How quickly the last few weeks have flown by!  Already we are in week two of September and I am just now getting out my newsletter. Whew!

I would like to formally introduce myself to you all.  I have been involved with Children's Kiva since 2003, beginning my relationship with this wonderful community school as a parent and volunteer.  In 2009 I started working at the "Kiva" as Nap Coordinator and eventually worked myself into the position of Director.  I am a long time local to this region, having attended Lewis-Arriola Elementary School, Cortez Junior High and High School. I can personally attest to the many changes our community has seen in the last twenty years; some uncomfortable but much of it rewarding and promising. I attended CU at Boulder for my undergraduate studies and continue with Early Childhood Studies to this day;  like our school's mission to promote life long learning, my learning continues and evolves everyday.  I have three children who all attended "Kiva" and went onto attend the Montessori Program at Manaugh; Anya and Brodie are now students at Children's Kiva Montessori Elementary Charter.  My oldest child, Kenna attends South West Open High School.  Our family are strong proponents of education choice. My husband Mike also grew up in Montezuma County, owns his own construction business and has volunteered many hours at this school (not always his first choice-a perk of being married to me).  Outside of school I am active in our greater community, I volunteer on two Boards including Cortez BMX and RE1 Native American Advisory Committee, I am a Children's Kiva Montessori Charter Founding Committee Member, serve on Montessori Early Childhood Council (MECC), am a graduate of Family Leadership Training Institute (FLTI) and am always looking for new ways to be involved. When I have some down time (haha!), I love to read and spend time outdoors with my family.  I am thrilled to once again be part of this dynamic community school; I welcome you and hope that I will come to know you as old friends.  

You can expect an All School Newsletter delivered to your inbox once per month.  Be sure to check your email inbox regularly, here you will find Infectious Disease Alerts, Lock/Lock Out Alerts, the monthly newsletter (beginning of each month) as well as upcoming Community Events. Like us on Facebook to get regular updates on news and events as they happen or are coming up. You can always click on the News & Events Link above for information as well. 

As evidenced with today's rain, Colorado weather can change quickly.  Please prepare your child by packing him/her an additional change of clothing, a jacket or dress in layers. 

Thank you to all families who were able attend the Annual Philosophy Night & BBQ; it was a pleasure to see all of you.  I hope enjoyed the evening!
 

Each month we will highlight an area of the classroom to further parental understanding of Montessori Principles & Practices.  This month's area of the classroom is "Practical Life" Read More

We are thrilled to announce the return Heidi Larrick as our Children's House Nurse Consultant;  Heidi is a former Mesa Room Lead Teacher. Heidi is a licensed RN and is here to assist you and staff with health concerns, medication administration as well as parent education.  She comes to us with a wealth of Early Childhood & Montessori experience; we are so happy to have her as part of our team again.  Heidi may be contacted at heidi@childrenskiva.org 

Sincerely,
Alexia Hudson-McGrath
Director
Children's House