See Shaw Shine
Shaw Montessori Newsletter Week of November 8th, 2020
IN THIS ISSUE
- Message From Principal Engdall
- Message From Laura Hildwein
- S.T.A.R. Award Winners
- Galileo Testing
- Tax Credit
- Attendance Announcement
- Enrollment Paperwork
- Materials Pickup
- Important Updates - Grab & Go Meals
- Message From Shaw PTA
- Newsletter / Yearbook Photos
- Shaw Calendar
- District Information
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Message From Principal Engdall
Greetings Shaw Community,
Watching our children struggle often brings even the strongest of us to our knees……even when we know that standing aside and letting it happen is the very best thing. Those productive struggles are what help our children build resilience and a fierce, independent Montessori spirit.
It is important to understand this may be the first time as parents you have seen the productive struggle side of school. Typically your involvement in school revolves around school events, parent teacher conferences and volunteering. You may not generally be present to see the nitty-gritty of the learning process. But, for the time being, not only are you a front row audience member in the process but Montessori looks much different than the education that most of us grew up with. We prioritize critical thinking and problem solving and that is more ambiguous and messy. You may not be used to seeing this and it may cause discomfort. However, the struggle is a productively healthy part of the learning process.
With a pandemic-induced virtual learning model, some parents are understandably uncomfortable and feel the need to offer more support to their child, but that isn’t always necessary or in their best interest!
Here are some helpful tips for encouraging independence in online learning:
- We understand your concern about your child’s progress and as a result you may feel the need to stay close by. Once the child is established with technology in the classroom, it is ok to “drop” your child off at school and leave the room. The teachers have well-planned lessons and your child will be okay.
- Your child’s google classroom is the hub for assignments, deadlines and handing in work. Each assignment has directions for completion and submission. The google classroom also contains the links to virtual meetings, schedules, and classroom updates.
- Mistakes are an important part of your child’s learning and development. The lack of mistakes means the school is failing our responsibility to challenge our students and provide important academic feedback. It also removes the opportunity for teachers to see their children’s thought processes and the products of their learning. These things allow us to provide essential feedback to further learning progress.
We hope to over-communicate and be a helping hand so if there is anything you need, feel free to reach out, we are here for you. We miss each of you and do hope to see you soon!
All the best,
Principal Engdall
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Message From Laura Hildwein
Help is on the way!
Times continue to be difficult. People are struggling with issues such as joblessness, lack of stable housing, food scarcity, difficulty in paying utilities, domestic violence, medical bills and for some, funeral costs. Many people are also experiencing anxiety, depression, anger and other mental health issues. The holidays are quickly approaching. The holidays can put more strain on an overwhelmed family.
There are many resources available to help you and your family meet your needs. Please remember that the school social worker can help you find necessary resources.
Please reach out if your family needs support.
602-397-340
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Congratulations S.T.A.R. Award Winners!!
Jennifer Hawkins
IEIS at Shaw Montessori
Jennifer supports Shaw with testing and technology. She has stepped up and proven herself during this pandemic. She does everything with grace and a smile. She never complains and remains calm, thoughtful, and warm. She is showing herself as a leader during these unique times.
The three words used to describe Jennifer are calm, reliable, and reflective.
Holly Ruiz
Instructional Assistant IV at Shaw Montessori
Holly is such a hard worker. She is always positive and is a tremendous asset to our
children and community. She is a shining example of a team player!
Some of the words used to describe Holly are thoughtful, pleasant, and dedicated.
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Galileo Testing
November 3-19 is the next Galileo testing window for the B1 district benchmark. 1st to 8th grade students will be taking the assessment for ELA and Math. The testing process will be the same as the Pretest. Students will login in for their virtual meeting with their teacher while they take the assessment via the Galileo/Imagine Learning website: login.imaginelearning.com
The parent-student testing agreements remain the same (attached). Your student will need a quiet space to take the test, free of distractions. Students are to complete the test independently. Teachers and Instructional Assistants will proctor the test and any student questions should be directed to the teaching staff. The assessment results help show growth and progress toward the grade level standards.
