Wednesday, May 25, 2011

May 25, 2011

Dear Montessori Community,

As we close out this school year and plan for the next one, I would like to share changes in staffing.
I can announce that we are losing the following teachers:
• Ms. Jennifer Matthews, a middle school teacher, will be moving back to Washington State to join her husband!
• Ms. Rosalinda Siciliano, lower elementary teacher will be seeking new endeavors and we wish her the best of luck!
Each of these individuals 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 and Faith North@Shaw Principal: Susan Engdall
Faith North Primary Teaching Staff: Ms. Marisa Punchios, Ms. Jodi Schramm, Miss Robin Miller
Faith North Junior Elementary Teaching Staff: Mrs. GiHwa Hughes, Ms. Wendy Silver and a vacancy
Faith North Senior Elementary Staff: Ms. Gina Roam and Ms. Brenda Chacon
Faith North Adolescent Program 7/8: Ms.Shayne Sotelo
FNM@Shaw Montessori Primary: Ms. Jennifer Valverde, Miss Krista Whiting, Mrs. Kiran Mahli and Mrs. Megan Trezise
FNM@Shaw Junior Elementary Staff: Mr. Chris Euzarraga and Miss Paula Craig (1st-4th grade)
FNM@Shaw 1-6th grade: Ms. Leisla Church
Montessori Resource Specialist: Ms. Tonia Downing-Easton
Special Education Resource: FNM@Shaw: Mrs. Yolanda Wheelington
Art: Angela Damore FNM@Shaw: Jennifer Plowman
Music: Mr. Robert London, services to both campuses
PE: Mr. Steven Larson FNM@Shaw Patsy Harvey
Reading Intervention Specialist: Crystal Graham

Please join us on Monday, August 1st for Back to School Parent Night to be held simultaneously 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.
2011-2012 class lists will be posted on May 26th. Class supply lists will be posted on teacher blogs.

Wishing you a warm and delightful summer. See you in August!
Susan Engdall
Principal
PESD Montessori Programs

Friday, May 13, 2011

The North Star Community Edition
Faith North Montessori and Faith North Montessori at Shaw
602-257-3914


Calendar of Events for week of
May 16-20

Saturday, May 14th
Volunteer Picnic at Margret T. Hance Park 11:00-2:00. Lunch provided by our PTA.

Monday, May 16

Tuesday, May 17
Talent Show Rehearsal North Multi-Use Room 1:00

Wednesday, May 18
Early release

Thursday, May 19
Thursday the 19th Middle School play, “The Beauty and the Beast” in the multi-use room at North. Two performances 10:00-11:15 and 1:00-2:15.

Friday, May 20
Friday, May 20th Basket Raffle/Potluck/Talent Show. Potluck begins at 5:30. Talent Show and Basket Raffle begin at 6:00. See you all there!


Hello Faith North Community,


This week, our upper elementary children went on a three day Catalina Island adventure. Their learning experiences were, exciting, adventurous and unpredictable! They snorkeled, fished, learned about seismology, tectonics and brought back pressure cups that were used in an experiment on water pressure. They learned about the different dolphin species that can be found along the coast and observed the sea lions. On the Ecology Hike they learned about invasive species, fennel, as well as native plant and animal life and sustainability. They enjoyed the independence and the community building. Many fun memories were made while the food received mixed reviews!

Please join us next Friday for our annual end of the year event the Potluck/Basket Raffle/Talent Show as the Faith North children share some amazing hidden talents. The potluck begins at 5:30 and the show will begin at 6:00. Baskets will be raffled between acts.

Year books went on sale this week and they are remarkable. This year they are fully colored. Many of our school events were captured and the book is chalked full of many candid photographs of the children, parents and staff at work and play. Books may be purchased before and after school. They will also be on sale in the Faith North office.

All the best!
Susan Engdall
Principal

Some events to look forward to:

Water Day at FNM@Shaw on the 24th-schedule forthcoming

Water Day at North on the 26th: 8:30-10:20 Primary, 10:30-12:30 Lower El, 12:30-2:30Upper El, 1:30-3:20 Middle School

23rd PJ Day & Kinder Promotion at Shaw

24th Mixed Up Clothing Day & Kinder Promotion at North

25th Crazy Hair Day & Middle school promotion

Thursday, May 5, 2011

The North Star Community Edition
Faith North Montessori and Faith North Montessori at Shaw
602-257-3914

Calendar of Events for week of
May 9-13

Monday, May 9
Upper Elementary leaves for Ocean Institute

Tuesday, May 10

Wednesday, May 11
DIBELS testing for k-1st graders at North
Early Release
Upper Elementary return from Ocean Institute

Thursday, May 12
Primary children begin to shadow in lower elementary classrooms

Friday, May 13

Saturday, May 14th
Volunteer Picnic at Margret T. Hance Park

Our mission is to provide a solid academic foundation employing the philosophy of Maria Montessori within a loving, respectful and supportive community.


Hello Faith North Community,

This was the most bountiful teacher appreciation week I have seen in my many years of instruction. There was an amazing outpouring of kindness and generosity from our parents and children. The entire staff has enjoyed the breakfast and lunch goodies. Thank you so much for honoring the staff and the work they do. They are truly amazing as are each of you!

Awesome! Super fun! were just two word/phrases used by our 3rd years in response to the day trip to Sky Y to Prescott on Wednesday. They boarded a charter bus at 7:00 AM and spent the day orienteering, learning outdoor survival skills, canoeing and hiking. They learned to play Ga-Ga ball and Take the Tail during free time. The evening brought a campfire with smores. Back onto the bus and back home by 10:30. Thanks to all of our tax credit donors that helped make this trip possible.

