Winter Break Edition!

Cowles Montessori Crier - Week of December 18th

Important Dates to Remember

Winter Break (No school for students)
- Friday, December 22nd though Tuesday, January 2nd
- Students return on Wednesday, January 3rd, 2018

zoom_out_map

Lower Elementary News!

Lower Elementary classes at Cowles Montessori are implementing STEM learning and Maker spaces! Teachers were awarded a grant earlier in the year, which is funding teacher training and STEM equipment such as tools, robotics, sewing, electric circuits and the like. Teachers are attending workshops and viewing webinars to learn how to implement the program. Currently, classes are working on playground designs, Makey Makey electric circuit building, and constructing robots using Cubelets. Students will visit the Science Center of Iowa in January to attend a Fire and Ice workshop and view the dinosaur exhibit. Teachers will integrate the STEM studies into the Montessori Great Lessons: The Story of the Universe and the Timeline of Life.

Thanks from the Lower El Team!

10 Student highlights from 2017!

1) "A highlight from 2017 was celebrating the history of Montessori during Montessori Week." - Benjamin
2) "A highlight from 2017 was starting a new school year." - Maya
3) "A highlight from 2017 was transitioning from Lower Elementary to Upper Elementary." - Shannon
4) "A highlight from 2017 was getting 1st place in a team sporting event."- Levi
5) "A highlight from 2017 was going on a field trip to the Storyteller." - Evan
6) "A highlight from 2017 was meeting the new first level students." - Malcolm
7) "A highlight from 2017 was going to the Holiday Bonanza." - Rylan
8) "A highlight from 2017 was turning six and being a Kindergarten Leader." - Sloane
9) "A highlight from 2017 was starting Middle School." - Milo
10) "A highlight from 2017 was making new friends." - Izzy

10 Things the Staff is looking forward to in 2018!

1) "I am looking forward to Chi Tea Lattes with almond milk to wake me up in 2018." - Mrs. Fischer
2) "I am looking forward to the continued flow of baked goods from our Middle School Student Chefs...keep that good food coming in 2018!" - Mrs. Lepeltak
3) "I am looking forward to staying away from Mrs. Lepeltak and the Middle School Student Chefs in order to lose an additional 25lbs in 2018." - Mr. Allen
4) "I am looking forward to riding into the sunset and my great granddaughter starting school in 2018." - Ms. Nancy
5) "I am looking forward to a new Office Manger in 2018...just kidding Nancy, you will be missed!" - Mr. Egherman
6) "I am looking forward to building stronger relationships and continuing to work with a great boss in 2018." - Ms. Beth
7) "I am looking forward to being married in 2018." - Ms. Glas (soon to be Mrs. Peterson)
8) "I am looking forward to doing more volunteer work with AHeinz 57 in 2018." - Ms. Stacey
9) "I am looking forward to paying off my house...so I can afford for a second round of braces for my children." - Mr. Moody
10) "I am looking forward to our students' growth and progress in 2018." - Mrs. Kloberdanz

From the Desk of Principal Johnson

The main highlight from 2017 for me has been getting to know the students, staff, and family members of Cowles Montessori. Words can't describe how dedicated each of you are in helping all of our students succeed. There is no doubt that 2018 will bring some incredible new changes to our school. What I am most excited about is taking the time to get to know each of you more and the continued work in helping our children achieve the Montessori student outcomes.

From my family to yours, have a safe and happy Winter Break!

Sincerely,

Todd