DOBSON MONTESSORI SCHOOL
BACK TO SCHOOL NEWS!
DOBSON MONTESSORI SCHOOL
BACK TO SCHOOL NEWS!
Welcome to the 2010-2011 school year! We are looking forward to a year of excellent learning plus outstanding enrichment experiences!
Calendar 2010-2011
August 30 First day of school
September 6 No School Labor Day
October 11-15 October Break
November 11 Veteran’s Day
November 25-26 Thanksgiving
December 16 Winter Performance, Last day of school
December 17-31 Winter Break
January 3 Classes Resume
January 17 Civil Rights Day
February 21 Presidents’ Day
March 14-18 Spring Break
April 22 April Break
May 26 Last day of school
Tuition
Tuition is an annual rate payable in 9 equal monthly installments on or before the first of each month. Tuition is not affected by the number of holidays in a month as it is based on an annual rate payable in equal monthly installments. Tuition for the 9:00-3:00 school day is $570 per month. (This reflects the attendance scholarship made available to all families this year through our tax credit scholarship funds that reduced tuition from $620 monthly. This year, families will be allowed to contribute up to $1000 to our school fund and receive a tax credit on their income tax.) Parents will need to complete scholarship application forms to activate their funds prior to the start of class. These are included in this packet. Families not completing the required paperwork will pay the full tuition amount. Extended day tuition is an additional $175 per month for a total of $745 monthly with hours from 6:30 AM to 5:45 PM on regular school days. An optional extended day program will be offered over winter and spring breaks for $25 per day provided 10 or more students are interested. There is a 10% discount on tuition for a second or third sibling concurrently enrolled and a 5% discount for tuition paid in full prior to the start of school. You should have paid your last month’s tuition when you enrolled. This covers May 2011. Your next tuition payment will be due on September 1st.
Weekly News
Your weekly newsletter will be sent home each Monday! Be sure to check your copy to stay posted on the upcoming events, field trips, parent programs, activities, etc.
New Registration Form Required
A new registration form is required each year. All fees must be current and this enclosed registration form must be on file before your student begins school on Monday, August 30.
Coming and Going
Please enter the parking area from the 8th Ave. entrance and exit onto Extension. This is for the safety of all.
All extended day students must be signed in and out each day in their classroom. Remember, school closes promptly at 5:45! There is a $1 per minute late fee to partially reimburse our teachers for those who arrive after closing.
Those attending 9:00-3:00 will be greeted in the parking lot by a teacher in the morning and primary students will be escorted to the cars at 3 PM. Remember, students not enrolled in extended day may not arrive prior to 8:45 or remain past 3:15. You may use the extended day hours twice monthly for $3 per hour or any part of an hour by calling the office ahead of time so we may provide staffing and snack. Those arriving early or staying late more than twice a month will be charged a $1 per minute late fee up to the extended day rate.
Please be patient the first week or so as we learn new faces and cars and assist our youngest students (who are not always time oriented) in gathering their things to go home! You are always welcome to park and come in to visit if you prefer.
Please be sure your child is on time each day. We start class promptly at 9 AM and the first minutes are spent orienting students to the day’s activities. Children who arrive late are disruptive to the class and have missed important learning time. It is helpful to begin the “back to school” bedtime and morning routine the week before school starts to make the transition smooth for your family.
Things From Home
Show and tell days will be announced and children are encouraged to bring items of interest to share with their class—a foreign coin, sea shell, post card, book, model, etc. This is an opportunity for students to develop public speaking abilities and share a part of themselves with their friends. Students may bring a treat for their class on their birthday. Please arrange this ahead of time with your child’s teacher. We prefer healthful choices such as fruit k-bobs, cheese and crackers, or veggies and dip. Please leave personal items, toys, and valuables at home as they can be lost, broken, or disruptive to the learning environment.
Feeling Icky?
All students who are sick must be kept home, of course. But you may find that your child’s doctor requests that medicine be given during the day for certain conditions. We will be happy to administer doctor prescribed medications but you must complete a required medication form available from your student’s teachers and bring the medicine in the original prescription container. A new form is required this year even if your child is continuing a medication from last school year. No over the counter medications may be administered without a signed doctor’s prescription. Never send medicine to school with your child in a lunch box, pocket, or backpack! This is for the safety of all our children and includes cough drops, Tylenol, etc.
Lunch Time!
