $150 deposit

Lower Elementary $560/month $5040/year + $150 deposit

Upper Elementary $575/month $5175/year + $150 deposit

In addition, there will be a $35/month or $315/year computer fee for 3rd – 6th year children. This gives children a 45-50 minute computer class once a week in a small group (4-6 children) with a computer specialist.

Before School and After School Programs

- Our Before School Program runs 7:30 – 8:20 each day. The cost is $75 per month for full time (3-5 days per week), $50 per month for up to 2 days a week, or $8 per day for occasional users. This program is for primary and elementary children. Children not enrolled in the Before School Program must wait until 8:20 to enter the building.

– Our After School Program is 3:10 – 5:45 each day. The cost is $200 per month for 3 to 5 days a week; $135 per month for 1 to 2 days a week, and $18 a day for the occasional user. This program is for extended day and elementary children.

You may use these programs occasionally (please call to let us know), or commit to a regular schedule at the beginning of the year. Payments are included with your tuition checks. Please make a note in the memo line to indicate before or aftercare payments. Thank you.

Casa – Daycare House – for primary only ( 3-6 year olds)

There are 2 different daycare schedule options for the working parent’s convenience. Unlike our elementary after school program, you must commit to regular time slots for the year. Preference will be given to those needing full time care, and we will fill in part time children on a first come, first serve basis. The cost is as follows:

Full time Primary children – (3-5 days per week)

11:30 – 3 p.m. $260/month for Monday – Friday

3 – 5:45 p.m. $225/month for Monday – Friday

Part time children (1-2 days per week) – SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY

11:30 – 3 p.m. $180/month for 1 – 2 days a week

3 – 5:45 $130/month for 1 – 2 days per week

Friday Care for Extended Day Children – 11:30 – 3

You may reserve care for Fridays throughout the school year for extended day children for an additional cost of $75/month. This applies only to children who are enrolled at the daycare from 3 – 5:45 on a regular schedule. (Sorry, no drop-ins available due to space.)

A separate registration sheet and $100 non-refundable deposit is required to hold a space this coming fall in our daycare. This deposit will be applied to your daycare fees in September. Please let us know if you will be needing daycare, and we will be sure you receive a packet of information. The daycare slots fill quickly, with priority given to returning children, and those needing full time slots (11:30 – 5:45, Monday through Friday). Please contact us as soon as possible to check availability if you need a space for your child.

First Day of School 2011

The first day of school for 2011 will be Tuesday, September 6^th for all new children, and children new to each level (ie. 1^st and 4^th year elementary). A full calendar for the year is attached, and is posted on our website, www.mchlansing.org.

We will follow an abbreviated schedule for the all primary (3-6 year old classrooms) for the first week of school. New primary children will be in school from 8:20 until 10 a.m. only on these days. Returning primary children will return on Wednesday, September 7^th, and for 3 days will follow a 10:30 – noon schedule. The regular schedule for all primary (3 – 6 year old) classrooms will begin on September 12^th. (Please see below for the regular schedule.)

This abbreviated schedule gives each primary child a chance to work in a small group with the teacher and her assistant, become acquainted with the classroom and learn some very simple ground rules. We ask parents for patience and understanding. These first few days lay the groundwork for a young child’s feeling about school. It is a new and different experience. We wish it to be a positive one.

For New Parents/Children

Once class assignments have been completed, Patty, Candy and Pat will be contacting you (sometime late August /early September) to arrange an individual meeting with you and your child. During this time, your child will be given an opportunity to be in the classroom with his/her teacher for a brief orientation. These meetings last about 20-30 minutes.

Regular Schedule for Primary and Elementary

Morning Children (ages 3, 4): 8:20 – 11:30, Monday – Friday

Extended Day Children: 8:20 – 3:10 p.m., Monday – Thursday

(ages 5-6 as they are ready) 8:20 – 11:30, Friday

Elementary Children: 8:20 – 3:10 Monday – Friday

Adjustment Period

The first semester (September – December) is always a time of adjustment. If your child is having an unusually difficult time adjusting to his/her peers and to the ground rules within the classroom, the teacher may (after discussion with you), suggest a more suitable alternative which may include a shortened scheduled. Our first concern is always for your child and what is best for him/her.

Opportunities for Upper Elementary Children

Again this year, we are offering band instruction twice a week for all of the upper elementary children. Band will be offered to 5th and 6th year children only (6th year have first choice). Fourth year children will have music with Linda Abar, and 5th year children will have a choice between band and music with Linda. We will be contracting with the MSU Community Music School for the band instruction with instruments such as saxophone, flute, trumpet, French horn, percussion, etc. Our school will be covering the cost of the instruction and parents will be asked to cover the cost of instrument rental. Your child will meet with the band director to determine which instrument he/she will study. Once this is determined, instruments can be rented at Marshall Music for $20-$50 per month (cost varies by instrument).

Field Trips/Cultural Experiences/Guest Performances/Materials Fee

The following fees apply for all students in each of these categories. Please pay these fees directly to your child’s teacher within the first two weeks of the school year. If anyone can pay these early, teachers will greatly appreciate it. If anyone has a problem with the class fees, please see Mo. These checks should be made out to the teacher.

Primary (morning) $90 materials (art and practical life supplies) and work folder

Extended day $165 materials, work folders, field trips, and Wharton fees

Lower Elementary $165 materials, pre-planned field trips, Wharton fees, folders

Upper Elementary $180 materials, pre-planned field trips, Wharton fees, folders, hot lunches, baking activities + gym outing fees

Calling all Cleaners and Painters!

Our new restrooms are going to be a HUGE improvement – well worth the dust and effort! But due to the construction, we will need LOTS of help preparing the school for opening. Help is needed during the daytime and evenings to paint, clean, move furniture, trim shrubs, pull weeds, etc. during the weeks of August 22^nd – September 5^th. If you can volunteer your services, please call the school and leave a message.

Practices and Procedures for Reducing Nut Allergy Exposure

Please remember that we have several children with severe nut allergies in our school. All food products that contain nuts MUST be clearly labeled and noted with the office. The classrooms and the daycare are NUT FREE – no classroom snacks may contain any nut products. A complete list of practices and procedures is available in the office and in the parent handbook. Thank you for your help in keeping all the children safe.

New Parent Continental Breakfast

All new parents are invited to join us on the first morning of school, September 6^th, from 8:20-10 for an informal continental breakfast. Please come to the cafeteria near the gym. At this time, you will receive a parent handbook, FIA forms, and other useful information. Again, we are requesting help from returning parents for this gathering.

