2/24/2012Message from our PTO - Mishloach Manot Each year our PTO is working hard to prepare Mishloach Manot. Mishloach Manot (“sending portions”) are the food baskets given on Purim. Jewish law tells us to give Mishloach Manot to at least one person on Purim. This year, the Alef Bet PTO is offering the opportunity to purchase prepared Mishloach Manot for you to distribute to friends and family.This is a wonderful opportunity for your child to learn about the value of giving AND a great fundraiser for our school. Please consider purchasing for your friends, family, and neighbors! We are offering 4 different options: $5 - Goodie Bag ( 2 hamentashen and chocolates) $8 - Friend Package (4 hamentashen and chocolates) $15 - Family Package (8 hamentashen and chocolates) $35 - Deluxe Package (10 hamentashen, chocolates, plus bottle of wine) Each Mishloach Manot will be delivered with a gift tag. Mishloach Manot can be picked up from the school on Wednesday, March 7 [noon dismissal]. Send in check and make payable to “Alef Bet Montessori.” In note write: “Misloach Manot.” Dietary Kosher rules are observed. TO ORDER: Please print and fill out the form and return to school by Wednesday, February 29th OR email your order to Elizabeth Koza at ekoza10@yahoo.com. A very special THANK YOU to our Mishloach Manot Committee who have volunteered to organize and create the gifts - Devorah Buxbaum, Elizabeth Koza and Karen Sevillia! Fascinating Seminar Day by PJLL The Partnership for Jewish Life and Learning (PJLL), also known as the former Board of Jewish Education, Washington DC, is holding a great one day of seminars. Click here for the full info. 2/17/2012Calendar items Jan 1 - Priority Registration Forms are due back. For a copy of the form please click here. Feb 20 - School Closed. President Day. March 7 - Purim Party. Noon Dismissal March 8 - Purim School is closed March 9 - School Field Trip. More info See below. Director's Absent - I will be out of the office Friday 2/1 - Tuesday Feb 21. Please contact Miriam Singer or Janel Herman with any important issue. I will be able to read my emails, but will be able to return calls on Wednesday. You can always leave a message on extension 20, as we check the messages 3 times a day (9am, noon and 3 p.m.) Flowers and Challa for Shabat (Time Sensative - Tuesday Feb 21) On behalf of our PTO: It's that time again! If you haven't had the joy of seeing your child proudly tote a delicious Rosendorff's challah to your car or carefully place the beautiful Shabbat flowers in a vase on your dining room table, now is your chance! This is a wonderful fundraiser for our school and a great way to let your child help participate in the Shabbat preparations.Please PRINT THE FLYER and return to school. Goldberg's Challa asked for a minimum of 10 participants to continue the delivery. We hope you will participate! Please return your challah and flower order by Tuesday, February 21st. Questions? Please contact Alexandra Hayward (Adanma’s Grandmother) at myzivah@gmail.com. Thank you, Karen, Iris, Lauren and Ilissa School Outing for children ages 4 and up - Charlie Brown at Olney Theatre Many of you enjoyed our group trip to see the wonderful production of "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" at Olney Theatre this past year. Now we have the opportunity to view another fun and exciting musical together, "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown." This show is recommended for audiences ages 4 and above. Sunday, March 11, 2012 , 2:00 PM Our Special Price: $15 balcony seats (normally $49-$54) The Gang's All Here! Charlie Brown struggles through another full day of book reports, baseball games, kite flying, and philosophy with a little help from his friends. Charles Schulz’s classic Peanuts gang takes a leap from the newspaper page onto the stage in this lively musical. Family Musical Our PTO has 30 tickets available, so we will reserve them on a first-come, first-served basis. PLEASE RSVP TO KAREN GALANTI VIA EMAIL (karen@galantidesign.com) with the information below. Name: Number of Balcony tickets ($15.00 each): TOTAL $: Please send your check written to Alef Bet Montessori to school with "Charlie Brown" written in the memo. When Karen receives your reservation, she will confirm via email. For more information: http://olneytheatre.org/ Thanks and hope you can join us! Field Trip - March 9 Our school is going on a field trip on Friday, March 9th, 2012. The Field Trip is designed for age appropriate activities. Therefore we have divided the trip into 2 groups:The children ages 4 - 6 will visit the Building Museum in Washington D.C. Children ages 18 month - 3 years old will visit Playseum at 7000 Wisconsin Ave, Bethesda. Please click under Forms & Handouts to print the Form applicable for your child. On the form you will find all the necessary information. Please make sure to return the signed permission slip to the school by Monday, February 27th, 2012. Please have your children in school by 9a.m. sharp. Children who travel to the Building Museum will use a shuttle bus that will take them to the museum and back. Regular dismissal at 3 pm. Please make sure your child wears a School Shirt and brings a disposable brown bag lunch. Has your child arrived late to school this or last week more than once? If so, please read this important Note from Ellie. Do you ask yourself why is it important that your child is not late to school? Do you often think that after all, isn't it just a preschool, can't my child just come anytime? We have thought about it too, and believe differently. Please read here for our answer. 