Nuts & Bolts
Week of Dec. 11, 2017
Transparency
Happy Monday all! It is extremely important to me that I hear all voices. I want and need to know honestly how things are going and how people are feeling. I feel as though I can be a better leader and make informed decisions when I know what is in your hearts and minds. I cannot do this without your assistance. Please share your thoughts, concerns, and dreams with me - via email, in person, text, whatever is comfortable with you. If you would like to guarantee my full attention, you can work with Autumn to schedule a meeting on my calendar.
It bothered me that the AdvanceEd survey results were not favorable for the question (paraphrased) - My school provides materials to . . . If you would like the school to purchase classroom materials for you, please ask via a requisition form. It also bothers me to hear through the rumor mill that some people are upset about the Junior High construction and how the school is spending funds. If you have a question about construction or how school funds are spent, please just ask me.
I want to be as transparent as possible and if you feel that something is being "hidden," it is probably a communication problem - I need to know about it so it can be fixed. Please don't harbor negative feelings without telling me. I promise to listen; what I cannot promise is that I will agree with you. If we don't agree, at least you will have the rationale regarding why and I will have another perspective. Either way, your communication with me will inform future decisions. I just want the chance for this dialogue. Please never worry about offending me; I won't take it personally or hold your differing opinions against you in any way. I love you all and wish you a great week.
Congrats Jr High Music Program!
Field Trips Reminder
Construction Update
Concerning the timeline of when this displacement and cutting into the existing building will happen - we are not sure of the timeline. We will have more details after Mark meets with the group laying the footings of the school and when we find out when certain materials will be delivered. You will know as soon as we know, probably through a Nuts and Bolts communication.
We have already talked with Ms. Shanan and Ms. Amy as they are the lucky teachers who will have to relocate their students and materials to another part of the building. Right now, we are thinking that we will utilize the kivas for their classrooms. If you have other ideas, please share. I realize that this will be an inconvenience for all teachers (especially special education staff) and students who utilize this space and I thank you all in advance for your patience, understanding, and flexibility. I know that everyone will rally together to assist our displaced teachers as much as possible.
This is an opportunity for us to practice our growth mindset, synergy, and paradigm shifts in our school. Rather than focus on how disruptive this can be, we, as a school, need to think about how can we support each other during this time. This is an excellent opportunity to teach our students about temporary displacement. Ms. Nicoletta has graciously provided these resources regarding temporary displacement:
- Clip from recovery of Hurricane Harvey- classrooms use gymnasium as temporary classroom: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wtHpvd9uPT4
- Open space Montessori classroom: http://swamplot.com/the-biggest-montessori-classroom-youve-ever-seen-is-now-in-session-in-the-post-oak-school-gym/2017-09-14
As a reminder of the construction timeline that was discussed last week:
- 3 days sometime in December - the blacktop play area will not be accessible because construction crews will be taking out the natural rock/tire playground and prepping a pit for the new playground
- On or around December 22nd - the new playground pieces will be delivered and the blacktop play area may be unavailable
- Sometime end of December, beginning of January - new playground will be installed where the natural playground currently exists and the blacktop play area will be unavailable for a few days
Thank you all!!
Save the Date!
Fire Drill Thursday
Tours
International Festival
- Dec. 19th - Junior High 1-2:30pm in the gym
- Dec. 20th - UE 9-11am
- Dec. 21 - LE 1-2:30pm
This is subject to change. Thank you for your hard work in preparing students for this event and also thank you for your flexibility.
Music classes are cancelled on December 21st
Secret Santa Starts Today!
If you signed up for this voluntary and fun holiday tradition, you know it starts today. If you forgot, you could always write (and possibly decorate) a beautiful letter to your person telling them how awesome and loved they are. Happy gifting!!
Staff Holiday Party Friday
Parent Surveys-Keep it Going
Please take 15 minutes to complete the AdvancED Parent Survey. We value your opinion and incorporating parent feedback is important for our school growth. Plus, we are required to analyze data from this survey to maintain our accreditation. Thank you for your time and effort!
Upcoming Events:
12/3 PLC Mtgs - EC, JH
12/14 Fire Drill 1:45pm
12/14 PLC Mtg - Special Ed
12/15 Staff Party @ Zucca's 6-8:30pm
Contact Info:
Email: rbaker@mariamontessoriacademy.org
Website: https://www.mariamontessoriacademy.org
Phone: 801-827-0150
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MMAofUT/
Twitter: @ReneBaker27