On Monday, our upper elementary children leave for a three day Catalina Island adventure. Their learning experiences will be, learning about underwater seismology, underwater archaeology and coring. They will be building small subs and experimenting with wave physics, energy transfer and water chemistry. The last day they will go on an Island Ecology Tour. Thanks to our tax credits bus transportation has been provided for the students and staff. I am sure many memories will be made during these three days.

Several fun events to note as the school year draws to a close:
14th Volunteer Picnic at Hance Park
20th Talent Show/Potluck/Basket Raffle
23rd kindergarten promotion at FNM@Shaw at 6:00 also PJ Day
24th Kindergarten promotion at North at 6:00 also Mixed Up Clothing Day & Water Day at FNM@Shaw
25th Middle School Promotion at 6:00 also Crazy Hair Day
26th Water Day at North and Midle School Dance from 6:00-8:00

All the best!
Susan Engdall
Principal

Friday, April 29, 2011

The North Star Community Edition
Faith North Montessori and Faith North Montessori at Shaw
602-257-3914


Calendar of Events for week of
May 2nd-6th
Teacher Appreciation Week

Monday, May 2
Wax Museum in Ms. Chacon’s class 5:30-7:00

Tuesday, May 3
DIBELS testing at Shaw for our k-1st grade students at FNM@Shaw

Wednesday, May 4
Early Release
Site Council/PTA Meeting
3rd grade students day trip to Sky Y

Thursday, May 5

Friday, May 6

Hello Faith North Community,

This week is Teacher Appreciation Week. We, as a community are fortunate to have such dedicated, passionate professionals. Each believe in the unfolding, not the molding, of children. Each watches, listens, and communicates to assess and assist each child’s development of both intellect and independence. They champion the triumphs of each day, removing or easing obstacles. They patiently, flexibly, and compassionately encourage a joyful perseverance in each child. Their teaching is an act of service and humility. Through the creation of routines and traditions, the maintenance of detailed records, and the presentation of broad and deep lessons that illuminate concepts and encourage student discovery, the teacher encourages students’ concentration, reflection, and growth. I know you will take a moment to let them know how much they mean to your child and to you.


All the best!
Susan Engdall
Principal

Thursday, April 21, 2011

The North Star Community Edition
Faith North Montessori and Faith North Montessori at Shaw
602-257-3914


Calendar of Events for week of
April 25-29

Monday, April 25
No School! Enjoy the day!

Tuesday, April 26
Buffalo Soldiers raise the flags at North

Wednesday, April 27
Early Release
Literacy Night at the Phoenix Public Library-Burton Barr

Thursday, April 28
Bus evacuation drill at North-9:30 AM

Friday, April 29
Talent Show Auditions 1:00 in the multi-use room at North


Hello Faith North Community,
A gentle reminder that school will be closed this Friday, April 22nd and Monday, April 25th. School resumes on Tuesday, April 26th. We hope you have a restful and fun long weekend!
Two great events taking place this week are Talent Show auditions which will take place on Friday, April 29th in the multi-use room at North from 1:00-3:00. The students have received permission slips and anyone with a talent is welcome to audition. Please review the rules that govern acts with your student before they attend on Friday. The annual Talent Show/Basket Raffle will be held on the North campus, Friday evening, May 20th from 5:30-7:30. This is also a community potluck event. It is an evening of amazing surprises and a wonderful time to see hidden talent and meet new friend and families. Please plan on joining us.
This Wednesday, April 27 we will hold Literacy Night at the main library-Burton Barr located on Central Avenue just south of McDowell. The evening begins at 5:30 and will include tours of the library, displays of FNM staff picks, scavenger hunts and more. Families will have the opportunity to get library cards and sign up for the summer reading program. We look forward to helping make the library a fun obvious place to spend those long, hot summer days!

All the best!
Susan Engdall
Principal

Thursday, April 14, 2011

The North Star Community Edition
Faith North Montessori and Faith North Montessori at Shaw
602-257-3914


Calendar of Events for week of
April 18-22

Monday, April 18
AIMS Makeup Tests

Tuesday, April 19
AIMS Makeup Tests

Wednesday, April 20
No Early Release
AIMS Makeup Tests

Thursday, April 21

Friday, April 22
No School

Hello Faith North Community,
LEGO Night was amazing fun. A wide age group of boys (and girls) attended with their moms. There was a LEGO Building Contest, LEGO Throws, LEGO Cake Walk and many children dressed as their favorite LEGO character. We enjoyed hotdogs and decedent sundaes served by our upper elementary classrooms.
We are coming to a close of high stakes testing. The teachers and children have done a splendid job of test administration and test taking. Monday-Wednesday of next week will be used to make up any tests that students missed. Thank you for the great attendance this week.
Please plan to attend our Literacy Night at the Burton Barr Library, April 27 from 5:30-7:30. There will be library tours, games, readers theaters, displays with favorite teacher literature and more. Children may be issued their very own library card and sign up for the summer reading program.
Please remember that there is no school April 22 or 25. We look forward to seeing you again on Tuesday, April 26th.
All the best!
Susan Engdall
Principal

Friday, April 8, 2011

The North Star Community Edition
Faith North Montessori and Faith North Montessori at Shaw
602-257-3914


Calendar of Events for week of
April 11-15

Monday, April 11
Stanford 10 begins

Tuesday, April 12
Stanford 10 continues
AIMS -Writing & Science

Wednesday, April 13
AIMS Reading and Math
No early release

Thursday, April 14
AIMS Reading & Math

Friday, April 15
AIMS Reading & Math


Dear Faith North Community,

Tuesday, April 12 thru Thursday, April 21 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 11 and Tuesday, April 12th. 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 high stakes testing 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 these tests. Your 3rd-8th child has been reviewing an AIMS booklet with specific examples of the test questions. 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. It is imperative that all students are present 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.

All the best,
Susan Engdall