State of Grace
Maria Montessori believed strongly in thanksgiving—and not always in the usual sense:
"No object must be made use of without the thought that some unknown human produced it….Their effort and their sacrifice for us must always be present in our minds.
—The Child, Society, and the World
Gratitude is a fundamental part of Montessori. It begins simply with Practical Life lessons of grace and courtesy in the Primary classes. In Elementary "Cosmic Education" is the goal: educating students about the size and scope of the universe; about how many inter-related parts contribute to our food, clothing, lifestyle, culture. All modern societies and economies rest on a web of relationships with everyone willing to do their part. Community service is a large strand in the Faith North Middle School where each student does 100 hours of community service. As young people, they are experiencing the web of relationships that sustains them.
Gratitude and gracias both come from Latin gratia; the root being grace. Gratitude places us in a state of grace: peace, contentment, acceptance, and belonging.
Visitors to our campuses often comment about the peace and grace; the feeling of the physical space as well as the classrooms environments, seeing them as some sort of mysterious paradise. They merely exist in a state of grace.
I am so grateful for our amazing school community. I look forward to seeing you at one of the many fall celebrations we have planned. Check Volunteer Spot for your opportunity to be a part of our web.
Happy Fall!
Susan Engdall
Friday, September 27, 2013
Events for the month of October:
3rd and 4th Parent/Teacher Conferences
7th-14th Fall Break
16th Site Council and PTA Meeting on the main campus
18th School Pictures
19th Parent Work Day in the Garden
25th Fall Festival
28th-31st Galileo
30th International Day of the Child
Hello Faith North Community,
The nip is in the air and I think we are all breathing a sigh of relief. The children have planted autumn squash that are growing so quickly! We hope you can join us for a work day in the garden on Saturday, October 25th as we further prepare the rest of the beds so that the students can plant and we can all enjoy the "vegetables" of our labor!
As of this writing our 7th/8th grade basketball team is undefeated with a four game winning streak. The games are so exciting and I believe that they will sweep the series. You should plan to attend one of the games, there is extraordinary talent. The next two games will be held at Herrera, October 15th as North faces Garfield, 5:30 tipoff. October 17th North verses Whittier at 6:15.
There are so many exciting events in our community this month. We look forward to seeing you at a few!
All the best,
Susan Engdall
Principal
3rd and 4th Parent/Teacher Conferences
7th-14th Fall Break
16th Site Council and PTA Meeting on the main campus
18th School Pictures
19th Parent Work Day in the Garden
25th Fall Festival
28th-31st Galileo
30th International Day of the Child
Hello Faith North Community,
The nip is in the air and I think we are all breathing a sigh of relief. The children have planted autumn squash that are growing so quickly! We hope you can join us for a work day in the garden on Saturday, October 25th as we further prepare the rest of the beds so that the students can plant and we can all enjoy the "vegetables" of our labor!
As of this writing our 7th/8th grade basketball team is undefeated with a four game winning streak. The games are so exciting and I believe that they will sweep the series. You should plan to attend one of the games, there is extraordinary talent. The next two games will be held at Herrera, October 15th as North faces Garfield, 5:30 tipoff. October 17th North verses Whittier at 6:15.
There are so many exciting events in our community this month. We look forward to seeing you at a few!
All the best,
Susan Engdall
Principal
Wednesday, September 4, 2013
September Events:
6th Back to School Bash, Bingo and Spaghetti, 5:30-7:30
9th Afterschool classes begin
11th Site Council/PTA FNM@Shaw campus
28th Night at the Ballpark
Hello Faith North Community,
What a great month of August, aside for the heat, the children have settled in and are enjoying work and community.
This week we will have our first community event, our Family Game Night with Bingo and Spaghetti. As I write, the upper elementary classroom is madly making 250 helpings of spaghetti sauce to serve us on Friday. The have figure quantity, disputed quality and chopped onions until they were in tears. It has been a joyful process to watch.
This week also heralded the beginning of basketball practice for the North Stars 7th/8th grade basketball team. We hope you will join us for a few games. Last year was a very exciting season with our own Jaran Whitfield winning MVP for the entire district.
The end of the month will also mark the beginning of travel for our middle school students. They will depart for their first of 3 land lab experiences to Sky Y in Prescott where they will take part in several personal challenges as they work through the many facets of their Heroic Journey Year. It is a fascinating experience for them. Perhaps you could take the time to engage one in a conversation about their plans.
All the best,
Susan Engdall
Principal
6th Back to School Bash, Bingo and Spaghetti, 5:30-7:30
9th Afterschool classes begin
11th Site Council/PTA FNM@Shaw campus
28th Night at the Ballpark
Hello Faith North Community,
What a great month of August, aside for the heat, the children have settled in and are enjoying work and community.
