Every year we are asked to choose a classroom charity.  This year I have chosen one that is very special to me personally.  When I took my Montessori training, I was blessed with an instructor named Sister Anthonita Porta.  Sister Anthonita was my Montessori Philosophy teacher.  I was so impressed with the class, I ended up taking it twice, once when I took my assistant training and again when I took my teacher training.  Sister was such an inspiration to me that I sought her out at conferences because she always had the ability to rekindle my belief in what I do as a Montessori teacher.

     One of my dreams was to have Sister speak at the United Montessori Schools of Indiana conference here in Indianapolis.  When I contacted her, she agreed and was put on the conference schedule as the keynote speaker.  Unfortunately, Sister Anthonita passed away suddenly just a month before the conference.  Everyone in the Montessori community was devastated by this sudden loss.

     Sister Anthonita  Porta worked tirelessly as an advocate for poor and disadvantaged children.  Her teaching and her mission live on in the students that she taught, the lives that she touched, and the work that we carry on in her honor.

     In 1990, Sister began raising money to establish the “Sister Anthonita Porta At Risk Scholarship Fund.”  Please join us and support this mission,

     I will have a change counting bank in the classroom for the children to put their change in.  Please also consider making cash (or check) donations.  Checks can be made out to Sister Anthonita Porta Legacy Trust.  What better charity for our school than one that will help underprivileged children have the experience of attending a Montessori school.

     I encourage the whole school to participate from now until the end of the school year.  You can drop off donations in the Toddler classroom or in the office. 

     Thank you for participating in giving to a charity that is so dear to me and to many other Montessori teachers and friends. 

Sincerely,

Sandy Strantz

Toddler Teacher

Children’s House 1

We have chosen the Shepherd’s Gate Pantry as our class charity.  This organization serves in need families from Hamilton County directly and through a few other local charity organizations.  The SGP served over 800 Hamilton County residents and provided 68 babies with a safe place to sleep, in 2010.  All help is provided through goods, monetary donations, and volunteer time.  We would love to aid in the contributions to those in need in our community.  The SGP collects non-perishable food items, cleaning supplies, personal hygiene items, baby clothes up to size 2T, baby food & formula, high chairs, strollers, car seats, cribs, and mattresses.  Items may be dropped off at the front canopy or outside Children’s House 1.  If you have a crib or other large item to donate, we ask that you deliver it directly to the SGP.  The hours are 3:30-5 Monday & Thursday and 9:30-11 on Saturday.  You may also reach them at 867-3213 ex.227. 

Thank you in advance for your contributions,

Jama Sumski & Sarah Kalen 

Elementary 2 Charity

One aspect of the Cosmic Curriculum involves an understanding and appreciation for all life we find on Earth.  This can be as simple as catching and releasing spiders from the classroom and can be as complex as actively advocating and supporting people who are in need of assistance.  Quite often, students come into Elementary 2 with a love of animals, and for those of us who own and care for animals, a profound respect for our furry friends has developed in our classroom.

We have decided to support an independent animal rescue organization, Luvadog Rescue.  Luvadog is run by a small group of dedicated individuals who help remove dogs from unaaceptable and dangerous conditions in the Indianapolis area.  The entirety of the funding for these dogs comes from this band of people, and we would like to support their cause by collecting food, bedding, toys, sheets, blankets, cleaning supplies, and other items to take the financial strain off of the group.  We will begin our Luvadog drive on March 1, and our goal is to collect 500 pounds of goods in one month’s time.

We would appreciate your support in this admirable cause, as we would love to help this group find good homes for the many animals who have been mistreated in our local community.

Thank you, in advance,

Garry Sumski & Erika Eicholz

Lead Teachers-Elementary 2

                                   Montessori School of Westfield

                                     2011-2012 School Calendar

April, 2012

Happy Spring to you and your family!  The children have been busy practicing their songs and play for the spring program.  Mr. Wissman, father of Aidan, in toddler, has written and directed the play. He is an important piece of an incredible staff, whose dedication and talents help make running this school a pleasure.  It is a labor of love for me! 

The first dress rehearsal for elementary children is this Thursday, April 19 at the Westfield High School.  Please drop your children off at Door 1, between 3:20 and 3:30, and I will be there to greet them. Pick-up time is 4:50.  Next Thursday, April 26, we will repeat this same schedule.  

Spring is here and the children have been planting bulbs and seeds in the greenhouse and the classroom. Children love nature, and it becomes natural for them to care for the environment. Maria Montessori said, “Children become like the things they love.”  We will celebrate Earth Day all month by cleaning up our outdoors, spreading mulch and planting.  I have ordered a Redbud tree for each family from Musser Forest.  I hope you enjoy planting it with your child/children.

Last Wednesday, April 11, James, my fourth grandchild was born.  Thank you for all your wonderful blessings and gifts to my family.  He is a sweetheart.

Dates to Remember:

April 19—Rehearsal at the high school.

April  26–Second rehearsal

May 1–Tuition due for some families.

Balance of the MSW Backyard Camp is due.

             First month’s tuition due for children

             moving up to the next grade level.

Thank you and God Bless,

Mary