Gator Report
Dater Montessori _February Edition 2021
Let's Get Blended!
Dater Families,
Placement Procedure for 2021-2022
If you would like to request a classroom for your child for the next school year you are more than welcome to put in a request. You are asked to please describe the best type of environment for your child and do not list a teacher or teacher's names. If a teacher's name is listed the request will be returned.
Written letters were supposed to be submitted by February 14 and we have extended the date to Friday, February 26, 2021.
Typically written letters are to be submitted to the school office by the due date. Due to the Covid restrictions this school year we will accept your letter through email. We ask that you please email Mr. Greco and copy Polly Nortman. Email addresses are listed below. The date we receive the email will be the day we use it as documentation.
**Attendance**
Ohio Law House Bill 410 regarding attendance:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gPcW6VrpfF2QcJ4IPaHzrNGKFW4mzHM3/view?usp=sharing
Truancy and Excessive Absenteeism -Process Chart:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VYnfHb_wztpbMmiqsfQwPY6PC_kMTDzc/view?usp=sharing
*Cincinnati Bell Important Update from CPS*
The student free internet service with Cincinnati Bell is available to all CPS students in the CBT service area. However, it is available only at the student's address of residence as recorded in PowerSchool. If an account has been opened this past year at an address that does not match that of a CPS student, we attempt to reach the account holder to resolve the issue. If we cannot reach the account holder, we send a letter notifying them of pending disconnection of service and provide our email address in case of questions.
Please contact our Family Technology Support Help Desk at 513-363-0688.For any questions or concerns.
Thank You,
- Mr. G
Attendance
By Christine Miller, Social Worker
It might be cold outside, but it’s warm inside at Dater Montessori and our teachers and staff are excited to welcome students back into the building for blended learning! Please ensure your student attends his/her assigned in-person learning days unless absent for a legitimate reason due to illness, family illness, medical/therapy appointments etc. A list of excused absences can be found in CPS Board Policy 5200 http://go.boarddocs.com/oh/cps/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=AGF5Z4129AB1
Please communicate your child’s absences by calling the Dater Attendance Line 363-0923 or submitting the absence online at https://datermontessori.cps-k12.org/contact/attendance-report. Please communicate each day your child will be out of school. If your student is ill or has an appointment with a medical professional, please provide a copy of the note for your child’s absence. Attendance will be taken during each day of the week based upon Google Meets/Schoology/work completion for at-home learning and by physically being present at school during in-person on-campus learning. If your student develops a pattern of absences, our School Social Worker Christine Miller or Attendance Support Specialist Paula Pryor may reach out to you to problem solve any barriers to attendance. Absences add up and we need to work together to keep our students on track! If you have any questions, please contact Christine at 513-363-0982 or milchri@cps-k12.org.
Celebrate Black History Month
In my reflections about this difficult year, I wanted to take a moment to acknowledge each of you and the incredible demonstration of perseverance you continue to display. You are modeling flexibility, tenacity, determination, and grit like never before for our students and each other. I personally draw strength from each of you and the ways you keep showing up and I am filled with gratitude for that gift. We are living through tumultuous and uncertain times and although there is so much beyond our control, the way we choose to honor and respect one another is not beyond our control. As we begin Black History Month, I’d like to share a few lesson resources with you.
I want to begin by reiterating the truth that Black History is American History and yet there is a historic Anti-Black sentiment embedded in our history that maintains a narrative of inferiority plaguing Black and Indigenous People of Color. This narrative has created oppression, inequity, and inequality. It is our responsibility, as educators, to work diligently to counter this narrative for our Black, Brown, and White students alike.
