Nuts and Bolts
Weekly Updates: August 31-September 4
Maria Montessori- celebrating her 150th birthday
“Do we believe and constantly insist that cooperation among the peoples of the world is necessary in order to bring about peace? If so, what is needed first of all is collaboration with children... All our efforts will come to nothing until we remedy the great injustice done the child, and remedy it by cooperating with him. If we are among the men of good will who yearn for peace, we must lay the foundation for peace ourselves, by working for the social world of the child.”
- Dr. Maria Montessori, International Montessori Congress 1937
Celebrating 150: The Pioneer, Montessori Across the World, The Capable Child
Video- How Maria Montessori has impacted the world
https://montessori150.org/videos/how-inspirational-life-maria-montessori-has-impacted-world
Class Lesson and Celebration and history of her life
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1MelJCqWH2DTZqJgHUrQJL45hjwtGLuhVG7AUBA9xU-I/edit?usp=sharing
Slideshow of her life
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iQ2a9CtxT7U9j69cr6xehBfKo4vXbf0h/view?usp=sharing
Interview with one of her students in 1950's
file:///Users/nhouseholder/Downloads/Perugia%20-%20We%20Were%20Enchanted.pdf
Activities for the classroom
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1UVLUJWMLjr3byUTydMYo4uO_Z7e7LarSSdeCm7sRQmc/edit?usp=sharing
How is MMA Celebrating the life of Maria Montessori
Happy Birthday song to Maria Montessori- during morning flag
Poem activity- we would like every class and every student to write a poem for Maria Montessori or about her. Please turn these into Ms. Nicoletta's box by the end of the that week. These poems will be published in a variety of ways to honor her and who our school is named after. The poems are up to you in regards to the type of poems- name, picture, acrostic, "who am I", etc.
Maria Montessori timeline poster will be provided to each class this week, it will be on a rotation beginning on the North end. Please make sure you pass to the next classroom so they can have an opportunity.
Jalee- Kirsten- Krista- Christie- Shauna- Holly- Joueles- Shanan- Angela- Tiffany- Vanessa- Randy- Sarah D.
Quick UPDATES
PICTURES and BIO's
- Wepage pictures- Mr. Hirokawa will be taking all faculty and staff glamour shots first thing in the morning on W,Th, and F.
- Bios- Please write a short bio and turn it in by Friday. Please send to Ms. Megan.
Health and Safety Video- #BECAUSETHEYMATTER
BOY COVID Assessments:
- BOY COVID Assessments:
- We are well on our way of assessments. Thank you for all of your hard work with participating in a variety of assessments.
- MAP testing begins this week, including with DL students. Ms. Megan will be sending out the RISE testing schedule this week. https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1WZXTU-9Akfs9v_e3ccylWY5qVL_a9MT6ORit2RLuL7A/edit?usp=sharing
- Overview: MAP testing is very Montessori friendly in regards to testing and RISE is the state test. We want to do them close together to share comparisons of grade level and instructional level. At this time assessments are crucial to determine the gap during COVID dismissal.
Weekly Work Plans (lesson plans)
Weekly Plans (Literacy Block will begin the week following Labor Day- Sept. 8)
Please send your weekly lesson plans to Nicoletta and Kim by 8:00 AM on Monday, preferably between Friday and Sunday even but will accept by 8:00 AM on Monday.
The following are the expectations for what needs to be on your weekly plans. This is broken down by level.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1U322U9mTyPI1cV56DqCRYlR3oAb-nAv7UnTv5xkpdpY/edit?usp=sharing
If you would like help writing lesson plans or seeking guidance please reach out to Ms. Nicoletta.
Grace and Courtesy Lessons and Reminders
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B59M8BBw3Jd9QzgxSDVtQm81ZEZncC1jUk9jVDhNZkJEOGs0/view?usp=sharing
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1nqqN5kZj5C1T1shtiYz-M-8bFmIsr-Uoin93MTvHGFA/edit?usp=sharing
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1PlEfDHvnEsql8UzR0ksvogtFV7l9M5oSvFl-U3zbZD8/edit?usp=sharing
Class Management
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZP8Dv5VkrFKWZN6iMvNeJARwUA2oTfJg/view?usp=sharing (CHAMPS Sample)
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Tu4ivLhPvbK7-t70ETWx6jJLGsMm97El/view?usp=sharing (ACHIEVE Sample)
MMA Spirit Night
MMA Restorative Justice
Ultimately it allows the person a chance to make it better. However, it is not organic and follows a process. The most important thing is that it starts with the person. In this, it takes courage, humility, and integrity. The process of Ho‘oponopono is to make a plan with all involved individuals to make the situation better -- the key is that there is always a plan and with that, is follow up. Sometimes, a person will need space, or protection to prepare to carry out the plan. In this, around the island are sanctuaries called Pu‘uhonua there they can meet with the Kahuna and receive council and direction along with protection and support. I am proposing the following system and process when working with our students who may be acting out in our classes.