Easy Ways You Can Help Keep Tuition Low

1. Volunteer to help out at school. Everything that someone from our community can do, we save having to hire someone else to do.
2. Save your Boxtops for Education and Campbell’s Soup Labels, from your food products and bring them into school. These are submitted for dollars paid directly to our school.
3. Designate your United Way donation dollars to come to our school.
4. Register and shop with a Take Charge Target charge card. 1.5% of your total purchases at Target will be donated to our school. Our code for the Take Charge number is 22251.
5. Join the Meijer Rewards program. Every time you shop at Meijer, a portion of what you spend comes to our school. This is a very easy way for our school to take in extra money each month. Our code # is 181233. Register at www.Meijer.com, under “Community Rewards”.
6. Register for our new Scrip fundraising program. Set up your account at www.ShopWithScrip.com. MCH Enrollment Code is 3728 1LBA17147. Great way to shop for school clothes and supplies! Questions? Call Madhu Anderson @ 339-2953 or email her at madhuanderson@cablespeed.com.
7. Participate in our fundraisers throughout the year. They are as follows: Walkathon - October 20^th, 1 – 3 p.m.; help your child with pledges, and volunteer to be at a checkpoint on the route.

Holiday mints, swags, and wreath sales – sponsored by alumni parents (late Nov., and early Dec.)

*Spring Auction and Spaghetti Supper – We ask that EVERYONE come to this fun event – Friday, March 23^rd.

Montessori Website/Parent Portal

If you have friends who might be interested in our school, a good deal of information may be found at our website www.mchlansing.org. Our monthly newsletters, the school calendar, and a special parent portal is now available for your convenient reference. Contact us at m.children@comcast.net for the parent portal pass code.

School Picnic – September 22, 5:30 p.m.

Once again this year we will combine our entire community for the all school picnic at Francis Park on September 22^nd. Volunteers will be needed to coordinate this event. Mark your calendars and see Mo or Renee in the office to sign up to help, please!

Questions/Concerns

If you have questions or concerns about anything at all please do not hesitate to call the office (517.482.9191) and speak to Mo or Renee. We are checking messages every day, so if you do not reach us, please leave a message and we will get back to you.

Snow Days

Please remember that we close with the Lansing School District for snow days.

However, we never have a delayed start due to weather conditions. If school is open, we will be here at the regular time.

Requests for Continued Enrollment

As always, we ask that you let us know your plans regarding your child’s future enrollment in writing. These letters should be dated and signed by the parents. Requests for specific teachers may be stated, but please understand that we must balance all classes with ages and genders, as well as take into account the teacher’s recommendations. The final class assignments will rest with the administrator. Thank you for your understanding in this matter.

We hope that your summer has been restful and filled with the joy of nature and children. We look forward to your return, our reconnection and the sharing of many happy stories.

There are only two lasting bequests we can give our children.

One of these is roots; the other is wings.

– Traditional saying

MONTESSORI CHILDREN’S HOUSE 2011 – 2012 CALENDAR

September 6 First day of school for new children at each level only

Primary (New 3 and 4 year olds – 8:20 – 10:00)

Elementary – 1^st and 4^th year students only (8:20 – 11:30)

7 First day of school for all remaining elem. (2^nd, 3^rd, 5^th, 6^th),

1^stand 4^th year children also attend – THIS IS A FULL DAY, 8:20 – 3:10 p.m.

7, 8, 9 New 3 and 4 year olds 8:20 – 10:00

Returning primary (4 and 5 year olds) begin 10:30– 12:00

12 Regular Primary Schedule begins today: Morning children – 8:20 – 11:30, Monday – Friday

Extended day – Mon. – Thurs. 8:20 – 3:10 / Fridays 8:20 – 11:30

15 Elementary Orientation for parents only, 7- 8 p.m.

22 ALL SCHOOL PICNIC at Francis Park in Lansing, 5:30 – 8:00

October 6 Primary Orientation, for parents only, 7 – 8:30 p.m.

7 Teacher planning afternoon, 11:30 DISMISSAL FOR ALL

10 Teacher in-service, NO SCHOOL

18 Picture Day

20 Walk-a-thon, 1 – 3 p.m.

November 10, 11 Conferences in p.m., 11:30 DISMISSAL FOR ALL, EACH DAY

17, 18 Conferences in p.m., 11:30 DISMISSAL FOR ALL, EACH DAY

23 Thanksgiving Recess begins, 11:30 DISMISSAL FOR ALL

28 Classes Resume

30 Picture Retake Day

December 15 No After School Program (holiday program set up)

16 Holiday Program at 9 a.m., DISMISSAL FOLLOWS PROGRAM

January 2 Classes Resume

16 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Teacher in-service, NO SCHOOL

February 9 Open House, for all parents and their students, 5 – 7 p.m.

17 – 21 President’s Day Break, NO SCHOOL FRI., MON., OR TUES.

23 Snow Date for Open House

March 8 Parent Education – Curriculum Night / Alumni Panel 6:30 – 8:30

9 Teacher Planning Afternoon – 11:30 DISMISSAL FOR ALL

15, 16, 22, 23 Conferences in p.m., 11:30 DISMISSAL FOR ALL EACH DAY

23 ANNUAL SPAGHETTI SUPPER & AUCTION FUNDRAISER

30 Spring Recess Begins, NO SCHOOL ON FRIDAY- April 8th

April 9 Classes Resume

May 4 Teacher Planning Afternoon – 11:30 DISMISSAL FOR ALL

25 Records Day, NO SCHOOL

28 Memorial Day, NO SCHOOL

June 6 Last Full Day of School, last day for the After School Program

7 Last day for all (except graduates), 11:30 DISMISSAL FOR ALL

Also this is the last day for Before School Program

8 Graduates Only, 9 a.m., Graduation Ceremony – 1p.m.

Thank You

We wish to extend our most sincere thanks to all of the parents who helped at the spaghetti supper and auction in March. We appreciate all of your contributions both in items and volunteering. This collective effort helped to raise the money needed for our remodel on the bathrooms this summer, so thank you – all of you – for bringing donations, buying auction items, volunteering, and general support. Our crews were as follows:

