Our Lovely Classroom

Thank you for supporting your child at home with all our math activities at school.  We had a wonderful time at Pi day, with the edible part of the calculation and exploration work and also a fun introduction to trigonometry concepts.   Please ask your child about polar graphing, the degrees of a circle and what the ratio of Pi really means.  I hope everyone is able to see these many interesting sides to help them see math as exciting and fun.  We notice that each Pi Day brings new discoveries and realizations.  I am amazed at how well so many of our students understand math because of their understanding of the historical aspects and  the  sensorial  issues of these mathematical discoveries.  I feel privileged to be a Montessori teacher and have the flexibility to connect these many topics in an interesting way. Every child in our class is a unique scientist, mathematician, and writer. Tomorrow, students will be receiving a report t...

It is hard to believe how fast the time has flown!  We are so pleased with how much everyone is learning and how many members of our class are challenging themselves.  This week we have been doing additional math activities that are centered around the study of circles and the unique ratio known as Pi.  Please note that our Pi Day Celebration that was originally scheduled for Friday is being moved to this Thursday.  We ask that all students bring the following in as part of this mathematical and circular celebration: Edible Circular items to share with the class. (this can include oranges, cookies, donuts, pies, cakes, brownies, candies, etc.  There is no need to have one item for each class member as we expect to be able to cut items up as needed from the many offerings available. A sheet of paper that has a clear and accurate drawing of the circular item to be shared at the celebration, legibly labeling the circumference, radius, diameter, in cm or in...

Please read the following information on deadlines and fundraisers very carefully and feel free to contact us with any questions. Payment Deadlines (can be made with the tax credit form so that the money is returned dollar for dollar on next year’s taxes): February 6:  $100 per child, $50 per chaperone March  23: $50 per child April  17: $80 per child ($50 per chaperone) Other Important Dates: February 18:  Deadline for parent paperwork to be returned for chaperones February 27:  Deadline for student permission forms to be returned for Camp Surf May 20-22: Attend Camp Surf—bring approximately 5 dollars for items in the camp store, if desired. Proposed Fundraisers: (those requesting scholarship funds must participate in at least one fundraiser to be eligible) World’s Finest Chocolate: Students are encouraged to take home a box and sell what they can at home so we can have enough money for our first deadline. Parents are needed to help chil...

This week and last, in honor of the anniversary of Arizona's statehood, students have been researching various events in Arizona state history.  Our Valentine's celebration will incorporate an in-class presentation about our research as well as other activities relating to our rich history as a state.  We encourage you to ask your child many questions as they prepare their research and write their reports to help them gain a more complete understanding of the many events around the country that shaped our growth and development as a state. We plan to make delicious fruit desserts as part of our refreshments for the occasion. If you wish to contribute anything to our Celebration, please click on the following link to sign up:   http://vols.pt/DQ7xB5   We hope everyone is able to also participate in our Pizza Friday and estimation jar Fundraisers.  Details are found in the form that was sent with your child as well as via email.  Thanks so much for your ...

Pizza Fridays and Estimation Jar Upper El Fundraiser Join the fun as our students raise money for their big trip! Estimation Jar Raffle Each week in February, students can guess the quantity of items in each jar.  Tickets are $1 each, or $5 for seven.  The one closest to each quantity will win the entire jar.  Drawings will be held each Friday. Pizza Fridays We will serve pizza every Friday in the month of February (February 13, 20, 27).  Those who pay in advance for all three days will get 3 bonus raffle tickets!  Please fill out and return the form below. Pizza Friday Fundraiser:  February 13, 20, and 27th Order forms due no later than Thursday noon February 12, 2015 ·          Menu # 1: 1 slice of pizza, carrots and water bottle.-$4.00 ·          Menu #2- 2 slices of pizza, carrots, water bottle-$5.00) ----------------------------------------------...

After such an amazing show enjoyed by our younger classes last week, we hope to see everyone at the science fair tonight so all can bask in the joy of our student's discoveries.  Children are welcome to stay with Mr. Joe for afterschool tutoring and can then set up their projects after tutoring, or they can stay in aftercare until the beginning of the event. You are welcome to drop off your student any time between 4:30 and 5pm if they feel that they need extra time to set up their experiments.  Most students will have their presentations set up before the school day ends. Thanks again for all your support!

With our tax credit pledges and fundraising efforts so far, we are practically at the first level we need to be to make our initial deposit for Camp Surf.  We thank the many who have made donations, taken cases of chocolate to sell, donated estimation jars for our raffle, and offered to help with other fundraising.  We feel confident that we will be able to raise the amount we need, on or ahead of schedule, based on what we have so far. While every student is excited, we have not received a complete response form from all of our class.  We need to know by Friday who is willing to help with fundraising and who is not wanting their child to go to Camp Surf.  If you are undecided, please fill out the form anyway so we have as much information as we can to move forward.  Our goal is to make sure that everyone who wants to go on our big trip will be able to come, regardless of financial circumstances.  We thank you again for your continued support and look fo...