Black history month is a month when we can deliberately weave this intentionally through all of our lessons, across all content areas. Here are a few ideas to consider for the days and weeks ahead;
· Consider refraining from teaching students about the most common historical figures including but not limited to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, Harriet Tubman, and former President Barack Obama. Research lesser-known people who made a difference in our society on small and large scales. This can provide students with the necessary mirrors, windows, and sliding doors to imagine their own capabilities to become difference makers.
https://www.teachervision.com/african-americans/african-american-heroes
· Teach Black History through the lens of the 20th-century civil rights movement. This movement set a historic precedent for the importance of courage, civil disobedience and abolitionist action to make change using collective and unconventional strategies. We are living through another movement of similar magnitude and students will be able to make connections in real-time to this content making it potentially more engaging.
https://time.com/5771045/black-history-month-evolution/
· Utilize Amanda Gordon’s Inauguration Speech as a springboard for discussion and creative assignments considering how we can stand on the shoulders of these heroes to create a more inclusive and connected society for all Americans today.
https://www.tolerance.org/magazine/teach-this-the-hill-we-climb-and-the-2021-inauguration
· Use art to compare and contrast challenges and solutions of the past to the challenges and potential solutions of the present.
Community Puzzle Mural
Students create a community puzzle mural, a large-scale artistic depiction, usually displayed in a community space. Puzzle pieces covered in student’s artwork relating to diversity, anti-bias or social justice themes from the central text comprise the mural.
Collage of Concerns
Students create visual artwork combining various images to convey diversity or social justice issues, concerns, or themes related to the central text.
· Research past and recent Black inventors and the rich contributions of Black people to American Society
· Use poetry and prose to celebrate and acknowledge these accomplishments
· Use creative depiction to juxtapose a society lacking the contribution of their brilliance (Have students write or depict their own versions of the piece below)
https://www.tolerance.org/classroom-resources/texts/what-if-there-were-no-black-people
These are just a few ideas. I look forward to hearing more about different ideas and activities from our families and community. Remind our students the beauty we share as an eclectic and diverse community that values inclusion and holds space for one another’s humanity. As we do, we live the true essence of our shared value of Dr. Montessori’s encouragement to build global citizens that will carry peace and justice from our classrooms into the world.
Ubuntu (I am because we are),
- Juanita Johnson
Please visit the digital Dater Montessori African American Museum
Safety Tips From Nurse Kisha
Hello everyone, I have missed you all so much! As we prepare for our big return, please remember to: 1. Have our masks over our mouths and noses at all times 2. Keep 6 feet distance from our friends 3. Wash our hands frequently 4.And if you're sick please stay home
We have to call for pick up for any of the following symptoms-Please make sure if we are unable to get a hold of you that there is a back up person that will be able to pick your child up immediately.
*Fever *Chills
*Cough *Sore throat
*Shortness of breath *Loss of taste or smell
*Headache *Nausea/vomiting
*Runny nose *Diarrhea
*Congestion
We understand these are similar symptoms to allergies and other short term viruses but we want to err on the side of caution. Our aim is to stop the spread! COVID testing is available here at the school Monday-Friday 8am-4pm. The sample collected will be sent to Children's Hospital lab and the turnaround has been pretty fast, usually coming back the next day. COVID consents are available here at the school. Your child will only be tested with your approval and notification.
I am so excited to see our kiddos back in the building!!
Nurse Kisha
Please feel free to call my office 513-363-0921
Remember to follow safety procedures by being the best GATORS:
Get your mask on
Always wash your hands for 30 seconds
Take time to sanitize items
Observe 6 ft. by staying a Dater gator away
Reduce the spread of germs
Stay home when sick
Back to Blended : Tech Talk with Julie Faller
Now that we are beginning our Blended Learning again, these reminders are needed:
Be sure to log out of all programs and log off the device at the end of each school day.
Keep your device on the charger overnight to make sure it is 100% charged at the start of each day.
Transport your device in the case that was issued and place the case inside your backpack. Laptop chargers are kept in the front pocket of the case. iPad chargers should stay at home.
Use your school-issued device for schoolwork only. Games and personal email should be accessed on personal devices.
Devices that are damaged, broken, or not working properly should be reported to the Family Technology Support Center by calling 513-363-0688 or emailing fts@cps-k12.org.
SOMETHING NEW in my Schedule: Virtual Work Sessions for students working from home or daycare where they can have dedicated work time in Mrs. Faller's Google Meet (Code is dmfallerj). 6-9 students meet from 11-11:30 and 9-12 from 11:30-12. Time can be used for:
Completing work at Schoology or Google Classroom (Student will set a goal and report on progress at the end of the session)
Troubleshooting Technology (A separate Breakout room may be needed for this so we do not disturb those who are working)
Students may request to work in a Breakout Room w/partners on the same work/project (Main session will be recorded while Mrs. Faller monitors the Break Out)
Please note: Students must use their CPS account to enter the Google Meet.