Kitchen – Renee Dvorak, David Lashbrook, Neeshan Mehretu, Lisa Parker and Colleen Pero
Table set up – Carl Kludy, Rufus Isaacs, Kelly Langin, Mike Ware, Neil Iskra, and Joan Johnson, Jeff Taylor
Auction set up – Cathy Lashbrook, Rufus Isaacs, Neil Iskra, Claud Agnello, Mindy Banks, Pat Taylor and Jeff Taylor
Beverages – Jim Teahan, Vicki Cassidy, Dawn Timm
Spaghetti servers – Wendy Kopitsch, Sandi Lewis, Avani Patel, Bobbie Tanasse, Chitra Saravanan, Mary Thompson, Keila McKenna, Andrea Snyder, John Schmidt
Kitchen clean up – Jim Cassidy, Jessica Yorko, Bill Arnold, Kelly Langin
Cookie table set up –Niconna Nicholson
Leftovers/trash and general clean-up – Jon Noyes, Kelly Langin, David Lockman, Reena George, Liz Mittman
Replenishment/trash/bussing tables – Betty and Harry Chandler, Neil and Heather Iskra + the Daisy Troup, Lori Latsko-Stritmatter, April Cole, Tara Davis, and Peter Morman.
Raffle sales – Tina Stevens, Teresa Mahaffey, Braden Hanks, Meridith Davison, Anna Whiteman and the upper elementary children
Auction clean up – Bruce Dvorak, Peter Robinson, David Lockman, Senta Goertler, Crystal Lunsford, Jeff and Kelly Taylor and Mike Ware.
Greeters – Candy Voigt, Lynette Davison, Pat Taylor, Patty Blackburn
Cashiers– Kristi Taylor, Claud Agnello, Mindy Banks, Sharon Dhanak, Candy Voigt, Patty Blackburn, Pat Taylor, Vicki Cassidy, Cheryl Kendall, Marie Crutcher, Lynette Davison

Thanks also to our wonderful spaghetti sauce and cookie chefs! As you can see from all of these names, it really does take many hands to create such a wonderful fundraiser. We could NOT do it without your support! Many, many thanks!

Auction/Supper Fundraiser Results

Our final tally for the auction, after expenses, was $18,134.13. There are still a few items to be picked up in the office. Please see Renee or Kristi if you think you may have an item. One of the things we love about the auction is what a great opportunity it is to reconnect with our alumni families. Here are a few of the alumni you may have seen this year!

Fish Dissection In Upper Elementary

Michelle Gunn (alumni of our school and parent of Savannah in Sharon’s room, and Caleb in Mindy’s room) brought assistant Adam Becker (also alumni of our school) to do a fish dissection for the upper elementary classroom. Michelle and Adam work at the Aquatic Animal Health Lab at MSU, where they do research on native Michigan fish. We were so fortunate to have Michelle and Adam share their knowledge with our children in the classroom, and also with the lower elementary children during their Woldumar immersion weeks in the fall. Thank you Michelle and Adam!

Registration for 2011-2012

It is time to secure a spot for your child in our school and daycare next fall. The reservation fee for school is $150 per child and is non-refundable. School deposits are due April 30th. If you know that your child will not be returning to our school in the fall, please let the office know. Please remember that your account needs to be current in order to reserve a spot for next year. See Mo if you are unable to honor this request or need to make special payment arrangements.

Tuition for 2011-2012

Typically, tuition will be due on the first of the month. If you need to make different arrangements, please see Mo.

Morning Children $465/month $4185/year + $150 deposit
Extended Day $550/month $4950/year + $150 deposit
Lower Elementary $560/month $5040/year + $150 deposit
Upper Elementary $575/month $5175/year + $150 deposit

In addition, there will be a $35/month or $315/year computer fee for 3rd – 6th year children. This gives children a 45-50 minute computer class once a week in a small group (4-6 children) with a computer specialist.

Before School and After School Programs

- Our Before School Program runs 7:30 – 8:20 each day. The cost is $75 per month for full time (3-5 days per week), $50 per month for up to 2 days a week, or $8 per day for occasional users. This program is for primary and elementary children. Children not enrolled in the Before School Program must wait until 8:20 to enter the building.
- Our After School Program is 3:10 – 5:45 each day. The cost is $200 per month for 3 to 5 days a week; $135 per month for 1 to 2 days a week, and $18 a day for the occasional user. This program is for extended day and elementary children.

You may use these programs occasionally (please call to let us know), or commit to a regular schedule at the beginning of the year. Payments should be included with your tuition checks. Prices for the before and after school programs remain the same next year as this year.

Day Care House – for primary only (3-6 year olds)

There are 2 different daycare schedule options for the working parent’s convenience. Unlike our elementary after school program, you must commit to regular time slots for the year. Preference will be given to those needing full time care and we will fill in part time children on a first come, first serve basis. The cost is as follows:

Full time Primary children – (3-5 days per week)
11:30 – 3 p.m. $260/month for Monday – Friday
3 – 5:45 p.m. $225/month for Monday – Friday
Part time children (1-2 days per week) – SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY

11:30 – 3 p.m. $180/month for 1 – 2 days a week
3 – 5:45 $130/month for 1 – 2 days per week

Friday Care for Extended Day Children – 11:30 – 3

You may reserve care for Fridays throughout the school year for extended day children for an additional cost of $75/month. This applies only to children who are enrolled at the daycare from 3 – 5:45 on a regular schedule. (Sorry, no drop-ins available due to space.)

A separate registration sheet and $100 non-refundable deposit is required to hold a space this coming fall in our daycare. This deposit will be applied to your daycare fees in September. Please let us know if you will be needing daycare, and we will be sure you receive a packet of information. The daycare slots fill quickly with priority given to returning children and those needing full time slots (11:30 – 5:45, Monday through Friday). Please contact us as soon as possible to check availability if you need a space for your child. You may also wish to begin full time daycare during the summer. If so, please contact us for a summer registration packet.

First Day of School 2011

The first day of school for 2011 will be Tuesday, September 6th for all new children and children new to each level (i.e. 1st and 4th year elementary). Calendar details for next year will be in the summer newsletter and posted on our website, www.mchlansing.org, in the near future.

We will follow an abbreviated schedule for all primary children for the first week of school. New children will be in school from 8:20 until 10 a.m. only on these days. Returning primary children will return on Wednesday, September 7th. They will follow a 10:30 – noon schedule that week. The regular schedule for all primary (3 – 6 year old) classrooms will begin on September 12th.

Looking for Summer Childcare?

Did you realize that our daycare center is open for children ages 3 – 6 during the summer? We have spaces available and registration is now going on. There are three different time options for your convenience including mornings only, a 3 p.m. pick up, and a 5:45 p.m. pick up. Please see Mo in the office if you would like to receive more information about this option.

Pesticide Notification

As was stated in an earlier newsletter, please notify the office if you wish to be alerted before a pesticide treatment on our grounds. Our pest management service will post the information on the doors one day in advance and make every effort to schedule treatments when children are not present.

Visiting German Student

Patricia Wilhelm is visiting our school for the next 2 weeks. She is a teacher in Germany working with 9 and 10 year olds and is on an exchange program with MSU. We are very pleased to have her with us. She will be visiting each of the classrooms, learning about Montessori, and sharing her culture with us.

Missing Spaghetti Pot

We are missing a large, 13 quart grey cooking pot from the auction. This pot had pink tape on it identifying its owner. We have searched the church and our school cupboards to no avail. Please check your cabinets and see if you happened to take it from the spaghetti supper by mistake. If you locate it, please let Mo or Renee know. The owners will be so happy to have it returned! Thank you!

