DOBSON MONTESSORI SCHOOL NEWS
February 9-13
WHAT IS MONTESSORI?
Peace education has always been a part of the Montessori curriculum. Helping children learn to navigate social situations continues through the years. A young child may feel jealous when their friend eats lunch with someone else. Another student may feel angry when they lose the soccer game. Older students may feel left out when a friend has a party and they are not invited. Navigating a first crush can be an emotional rollercoaster. In Montessori, when two students are having a disagreement, a “peace flower” is used to allow each child to speak their side of the issue and develop listening abilities with an open heart. The children are called upon to find a solution in a positive way themselves thus imparting ownership of the problem and an ability to feel confident when a new problem arises.
KINDERGARTEN
This week, “Aquatic Friends” looks at the world of the turtle, octopus, and jellyfish. Students will make baby turtles using walnut and pistachio shells and learn that these animals are reptiles. Did you know that the octopus has nine brains and three hearts? We will use bubble wrap to represent its tentacles as we make models to hang from the ceiling. Students will learn about the ocean food chain in a “who eats who” activity. We will then use hot dogs to demonstrate how the legs of an octopus curl upward while swimming…and we will enjoy eating our hot dogs following the demonstrations! Some jellyfish have bioluminescence which is essential for survival. As a STEM lab, we will demonstrate this ability using a UV flashlight. We are saving our projects at school this month in anticipation of showing them to our families during Open House at the end of the month.
PRIMARY
“The Human Body” students will paint their brain hats this week and make a neuron necklace using beads to represents the parts of a brain cell. How do our joints and muscles help us move? On Tuesday, we are going on a field trip to AZ Ice to test our body coordination as we go ice skating! Students need socks and a jacket. Those wishing to rent a helper scooter should bring $5. Also this week, we will learn how our digestive system works from mouth to poo. We will use nylon stockings to simulate the intestines and “eat” crackers to see how they are broken down in the digestive system. Students are adding systems and organs to their skeletons hanging on the classroom wall each day. We are excited to share them with our parents at the upcoming Open House.
INTERMEDIATE
The “Ancient Egyptians” had many gods and goddesses and believed in a rich afterlife. We will learn about mummies and how pharaohs were buried with things they would need in the next life. This culture worshiped cats and thousands have been found mummified in tombs. Students will learn pencil drawing techniques to draw their own Egyptian cats to display in the classroom. The famous sarcophagus of King Tut included a life mask. In class, students will use artist’s plaster gauze tape to make individual life masks. It feels creepy but yields an exact replica of YOU! Students should be completing work on their written research paper about a specific topic relating to Ancient Egypt. Our project check is Feb. 17
UPPER DIVISION
Our “Architecture” students have learned how to do drafting using scale and architectural symbols. We are now designing our own original dream house floor plan. For this month, students will be building an architectural model at home. Your students will need one or two sheets of white foam core board, an Exacto knife, a bottle of Tacky Glue, and a ruler. Please make a space for your student to work on this project that will be undisturbed during the coming days. In class, students will learn to draw portraits using charcoal and complete a portrait of their chosen architect. We are learning about the life and work of Frank Lloyd Wright. He was inspired by the geometric shapes he saw in nature. On Monday, students should bring an object from nature for an exercise in class. Perhaps a seashell, flower, leaf, cactus skeleton? Sticks and stones do not work for this project so look for something more complex. On Wednesday, we are going on a field trip to Taliesin West to tour Wright’s studio. Students will also participate in a lab in which they will make blueprints. Frank Lloyd Wright often included geometric stained-glass designs into his buildings. Students will make their own stained glass to decorate our classroom windows. Our research papers are due on Thursday of this week. What did you learn about your chosen famous architect? On Wednesday, Feb. 18 we will be going on an architecture field trip to visit Jones Studio, Colab Studio and Home, and the ASU Art Museum. We need a chaperone to help by driving. Please see Suzanne if you can help.
HIGH SCHOOL
In government, students are discussing the qualities of a good leader. In a perfect world, who should rule? Should the person have a background in law? Should they be an expert in a certain field? Charismatic? What qualities do current world leaders possess? We continue reading of Project Hail Mary and students are delving into astrophysics in their college Astronomy course. We are currently focusing on orbitals, spectral analysis, and red shift. On Friday after school, they will go on an optional field trip to the Gilbert Riparian Center to attend the telescope viewing presented by the East Vally Astronomy club. They will go to The Street for ramen after school and attend the telescope viewing at 6:30. Students will text when they are ready to be picked up at the Gilbert Riparian Center. Dress for a cool evening and bring money for noodles!
VALENTINE’S DAY
Students may bring valentines this week for their classmates. If you choose to bring cards or candy for your peers, please bring one for each student in the class. On Friday, students will celebrate with a party. Parents may send in treats; we welcome chips and dips, crackers and cheese, veggies and dip, fruit plates, and beverages, Students in intermediate, upper division, and high school will have a dance. Trevor will act as our DJ and teach line dancing, limbo, swing, and other dances that engage everyone.
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”
Everyone is invited to send a special surprise to their favorite student this week from Feb. 9-13. Send in the attached order and our upper division students will deliver a can of Orange Crush, a Valentine, and a song and dance to your student as a surprise in the middle of class! This is available all week so send a surprise to someone special! Students can send them to each other and parents can surprise their child! See the attached order form.
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!
SEEF
Did you make your donation to Scholarships for Educational Excellence Foundation? Don’t file your taxes before taking advantage of this quick and easy way to make a difference in the life of a child. It costs you $0. Just go to www.seefaz.org. Questions? Call Suzanne at 602-318-5689.