DOBSON MONTESSORI SCHOOL NEWS

May 11-15

WHAT IS MONTESSORI?

         “The goal of childhood education should be to activate the child’s own natural desire to learn.” ~Maria Montessori

         It is a joy to see this desire to learn in our classrooms every day. Students are engaged in lively discussions and lean into each new thematic unit, eager to engage, explore, question, and master new concepts. Unlike schools with rows of desks and emphasis on rote memorization and test taking, Montessori children don’t need bribes to learn. They are intrinsically motivated. Visitors are always impressed by how well mannered our students are, opening doors for others, greeting new students, asking questions, putting their belongings away, cleaning a spill, and caring for others. True education is more than memorizing dates and places, it is the development of the whole child as a lifelong learner.

KINDERGARTEN

          “From Caterpillars to Butterflies” concludes as we learn the body parts of a butterfly, their purpose and migration. We will make an origami butterfly and add the final stage of metamorphosis to our Wonder Wall as the butterflies emerge from the chrysalis. Students will be making butterfly wings to wear at their graduation ceremony on Wednesday, May 20 at 9:15 on the amphitheater. Friends and family are invited to attend. See the attached invitation. On Thursday, May 14 of this week, students will go on a field trip to Uptown Jungle from 9:30-11:30 for our final, fun field trip of the year! Parents are welcome to join us. The school will pay for admission. Everyone participating will need grip socks. If your child does not have them, they are available for purchase at Uptown Jungle for $5.50 and you may send money with your student. Parents will also need them if they wish to play. Contact Ms. Leslie if you can chaperone.

PRIMARY

         As a part of our “Meteorology” unit, we will read Mr. Professor and the Wind Machine”. We will learn what causes wind and how it affects the earth.   Students will learn about the water cycle and create a model after reading Down Comes the Rain. What makes a rainbow? Let’s create a stained-glass rainbow to decorate the window. Sometimes the weather can turn violent. What are tornadoes and hurricanes? We will make spiral tornadoes to decorate our ceiling. How and why is the weather different in the valley of the sun? What is the temperature today? 

INTERMEDIATE

          We will host a step-up day for the incoming third grades students to welcome them to intermediate for next year. Our students will make yogurt popsicles and play games together. On Wednesday afternoon, we will offer a sex ed class. We will show two short cartoon movies, “Where Did I Come From” and “What’s Happening to Me”. It is important for students to have factual information in order to develop healthy attitudes as they enter puberty. You can preview these films on YouTube. If you prefer your student have an alternate activity, contact Ms. Heather prior to Wednesday. On Thursday, students will present their Independent Study findings from the topic they researched this month. It was fun to choose our own area of interest this month. 

UPPER DIVISION

         We are concluding our “Transitions” to the end of the school year. Students will finish reading Treasure Island and then write and illustrate their own adventure story. We will see movie versions of books read this year and finish our math levels, Biology, and vocabulary work. On Wednesday, we will prepare our last hot lunch of the school year. Everyone has become a gourmet cook and learned to work so effectively as a team! 

HIGH SCHOOL

         High school graduation will be held on Tuesday, May 19 at 6:30. High school, upper division and other families involved with these students are invited to attend. See attached invitation.

CONGRATULATIONS RIVER HULTINE AND INDIANA GRAHAM

         The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has announced its winners in the annual civics essay contest. Open to all students in Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington, they pick only a total of 15 honorable winning essays. Two of them came from our small high school! Congratulations to Indiana Graham and River Hultine for this outstanding accomplishment. 

TEACHER APPRECIATION DAY

          Thank you to everyone who made this a special day for all our teachers. See pictures from this event at

  https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/16KJo0vt8sYAtJQGyrdfc6iQMkNbADeBr

Our teachers work so hard to meet the needs of their students; it was delightful to enjoy a delicious luncheon and generous gifts together. 

YEARBOOK!

         Our beautiful 25-26 yearbook will be delivered next week, and students will enjoy a yearbook signing party on the patio. There are a limited number of books ordered each year and when they’re gone, they’re gone. Secure yours by returning the attached form today. There is a half-page devoted to each student, full color and hard cover. There are even pictures and biographies of our school pets! Only $40 saves the memories of all your friends from the year.

SUPER SUMMER 2026

         We start the summer with an awesome workshop, “Lego Lunatics”! Come build with us as we develop engineering skills while having fun with friends. There’s lots more to come with over 15 different workshops scheduled throughout the summer. Older students won’t want to miss Arcane Destiny, the annual role play adventure with Trevor for students entering 7^th grade and up. Enrollment is limited; sign up now! 

COMING EVENTS

Monday, May 18 Reading Day! Wear you PJ’s

Tuesday May 19 High School Graduation 6:30 Guild of the Vale

Wednesday, May 20 Kindergarten Graduation 9:15 on the amphitheater

Thursday, May 21 Last Day of School! Water Play Day