A Taste of the World

As you are aware, our elementary children have been preparing foods from other countries to share with the extended day, daycare, and elementary children. Parent helpers have made this possible by offering their expertise in specific regional recipes. Upcoming: Yu Man Lee (mother of Caitlin in Pat’s class) will be preparing Chinese dumplings and fried rice, and Carla Martins (mother of Luiza and Marina) will be guiding us as we prepare Brazilian rice and beans. Not only are the children being exposed to the various foods but they are beginning to make the connections between the similar spices and methods. It has been great fun to see the children get excited about the new flavors being presented.
Our most recent cooking adventure was with Chitra Saravanan, mother of Sachin and Sachita in Candy’s class. We made Kichadi, Sambar and Tomato Chutney. Wonderful smells filled the hallway, and all of the children who were here at lunchtime (including the Casa children) were invited to share a taste of these three delicious Indian dishes. Thank you to Chitra for sharing her expertise with Claire, Samantha, Chance, Jack, Willow, Jacob P., Donovan, Sophie, Max, and Mo. The recipes for the Indian dishes follow:

Cooking Indian food with Chitra Saravanan!

Kichadi:
Ingredients:
• White Rava (semolina)- 2 Cups
• Onion – 1 (chopped lengthwise)
• Green chili – 1 (chopped)
• Garlic – 2 (finely chopped)
• Ginger – 1 small piece (finely chopped)
• Carrot – 1 (cut into small pieces)
• Tomato – 1 (Chopped finely)
• Peas/beans – 1/2 cup
• Few curry leaves
• Few coriander leaves
• Cinnamon – 1
• Cloves – 2
• Cardamom – 2
• Mustard seeds – 1/4 tsp
• Oil – 3 tsp (vegetable oil/olive oil).
• Turmeric powder – a pinch
• Water – 5 cups
• Salt as per your requirement

Preparation:
• Fry the white rava over a medium flame until the smell of rava leaves and keep them aside
• In the same pan put 3 tablespoons of oil and add mustard seeds. When it pops up, add cloves, cinnamon stick, cardamom and fry for a minute.
• Then add chopped onions, green chilies, curry leaves and fry for a few minutes. Add chopped ginger & garlic.
• Now add carrot, green peas/beans, tomato and fry nicely. Add 5 cups of water.
• Add required amount of salt, a pinch of turmeric powder and bring to boil.
• When the water is boiling, reduce the flame and add the rava slowly, stir quickly to avoid the lumps.
• Cook on low flame till the rava becomes soft and absorbs water and mix them well.
• Take the pan off of the stove and garnish with coriander leaves.
• Now the Hot Rava Kichadi is ready to serve.
• You can serve the Rava Kichadi with Sambar.

Sambar:
Ingredients:
1 cup Toor Dal (Split pigeon peas)
1/2 teaspoon Turmeric Powder
2 teaspoons oil
Salt to taste
8 Curry Leaves
1 medium onion
1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds
1/4 tsp. asafetida (optional)
1 large tomato, 1 green chili
2 tablespoons sambar powder, 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds, 5 garlic
1/4 cup chopped cilantro leaves (also known as coriander leaves)

Directions:
Choose a heavy cooking pot. Wash and clean the dal. Boil 2 cups of water and add the dal, turmeric powder, garlic and the cumin seeds. As the dal boils, skim off the foam and discard. Boil until the dal is soft and then mash it coarsely. If needed, add more water as it is boiling but do not let it get too watery. If you use a pressure cooker it will take about 5 minutes.

In a separate pan, heat to medium and pour in the remaining oil. Once the oil is hot, add the chilies, mustard seeds and curry leaves and sauté for 2 minutes. Add the onion and brown lightly. Add tomatoes and sauté for a few minutes then add the mixture of the dal with asafetida, sambar powder and salt. Allow this to boil for 5 to 10 minutes and remove from the heat. Garnish with cilantro.

A Note on Ingredients:
Curry Leaves
Curry leaves are found in tropical climates. They add a wonderful piquancy to the Sambar recipe. If you do not have curry leaves do not substitute something else. They can be found in specialty shops that have Indian foods.
Sambar Powder
High quality Sambar powders can be bought pre-mixed at the store. If you do not have that available you can make it yourself by adding the following ingredients:
1/2 cups coriander seeds
1/2 cups red chilies (or to taste)
1/8 cup Bengal gram (channa dal – can get in Indian store)
1 Tbsp. cumin seeds
1 Tbsp. pepper corn
1/2 tsp mustard seeds
1 pinch of cinnamon
1 pinch ground clove
1/2 tsp. Turmeric powder
(Traditionally, these ingredients would be broiled separately and ground and stored. Use pre-ground if you desire).

Tomato Chutney:
Ingredients:
• 1 large onion
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 3 large ripe tomatoes, diced
• 2 red chilies
• Few curry leaves
• Small bunch of Cilantro
• Salt
Directions:
• Heat a skillet to medium and add oil.
• Once the oil is hot, add the chilies, mustard seeds and curry leaves and sauté for 2 minutes.
• Add the onion and sauté for a few minutes till onion is lightly browned.
• Add tomatoes and cilantro. Sauté nicely and leave over medium flame till the tomatoes are cooked.
• Add salt to taste.
• Remove the mixture from the stove and let it cool for 10 minutes.
• Transfer the mixture to the blender and process until smooth.
• We can also prepare this chutney and refrigerate it.
Cooking Ethiopian food with Neeshan and Doree!
In March we had the privilege of cooking with Neeshan (alumni and parent of Teo and Luca) and her mother Doree Mehretu. Calvin, Amelia, Sam, Kayla, Teo, Isaac, Griffin, Garrett, Eli, Ambrose, Evan, Sasha, Jacob, Maxi, Emma, Hannah, and Kenny enjoyed making Miser Wat and Enjera to share with all of the classrooms and Casa at lunchtime. The recipes follow:

ENJERA
This a pancake-like flat bread used to scoop or wrap around a mouthful of various types of sauces. The children made an easy, quick variation of the traditional teff. (a highly nutritious grain, rich in iron and grown in Ethiopia and, recently, in some locations in the U.S. too)

EASY ENJERA:
Ingredients:
* self-rising flour * baking powder * warm tap water
Mix in a blender or food processor:
* 1 cup warm tap water
* Pour 1/4 cup (from the 1 cup of warm tap water) into the blender
* Add 1 level cup of self-rising flour
* Pour the remainder of the water on top of the flour
* Blend on high for 1/2 minute
* Scrape the inside. Spoon some up to assess for the consistency, which should be between pancake and crepe batter. More water can be added if it is too thick–add 1/4 cup slowly, or more flour can be added if it is too thin–add 1 tablespoon at a time.
* Blend on high 1-2 minutes to fill the batter with air and make it smooth.
Pour 1/4 to 1/2 cup of batter into a small pitcher or measuring cup with a spout. Use this to pour silver dollar size enjeras (children love the mini size) onto a 375 degree non-stick electric griddle (DO NOT USE OIL ON THE SURFACE) or use a non-stick skillet on medium high heat on the stove.
Remove the enjeras after bubbles form on them and no wet batter is visible. DO NOT TURN THEM OVER. Use a spatula to place them one-by-one onto paper towels. Allow to cool completely.

