Dear UE/MS Parents,

Thank you for visiting the Math Fair last Friday. We hope you were able to view most of the displays and hear our students share their application of various math concepts.  As you may know, students began D.A.R.E. classes on November 28 which will continue through February 13. Officer Mark Wood is teaching the fourth and fifth level curriculum while Officer Sam Bady is teaching the middle school curriculum. Since this week is our last full week before winter break, we look forward to seeing you again at the Winter Revue on Friday and continuation of the academic plan. Showtime is 4:30pm in the FABA, and for early arrivers, there will be a Faculty Christmas Concert at 4:00pm featuring Montessori teachers and staff.  

On Monday, December 17, we are planning to visit Elmcroft Assisted Living facility to sing carols for Mrs. Eileen Bernstorf , founder of Montessori Academy, and the other residents.  Please click here for the permission slip. You may print and return it to your child’s classroom, or you may submit it electronically to Mrs. Hess. Please make sure the permission slip is returned this week. If you are able to drive and accompany us for an hour on Monday, that would be wonderful.

Since Tuesday, December 18 is a half day dismissal at 11:15, we would like to propose an optional $5 gift exchange for interested students. If your child is interested in participating, he or she should bring a wrapped gift and will receive one in return.

On behalf of our teaching team, we wish you and your family our warmest greetings for a relaxing winter break.

Sincerely,
Helena Hess, Director

All upper elementary science students will begin working on their science fair project for a late January 2013 presentation. Students will select one of the labs that they have completed and complete a presentation board illustrating key ideas outlined in the experiment.

Dr. Herman Jackson

As we wrap up the fall of 2012, the 4th and 5th level culture students took a three week interim to focus on a specific portion of Tennessee state history. The students studied the contents of the TN State Museum Traveling Trunk: The Cherokee in Tennessee, their Life and Removal. The students enjoyed joining a Cherokee Clan, making masks, holding council meetings, and discussing the white settlers’ encroachment. Although they (the students) voted to stay and fight for their territory, they learned that the Cherokee nation did end up leaving via the Trail of Tears. The students heard stories, watched a video and discussed the details of this sad period of our history. They also wrote reflections on what they can learn and take away from this time. We reflected specifically on the perseverance and tenacity of a people who refused to give up their culture, heritage and dignity even while facing dehumanizing opposition and tremendous hardship and loss. We celebrate all those who stand strong in the face of difficulty and remain true to themselves! Also, some of the students are interested in contributing to those who suffered recently from hurricane Sandy.  If you are able to contribute to this effort, we are collecting small toiletries and new socks in all sizes to send to those victims of the storm. Send these in with your child and a parent will collect them on the 18th. Thank you! Have a wonderful holiday season!

Elisabeth Gay