Better Together

It follows that the child can only develop fully by means of experience on his environment. We call such experience “work”.-Maria Montessori

“He does it with his hands, by experience, first in play and then through work. The hands are the instruments of man’s intelligence.”-Maria Montessori

We won! On Friday, the Indiana Department of Education announced the 2020 Recipients of the Digital Learning-Community Advisory Grant. Geist Montessori Academy was awarded $49,982.84, and the grant is being matched by Project Lead the Way. All staff will receive professional development this summer, and we will launch PLTW in the 2020-2021 school year.

GMA’s STEM vision is to develop a student’s ability to think logically, solve problems, innovate in authentic experiences, engage in inquiry, collaborate with peers, and develop self-motivation and the love of lifelong learning. To do so, GMA STEM will help students intentionally make the cross-curricular connections and uphold the Montessori philosophical beliefs that connect education to students' own interests and experiences.

What PLTW Launch does is tap into students’ exploratory nature, engages them in authentic learning experiences, and encourages them to keep discovering, becoming lifelong learners. PLTW empowers students to adopt a design-thinking mindset through compelling activities, projects, and problems that build upon each other and relate to the world around them. And as students engage in hands-on activities in computer science, engineering, and biomedical science, they become creative, collaborative problem solvers ready to take on any challenge.

For more information, click here and visit: https://www.pltw.org/

Do you love to read and have some time to volunteer with kindergarten through second graders? Parent volunteers are needed on Tuesdays and Thursdays, March 3- April 30.

If this interests you, please sign up in the parent volunteer Book Buddy Link:

Book Buddy Parent Volunteer Sign-Up

February was dental health month, and we celebrated by having our friends at Fishers Pediatric Dentistry come to help us learn about taking care of our teeth. They brought their friend Mr. Flossy and met with Pre-K, Kindergarten and Lower Elementary and talked about thorough teeth brushing techniques, flossing, and healthy foods to eat. Every student, including our Upper Elementary and Middle School, was provided a goodie bag filled with new toothbrushes, toothpaste and other items to take home. March is here and it is National Nutrition Month. Encouraging a balanced diet and healthy eating habits will be on the agenda, and a nutritionist will be coming to talk with the students.

Nature Explore Center Program: Nature Explore Program

The PTO is hoping to bring the nature Explore program to GMA. Discover engaging art experiences inspired by nature that help children make deeper connections with the world around them. Experience the Look-Move-Build-Sketch planning tool that encourages multifaceted arts exploration.

The Importance of Visual-Spatial Learning

Description: Explore tools for providing more authentic learning opportunities for children in both built and natural environments. Gain a deeper understanding of why visual-spatial learning is important for all children.

If you are interested in attending, please contact Abby Kempf Strong: abby.kempf@gmail.com

I am excited to join Geist Montessori Academy as the Special Education Coordinator. In June, 2019 I retired after more than 25 years in special education, but I continue to have a passion for supporting students, staff and families as they maximize the educational experience for each child.

My greatest accomplishment in life is that I am the mom of three children who are married and living life well. I have four wonderful grandchildren who call me Mimi. My husband Tim and I enjoy walking around Fishers and traveling around the USA. In my spare time I enjoy Pilates, playing card games and doing jigsaw puzzles.

Three traits that define me are compassionate, dedicated and being a good listener. I consider myself to be a lifelong learner and hope I continue to develop and use my childhood abilities that Maria Montessori calls, “unknown powers”, as long as I have breath.

“The child is endowed with unknown powers, which can guide us to a radiant future. If what we really want is a new world, then education must take as its aim the development of these hidden possibilities.” Maria Montessori

Thanks for the warm welcome to Geist Montessori. Let’s learn and grow together!

The second round of FREE tutoring will run from 3/9-4/24 (Spring Break is in that time frame.)

We are so excited to be able to provide this extra layer of support for our students and look forward to further enhancing their achievement and learning development. Learning Lab letters were sent home on Friday and need to be returned by Thursday, March 5.

Coronavirus Update:

As you are aware, the coronavirus (COVID-19) is making a lot of headlines in the national news. We wanted to send you an update on what we are currently doing at Geist Montessori Academy (GMA) to prevent the spread of any illness. We are following a “flu protocol” type of cleaning in GMA, concentrating on disinfecting areas that are used and/or touched frequently, such as light switches, drinking fountains, doorknobs, etc.

In addition, we are encouraging frequent handwashing among students and staff, as it is one of the most important steps we can take to avoid getting sick. Hand sanitizer is also available and can be used when needed. Our school nurse, Ms. Joy, is closely monitoring students who are showing any signs or symptoms of an infectious illness. Listed below are some additional recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to help prevent the spread of germs:

• Stay home when you are sick. The CDC recommends that you remain home until you are “fever free” for at least 24 hours.
• Seek medical attention if you are experiencing symptoms that cause concern.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, or by coughing into the inside of your elbow. Throw any used tissues away in trash.
• Avoid touching eyes, mouth and nose with unwashed hands.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces in your home.

We will continue to consult with our local, state and federal partners and follow their recommendations on the spread of the coronavirus. In the event that GMA would be closed for an extended period of time, we would utilize eLearning days for students. We are committed to the health and safety of our students and staff.

