"There are many things a teacher cannot convey to a child of six, but a child of nine can do it with the utmost ease. 

There is between them a natural mental "osmosis.". 

A child of six will take interest in what the nine year old is doing, since it is not far removed from his own powers.  All the older ones become heroes and teachers, and the 'tinies' are their admirers. 

These look to the former for inspiration, then go on with their work."

Information Nights for Parents

Child Care will be available at these events if there is sufficient interest.

IMPORTANT:  Please be sure to RSVP to Nancy Toon (ntoon@gscmontessori.org) if you plan to attend one of these events.  Events will be cancelled if there is not enough interest.

Lower Elementary Information Night: Tues., Jan. 21, 7:00-8:30 p.m.

• ·         Moving from concrete to abstract: teachers present  Montessori materials
• ·         Classroom work expectations and assessments
• ·         Structure and choice in the Montessori 6-9 classroom
• ·         Montessori elementary multi-age philosophy

Upper Elementary Information Session: Wed., Jan. 22, 7:00-8:30 p.m.

• ·         Program philosophy and curriculum
• ·         Student work Expectations
• ·         Parent involvement
• ·         Homework
• ·         Assessment

Middle School Information Night:  Thurs. Jan. 23, 7:00-8:30 p.m.

• Curriculum and Montessori Principles:  What is the curriculum?  What are academic expectations?  What are the leading values and guiding principles that underlay our practices in Montessori adolescent education?  Why do we do what we do?  How do we serve Montessori's vision of the adolescent? 
• High School Preparation:  Several current middle school parents who also have high school children will be on hand to join our staff in answering questions from upper elementary parents.  In addition to drawing from their past and current experiences in the middle school, these parents will also able to reference the high school experience of their older child(ren).  How did the GSCM experience prepare their child for high school?  How was the transition?
• ·         Religious Education in the Middle School (with Annette Lustenberger)
• ·         Questions and Answers

Montessori Moments 

Learning through Games in Music Class

By Barb Blasch, Elementary/Middle School Music Teacher

One way to teach music material and notation is through games.  The child is so happy to play the game that often they are not even aware it is a learning experience.  The 9-12 students and middle school students have been playing music bingo for several years now. Like regular bingo, music bingo involves cards with the letters M-U-S-I-C across the top and various music symbols and definitions make up the card columns instead of the usual numbers.  M-treble clef, U-1st line of the staff, S-quarter note, I-fermata, and C-3/4 meter might result in an enthusiastic "Bingo!"

Every year brings new students into the classroom as children move up from 6-9 or a new student transfers in.  In true Montessori style, the older or more experienced child will help the younger or new student learn how to play the game and discover what the symbols and definitions look like.  In the 9-12 I will hold up the card with the symbol announced for all to see; but in the middle school, since the students have been playing this for a few years, I wait and let them figure it out.  The students all talk to each other and have developed descriptions of the symbols they willingly pass back and forth in discussion.  For instance, I have heard..."it looks like an eyeball," for a fermata.  Or for a whole rest-"is that the hat?"

Recently one of the new girls who had never played Bingo, had trouble understanding that M-sharp sign meant to look in the M column. Another child, also new to the class but who had some musical background and had played regular bingo, sat next to the struggling child and helped her figure it out.  Each time a new symbol or note was called, the girls worked together checking their cards.  Both were thrilled when they each got to call out "Bingo"!    The children may think they are only playing games, but I see them learning and working together in the process.

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"Ask Our Father"  Annual Fund Update

 "God our Father, please bless our school.  May our every word, thought, and action be pleasing in your eyes.  God our Father, help us improve our school buildings." 

Almost Half Way There!  Thanks to the generosity of our families and friends, our Annual Fund total stands now at $22,000.   

We've reached this dollar figure thanks to the participation of just 14% of our school community.  If everyone will contribute to their ability, we will easily achieve our goal of $50,000.  Won't you join with us?

Giving is simple.  You can return the response card you received in the Annual Fund Brochure, pick up an envelope in the school office, or donate now with a click of a button at https://gscmontessori.ejoinme.org/AnnualFund. 

The Board of Trustees is asking every family to participate.  If you cannot give monetarily, then please consider volunteering your time with the Development Office.  Contact Jana Widmeyer at  jwidmeyer@gscmontessori.org or Sheila Lichtenberg at  slichtenberg@gscmontessori.org. to see how you can help.

And, please continue praying that God our Father will bless our school.

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The 2014 Gala is just around the corner on Saturday, March 8, 2014 from 7:00-10:00 at The Redmoor in Mount Lookout. "Our Backyard" is this year's theme and money raised will go to improving our children's outdoor space. In order to make this event as fun and successful as it always is, we need your help. There are a variety of ways to help: gathering auction items, securing sponsors, working at check-in, setting up, etc. The following link has been created to make signing up easy!

http://vols.pt/CCFJfF 

If you have any questions, feel free to contact the Gala Co-Chairs, Susan Thomas (susanthomas@fuse.net) or Rachel Sabo (rachel.sabo16@gmail.com). Thank you!!

Sports News:

Sign Ups for Girls On the Run (3rd-5th graders) Going on Now!

Is your daughter interested in joining our team in training for a 5K run and making new friends?  Then we'd love to have her join us for GSCM's spring season of GOTR!  Girls need to be available both Mondays and Fridays 3:15-4:30 from mid Feb through May 10.  Program fee is $150 (GOTR scholarships available).... includes t-shirt, running shoes, race entry fee, snacks all materials...plus a whole season of fun.

Sign ups are on-line only at www.gotrcincinnati.org from Jan 13th - Jan. 24.  Per GOTR, we can have 15 girls/team.  If more girls sign up, they will conduct a random lottery.  (It is not first come-first served, but you must register your daughter by the deadline.) Questions?  Please contact Kim Gruber jgruber7@cinci.rr.com .

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PTO News:

Spiritwear, next delivery date

Any orders received after November 15^th through January 30^th will be filled on Friday, February 14^th (unless item(s) ordered are in stock).  Spiritwear order forms are available on our website or you can pick one up in the office.

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