Your student's teacher will be informing you of the testing dates. Please contact your teacher or Jennifer (Hawkins) Collier jennifer.hawkins@phxschools.org with any questions you may have.
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Tax Credit
Shaw is Seeking Your Tax Credit!
As a public school, Shaw Montessori counts on families and friends to donate tax credits to ensure enriching trips and outdoor learning spaces, and for the greatest needs for all our children. Even though we are distance learning right now, your tax credit donation is no less important than a typical school year as we are restoring our campus for students return. Tax deductible, and highly useful- please consider donating to us as we could not provide without all of you!
When donating you can you can designate your tax credit. Please designate “Greatest Need” as that is the most versatile and we can utilize it best. Please consider donating today!
Donations may be made in any amount up to $400.00 if you are married filing jointly or up to $200.00 if you are filing single head of household. You may receive a dollar for dollar credit for the donation (check with your tax professional). Tax Credit can be paid by cash, check or online. Checks should be made out to Phoenix Elementary School District. Forms are attached or pay online here: https://phxschools.org/district/about/tax-credit/
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Attendance Announcement
Starting Tuesday, November 3rd, our district attendance auto-dialer will begin making calls again to families with students marked absent.
In the past, this phone call went out at 9:30am for the current day. Going forward, this phone call will come the day AFTER the student was marked absent. Please try to remember to contact the office ahead of time in the event your student will be unable to attend any part of the school day. If your child CAN attend for a portion of the day, or login and complete even just a few minutes of work in IXL, they will not be marked absent on their permanent attendance record.
The easiest ways to contact the office for your student’s attendance concerns would be to phone us at 602-257-3914 OR you can email Christina.Girard@phxschools.org or Teresa.Carreon@phxschools.org. We ask that you provide a REASON for the missed school day. We must code absences by type for the state department of education.
A reminder as we continue distance learning with asynchronous learning Mondays; your child is expected to participate by uploading work in their google classroom or to work in IXL on Mondays to log their participation. This allows us to verify that they receive attendance credit for the day. Attendance is closely tied to school funding, and more importantly the success of your child. Thank you for being a partner in your child’s education!
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Enrollment Paperwork
Notice from the office:
We still have 40 students without their required 20/21 enrollment paperwork. PLEASE turn in your students enrollment packets immediately. Paperwork can be dropped into our secured drop box, to the right of the office door M-F 6:30am-5:30pm. If you have lost your enrollment packet, we can print you another one by calling 602-257-3914.
Thank you,
Office Staff
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Materials Pickup
Families! Please come pick up your student materials from the cubby organizer in front of the office. Materials can be accessed 6:30am to 5:30pm school days.
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School closed Wednesday, November 11th in honor of Veterans Day
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Important Grab & Go Meal Updates
Meal pick-up is Tuesday this week!
Meal distribution for November's Wednesday Veterans Holiday will instead
take place the day before on Tuesday, November 10th.
At Home Meal Delivery
Visit https://phxschools.org/update/ for more information and forms
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Message From Shaw PTA
The Shaw PTA is still looking for a Secretary for the 2020/2021 school year!
The position description is below. If interested contact Addie Weddington or Heather Vittori at:
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Newsletter / Yearbook Photos
This weeks theme:
MUSIC!
Thanks in advance
Photos can be sent photos to patricia.karnes@phxschools.org
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Shaw Calendar
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• District Updates phxschools.org/update
• Health & Safety Mitigation Plan phxschools.org/healthsafety
• Governing Board Agendas & Minutes go.boarddocs.com/az/pesd1#
• District Calendar phxschools.org/calendar
• Shaw Montessori Website phxschools.org/shaw
• Previous Issues of See Shaw Shine phxschools.org/shaw-newsletters
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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