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January 10, 2014
 
Happy New Year!!!  

The transition to 2014 rings the bell on our school's 40th anniversary!!   

GMS opened its doors in 1974 under the guidance of three founding families (the Saltzmans, the Prattos and the Popes) in the basement of the First Moravian Church on Elam Street. Not unlike our families today, those families were seeking an alternative educational environment for their young children based on the core theme of empowerment through self-discovery. The school and its enrollment grew steadily over the ensuing years and finally moved to its current campus in 1989. 

Literally, thousands of people have been part of the lasting success of GMS these last 40 years and we are forever grateful for their support and commitment.

As we look ahead, this Spring promises to be an exciting time for GMS as we prepare for our Frank Fest celebration on March 1 and welcoming our new Head of School, Paul Raymond, on July 1.

We also have many activities planned on our calendar to encourage family involvement and we hope you will take part: Guided Classroom Tours, CASA Potluck Dinners, Parenting Seminars, Science Fair, Classroom Field Trips, Storytime Programs, Open Houses, Community Garden Workday, Medieval Fare Faire (presented by Upper El), Grandparents & Special Friends Day, Spring Music Concerts, Lower El Cultural Fair, and our annual Moving Up Ceremony and 8th grade graduation. 
2014 Graduating Class of Greensboro Montessori School
The 18th group of 8th graders to graduate from GMS.

Our annual re-enrollment process will be conducted in early March immediately following the March 5th & 6th Parent Conferences. Each family will receive a new Enrollment Agreement electronically and be asked to make their deposit for 2014-15. Families applying for Financial Aid for 2014-15 can begin the on-line financial aid application in February. 

Please join us this Spring by resolving to celebrate the things that make GMS great and the joy of being a Montessori parent who embraces the true meaning of partnership. 

Together, we have much to learn by watching our children. Indeed, they have much to teach us on this journey. 

Thank you for being a part of this great school and for helping us usher in another remarkable year. 
Montessori Al Fresco Summer 2014 - Registration Begins this Month
Thank you to all of the parents who participated in the Summer Camp Planning Survey that was administered in November.  Due to popular demand, we are continuing the 9-week Montessori Al Fresco Summer program for 2014 beginning on June 9 continuing through Aug 19 (excluding the week of July 4). Registration is open for the Montessori Al Fresco Summer 2014.


As a direct result of feedback from the Summer Camp Planning Survey, we will be adding a few weekly a la carte sessions for families who do not necessarily need full-time care in the summer months. These offerings will be announced by the end of the month!
Parents Association Survey Set to Launch on Monday, Jan 13
Early in the Fall, a small group of parents convened to discuss the idea of re-establishing the GMS parents association. After several preliminary meetings and a facilitated brainstorming session, we have developed a survey for the entire body to get feedback on the best way to create an association that would meet the needs of our parent body.

We will send a separate email to launch the survey on Monday, Jan 13 and we sincerely hope that you will participate. Special thanks to Cary Bassett, Ellen Lloyd and Mark Fine for helping to develop the survey!
Photos from the week! 
Faith and Zoey are busy building.
   
Kellan is eager to find new work on the shelf.
    
Our new friend, Tomas, choses the 100 board
    
The knobbed cylinders are a tried and true Montessori work. Abby shows us how to do it!

   
Masato welcomes a new Japanese classmate, Komei, in Lower El. 
   
GMS Spirit Wear on sale through the on-line store
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Upcoming Events
 
  • GMS Open House for Prospective Families - Sun, January 12 from 1-3pm
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  • Exploring the Middle School Years Mtg for Parents   - Tues, January 14 at 7pm
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  • Exploring the Primary Years Mtg for Parents  - Wed, January 15 at 8:45am
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  • Lower Elementary Field Trip to the Natural Science Center - Fri, January 17
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  • School Closed for MLK Holiday - Mon, January 20 - NO CASA available
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  • Guided Observation and Classroom Tour of Upper Elementary 
  • Thurs, January 23 & Tues, January 28  8:30-10am
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  • GMS Panthers Volleyball Team hosts a home game - Thurs, January 23rd at 4:15pm
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  • Parenting Seminar: Supporting Your Emerging Montessori Reader with Mary Jacobson
  • Tues, February 4 at 6:30pm and Wed, February 5 at 8:45am
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  • School Closed for Teacher Workday - Fri, February 14  - CASA available
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  • School Closed for February Break/ President's Day - Mon, February 17 - NO CASA
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  • FRANK FEST - Sat, March 1 at O.Henry Hotel from 7-11pm
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  • School Closed for Parent Conferences - Wed, March 5 and Thurs, March 6 - CASA available
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  • Parenting Seminar: Handling Power Struggles - discussion leader Joyce Ann Starks (facilitator of Redirecting Children's Behavior parenting course)
  • Tues, March 18 at 7:00pm and Wed, March 19 at 8:45am
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    SAVE THE DATE!  GMS Hosts FrankFest Party on Saturday, March 1, 2014
    Invitations for FRANK FEST are in the mail!!

    Purchase tickets online at
     
    Saturday, March 1 from 7-11pm
     O.Henry Hotel 

    There will be dinner, dancing and 
    a host of auction items. 

    If you or someone you know would like to donate an item or service for auction, please contact, Dian Rowan or Andi Bogan.  

    THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX - donate something creative!!!
    Classrooms are donating priceless, ONE OF A KIND art projects.

    FUN FACTS and REMINDERS
    Congratulations to Rhys Ireland for winning the GMS Geography Bee on Friday, January 10. Kudos also to Will Boone, Baxter Smelzer and Chiara Romano for placing in the final round.

    GMS is pleased to welcome four new families to our community this month: 
    The Nakato family, The Nocera family, The Pitts family and The Nobers family.

    GMS Student Directory and GMS Community Handbook are available on the school's website. Please register to become an authorized user. 
     
    Please check the GMS Lost and Found in the front office. All unclaimed items will be donated to charity on Friday, January 17.


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