This week we will have our first community event, our Family Game Night with Bingo and Spaghetti. As I write, the upper elementary classroom is madly making 250 helpings of spaghetti sauce to serve us on Friday. The have figure quantity, disputed quality and chopped onions until they were in tears. It has been a joyful process to watch.
This week also heralded the beginning of basketball practice for the North Stars 7th/8th grade basketball team. We hope you will join us for a few games. Last year was a very exciting season with our own Jaran Whitfield winning MVP for the entire district.
The end of the month will also mark the beginning of travel for our middle school students. They will depart for their first of 3 land lab experiences to Sky Y in Prescott where they will take part in several personal challenges as they work through the many facets of their Heroic Journey Year. It is a fascinating experience for them. Perhaps you could take the time to engage one in a conversation about their plans.
All the best,
Susan Engdall
Principal
Friday, August 9, 2013
Events for the month of August:
14th Site Council and PTA meetings on the main campus 5:00/6:00
16th Middle School to the Rock Gym
21st Literacy Night at the Burton Barr Library, 5:00-7:00
21st Zoyo Yogurt Fundraiser, all day! Just let them know you are from North.
23rd NYPD fundraiser! Just let them know you are from North.
26th-29th Galileo testing 1st-8th grades
Hello Faith North Community,
What a great start to the school year it has been. The children returned ready to immerse themselves in the joy of work. We all look forward to a productive and fun school year full of friendship and BIG work.
We will be having our first Site Council/ PTA and Parent Education meeting combination on Wednesday, August 14th on the main campus beginning at 5:00. Childcare and dinner will be provided. We will be sharing and celebrating our school report card. For the second year in a row, Faith North earned an A designation due to student performance on the spring high stakes test, the Arizona Instrument for Measuring Standards (AIMS). Join me as I share this data at our Site Council meeting.
Our first big event will be the Back to School Bingo Bash and Spaghetti Dinner on September 6th from 5:30-8:00 in the multi-use at North. Opportunities for volunteer hours are available at Volunteer Spot on the school website. We look forward to seeing you for some high spirited Bingo games!
All the best,
Susan Engdall
Principal
14th Site Council and PTA meetings on the main campus 5:00/6:00
16th Middle School to the Rock Gym
21st Literacy Night at the Burton Barr Library, 5:00-7:00
21st Zoyo Yogurt Fundraiser, all day! Just let them know you are from North.
23rd NYPD fundraiser! Just let them know you are from North.
26th-29th Galileo testing 1st-8th grades
Hello Faith North Community,
What a great start to the school year it has been. The children returned ready to immerse themselves in the joy of work. We all look forward to a productive and fun school year full of friendship and BIG work.
We will be having our first Site Council/ PTA and Parent Education meeting combination on Wednesday, August 14th on the main campus beginning at 5:00. Childcare and dinner will be provided. We will be sharing and celebrating our school report card. For the second year in a row, Faith North earned an A designation due to student performance on the spring high stakes test, the Arizona Instrument for Measuring Standards (AIMS). Join me as I share this data at our Site Council meeting.
Our first big event will be the Back to School Bingo Bash and Spaghetti Dinner on September 6th from 5:30-8:00 in the multi-use at North. Opportunities for volunteer hours are available at Volunteer Spot on the school website. We look forward to seeing you for some high spirited Bingo games!
All the best,
Susan Engdall
Principal
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
May 22, 2013
Dear Montessori Community,
As we close out this school year and plan for the next one, I would like to share changes in staffing and program configuration.
• Ms. GiHwa Hughes will be leaving to begin an internship for the iLeadAZ program where she will be working towards her leadership credentials.
• Ms. Rathert will be a stay at home mom!
Both of these teachers have brought great value to our children and their colleagues. They will be greatly missed.
Here are the staffing plans for next year:
Faith North Primary Teaching Staff: Ms. Marisa Punchios, Ms. Jodi Schramm, Miss Robin Miller
Faith North Junior Elementary Teaching: Ms. Wendy Silver, Ms. Leisla Church
Faith North Senior Elementary: Ms. Gina Roam, Miss Fun Chan
Faith North Adolescent Program 7/8: Ms. Jennifer Matthews, Ms. Shayne Sotelo
FNM@Shaw Montessori Primary: Ms. Denise Standage, Ms. Krista Whiting, Ms. Megan Trezise and Ms. Shaily Yogi
FNM@Shaw Junior Elementary: Mr. Chris Euzarraga, Ms. Paula Craig
FNM@Shaw Senior Elementary: Ms. Crystal Graham
Montessori Resource Specialist: Ms. Tonia Downing-Easton
Special Education Resource: FNM@Shaw: Ms. Yolanda Wheelington
Music: Mr. Robert London, services to both campuses
PE: Mr. Steven Larson FNM@Shaw Patsy Harvey
Program changes will include returning art to the classrooms and eliminating reading intervention pullouts. Ms. Church will relocate to the main campus to take a lower elementary position. Ms. Crystal Graham will move into the position of upper elementary (4, 5, 6) teacher at FNM@Shaw. Ms. Paula Craig will have a lower elementary (1, 2, 3) class.