MISER KUCK ALICHA (split lentils that appear red and are prepared in a mild sauce with turmeric powder)
Ingredients:
* 1 medium onion chopped fine
* 3/4 cup olive or canola oil
* 1 1/2 cups dried split lentils (look red)
* 1 Tablespoon pureed garlic or pressed in a garlic press
* 1 teaspoon pureed ginger (optional)
* 1 teaspoon turmeric
* 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to one’s taste)
* 4 cups hot water

Sauté onion in oil in a small pot on a medium- low heat; stir every 5 minutes so it does not burn. Cook until the onion is soft.
Wash the lentils in a sieve held over a large bowl. Use cool water and gently move the lentils in the sieve so the water washes all of them.
Continue until the foam from the lentils disappears and the water ceases to be cloudy and runs clear. Drain off excess water.
Carefully add lentils to the onion-oil mixture so the water in the lentils does not splatter in the oil.
Stir slowly with a long spoon so all the lentils mix well with the onions/oil for 5 minutes.
Add 4 cups of hot water, turmeric, garlic and salt. Stir slowly and gently every 5 to 10 minutes over medium low heat. Cover pot.
Cook 20 minutes to 1/2 hour until lentils are soft and there is no foam on top of the mixture. The consistency should be that of stew or thin chili.
Spoon a 1/4 cup or less onto a plate. Dip enjera into the sauce. Pop it into the mouth and enjoy.
Sauce freezes well in a closed container. Reheat on low heat in sauce pan or on 60% power for a few minutes in a microwave oven. Enjera can be placed in a zip lock bag and frozen. To reheat the enjera, remove them from the bag, place on a single layer of paper towel and also cover with paper towel. Heat for 30 second segments until defrosted and warm.

SHIRO *(a quick to prepare dish of already mixed spices and pea powder or chickpea powder)
Ingredients:
* 2 cups water
* 1/4 cup olive or canola oil
* level 1/2 cup shiro powder

Boil water in small pot.
Add oil.
Wisk in shiro powder and cook partially covered on low heat for 20 to 30 minutes.
Serve a big spoonful onto a plate and eat it with enjera.

* These can be purchased from:
Workinish Spice Blends
3451 West Burnsville Parkway, Suite 102
Burnsville, MN 55337
Phone – 952-303-6710

Parking Lot Reminders
Please use extreme caution in our parking lot. We’ve had some minor accidents over the winter. The morning sun causes particular visibility issues when entering the lot at this time of the year. Pedestrian traffic should use the marked walkways. Small children should be holding the hand of an adult at all times when walking to or from your vehicle. Drivers, please pay particular attention when backing out of your parking space. Check all directions and SLOWLY proceed when traffic is clear. In the event of an accident, please notify the office. Upper Elementary children are permitted to wait just outside the locker room door in the crosswalk area next to the building. Lower Elementary children must wait inside and be escorted to the car or play area by an adult. Please help us keep all children safe by obeying these safety rules.
Enrollment – Please Help us Spread the Word

Enrollment time for the Fall of 2012 is upon us. Most of our families come to us via word of mouth. If you know of families with children who would benefit from a quality Montessori education please tell them about us so that they can visit our website www.mchlansingorg or call to schedule a tour. There are many cards with our name, website, and phone number on them just inside the double doors. Please take a stack of these to your favorite coffee shop, doctor’s offices, etc. Thank you for helping us spread the word!

Upcoming Events

Friday, April 29th Traveling Tales from MSU will be performing stories in a play format for our children. Parents are welcome to join us at 10 a.m. for the show

Tuesday, May 3rd, 2 – 3 p.m. is the Spring Elementary Music Program – a short program of vocal and band music featuring our elementary children. Parents are invited to join us just before dismissal to listen to their children perform.

Tuesday, May 3rd at 7 p.m. – Required meeting for camp chaperones. We need 8-10 chaperones per elementary class. We often have more volunteers than spaces available. We strive for an equal number of men and women to chaperone for each of the classes. Special consideration is given to parents of 1st year and 6th year children as well as parents of children with special needs and parents with medical expertise. Please let your child’s teacher know by Friday, April 25th if you are interested in being a chaperone this year for camp.
Elementary Camp dates at Miniwanca are May 18 – 20.

Friday, May 6th is a teacher planning afternoon – 11:30 dismissal for all children.

May 27th is Records Day – NO SCHOOL. The daycare center is open 8:30 – 5:30.

May 30th is Memorial Day – NO SCHOOL. The daycare is also closed.

June 1st – Elementary Talent Show

June 7th – Field Day for the Extended Day and Elementary children

In these days of the earth’s renewal and rebirth, we hope you’ll take some moments to appreciate the real rejuvenation of nature with your child. The Velveteen Rabbit, a timeless children’s book, highlights the importance of appreciating what is REAL in a world filled with virtual distractions of all kinds. Witnessing the sights and sounds of nature’s springtime explosion is a wonderful opportunity to reconnect – with your child, the earth, and yourself.

The intuition of a child
holds more knowledge of what is real
than adults ever imagine…

Todd Johnson
The Sweet By and By

Happy Spring,
Mo & Renee

group culture where differences are accepted, valued and respected.

If you are not intentionally creating cultures of inclusion, then by

default, you are creating cultures of exclusion.”

- Dr. Linda J. Burrs, author of The Fruits of Inclusion

Welcome

We wish to welcome Jude Watson Wysong, born on January 12, weighing 6.5 lbs. and measuring 19 ½ inches, to Dana Watson and Tyler Wysong. His big sister, Ty, is in Patty’s class.

We also wish to welcome several new students to our school: Elizabeth Kilmer-Burke and J.J. Pahram in Patty’s class, and Lucas Palmiter and Kaiden Schulze in Candy’s class.

Texas Hold ‘Em Charitable Gaming

Our most recent charitable gaming weekend at Trippers brought in $4592 to the scholarship fund. Thank you to the many parents who volunteered their time so that this could be successful. Special thanks go to Colleen Pero for coordinating the volunteers for each of these events. Our next one is April 29 – May 1 at Northville Downs. Please contact Colleen at colleenpero@aol.com to volunteer.

