MMA Monday Montessori Moments
March 26, 2018
A message from our Counselor, Ms. Andrea Eggett
Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence. - Helen Keller
Flourishing: Beyond Being Positive
A new understanding of happiness and well-being is Martin Seligman’s concept of flourishing. Flourishing is to achieve success, to prosper or to grow in a healthy, active and productive way. Seligman added the concept of flourishing because, in addition to positive attributes such as hopefulness, optimism and kindness, the study of positive psychology should also focus on success and mastery.
Positive emotions: Three good things. Feeling positive about life or how things are going is a natural way to improve one’s outlook or perspective on life events. Whether life events are good or bad, ask your child to identify three good things about what has happened. Although you don’t want to discount the negative, focusing on the positive take-away from conditions or circumstances helps students develop a mindset that focuses on the positive and not the negative.
Engagement: Meaning and gratitude. One way to assess childrens’ engagement in their life events is to ask them to apply the experiences of others to their own circumstances. Using books, stories or social media, such as YouTube, to discuss important topics may help students consider their own circumstances or situations and connect them to positive solutions to problems that occur. When students observe or discuss how to address issues or solve problems relevant to their own lives, they begin to develop the mindset and skills to address their own circumstances.
Optimism: The positive re-frame. Instilling positivity in children is not about giving them an idealistic view of reality. In fact, acknowledging the reality of their circumstances is key to developing optimism in children. Allow children to feel their feelings and acknowledge the negative emotions, but also identify the strengths the students have to move forward in a positive way. For example, when a child comes to you with a difficult or negative situation, you may respond: “Wow, that is a really hard situation, and it is easy to understand how it is difficult to accept. Not everyone would be as strong as you and be able to do that. What do you think is helping you be so strong?” By acknowledging the difficulty and identifying and praising the child’s internal strengths, you support the development of your child’s strengths
-Adapted from Tammy Davis, Ed.D.
Construction Update: Look at Us Grow!
Elementary Spring Concert
Ms. Clarissa will need 2 volunteers to play piano for the concert or one person willing to help with all practices and both concert times. She will also need 2 parents volunteers per class for one practice and at the concert.
The Lower El concert pianist would come in to practice with us on April 9th-10th and 16th-17th from 10:00am to 2:15pm with an hour lunch break from 11:45am-12:45pm. We will also need the Lower El concert pianist to practice for an hour on April 20th in the morning (time TBD) and for the concert on April 20th 5:30-6:30pm.
The Upper El Concert pianist would come in to practice with us on April 11th-12th and 18th-19th from 10:00am to 2:15pm with an hour lunch break from 11:45am-12:45pm. We will also need the Upper El concert pianist to practice for an hour on April 20th in the morning (time TBD) and for the concert on April 20th from 6:30-7:30pm.
Ms. Clarissa will need 2 parent volunteers per class to come and help organize kids backstage. They will be needed for an hour in the morning on April 20th so we can practice what will happen backstage. Parent volunteers will then be needed at the concert at Weber HS from 5:15-6:00pm on April 20th for Lower El and 6:15-7:30pm for Upper El.
If you, or someone you know are able to help, please email Ms. Clarissa at clunt@mariamontessoriacademy.org
MMA's Tardy Procedure
We wish to stress the importance of our students arriving on time. We strongly encourage parents drop their children off to start their school day no later than 8:25 am. This will give students enough time to stop at their lockers to change their shoes, put away backpacks and lunch boxes, and walk into class ready to start their day.
We appreciate your help in ensuring our classes start on time and without interruption. If you have any questions regarding your child's attendance, please contact the front office at 801.827.0150.
24 DAYS left to order yearbooks
Enrollment is now open!
Do you know anyone who would be interested in sending their children to Maria Montessori Academy? The Montessori method is the most widely and longest practiced form of education in the World. There are more than 22,000 schools in 110 countries worldwide. Current brain and educational research supports many of the practices perfected by Montessori teachers over the last 110 years.
Enrollment for the 2018-2019 school year is open! Don't wait any longer to educate your child for a better world! Enroll now.
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You can learn more by visiting our website or call and schedule a tour to see this incredible method in action.
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MAPA Information
We need you!
MAPA is our school's parent organization. Because of MAPA, we do not have to rely on monthly fundraisers- like wrapping paper and chocolates. School-wide functions like Skate Night, Fall Festival, Gratitude Feast, Field Day and the Gala all happen because of MAPA. We do not want to lose out on these events.
Overheard
"It takes me an hour to read 40 min!"
Wanted: Parents interested in helping with fundraising for 2018-2019
We are in need of a Chair and Co-chair to organize our fundraising for the 2018-2019 school year. Committee members are also welcome! Funds raised will go towards all grade levels. We have streamlined things quite a bit so that there are only 4 major fundraising events throughout the year, instead of one per month. We have had an incredible community response in donations to these events. The skeleton is in place- we just need parents to take it and run! If you are interested, please contact Ms. Rene at rbaker@mariamontessoriacademy.org .
We would like to meet with volunteers as soon as possible so that dates can be set and assignments can be given to give the committee a head start for next year. If you have questions, please contact Jenna Beers at 801-695-5864.
MMA Teacher Spotlight- Ms. Petra
How did you find out about Montessori Education?
I first found out about Montessori Education from my sister-in-law. She had her children at MMA and recommended it for my children.
How long have you been at MMA?
I have been working at MMA as a TA for two years. My own children have attended MMA for four years.
What is your favorite thing about MMA?
My favorite thing about MMA is the community atmosphere. I love the people I work with and the students that I have the opportunity to spend time with every day. MMA has also been such an amazing school for my own children. As a mother of children at MMA I am so thankful for the amazing teachers and friends that my children spend every day with.
What is your favorite food?
It’s hard for me to choose a favorite food, but I love Mexican food.
What is your favorite color?
My favorite colors are grays and purples.
What is your favorite movie?
My favorite movie is probably Forest Gump; but, I love 80’s movies.
What is something people would be surprised to know about you?
One thing that people may be surprised to know about me, is that for several years in a row my family and I spent several months out of the year traveling in our RV. We spent most of our time in New England doing Fine Art Festivals selling my husband’s art work. It was such an amazing experience for all of us. We visited many historical sites and my children learned so much.
Congratulations
Calendar Of Events
Spring Break
Monday, Apr 2, 2018, 12:00 AM
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Maria Montessori Academy
Email: info@mariamontessoriacademy.org
Website: www.mariamontessoriacademy.org
Location: 2505 N 200 E, North Ogden, UT, United States
Phone: 801.827.0150
Facebook: facebook.com/MMAofUT
Twitter: @MMAofUT