Growing Together

there's so much to Gobble About!

Dear GMA School Family,

There’s so much to gobble about! First of all, thank you for your incredible flexibility, adaptability, and support as we navigate the twists and turns of this pandemic. We appreciate your partnership and grace as we temporarily switch learning platforms for these next seven school days. Educators are working tirelessly to prepare a supportive virtual format for our learners.

The week of 11/16-11/20, all students will receive two hours of live lessons, one core math and ELA Zoom lesson, as well as 2 small group lessons daily, leaving 5.5 hours of practical life and work cycle lessons. For Monday, 11/23, and Tuesday, 11/24, teachers may be providing alternative lessons and check-ins, rather than ZOOM sessions. Related Arts’ lessons will also be available via video, with a weekly ZOOM check-in from the teachers.

As we head into this Thanksgiving season, it is a perfect time to reiterate how very grateful we are for ALL of you. Your partnership is so appreciated as we grow together to best support our learners during these complicated times. Whole child development and lessons have been on the forefront, and all of the teachers, co-teachers, Nurse April, Mr. Michael, and the entire administrative team have been helping with students’ social-emotional, behavioral, and academic development. As the winds of the world whistle and whirl about, your family’s constant care, compassion, and steadfast support have rooted our children, and for this, we are deeply appreciative.

Along with this, Geist Montessori Academy is a close-knit school family who looks out for one another. We know that many of our families are struggling financially, and we aim to help spread some winter joy. If your family is in need of assistance, please fill out this form, and we will help make wishes come true: Spreading JOY: family wish list. More information can be found below.

May you see the everyday blessings surrounding you, and may this Thanksgiving season wrap you up in the warmth of our school home, friends, and family. Embrace those around you, and savor the gift of these extra moments together.

As always, thank you for your partnership in learning.

Warmly,

Cindy Schuler

Executive Director

Geist Montessori Academy

(317) 813-4626

cschuler@gma.k12.in.us

Of all things, love is the most potent.

-Maria Montessori

Dates to remember

Upcoming Events

11/17 PTO Meeting, 6:30 p.m.

11/25-27 Thanksgiving Break

12/14-17 Winter Concert

12/15 School Board Meeting, 5:30 p.m.

12/18 End of Quarter

12/21-1/6 Winter Break

1/6 Progress Reports and NWEA reports sent home

1/5-1/22 Virtual Learning

1/25 Onsite learning resumes

Thank you for the robot parts donations!

The Buckeye room loved learning about robots and designing their own creations with the donated pieces. Each student learned about the engineering design process and added special features to their robots that served specific functions.

They all started with sketching their initial design. Then, they began their building, and adapted and changed their plans based on new inspiration. They collaborated with each other, supported each others' visions, and celebrated each others' finished products. Overall, Ms. Vicki states, "It was a great experience, and we appreciate your contributions!"

Spreading joy!

GMA will be hosting a holiday drive this year, primarily by means of fulfilling children’s needs and wishes. This year has been tough on so many, so let's come together and help alleviate a few GMA families' needs!

We will be accepting families in need from November 16-23. The families in need will remain ANONYMOUS to those looking to help, as we will sort families , such as family A, B, or C, and GMA will have a chance to adopt a family that they will be able to shower with a little extra love this year!

If you would like to submit your family's wishes, please fill out this form by 11/23:https://form.jotform.com/203044761903147

Then, we will send out a follow up link on how to obtain a family to adopt!

We look forward to spreading winter joy at GMA this year!

Thank you,

Christine Haler

Warm Welcome to our New Exceptional Learner Director: Nicole Bultman

Dear GMA families,

My name is Nicole Bultman and I will be the new Director of Exceptional Learners. I am coming to GMA from Lawrence Township where I have been a resource teacher for the past nine year, and department chair for the last two years. While I was in Lawrence I received my masters degree and directors license from Ball State. I have a total of twelve years experience in special education with grades first through eighth grade.

A little bit about me. I have three beautiful nieces that I spend a lot of time with over my breaks. Two of my nieces live in Noblesville and the other one is in San Diego. I have coached varsity cheerleading for six years and try to bring that same spirit into the school. I am a firm believer that it takes a team for everyone to achieve their best. I have an open door policy so feel free to contact me at any time. I am excited for my new role at GMA and cannot wait to get to know everyone!

Sincerely,

Nicole Bultman

Director of Exceptional Learners

Virtual Montessori materials

VIRTUAL MONTESSORI MATERIALS

https://virtualmontessorimaterials.com/

Check out these marvelous Virtual Montessori Materials!

This is a collection of games and tools to support teachers and parents during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.

This work was highly inspired by work by Ryan Nevius at montessori.tools.

Be sure to check it out!