Our Valentine’s Day celebration was sweetened by the making of heart shaped pancakes topped with strawberries and whipped cream.

Thanks to Christina (Camila’s mom), Andrea (Haley’s mom) and Janell (Sydney’s mom) for mixing and cooking the pancakes for us.

dents came to class wearing their comfy pajamas and spent the morning doing Montessori work in between playing games, doing crafts, and exchanging valentines.

We also appreciate all the families who drove and chaperoned our Kindergarten students on the field trip to the Estes McDoniel marine lab.

 It is such a great opportunity for our students to be hosted by the Estes McDoniel 5th grade students and to learn about marine animals that were discussed in class.  We know that pairing tangible experiences with information really makes the difference in the level of understanding and engagement for our students.

In addition to this field trip, an ocean wall is being created in our classroom with many marine animals represented.

The students help paint the fish and seaweed, witnessing the layers of marine life being added to it during the month of February.

COOKING PROJECT:

We also made an underwater scene using edible items:

Thanks to Celeste (Cora’s Mom) and Kristina (Jonny’s Mom) for doing this project with our class.

A great big thanks to our PTO for creating a fun filled family dance at Dragon Ridge Country Club.

REMINDERS

Dr. Seuss Day, Friday 3/2.  Children are encouraged to dress up as their favorite Dr. Seuss character.

Parent/Teacher conferences are next week.  On 3/8 there is a half day dismissal at 11:15am with conferences held during the afternoon.  On 3/9 there is no school for students, conferences will be held all day.

A great big thanks to Carl, McCoy, Alex and their families for providing delicious snacks and beautiful flowers for our classroom.

We were profoundly touched by the generosity of thought and action by our students and their families through food donations for Whitney Elementary.  

Not only were we able to provide food for their immediate needs, we delivered a surplus to the school which will sustain their needs for weeks to come.   Thank you!

Over a 100 years ago when Dr. Montessori was forming her teaching methodology, she rightly perceived the only hope for creating a peaceful world was to educate young children in the art of conflict resolution and in sensitizing them to the value of feeling peaceful inside.  We are implementing that idea in P1 by conducting a peace lesson every Wednesday morning.  Ms. Melissa is following the curriculum in Sonnie McFarland’s book, “Honoring the Light of the Child.”

Several concepts from the book are used in the room such as using the peace rose as a tool for taking turns talking after a disagreement, or the good kind deeds tree which blooms with flowers when kind deeds are acknowledged in the classroom.

A recent lesson focused on how the five senses deliver messages to the brain and the mind.

Please refresh your child’s change of clothes in their cubby.  It’s helpful to include a pair of shorts and long pants, along with a short and long sleeved shirt, and a couple pairs of underwear and socks.

Kindergarten field trip to Estes McDonald Marine Lab, on Wednesday 2/7 from 9:15-12:30.  Please provide a sack lunch for your child and have them wear their FMS school shirt.

Next Thursday, 2/8 is Parent/Child Night:  A-M (4:15-5:00) and N-Z (5:00-5:45)

PTO Family Dance is on Friday 2/9 from 5:00-8:00.

No school on Friday 2/16 due to teacher in service.

No school on Monday 2/19 in celebration of President’s Day.

PTO general meeting is on Thursday 2/22 at 8:30.

Thanks to Willow, Emmett, and their families for supplying healthy and beautiful snacks, in addition to flowers for our classroom.