DOBSON MONTESSORI SCHOOL NEWS

February 2-6


 WHAT IS MONTESSORI?

         Montessori education believes active learning rather than passive learning is the most effective and engaging way to learn. In traditional schools, children sit in desks facing a teacher’s desk. Material is presented in a lecture format where children sit passively and talking is discouraged or even punished. In Montessori classrooms, children are encouraged to learn through active endeavors. During reading, they discuss the meaning of the literature, in science they conduct experiments, in math, they use real money to count change, and throughout the day they solve problems, communicate with others, and engage in active learning. When we can master a challenge through hands on activities, we gain confidence in our own abilities and retain the information for the long term. 

 

KINDERGARTEN

         Our new unit for February is “Aquatic Friends”. What animals live in the water? This week we look at fish, dolphins, and whales. How do fins help them swim and how do they breathe? These animals are vertebrates and have backbones like people. Students will read Commotion in the Ocean and make a scuba diver model. We will create fish art and make a model of a whale to learn that whales are mammals not fish. Did you know dolphins are some of the smartest animals in the ocean? Students will create 2-D dolphin pictures. Using our whole bodies in a movement activity, students will “swim and stop” to become underwater animals.   

 

PRIMARY

 Welcome to “The Human Body” this month. Students will learn that our bodies are made of cells with different types doing diverse jobs. Each child will make a cell mobile to display from our ceiling. We will discover that our skeletons support our bodies and we will “grow a bone” to see what is inside our bones. Students will make skeletons to display on the wall and add organs each day as we explore how our body works. The nervous system is controlled by our brains.  Using paper mache, we will create brain hats and learn that different parts of the brain control how we feel and move. Next week on Tuesday, February 10, we will put our bodies in motion by going ice skating! We need parents to chaperone. Please sign up with Krista if you can help. Students will need to bring socks and warm clothing. We will pay for admission and skate rental. If your child wants to rent a scooter to help with balance, they should bring $5. Exciting news! Last month students wrote and illustrated original stories. We are publishing this as an anthology title “Food For Thought”. Each story included a food as part of our Cooking Up Literature unit. You can order one or more copies of this book featuring all the stories, color illustrations, and professional binding for just $6. But you must order by Friday…no late orders can be honored. See attached order form.

 

 

INTERMEDIATE

         We are traveling to ancient Egypt this month! Students will research a specific topic for a project and report to be displayed at Open House. See attached details. We start by learning about some of the amazing inventions of the Egyptians. We will play some games played by children dating back to 6000 BCE. Egyptians learned to make paper and so we will make our own paper in class. They had writing known as hieroglyphics. We will decipher that alphabet and learn to write our names. We will then make a cartouche on our handmade paper to display in the room. Wow, you are a scribe! Egyptian children enjoyed games such as Leapfrog, Tip Cat, Handball, and Chariot races. We will play some on the playground. 

 

UPPER DIVISION

         We are delving into Architecture this month! Students will use math and engineering skills to build a scale model of an original “dream house” that will be displayed at Open House. See the attached guidelines. This week, we will learn about famous architects and their buildings and select one for an in-depth research paper.   In class, we will learn about Frank Lloyd Wright. Next week on Wednesday, February 11, we will go on a field trip to Taliesin West to see his designs and life work. We will learn to use architectural symbols and draw to scale by creating a scale drawing of our bedrooms this week. Students will solve problems of designing within the environment as they develop a rough draft for their dream house. 

 

HIGH SCHOOL

         Everyone is immersed in Astronomy as we delve into deep space in our college course. In addition, we continue labs in Marine Science as we go on a field trip on Monday to the Gilbert Ripariann Center to do water sampling. Students made sample kits using water bottles and nylon stockings last week and will now conduct field work to learn more about the ecological balance of water systems. In government this week, we explore how rulers are selected in different forms of government. Who would be picked to rule in a Kraterocracy? Plutocracy? Geniocracy? Students will do research and then write their opinions concerning how rulers are selected and what could be better alternatives. We continue reading of Project hail Mary and working in individualized math groups. 

 

SILENT AUCTION

         Thank you to everyone who supported our silent auction. Names of the winning bidders will be posted in front of school by 3 PM on Monday. Those people may then stop by the office to pay and pick up their items. All funds go to support the students’ end of year study trip.

 

VALENTINE’S DAY

         All students will make Valentine mailboxes this week. Beginning Monday, February 9, students may bring valentines for their classmates. A class list will be sent home later this week.  We ask that students wishing to bring valentines bring one for all the students in their class. On Friday, February 13, all students will celebrate with a party in their classrooms. Watch next week’s newsletter for more information. 

 

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

         Monday, February 16 No school in honor of Presidents’ Day

         Friday, February 9-13 “I’ve Got a Crush on You” 

         Friday, February 20 Family Movie Night 5:30-8:00 $10

         Saturday, February 28 Open House! Fall registration opens!

         Monday-Friday, March 2-6 Standardized Testing for 3rd-11th grade

         March 9-13 Spring Break

 

“I’VE GOT A CRUSH ON YOU”

         Next week in honor of Valentine’s Day, Upper Division will be delivering Orange Crush sodas to students from anonymous donors. Parents and friends can send someone a soda which will be delivered with a cute heart message throughout the week for only $3. To send one to your student, simply return the order form that will be attached to next week’s newsletter and it will be mysteriously delivered next week. 

 

FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT

“The Princess Bride”

Dinner and a Movie

February 20th  5:30-8:00

Guild of the Vale

Limited Tickets $10

         Our Upper Division class is hosting a fun, family movie night with dinner included. Bring your family and enjoy this classic family film followed by a short discussion. Dinner will be served and snacks will be available during the film. Children may bring a sleeping bag and pillows and watch on the floor, but adults will be more comfortable in the provided seating. Come socialize with our school families and enjoy an evening with a great film for all ages! It is “inconceivable” that you would miss this event!

          

 

SCHOLARSHIPS FOR EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE FOUNDATION

         Take credit! Tax credit. We are counting on you to donate to SEEF again this year. Without our families’ contributions, we could not continue to operate our programs. Remember, it costs you nothing as you get the money back, dollar for dollar, on your state income tax. Go to www.seefaz.org to make your contribution. Your donations make a life changing difference in the life of a child.