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Happy Bear Visit Coming SoonSunflower House, our area’s well-respected nonprofit child abuse prevention
center, will soon present the renowned P.S. Happy Bear personal safety play and P.S. It’s My Body! child abuse prevention curriculum to our children. Please come to a parent meeting on Tuesday, March 18, from 6 to 7 p.m. for a program preview.
The interactive play teaches personal safety in a gentle, non-threatening way via a life-size character called Happy Bear (actually a well-disguised parent or volunteer). Happy Bear will visit our classrooms on March 19 and 20 beginning at 9:30 a.m., helping the children learn about welcome touch versus unwelcome touch, resistance, reporting to a trusted adult, and other aspects of personal safety. The program also addresses self-esteem, bullying, harassment, and communication.
You can learn more and watch the play on video by visiting the Sunflower House website at www.sunflowerhouse.org.
Spring Picture DaysThe school year is really flying by and the children have grown in so many
ways since photographers were here last fall! Our annual group picture days are Monday, March 24 and Tuesday, March 25. Please make sure your child is “picture ready.”
“Happy Socks” Help RainforestsEarth's Birthday Project, a nonprofit, educational organization, educates
children about the Earth’s beauty, resources and conservation. Since 1989, more than 15 million children – including our students - have participated in this group’s rainforest conservation programs and variety of other science activities. Earlier this year, we took part in this organization’s Big Gift for the Earth rainforest conservation program. It featured a “Happy Sock” coin collection fundraiser, a kid-friendly way to perform an act of care at home and in the community, become engaged with the natural environment, and learn the value of contributing to a good cause.
The children had fun finding a “… sad, single sock, lost without its very best friend and ‘sole’ mate, with no purpose, no job and nothing to do.” Their “sad socks” became “happy socks” as they turned them into coin collectors, filling them with pennies, nickels, dimes and quarters. The loose change they collected in their “happy socks” added up to $25.95, which will have the impact of protecting more than 2,500 square yards of valuable rainforest. Nice work, everyone!
Spring Program Coming in May
Reminders Mark your calendar: the
last day of our regular school year is Thursday, May 29. Our summer session begins Monday, June 2.
Every time your child receives an immunization, be sure to give us a copy of their immunization record. State regulations require us to have up-to-date immuni-zation information on file at all times.
March weather is so unpre-dictable! Please make sure your child has outerwear for a variety of conditions. He or she will still need a warm coat, hat or a coat’s snug-fitting hood and mittens for when it’s cold in the morning, plus a lighter-weight jacket or sweater if it’s sunny and warm later in the day.
Please label everything your child brings to school and check the lost & found box periodically.
Help us keep our stuff! If you spot a Montessori teaching tool or a toy that looks like it doesn’t belong in the toy box at your house, please return it to your child’s teacher.
For safety’s sake, please do not leave your car running unattended in the parking areas.
Johnson County Montessori Preschool
Parent
Your children are busy learning songs and more for our annual Spring Program. Performance dates/times will be announced in April. Classroom performances are typically in the morning, with refreshments served on the playground afterward.
Among the songs that the children are performing is Raffi’s “One Light, One Sun” (words and motions are below). Please encourage your children to practice this and their other songs at home so that they will be well prepared for their performances.One light, one sun (arms arching over the head, fingertips touching)One sun lighting everyone (bringing arms down and out to the side)One world turning (same arm shape as in first line, only held out in front of body)One world turning everyone (turn body 360 degrees)
One world, one home (arms above head forming a triangular roofline)One world home for everyone (arms coming down and out to the side)One dream, one song (lay head to one side on hands that form a pillow)One song heard by everyone (fingers to lips, then extend arms away from body, then touch ears, then extend arms again)
One love, one heart (cross arms over chest, then fingertips touch middle of chest over heart)One heart warming everyone (cross arms over chest again, and gently rock whole body in a lateral motion)One hope, one joy (extend arms in front of body with palms facing inward at about eye level, then extend arms over head and out
to the side with head thrown back and eyes looking skyward)One love filling everyone (cross arms over chest with rocking movement)
Summer and Fall Enrollment
Spring may be just around the corner, but it’s not too early for us to begin planning for summer and fall. In the next few weeks, we will distribute enrollment forms for our summer program and the next school year that begins in mid-August. Please submit your forms early to ensure a spot for your child. We hope you’ll
continue to refer your friends and neighbors who have preschool-age children, too.
Summer Program Starts June 2 Summer is one of our favorite times of the year, and we love to make it a special time for all of our children. In
June and July we are planning to repeat some favorite activities from the last few years, including a visit from an ice cream truck, setting up the Wacky Banana moonwalk on our playground, interactive games with the Stretch-n-Grow parachute at our site, walking to the Farmers’ Market in nearby downtown Overland Park, and a petting zoo visit.
We also plan to continue to have soccer lessons at school for all the children on Fridays. We will offer optional, on-site summer enrichment classes for an additional fee (Ms. Deja’s Dancin’ with Deja, Mr. Michael’s Kidz in Motion, and Spanish lessons).