Important Reminder – ½ days coming up

March 11^th 11:30 dismissal for all; teacher workday

March 17, 18 11:30 dismissal for all; conferences

March 24, 25 11:30 dismissal for all; conferences

Art Workshops and After School during March Half-days

Renee Dvorak has put together some wonderful workshops for extended day and elementary children, which will be offered March 11, 17, 18, 24, and 25. March 24^th and 25^th are extended after school days (Renee will be busy with the auction). Please plan to pick your children up by 4 p.m. on March 25^th so that you can come to the auction/spaghetti supper. You should have received a purple registration sheet for these workshops. Advanced registration is required. Please return these sheets with your check as soon as possible, so that we can determine how many staff will be needed.

The after school program will also be offered on these dates. There will be NO ADDITIONAL CHARGE for children who are regularly enrolled in after school on a full time basis. Occasional user fees ($18) will apply to children not enrolled full time in after school. Again, advanced registration is required. Please submit your registrations as soon as possible. Extra forms for signing up are located in the pockets just outside of the office. Thank you!

Conferences

It is time to sign up for spring conferences with your child’s teacher. Sign ups are outside of each classroom. We look forward to meeting with each of you during these times.

Yearbook

The yearbook staff and sixth year are still seeking photographs of the holiday program. Yearbook orders are due March 15^th.

Yearbook Ads/Sponsors

Do you have a business that would benefit from advertisement or a person you would like to honor? Please consider an ad in our yearbook. There are several sizes available for you to consider, from business card size to a full page ad. These range in price from $30 to $125. We are also looking for sponsors for the yearbook. These range from $10 to $50. Order forms for ads and sponsors are in the pockets just outside the office door. Samples of ads can be reviewed in old yearbooks. Just ask us and we can give you several to peruse. Advertisements should be “camera ready” – that is – ready to be pasted into a page. These are due by March 15^th. THANK YOU!

Upcoming Performance – MSU Theater Group

“Traveling Tales”, a traveling theater group from MSU, will be performing for the children in mid-April. Parents are welcome to join us for this event. We will let you know once the final date and time is set.

ID Number

This is the season when many parents call to get our tax number. It is 38-2321310.

Children Arriving Before 8:20

Please be reminded that if children are in the building before 8:20, they will be enrolled in the Before School Program, and charged the daily rate of $7. Thank you!

Auction News

Are you wondering what to do for your auction donation? Feeling a little stumped by what to offer? Here are some of the wonderful items that have come in thus far: Certificates for home cooked meals, handmade jewelry, 1 week stays at a vacation home, language classes, weekend getaways at a resort, restaurant certificates, memberships to the MAC, MSU Hockey tickets, and much, much more! It doesn’t have to be expensive to be WORTHWHILE – creativity is the key. Think about things you enjoy doing and offer to give a lesson or invite someone to do it with you.

We are contributing the money from this year’s auction toward a much needed bathroom renovation. Our hope is to rebuild our 1947 vintage bathrooms this summer. Please help us by participating in the most generous way you are able.

Remember, all bidding starts at one-half the market value. As a bidder/consumer, you may actually SAVE MONEY by purchasing things you need anyway (like Target, Meijer, or Gas gift cards). Remember to investigate the Scrip option for items as well. You could purchase gift cards through Scrip (getting a kickback to your tuition account), and then offer these cards for sale at the auction. Someone else may purchase them for ½ the market value and EVERYBODY WINS! Donation forms are due by March 15^th.

As donations come in, we are cataloging these items, assigning each a number within the categories of 1) food and entertainment 2) goods, and 3) services. Soon a bulletin board will display daily updates. Also on the board, you will find volunteer assignments. We need many more volunteers in order to make this evening a success. Please let us know how you can help. No more cookies are needed for the evening. This volunteer job has been filled.

We sincerely hope you will invite some friends or extended family members to join us (there will be extra invitations for friends located on the auction bulletin board). We only invite people connected to our community for the safety of all involved – so who do you know that would like to support our school, and get some great deals? The more, the merrier.

If you have questions about how the auction works, please talk to any teacher, Mo or Renee, or any returning parent. Remember – it takes all of us together to make a difference in the future of our school – 100% participation is needed! We want to keep tuition affordable next year, AND create new restrooms for our school. Your family is our partner in this effort.

New this year: We are currently trying to arrange an option for payments via credit card at the auction. We will keep you informed of this progress. Extra auction forms are located in the pockets outside of the office and online at our website. Thank you again for your support. We look forward to sharing a wonderful evening with you!

6th Year Drum Circle

The 6th year students have been participating in a drum circle under the direction of Ian Levine. Ian is a jazz drummer with the Arlene McDaniel trio, and long-time friend of MCH. They are preparing to share this music form with the senior residents at Burcham Hills in the memory care unit.

Celebrating African American History

Eight children from the upper elementary classroom have been doing research and presenting their findings in oral presentations to their classmates. These topics range from famous current and historical figures in African American culture, to important subjects like the Underground Railroad. The children have created a bulletin board just inside the double doors, which we hope you have enjoyed in February.

On Thursday, March 3^rd, the Black History Committee from the Upper Elementary Class ventured to Jumbo and Jazz, a restaurant/catering eatery in East Lansing. There, the children learned to cook Louisiana Creole style with Desi Anderson, chef and former teacher. Desi guided our young cooks in the kitchen as they learned to cook Gumbo and jambalaya using special ingredients flown in from Louisiana. What a fun way to learn about the culture of New Orleans and the celebration of Mardi gras!

Friday, March 4^th Desi will be coming to our school to prepare a lunch in honor of our culmination of Black History month. This lunch will be served to the upper elementary classroom, and is sponsored by the Black History Committee, who will be helping to explain the significance of each of the dishes offered. Thank you to Desi and Gumbo and Jazz for her help with this project! Following the luncheon, three MSU jazz studies students will perform and educate our elementary children on the origins of jazz and its importance in the African American culture. We look forward to this day of celebration.

All parents are welcome to join us for this concert, which will begin at 1:30 p.m.

More Ethnic Cooking Events Planned

Over the next few months, we will be cooking with the elementary children featuring ethnic dishes of some of the families in our community. The following dates are planned:

March 29^th – Ethiopian food with Neeshan Mehretu and Dorie Mehretu

April 12^th – Indian food with Chitra Saravanan

April 26^th – Brazilian food with Carla Martins

Plus – Chinese food, with Yu Man Lee – date to be announced.

Our hope is to expose the children to a variety of tastes, allowing all of the classes to sample what we prepare with these fine chefs at the helm. Parent helpers are welcome. Please see Mo if you would like to volunteer to help. Yum!

Box tops

Semora Kludy, our box tops volunteer requested that I send a thank you to all parents who have been steadily saving box tops. Every little bit adds up, so keep saving for next year. Thanks to Semora for coordinating this effort.