Please join us on Monday, July 29th for Back to School Parent Night to be held on both campuses. This evening is designed for parent information purposes only. Children should not attend. Times are as follows: primary 4:00-5:00, lower elementary 5:00-6:00, upper elementary 6:00-7:00, middle school 7:00-8:00. Tables will be set up to assist you with PEER Club, bus schedules, PTA, Site Council and other school information.
Should you have any questions please feel free to contact me at (602) 257-4069.
2013/2014 class lists will be posted on May 20th. Class supply lists will be posted on teacher blogs.
Wishing you a fun and delightful summer. See you on the last day of July!
All the best,
Susan Engdall
Principal
Dear Montessori Community,
As we close out this school year and plan for the next one, I would like to share changes in staffing and program configuration.
• Ms. GiHwa Hughes will be leaving to begin an internship for the iLeadAZ program where she will be working towards her leadership credentials.
• Ms. Rathert will be a stay at home mom!
Both of these teachers have brought great value to our children and their colleagues. They will be greatly missed.
Here are the staffing plans for next year:
Faith North Primary Teaching Staff: Ms. Marisa Punchios, Ms. Jodi Schramm, Miss Robin Miller
Faith North Junior Elementary Teaching: Ms. Wendy Silver, Ms. Leisla Church
Faith North Senior Elementary: Ms. Gina Roam, Miss Fun Chan
Faith North Adolescent Program 7/8: Ms. Jennifer Matthews, Ms. Shayne Sotelo
FNM@Shaw Montessori Primary: Ms. Denise Standage, Ms. Krista Whiting, Ms. Megan Trezise and Ms. Shaily Yogi
FNM@Shaw Junior Elementary: Mr. Chris Euzarraga, Ms. Paula Craig
FNM@Shaw Senior Elementary: Ms. Crystal Graham
Montessori Resource Specialist: Ms. Tonia Downing-Easton
Special Education Resource: FNM@Shaw: Ms. Yolanda Wheelington
Music: Mr. Robert London, services to both campuses
PE: Mr. Steven Larson FNM@Shaw Patsy Harvey
Program changes will include returning art to the classrooms and eliminating reading intervention pullouts. Ms. Church will relocate to the main campus to take a lower elementary position. Ms. Crystal Graham will move into the position of upper elementary (4, 5, 6) teacher at FNM@Shaw. Ms. Paula Craig will have a lower elementary (1, 2, 3) class.
Please join us on Monday, July 29th for Back to School Parent Night to be held on both campuses. This evening is designed for parent information purposes only. Children should not attend. Times are as follows: primary 4:00-5:00, lower elementary 5:00-6:00, upper elementary 6:00-7:00, middle school 7:00-8:00. Tables will be set up to assist you with PEER Club, bus schedules, PTA, Site Council and other school information.
Should you have any questions please feel free to contact me at (602) 257-4069.
2013/2014 class lists will be posted on May 20th. Class supply lists will be posted on teacher blogs.
Wishing you a fun and delightful summer. See you on the last day of July!
All the best,
Susan Engdall
Principal
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
April happenings:
15-26 AIMS testing
17 & 24 No early release
25 Child's Play presents Tomas and the Library Lady
26 1:00 Talent show tryouts
29th-May 3rd Big trips week
Hello Faith North Community,
Tuesday, April 16th thru Friday, April 19th our student’s grades 3-8 will be taking the State Mandated Arizona Instrument to Measure Standards (AIMS) tests. Our 2nd grade students will be taking the Stanford-10 on Monday, April 15th and Tuesday, April 16th. These tests are used as a measurement of your child’s knowledge on state standards.
The faculty and staff of Faith North & FNM@Shaw have been preparing your child for the AIMS test since their first day of enrollment. This process is made certain by the fact that our curriculum is well aligned to the state standards. Subsequently, this alignment ensures that the everyday work of your child is an ongoing preparation of the skills to pass the AIMS test. You may also find additional test review and information on the Department of Education website http://www.ade.state.az.us by clicking on AIMS Information Center if you are interested.
Lastly, I ask that you have a discussion with your child on the importance of doing their very best. The outcome of these tests are very important to your child, our school and district. It is imperative that all students are present and ON TIME during these exam days. Also, make sure your child has received proper rest (9-11 hours) and a nutritious high protein breakfast. If you have any questions regarding this process, please feel free to call my office at (602) 257-4069. On behalf of the PESD Montessori faculty and staff, I want to thank you in advance for your efforts at supporting the best testing environments for our children.