School Roster Additions & CorrectionsPlease add the following to your school roster: Room #2 Tegan Grissom Parents: Tyler Grissom Tarah Vaughn
8613 Robinson Street 5109 W. 55th StreetOverland Park, KS, 66212 Roeland Park, KS,
66205913-963-3053 (c) 913-636-3809 (c)913-216-2265 (w) 913-677-3300 ext 7612 (w)[email protected] [email protected]
Please note the following corrections to your school roster: Keira Hartmann Mother’s email = [email protected] Father’s email = [email protected]
Stella Foster Ryan’s address = 7940 W. 132nd Ct, Apt. 7206, Overland Park, KS, 66213
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Menu for
March
3Mac & CheesePeasApplesauceMilk
4Cowboy SaladTortilla ChipsPeachesGreen Milk
5Vegetarian Chili with QuinoaCorn CasserolePearsMilk
6Roasted VeggiesCornApplesauceMilk
7Lentil & Veggie SoupGarlic BreadFruit SaladMilk
10 Breakfast for Lunch:
Blueberry Oatmeal BakeScrambled Eggs with SpinachOrange SlicesMilk
11 * New Menu Item
Layered Vegetable Casserole with Cheese *CornFruit CocktailMilk
12BBQ ChickenPotato SaladPearsMilk
13Tabouleh SaladGarlic BreadMango & BananaMilk
14Turkey & Cheese Melts with VeggiesCarrotsApple SlicesMilk
17Sun Butter & Jelly Sandwich on WheatCarrotsFresh Seasonal FruitMilk
18Spinach Salad with Apples & StrawberriesCarrot & Jicama SticksGarlic BreadMilk
19Cheesy Pasta & Zucchini BakeGreen BeansPeachesMilk
20Vegetarian Minestrone SoupGreen BeansApplesauceMilk
21 Breakfast for Lunch:
PancakesCerealApples & OrangesMilk
24Green SaladCrackersFresh Green Beans & Carrot SticksBananas & OrangesMilk
25Turkey, Broccoli & Cheese PocketsCarrot SticksApple SlicesMilk
26Pasta Salad (with veggies, meat & cheese)Garlic BreadFresh Seasonal FruitMilk
27Quesadillas with Beans & CheeseTortilla Chips & SalsaCarrot & Jicama SticksMandarin Oranges & PineappleMilk
28Bean & Ham Soup with VeggiesPeasPeachesMilk
31 Breakfast for Lunch:
Egg, Spinach & Cheese CasseroleCerealFruit SaladMilk
April 1Pasta & Beans with Red SauceGarlic BreadPeasApplesauceMilk
2Chicken & Rice with KaleCrackersCornPeachesMilk
3Mexican Rice & Veggie PattiesSalsaCarrots & PeppersBananaMilk
4Chicken NuggetsFresh VeggiesFresh Seasonal FruitMilk
Winter Memories
Classroom HappeningsFrom Deja and Anna in Classroom #2:
We are starting March with winter, but finishing with spring, so we will be talking about spring and looking for signs of its arrival this month. We will celebrate children’s author Dr. Seuss’ birthday with a special lunch of green eggs and ham, and your child may bring their favorite Dr. Seuss books to school to share with friends in
Audrey Jennings (center), queen of the snow pile! Louis Kirchner with his decorated box before the Valentine exchange in his classroom, and after.
class during the month. We’ll also celebrate Mardi Gras on March 4, and have a special snack to commemorate St. Patrick’s Day on March 17. Please look for a sign-up sheet on our clipboard.
We will also start learning about plants (what a thing needs to be a plant, why we depend on them so much, etc.), and take a look at mammals. We will be starting our Numbers Club this month, too. Your child can become a member of this club when she or he can write the numerals 1-100 with very little help from a teacher.
Last, but not least, thank you, parents, for the many items you get for our classroom to make life easier for us.
From Emilie and Nancy in Classroom #3:
In February, we learned about groundhogs and their tradition in forecasting the next season (will spring arrive early or in six weeks?). We also learned about Valentine’s Day (lovers everywhere), President’s Day (mainly Presidents Washington, Lincoln and Obama), and the importance of eating healthy foods and taking care of our teeth. Our Valentine’s Day celebration was lovely. The children enjoyed their party and patiently waited to deliver their cards. It was fun to watch each child’s expression as their friends’ cards were slipped into their mailbox and to hear each child say “Thank You.” A big thank you to our parent helpers: Shannon Wright (Schaefer), Julie Lynch (Lily Lynch-Tunison), Katie Jones (Liam) and Kat Forster (Orlando). We appreciate all of your contributions for this event and for everything that you do!
In March, we will be learning about Dr. Seuss, St. Patrick’s Day, farm animals, insects (butterflies and ladybugs) and the new season, spring! The children will continue their Montessori work and study weekly letters and numbers. After the fourth letter/number of each set, we review them all. We are finishing the letters w, g, i, and l and the 20s through the 50s. Our last set of letters will be k, q, j, v, y, and z and numbers 60s through 100.
