Under Construction Edition!

"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."

Spring Break! - Friday, March 9th - 18th!
CMPG Meeting - Monday, March 19th - 6:00p.m. - Cowles Library

Check out Sailor's video for a few words of wisdom:

https://flipgrid.com/fadf6a

The Elementary-age child is in what we, as Montessorians, call the Second Plane of Development. The child in this stage moves from the concrete (what is there in front of her) to the abstract. She now possesses a greater ability to reason. “The children’s new interest in the abstract extends to the development of a moral sense. Elementary-school children continually question what is right and wrong. Their ultimate goal is not the facts of right and wrong as perceived by their parents. They want to use their newly developing powers of reason to come to their own conclusions about right and wrong (Montessori Today, Paula Polk Lillard p. 49)”

One of the opportunities that we provide our Upper Elementary children builds upon this notion that the child in this stage draws his own conclusions about what is right and wrong. This opportunity is a Spoken Word workshop. Led by Words Taylor and Courtney Smith, our 6th graders spent one hour per week, for five weeks, learning how to be vulnerable and supportive of one another all at the same time, while finding their voices. They were challenged to answer the question “If you walked a mile in my shoes” and to find a fitting description for “My Voice.”

Many of these 6th grade students performed their spoken word poetry for the entire school during Fine Arts Day on February 27th. That evening they also performed for their parents. Many of them shared fears, hopes, and joys. Some expressed concern for the world around them, and the care of humans and nature. They shared from the heart, and they showed great power in their voices.

Thanks from the Upper Elementary Team!

Important things to know!

• March 23rd- Donation deadline for auction items for Cowles After Dark
• April 21- Cowles After Dark Event (Adult social and school fundraiser)

It is not only a really fun social gathering for Cowles loving adults, but it is an important school fundraiser this year that will raise funds for school needs and projects. Here are some ways Cowles students and teachers have benefited greatly from the funds this event has provided:

• Montessori Professional Development for staff
  
• Montessori materials for students
  
• Project Wisdom
• Shelving
• STEM materials
• Classroom supplies
  

This past month, the Des Moines Public Schools announced the school hours for the 2018-19 school year. This decision was based on the immediate positive impact on student academics and student health by changing our school hours to match secondary student biological sleep cycles, student preparedness, and the best interest of students. Throughout the district we have found a lot of support for and openness to this change.

· Elementary Schools: 7:30 AM – 2:25 PM

· Middle Schools: 8:30 AM – 3:25 PM

· High Schools: 8:25 AM – 3:25 PM

Unlike any other elementary or middle school in Des Moines, Cowles Montessori serves a combination of elementary and secondary programming. Cowles middle schoolers’ schedules intersect with other DMPS students on a daily basis, due to athletics, Central Academy, and other activities. In the coming years, Cowles Montessori will collaborate heavily with the new NE Montessori School. Montessori staff will take part in professional growth, training, certification, and will require an aligned schedule to assist in the schools development. As such, Cowles and the new school will line up with the district’s secondary start time; 8:30 AM – 3:25 PM beginning with the 2018-19 school year. These school hours support the pediatric research for school start times for adolescents and also allows staff to capitalize on best practices in training and professional development by collaborating and engaging with other Montessori staff in Des Moines.

Thank you for your feedback, help, and support as we improve our ability to give students the greatest chance to succeed.

Gregory Grylls

Director of Elementary Schools

Des Moines Public Schools

2100 Fleur Drive l Des Moines, IA 50321-1158

**Metro/PAX will operate the same before and after school next year

We are officially under construction for our new addition of the Music Room and Gym!

Our priories during construction are as follows:
- Safety and Communication

- Car Line and Parking Lot

- Playground access

We will be working closely with the DMPS Construction Inspector and the Cowles Leadership Team throughout the construction process. The best course of action for parents to communicate any questions or concerns is call the Cowles Office. At this time, there will be no changes to our car lines (before school, during 1/2 day preschool, or after school). Our Construction Inspector will meet with me weekly to address any frequently asked questions, updates, or changes to the construction. I will update the staff, parents, and community through the Crier, CMPG meetings, and email.

We are all excited!

Email: todd.johnson@dmschools.org
Website: cowles.dmschools.org
Location: 6401 College Avenue, Windsor Heights, IA 50324
Phone: 515-242-7818
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CowlesMontessori/
Twitter: @cowlesDMPS