Here is a copy of my complete schedule during Blended Learning:
Click here
A Word From our Mental Health Partner :Beech Acres
Happy New Year! And the start of every new year allows us to pause, reflect, and reset. Beech Acres has created a fantastic activity that can be completed by oneself or with the entire family. This activity will engage you in three different ways; ‘Head, Heart, Hands’ is a principle in which we all experience life. For example, some people love to read about cars, car history, how they are made, different engine types; this is the ‘Head’ component.
While other people can remember great memories of sitting in a car on long family road trips or sitting on a bus with classmates and the friendships that were strengthened through the experience; this is connecting to ‘Heart’. Lastly ‘Hands’, some people love to get their hands dirty and get under the hood of their car, maybe changing their oil, which brings them great joy. For many of us if we think about specific areas of our lives, we use all three components, ‘Head, Heart, & Hands.’ Understanding that different family members, children, friends, and loved ones experience the world differently, it’s good to remind yourself that someone might want to experience a situation different than yourself. For example, think about the cars metaphor. You might be the type of person who wants to watch YouTube videos of old muscle car races, while your child might enjoy helping you change the car's brakes.
Set an Intention this year for your Head, Heart, and Hands. Imagine what this year could look like if you take the time to genuinely connect with your family and with yourself by focusing on your strengths, taking time for mindfulness, and being more intentional with the time you have together.
Set an intention for your head, heart, and hands with this fun activity!
With February being Black History Month and thinking about Inclusion and diversity for all, Amanda Gorman delivered a powerful message at the inauguration this week.
Amanda Gorman became the youngest known inaugural poet in U.S. history. Here is a link to her moving speech, a message that we can all use. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mqa-FiEKLcI
DON’T FORGET…
o Subscribe to our Beech Acres Parenting Center blog here: https://beechacres.org/blog/
o And follow us on Facebook and YouTube for more helpful resources!
Not Another Survey!!
We know that we are all tired of the surveys. However, during this school year, we have had to be fluid in pivoting to teaching our students in a remote and blended setting. As a result, we learned there has been a lot of barriers and lack of support for our parents. Moving into the next school year, we are looking for input to provide partners and resources to our Montessori Community. No matter what the district decides to do we want to reassure our families that we are ready to support our families. Please take a moment to fill out this survey.
Montessori Tip of the Month
Click here to learn more about Montessori parenting tips.
Additional Resources
CPS Food service
Starting the week of February 15, only Virtual High School will serve curbside meals on Wednesdays from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. click here for more food updates.Care Source Insurance Holder Information
CareSource recognizes that COVID-19 has created challenges for everyone, adding layers of complexity to routine tasks, such as getting food/groceries.
Since April 2020, CareSource transportation has been providing up to 5 round trips/month for Ohio Medicaid members, for food pick-up for members with food vulnerabilities.
FOOD TRANSPORTATION HAS BEEN EXTENDED THROUGH MARCH 2021.
These trips can consist of the following:
- Trip to and from a Food Bank or Food Pantry
- Trip to and from a grocery to pick up a grocery order (such as curbside pickup)
- Trip to and from a school food distribution pick up location
The Member will call the number on their CareSource card and select the prompt for Transportation.
The same transportation rules apply; no same-day trip requests will be approved and no extensions beyond these 5 food transportation round trips/month.
For Grocery stores - This is for curbside pick-up only. The member must place the grocery order with a store that provides pick-up services, e.g. Kroger, Walmart Grocery Pickup, Meijer Pickup, etc. The member must have their order number, store location and pick-up time slot available at the time of scheduling as well as confirm they have sufficient funds to cover the order.
If members have any questions, they can call Customer Service at 1-800-488-0134 (Hours: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday – Friday)
Extended Learning Opportunity
LEARNING THROUGH ART, INC. PRESENTS
Books Alive for Kids. 24/7 access to reading and activities.
