See Shaw Shine
Shaw Montessori Newsletter Week of April 19th
IN THIS ISSUE
- Letter From Samson
- Message from Principal Engdall
- Message From Laura Hildwein
- Message From Petra
- Tax Credit / Class Trips
- Information and Student Meal Resources
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Letter From Samson (the office guinea pig)
Hello, Shaw Friends!
It’s Samson the guinea pig here. I know some of you might be wondering how I’m doing and what I am up to these days now that we are not at school. For those of you who don’t know me, my name is Samson, and I live in Mrs. Jennifer’s office next to the mindfulness room at Shaw Montessori. A long time ago, I used to live with a student in Mrs. Roam’s class but they had to find another home for me because one of the family members is allergic to guinea pigs. Mrs. Jennifer’s room parent got word that I was looking for a new home so that is when I came to live with Mrs. Jennifer, Mrs. Holly and their students. This school year Mrs. Jennifer relocated to the office and now I’m the office guinea pig.
Over spring break I went to live with a good friend of mine in Mrs. Jodi’s class because Mrs. Jennifer was getting married! This friend has been taking good care of me on our breaks. She loves me very much and would bring me my favorite food every morning—bell pepper! Mrs. Jennifer says it’s the food I munch on the fastest, although I mostly like all vegetables and many fruits. I let the humans know whether I’m hungry or just need attention by coming up to the rails of the cage and squeaking at them. I even learned how to whistle when I’m really excited! I especially like to be petted on the top of my head and above my nose.
I am now back at Ms. Jennifer’s house with her family which includes three cat friends and a dog. We all get along really well. I have lots of company here but I sure do miss seeing your smiling faces, and when you would stop by my cage and say hello to me when I was in the office. Please know that I am sending lots of squeaks and whistles your way and that I miss you very much!
Love,
Samson
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Message from Principal Engdall
Warm Greeting Shaw Montessori Community,
Spring is in full swing on our campus. The fruit trees have blossomed and set little fruit, the tomatoes in the primary gardens are beginning to ripen and the grape wines that encircle the entrance to the outdoor environment have begun to set grapes. Our cacti are blooming, the honeysuckle and hibiscus in and around Torty Bank’s enclosure are providing lots of flowery treats for her. The elementary garden has seen a bumper crop of kale, spinach and swiss chard. The strawberries, sunflowers and squash that the children planted prior to break are looking like promising summer crops. The children will have a lot of work to do this fall in clearing and replanting.
As a community we have done a tremendous amount of work around our children’s learning. Thank you for your suggestions, celebrations and work to bring school learning into your home life. It is our hope that the early chaotic scurry to get learning opportunities out has now smoothed to systemized easily accessible Google Classrooms or Google Document files that provide direction form and function for our children and you.
Ms. Patti Karnes is hard at work on our Shaw Montessori yearbook. This year we will be celebrating our year at Shaw with a free digital yearbook! Hard copies will also be available for an additional cost.
Staff is available to you Monday through Friday should you need any additional support. We miss our children and you!
Be well,
Principal Engdall
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Message From Laura Hildwein
Keep Moving Forward
Although times are incredibly difficult for everyone at the moment, we have to try to find the silver linings.
Many people are starting to realize that life was very fast paced and we were not taking time to enjoy the little things. The beautiful weather, sitting down to a family dinner, pushing ourselves to learn new things (computer skills like Zoom and Google classrooms), the blooming flowers, meeting neighbors or just re-evaluating what we want our futures to look like.
It is easy to become overwhelmed. When that happens, take the time to breathe, meditate, walk or hide from your kids in the bathroom for a few minutes.
Reframe your thinking. Remind yourself of the positives. Focus on the things you can control. This is not going to last forever. We will get through this.
I encourage people to reach out to friends and family. Many companies have an employee assistance program. As the school social worker I can also refer you to places that can supply food, help with rent and mental health services. Take one day at a time and just keep moving forward.
Social-Emotional activities to do with your child
-A 4 minute mindful gratitude video to do with your child:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=96QgrM_2YS8&list=PLiaUKiwbiHMQDQLCXoPaMMYotldKlUQCw&index=11&t=0s
-Talk to someone about your favorite place. Ask them what their favorite place is.
-Draw or color a mandala
-Play would you rather…
Ex. Would you rather live in a cave or on the moon? Then explore each other’s answers
-Take a virtual tour of a museum
-Practice deep breathing (breathe in as if smelling a flower, breathe out like blowing out a candle)
-Paint a kindness rock
Stay safe!
Laura Hildwein
Shaw Montessori Social Worker
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Message From Petra - Gabriel’s Angels Therapy
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Tax Credit Information / Class Trips
The cancellation of the end of year trips is very difficult for our community.
We have been in contact with the vendors for these trips to either receive refunds or credits, depending on their policies. Next steps will be determining refunds to our families. Our office manager Ms. Girard along with our Business Services Department will be working through this process for the next couple of months.
We will send updates as they become available. Please know that if you paid for part of your child’s trip with an Arizona Tax Credit, it is non-refundable but may help you reduce your Arizona State taxes. Please consult with your tax preparer.
If you have a question for Ms. Girard she can reached at: Christina.girard@phxschools.org
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Information and Student Meal Resources
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Contact Us
Email: Susan.Engdall@Phxschools.org
Website: https://phxschools.org/shaw
Location: 123 North 13th Street, Phoenix, AZ, USA
Phone: 602-257-3914
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1614897512101327/?ref=group_header