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date
 March 31, 2015
Inside This Issue
SPRING BREAK: No School This Friday or Next Week

Wishing Everyone A Restful and Enjoyable Spring Vacation!

 School Closed for Spring Break - Friday, April 3 through Friday, April 10

Classes Resume, Monday, April 13



A Picture Says a Thousand Words!!
GMS Panthers Rock the ISL Championship Games!! - Tuesday, March 31
5th/6th Grade Team Edges Out High Point Friends
7th/8th Grade Team Drives Hard Into Overtime; Their Best Game of the Season 
Despite a Narrow Loss










2015 International Fair - Friday, March 27

19 Countries Plus the United Nations!
All represented by GMS Families from around the world!






Special Thanks to the
International Fair Planning Committee: 

 Mitie Ogura-Lundgren (chair), Su-en Lee, Maysi Hnin, Tammy Tao, Dian Rowan, Charlene McKee, Erin Quinn-Rundberg, Andi Bogan

Tech Support crew: Lee Dunn & Jonathan McLean
Videographer: Lillia Shub 
Photographer: Mary Ellen Chandler

Special Guest Performer:
Mr. Kumar Bhardwaj,
from Cultural Heritage & Arts of India
(C.H.A.I.)


Culinary Crew:
Thanks to Jenny Kimmel, Matt Spencer, Eliza Hudson and Maysi Hnin for working with the Middle School students to prepare a delicious lunch. 

Through our International Fair lunch program, we raised over $400 for the Save the Rain program. Save the Rain  builds water catchment systems and provides clean drinking water to villages in Tanzania.










We received tremendous support from friends in the greater Greensboro community for our event! Please recognize their support by patronizing these locally owned businesses.

Rearn Thai Restaurant
 Taste of Ethiopia Restaurant
Super G Mart
Indu Grocery and Convenient Store 
SwedeBread 
Imperial Koi Restaurant 
Monezi Restaurant




Upper El Medieval Fare Faire Performance - Wednesday, March 25
"The Savage Damsel and the Dwarf"




















Community Garden Workday - Saturday, March 28

Special Thanks to:

The Craft/ Areaux Family
The Fifield/ Beckham Family
The Frederiksen Family
The Lundgren Family
The Nocera Family
The Rychtar Family

We had a fantastic time working together to clear out the Upper School garden and get ready for Spring planting season!

We accomplished a lot and are so grateful for your help!

-Jenny, Aubrey and Eliza









In So Many Ways GMS Is Like One Big Family!!

Lower El students and teachers show their love and support for their teacher and friend, Cynthia Kiddy, by wearing hats and head scarves.



The Great Lessons of the Montessori Elementary Curriculum
Montessori's Great Lessons Form an Amazing Context 
for young children to experience 
the awe of nature (and civilization), 
the fascination of science, 
and the personal responsibility 
for creating the world of the future.

The Fifth Great Lesson: The History of Mathematics
explained by Mary Jacobson

Mary Jacobson
Mary Jacobson
GMS Lower El

Our last Great Lesson - The History of Mathematics, also called the Story of Numbers, begins rather subtly, but culminates with exciting activities that yet again bring history to life.  Throughout our lessons we have seen the creation of the Universe, watched life appear on Earth, and noted the coming of humans.  In our fourth lesson, we learned about early writing systems and our own alphabet.  The Fifth Great Lesson takes students through the evolution of counting and the use of numerals.  

 

We imagine ancient people with the need to keep track of items in their everyday lives.  Perhaps they needed to show how many animals were available for the hunt.  Perhaps they had collected items to get ready for travel. Whatever the case, we know that people used various ways to show "how many" or "what amount" long before they invented the written signs for numbers.  The students enjoy practicing one-to-one correspondence by placing stones, counting body parts, or notching "bones."

 

Our lesson continues with discussions about the great civilizations of the past and their contributions to our system of numbers.  During our work with the History of Writing materials, we discovered how the Sumerians used cuneiform writing and now we learn about the wedge-shaped marks used to represent numbers.  Students recall how the importance of trade changed the use of the alphabet.  It seems only natural that merchants would need an advanced numbering system to keep track of transactions.  What began with clay tablets slowly morphed into scrolls, ledgers, and more.  

 

As we examine these early cultures, we learn how the Greeks used the first letters of their number words to write their numerals, how the Romans created a way to write numbers that was commonly used until the 18th century (as well as decoratively in current times), and find that it was in India that the numerals that so closely resemble ours were first recorded.  All this time has passed and still no mention of zero.  The children are always astonished to think about this concept as they have always known zero as a number.  So, as sophisticated as some systems were, it wasn't until the seventh century that someone first began to treat zero as the number we know today.  

