Cowles Montessori Crier

Week of February 4th

Cowles Montessori Mission

"Together we celebrate diversity, respect, and the love for learning through the Montessori Method. Our environment nurtures and prepares the child for a global community."

Montessori Student Outcomes

Intrinsic Motivation
Creativity and Originality of Thought
Social Responsibility
Autonomy
Confidence and Competence
Spiritual Awareness
Academic Preparation

Important Dates to Remember

Sweetheart Dance - Friday, February 8th - 6:00-7:30 p.m.

PrePrimary and Lower - Cafeteria
Upper and Middle School - Gym
More information is posted later in this message

Girl Scout Cookies - Beginning Friday, February 8th

Several Cowles students are in the same Girl Scout group and will be selling cookies before school

CMPG Monthly Meeting - Monday, February 11th - 4:00 p.m. - Music Room

Principal's Message: Legislative updates, staffing plan for 2019-2020, funding requests

Parent-Teacher Conferences - Wednesday, February 13th and Thursday, February 14th

Stay tuned for sign up information from each classroom teacher

Fine Arts Day - Thursday, February 21st

More information to come from our Fine Arts Committee

Sweetheart Dance

What is the Sweetheart Dance?

The Sweetheart Dance is an event at Cowles Montessori School that is intended to bring staff, students, and parents together and to provide a safe way for students to enjoy the Valentine's holiday. The event is hosted by the Cowles Montessori Parent Group (CMPG).
The Sweetheart Dance will be from 6:00-7:30 p.m.
There are two Sweetheart Dances, one for Preprimary and Lower Elementary in the cafeteria, and a second dance for Upper Elementary and Middle School in the gym. Both dances are from 6:00-7:30 p.m.
All students must have a parent present at all times

Can others participate with my child?

This is an event only for students that are currently enrolled at Cowles and at the times and locations listed above for each age-range

What else should I know about this event?

During the Sweetheart Dance, there will be food and drinks for sale. Food will be served in the hallway area between the cafeteria and gymnasium. All proceeds will go to CMPG to support school/classroom needs.

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DMARC Food Pantry Donations

A HUGE thank you to all of you who donated to the DMARC Food Pantry. The students really enjoyed donating items and celebrating in style with a PJ Day!

Here is information if you would like to donate further to DMARC:

Each dollar donated helps to purchase two food pantry items. If you would like to know what the food pantry needs most, please check out this link:
https://www.dmarcunited.org/food/most-needed-items/

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Health News

How much sleep should my child be getting each night?

Sleep is essential for all of us, especially our children. Between school, homework, and scheduled afternoon/evening activities, our schedules are jam packed. Not enough sleep (sleep deprivation) can lead to difficult behaviors and health problems. A good bedtime routine and adequate sleep can help improve your child’s immune system, behavior, and school performance.

The American Academy of Pediatrics encourages:

Making sleep a family priority
Keeping a regular bedtime routine, with a consistent bedtime
Staying active during the day
Monitoring screen time
No screens in children’s bedrooms
Turn off screens 1 hour before bed
Giving teens more, not less sleep
Avoiding too many evening activities
Recognizing sleep problems (snoring, sleep apnea, loud/heavy breathing)

Talking with your child’s primary care provider about any sleep problems or concerns

Thank you,

Nurse Melissa Stalvey

Stay Informed with Legistative Actions that Affect Our Schools

Community Legislative Action Team (CLAT)

The DMPS Community Legislative Action Team (DMPS-CLAT) is made up of parents and other community members who recognize the need for more awareness of how specific legislative actions affect our schools, and actively advocate for policies that increase student success.To be successful, this group needs one thing: YOU. It’s important that the voices of parents, grandparents, community members and others are heard by our legislators and the Governor so they know how important education and schools are to our children and all of Des Moines. Join us as we focus on the need to extend support for our English Language Learners, expand preschool funding for students in poverty, and continue the penny sales tax to improve and maintain our school buildings.

CLAT Priorities: https://www.dmschools.org/board/community-legislative-action-team/

Iowa Department of Education Legislative Updates

The Education Bill Tracking webpage provides regular updates during the Iowa legislative session on bills related to education in Iowa. Information about new bills, including names, numbers, and sponsors are provided.

Bill Tracking: https://educateiowa.gov/resources/legislative-information/education-bill-tracking

CMPG News

Upcoming CMPG Events:

February 8th: Sweetheart Dance
February 11th: CMPG Monthly Meeting - 4:00 p.m. - Cowles Music Room
April 13th: Cowles After Dark Fundraiser at the Windsor Heights Community Center
June 28th-30th: Des Moines Arts Festival

Don't forget:

Clip your Box Tops and turn them in!

Use Amazon Smiles: When shopping on Amazon, please be sure to sign into Amazon Smiles. A portion of your purchases will then be donated back to Cowles. Smile.amazon.com/20-8934474