Cowles Montessori Crier

"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."

Cowles Montessori Parents:
We hope you and your family are enjoying the remaining days of Summer Break! As we inch closer to the start of the 2017-18 school year, we thought to send out a quick parent checklist with resources to ensure a smooth transition to school for you and your child(ren).

Have you . . . :

____ Registered your child(ren) for school online?
> https://www.dmschools.org/enrollment-registration/

____ Paid supply fees to the Cowles Montessori Parent Group?
> https://myschoolbucks.com

____ Signed up for extra-curricular activities? (These activities are optional and as openings remain available). (e.g. Piano, Spanish, Dance, Drama, etc.)
> http://commed.dmschools.org/

____ Registered for before and/or after-school care? (This is optional and as openings remain available.)
> https://www.dmschools.org/academics/programs/before-after-school-care/

____ Considered following the Cowles Montessori Parent Group on Facebook? (More information about the Cowles Montessori Parent Group will be provided at our Back-to-School Night.)
> https://www.facebook.com/CowlesMontessori/

____ For 7th Grade Students: Received vaccine information on meningitis?
> https://www.dmschools.org/community-schools/health-services/7th12th-grad-vaccine-requirement/

____ Marked your calendars for the 2017-18 school start date and times?
> See the start dates for K-8 and preschool under the "Back-to-School Information" section
> See the new school hours under the "New Student School Hours" section

____ Reviewed the Montessori Learning Outcomes with your child(ren)?
> See the outcomes under the "Montessori Outcomes" section

____ Submitted a volunteer form? (This is required for all prospective classroom volunteers.)
> https://www.dmschools.org/volunteer/

We will see you soon!

Back To School Night - Tuesday, August 22nd 5:00-6:00pm
First Day of School for K-8th Grade – Wednesday, August 23rd

• Student School Hours on Wednesdays: 8:30-1:55pm

Peace Walk—Friday, August 25, 2017

First Day of School for Preschool – Thursday, September 7th

• 8:30-3:25 Full Day Students
• 8:30-11:30 Half Day Students

Picture Day – Currently scheduled for Thursday, October 19th

Cowles Montessori School student hours will now be:

Kindergarten through 8th Grade

• 8:30-3:25 (Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays)
  

• 8:30-1:55 (Wednesdays)

Preschool:

• 8:30-3:25 Full Day Students & 8:30-1:55 (Wednesdays)
• 8:30-11:30 Half Day Students

Intrinsic Motivation- Intrinsic motivation is the innate desire that drives the child to engage in an activity for enjoyment and satisfaction.

Creativity and Originality of Thought- Students are confident using the knowledge and skills they acquired to express their own ideas and creativity. They recognize the value of their own ideas, respect the creative process of others and are willing to share regardless of risk. Students find joy and satisfaction in self-expression.

Social Responsibility- Social responsibility requires the awareness that one’s actions impact the welfare of the group and that one cannot attain complete independence and autonomy until one contributes constructively in a group process. Individuals are able to make a positive contribution to their community and groups within that community.

Autonomy- The autonomous child is self-directed, composed and morally independent.

Confidence and Competence- The confident and competent child perceives himself as being successful, has a realistic understanding of accomplishment and has the ability to learn from his/her mistakes. Competence is the capability for success through taking risks, reflection, and self-correction.

Spiritual Awareness- Montessori students are often exceptionally compassionate, empathetic, and sensitive to the natural world and human condition.

Academic Preparation- On an academic level, Montessori provides students with skills that allow them to become independently functioning adults and lifelong learners. As students master one level of academic skills they are able to go further and apply themselves to increasingly challenging materials across various academic disciplines. Students recognize that there is always room to grow in their abilities to read, write, speak, and think clearly and thoughtfully. Children learn how to learn by doing. Students are encouraged to explore materials, integrate new concepts, analyze data, and think critically. Academic skills are essential to learning and knowing, not the aim of learning and knowing.

This week, I will be joining five of our staff members at the Summit on School Climate and Culture. The Summit is defined by six strands:

• Best Practices in Improving School Climate
• Multi-Tiered System of Supports
• Cultural Proficiency
• Social, Emotional and Physical Health
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Leadership

We are looking forward to our time together and enhancing our work in these areas!

Sincerely,

Mr. Johnson

Email: todd.johnson@dmschools.org
Website: https://cowles.dmschools.org/
Location: 6401 College Avenue, Windsor Heights, IA, United States
Phone: 515-242-7818
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CowlesMontessori/
Twitter: @CowlesDMPS