Cowles Montessori Crier

Hi from Lower El!

Our classes have had a blast (literally) starting off the school year with the 1st Great Lesson in Montessori, The Coming of the Universe! In that, we have been asking the questions: How did the universe come to be? What is in the universe? and What is my role in the universe? We have been exploring these wonders through our 3rd levels presenting The Big Bang, reading creation stories, studying astronomy, geology and geography, along with other extension works. It has been an absolute pleasure watching your children explore the universe around them in such a small setting that is our classroom. What a fun way to kick off the year!

Much of the beginning of the school year is practicing and learning grace and courtesy, practical life, and routines. Slowly but surely, we are seeing normalization occur and the first levels are beginning to settle in. We have a helpful and loving bunch in our hands and are so grateful to have each of our students here with us. We are looking forward to discussing this normalization more in our conferences

During October, we will continue our studies through the 5 Great Lessons, continue to normalize to the classroom, and continue growing in community with one another. We are also looking forward to Harvest Week coming up and eating some delicious Harvest Soup!

Peace,

The Lower El Teachers

From the Interventionist Team

The past few weeks, we have assisted with FastBridge testing and gathered additional data to identify areas of instruction for our intervention groups. As interventionists we are fortunate to have the opportunity to deliver instruction in a small-group setting. During the school year, we will collaborate with classroom teachers and parents to discuss student progress and share strategies that result in academic growth.

- Rachel Andrews, Math Interventionist

- Marianne Wanerus, Reading Interventionist

Attention Cowles Preschool parents:

All preschool students are required to have current physical and dental exams on file, at all times.

A copy of your child’s current physical exam (within the last 12 months) is required within 30 days of starting school. Deadline: October 6th.

The American Dental Association recommends preschool children be seen for a dental exam every six months. DMPS Early Childhood Programs also follows this guideline, requiring all enrolled students to have a current dental exam on file within 90 days of starting school.

Please let your child’s teacher or school nurse know if there are any food allergies or other health concerns. Let the nurse know if you need assistance in finding a medical or dental clinic or have any other questions.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have questions or concerns about your child’s health or preschool health requirements.

Ann R. Humphrey/School Nurse

Cowles Montessori School

• Saturday, September 30th, from 5:00-9:00 p.m.
• Carnival games, inflatables, food truck, birthday cake, train rides, face painting, & more!
• Movie and snacks from 7:00-9:00 p.m.

Professional Development (PD) Days/Holidays Observed

• Monday, October 16th - PD Day and Parent-Teacher Conferences - No school for students
  
• Tuesday, October 17th - PD Day - No school for students

Parent-Teacher Conferences

• Monday, October 16th, from 12:00-7:00 p.m.
• Tuesday, October 17th through Friday, October 20th, as scheduled with your child's teacher

Picture Day!

• Monday, October 23rd

Fall Garden Clean-Up

• Thursday, October 19th from 3:45-5:00, on the Cowles playground

CAR LINE SAFTEY! WE NEED YOUR HELP!

Your child's safety is our top priority, and we need your help! Our car line process is safe when all families follow the plan we have in place at Cowles. One area of improvement we need your help with is pulling forward to our drop off area in the parking lot (see the maps and details below). Please, for your child's safety, do not stop on the street, no parking zones, or the bus lane in the front of the building on College Avenue to drop off your child. This is our biggest safety concern and an area where parents/guardians can support us most.

Our partner, Raygun, created the Cowles Montessori Store for children, adolescents, and adults to buy T-Shirts. A portion of your payment is donated directly to Cowles!

You can purchase mugs, hats, and other T-Shirts through our Cowles Shop.

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