DOBSON MONTESSORI SCHOOL NEWS
November 10-14
WHAT IS MONTESSORI?
There are fewer tests in Montessori education than in traditional schools. The emphasis is on actual mastery of material rather than “kill and drill” memorization of facts. Learning how to learn is our motto. But often parents are anxious to know how their child compares to state or national standards. Each year we do nationally standardized Stanford 10 exams for our students in 3rd-11th grades. Last year, Dobson Montessori School once again surpassed all valley public and charter schools on the Arizona standardized tests. The current statistics show Arizona as 48th in the nation in our public and charter schools. As Arizona continues to struggle to reach grade level achievement, our students are testing in the top national percentiles! For example, our 5th grade students tested at 8th grade level. Our 8th grade students tested beyond the end of high school and all our high school students were earning college credits for concurrent enrollment. We believe test scores only tell a small portion of the bigger picture, however. Our classes do not “teach to the test” or believe that these tests give a whole picture of a child or a school. Our true goals are to give each child a love of learning in a warm, nurturing environment in which each child is valued and allowed to develop their potential through exposure to a wide range of enriching experiences and hands on learning.
The state of Arizona has just released the results of last year’s testing in the public and charter schools. Sadly, 60% of students failed to pass grade level reading and 67% of the students failed the grade level math assessment.
KINDERGARTEN
“Foods Around the World” explores the cultures of Europe this week. We will learn about potatoes Spain, England, and Ireland introduced potatoes from South America to other European countries. We will make potato prints in class. Italy is know for pasta and pizza. Students will dye pasta and then make necklaces…this builds fine motor skills needed for writing. Students will also do Cheese Texture Art using construction paper, sponges, and paint and create pizza art. On Friday, November 21, we will go on a field trip to Mekong Plaza to visit the market, learn about Asian foods, and enjoy a Boba Tea. Having the opportunity to go to a restaurant and place an order is a practical life experience that builds confidence. We need chaperones; please see Ms. Leslie if you can help by driving. We will leave at 9 and return by lunchtime.
PRIMARY
“Chemistry and Physics” continues experimentation with “naked egg II”. Last week, we dissolved the shell; this week it will reconstitute as we soak the egg in a different solution. Using litmus paper, we will learn about acids and bases and conduct an experiment about chromatography. Why do the colors separate? What substances are best at cleaning pennies? Why? Students will enjoy conducting individual and group experiments. Remember to help your child with their element project…the exhibition will be held on Monday, November 24. Students will be going to the Science Museum on Tuesday, Dec. 2. Please see Ms. Krista if you would like to chaperone.
INTERMEDIATE
The “American Revolution’ has come to room 3. This week, we learn about the Declaration of Independence and the hardships of Valley Forge. During the war, everyone had to make use of meager resources. Old clothes were handed down and when they were no longer wearable, they were cut into pieces and patchwork quilts were made. Students will make patchwork designs and laminate them make bookmarks. Our battalions will practice marching this week! Make sure you are working on your puppet show based on research about a famous person from this period of history. On Thursday, November 20 at 8 AM, we are going on a field trip to see a living history interpretation of the Revolutionary War in Queen Creek. If you can help by driving and can take three or more students in your car, please sign up in room 3. We can take four chaperones. Everyone needs to mark their calendar and arrive prior to 8 AM on this day for departure. We will not be able to wait for those who are late as we have a set entry time.
UPPER DIVISION
Our Asian Culture studies will look at the Chinese Dynasties and then view the film, “The Last Emperor”. Students will learn about the Dowager Empress and then write their own very descriptive interpretation of how they would like to be addressed if they were in power. We will learn to eat with hashi (chopsticks). Did you know that Chinese fortune cookies did not originate in China? They were likely introduced to the US by immigrants and were based on a Japanese cracker. Students will make their own fortune cookies this week. What fortune will you write for yours? Students should be working on their month-long research project; everyone should have started the visual aid. On Wednesday, November 19, we will go on a field trip to the Japanese Friendship Garden. We will tour the garden, feed the koi fish, and enjoy an origami workshop. We need three parents to help chaperone. Please sign up in room 6 or email us here if you can help. We need to leave at 9 and will return by noon. Students will bake goodies this week and host the annual Bake Sale to fund their end of the year study trip. They plan and run this event as a team skill.
HIGH SCHOOL
Students are expanding on the learning of their Culture of Rock college course by forming their own bands. Each student will take on a part: singer, lead guitar, bass, drums, or keyboard. They will then rehearse a cover song and perform it for their peers on Friday. In addition, we will begin work on writing original music and lyrics. In Economics, we will learn that Ray Croc, the founder of McDonalds, did not make a fortune selling hamburgers…the empire was actually built on buying the real estate under the restaurants. Students are continuing to run their own real world businesses. In addition, our readers of Pride and Prejudice are forming their own prejudices about Mr. Wickham and Mr. Darcy. Everyone is doing excellent work in math and Marine Science. Students will bake goodies this week and host the annual Bake Sale to fund their end of the year study trip. They plan and run this event as a team skill.
CHICKENS ARE COMING!
Some of our seniors are working on their Senior Project. Kayla Davin-Gill’s family has generously donated a huge free range chicken coop to the school. Our students will now begin the process of leveling and compacting the ground and assembling the coop. They will build new nesting boxes and a shelter for the chickens. We also need to set up a brooder for the baby chicks. Helping to care for the chickens, collect eggs, and be part of this life cycle will be an exciting addition to our campus. The seniors are asking for donations to pay for the materials. If you can help, drop off your donation in the jars in the office. Even spare change will help!
CONFERENCES
Conferences wrap up this week with Primary. Please be on time for your conference in consideration of those before and after yourself. We are so excited to share the progress of each student with their families.
HOLIDAYS
No school on Tuesday, Nov. 11 in honor of Veterans’ Day. We will also be closed on Nov. 26, 27, and 28 for Thanksgiving.
FAMILY GAME NIGHT!
Our fun filled annual social event is scheduled for Thursday, November 20 from 5-7:30! Come enjoy a gourmet dinner, meet and greet other school families as you play board games together with your kiddos, then enter or watch the live game show, “Are You Smarter Than a Dobson Montessori School Student?” Hit the buzzer to answer trivia questions in teams of two or be part of the studio audience! To prepare the correct number of meals, we ask that you prepay and reserve you spot this week. See the attached invitation. Everyone welcome…invite friends and relatives. All profits go to support the upper division and high school end of year study trips.
BAKE SALE
Our upper division and high school students are hosting a huge bake sale on Thursday and Friday of this week from 8:00-4:00. Stop by the office to pick up some goodies to take to work or buy dessert for your family dinner. Students may bring money to buy items for lunch or after-school treats. This annual sale supports the students’ end of year study trip and teaches practical life skills. Thank you for supporting our students!