 

Our story continues as we learn about systems with additive notation, those with multiplicative properties, and ones that used the place value system. The children make a Peruvian quipu, try addition using Roman numerals, imagine a calendar with only seven months, and are introduced to many of the notable names in mathematical history.  Our entire year is filled with the key lessons that follow such an important Great Lesson.  Each day we practice practical application, operations, fractions, geometry, measurement, patterning, and more.  Our children proudly announce, "We love math!"

 


Peruvian Quipu

 



Chinese Abacus

 

 





Seminar on Children's Nutrition Offered April 21 and 22

  

Information Session on Children's Nutrition


 


 


 

Speaker: Sophia Dubrovsky, founder of Plant Based Made Easy


Tuesday, April 21 at 6:30pm

and

Wednesday, April 22 at 8:45 AM

Where? In the GMS Conference Room


 

Learn about methods to improve kids eating habits 

and nutritional guidelines for a strong immune system 


 

Methods for getting kids to eat a wider range of foods:

Infants: Self Feeding Baby (otherwise known as baby led weaning)

Toddler and older: I-ATE Plan (interaction, acquaintance, try, embrace) 


 


 

Nutritional guidelines of whole food plant based eating

-What a plant based diet is

-Why eat mostly whole foods

-How many common foods affect kids health

-Get resources to build a healthy foundation well into adulthood


 


 

  


Faculty Highlight: Meet Brooke Juneau, GMS Toddler Teacher

  

Introducing Brooke Juneau, GMS Toddler Teacher

Brooke Juneau
Brooke Juneau
GMS Toddler Teacher

Brooke Juneau joined the GMS Toddler faculty in 2013, although for her and for us, it feels like she has been part of our school family for far longer. A graduate of Hampshire College in Massachusetts, Brooke initially set herself on an academic path to pursue her dream of becoming a creative writer, but little did she know that her first experience in an early childhood classroom during a work study program would transform her. She soon changed her major to education and human development. The Children's Center at Hampshire had a heavy focus on Reggio Emilia and arts based education, and Brooke recalls how amazed she was that the children were treated with such tremendous respect. "It felt like what education should be," she said. "I was overcome with the same feeling when I took my first tour of GMS." She remembers walking into a toddler classroom and feeling "completely inspired" by everything from the beauty of the environment to the respectful language and behavior of the teachers. 


Brooke's return to teaching in 2013 followed an eight year career working for an organization known as Family Support Network as a liaison and advocate for families whose children had recently been diagnosed with a disability. In her role she also participated in training Partners in Policymaking - a program for anyone enacting change at the state level with policies and funding that affect people with disabilities. This work, too, is close to Brooke's heart, as her oldest son, Riley, was born with a rare genetic disorder called Jouvert Syndrome and is also diagnosed with autism. "Its been such a gift to us because of everything I have learned through our experience with him," she says.  "So many families need assistance finding support groups, therapists and other resources to support their children's development. Sometimes they just need help finding the answers to basic questions like 'what does a diagnosis mean?'"

Brooke's two younger sons, Hayden (6th grade) and Harper (Primary), both attend GMS. In her spare time (which she chuckles about...as a working mother of three) she still loves to write articles on disability advocacy. Her articles have been featured in Piedmont Parent and The Spectrum. She and her husband also love to cook at home with their boys. But getting back to her creative writing roots, be sure to ask her about her dream of one day writing the life story of her rebel-rousing grandmother named Sue Hill. 

Early congratulations go out to Brooke! In May, she completes her intensive, year-long Montessori Toddler Teacher Training and will receive her credential through the NC Center for Montessori Teacher Education. 

.

  


Big Weekend in April Features Grandparents Day and the Green & White Bash


We need your help to update our mailing list for grandparents and special friends. Please send an email to Andi Bogan with the mailing address for your child's special guest on April 24. We will happily mail them a personal invitation!




A fun night out with fellow parents and friends from the GMS community! 
All proceeds will be channeled into the GMS Annual Fund which directly benefits  GMS students, teachers and classroom activities. 



SOME ITEMS  AVAILABLE FOR AUCTION AT THE GREEN & WHITE BASH!!
To view these items and more on line. CLICK HERE


One Week (Aug 8-15) at this 6 bedroom ocean front home in Pawley's Island, SC. Sleeps 16 people, Kayak rental for the week included. 
Check the Auction Website for all the amenities.

One week of Residential Summer Camp at Greensboro's Camp Weaver 

Gift Basket to Cure Boredom on any Road Trip in the Car!! Your kids will thank you!!
donated by Parents in P-4


Schwinn Retro-Style Roadster Tricycle
in PINK

More Items Displayed Every Day Following Spring Break


Student Art Show Runs in April & Family Art Show Runs in May

  

Save Two Dates!! 
 