Sincerely,
Principal
15-26 AIMS testing
17 & 24 No early release
25 Child's Play presents Tomas and the Library Lady
26 1:00 Talent show tryouts
29th-May 3rd Big trips week
Hello Faith North Community,
Tuesday, April 16th thru Friday, April 19th our student’s grades 3-8 will be taking the State Mandated Arizona Instrument to Measure Standards (AIMS) tests. Our 2nd grade students will be taking the Stanford-10 on Monday, April 15th and Tuesday, April 16th. These tests are used as a measurement of your child’s knowledge on state standards.
The faculty and staff of Faith North & FNM@Shaw have been preparing your child for the AIMS test since their first day of enrollment. This process is made certain by the fact that our curriculum is well aligned to the state standards. Subsequently, this alignment ensures that the everyday work of your child is an ongoing preparation of the skills to pass the AIMS test. You may also find additional test review and information on the Department of Education website http://www.ade.state.az.us by clicking on AIMS Information Center if you are interested.
Lastly, I ask that you have a discussion with your child on the importance of doing their very best. The outcome of these tests are very important to your child, our school and district. It is imperative that all students are present and ON TIME during these exam days. Also, make sure your child has received proper rest (9-11 hours) and a nutritious high protein breakfast. If you have any questions regarding this process, please feel free to call my office at (602) 257-4069. On behalf of the PESD Montessori faculty and staff, I want to thank you in advance for your efforts at supporting the best testing environments for our children.
Sincerely,
Principal
Thursday, February 28, 2013
March--Really?
Events for March:
4th-8th Galileo Benchmark #3 2nd-8th graders
6th School Science Fair/Spagetti Dinner
12th District Track Meet 9:30-12:45
13th Site Council/PTA meeting 5:00 & 6:00 FNM@Shaw campus
13th-15th Land Lab for Middle School
14th Flip/Dunk Mother and Son Trampoline Fundraiser
15th General Music Festival 9:00-12:00
18th-22nd Spring Break
25th School Resumes
27th Upper Elementary presentation for incoming 4th grade parents
29th School Closed
Hello Faith North Community,
Get Involved in the Faith North Montessori PTA! We need parents to volunteer for these positions for the 2013/2014 school year!
The FN Montessori PTA is a group of parents and staff and who work together to create the remarkable climate at Faith North. Involvement in the PTA will bring you great joy and knowledge about our community. The Faith North PTA is responsible for planning and implementing fundraisers and events, advocating for a superior education and supporting our families.
If you would like to run for one of the available PTA positions please join us for our next meeting to be held on Wendnesday, March 13th at the FNM@Shaw campus. Site Council is held in the media center at 5:00 and PTA is held in the cafeteria at 6:00. Pizza and childcare are provided.
There are 5 parent representative positions available for the 2013/2014 school year: President, Vice President, Secretary, Events Chairperson, and Fundraising Chairperson.
Nominations are due by April 3rd. Elections will be held later at the April 10th meeting.
Our children deserve your commitment.
All the best,
Susan Engdall
Principal
4th-8th Galileo Benchmark #3 2nd-8th graders
6th School Science Fair/Spagetti Dinner
12th District Track Meet 9:30-12:45
13th Site Council/PTA meeting 5:00 & 6:00 FNM@Shaw campus
13th-15th Land Lab for Middle School
14th Flip/Dunk Mother and Son Trampoline Fundraiser
15th General Music Festival 9:00-12:00
18th-22nd Spring Break
25th School Resumes
27th Upper Elementary presentation for incoming 4th grade parents
29th School Closed
Hello Faith North Community,
Get Involved in the Faith North Montessori PTA! We need parents to volunteer for these positions for the 2013/2014 school year!
The FN Montessori PTA is a group of parents and staff and who work together to create the remarkable climate at Faith North. Involvement in the PTA will bring you great joy and knowledge about our community. The Faith North PTA is responsible for planning and implementing fundraisers and events, advocating for a superior education and supporting our families.
If you would like to run for one of the available PTA positions please join us for our next meeting to be held on Wendnesday, March 13th at the FNM@Shaw campus. Site Council is held in the media center at 5:00 and PTA is held in the cafeteria at 6:00. Pizza and childcare are provided.
There are 5 parent representative positions available for the 2013/2014 school year: President, Vice President, Secretary, Events Chairperson, and Fundraising Chairperson.
Nominations are due by April 3rd. Elections will be held later at the April 10th meeting.
Our children deserve your commitment.
All the best,
Susan Engdall
Principal
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