SAPMS  2.8.17
St. Augustine Public Montessori School
Dates to Remember
Hello SAPMS Families!

I hope this note finds you well. I have been enjoying the past week home with our new addition, Sampson "Sammy". He is a real treat and I can't wait to introduce him to you all. In my absence, Miss Sara Bloomberg has been getting to spend a lot of time on our campus, engaging with students & parents and providing support to our teachers. We are very fortunate to have her as part of SAPMS. Thank you Sara! 

Last week we had a great turn out for our second Community Meeting. We heard some updates from the classrooms, talked about service learning projects, studios, campus needs, fundraising and met many of our Board members and teachers. Just a reminder that attending 2 out of 3 Community Meetings is part of your parent contract commitment. If you would like to volunteer to lead a studio please let us know. We need more studio leaders in order to accommodate all of our students. Also, if you have any resources to assist us in renovating our large space on the rear of campus, please let us know. As I always say, many hands make the work lighter! 

February is a busy month, please keep an eye on email, take home folders and FaceBook for reminders and upcoming dates. We have a lot of field trips and volunteer opportunities this month as well. 

Art on the Go is wildly successful this session with 26 students! The next session will begin  in one week.If you'd like to take part in our next session please check in with Sandi to see if there may be an available spot. The first project our students have been working on is to paint a mural on our play yard fence. It is coming a long nicely! 

Mr. Frog is now offering Family Music time in the evenings. If you did not receive a flyer home or have any further questions please contact the office. Any time with Mr. Frog is a good time!

We will hold two Open Houses for prospective families over the next few weeks. Please share the info and encourage those you know to attend if interested. 

Thank you for your continued support! I'll see you all soon.

Blessings!
Jamie

One of our favorite at-home Montessori books you may want to check out:

How to Talk so Kids will Listen and How to Listen so Kids will Talk

An experience within our community...
"Education is a natural process carried out by the child and is not acquired by listening to words but by experiences in the environment."
- Maria Montessori

Your children are all working with incredible focus and determination. There is a sense of pride and purpose throughout the school. No matter what they are doing; sitting at tables, working with guides at mats or engaged in a meaningful conversation with their peers, your children are all deeply engrossed in their work.  

Each classroom has its own special blend of magic which supports each child so that they are free to take risks, make mistakes, solve problems and think creatively. I observed an elder in a classroom help a younger peer understand a math equation.  His patience and compassion were clearly based on the respect and trust his guides had shown him.  I observed a younger child walk by another child who was struggling with an answer, the child stopped and explained the concept in a kind and gentle way.  I noticed a child consoling another child whose feelings were hurt, and have given a young friend an ice pack for another friend.  

The love, care, and respect in this community is overwhelmingly beautiful to see.  Thank you to all the guides for making this such a loving and safe environment for all the children.

Thanks,
Sara

Passive Fundraisers
Here are some easy ways to donate money to SAPMS without going outside of your daily activities and money expenditures:

www.iGive.com and search for St. Augustine Public Montessori School, click on our name and complete the registration.

mightynest.com gives 15% of sales to SAPMS. Enter our zip code: 32084.

www.smile.amazon.com Saint Augustine Montessori Community Inc is listed as a benefactor. 0.5% of your purchase is donated to SAPMS.

With the Shoparoo app snap pictures of receipts to earn donations for SAPMS.

Box Tops - SAPMS earns 10 cents for each Box Top submitted. We have a box in the entry way of the office where you may drop the box tops or just send in with your child.

If you know of a passive fundraiser not listed here that would benefit our school please let us know!