2/10/2012Phone-a-Thone Our dedicated PTO has started the Annual Giving Campaign. This is the time that we ask the school's parent body, grandparents and relative to help support our school. The goal of this year's campaign is to expand our Hebrew curricula materials. The phone-a-thon will be conducted by parent volunteers of the PTO, Iris Yachin, Lauren Milner, Andrew Wiley, Nicole Levin, and Karen Galanti. The will be making calls to your homes next week, starting Monday, Feb 13, and asking you to participate in the Annual Giving Campaign. Our goal is to reach 100% parent and family participation rather than a specific dollar amount. Your commitment to the school is more important to us. Please welcome their call and help them out to the extent you can. Remember, they are helping all of us. To learn more about the Annual Giving Campaign please click here. Thank you for your ongoing support and your love. Yours Faithfully, Ellie A Great Article by R. Buxbaum posted on the local Wash Post Click here for the article: "Can Judaism be ‘cool’ enough for a new generation?" It is the Flu and Stomach Bug Season We have noticed several incidents of the flu and stomach bugs in both Primary classes. Please make sure to follow up on the our policy published in the Parents' Handbook on Health issues (pages 10 and 11). We would ask you to take extra caution and keep your child home 24 hrs after fever or vomiting. A copy of our policy and the Parents' Handbook can be found under Forms & Handouts. If you think your child is not feeling well or if your child complains, please keep them home for another hour, see how the feel and then come to school. Better to wait than to drive to school and find out that they do not feel well. It help us protect other children from getting ill. Thank you for your cooperation. Recap - Coffee with the Director - Great Parenting Session On Thursday this week we hosted a guest speaker, Kay Abrams, PhD, who presented on the topic of Intentional Parenting. We discussed effective methods that help with parenting using less bribery and/or threats and lead to more energetic parents - parenting with confidence. Dr. Abrams is a fantastically engaging speaker and presenter and we hope to have her over again. Kay has sent us two articles that she wanted to share: Parenting with Confidence and Parenting in the Age of Anxiety. I have posted them on our Forms & Handouts. Calendar items Jan 1 - Priority Registration Forms are due back. For a copy of the form please click here. Feb 14 - Parent Teacher Conference for students who joined the school after December 1, 2011. If your child is new to his/her class, please contact the teacher to schedule a time for a conference on that day. Feb 20 - School Closed. President Day. March 7 - Purim Party. Noon Dismissal March 8 - Purim School is closed March 9 - School Field Trip. More info TBA. Culture of Caring - Annual Giving Campaign At Alef Bet Montessori School we believe there is a difference between self-indulgence and healthy self-esteem. We use Montessori’s design to provide constant opportunities for real work and meaningful ways to contribute to others. The Jewish sages referred to it as Tzedakah— giving charity as a form of righteous behavior. Giving charity to those in need is among the most important form of righteous behavior. The tzedakah box and the tradition of giving charity are a basic part of Jewish living. Spontaneous acts of kindness and generosity seem to constantly occur as we reach for something greater than ourselves. Our children begin to absorb behaviors of those around them from the very earliest years. Over time, these behaviors turn into habits, deepen, and become more consciously accessible. Our children look at us as role models - what do they see? Giving can be done in various forms—action or monetary. The Annual Giving Campaign is a yearly appeal for gifts to support current operations. We are dedicated and providing a quality Montessori education for a moderate tuition amount. Annual gifts help to bridge the gap between tuition revenue and operating cost. Numerous Montessori schools in our area charge $2,000 to $6,000 more than Alef Bet’s tuition and also request a “New Family Fee” ($2,500). Our charter states that one of our goals is to reach as many families as possible who want a Jewish Montessori education and provide them with the affordable means to do so. Montessori families, alumni and friends are invited to participate in this component of our school's financial health at whatever level possible. The Campaign runs annually from December through the close of our fiscal year on June 30th. The PTO has sent a letter to the school families asking for pledges for our Annual Giving Campaign. In the next few weeks, the PTO will make calls (a Phone-a-tone) to follow up on those appeals. Please accept their calls. These are volunteers who joyfully wish to help our school. Please do not let