Better Together

So thankful for YOU!

As the leaves change and a new season of Geist Montessori Academy unfolds, please know how grateful I am to be a part of such a collaborative and loving community. On Tuesday, November 19, over 50 teachers, parents, and community members attended the School Board meeting, as we begin this joint journey together. I want to thank all of the attendees for their enthusiasm, insight, and warm welcome.

My first few days have been full of joy! The love for one another in this special school family is felt throughout. At this time of counting blessings, please know how appreciative I am for all of YOU! The staff, parents, and board are absolutely incredible, and the children are all so special. It is fascinating to watch them learn and engage in their works, so absorbed by their new discoveries. Please enjoy some of the learning that was captured as I explored classrooms this week.

What a special surprise! After the School Board meeting on Tuesday night, a giant basketful of goodies, flowers, and balloons greeted me in my office. Thank you to all who donated and to all of you who have been so welcoming and loving as we broaden our GMA school family. There is such a sense of community, belonging, and care that resonates throughout both campuses. Please know how much I appreciate ALL that you do for me and the entire Geist Montessori Academy community.

A special thank you to the GMA School Board who has been working diligently to provide excellence in education for our GMA students. This collaborative group of dedicated leaders has spent numerous volunteer hours for our GMA school family. The board wants to ensure that every family's voice is heard and have compiled a survey to be completed by

Wednesday, December 4: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GMA-ParentSurvey-2019

There will be less than a 5% Materials' Fee increase for the 2019-2020 school year; the new cost will be $230.

There were so many amazing new discoveries and bonds being formed at the sensational, PTO sponsored Science Night. A special shout out to all of the volunteers that evening and to those who worked behind the scenes to bring science alive for our creative young scientists.

What a delight to see the tribute to our Veterans! Both GMA campuses honored those who serve and have served our great country. A special thank you to the Bennett family for their efforts with the event, including a proper flag folding ceremony to help prepare our children for the new flag poles at our new campus.

Hello GMA Family!

I am Michelle Neff, and I joined the GMA community four weeks ago as the Special Education Coordinator. This is my 32nd year in education. I have taught all levels of students from preschool through high school in a variety of settings and areas. The areas I have taught are special education for students with emotional disabilities, hearing impairments, and learning disabilities, as well as, high school general education English. Kids are my passion. I thoroughly enjoy observing and interacting in classes with the students here. The students are teaching me so much about the Montessori method and confirming my decision to come here. I was drawn to Montessori because I feel it matches my philosophy of education which is to meet the child where he is and help him progress. I appreciate the warm reception I have received from those of you I have met and am eager to meet everyone as I grow in my own learning journey here at GMA.

Sincerely,

Ms. Michelle

1. What would you like to be your greatest accomplishment?

Students know I genuinely care about them.

2. What is your favorite thing to do?

I love to read!

3. Where is the most interesting place you've traveled to and why?

The Badlands in South Dakota are amazing. The territory is so rugged, yet beautiful. It was amazing to see bison running enmasse in the wild.

4. What advice do you have for your students?

Learning is power and makes life interesting--always strive to learn new things.

5. How do you define success?

Success is doing your best by making a difference in the world one child at a time.

Hello GMA Families!

This month's topic is all about being thankful. We all have things in our lives that we can be thankful for! At GMA, we are very thankful for the amazing community and wonderful students that we get to work with every day of the week. I always enjoy hearing what the students are thankful for. I have heard everything from narwhals to Amazon Alexa. Take some time and think about what you are thankful for!

Arrival After Doors Are Closed

Please be mindful that all children must be escorted inside by an adult to the attendance sign-in sheet, regardless of the time and age of the students, if you arrive to carline after the staff is inside and the doors are closed. We appreciate your help in this matter, as it is for the safety of the children.

Outerwear

With the change in temperatures, please be sure that your child has the appropriate outerwear to enjoy the fresh air. Please let us know if you need help or assistance to provide this.

With the transition and move into the new GMA building, there will be two eLearning Days in January: Tuesday, January 7 and Wednesday, January 8.

Per Indiana Department of Education, "eLearning Days have given the option for continuing an instructional day away from traditional time limits and brick and mortar setting. This innovative program has evolved into an engaging instructional model used in many Indiana schools to keep the sequence of learning going in spite of weather and other challenges. More importantly, it has provided teachers and students the opportunity to engage with digital resources, to collaborate virtually, and to develop digital skills that are used and valued beyond K-12."

Please enjoy the eLearning PowerPoint Presentation by Mr. Logan, presented on October 3 to explain the process: http://gmacademy.org/e-learning-day-november-1st/

Additionally, please find the attached board policy pertaining to eLearning Days.

There will be a classroom "Sneak Peek" offered at the new campus on Wednesday, January 8, from 6:00-7:00 p.m. This open house format will allow students to see their new classrooms before coming to school on Thursday, January 9. The official School Dedication/Celebration will be later that month, and planning is underway. More details about carline, start times, and other procedures will be given soon.

November 25: Middle School Feast

November 26: Kindergarten Feast

November 27-29: Thanksgiving Break

November 29 and December 2: Shop and Support Opportunity

December 2-6: NWEA Testing

December 4: Parent Survey Due

December 7: Pancake Breakfast, 9:00 a.m-11:00 a.m.

December 17: School Board Meeting, 5:30 p.m., North Campus

December 21-January 6: Winter Break

January 7-8: eLearning Days

Have you ever wondered what your child was talking about when s/he came home?

What is this lingo that s/he speaking? Here is a wonderful resource of Montessori terminology: https://montessori-ami.org/resource-library/facts/glossary-montessori-terms

Support Geist Montessori Academy when you shop on Black Friday and Cyber Monday. #StartWithaSmile at smile.amazon.com/ch/20-3707253 and Amazon donates to Montessori Academy at Geist Inc.

Email: Cschuler@gma.k12.in.us
Website: gmacademy.org
Phone: (317)335-1158
Twitter: @GeistAcademy