Dear Parents,
These are exciting times at MCS!
Registration, Auction, Building plans and Open House are all happening in rapid succession. The building plans can go forward because the end-of-year donations were so generous and then adding on the $52,000 auction profit makes the picture even brighter.
I have enjoyed seeing the lovely way all of you have worked to achieve these amazing results. The "Night Down in Dixie" was highly successful in the first two years raising $40,000 in each of these years. But to see you raise $52,000 this year with the "Night Down in Motown" is a fete that demands that we stop and take notice of how and why this is possible.
The first element that is required for any great success is positive leadership and we certainly had that in Valerie Tuton. She guided, directed, coached and inspired the committee chairs and she also worked as hard or harder than she asked anyone else to do. Katherine Ellworth was right by her side and brought her wisdom of the first two years of success and again, worked diligently from day one until the wrap-up and cleanup after the event. Katherine worked on the fundraiser while continuing the work on getting permits and plans approved for the new Elementary classroom building. A third team member was Jennifer Ellenor who is organized, through, capable and a pleasure to work with. You are never aware of the amount of work Jennifer puts into a project because she does it so quietly and when needed she worked all night.
How could anyone not be inspired by these amazing ladies? Katie Beasley had a completely organized group on her wonderful "Family Basket" committee. We expected great work from Katie because she did such a fine job last year, but she even exceeded the success of the previous year. Tiffany Daube worked again this year to make everyone happy to have all of the delicious food and such a beautiful presentation. Well done, Tiffany.
What can we say to these people and all of our sponsors, donators, attendees, bidders, decorators, volleyball team, beer bartenders, band, and other contributors? Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Thank you from the Montessori staff members who feel your support. Thank you from our Montessori students who will reap the benefits of the proceeds when they are able to work in their beautiful new environment.
Mathematics
I want to share an observation that I had this week in Primary South. Two young students were working together on the mathematics lesson where they lay out number cards from 1-9 and 10-90 and 100-900 and 1000-9000. This lesson helps in the understanding of hierarchy. The two students were doing the work independently and chose to sit across the mat from each other. One student placed the number card for one. The second student placed the number card for two but placed it in the opposite direction which would look upside down to her classmate.
The amazing observation was that they continued in this manner all the way through the lesson, each placing the number card properly according to their own perspective. Neither of the students indicated to the other that anything should be changed. What a lovely thing to see! Through their actions they showed such respect for the other student's perspective. I only hope that this respectful attitude for the "other" point on view continues for a lifetime.
Our heart goes out to the Patterson family as they grieve the lose of their father and grandfather, Robert Patterson, Sr. We will remember his exuberant smile and the pride he showed for his son and his son's family.
In this Messenger you will read a letter from Vicky Iisuzu who will be moving to California this summer. Vicky has added so much to MCS through her work with the children in Stepping Stones West last year and in Primary South this year. We are all richer for knowing Vicky. We will miss her ready smile and her expert teaching capabilities. We wish Vicky and her husband all the best. We are in process of making a decision about the Directress for Primary South for the next school term. We will keep you informed.
I hope to see you at the Wine & Cheese Open House this evening .
Peggy Higgins