them down. Staff Updates We have some exciting plans for the coming school year. As you might have heard, we intend to start an Elementary program for children in grades 1-6. Please see the press release. In order to make sure that the Primary classes are staffed appropriately and that there is a smooth transition, we have added Sorah Rivka Goodman, a certified Primary AMI teacher, to our staff. Morah Sorah Rivka spends most of her time in the Dvash Class with Farhana, but often works in the Rimon Class with Miriam Singer. During the last week, while Morah Miriam was at a conference, Morah Sorah Rivka was teaching the Rimon class. By joining us this year, Morah Sorah Rivka has gained meaningful experience in learning about our school and our children. She is ready to take over a class and be the lead teacher for Rimon starting in the fall (Sept 2012). Morah Sorah Rivka's many years of teaching experience will be a great advantage during the transition period as will her warm and loving personality. We also plan to have a new assistant in the Dvash class in the fall. Morah Miriam will be moving to the Elementary program while supervising the Primary program. One of her most important responsibilities will be developing the Judaic/Hebrew curriculum for the Elementary students. Please let me know if you have questions, comments or concerns about these planned changes. I will be available to discuss these changes during our next Coffee with the Director, which is scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 9 at 9am at the library, upstairs. Blogger Interview - Networking During the recent National Jewish Day School Conference, I had the opportunity to present Alef Bet school materials in addition to attending fabulous sessions about efficient networking. A reporter who attended my presentation found our school story interesting and decided to blog about it. Click here for the interview. Calendar items Jan 1 - Priority Registration Forms are due back. click here for a copy of the form. Feb 4 - Movie Night. See below. Feb 7, Tuesday - 9:00 AM at the school for the PTO meeting. We will be discussing the upcoming Annual Giving Campaign. Feb 9, Thursday - Coffee with the Director (MORNING MEETING 9 - 10 am) - Intentional Parenting, with our Guest Speaker Kay Abrams, PhD. We will share experience and home practices for fewer bribes, fewer threats and less exhaustion - parenting with confidence. Dr. Abrams is a fantastically engaging speaker and presenter. It will be a fabulous experience to have her join us. In addition Ellie will be sharing the information about recent developments at our school. Please join us. Feb 14 - Parent Teacher Conference for students who joined classrooms after December 1, 2011. If your child is new to his/her class, please contact the teacher to schedule a time to hold a conference on that day. Feb 20 - School Closed. President Day. March 7 - Purim Party. Noon Dismissal 1/27/2012Read our Press Release Posted January 24, 2012. Click here.
Movie Night - Sat Feb 4 at 9 p.m. Next Saturday, Feb 4, at 9 p.m. there will be a sneak preview showing of the film Follow Me: The Yoni Netanyahu Story. It will be presented at the American Film Institute (AFI), Silver Theate and Cultural Center in downtown Silver Spring. This film is about the short yet extraordinary life of a heroic Israeli soldier and poet Yoni Netanyahu, the brother of the current Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu. This fabulous film was produced by Silver Spring’s own Ari Daniel Pinchot (full disclosure – he’s Joey Turitz's brother in law) and Jonathan Gruber. Joey Turitz is a close friend who had the privilege of seeing the film and highly recommend it. The film was very well received recently both in New York and at the Palm Springs Film Festival in California. This event is a fundraiser for Kemp Mill Synagogue, therefore ticket prices above $12 per ticket are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Tickets are $36 each (plus ticketing fees) and can be purchased online at www.boxofficetickets.com/go/event?id=172265. Tickets are currently on sale and are expected to go quickly, so don’t delay. Tickets may also be purchased at the door unless the screening is sold out. Sponsorship Opportunity for the event is available - sponsorship tickets cost $180 and include two tickets in a reserved location of the theater as well as attendance at a reception with the filmmakers. If you wish to be a sponsor please email Joey Turitz as soon as possible to garauntee your tickets jturitz@gmail.com. 1/20/2012Coffee with the Director - Feb 9 @ 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.Come join me for a Coffee with the Director on the topic: Intentional Parenting, with our Guest Speaker Kay Abrams, PhD. We will share experience and home practices for fewer bribes, fewer threats and less exhaustion - parenting with confidence.This session will hopefully help us, as parents, respond rather than react. Dr. Abrams is a fantastically engaging speaker. It will be a fabulous experience to have her join us. In addition I will be sharing the information about recent developments at our school, class set up for next year and changes in staff allocations. Light refreshments will be served. Please join