The children may be ready for spring, but that old groundhog predicted six more weeks of winter - and it appears he was correct! Happy spring anyway, and please make sure your child is dressed appropriately for the variable weather.From Tammy in Classroom #4:
Well, that silly groundhog saw his shadow (six more weeks of winter…) and that prediction seems right on target! I hope everyone enjoyed our snow days in February. I told the children that I use snow to make ice cream, so of course they had to ask me how. I hope you all got a copy of my recipe. We also discussed friends, the Olympics, Valentine’s Day, President’s Day, and dental care last month.
It looks like we’ll start March with more snow fun, even though we’re ready to spend more time outdoors in warmer weather. Learning topics for the month include Dr. Seuss, St. Patrick’s Day, farms, flowers, insects, and the season of spring.From Cassie in Classroom #5:
Even though February was a short month, we were very busy, managing to fit in tons of work and crafts. Our room was beautifully decorated with funny little valentines. It’s always a little sad to have to put all the “love” away until next year, but the children are already anxious for the next holiday and season of spring (although it looks like they’ll have to be patient for the warmer weather part). New work will be hitting the shelves soon.
Of the four seasons, spring is a personal favorite; there is so much beauty and new growth to be seen. Speaking of new growth, I am experiencing quite a bit of it myself. I’m expecting my first child - a boy due in late June - and my fiancé and I could not be more excited. I have been feeling great so far and am getting used to my baby bump. I’m also nice and relaxed after a vacation to Florida, and my mind was at ease knowing that Ms. Anna was watching my little darlings back home in classroom 5. Anna did a fabulous job, as always… many thanks to her!
ADS & ANNOUNCEMENTSMarch Madness has arrived for all of you basketball buffs. Did you know that
the Great American Basketball League (GABL), a local, nonprofit youth sports organization in operation since the 1970s, has programs for preschoolers to learn the game?
KidHoops is a child-development program for pre-kindergarten children (ages 3-5), designed to teach children specific motor and interaction skills while encompassing the sport of basketball. GABL instructors, along with a parent on the court, introduce basic basketball skills while having a great time. The program consists of one, 30-minute session per week for four weeks
Lydia Headley with her unique valentine box
Students from classroom 2 enjoying outdoor play in the snow
DATES: April 5, 12, 19, 26
LOCATIONS: Heatherstone Elementary School (13745 W. 123rd Street, Olathe) Comanche Elementary School (8200 Grant Street, Overland Park)
TIMES: 9 a.m., 9:45.a.m., 10:30.a.m., 11:15 a.m., Noon (sessions filled in order of registration)
PRICE: $50 (includes KidHoops jersey, gifts from Dicks Sporting Goods, and an award)
Register online at www.gabl.org or call GABL at 913-236-8833. Registration deadline for April sessions is March 31 at noon
Sharolee Zippro, of Overland Park, and Sarah Kim, of Lee’s Summit, visited our school in late January to teach the children about violins. Each has been teaching Suzuki violin for years and offers private lessons.
Sharolee Zippro grew up learning through the Suzuki method and loves the process of learning and teaching. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in music from Brigham Young University and will soon complete a graduate degree in music education. Her private violin studio is in Overland Park. Contact Sharolee at [email protected] or call 801-494-3455.
Sarah Kim started learning the violin through the Suzuki method at the age of three. She is trained in teaching beginning Suzuki violin and loves teaching children of all ages. As a resident artist at the Apple Hill Center for Chamber Music, she performed with the Apple Hill String Quartet and directed a beginning violin program at a local elementary school. Sarah maintains a private studio in Lee’s Summit, teaches violin at Calvary Bible College, and performs in the area. Contact Sarah at [email protected] or call 646-271-0717
Business Professional Seeking New Opportunity
Nickie McFarlane is looking for a new job opportunity ASAP. She’s a driven business professional with an undergraduate degree in marketing, a master’s degree in business administration, and 17-plus years of experience in sales, marketing and business consulting. Contact Nickie at [email protected] or call 816-606-9442 for her resume.
In the Montessori learning environment, language is not only a distinct area in the classroom, it also runs parallel with other activity areas. The whole environment is designed so that all activities lead naturally toward the development of the skills required for reading and writing.
Classroom preparation for language exploration starts with Practical Life activities. Through activities like pouring rice, scrubbing tables, polishing objects, the button frame, etc., the child develops control of his or her movements and eye-hand coordination, which are necessary skills for writing. Practical Life activities also help the child develop a span of concentration, an understanding of process and order, and inner discipline.
Prerequisite skills are also honed through Sensorial activities, which develop perceptual abilities, auditory and visual discrimination, and ability to compare and classify. Sensorial activities also develop muscular refinement, lightness of touch, and left-to-right movement, all of which are necessary for reading and writing.
METAL INSETS Develop free wrist movement Develop control of a pencil, firmness and
lightness of touch to prepare for writing Develop appreciation of design
SANDPAPER LETTERS Develop auditory perception of initial, final and medial
sounds in words. Develop auditory perception of sounds of specific
written symbols Develop visual and tactile perception of letters
Spotlight on Language
Help develop visual memory Prepare the child for reading and writing
BLENDING MATERIAL Starting with sandpaper letters on which the child has had lessons (e.g., s, m, a, t), the child learns to blend the sounds s/he has studied. When the sounds are blended, the child starts to hear words being formed.
