Weekly Newsletter 

The Week of September 16th

Thank You
Thank you to all of the families who took our classroom pets over the long weekend!

Field Trip Cancelled
Our first field trip to Tybee Island was cancelled due to circumstances beyond our control. This field trip will be rescheduled and a new field trip permission slip will go home with students when the new date is confirmed.

Khan Mappers
Information regarding Khan Mappers went home last Thursday. We can see that some students have already started practicing! This is a great resource to help students practice math skills at home, and it correlates directly to MAP results. Remember, if your child is struggling with a concept, there are videos provided which can be used as a guide.


Field Trip Forms
Please fill out all field trip forms and return to school with $20 on Monday, September 17. If your family is unable to pay for field trips at this time, please just send back the forms with a note and we can work something out. Thank you! 


Classroom Observations
It is encouraged that all parents come in to observe our environment twice a year. Observations give parents a better understanding of what exactly is happening in the Montessori environment. Please use the link below to schedule a classroom observation. 
 https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0f4faaaa23a0f58-community


Fall Conferences
We are looking forward to meeting with all of our families at Fall conferences. Please use the link below to schedule your conference so that we can discuss your child's progress and plan for a successful year.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0f4faaaa23a0f58-fall2


Heroes Around Me
Please visit the following site for more info on the PTA Reflections Program. All entries are due on October 5.  
https://www.ellismontessoripta.org/single-post/2018/08/24/Reflections-Heroes-Around-Me

Homework Options
If you need login information to access Moby Max or XtraMath please send us an email and we will get it to you. Login information for Khan Academy will go home after we collect data from the math MAP assessment.The weekly reading log is double sided, so it is good for two weeks.  

The Learning Community is reading!

Volunteering

Are you interested in working with our students this year? We could use your help with science experiments, reading with students, and doing art projects. If you have a special talent that you would like to share with our community, please send us an email and fill out an Operation Beacon volunteer form.

http://internet.savannah.chatham.k12.ga.us/district/PR/Pages/OperationBeacon.aspx

The Learning Community Wish List (bold items are more pressing)

PETSMART gift cards

Model Magic-all colors

Dr. Bronner's Liquid Castile soap

Water colors

Oil pastels

UPCOMING EVENTS

*September 21-Field Trip *CANCELLED*
September 21-World Peace Day
September 24-Reading Logs Due
September 27- Birthday Celebration
October 5-PTA Reflections Due

Weekly Newsletter 

The Week of September 9th

Sisters of the New South
Please join us to help raise money for the Ellis PTA and eat a delicious meal while you're at it! Thursday, September 13 get your dinner at Sisters of the New South, mention that you are from Charles Ellis, and they will donate 20% to the PTA!

Friday-Picture Day
Friday, September 14 is Fall picture day. It is a free dress-up day for all students.

Field Trip Forms
Field trip forms went home with students on Friday. Please fill out all forms and return to school with $20 on or before Monday, September 17. Our first field trip will be September 21. If your family is unable to pay for field trips at this time, please just send back the forms with a note and we can work something out. Thank you! 


Reading Logs 
Reading logs went home Friday. Your student should try to check off as many different ways to read in one week as possible. Please email us pics of your student reading and we will share them with the class and post them to the blog. 

Heroes Around Me
Please visit the following site for more info on the PTA Reflections Program. All entries are due on October 5.  
https://www.ellismontessoripta.org/single-post/2018/08/24/Reflections-Heroes-Around-Me




Worldwide Spin in Public Day
Bring your spinning wheel or spindle to Wormsloe Historic Site to celebrate Worldwide Spin in Public Day. If you are interested in learning, they will provide you with a spindle. This is a great extension for the work of wool lessons that are happening in the classroom!

 


Homework Options
If you need login information to access Moby Max or XtraMath please send us an email and we will get it to you. Login information for Khan Academy will go home after we collect data from the math MAP assessment.The weekly reading log is double sided, so it is good for two weeks. Please turn it in on Monday, September 10th. 

The Learning Community is Reading

Volunteering

Are you interested in working with our students this year? We could use your help with science experiments, reading with students, and doing art projects. If you have a special talent that you would like to share with our community, please send us an email and fill out an Operation Beacon volunteer form.

http://internet.savannah.chatham.k12.ga.us/district/PR/Pages/OperationBeacon.aspx

The Learning Community Wish List (bold items are more pressing)

PETSMART gift cards

Model Magic-all colors

Dr. Bronner's Liquid Castile soap

Water colors

Oil pastels

UPCOMING EVENTS

September 10- Reading Log Due
September 13-Ms. Jazmin Returns
September 14-Fall Picture Day-Free Dress Up
September 15-Worldwide Spin Day-Wormsloe
September 21-Field Trip
September 24-Reading Logs Due
September 27- Birthday Celebration
October 5-PTA Reflections Due

Weekly Newsletter 

The Week of September 2nd

MAP Testing
There was an issue with the MAP server when we were testing last week. We have received word that the issue has been resolved and we will most likely complete MAP testing this week. More info on this to come.