us. Priority Registration Forms for Next Year We are happy to have the Priority Registration Forms available for the registration for year 2012-13.The forms were sent home this week. If you didn't get one, please click here for the form. Please make sure to complete and return by Jan 31, 2012 as our classes are filling up very quickly with ongoing registration. If you are interested in further information about the Elementary program, please contact us. I will be happy to discuss it with you. Are you interested in Early Drop Off / Breakfast Club for next year. We would like to have a show of hands if parents are interested in early drop off for next year. We plan to have breakfast together, starting at 7:30 until 8:45 a.m.Please email us if you would like to join. Dance Class - Winter Session - For Boys and Girls This message is on behalf of PTO VC Emily Meyer: Hi Everyone! I just wanted to let everyone know that the dance class with Suto Dance Studio will begin again this Monday 1/23/2012 at 3:15 - 4:00. Session is 14 weeks Cost $150 Ages 3 and up. This was a great class and Owen and Ella really enjoyed it. They basically do the same routine each week with a few changes. This allows the students to really understand the routine. There is a video monitor in the waiting room so parents can watch the class. They wear hats and often play with props. On the last day, they do a little "performance" for the parents. Girls wear traditional ballet attire (leotard, skirt, socks/tights and ballet shoes) and boys wear black pants, a white shirt, white socks and black ballet shoes. (Just a tip: I purchased ballet shoes at Payless Shoe Store, leotard and tights at Target, plain old white fruit-of-the-loom T-shirts and black knit pants from the gap, which Owen can wear at any time) As for boys: Owen would LOVE it if some more boys came. So please don't feel like this is "Ballet" and refrain from putting your boys in. They do some "boy" songs and it is mostly movement and coordination. Both Ella and Owen are much more coordinated after taking dance class. And they can jump farther and higher too! You can call me if you have any general questions at 301-838-7429 or you can call Patty or Bobby at the Dance Studio at 301-871-1000.
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Class 9592 | Age 2-3 yr olds | Class Title Hulabaloo at the Zoo | Day | Time 3:15-4:15 | Dates 1/18-3/28 | Days off 7-Mar | Number of Weeks 10 | $145 |
9593 | 4-5 yr olds | Hulabaloo at the Zoo | 3:15-4:15 | 1/18-3/28 | 7-Mar | 10 | $145 |
Ellie
11/18/2011
Fantastic Lecture - Dec 7 (Mark your calendars!!!)
You are invited to listen to one of the most prominent speaker about education and Montessori.
On Dec. 7, Wednesday 7p.m. - 9p.m. Dr. Steve Hughes will be presenting an incredible lecture on Building Better Brains. Dr. Hughes is one of the most prominent speakers about education and Montessori.
If you wanted to know Why Montessori , and you never dared to ask - this is your chance.
You will not hear it anywhere better but from Dr. Steve Hughes.
Crossway Montessori School, is hosting the talk by the internationally renowned pediatric neuropsychologist. Dr. Steven Hughes. Dr. Hughes will be presenting research supported information on how Montessori education and environments effect the developing brain. For more information click here.
Crossway Community, Inc. is located on 3015 Upton Drive, Kensington, MD 20895.If you wanted to know Why Montessori , and you never dared to ask - this is your chance.
You will not hear it anywhere better but from Dr. Steve Hughes.
Crossway Montessori School, is hosting the talk by the internationally renowned pediatric neuropsychologist. Dr. Steven Hughes. Dr. Hughes will be presenting research supported information on how Montessori education and environments effect the developing brain. For more information click here.
I cannot urge you enough to attend. Please try to do so.
Book Club - Positive Discipline, by Janet Nelson. January 10, Tuesday 8 p.m.
Join us for a fascinating read of the book Positive Discipline, for both novice and expert parents.
The book is for sale on amazon starting at $7.90.
A drama class with Imagination Stage professional staff is offered at Alef Bet Montessori.
Imagination Stage is an amazing, nationally-recognized children's theater right here in Bethesda that offers wonderfully imaginative classes for children of all ages and abilities in acting, dance, voice, and performance ... and they are willing to come to us! This year the class will be:
Hullabaloo at the Zoo: "READ ALL ABOUT IT . . . ANIMALS STRIKE AT THE ZOO!" It's true! The headlines are telling it all. Come find out what happens when the monkeys won't monkey around anymore and the elephants demand to be paid more than peanuts. Students will use the theme of the zoo as a creative springboard for using and developing their actors' tools-mind, body, voice, and imagination.
Where: Alef Bet Montessori
Day: Wednesdays, beginning in January
Time: 3:15 - 4:15 (we'll begin after school, so no need to pick up until 3:15)
Cost: $145 for ten weeks
Karen Galanti is asking for a show of hands from parents who may be interested. If you are, please send an email with your child's name and age directly to Karen karen@galantidesign.com .
