Pontiac School News

September 6, 2019

Pontiac Montessori Magnet program receives Magnet School Certification from Magnet Schools of America!

The Montessori Magnet at Pontiac Elementary was recently recognized as a 2019 Nationally Certified-Demonstration Magnet School by Magnet Schools of America. On August 15, the Montessori Magnet at Pontiac Elementary received notification of this recognition.

As a Nationally Certified-Demonstration Magnet School, the Montessori Magnet at Pontiac Elementary has demonstrated through evidence, reflection, and strategic action that it has exceeded the criteria of the Standards of Excellence in its school. The certification process is based on the five pillars of magnet schools and the National Magnet School Standards of Excellence. These standards define the essential elements and characteristics of high-quality magnet programs.

The Montessori Magnet at Pontiac Elementary is comprised of five primary classrooms (which serve 3, 4, and 5 year olds), five lower elementary classrooms (which serve 1st, 2nd, and 3rd graders), and three upper elementary classrooms (which serve 4th and 5th graders). Each classroom is taught by a trained Montessori teacher in addition to an instructional assistant.

“This is a tremendous honor to be recognized amongst other premier magnet programs in our district and as well as around the country,” said Principal Dr. Katie Barber. ”Our Montessori magnet teachers work hard each day to provide academic excellence to our students. Their efforts are celebrated and applauded,” she said.

“We are honored to be recognized as a National Certified Demonstration school. Going through this intensive, reflective process provided our program the platform to strengthen and grow, as our staff and Parent Advisory examined our practices and how they correlated to the Magnet Schools of America 5 Pillars of Excellence,” said lead teacher Molly Robbins.

The Montessori Magnet Program at Pontiac Elementary opened in 2007. The program serves three year old through fifth grade students in a multi-aged setting. Students select this choice magnet program through Richland Two’s lottery program each year.

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Book Fair

We are excited to announce the dates of our fall Follett Book Fair. Come shop the week of Monday September 23 - 27th. The times will be sent home with your students on the flyer that will come home next week.

Our Book Fair is part of a reading event that brings to school a wonderful selection of fun, engaging, and affordable books kids want to read. Giving kids access to good books and the opportunity to choose books will motivate them to read more!

And let’s not forget- the Book Fair is a great fundraiser that both parents and kids can enjoy together!

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School Improvement Council

Parents you are invited to join our School Improvement Council!

The School Improvement Council is an advisory council to the school principal and school consisting of parents, teachers, and community members. Monthly meetings focus on issues related to school improvement. School Improvement Council Annual Goals are:

To increase student achievement in the area of literacy through the work of continued community partnerships.
To develop leadership skills in students by utilizing Stephen Covey’s Leader in Me framework.
To create a culture of college and career readiness.
To promote a partnership among students, parents, school, and the community.
To provide a college scholarship to a graduating senior at a Richland Two high school that attended Pontiac Elementary as a 5th grader.

2018-19 Accomplishments

During the 2018-2019 school year, our School Improvement Council was recognized as an Honor Roll school for the work we did as an SIC, particularly focusing on student achievement in the area of literacy. Our SIC members mailed out letters to more than 50 community partners in hopes to secure funds, increase reading volunteers, and create awareness around our goal of increasing literacy initiatives at Pontiac. We held two family literacy events to support literacy in homes.

You are invited to our first meeting on September 19, 2019 at 7:45am

2019-20 Future Meeting Dates

October 24, 2019

November 21, 2019

December 19, 2019

January 23, 2020

February 20, 2020

March 19, 2020

April 23, 2020

May 21, 2020

All meetings begin at 7:45 am in the BrainForest.

Attendance Awareness Month

Dear Parents,

I’m excited to announce that September is Attendance Awareness month. What that means is that we are going to celebrate classrooms with 100% attendance EVERYDAY during the month of September!!

Let me explain what that will look like. Each day that your child's teacher has EVERYONE at school, on time, and no early dismissals their class will earn a letter. Each class is trying to spell out the words PERFECT ATTENDANCE!

If their class is able to spell PERFECT ATTENDANCE before September 30th, they will earn a party! What kind of party??? Well, they could earn a popcorn party, or a bubble party, bingo party with prizes, or even an ice cream party!!

It’s so important that your child is in school everyday!

When we make attendance a priority it helps students to achieve better grades, develop health lift habits, avoid dangerous behaviors and have a better chance of graduating from high school.

Just remember, if you’re truly sick, it’s better for you to stay home and get well!

If you have any questions please contact me jawatson@richland2.org

(803-699-2700) ext 81020

PS Don't forget you can email, send in a copy and or faxed me your child's excuse.

Thanks,

Ms. Watson