WEEKLY WONDERS
Charles Ellis Montessori Academy, January 11, 2020
To Educate The Whole Child for a Whole World
"It is true that the child develops in his environment through activity itself, but he needs material means, guidance and an indispensible understanding. It is the adult who provides these necessities crucial to his development. The adult must give and do what is necessary for the child to act for himself; if he does less than is necessary, the child cannot act meaningfully, and if he does more than is necessary, he imposes himself upon the child, extinguishing his creative impulses" Dr. Maria Montessori The Child in the Family
Help me help myself!
Important Dates
January 11- Virtual Learning Resumes for all students
January 18- MLK Jr. Day- No School!
January 20- Virtual Boosterthon Dancefit Event
January 26- PTA Members Meeting
News From SCCPSS
Dear SCCPSS families:
Due to rising rates of COVID-19 in Chatham County, students will not return to in-person instruction on January 11 as initially planned. The COVID transmission data does not support a return to in-person instruction at this time and all students will remain in virtual learning. All staff will continue to report to their assigned worksite unless approved for remote work by medical exemption. Teachers will continue to teach from their classrooms while students are learning virtually from home.
When the District recessed for winter break, it was our hope that metrics would stabilize following the increase after the Thanksgiving break. Unfortunately, that has not proven to be the case. Instead, all three of the indicators that are monitored - Community Transmission Index, Percentage of Positive Tests, and Daily Case Rate per 100,000 – are in the RED ZONE and rising. Chatham County data can be found by accessing this web link: https://covid19.gachd.org/covid-19-data-and-charts/.
CHATHAM COUNTY TRANSMISSION DATA AS OF 1/06/2021
Community Transmission Index – 408 = RED
Daily Case Rate Per 100,000 – 34.6 = RED
Percentage of Positive Tests – 13.8% = RED
Based on the November 4, 2020, Board action that set the thresholds for a return to virtual instruction, students will remain in virtual learning until at least one of the indicators exits the red zone for 14 days. District officials will continue to monitor key metrics daily and will make an announcement regarding a return to in-person instruction through established communication channels, the District website, and social media channels.
Given what we see happening in the news reports on increasing COVID-19 case numbers across the world and in our own communities and the advent of a new strain of the virus, the public health conditions will continue to be of concern to us all. Everyone is encouraged to stay the course on public health practices. District officials continue to work closely with the Department of Public Health to monitor the spread of the virus through the community.
Please continue to wear masks over your nose and mouth, maintain proper social distance (at least 6 feet), wash your hands frequently, be mindful of group settings, and seek medical attention if you are not feeling well. Remember, COVID-19 testing is available if needed.
Please monitor SCCPSS.com for the most current information. We appreciate your continued support.
School-Wide Grace & Courtesy Focus
The Language for Identifying/Naming the Qualities of Trust and Honesty from the "Self- Awakened Child" series by Jonathan Wolff
Unity
- When I think that all animals, birds, bugs, plants, and people are all part of Earth's big family, I am thinking about Unity.
- When I look at all the ways people who look and talk different than I do are like me, I am thinking with Unity.
Loyalty
- When I choose to be your friend and I am your friend forever, no matter what happens, I am being Loyal.
- When whatever I do or say helps our friendship grow closer and better and I never purposely do anything to hurt you, I am being Loyal.
- When my words and actions are the same as the love and truth of my heart, I am being Loyal to myself.
2nd Semester Device Distribution
If you are in need of a SCCPSS device for your student, please fill out this form. Ms. Lisa will contact you as soon as possible to schedule pick up of the device from the school.
If you have received a device from the District and you plan on purchasing the Technology Protection Plan provided by the District, please pay for that through School Cash Online and send the signed paperwork to Ms. Lisa through email.
If you have any questions, email Ms. Lisa (lisa.odonnell@sccpss.com).
Counselors' Corner
This cycle in School Counseling Instruction, we are talking about our own goals for 2021, and are reflecting on our growth and learning from last year. In Primary, we're reading School is Different This Year and That's OK and are talking about our feelings with virtual learning. Erdkinder students will be receiving a High School 101 lesson next week to reiterate high school preparations, and to be aware of the Choice School Information and application process at http://choice.sccpss.com. We encourage all 8th graders and their families to view the SCCPSS Rising 9th grade Info video at this link.
If you missed our School Counseling Program New Year Newsletter, please find it on our School Counseling website. If you need anything at all, please reach out.
PTA Boosterthon
Register your student at www.funrun.com and share your page link with family and friends.
The program is virtual this year. Boosterthon has partnered with Just Dance to bring a Dance Fit event which will take place on January 20, 2021. Students will meet virtually with their favorite Booster teammates, earn prizes for pledges, and have lots of fun dancing!
The PTA's goal is $18,000 to help fund teacher grants, student experiences, and school materials to enhance the Montessori learning environment at Ellis.
Thank you for your support!
Thank you, PTA!
Clearing the Chrome Browser Cache/Cookies
If your student's SCCPSS Chromebook is running slow, it may be helpful to clear the cache/cookies every once in awhile. See the link below for instructions.
From the Clinic
Please read the attached flyer with health and safety information.
Covid-19 Parent at Home Screening
If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to me.
Thank you,
Nurse Chris
912-395-5470 Ext. 71213
Join the Ellis PTA and Support Our Community!
Please consider joining the PTA to support our Ellis community. Membership is only $7/person.
So far this school year, the PTA has done the following:
- Held a school supply drive for our Ellis families
- Funded the purchase of individual Montessori materials for our Primary students
- Sponsored teachers to attend an Anti-Racist, Anti-Bias Teaching in the Montessori Classroom seminar.
- Organized the Fall Festival Parade
- Organized the PTA Reflections contest
- Accepted teacher grant applications
- Funded improvements to the playground and multi-purpose room
- Sponsored the Read-A-Thon
- Organized the Angel Tree for families in our Ellis community
- Donated non-perishable food items to Emmaus House
- Purchased Medify HEPA Air Purifier/replacement filters for classrooms
- Supplied Nurse Chris with needed health and wellness supplies
- And so much more!
The PTA cannot do all this without your help and support. The easiest way to show your support is simply by joining the Ellis PTA.
Visit the PTA Website.
Contact US!
Ms. Ja'Dayia Coleman-Kennedy
jadayia.coleman-kennedy@sccpss.com
Information Specialist Clerk
Ms. Lucy Holloway
School Secretary
Ms. Patricia Solomon-Brown
patricia.solomon-brown@sccpss.com
Email: Tanya.Melville@sccpss.com
Website: http://internet.savannah.chatham.k12.ga.us/schools/Ellis/default.aspx
Location: 220 East 49th Street, Savannah, GA, USA
Phone: (912) 395-5470
Ellis Montessori Academy Website
Click here to view the new Charles Ellis Montessori Academy website.
SCCPSS Website
Please visit this website regularly for the most up-to-date SCCPSS District information.