DOBSON MONTESSORI SCHOOL NEWS
April 13-17
WHAT IS MONTESSORI?
Learning the right answers may get a child through school, but learning how to become a life-long, independent learner will take the student anywhere. Montessori teaches children to think, not simply to memorize, feedback, and forget.
Rather than presenting students with the right answers, Montessori educators lead students to ask their own questions and to discover how to find the answers for themselves. Older students are encouraged to do their own research, analyze what they have found, and come to their own conclusions. Teachers encourage children to think for themselves and become actively engaged in the learning process.
One of Montessori’s key discoveries is the idea that children are intrinsically motivated. They are driven by their desire to become independent and competent beings in the world. They naturally learn and master new ideas and skills. For this reason, outside rewards are unnecessary. Outside rewards create a dependency on external motivation. Far too many children become dependent on others to define their self-image or obtain permission to follow their dreams. In the process of making independent choices and exploring concepts largely on their own, Montessori children construct knowledge, their own sense of individual identity, and their own understandings of moral right and wrong.
~The Montessori Foundation
KINDERGARTEN
Even kindergarten students can be part of “Caring for the Earth”. We will learn that small steps can make big changes. Simple things like turning off lights and recycling trash make an impact. We will practice simple things in class this week…using less paper towels, turning off the bathroom light when not in use, upcycling paper in the art center. We will chart our progress using math skills. In today’s society, many plastic water bottles go to the trash everyday. We will recycle some of these this week by making cute planters to bring home. In class, students will read I Can Save the Earth by Allison Inches. How do you observe the 3R’s at home? Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle!
PRIMARY
Students are making “Westward Ho” journals with wood covers to imagine a journey if they were a child in the 1800’s. They will add diary entries each day; did your child hear coyotes at night? Did your covered wagon break an axle? Did your brother get bit by a scorpion? Are there weevils in your cornmeal? Students will play the Oregon Trail game in teams. We will add characters and items from this historical period to our felt boards. People heading west had to cook their food over a campfire and had no refrigeration. Johnny Cakes were a staple at all meals. We will make some in class, both savory with beans and sweet with honey. Next week, we will go on a field trip to Goldfield Ghost Town on Tuesday, April 21 for a full day experience. We will go on a mine tour and ride the train. Maybe you will go to jail for disorderly conduct! The school will pay for the field trip, but students may bring $6 to pan for gold! They will get to keep any gems and flakes they find! We are excited to be prospectors! See Krista if you would like to attend this trip. Students need closed-toe shoes, a sack lunch, and water bottle.
INTERMEDIATE
Our students of “Africa” continue investigating the cultures of African countries. We will read some traditional origination stories such as “Why Mosquitos Buzz in People’s Ears”. We will then write and illustrate our own myth about why or how something originated. We will fire our African masks in the school kiln and then decorate them with traditional patters, raffia, feathers, and shells. Thank you to all the parents who drove on the field trip last week. What a great experience for our students!
UPPER DIVISION
“Shakespeare” rehearsals continue this week. Our altered costumes will be fitted and props completed. Everyone is doing a great job mastering their cuss and blocking. Students will plant summer vegetables and flowers in our gardens. We are planting sunflowers, bell peppers, zucchini, mint, basil, marigolds and other heat tolerant veggies. Tending the garden teaches a connection to nature, life cycles, responsibility, and students are eager to “eat their vegetables” when they grow them themselves. In literature study, we are reading the classic novel, Treasure Island. Our math groups are wrapping up lessons of the final quarter.
HIGH SCHOOL
Our students did a great job planning and hosting the fun FUNction last Friday. Everyone had a fun time with the booths and enjoyed the evening socializing with our school families. They will do the bookkeeping from the event and are putting finishing touches on plans for their end of the year study trip. We will plant summer vegetables and flowers in our gardens this week and continue work on “Midsummer Night’s Dream”. Everyone has their lines memorized which is easy compared to the actual acting of the parts. We will rehearse in our costumes to help create the characters in our minds. Everyone was interested in the recent Artimis mission as we are in the depths of our college Astronomy course. The final exam will be held in May. As a special field trip experience, they will go to see “Project Hail Mary” on Tuesday of this week. We will return to school about 3:45 due to the length of the film. Students read this exciting novel in English class last month; it will be interesting to compare and contrast the movie to the book!
SCHOLARSHIPS FOR EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE FOUNDATION
Just a couple days left to make your tax credit donation to SEEF by April 15. Please help us continue to open doors to educational excellence for our students by making your AZ tax credit donation at www.seefaz.org. Take credit! We are depending on your help.
PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES
Intermediate conferences are being held this week with primary and kindergarten coming up. If you haven’t signed up yet, stop by the office to reserve a convenient time.
MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM
All our school families are invited to attend this outstanding annual Shakespeare Festival. A great introduction to the bard for even our youngest students as they see their mentors on stage! We promise you will be amazed at the quality of this production! Comedy, sword fighting, music, dance, mischievous stunts, and the best actors since Shakespeare’s day. Our K-6 grade students open the show with the Greenshow, songs from the 1500’s presented on stage. The reputation of our annual show precedes us and both shows always sell out so don’t be disappointed! Tickets go on sale Monday, April 20 in the office for $10. There will be two shows: May 1 and 2 both at 7PM at the Guild of the Vale. This is not a BBC stuffy version. You will laugh, cry and be astounded. Come support our high school and upper division students and have the best time of the year!
SUPER SUMMER 2026
Can summer almost be here? Secure your student’s spot in Super Summer ’26. Come for the whole summer or only a few weeks but don’t miss this incredible change of pace from the regular school year. Avoid a wasted summer of screen time and join your friends for learning and fun. But space is limited so sign up now. See the attached schedule of activities.
BABY CHICKS!
Everyone is having fun tending our new baby chicks. They are just starting to grow their tiny wing feathers. The students enjoy naming them and gently caring for them.