Students bring a lunch from home each day. An insulated lunch box is recommended. If something must be refrigerated, we ask that you wrap it separately and label it with your child’s name. We do not have room to refrigerate student lunch boxes but will be happy to refrigerate a sandwich in a zip lock bag or leftovers in Tupperware. Microwaves are available with teacher assistance at lunchtime. Please precook all items as each student is allowed two minutes microwave time to allow use by all students during the limited lunch period. Don’t forget to send silverware! Optional pizza Fridays and hot lunch Wednesdays will be announced in the newsletter.
Stanford 9 Scores!
Dobson Montessori School once again surpassed all valley public and charter schools on the Arizona standardized tests by scoring in the 94th percentile in both reading and math! You may have seen recent articles in the local news celebrating public and charter school scores in the 50th percentiles so you can see why we are so proud of our students, staff, and school. We believe test scores only tell a small portion of the bigger picture, however. Our classes do not “teach to the test” or believe that these tests give a whole picture of a child or a school. Our true goals are to give each child a love of learning in a warm, nurturing environment in which each child is valued and allowed to develop their potential through exposure to a wide range of enrichment experiences and hands on learning.
Parent Involvement
We love our supportive and enthusiastic parents! You will be notified concerning parent-teacher conferences, workshops, play performances, feast days and other special programs through the weekly newsletter. You are also always welcome to join us in the classroom to observe or participate. We also welcome parents to volunteer and have many committees including Teacher Appreciation, Scholarship, and Potluck Picnic. See the sign up sheets at open house or in the office.
Music Lessons? Art Classes? Dance? Yoga?
We also offer a variety of after school lessons for an additional fee. This allows your child to attend enrichment classes on campus without the hassle of driving to and from lessons but there are a very limited number of openings and classes often have waiting lists. Students not enrolled in extended day may stay without a charge on a lesson day provided they are picked up following the end of the lesson. If you are interested in these courses, please sign up in the office and a teacher will contact you to schedule a time and day.
Questions? Please Call on Me!
As your director, it is my goal to provide the best educational experience for all our students. We are very proud to begin our 31st year of fantastic programs and look forward to sharing a year of discovery with you!
Welcome to Primary
at Dobson Montessori School
ORIENTATION
For new primary students
(returning families welcome to attend, too!)
Thursday, August 26
3:00 PM
for students and parents
Welcome address by Suzanne at 3 PM and then meet the teachers, pet the goats, check out the classrooms, play on the playground! Find your cubby and put your school box by your name on the shelf! We’re ready for the exciting first day of school! Additional parking is available across the street at Kleinman Park.
Our first thematic unit of the year will be “Oceanography”. Students will classify shells as bivalves and univalves, learn about the biodiversity of ocean animals, and go on a field trip to the new Sea Life Aquarium. Each month will feature a different cross-curriculum unit focus and a field trip in addition to our individualized academics including reading, phonics, literature study, math, social studies, geography, PE, computers, Spanish, electives, music, art, animals, monthly field trips, and more! Watch for units this year about Electricity, Communication, The Human Body, The Solar System, Cooking Up Literature, Celebrate Music, Weather and Research the USA. Montessori classes are team-taught and students are grouped according to mastery rather than age allowing each child to progress at his or her own rate. It is our goal to provide each child with the highest quality education in a warm, nurturing environment! Written progress reports will be sent home in the spring, and fall and our teachers are available to answer specific questions between times. Suzanne will schedule in-person conferences to discuss your child’s progress using portfolio assessments to demonstrate your child’s strengths and abilities. We’re looking forward to having YOU as part of our primary class!
Primary Supply List
Here is a list of things students should bring on the first day of class or to orientation:
~Small school box (no larger than 6x10 please to allow room on the shelf for your neighbors) containing…
· Set of broad tip markers. 8-10 are plenty.
· Small set of colored pencils
· Scissors that will cut fabric
· 4 oz bottle of white school glue
· Glue stick for paper
~Folder or notebook to carry papers to and from school. Third grade students will need a 3-ring notebook.
- Small backpack or school bag to carry belongings (The huge roller packs do not fit in our lockers and a smaller pack is easier for students to use and organize)
Please label EVERYTHING with your child’s name. A permanent “Sharpie” pen works well for this. Daily supplies such as paper, pencils, art materials, books, etc. will be supplied by the school. These items from home will provide each student with opportunities to be responsible for personal possessions and have a bit of home with them during the day!