Hullabaloo at the Zoo: "READ ALL ABOUT IT . . . ANIMALS STRIKE AT THE ZOO!" It's true! The headlines are telling it all. Come find out what happens when the monkeys won't monkey around anymore and the elephants demand to be paid more than peanuts. Students will use the theme of the zoo as a creative springboard for using and developing their actors' tools-mind, body, voice, and imagination.
Where: Alef Bet Montessori
Day: Wednesdays, beginning in January
Time: 3:15 - 4:15 (we'll begin after school, so no need to pick up until 3:15)
Cost: $145 for ten weeks
Karen Galanti is asking for a show of hands from parents who may be interested. If you are, please send an email with your child's name and age directly to Karen karen@galantidesign.com .
Read previous posting of the Director's Desk for further information.
11/11/2011
I gained valuable information about global schools and budget items spending. This is certainly a "membership only" club and I attended thanks to the the high recommendations from the Aidan head of school.
In addition to the wonderful networking, my attendance helps to put our school in the front line with the other well established schools. In preparation for our growth into an Elementary program, this resource of viable group of heads of school will serve us well and will help us land right there, at the front line of the best schools in town.
Photos:
Check our Apple Picking pictures and some pictures from last week.
Vaccine and Parents' Rights
A recent documentary about vaccines and the Greater Good was released last week. It is available at the following link. click here.
Observation of our Classes
During the last 10 days we have had parents and visitors observe our classroom. We will be happy to open more spots for observation in December 2011. Click here to sign up.
Language Curricula Presentation (English and Hebrew)
On Tuesday, 11/15 @ 8:15 p.m we will hold a presentation of our Language Curricula. Please join us for a facinating evening on how our children learn English and Hebrew, how they learn writing BEFORE they learn how to read, at what stage do we introduce letters and what do we call them. Parents are highly encouraged to attend.
Parent - Teacher Conferences
Our Parent-Teacher Conference day is December 14. In preparation please make sure you had the time to oberve your child's class and attended our Language Curricula Presentation. The conferences sign up sheet is now available. Click here to sign up. If you need a different day or specail accommodation, please contact your teacher directly with a note and ask for it. We are always happy to work with your calendars and work commitments.
Calendar Items
11/10 Coffee with the Director at 9 a.m.
11/15 Open House for new and Prospective Parents at 8 p.m.
11/10 Coffee with the Director at 9 a.m.
11/15 Open House for new and Prospective Parents at 8 p.m.
11/15 Tuesday @ 8:15 p.m. Presentation of Language Curricula.
11/24 + 25 School closed - Thanksgiving
11/24 + 25 School closed - Thanksgiving
12/13 Open House for prospective parents. at 8 p.m.
12/14 Parents- Teacher conference. Sign up
11/4/2011
Coffee with the Director - This Thursday 11/10 @ 9 a.m.
Join me for a coffee with the director, an hour of discussion on the topic of education, behaviour development and more. This time we will talk about "What Happens When I Lose It?" discussing the skills of being patient and working with your child at home. We will start at 9 a.m. and coffee and snack will be provided.
Are You and Your Spouse Receiving Emails from the School? For some unknown reason, some of the parents' emails dropped out of our mailing list. Please make sure that you and your spouse are receiving an email from me once a week. If you are not, please send me an email to be added on the list. Make sure we have your updated email address.
Arriving Late to School
If your child arrived to school late more than once a month, please click here. We would like to emphasize the importance of arriving on time to our school. Please click here to read about Heads of Schools' policy. We hope that once you read it you will understand why we will ask you to sign a Late Sign In Form starting Monday 11/7/12 and why we record late arrival.
Montessori v. Public School Method and Philosophy
During last Friday night's dinner I had an interesting conversation with one of our parents. The topic was the difference between the Montessori method and the Public Schools. I wanted to share with you an amusing, short you tube video outlining the differences. Click here. The video was produced by Trevor Eissler, author of Montessori Madness, a jet business pilot and flight instructor.
Teacher Training in our classrooms
During the next 2 weeks we will have regular visitors to our classroom from Loyola College Graduate School. These students are in the training to become Montessori teachers and they will be visiting to be guided by our own staff. Both Morah Miriam and Morah Farhana's classes are participating. This is the first year that our school has been selected to be part of the training program for the Masters degree at Loyola, Columbia.
Kudos to our teachers and staff!
Independent Education
Last week I visited the fabulous grounds of Airlie Conference Center in Warrenton, VA where the heads of the independent schools of Washington DC gathered for a conference organized by IE (Independent Education, formally known as AISGW). Anyone who is "somebody" in the educational world in Washington DC was there. I had the chance to spent time with the head of school of Aidan Montessori (the largest Montessori school in DC), St. Andrews, JPDS, Green Acres school, Norwood, Landon School and Sidwell Friends School, Bullis and Holton Arms. I gained valuable information about global schools and budget items spending. This is certainly a "membership only" club and I attended thanks to the the high recommendations from the Aidan head of school.