These features include :
-Virtual Literacy Adventures Videos
-Program Training Videos
-Books Alive! For Kids Student Entertainment
-Reader's Theater Pack to build your own
-Access to all Virtual LIVE Events including
-Multilingual vocabulary in French,
-Easy-to-Teach Book Back Plans
-Detailed Classroom/Group Study
-Activity Templates
-Educational Resource Links
-Online Customer Support
-Free Family Literacy Fun!
subscribe>>ltafamilywrap.com/signup
Child Care
We are partnered with the YMCA for before and after school. Please contact Terry Weber for additional information about enrollment.
Contact Email :tweber@cincinnatiymca.org Contact Phone : 513-602-2896
Before Preschool care is available please fill out the registration
Contact Name : Nicole Sherwood Email: sherwon@cpsboe.k12.oh.us Phone : 513-363-9000
Dater Baseball Signups
General Information:
· Baseball (Ages 5+) Player must be 5 years old before 4/1/2021 to be eligible.
· Practices start around April 1st
· Payment is due no later than March 27th 2021.
· Contact Casey Young, Dater Baseball Coordinator, casey27young@gmail.com for more information
How to sign up online:
· Access the Blue Sombrero site at http://sports.bluesombrero.com/dmaa
· Click on “Log In” if you signed up online last year and are returning
· If you are new, click on “Register” at the top
· Fill out the “New Customer Primary Contact” section to create an account
· Continue to register your children for baseball. You will be able to pay online.
o If you prefer to pay at Dater, We can confirm your payment on the website.
· The final date to register for baseball is March 27th 2021, spots are not guaranteed after this date
Stay Connected
Staying Connected
We know that we are "socially distancing" but we can still get connected. We still have a wonderful Montessori Community that you can get involved in.
Here are our upcoming February events:
2- Return for Students Prek- 3rd and specialized classrooms (phase in )
5- Food Hub 10 am-1 pm (all schools)
8- PTN Meeting 6:00 pm >> https://meet.google.com/hro-asre-wqj
8- No School Conference Day
10- Food Hub 10 am-1 pm (all schools)
10- Power Pack Meal Distribution 11 am-1 pm
15- No school Presidents' Day
15- Week of 4-6th grade phase in (for more information on the phase in process click here)
16- Midterm goes out
24 - Parent Conferences 4 pm-7 pm
25- LSDMC Meeting 4:15 pm
Lottery High school Application (6th grade only) >> https://www.cps-k12.org/enroll/application-calendar info on applying to H.S. in CPS >> https://docs.google.com/document/d/1TpjRe1vw97YKc8OL-poZzbhZrneBeIJowAVlJFvonhk/edit?usp=sharing
Virtual Volunteer Opportunities
Teachers can still use your help! We are always looking for additional online support with working with small groups online, helping teachers prep work, virtual room parents, and more. If you are interested, please click here. We will be in contact soon.
** WE ARE LOOKING FOR SOMEONE TO FIX OUR BLESSING BOX DOORS. WE WILL PAY FOR MATERIALS NEEDED*** please email tennyst@cps-k12.org
Virtual Tutoring
Children are able to get free CPS Virtual Online Tutoring! This virtual platform offers, free, on- demand, online on one tutoring with qualified and approved helps. Please click HERE for more information.
Virtue of the Month
Webster's definition of Wisdom is a wise attitude, belief, or course of action; the ability to discern inner qualities and relationships; overall having a good sense.
It can be difficult to define wisdom, but people generally recognize it when they encounter it. Psychologists tend to agree that it involves an integration of knowledge, experience, and deep understanding that incorporates tolerance for the uncertainties of life as well as its ups and downs.
Wise people generally share an optimism that life's problems can be solved and experience a certain amount of calm in facing difficult decisions. Intelligence - if only anyone could figure out exactly what it is - maybe necessary for wisdom, but it definitely isn't sufficient; an ability to see the big picture, a sense of proportion, and considerable introspection also contribute to its development.
The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.
~Lao Tzu
Dater Montessori
Prek- 6th Grade, Elementary
Principal: Tony Greco
Assistant Interim Principal: Shelly Stein
Phone : 513-363-9000
Office Hours : Wednesday & Thursday 7:30 am - 2 pm
Website: https://datermontessori.cps-k12.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DaterGators