For more information on the coronavirus, click here. We thank you for doing your part to keep our school community healthy.

GMA is WILD about books!

Escape into the wilds of reading with the Scholastic Book Fairs® spring 2020 elementary school theme, Book Fair Jungle: Elephants, Tigers, and Books, OH MY!

The Scholastic Book Fair is coming to GMA March 9-13!

Students will get to make a wish list on Monday, March 9. Please refer to the attachment below. They will be able to purchase items during their class' scheduled time slot March 10-11. The Fair will also be conveniently open during the Student-Led Conferences.

Wednesday, March 12, the Fair will be open until 8:00 p.m. and Thursday, March 13, the Book Fair will be open until 6:00 p.m.

Give your student a secure, cash-free way to shop the fair. Simply create a free account, pre-authorize a spending limit, and have funds immediately. Check out some of the books that will be showcased by reading the book blurbs attachment below!

Scholastic Book Fair eWallet

The PTO would love for you to join us at 4:00 in the art room for all meetings and committee meetings. We have many exciting events coming up and would love your ideas and input.

3/3 - STEM Club begins for grades 3-8

3/7, 9-11am Pancake Breakfast
Enjoy a pancake breakfast at GMA with friends! Gluten-free pancakes available (banana and egg only).

3/10 - PTO General meeting

3/19 -PTO Talent Show committee meeting

3/31 -PTO Spring Carnival committee meeting

4/14 - STEM Club begins for grades K-2

4/14 -PTO Officer elections

5/2 10am-1pm- Save the date! Spring Carnival

5/8 - Save the date! Talent and Art Show. (Please note this is a change from the date published at the beginning of the year)

Would you like to help with the GMA website? Committee members are needed to give insight as to what is needed/wanted on the updated website. Please contact Cindy Schuler if interested: cschuler@gma.k12.in.us

Please use precaution, courtesy, and grace when in car line. Also, please always put your car in park when in the student loading zones.

Please join the School Board on March 17, at 5:30, in the art room, for the next School Board Meeting, and enjoy the January meeting minutes:

http://gmacademy.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/GMA-January-2020-Board-Meeting-Minutes.pdf

A special thank you to the creative and dedicated calendar committee!

The 2020-2021 Calendar was approved by the board on 2/19. Please make note that all snow days will be eLearning Days on the day of the occurrence. As such, all of the typical FLEX Days are now DAYS OFF. The committee was also mindful to put Professional Days/eLearning Days next to already scheduled breaks to keep the learning more fluid and to aide parents in scheduling.

In addition, start and end times will remain the same, Pre-K and Kindergarten: 8:30-3:00 and 1st-8th grades: 8:30-3:30. We hope you enjoy that your input was heard and the majority vote on both surveys was used to build the calendar. Again, we are so appreciative of your feedback on the surveys and the dedicated team who created the calendar.

Come get the Schuler Scoop

Wednesday, March 4, from 1- 2 p.m.

Enjoy some ice cream and learn about GMA events.

Please sign up here: Schuler Scoop Sign-Up

Let the word out, it's spring enrollment time! We are currently accepting new students for the 2020-2021 School Year. Tours are Tuesday mornings from 9:30-10:15; sign-up on our website.

Additionally, current GMA families, it is that time of year to let us know if your current student has a sibling not currently enrolled in GMA that wishes to enroll for the 2020-2021 school year. Per our charter regulations, siblings of current students have priority. If you have a student that will be joining us for the 2020-2021 school year, please complete this form:

Enrollment Form, Sibling 2020-2021

Please contact Ms. Jane with any questions or concerns, 317-813-4626.

March 3: Engineering for Kids

March 4: Schuler Scoop

March 7: Come cheer on the Robotics Team at the State Championship! Pancake Breakfast, 9-11am

Enjoy a pancake breakfast at GMA with friends! Gluten-free pancakes available (banana and egg only).

March 9-13: Scholastic Book Fair: WILD About Books will be open Wednesday, March 11, until 8 p.m., and it will be open Thursday, March 12, until 6 p.m.

March 10: PTO Meeting

March 11: End of Third Quarter, Student-Led Conferences

March 12: Early Release at noon, Student-Led Conferences

March 13: Early Release at noon, Student-Led Conferences

March 17: School Board Meeting, Art Room, 5:30

April 2: International Festival

April 3: Flex Day (or eLearning)

April 6-10: Spring Break/No School

April 14: STEM Club begins for grades K-2, PTO Officer elections

April 16: Enrollment Night, 5:30-7:30

April 20-May 15: iLearn State Testing

April 29-30: Act it Out Presentations

May 2: 10am-1pm- Save the date! Spring Carnival

May 8: Save the date! Talent and Art Show. (Please note this is a change from the date published at the beginning of the year)

Please take note; our new school family has a

NEW PHONE NUMBER:

(317) 813-4626

NEW ADDRESS:

6058 W. 900 N.

McCordsville, IN 46055

Email: Cschuler@gma.k12.in.us
Website: gmacademy.org
Phone: (317)813-4626
Twitter: @GeistAcademy