In addition to the wonderful networking, my attendance helps to put our school in the front line with the other well established schools. In preparation for our growth into an Elementary program, this resource of viable group of heads of school will serve us well and will help us land right there, at the front line of the best schools in town.
A message from FEMA: FIRST NATIONWIDE TEST OF THE EMERGENCY ALERT SYSTEM
Test to Take Place November 9, 2011 at 2 p.m. ET
As part of their ongoing efforts to keep our country and communities safe during emergencies, the Federal Communications Commission and Federal Emergency Management Agency will conduct the first nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS). The EAS test plays a key role in ensuring the nation is prepared for all hazards, and that the U.S. public can receive critical and vital information, should it ever be needed. The first nationwide test will be conducted Wednesday, November 9 at 2 p.m. ET. This test may last up to three and a half minutes, and will be transmitted via television and radio stations within the U.S., includingAlaska, Hawaii, the territories of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and American Samoa. Similar to local emergency alert system tests, an audio message will interrupt television and radio programming indicating: “This is a test.” When the test is over, regular programming will resume. For more information about the nationwide Emergency Alert System test, please visit http://www.fema.gov/medialibrary/media_records/6407 and www.FCC.gov.
On November 9 at 2 p.m. EDT, please remember: Don’t stress; it’s only a test.
Calendar Items
11/10 Coffee with the Director at 9 a.m.
11/15 Open House for new and Prospective Parents at 8 p.m.
11/24-25 School closed - Thanksgiving
10/28/2011
This Friday the school held its special Shabbat Dinner. The PTO organized a full Friday night meal. About 60 parents and children participated. Many thanks to Emily Meyer, who was the Chair Committee, Dvorah Buxbaum, Natasha Nadel and the parents who helped with the shopping as well as the volunteers who helped organize the setting.
Are You and Your Spouse Receiving Emails from the School? For some unknown reason, some of the parents' emails dropped out of our mailing list. Please make sure that you and your spouse are receiving an email from me once a week. If you do not, please send me an email to be added on the list. Make sure we have your updated email address.
Why Jewish School Do Not Celebrate Halloween? Click here.
School Observation in the Classrooms
This is the time of year when our children have adjusted to their classes and they are ready to welcome visitors who observe them while they learn. Please let us know if you are interested in joining us and observing the classroom. The time allocation is between 9 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. for a half an hour or an hour. We have sent an email with the schedule. Observation will also last through next week. If you need accommodations for another date please send us and email.Please click here for the Observation Schedule link:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AtD7DLz_XtM-dEkyWVU0VWFBaXpHck9sMF9jYU9RX1E
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AtD7DLz_XtM-dEkyWVU0VWFBaXpHck9sMF9jYU9RX1E
Math Curricula
This week on Tuesday we had a presentation of our Math Curricula. Our teachers opened up all the math materials and explained the various stages of learning at the early age. They reviewed the concept of early math and gave examples of the use of the materials and how the children learn. It was a marvelous demonstration. If you missed it, we hope you can join us for our next presentation.
Special Shabat Program at Aish for the family
10/12/2011
"Montessori Builds Inventors," Harvard Business Review blog entry by MIT Professor and former
Montessori child, Andrew McAfee. click here for the full article.
Montessori child, Andrew McAfee. click here for the full article.
Why Math at an Early Age? A new study finds that students' basic math skills in numbers, counting and low-level arithmetic by first grade predict their success in math by the time they reach fifth grade. click here for the full article.
Join Us for a Math Curricula Presentation on Oct 25, 2011 at 8:15 p.m.
Open House for prospective parents is on Oct 25, 2011 at 8 p.m. Invite your friends to our Open House at 8 p.m on the same day as the Math Presentation.
This Week on Sukot
Join the Aish Community and Alef Bet families for our 2nd Annual Sukkot BBQ and Concert featuring Jewish country and bluegrass group "The Sinai Mountain Boys". Hot dogs, burgers, and L'chaims in the Aish Sukkah and games and activities for the kids! October 16th, 2011, 4 p.m. at the Aish Center Tickets: $10; $8 for Members and Alef Bet parents (Premier Members are FREE); Children under 12 $7, $5 for Members and Alef Bet parents; Family Max $35
Shabaton Dinner
Join the Alef Bet PTO and dine with us on Friday night at the Aish Center. This is the event where parents cook together and we all get together to enjoy a Shabat meal. The flier is posted on forms & Handouts. Save the date Friday October 28.
