Obama Montessori Family Connect

Greetings, Obama Families!

Just like that, we leave September behind and move into October! Last week, we enjoyed our first assembly of the school year. Having our entire community together in the same space is always one of my favorite events.

If you were there, you might remember that I gave the students a special "homework" assignment: quiz me on their names and share a fun fact about themselves. I am happy to report that they are doing a fantastic job holding me accountable, and I am doing my best to keep up! I hope that within the next month, I can confidently say I know all 430 students by name.

We are settling into the school year wonderfully, and your children are already growing so much. Even if it is hard to notice at home, we see it every single day. They are working hard, and it is remarkable how many new skills they have already mastered!

In the spirit of the Montessori approach, I encourage you to drop your child off at the door and allow them to navigate to their classroom independently. Fostering independence is a core pillar of the Montessori philosophy. Rest assured, our arrival routine is well-organized, and we have plenty of staff on hand to support anyone who needs help getting their day started. You might be surprised by how much your child enjoys this newfound independence! Whether walking in on their own or alongside a group of friends, our students have already demonstrated great responsibility in getting to their classrooms! If you are currently walking your child into the building, I encourage you to place your trust in our amazing staff and in your child’s capabilities this week.

I hope to see many of you at the Fun Run later this month!

Warmly,

Lizzy Diemer

Principal, Barack and Michelle Obama Montessori School

Picture Day is coming up this week on October 7th! Your child will have their picture taken during the school day. Information will be sent out after October 7th on how to access your child's photographs!

We are 20% of the way to our school-wide goal of $25,000 for the Obama Fun Run!

Goals:

🎯 Children's House: $7,500

🎯E1: $10,000

🎯E2: $7,500

Fun Run Schedule: Please join us anytime throughout the day to add to the excitement and cheer us on as we run to raise funds for our school!

10:20-11:05 Amber, Ben, Morgan, Judy

11:10-11:55 Horton & Lund

12:00-12:45 Peter & Terri

1:20-2:05 Mandy, Madore, Caitlyn

2:10-2:55 Lisa, Cathie, Cynthia

3:00-3:45 Shevie, Khou, Ellen

Incentives:

25% of Goal: Extra Recess

- E1 has unlocked extra recess as they have achieved raising 25% of the their goal.

50% of Goal: Pajama & Popcorn Party

75% of Goal: Funds for Classroom Library

100% of Goal: Glow Dance Party in the Gym

❗Special Bonus❗

If you donate this weekend, you'll be entered to win an Obama Montessori Yard Sign!

We will pick 2 winners!

Here is the information and timeline for the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT7). This test is one measure used to identify students as

During the school year, our students participate in required safety drills to ensure everyone knows what to do in an emergency. Safety is our top priority, and regular practice helps our staff and students stay prepared. Each year, we will participate in five evacuation drills, five lockdown/secure/hold drills and one shelter drill during the school year.

Before each practice drill, I will send out a family notification - though I have to admit, I forgot to send the notice prior to our practice this week! My apologies for the oversight.

St. Paul Public Schools uses the Standard Response Protocol (SRP). You can read more about the SRP framework here. Thank you for your support as we keep our school community safe!

Each month, our Montessori Education committee is going to prepare and share informatin about Montessori pedagogy and practice to help you better understand the day to day of your child's educational experience at Obama Montessori.

September Montessori Minute

If your experience in school was similar to mine, you probably sat at a desk from Kindergarten through 12th grade. The desks were sometimes set into neat rows, clusters, or even sections. The commonality was that it centered on the teacher being in front of the room and the students working on the same things.

In a Montessori school, whole group instruction takes up at most 50-60 minutes of any day. Small group and one on one lessons fill most of the day. The children are allowed to choose their own works, be creative with their play, and express themselves freely. The classroom is designed for individualized learning with comfy chairs, tables, floor space, pillows, and beautiful decorations.

The prepared environment also provides the pathway for children to interact. Children need places they feel comfortable in and allow them to be their best and truest selves. Most Montessori classrooms look like a place you'd like to spend time in and learn. As we look to the skills that will be part of the 21st century, companies and Universities want creative problem solvers who can collaborate and communicate effectively. It's pretty neat to think about Montessori environments pieces fit into that puzzle.

Email: obamamontessori@spps.org

Website: obamamontessori.spps.org
Location: Barack & Michelle Obama Montessori School, 707 Holly Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55104
Phone: 651-293-8720

Instagram Handle: @obamamontessori.spps
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/19FxCyYyD2/?mibextid=wwXIfr

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