Monday, January 19, 2009

Stacy’s re-cap of the Montessori Conference

Parents, ever wonder if we send our teachers for further training?
Read this, this is why we fund-raise!

Stacy's re-cap Of the Montessori Conference in 2008
My experience at this year’s AMS Montessori Conference in California was nothing less than amazing. It would take hours to explain all the things I learned from the workshops. There are a few things that stood out for me while at the conference. I took a great interest in the keynote speaker Dr. Jane Nelsen, she spoke about Positive Discipline and techniques to use at home and in the classroom. I was so inspired by her 2 speeches that I was able to intend that I bought 2 of her books to help me use more of her techniques in the classroom. She really opened my eyes to a new way of approaching some behavior problems. I recommend her books to parents and teachers who need help with discipline at home or in the classroom. I also was fortunate enough to take a workshop to help with conflict resolution in a classroom. It’s so refreshing to hear that other teachers have the same problems at schools across the United States with conflict between children. We all learned new ways to help children solve some of their own conflicts and feel better about themselves afterwards. I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to attend some informative workshops that have definitely had a positive impact on the classroom and the children. I would recommend all teachers if given an opportunity to take the time and attend a Montessori Conference in the future.

PAB Info for Parents

Treasurer’s Report- We have a super organized treasurer who will give you a copy of our Treasurer’s Report at any time! We want YOU to know where your funds that were raised are going. Simply email Catherine if you are interested.

Monthly Meetings- We meet every 2nd Tuesday of the month from 5:15-6:00. You are welcome to come to any of our meetings and the agenda will be posted the week before the meeting date. Childcare is provided!

Holiday Event Guide Re-Cap:
The Holiday season was quite a time to celebrate by showing our generosity towards our teachers and our community. Below is a re-cap of the events.

QSP Fundraiser (November):
o We fundraised $4200, of which we received $2100 (50% profit) and were able to send 3 teachers to the AMS Montessori Conference. In addition, we were able to help purchase a piece of playground equipment for the Infant/Toddler Playground.
WinterFest:
o Books- The PAB purchased $180 worth of books titled, “When You Take a Mouse to the Movies” to give to every child.
o 50/50 Raffle- $45 was earned from our and one lucky winner walked away with $45 in cash! The other $45 was put towards the teacher’s holiday gifts
Holiday Basket Parade: We raffled a total of $885 worth of baskets! We divided the money amongst all 38 staff members and each were given $25 cash for Christmas on behalf of the parents at SpringStone!
Staff Appreciation Pot-Luck: Thanks to the following parents, the staff got to eat a yummy lunch as part of their gift from the parents. Thank you to: Christine Jackson, Babette Harmon, Hua Zhurang, Katie Koch, Narin Fadul, Leanne Chesser, Paulette Dugas, Julie Smith, Robin Martinez, Mike and Julie Gilmore, Kademie Balbok, Katie Duberry, Tyler Kozlowski
Angel Tree: What a great success! Every Angel was taken off the tree and the 4 & 5 year olds took the gifts to All Faiths Receiving Home. A total of 51 children received 2-4 gifts each. What a way to show our children how to give to those less fortunate.