Welcome to Intermediate at
Dobson Montessori School!
We have a fantastic year planned in room 3!
ORIENTATION
For new intermediate and upper division students
(returning families welcome to attend, too!)
Thursday, August 26
4 PM
for students and parents
Welcome address by Suzanne at 4 PM and then meet the teachers, pet the goats, check out the classrooms, and play on the playground! We’re ready for the exciting first day of school!
Additional parking available across the street at Kleinman Park.
What’s new?
Each month will feature a different cross curriculum thematic study including a field trip to enhance our classroom learning. We start with “Famous Ghosts” a unit about famous people from the past! At the end of the month, you will be invited to meet our friendly ghosts during our presentations. Other upcoming monthly themes include Ancient Egypt, Kids ‘n Cash, Australia, the 20’s, 30’s and 40’s, Celebrate Music, and Ecology. In addition, students will participate in weekly study groups of reading, writing, language arts, math, Spanish, guitar lessons, science (with individual subscriptions to Super Science magazine featuring the latest innovations in our ever changing world, computers, PE, electives, music, newspapers in education, and more! Your student will also participate in monthly projects. Overviews of these learning objectives will be sent home at the beginning of each month. Watch the newsletters for parent events, student performances, Poetry Fair, and our outstanding annual family camping trip in the spring!
How are students grouped?
Montessori schools have teams of teachers that facilitate student progress based on mastery rather than age or grade level. Students move ahead as they show readiness or may receive additional help with an area of challenge. Teachers work together as a dynamic community to provide stimulating lessons appropriate for each child. Each teacher brings their own areas of expertise to the Montessori classroom to allow your child optimum learning opportunities. Your student’s teachers will prepare math and language arts lessons designed to challenge potential depending on academic levels. 6th grade students will meet for academic core work in a special transition to Jr. High program to facilitate their future success to the next level.
Student progress
Written progress reports will be sent home four times each year-at the end of each nine week period. Suzanne will schedule in-person conferences using portfolios to showcase individual student achievements and progress and also letter grades in a report card format.
Homework
Homework is important because it helps students develop personal responsibility for becoming lifelong learners, provides reinforcement to insure excellent educational skills, and allows the home and school to unite in setting education as a priority. Children work at different speeds, but most intermediate students will have about 1-2 hours of homework per night. Homework assignments will be written in your child’s homework planner. We ask that parents sign the calendar each night to verify that the homework has been completed. Students who arrive with missing homework or incomplete assignments are not prepared to begin the next day’s lessons. If a student has more than 3 late homework assignments, the family will be called to discuss ways to help the child be more successful. Thank you for helping us to help your child.
Intermediate Supplies
Students should bring the following items to school on the first day of class:
3 ring binder with a…
3-hole zipper pouch to put inside the binder with…
Compass and protractor
Pair of scissors that will cut cloth
Felt tip markers
Two glue sticks
Small backpack or book bag (Help! Since our students do not need to walk several miles to and from school each day, please avoid the roller models or huge backpacks designed to carry your every need on a yearlong trek across the Canadian wilderness. Simplicity helps students be better organized-an important study skill!)
Thesaurus and Dictionary (paperback is fine). Keep at home for homework use.
Please label all items with your child’s name. We will provide a monthly calendar for homework assignments, field trip dates, project deadlines, etc. that will snap into the student’s binder so you will be aware of upcoming due dates and responsibilities. Bringing these items will provide each student with a bit of “home” during the day and teaches personal responsibility.
Dobson Montessori School
Welcome to Upper Division
ORIENTATION
For new intermediate and upper division students
(returning families welcome to attend, too!)
Thursday, August 26
4 PM
for students and parents
Welcome address by Suzanne at 4 PM and then meet the teachers, pet the goats, check out the classrooms, and play on the playground! We’re ready for the exciting first day of school!
Additional parking available across the street at Kleinman Park.
Congratulations on your placement in the Upper Division program! The coming year is filled with field study experiences, projects, debates, mentors, hikes, hands-on science, thought-provoking literature, new units, camping trips, drama, computers, art, and more! We start this year with an interesting unit, “What is Art?” Students will be challenged to think outside the box, create, analyze, and question. Other dynamic units for this year include Geology, Vikings, Asian Cultures, Architecture, Practical Life, Celebrate Music and our annual Shakespeare Festival.