Heroes Around Me
Please visit the following site for more info on the PTA Reflections Program. All entries are due on October 5.  
https://www.ellismontessoripta.org/single-post/2018/08/24/Reflections-Heroes-Around-Me


Ms. Jazmin's Absence
Ms. Jazmin will be out of school for a week beginning this Thursday, September 6. Her substitute will be Ms. Pat Priestly, a recently retired teacher from our school. We are happy to have Ms. Pat during this time, but are hoping for a speedy recovery from gallbladder surgery for Ms. Jazmin!

Homework Options
If you need login information to access Moby Max or XtraMath please send us an email and we will get it to you. Login information for Khan Academy will go home after we collect data from the math MAP assessment.The weekly reading log is double sided, so it is good for two weeks. Please turn it in on Monday, September 10th. 

The Learning Community is Reading

Volunteering

Are you interested in working with our students this year? We could use your help with science experiments, reading with students, and doing art projects. If you have a special talent that you would like to share with our community, please send us an email and fill out an Operation Beacon volunteer form.

http://internet.savannah.chatham.k12.ga.us/district/PR/Pages/OperationBeacon.aspx

Ms. Lisa-Kindness Read Aloud

Ms. Marissa-Working with Wool Lesson

 Dress Up for Oatland Island

The Learning Community Wish List (bold items are more pressing)

PETSMART gift cards

Model Magic-all colors

guinea pig  food

Dr. Bronner's Liquid Castile soap

Water colors

Oil pastels

UPCOMING EVENTS

September 6-12-Ms. Jazmin Out
September 10- Reading Log Due
September 14-Fall Picture Day
September 24-Reading Logs Due
September 27- Birthday Celebration
October 5-PTA Reflections Due

Weekly Newsletter 

The Week of August 26th

MAP Testing
Most students completed their Reading MAP test last week. Some students were unable to login or did not complete the assessment. These students will complete the Reading MAP test this week. Our community will take the Math MAP assessment on Wednesday. If your child is in first grade, they need earbuds to hear the assessment. Please send in earbuds for your student if you haven't already.

August Birthdays Celebration
We will celebrate our August birthdays this Thursday afternoon. If your child was born in August and you would like to send in a treat for the class, please send in 25 healthy treats on Thursday.

Dress Down August 31st
There will be a $1 dress down on August 31st for Oatland Island. Students are encouraged to dress like their favorite plant or animal! All proceeds will be donated to help the recovery effort at Oatland Island. 

Homework Options
We sent homework options with students on Friday afternoon. If you need login information to access Moby Max or XtraMath please send us an email and we will get it to you. Login information for Khan Academy will go home after we collect data from the math MAP assessment.The weekly reading log is double sided, so it is good for two weeks. Please start using the new reading log this week and turn it in on Monday, September 10th. 

Volunteering

Are you interested in working with our students this year? We could use your help with science experiments, reading with students, and doing art projects. If you have a special talent that you would like to share with our community, please send us an email and fill out an Operation Beacon volunteer form.

http://internet.savannah.chatham.k12.ga.us/district/PR/Pages/OperationBeacon.aspx

Environment Observations

The Learning Community Wish List (bold items are more pressing)

PETSMART gift cards

Model Magic-all colors

guinea pig  food

Dr. Bronner's Liquid Castile soap

Water colors

Oil pastels

UPCOMING EVENTS

August 30-August Birthday Celebration

August 31-Maria Montessori's 148th Birthday
August 31- $1 Dress up for Oatland Island
September 3-Labor Day-No School
September 14-Fall Picture Day

Weekly Newsletter 

The Week of August 19th

Dress Down August 31st
There will be a $1 dress down on August 31st for Oatland Island. Students are encouraged to dress like their favorite plant or animal! All proceeds will be donated to help the recovery effort at Oatland Island. 

Homework Options
We will send home information this week regarding homework options for your student. All students should already be reading nightly. Please be on the lookout for more information regarding these options!

Continent Boxes
Thank you for your kind donations to our continent boxes! These boxes are really coming along due to your generosity. If you come across any items from any of the continents in the future we will gladly except them!  

Volunteering

Are you interested in working with our students this year? We could use your help with science experiments, reading with students, and doing art projects. If you have a special talent that you would like to share with our community, please send us an email and fill out an Operation Beacon volunteer form.

http://internet.savannah.chatham.k12.ga.us/district/PR/Pages/OperationBeacon.aspx

Composting

We found that our wiggly friends needed more air, so the children shredded paper to add to the vermicomposting bin.