An Invitation

The Spry family (Ava in Candy’s room) has extended an invitation to all M.C.H. families to join them in the March of Dimes walk. You can contact Bryan or Jackie for more information or visit their team website at http://www.marchforbabies.org/team/t1518318.

Visitor from Germany

Our school will again be hosting an exchange student-teacher from Germany for two weeks in April. Our visitor this year, Patricia Wilhelm from Esslingen, will be a guest of the Schneider family. (Alex in Mindy’s class) We join the Schneiders in welcoming Patricia on her first visit to the States and our school.

Reservations for Fall 2011

We are currently taking enrollment reservations for the 2011-12 school year. Please let Mo know if you have a child who will be newly enrolling in the Primary program for fall. Also, please spread the word to friends and colleagues who may be interested in fall enrollment. Now is the time to begin that process. As has always been the case for our school, personal recommendations continue to be our best recruitment tool! Thank you!

Clothing Donations

We could use more children’s clothing, particularly pants, (elastic waists are best) for our extra clothing supply, sizes 3 and up. Also, if your child has come home in any of our “extras”, please wash and return them as quickly as possible. Thanks!

Looking forward to Spring, Mo and Renee

– Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Thank you

• To all of the parents who helped with the holiday program set up – Colleen Pero, Donna Latsko, Alex Ellis, Meghan Pineda, Mike Ware, Carl Sisco, Jessica Yorko, Paul Cullimore, and Kelly Langin.
• To Avani Patel, Wendy Kopitsch, Sandi Lewis, Emily Stevens, Leigh Henrys, and Joan Johnson for their help with the refreshment tables.
• To Mary Thompson, Leslie Melvin, Tom Lewis, Sherie Mason and all the wonderful children who made the lovely stars and murals for the holiday program!
• To all of the parents who pitched in after the program to help with clean up.
• To Alex Ellis and Senta and Benni Ellis-Goertler, for sharing the Sankt Nikolaus celebrations in Patty, Mindy, Claud, and Sharon’s classrooms in December.
• To all the families who donated gifts for the foster children. What a wonderful showing of good will. Here they are being loaded up for the party:

Open House – Thursday, January 13, 5 – 7 p.m.

Please plan to join us for an evening with your child in the classroom. Your child will be your guide, showing you the work they have been doing during the year. It is a very special evening. The children spend a good deal of time preparing for your visit. Sign-up sheets are posted outside of your child’s classroom, and the children will be excited for your participation. We look forward to seeing all of you!

Singers of United Lands (S.O.U.L.) Return to Montessori

We are pleased to announce the return of Singers of United Lands, a rotating group of singers that come from various countries each year to work with school groups all over the United States, promoting global peace and understanding through music. We will be hosting this lively group on January 21^st. This year’s representatives are from Australia, Columbia, Canada, and Zambia. All of the children will enjoy a concert from 10 to 11 in the morning. The elementary classes will each enjoy music workshops with the foursome, as they represent the music of their native land. Each year that we have hosted S.O.U.L., the children have truly enjoyed this event. We are SO happy to have them back! To learn more about the group, and this year’s representatives, visit their website at www.singersofunitedlands.org.

The School’s Tax ID Number is 38-2321310, should you need it for your tax accountant.

Scholarship Fund

We are grateful to the many parents, both former and current who contributed to our annual scholarship fund request. The total amount received was $4850. Many, many thanks!

Parent Education Night – Thursday, February 10th, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

Learn about the curriculum and classroom community at your child’s next level. This evening is designed especially for the parents of:

current 4 year olds (moving into extended day)

current extended day parents (moving into lower elementary)

current 3^rd year parents (moving into upper elementary)

Teachers at each of the levels will be present to talk with parents of children rising to each of these levels. This will be followed by a 15 minute film illustrating the Montessori planes of development. Finally, a panel of alumni will be talking about the Montessori experience and how it shaped them in their future endeavors. Representatives from Middle School, High School, College, and beyond will be represented.

All are welcome to attend this evening. However, we especially encourage parents of children entering extended day and parents of children transitioning to the next level (lower elementary or upper elementary) to attend. Come learn more about the depth and power of a Montessori education. Please let your child’s teacher know if you plan to attend. Please plan to leave your children at home as this evening is structured for parents only. Thank you.

Charitable Gaming Fundraiser- Local and Lively!

February 10, 11, 12, 13 are our dates for the next charitable gaming event benefiting our school. This will be held at Trippers in Frandor. There are many shifts (3 hours each) to be covered, and we need 2 parents per shift. Thursday and Friday times are between 1:30 p.m. and 2 a.m. Saturday and Sunday shifts are between 11:30 and 2 a.m. PLEASE sign up to help, by contacting parent coordinator Colleen Pero at colleenpero@aol.com. We need many parents to make this fundraiser successful. All funds go to the scholarship account.

Yearbook Requests

Vicki Cassidy, yearbook coordinator, and the sixth year will begin assembling the yearbook very soon. These wonderful memory books are representative of the school year at each of the levels of our school. We are in need of photos of the following: Fall Picnic, Field Trips, Gardening/Cooking, last year’s elementary spring concert, talent show, field day, and the Holiday Program. If you have pictures of any of these events, (or other events from April 2010 forward), please bring them into the office, or email them to us at our school email address – m.children@comcast.net. Thank you!

Edru Skate Night

Monday, February 28^th, Edru Skate-a- rama in Holt is sponsoring a skate night for Montessori families from 6–8 p.m. The cost is $5/person and that includes skate rental. This was a fun event last year, and will include families from all three private Montessori schools in the area.

Spaghetti Supper and Auction News – Save the Date – March 25^th, 4:30 – 8 p.m.

New parents are probably wondering about our Spring Fundraiser. Soon you will begin to receive information about this big event on March 25^th. While some of you may initially feel a little overwhelmed by the idea of this event, once you have experienced it, you will see how much fun it can be….This is the one fundraiser of the year that we ask ALL PARENTS to attend – so mark your calendars and prepare to join in the fun! In a nutshell, here’s how it works:

In the next two months, every family is asked to secure a donation that is valued at $175 or more. These items can fall into three categories –

1) Food and Entertainment (ie. home cooked ethnic meals, muffins each month, restaurant certificates, vacation getaways, theater tickets, seats for sporting events, etc.)

2) Services (ie. carpentry/painting certificates, babysitting, cooking/yoga/music classes)

3) Goods (ie. actual items such as furniture, bicycles, camping gear, pottery, gift cards)

All of these categories of items may be obtained in any of the following ways:

Solicited from a business (a tax deduction for the business + great publicity),

Purchased by the parent (a tax deduction for you), or

Offered by the parent (need a certificate, made by you – we have samples).