Calendar Items:
Oct 12 - Noon Dismissal. Sukkot Eve.Oct 19 - Noon Dismissal. Simchat Torah Eve. We reopen on Monday Oct. 24.
Oct 25 - Math Curricula Presentation 8:15 p.m. for Parents and Potential parents. Open House 8 p.m.
Oct 28 - Shabbaton for the School. A Friday Night Dinner sponsored by PTO. Note change date in calendar. Original date was set for Nov. 4.
10/6/2011
Coffee with the Director
We had a lively engaging conversation during Coffee with the Director this morning. Our topic was Discipline and Self Discipline of children in early childhood. We shared our experiences in a discussion lead by our one and only, Miriam Singer. We talked about the child's emotional stages in development, use of words, the system of no prizes or punishment. We discussed why we don't use "Time Out" and when to remove a child from a situation.
We plan on holding a discussion once a month on various topics and I hope you can join us. Our next Coffee with the Director will be on November 10. It would be great if you can join us for 45 min during the morning (right after drop off). If parents wish to have a meeting in the evening, I will be available to accommodate those parents who cannot join us in the morning. Please let me know.
Lice Free School
We are happy to let everyone know that this morning we have found no lice in children attending school who had previously reported having nits or lice. We will conduct another check on Monday morning to make sure the issue does not reoccur. Thank you for your support and your patience.
Calendar Items:
Oct 7 - School Closed for Yom Kippur. Join us for the Aish Hatorah services at the JCC.Oct 28 - Shabaton for the School. A Friday Night Dinner sponsored by PTO. Note change date in calendar. Original date was set for Nov. 4.
9/28/2011
Shana Tova everyone,
Did you know... on Mondays afternoon our classrooms at the Primary level are filled with sounds of songs and music with Morah Christine. Morah Christine brings her guitar, helps us learn about the music bells and sometimes will teach recorders with the older children. Parents whose children are dismissed at noon can ask for a late dismissal at 3 p.m. on Mondays.
Here is the song your children learned for Rosh Hashana
Calendar Items:
Sept 28 - 30 - School Closed for Rosh Hashana. Join us at the Aish Hatorah services at the JCC.
Oct 7 - School Closed for Yom Kippur.
Oct 28 - Shabaton for the School. A Friday Night Dinner sponsored by PTO. Note, change date in calendar. Original date was set for Nov. 4.
9/23/2011
Did you know that "Superwomen Was Here." Quick Read click here.
Fall outfits - Please send rain boots and rain coats for your child as we expect the play ground to be wet in the Fall season.
Did you know...that Siena's Pizza is a family of our school. The owners, Ramesh Zadeh and the family will be happy to cater birthday cupcakes for your child's birthday in class. Siena is offering Alef Bet parents special prices. Just mention that you are a school parent.
Dance Class - starting Monday Oct 3, 2011 (Not Wednesday 9/21). Note: Suto Dance will also offer a trial class on Monday Sept 26.
Suto Dance Studio is offering our school a class. For the full description click here for Forms. Registration is with the Studio directly. This class is designed for Alef Bet Montessori students. I received a confirmation from the Dance Studio for the date and time. Registration Form can be found under Forms & Handouts. Click here.
It is expected to be a 12 week session from 3:15 to 4 p.m. at $125 per child.
Location: Suto Dance studio, 6116 Roseland Drive, Rockville MD 20852. (2 min away from our school in the Luxmanor neighborhood.)
Shana Tova from Alef Bet Montessori Staff - Happy New Year
The Weekly Bulletin has some wonderful pictures of the class working with the Shofarot this week.
Calender Items:
Sept 28 - 30 - School Closed for Rosh Hashana. Join us at the Aish Hatorah services at the JCC.
Oct 7 - School Closed for Yom Kippur.
9/16/2011
Apple Picking for Rosh Hashana - Field Trip Thursday, Sept 22 at 4:30 p.m.
For more information and the location go to Forms & Handouts for the Form. Please return the form to our office asap.
On Thursday, children who are signed up for the after-care who would like to participate need to be picked up by 3:45 p.m.
If you have difficulty driving your child the the farm, please contact the office and we will see who among our parents can help with transportation.
Dance Class - starting Wednesday Sept, 21, 2011
Suto Dance Studio is offering our school a class.
This class is designed for Alef Bet Montessori students. I am awaiting a confirmation from the Dance Studio for the date and time. It is expected to be a 12 week session from 3:15 to 3:55 p.m. at $125 per child.
Location: Suto Dance studio, 6116 Roseland Drive, Rockville MD 20852.
For more information about the studio check the web at http://www.sutodance.com/main.htm.