As you know, the upper division class offers a challenging curriculum for a select number of motivated students. Students must maintain a B+ grade average, bring a positive attitude with respect for all, show mature team skills, and arrive each day on time and prepared for class with all homework complete. Students develop time management and study skills by maintaining day planners. They are in charge of their own work but parents may wish to check the planner for upcoming project dates, trips, and activities.
Each month our students will go on field trips to enhance and enrich their classroom learning. We study with professional mentors, visit museums, and do site work. In addition, upper division students go on overnight camping trips during the school year, usually on the third Thursday and Friday of the month. These are not vacations or rewards for behavior but are an integral part of our learning process in which students develop team skills, leadership, scholastics, independence, and responsibility in a demanding immersion experience. Students set up their own camp, cook their own meals, do on-site research, participate in community service, and develop their sense of self and responsibility to others. Students bring a sleeping bag and a food item to contribute to our community meals, which are planned by the class and sometimes money for a fast food lunch on our return trip. All trip expenses and other required equipment is provided by the school and included in your regular tuition. There is no additional charge for these outstanding educational trips! Wherever we take these students, we receive compliments on their behavior and intelligence. It is an honor to be a part of this group.
Unlike the earlier years of elementary, it is very important that your student be in class every day. Only a small part of the program can be made-up at home if your child is absent as much of our learning is lecture, instruction, hands-on experimentation and discussion. If a student should miss more than 5 days a semester, they may not receive credit. Please do not plan non-emergency family trips or vacations during school days. A student who must miss an overnight trip will be required to complete a 20 hour research project assignment which only partially compensates for the more than 20 hours of work missed on our trip. If your child is ill, please call the school and arrange to pick up any possible make-up work so your student will not get too far behind.
Please make sure to provide quiet time for homework each night. Students’ abilities vary but most students will have about 2 hours of homework nightly. If your student is enrolled in the extended day program, they may elect to complete some homework at school but will still need to allow additional time to work at home. If your child is involved in sports, music or other extracurricular activities, he or she may need your help to set school work as a priority while fitting in other activities during the transition to the new Jr. High expectations.
If all this sounds a bit overwhelming, you may wonder why our students love school so much. Perhaps it is partly because it really does feel great to work hard and know you have done your best, to have the opportunity to try out independence in a safe environment, to be successful, to matter to adults and peers, to have opportunities to participate in meaningful work, to be elected to a committee, to have real life responsibilities, and to make friendships based on mature relationships rather than cliques and status. We have a great time---everyday---because learning is exciting and interesting and our students and staff are fun, intelligent, challenging, and thoughtful! These are important years of transition for your student. Not since the rapid development of infancy are there so many changes occurring in the span of a few short years. In our culture, the term “teenager” is almost synonymous with obnoxious, rude, and apathetic. Our students are the opposite of these stereotypes. It is a privilege to provide a much more positive environment for these important transition years from childhood to adulthood than is available elsewhere. Our students are the top test score holders in the state of Arizona but we are most proud of the more personal qualities developed by our students: respect, integrity, sense of humor, ability to make thoughtful decisions, goal setting, self confidence, and mature social skills. It is with pride that we welcome you to the 2010-2011 upper division class. Call on us if you have any questions!
UPPER DIVISION SUPPLY LIST Things you’ll need on the first day of school…
· Two mechanical pencils
· Pen with black ink
· Day planner for writing assignments. It must have both a monthly calendar and separate daily pages with plenty of writing room for detailed daily assignments.
· Markers for projects
· Scissors that can cut fabric
· Calculator
· Compass and protractor
· 3 ring notebook for keeping papers
· Small backpack or book bag for carrying “stuff”
· A positive attitude and a spirit of adventure!
“Stuff” you’ll need later in the month:
· Sleeping bag rated below freezing
· Flashlight
· Whistle
· Small duffle bag or backpack to pack overnight belongings
Thesaurus and dictionary---paperback is fine. Keep these at home for homework assignments.
DOBSON MONTESSORI SCHOOL
745 S. Extension Mesa, AZ 85210
www.dobsonmontessori.com
ORIENTATION
For new students and parents
(Returning families welcome to attend, too!)
Welcome to the
2010-2011
School Year!
Thursday, August 26
Primary (1st-3rd grade) 3 PM
Intermediate & Upper Division 4 PM
Additional parking available at Kleinman Park
Classes start Monday, August 30