The Messmore Messenger
February 2024
A Note From the Principal
Dear Parents and Guardians,
I am thrilled by the deep affection and unwavering support our school community extends toward our program. Our school is extraordinary, and it is enriched by the collective dedication of everyone involved.
What makes Messmore stand out is our love for Montessori values, which are deeply ingrained in the hearts of our entire community.
During our recent MMA meeting, we discussed preschool registration concerns with Mark Dziatczak, Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning, and Kristina Tepper, Executive Director of Elementary Education. The primary issues addressed stemmed from changes to the preschool registration process. Specifically, we talked about the initial opening of registrations for four-year-old students, which resulted in a waiting list for three-year-old students.
Mr. Dziatczak and Mrs. Tepper expressed their appreciation for the chance to engage with parents at the MMA meeting and are actively working to address the discussions held. They plan to attend the next MMA meeting on Wednesday, March 20, 2024, to follow up on specific questions and concerns.
It is essential to advocate for increasing awareness of our program. Please introduce our four-year-old preschool program to friends and family to help boost enrollment. If you have three-year-olds, please consider placing them on the waiting list and encourage other community members to do the same.
We are also searching for individuals interested in joining our team as teaching assistants. Interested candidates can apply through the Utica Community Schools website. For further discussions and inquiries, please contact the Messmore office at 797-5600, Mr. Dziatczak at 797-1095, or Mrs. Tepper at 797-1116.
We all should maintain a positive outlook, as our primary focus is ensuring the continuity and growth of the Montessori program at Messmore.
Classroom Placement for the Upcoming School Year
As we begin preparing for the upcoming academic year, I understand that many families are interested in the classroom placement process. I want to clarify our approach to classroom assignments. Our policy is that we do not accept specific teacher requests.
This decision is based on our commitment to creating supportive and balanced learning environments for all our students. Our grade-level teams work collaboratively to make thoughtful placement decisions, considering a wide range of factors to ensure that each classroom is conducive to learning and growth for every student. You should know that placements are carefully considered and not made at random.
We aim to create classroom communities that are balanced and harmonious, where every child can thrive. Student placement involves considering the dynamics of student personalities, learning styles, and various needs to foster a productive and positive classroom atmosphere.
Although we cannot accommodate requests for specific teachers, we highly value parental input regarding your child's learning experience. We welcome any insights about your child's needs, learning style, or any extenuating circumstances you believe we should consider. Such insights can be instrumental in our decision-making process, helping us to support your child's educational journey more effectively.
Please do not hesitate to share this information with us, knowing that it will be thoughtfully considered alongside the broader context of our placement criteria. Our goal is always the well-being and academic success of every student.
Thank you for your understanding and support as we navigate the placement process. We appreciate your trust in us to make the best decisions for all our students. If you have any questions or additional information you wish to share, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Warm regards,
Renee Fiema, Ed.D.
Messmore Principal
Making Up Absent Work
When a student is absent, it is the student’s/parent’s/guardian’s (depending on the child’s age) responsibility to arrange for make-up work. Teachers may need 24 hours from the time of the request to gather the student's missing work. Students are given at minimum the same amount of to make up the work as the amount of time they were absent.
February Valentine Spirit Week
Congratulations Optimistic Peacemakers
Science Fair Fun!!
Messmore hosted a Science Fair on February 1st where 65 students' projects were displayed. Students presented their scientific knowledge to a panel of judges during the day and dazzled parents and families in the evening. The Sterling Heights Police Department taught students about their thermal imaging equipment, Shelby Robotics shared their Lego robotic skills, and teachers manned a slime-making station to top off the night. Science was ALIVE at Messmore.
Art News from Mrs. Merriman
Kindergarten
rs. Pecoraro and Mrs. Barker's class are adding color between the spaces on their Alphabet Art. The artwork is inspired by the book, Chicka Chicka Boom Boom. Nice job Kindergarten students!
Mrs. Witek's Class
Students in Mrs. Witek's class worked hard to create winter foxes demonstrating space. Well done 1st/2nd graders!
Ms. Vedder's Class
Students in Ms. Vedder's class are working hard to create light and dark value tree scenes using tempera paints. Great work 3rd and 4th graders!
Students in Semester 2 demonstrate their skill creating light and dark values in their winter landscapes using watercolor paints. Well done 5th/6th graders!
Interested in seeing more amazing student art?
Like and share my Facebook Page or Instagram for frequent updates on what is happening in the Art Room.
Thank you!
Lisa Merriman
Art Educator
Career Focus Sponsorship and Mentor Outreach
The UCS Foundation and Connect Macomb, in cooperation with UCS, will be hosting the 30th Annual Career Focus Luncheon for sixth grade students on Tuesday, May 7 and Wednesday, May 8. On both days, the event will be held in-person from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. at The Palazzo Grande in Shelby Township. Students will travel by UCS bus to the venue where they will interact with a business or community mentor, enjoy lunch, listen to the keynote speaker, and then return by UCS bus to their school.
If you or a business that you know of in the community would like to take part in the event as a sponsor and/or mentor the information is attached below.
Questions? Who to Contact
Messmore Montessori Association
MMA Board
Elisabetta Stupera, President
Paulette Qussar, Vice President of Committees
Amanada Hijazi, New Vice President of Fund Raising
Stacee Jones, New Treasurer
Paul Jones, New "Techetary" aka Secretary
MMA Meeting Dates
3/20
4/17
5/15
Important Dates
February
12 - 16 Valentine Spirit Week
13- 5th Grade DIA Field Trip
19 - 23 No School Mid-Winter Break
20- Chuck E. Cheese Fundraiser
March
3- Daddy Daughter Dance
6- Early Childhood Open House 6:00 - 8:00, Kindergarten Open House 7:00, Band concert at Utica HS
18- Effort Peace Assembly at 9 AM
20- Scooter's Coffee Gives Back Day, MMA Meeting at 6:00 PM
22- 1 /2 day of school, American Red Cross Blood Drive at Messmore (Team Trotto)
25- Chuck E. Cheese Fundraiser
25 - 29 No School Spring Break
April
17- MMA Meeting at 6:00 PM
19- Chuck E. Cheese Fundraiser
May
6 - 10 Teacher Appreciation Week
8- 6th Grade Career Focus Luncheon
15- Work It Out Peace Assembly 2 PM, MMA Meeting at 6:00 PM
17- Chuck E. Cheese Fundraiser
21- Messmore Arts, Beats, & Eats
27- No School Memorial Day
June
4- Field Day
6- Half day of School
7- Half day of School/ Last Day
Lunch/Recess Supervisors Needed!
Are you interested in seeing whether or not your child is eating their lunch? Are you curious as to who your child's friends are? Do you like to help? Then this may be the job for you!
We are in need of lunchroom and lunch recess supervisors. This can be a paid position, if you're interested. Or it can be just on a volunteer basis. If you are interested in getting paid for your time as a lunchroom and lunch recess supervisor, then please see the attached information below regarding EduStaff and follow those directions. If you are interested in just volunteering, all I would need is a Criminal History Check Form filled out and submitted, if you have not already done so.
If you are interested in beginning the process, please reach out to Sarah in the main office (Sarah.Szadek@uticak12.org). We really need help on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.
Helpful Links
Family Portal (Lunches): https://utica.familyportal.cloud
PaySchools: https://www.payschoolscentral.com/