- You must start with the child. Please do not go immediately to the parent unless it is an emergency. (the plan must be on paper or digital)
- Begin the restorative justice process, create a plan based on reflection to help that student right their wrong.
- In this plan make the time to follow up with the student.
- If you need to create a Pu‘uhonua/space for this student to reflect, receive counsel, please make sure you honor autonomy.
- If the behavior is still happening then have an initial conversation with the parents, share the plan, ask for their direction, and how to improve the plan. Make sure the student is part of the process. Always try to have a conversation in person or over the phone. To document you can send an email after the phone call (have courage and don't hide behind emails).
- If the behavior is still happening have a follow-up conversation with the parents. The worst thing that can happen is that parent receives a phone call from an administrator and this is the first time they are hearing about this. At this point when you call the parent, you started the process with their child, then had two conversations with the parent...
- Then determine if this problem you are having in your class is social-emotional or behavioral (if you can determine because it can get pretty grey just pick one of the following options and we'll sort it out) -- if social-emotional at this point the school counselor will get involved, if it is behavior then it with go to the Assistant Director. Together with student, parents, teachers, and administrators continue to build upon the plan that was originally started by the student.
- If at this point the situation has not resolved the Director of the school will enter the conversation. If and when the Director becomes involved an executive decision WILL be made that being suspension and or expulsion.
To sum it up. It must start with the child first! That plan made with the child will be built up all the way to step 8. If the student and parents are meeting with me the Director, in my hands I want to see the original plan made by the student with multiple revisions along the way. Please share with me your thoughts and feedback. Feedback is always welcomed and seen as a gift.
PLEASE continue to use the colored cards for reference and intervention ideas. If you are new, please ask your advisor for assistance (Jen, Jalee, Kirsten, Sarah D).
COVID Corner
MMA COVID Prepared Environment
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1IzOdDiARETAq7LEdJTL1gKddtE7Bm27ZHrpfLf-u1M4/edit?usp=sharing
MASKS at RECESS:
Students do not need to wear their masks during scheduled recess times. Here are the details that make this possible. It must be a scheduled recess time. A scheduled recess time is not outside broken time. No mask-wearing is only for students. Sad to say as adults we must continue to wear our mask while on state property (any state building). However, I love this because we are here for the kids and to take their mask off is wonderful for them. One more note, as students are outside playing we must continue to encourage social distancing (6ft apart).
New news on temperatures.
If a student does not have any other symptoms other than a high temperature -- meaning they feel fine but they are running hot -- if that is the case the state is now saying that we can let the temperature fluctuate up to 100.4. To be honest this makes me nervous because yes, they may not have Covid but the flu… so I’m asking for you to use your discretion. If the child feels fine and is exhibiting no other symptoms please accept a higher temperature.
COVID FAQ- Q/A
https://forms.gle/z282ctRyhodtsA2Z8
PLEASE use this document to ask questions regarding COVID, not the Nuts and Bolts form.
Ongoing document with answers from your Q as well as parents. Please read. There were no questions to answer this week.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Fy9BP6-bms42Pn7_Qk4ZAvhE4aD7mVZY4fUUOTUYfQM/edit?usp=sharing
Administration Messages
Staff Meeting:
Wednesday, September 2
Agenda for staff meeting
Andrea 2:00-3:00 Positive Psychology
3:00-4:00
Ethics training
Self Study
BUILDING ACCESS
- Monday-Friday 6:15 AM-9 PM
- Saturday 10:00 AM-9:00 PM
- Sundays closed
If you need access on a time not noted, please contact Micah and Megan.
CLASS LISTS are updated and current.
Supply Requisition Forms (Ms. Amanda)
If you have Supply Requisition Forms you would like to submit for approval, please put it in my box. I will be collecting and submitting those on the 1st and the 15th of every month.
Morning Flag and Thought of the Day
- During your scheduled time and week, someone from Admin will join your class for the first day.
- Dial 9000, this is the extension for school wide intercom.
- When you give the Thought of the Day, please also add the "why"- why is this the thought of the day.
- Ms. Sarah advisory is on Morning Flag this week.
Meeting Schedule for 2020-2021:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1I8r-LMpbdKyFYLx_lFNrjuc0aWG64I8iYVAo418YSPE/edit?usp=sharing
Schedules for the year:
(recess, music, computers, DL, JH, Counselor, Literacy block, Morning Flag, and Laundry)
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/16W7e9_RRqrbH3rwxinMqYdK5tfXLqzKgYslnrFOKboc/edit?usp=sharing
Counselor Corner
Class Schedules- Please mark your calendars and be prepared.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1n1Rf1yOKkkm18GAD9B7hpz89k3WCJdTuvfld_ZneFQc/edit?usp=sharing
- SUICIDE REPORTING PROCEDURES -If a student reveals suicidal thoughts or a suicide attempt to you - IMMEDIATELY bring that child to the office. This is an emergency. The office will contact the school counselor. After notifying the office, complete the Suicide Report Form that will be given to you by the office staff . The Suicide Report Form should be returned immediatly to the office and does not go into the child’s cumulative file. Please do not take it upon yourself to contact parents, the Administration will handle this.