Mitchell and Bartlett Orthodontics 
is Hosting Two GMS Art Shows This Spring

GMS Student Art Show
during the month of April
Art Reception - Wednesday, April 15 - 6:00-7:30pm

"Art in the Montessori Family" Art Show 
during the month of May
Art Reception - Sunday, May 31 - 3:00-5:00pm


Artists Interested in Participating in the May Art Show
Please Contact Andi Bogan or Sharon Mitchell

  


Upcoming Events
  • Click here to download a printable version of the 2014-15 school year events.
  • Click here to subscribe to the school calendar 
  •  
  • -
  • GMSCA Steering Committee Meeting - Wednesday, April 1 @ 8:45-10:45am
  • -
  • School Closed for Spring Break - Friday, April 3 through Friday, April 10
  • Classes resume -Monday, April 13
  • CASA available for children registered for the All Inclusive CASA Plan - April 6-10
  • Contact Lindsay Jeffrey for details
  • -
  • GMS Student Art Show Reception - Wednesday, April 15 @ 6:00-7:30pm
  • at Mitchell and Bartlett Orthodontics
  • -
  • GMSCA Steering Committee Meeting - Thursday, April 16 @ 6:30pm 
  • -
  • Seminar on Children's Nutrition - "Plant Based Made Easy" -  speaker Sophia Dubrovsky
  • Tuesday, April 21 @ 6:30pm
  • Wednesday, April 22 @ 8:45am
  • GMS Conference Room
  • -
  • IOWA Tests of Basic Skills (standardized testing) for all 3rd level thru 8th level
  • April 21, 22, 23
  • -
  • Grandparents and Special Friends Day - Friday, April 24 @ 8:30-10:30am
  • continental breakfast served, student performances, classroom and garden tours
  • -
  • GMS Green & White Bash - Saturday, April 25 @ 7:00-11:00pm
  • -
  • Back to the Top
  • GMSCA Steering Committee Spring Schedule
    GMSCA Steering Committee Sets Spring Schedule

    Wednesday, April 1
    Wednesday, May 13

    New Evening Meeting Added to the Spring Schedule
     Thursday, April 16 at 6:30pm at GMS

    ****************************************************************************************

    Monthly Steering Committee Meetings are held in the upstairs conference room 
    8:45am - 10:45am


    FUN FACTS & REMINDERS

    Register for Summer Camp at GMS 

      

    Click Here to access the Registration Forms for Weekly Summer Camp Sessions or 

    Montessori Al Fresco Camp (all 9 weeks, except 6/29-7/3)


    Only Limited Spaces Available in Al Fresco Camp!!


    Get Fresh Local Produce from Faucette Farms CSA Every Wednesday

    Have you noticed the white delivery truck parked in our grassy lot on Wednesday afternoons? Or perhaps you have seen someone carrying a brown paper bag of produce across the parking lot on Wednesdays during 3:00 pick-up?  They are participating in the Faucette Farms Community Supported Agriculture program. GMS is proud to be a weekly drop site for local growers who partner with Faucette Farms. You can order specific seasonal produce or just get a mixed box of the best produce of the week.  Use the Faucette Farms CSA form to register.  You can use the Fresh Produce Order Form to customize your order. You can feel good about supporting local agriculture and feeding your family the freshest farm to table ingredients. 
     

    Did you know that you could be contributing to GMS by doing next to nothing?In fact there are three ways

      

    1. GMS Harris Teeter VIC Card # is 1849 - the year of the gold rush!

      

    Every time you grocery shop at Harris Teeter, you could be earning rewards for GMS.  Simply check that your VIC card is linked to GMS (#1849) next time you are at check out, or  log in to the Harris Teeter website 


     


      

    2. GMS Collects Box Tops for Education 

     

    Boxtops for Education are found on hundreds of products you buy every day: General Mills, Betty Crocker, Old ElPaso, Green Giant, Ziploc, Scott Tissue, Kleenex, Hanes Apparel...just to name a few.  When you see the Boxtops logo on packages of things you already buy, just clip them and drop them in the treasure chest on the front desk.

     

    Each Boxtop earns GMS 10 cents.

      

    3. Target Red Card - Take Charge of Education program

      

    If you use a Target Red Card (credit or debit), you could be contributing 1% of your purchase to GMS every time you shop!  Simply  go to  http://www.target.com/redcard/main, and click on the "Learn More" tab under "Take Charge of Education."  


     Y
    ou can register your card with our school by name "Greensboro Mont Sch" or number 24312.  So far, only 15 members of the GMS community have linked their cards.  If you shop at Target (who doesn't??)  and you use a Red Card, please take a minute to link to GMS!

      

      

      

    GMS Website School Directory: Find a neighbor or your child's classmates!

    The Community tab of the GMS website hosts the School Directory.  This feature is a password protected school directory.  After you have registered and been approved as an authorized user you can use the sort feature in the directory to find everyone who lives in your zip code or everyone in your child's class.  Simply enter the criteria in the search box on the left side of the directory.  The directory provides address, home and cell phones, as well as email addresses.  It is a simple way to build community by connecting families to the information they need quickly from any electronic device. 

     



    The Greensboro Montessori School | | [email protected] |