The Learning Community Wish List (bold items are more pressing)

PETSMART gift cards

Model Magic-all colors

guinea pig  food

Dr. Bronner's Liquid Castile soap

Water colors

Oil pastels

UPCOMING EVENTS

August 23-PTA General Information Meeting
August 30-August Birthday Celebration

August 31-Maria Montessori's 148th Birthday
August 31- $1 Dress up for Oatland Island 

Weekly Newsletter 

The Week of August 12th

Thank You

Thank you for sending in an abundance of supplies! Our community is able to work because of all your generosity. 

Remind App

We often use the remind app to text important information to families. If you haven't already joined the class, please use the following link to do so.

https://www.remind.com/join/ac3c9

Continent Boxes

We are collecting artifacts from all of the continents for our continent boxes. If you have artifacts from your world travels that you are willing to gift our community, please send in with your child. Thank you!

PetSmart Gift Cards

We are still in need of gift cards to help us purchase supplies for the leopard gecko's habitat. Please give if you are able.

Paperwork

If you have not done so already, please return all paperwork that went home at Open House or during the first week of school. These forms include student information sheet, code of conduct, HPE-physical education form, and allergy information for the school nurse.

Volunteering

Are you interested in working with our students this year? We could use your help with science experiments, reading with students, doing art projects... If you have a special talent that you would like to share with our community, please send us an email and fill out an Operation Beacon volunteer form.

http://internet.savannah.chatham.k12.ga.us/district/PR/Pages/OperationBeacon.aspx

Compost

Our community began composting last week using red wigglers and the organic fruit and vegetable scraps from snack! We are thrilled to be using this nutrient-rich fertilizer in our garden this year!

Observing Nature

 The Learning Community Wish List (bold items are more pressing)

PETSMART gift cards

Model Magic-all colors

guinea pig  food

Dr. Bronner's Liquid Castile soap

Water colors

Oil pastels

UPCOMING EVENTS

August 23-PTA General Information Meeting
August 30-August Birthday Celebration

August 31-Maria Montessori's 148th Birthday

Weekly Newsletter 

The Week of August 5th

Welcome back to Charles Ellis!

We are happy to welcome back so many smiling faces to the Learning Community! We met many new friends as well and are looking forward to getting to know each and every one of you. 

Remind.com

We often use the Remind app to communicate with families. Please use the following code to sign up and receive messages from us via text.

https://www.remind.com/join/ac3c9

Class Pet

Our community has been gifted a leopard gecko and we need supplies in order to provide an appropriate habitat for our new friend. An aquarium has already been donated, but we are asking for Petsmart gift cards to buy food and other necessary items. Please donate to our new class pet if you are able.

Birthday Celebrations

As is customary in the Montessori classroom, our students celebrate their birthdays by “walking around the sun” for each year they have been alive. Parents and families are invited to come and tell their story, one year at a time, through the presentation of personal timelines. This can be done on the student’s actual birthday.

 As far as treats go, we prefer healthier treats such as fruit cups etc, but if you would like to send in something on the sugary side we do ask that they are mini cupcakes or perhaps a cookie per student etc. Please do not send in goody bags. Because we will have around 45 students in our community, we will have a monthly celebration with treats for the birthdays for that month. We will do this on the last Thursday of each month, unless something comes up that would necessitate a change in day. On this day we ask that if parents wish to send in a treat, that they send in 25 treats, and the students will choose one or two treats depending on how many birthdays we have.

Personal Timelines

We would love for students to share their personal timelines when we do their “walk around the sun” on the day of their birth. Timelines are used in the Montessori classroom extensively in the cultural and cosmic curriculum, first seen in the Great Lessons. This preparatory activity of creating their personal timeline readies the students to work with the extensive timelines that are presented throughout elementary.

Personal Timeline:

1. A timeline can be as short as one page or as long as a wall.

2. To make a short timeline, draw a vertical line down the middle of a sheet of paper.

3. Write your child’s birth date on the left side of the line at the top of the page. On the right side of the line, write the corresponding event. (“I was born!”)

4. Add other important dates and events, such as when your child started to walk and talk, when siblings were born, when your child started preschool, when you took family trips, and so on, in chronological order.

5. To make a long time line, cut a length of paper from a large roll or tape several sheets of paper together. Draw a horizontal line across the middle of the banner.

6. Write the dates and events of your child’s life from left to right.

7. Glue on photos or let your child illustrate each event. 

Read Nightly
All students in our community are expected to read for at least 20 minutes a night. 

 The Learning Community Wish List (bold items are more pressing)

PETSMART gift cards

Model Magic-all colors

Guinea pig and hamster food

Dr. Bronner's Liquid Castile soap

Seventh Generation dish soap

Water colors

Oil pastels

UPCOMING EVENTS

August 8-The Gifts Parent Workshop 6-8 pm

August 30-August Birthday Celebration

August 31-Maria Montessori's 148th Birthday