- REFERRALS TO THE COUNSELOR- In an effort to help our counselor see as many students as possible, counseling appointments will be made in the front office. If a child is in immediate need, please have the teacher or assistant walk that child to the office. Please do not allow the student to loiter in the hallway outside her office. This is both an attendance and a safety issue. We need to have clear documentation of a student not being in class. If a student says they have a counseling appointment or need to see the counselor, please do not question the student and contact the office.
Reading and Literacy Corner
Testing season has kicked off to a good start. Last week we wrapped up all in-person testing for our Upper El students and are scheduling our distance learnera to come in after dismissal to be assessed in the reading room!
Next week, we start testing our in person Lower El and Early Childhood students for Acadience. Bad news is that I cannot place our core program classes yet, I am still awaiting the delivery of our new program! Any day now (fingers crossed). Once we have everything set up I will work with each class to get our students in their appropriate levels as fast as I can.
If you have a student who does not have access to books at home and is in need of something to read, sent them my way! With all of the sample curriculum I received over the summer we have a box of single books that we are opening up to students taking home to read and keep. If they would like to leave a book, I will sanitize it before it goes into rotation for pick up by another student.
We got this! You are all amazing individuals and it is a please to work closely with each and every one of you.
Computer Specialist Corner
Resources and PD opportunities
UMC Fall Workschop (Utah Montessori Council)
file:///Users/nhouseholder/Downloads/UMC%20Fall%20Workshop%202020%208.15.20.pdf
Remember, the Early Bird Deadline to register for our UMC Fall Workshop is Friday, September 4th. Save $20/person and register your faculty today! This year’s theme, “Combining Our Strengths,” will give you a broad perspective for inspiration and the practical details in the afternoon break-out sessions. At this pivotal time in our history we can all renew and re-orient by considering where we are, where we are going and what we each have to contribute to our students, their families, our teaching teams, schools, training programs, Montessori organizations and our global community. Register now: https://utahmontessori.org/#/fall-workshop
https://nhmu.utah.edu/educators/teaching-toolboxes
IMC (International Montessori Council)- weekly town hall
meetings.
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwpde6trjIoHNySy3EFCrbi3ZlBLc6FnRNW
The Montessori Foundation
https://www.montessori.org/professional-development/#workshops
Montessori Prague Institute- free workshops for teachers
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUpduygpjorH9FoD1x7axd5QBBxburQ86n7?sid=c9e8fb7598d949f595c2b8547842ac96&t=n (Improvisational Play 6-12 Online)
NCMPS- National Center for Public Montessori Sector
https://www.public-montessori.org/
Public Montessori in Action
https://montessori-action.org/
https://montessori-action.org/register/trust-and-family-engagement-in-montessori-for-a-new-world
MMA Nuts and Bolts Discussion Points
Questions from last week are currently in discussion with Administration.
Nuts and Bolts Add Ins
If you have something you would like to be included in the weekly Staff Nuts and Bolts- please email Nicoletta by Sunday at 12:00. Nuts and Bolts goes out at 5:00 each Sunday.
CALENDAR
SEPTEMBER:
Monday 31- Maria Montessori Birthday
Wednesday 2- Back to School Night Picnic for K-LE guardians 5:30-6:15
Wednesday 2- MMA Spirit Night at Chic Filet 20% proceeds go towards MMA. 5:00-8:00 PM
Thursday 3-Back to School Night Picnic for UE-JH guardians
5:30-6:15
Monday 7- NO SCHOOL, Labor Day
Back to School Night letter and info
We are excited to announce a (Parent Only) Back to School Night Picnic hosted by myself and
Mr. Hirokawa. Please feel free to bring your blanket and some food if you like to spend 45 minutes to discuss Maria Montessori Academy 2020-2021.
In recognition of the Montessori spiral curriculum we have scheduled two different evenings for the different developmental stages of the child. Please join us for the appropriate evening or evenings for your child and family.
If your child is in Kindergarten or Lower Elementary classes please attend this evening session:
Date and Time: Wednesday, September 2 5:30-6:15
If your child is in Upper Elementary or Junior High classes please attend this evening session:
Upper Elementary and Junior High
Date and Time: Thursday, September 3 5:30-6:15
Location: Field
Agenda:
• Announcements
• Introductions
• History of Maria Montessori
• Montessori education
• How are we addressing COVID at our school
• What does Face to Face instruction look like today at MMA
• What is distant learning at MMA
• Discuss future plans of MMA