This event is a very important way for our community to connect with each other, both in bidding on each others items, volunteering during the event, and enjoying a meal together. A spaghetti supper is served and most parents volunteer for some portion of the evening. There will be lots of information coming your way to lead you through this process. For now, start thinking about your donation and making the initial contacts necessary to solidify your contribution.

Helpful Note: Businesses prefer if you solicit from them EARLY, in case they need corporate approval. We have letters in the office for business solicitations if you need them. If you have questions, ask any staff person or returning parent for more information. We look forward to another year of 100% participation from our families!

Boxtops for Education

The deadline for turning in our Boxtops for Education is February 28, so please bring in these coupons by Febuary 21^st. Thanks to Semora Kludy for organizing this fundraising effort.

Call for Host Families

Again this year, we are looking for host families for our guest teachers from Germany April 8 – 22. If your family would like to have a German guest in your home, please let Mo know. There is compensation for hosting families. Our hope is to have at least one visiting teacher at our school in the elementary classrooms for two weeks. This will be our third year with this program, and it has thus far been a wonderful learning experience for the children!

Upcoming Events with Jim McGrath

Our nature specialist, Jim McGrath, has many wonderful outings coming up. To view his website or request a newsletter, visit www.naturediscover.net.

Reminder – School and Daycare Closed on MLK Day, January 18^th

There will be no school or daycare on Monday, January 17^th. We will be closed to honor the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The staff will be attending an in-service during this time. The remainder of our school year calendar was sent to you in an email (and handed out in a hard copy), but here it is once again

January 13 Open House, for all parents and their students, 5 – 7 p.m.

17 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Teacher in-service, NO SCHOOL

27 Snow Date for Open House

February 10 Parent Education – Curriculum Night / Alumni Panel 6:30–8:30

18–22 President’s Day Break, NO SCHOOL FRI, MON, OR TUES.

March 11 Teacher Planning Afternoon – 11:30 DISMISSAL FOR ALL

17,18, Conferences in p.m., 11:30 DISMISSAL FOR ALL

24,25 Conferences in p.m., 11:30 DISMISSAL FOR ALL 25 ANNUAL SPAGHETTI SUPPER & AUCTION FUNDRAISER

April 1 Spring Recess Begins, NO SCHOOL ON FRIDAY

11 Classes Resume

May 6 Teacher Planning Afternoon – 11:30 DISMISSAL FOR ALL

27 Records Day, NO SCHOOL

30 Memorial Day, NO SCHOOL

June 8 Last Full Day of School, last day for the After School Program

9 Last day for all (except graduates), 11:30 DISMISSAL FOR ALL

Also this is the last day for Before School Program

10 Graduates Only, 9 a.m., Graduation Ceremony – 1p.m.

Please remember that we close with the Lansing School District for snow days.

However, we never have a delayed start due to weather conditions.

If school is open, we will be here at the regular time.

It is wonderful to see the children come back from break refreshed and excited about their work! Join us for open house this Thursday and see what we mean! (5 – 7 p.m.)

Welcome back to all. We wish you a very Happy and Healthy New Year!

Mo and Renee

- Edith Wharton

Thank You

to Mary Thompson and Leslie Melvin for volunteering to help with the decorations for the holiday program.
to everyone who participated in the wreath/swag fundraiser (final orders arrive tomorrow) and the mints fundraiser (still going on). Mints will be sold through December 16th. Large order forms should brought in by this Friday, December 10th.
to Paulette Granberry Russell for writing our scholarship fundraising letter.
to Bruce Dvorak for the repairs made at the school and in the daycare house.
to Jason Hartzell (Spring Lake Landscaping and Irrigation) for leveling out the ground under and around the swings and for providing fresh wood chips.

U.N.I.C.E.F.

Thank you to all of the children and parents who gathered money for UNICEF. Our official calculation stands at $857.49! This money will go a long way towards helping the children of impoverished communities far and wide, and participating is a wonderful lesson in empowering children to help other children.

Timely Pick-ups Important

We respectfully request that you make a special effort to be on time to pick up your child(ren), whether it is at dismissal times at the school (11:30 and 3:10), or from the after school program (5:45) and the daycare (3 p.m. and 5:45). Your timely pick-up saves us having to implement a
late fee. Thank you again for your cooperation!

Upcoming Important Events

Gifts for Foster Care Children – these are due (wrapped gifts should have a tag stating the appropriate age and gender) by 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, December 9th.

Patty’s class 0-2 year olds Claud’s class 10-12 year olds
Candy’s class 3-5 year olds Mindy’s class 13-15 year olds
Pat’s class 6-8 year olds Sharon’s class 16 and older

Holiday Program – Friday, December 17th at 9 a.m.

This is a program for parents, family and friends. Please plan to attend. Dismissal for the holidays is immediately following the program. We need parent helpers to set up for the program on Dec. 16th at 8:30. Each family is asked to bring one dozen nut free cookies to this event for the reception that follows the program. A parent volunteer is also needed to make and serve punch during the reception. Please call Renee or Mo to volunteer.

Reminder: There is NO Before School Program on December 17th, and NO After School Program on Dec. 16th, due to the set up for the holiday program.
In addition, the daycare will be closed following the program on Dec. 17th. Our regular schedule for school and the daycare will resume on January 3rd.

Holiday Craft Classes

There are still spaces in the after school holiday craft classes on Dec. 10, 14, and 15. Renee will extend registrations for these classes until Friday morning. Workshops will run 3:10 – 5:30 and are designed for extended day and elementary children. Sign up sheets are available in the hall near the office.

Scholarship Fund

As the calendar year closes and you prepare to make donations to your favorite charities, please consider a tax-deductible donation to the Suzanne M. Husband scholarship fund at our school. This fund enables us to assist current families who, due to unforeseen events causing financial hardship, would be forced to withdraw from our program. Your support and generosity is greatly appreciated. Make checks payable to MCH. Some of you will need our ID number for taxes or childcare reporting. It is 38-2321310.

Shopping with SCRIP – Tuition Rebate Program

If you will be doing holiday shopping please keep in mind our SCRIP program, where you order gift cards and then use them for purchases (or give the gift cards as gifts). The orders are made online at www.SHOPWITHSCRIP.com, using our school’s enrollment number 37281LBA17147. A percentage of these orders will go directly to your child’s tuition account, and will be deducted in May of 2011 from your final payment. It is a very easy registration process, and cards are delivered the week after you order them! Orders are due each Tuesday to the box in the hall. Thanks to Madhu Anderson for continuing to coordinate this program for our school.

Snow Days

Just a reminder that if the Lansing Public Schools are closed, our school and daycare will be closed. THERE WILL NOT BE A SEPARATE ANNOUNCEMENT.

May we each take the time to make the world a better place
during this season of light and love.
Mo and Renee