Private Violin Classes with Music Kids
Registration is still going. Please contact Josiah Lambert @ Josiah@MusicKidsProgram.com for further details. Class is conditioned upon registration of a minimum of 5 children. So far 4 families have shown interest. Please contact Josiah directly.
Late Morning
This is just a kind reminder - Primary class children (ages 3 - 6) arriving after 9 a.m. should enter the school using the
upper level door. The lower level door will be closed at 9 a.m. sharp to avoid disturbance to the Rimon class. Our full Parent Handbook & School Policy can be found online under Forms & Handouts on the left side bar.
Shabat Shalom to all,
Ellie
9/9/2011
Happy Friday Everyone,
Our first week is over and we have so much to tell you.
Please read the information below, and click on the left side bar under Weekly Bulletins for your teacher's report.
Did you know? You can always extend your child's day and sign up for a late dismissal and pick up at 4:30 (except for Fridays).
Cost:
3p.m - 4:30 p.m. - $10
12 - 3 p.m. - $10
12 - 4:30 - $20
You can do so on a daily basis, and notify me on that day.
If interested, simply send me an email to notify of the day and time.
What's Going On on Fridays?
On Friday, at 3 p.m. the school hands over the building to Aish. A cleaning crew transforms our facility to a beautiful Community Synagogue and Aish holds Shabbat Services in the building along with excellent classes, children's programming and a delicious Kiddush. For more information click on the website aishdc.com.
Important Message from your PTO, please Click Here.
Did you send back to us:
1. Your volunteer form - and checked 2 volunteer opportunities?
2. PTO dues per family?
3. Pizza form for Friday?
4. Apple Picking Field Trip?
Coffee with the Director on the First Thursday of every month. Our next meeting will be on Oct 6, 9 a.m.-10 a.m for good coffee and discussion.
Lunch Suggestions
We encourage you send a healthy lunch for your child. One suggestion is a small sandwich with steamed vegetables, yogurt and sliced fruit. You can substitute the sandwich for cooked pasta or potatoes. You can also cook lentils or beans and send these in little containers. Place a small ice pack in the lunch box to keep it cool.
Children enjoy eating food at a room temperature. We cannot place the lunch boxes in the fridge because we do not have a fridge big enough for 50 lunch boxes. An ice pack will do the work.
If you wish to serve warm food, just heat it in your home microwave and the food will be room temperature at noon.
Shabat Shalom,
Ellie Lichtash
9/6/2011
This is our formal first week. We are so thrilled to start school and see all familiar and new faces.
We hope everyone had a good week.
Soccer Registration for ages 3 and up - Dead Line - Sept 9
How do you Sign Up? Please click here or click on Brit Am web www.brit-am.com.
Music Kids - Private Violin lessons for 3 and up
We are looking for a show of hands of how many parents are interested in Music Kids this year so that Music Kids can allocate a teacher for our school. We need a minimum enrollment of 5 children. Send me an email if you are interested (again, this is not a full commitment, just a show of hands). Thank you.
Apple Picking Field Trip Sept 22 at 4:30 p.m.
Forms are due in office by Sept 15. Click here for the forms.
Coffee with the Director Thursday Sept 8, 2011 - at 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Join me for Coffee with the Director on Sept 8, 2011. We will be discussing current topics of interest.
Ellie
9/2/2011
Welcome everyone,
We are so excited to start a new school year. Our staff has been eagerly working for a full week to prepare the classrooms and the materials for your children. We are so happy to have you with us.
Please take a note of the following few items.
1. Contact list - please make sure your information is accurate. If a correction is needed, please send us and email to update the list.
2. The Apple Picking Field Trip is scheduled for Thursday (not Wednesday) Sept 22, 2011, at 4:30 (not 4 p.m.) at Homestead Farm. Look for the Form for directions and permission slip Click here.
3. If you missed our Back to School Night please read our recap. Click here.
Have a wonderful weekend,
Ellie
7/6/2011
Dear Parents,
Jim Joseph Foundation
This year (and last year) several families from our school were awarded and were able to enjoy the scholarships made possible by the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington DC. The scholarships awards were calculated by the Private School Aid Service (PSAS), based on each applicant's cost of tuition for the specified number of days/hours per week a child will be enrolled in our school and expected family contribution. Families who applied early this spring, have been notified of their award status. The Scholarships were made possible by the generosity of a grant from the Jim Joseph Foundation to the Jewish Federation. The purpose of these scholarship funding is to provide support for increased, needs-based scholarship over and above the current levels offered by each institution this year. We are grateful to the Jim Joseph Foundation and the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington that enabled that wonderful opportunity for the third year in a row.
We do not know if the Foundation intends to continue this Scholarship program for another year.