DOBSON MONTESSORI SCHOOL NEWS
February 23-27
WHAT IS MONTESSORI?
Reading is the foundation of becoming a good student, but it is also key to being a learner for a lifetime. In today’s tech focused world, it can be challenging for a parent to limit or eliminate screen time and encourage daily reading at home. Making reading a habit means parents must role model the importance of this in the home and make space and time for the child to enjoy reading. This is the single most important thing parents can do to help their students be successful.
KINDERGARTEN
Our “Aquatic Friends” reads Save the Ocean by Bethany Stahl this week. Students will conduct an experiment, clean water vs. dirty water, to learn how pollution affects animals that live in our oceans. Our students will complete a creative writing exercise imagining what they would see if they dove to the bottom of the ocean. We will display all our projects in the room for our parents to enjoy at Open House! We can’t wait to show off the accomplishments of our young learners.
PRIMARY
“The Human Body” unit wraps up with a look at the urinary system. Students have added each organ and body system to their skeleton models hanging on our classroom walls and will finalize this project by adding a face and hair. Students will prepare snacks for our parents to enjoy during Open House and finish their Frida Kahlo project based on her realistic painting of a heart showing things they love. We are excited to tour our parents through activities about the Human Body during Open House on Saturday!
INTERMEDIATE
Our “Ancient Egypt” focus concludes as we make wooden Paddle Dolls. These were left in the pyramids to escort the dead to the afterlife. On Tuesday, we will go on a field trip to Riverview Park to climb the pyramid! Parents are welcome to chaperone and enjoy our warm weather with their students. Please sign up in room 3 if you can drive. We will leave at 1:30 and return by 3:00. Our students will be making foods to serve during open house that were enjoyed by the ancient Egyptians. You won’t want to miss our amazing Open House showcasing the work of your child on Saturday from 9:30-11:00!
UPPER DIVISION
Our “Architecture” focus is wrapping up as students complete work on their architectural models. The final models are due on Friday. We will fire our ceramic pieces in the kiln and then string them to make wind chimes to display on our patio. Students will also make refreshments to share with our guests at Open House on Saturday. Make sure to come and see the work of these creative students. You will be able to check out each model, remove the roofs, and mentally walk through their rooms!
HIGH SCHOOL
Everyone enjoyed our field trip to the Arizona Supreme Court last week. They had a luncheon with judges and then were able to observe two different court cases and talk with the lawyers and judges. This week, we continue our investigation of Astronomy and complete planet painting to display at open house. Come see these beautiful artworks and plan to read the insightful essays they entered in the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals civics essay contest.
TAX TIME
To file your taxes, you may need our EIN which is 86-1001820. And before you finalize your tax return, make sure to make your tax credit donation to SEEF, Scholarships for Educational Excellence Foundation. This organization provides scholarships for needy families to attend our school, and you receive the donation back on your state income tax, dollar for dollar. Just go to www.seefaz.org and donate now.
OPEN HOUSE
We are expecting YOU! Come for the whole morning or just pop in but don’t miss our annual Open House. Saturday, Feb. 28 from 9:30-11:00! There will be displays, activities, a moveable feast, and time to celebrate the work your student has completed during February. Show your support of Dobson Montessori and your student! This annual event is a highlight of the year!
PRIORITY FALL ENROLLMENT
Enrollment for the 25-26 school year opens Saturday, Feb. 28 in the office. Only during the week of Feb. 28-March 6 can you be guaranteed a place in the next school year. After Friday, March 6, any remaining openings will be given to those on our extensive waiting lists. Registration materials will be available beginning Feb. 28.
STANDARDIZED TESTING
The standardized Stanford 10 tests will be administered to students in 3rd-11th grades during the week of March 2-6. Due to the nature of the tests, make-up tests cannot be given. Make sure your student is well rested, has a good breakfast, and arrives on time. Results of the exams will be given to parents during spring conferences.
SCHOOL PICTURES
Save the memories of this point in your child’s life with a school portrait! School pictures will be taken the week of March 2-6. See the attached form for the days for your child’s class. You must order by Thursday, Feb. 26 to be included. Satisfaction guaranteed or your money cheerfully refunded.