March 4, 2009 
Joliet Montessori School Newsletter
Contact Us
1600 Root Street
Crest Hill, IL  60403
(815) 741-4180
fax (815) 741-9753
 
Administrative Team email contact:
 
 
Ms. Lorraine Seaman
 
Ms. Kathy Bertani
 
Ms. Sue Bebar
Quick Links
   
due on Mar 8
and Mar 22 
View of the Classroom
 Work
 
"The child can only develop by means of experience in his environment.  We call such experience work."
 
In our society, work is often considered an unpleasant task in which we must engage in order to meet some other standard; to support our lifestyles, keep our homes, etc.  We may approach a more agreeable attitude toward work when we see that our cultural disdain is not for the work itself but of the conditions surrounding it.  Dr. Montessori observed that "in order to produce a satisfactory output of work, there must be suitable occupation and suitable conditions..." 
 
In order to fully appreciate the value of the AMI standard work cycle, we must consider the difference between the concept of work as we commonly know it and as children know it. 
 
Next Week: 
Work as Play
JMS Book of
the Month
"Freedom and Responsibility" 
 
A compilation of writings addressing the Montessori Philosophy from the AMI "Freedom and Responsibility" conference. 
  
Topics include "ISM Strategies for You and Your School," "Adolescent Theory," "Setting Limits - So Little Understood, So Greatly Needed," and "Practical Applications of Freedom and Responsibilty in the Elementary Years."
 
This book is available for check-out from our parent library.
Adolescent
T-Shirt orders
Now is your chance to buy the new JMS T-Shirts designed by the Adolescent Class! 
 
Samples are available for viewing in the Message Board.
 
T-Shirts are available in black or white, adult and youth sizes.
 
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See enclosed flyer with order form.

Spring Extra-curriculars
Kindermusik, Tumblebears and Junior Bookworms will all be available this spring.
 
Registration forms are enclosed and also available here.
Greetings!  
 
 

Our third monthly informational coffee is scheduled for Friday, Marchcalendar 19. This is a great opportunity for parents who have heard about Montessori, but have questions about whether or not it is a good fit for their child, to sit down with JMS staff and current parents and have their questions addressed. Parents whose children have just come on board within the past few months are also welcome.

 

Since the majority of our new families come to JMS because they have heard about our school from our current families, we would encourage you to invite others to the informational coffee. Of course, you're welcome to come along. Share the benefits of Montessori education with your friends and relatives who have young children!

 

Registration is now open to new families for the 2010-2011 school year.  If you have not yet submitted registration materials for your own family, please do so as soon as possible.

 

March is a month that is especially dedicated to parent education. Please see information below and mark your calendars now. Also, remember to call the office to make your appointment for a conference with your child's director.

 

Ms. Jan
Outdoor Expansion 'Buy-A-Brick' Opportunities still available 
 
This summer we will be moving into Phase Two of our Outdoor Expansion.  This will include the gazebo, the labyrinth maze, elevated flower boxes and the brick paths.
 
The Buy-A-Brick program is a marvelous opportunity to show your support of JMS for generations to come, as all bricks will be engraved with your personal message and placed in our outdoor paths.
 
Order form is enclosed.  Questions?  Please contact Sue Bebar at (815) 741-4180, ext. 14.
March is Parent Observation Month 
 
Parents are invited to observe their child's class at work during the month of March. 
 
Appointments are available Mon - Fri at 9:30, 10:00 and 10:30 a.m. and are filled on a first-come, first-served basis.  Observations will not be available on Fri, Mar 19 or on conference days, Mon, 3/29 or Tue, 3/30 - which are noon dismissal days. 
 
Schedule Forms are available here, or you can call the office.
Spring Play Meeting Scheduledrama
 
Mar 4, 3:30 - 5:00 pm:  Rehearsal - actors, Scene 1 - Scene 5, Publicity team meeting, Set Design team meeting
 
Mar 11, 3:30 - 5:00 pm:  Rehearsal - actors, Scene 6 - Scene 8
 
Mar 18, 3:30 - 5:00 pm:  Rehearsal - actors, Scene 9 - Scene 12 
   
Questions?  Please contact Jamie Benson or Lori Carmine.
Parent Education Evenings
 
Primary Parent Child Night  
Wed, Mar 10, at 6:30 or 7:15 pm.
 
Elementary Parent Child Night 
Wed, Mar 24, at 6:30 or 7:15 pm.
 
Enjoy a fun and informative evening as your children bring you into the classroom and show you what they're working on.  Call to reserve your time.
 
"Montessori Mysteries"  A Q and A for the primary environment
Mrs. Fisher and Mrs. Renzi
Thu, Mar 18, at 6:30 pm.  Childcare will be provided.
 
You have questions.  We have answers.  Please join us as we tackle your Montessori questions.  Don't be shy - chances are you aren't the only one who wants to know exactly how that binomial cube works.
Parent Director Conferences 
 
Conferences will be held on Mon, Mar 29, and Tues, Mar 30.  These are Noon Dismissal days. 
 
Director availabilities vary, please call the office to schedule your appointments. 
Home and School Association 
 
calendarMark your calendars for Thu, Mar 18 at 9:30 am, for Coffee and Conversation. Ali VanderTuuk has volunteered to host the coffee for March in her home. Her address is 1014 Princeton Avenue in Romeoville. Non-school aged siblings are invited as well. 

Coffee and Conversations are designed to give an opportunity for JMS families to meet in a relaxed environment. There is no set schedule or program at these events. If you are new to the school, come with your questions for veteran parents. If you are a veteran parent, come to reconnect with old acquaintances.

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Thanks to all the generous families who donated to our Winter Community Service Project, we collected over 1600 items for donation to MorningStar Mission. 

Thanks to Eileen Kozlowski for transporting the items and to Kelli McDonald for coordinating such a successful project.
Welcome 
 
Allison Babich, 4/27/06, Mrs. Cornstubble's class, Robert and Bonnie, 24736 South River Trail, Channahon, (815) 521-0321
Thank You 
 
to the Londergon Family for the donation of guinea pig supplies for Mrs. Fisher's classroom 
Sincerely,
The Faculty and Staff of JMS
Handbook Corner 
Lunch

Please send your children to school with a healthy, nutritious lunch.  We suggest a simple lunch which includes a sandwich, a fresh fruit and/or vegetable and a 100% juice, milk or water beverage.  Do not allow your children to bring soda, candy or excessively sweet foods.  Directors may have their own lunch requirements, which will be communicated to parents as appropriate.  Please do not drop off "fast food" lunches for your children.