Events for the week of April 2-6:
3rd Faith North Girls VB vs. Herrera at Herrera 4:45 Go North Stars!
4th and 5th Teacher Initiated Conferences of Concern (Early Release both days)
4th Site Council-5:00 and PTA meeting-6:00 on the FNM@Shaw campus
6th No School
Hello Faith North Community,
I was recently reading an article called "The Trouble with Sponge Bob" by Montessorian and University Professor Angelina Lillard who wrote about a study she did with children and television viewing. In this study Lillard points out that as a society, we used to be very concerned with IQ but that today, we are more interested in our decision making abilities. How well we can pay attention, plan, remember things, appropriately express/inhibit emotion and think outside of the box. These are considered our Executive Functions (EF) and they are characteristics that matter most to our success as adults in contemporary society.
Lillard studied 60 children to evaluate their EF. The first group drew for 9 minutes, the second group viewed 9 minutes of fast paced cartoons. What do you think she found----Yep! The children who watched the fast paced television scored significantly lower on the EF tests than their peers that drew. So after just 9 minutes of rapid fire television, EF was impaired. How much television does your child watch a day? More than 9 minutes?
The full text of the article may be viewed at:http://psychcentral.com/news/2011/09/13/spongebob-squarepants-may-hinder-kids-ability-to-learn/29375.html
See you tomorrow at the Spring Carnival!
All the best,
Susan Engdall
Principal
Friday, March 23, 2012
Events for the week of March 26-31
Saturday the 31st Spring Carnival 1:00-5:00
Hello Faith North Community,
Wow, what a Science Fair we were treated to this past Wednesday evening. The children's work and ingenuity was apparent everywhere.
We were treated to many robotics projects, volcanoes, electricity and circuits, germs, bacteria and alternative energy projects. The Italian Cafe topped of with yummy desserts to fund the year end trips rounded out an exciting evening in our courtyard. Thanks to all of the parents that supported their young scientists and came to listen to each child take about their work.
Please plan to join us next Saturday, March 31st for our Spring Carnival to be held on the main campus at Faith North. Human Spheres, Bounce Houses, Bumper Cars, Basketball, Face Painting, Principal Fortune Telling, Carnival Games, Crafts, Food and Fun will be the themes of the day. We still need help! You may sign up at "Volunteer Spot" which can be found on our school web page under "Parent and Students"
All the best,
Susan Engdall
Principal
Saturday the 31st Spring Carnival 1:00-5:00
Hello Faith North Community,
Wow, what a Science Fair we were treated to this past Wednesday evening. The children's work and ingenuity was apparent everywhere.
We were treated to many robotics projects, volcanoes, electricity and circuits, germs, bacteria and alternative energy projects. The Italian Cafe topped of with yummy desserts to fund the year end trips rounded out an exciting evening in our courtyard. Thanks to all of the parents that supported their young scientists and came to listen to each child take about their work.
Please plan to join us next Saturday, March 31st for our Spring Carnival to be held on the main campus at Faith North. Human Spheres, Bounce Houses, Bumper Cars, Basketball, Face Painting, Principal Fortune Telling, Carnival Games, Crafts, Food and Fun will be the themes of the day. We still need help! You may sign up at "Volunteer Spot" which can be found on our school web page under "Parent and Students"
All the best,
Susan Engdall
Principal
Monday, March 19, 2012
Events for the week of March 19th-23rd
19th girls volleyball practice begins
20th 5th/6th grade track meet at North Highschool 9:45-12:30
21st Faith North Science Fair 5-7
Hello Faith North Community,
I hope all of you had an enjoyable Spring Break! It is hard to believe that we are starting our final stretch of the 2011-2012 school year. The next couple of months are perhaps the most important part of the school year. It is an important time because it is when we measure how much academic progress our students have made for the year. During this stretch, students will be taking the AIMS test (in April) as well as completing important coursework. So we hope everyone is returning from Spring Break rested and ready to get back to work. We want all of our students to be successful, so let's buckle down and make it happen!
All the best,
Susan Engdall
Principal
19th girls volleyball practice begins
20th 5th/6th grade track meet at North Highschool 9:45-12:30
21st Faith North Science Fair 5-7
Hello Faith North Community,
I hope all of you had an enjoyable Spring Break! It is hard to believe that we are starting our final stretch of the 2011-2012 school year. The next couple of months are perhaps the most important part of the school year. It is an important time because it is when we measure how much academic progress our students have made for the year. During this stretch, students will be taking the AIMS test (in April) as well as completing important coursework. So we hope everyone is returning from Spring Break rested and ready to get back to work. We want all of our students to be successful, so let's buckle down and make it happen!
All the best,
Susan Engdall
Principal
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Events for the week of March 5th-March 9th
March 5th-8th Galileo testing for 2nd-8th grades
March 7th Site Council 5:00 and PTA 6:00 on the Main Campus
March 9th Report cards come home
Hello Faith North Community,
A quote from Dr Montessori tells us:
"...but in those countries where the toy making industry is less advanced, you will find children with quite different tastes. They are also calmer, more sensitive and happy. Their one idea is to take part in the activities going on around them."
A teacher sent this link to an interesting article that supports our philosophy and aligns nicely with Dr. Montessoris words from long ago. Check it out at:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mobileweb/Mickey-goodman/are-we-raising-a-generati_b_1249706.html
All the best,
Susan Engdall
Principal
March 5th-8th Galileo testing for 2nd-8th grades
March 7th Site Council 5:00 and PTA 6:00 on the Main Campus
March 9th Report cards come home
Hello Faith North Community,
A quote from Dr Montessori tells us:
"...but in those countries where the toy making industry is less advanced, you will find children with quite different tastes. They are also calmer, more sensitive and happy. Their one idea is to take part in the activities going on around them."
A teacher sent this link to an interesting article that supports our philosophy and aligns nicely with Dr. Montessoris words from long ago. Check it out at:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mobileweb/Mickey-goodman/are-we-raising-a-generati_b_1249706.html
All the best,
Susan Engdall
Principal
Friday, February 24, 2012
This weeks happenings:
February 27th-March 2nd
Tuesday-28th Prospective Parent Meeting FNM@Shaw in the cafeteria, 10:00
Wednesday-29th Incoming Middle School Parent Meeting, Main Campus, 5:00-6:00
Hello Faith North Community,
Observing one morning in one of our classrooms, I was approached by two elementary students. One politely offered to prepare me a cup of tea, the other offered a clipboard with a note paper and pen so that I could record any questions during my time there.
How do Montessori children, while in the environments, know how to wait for a turn, make a guest comfortable, respect someone else’s space, walk instead of run, ask politely for help or offer to help someone else? It’s not magic; they have learned each of these skills, and many more, in the lessons of Grace and Courtesy. These lessons are a regular feature of the Montessori classroom.
Grace and courtesy should promote harmony in every level of human existence, large and small:
At a small level:
…within each person
…in relationships
…within families
At a larger level:
…in the community
…throughout the world
Many different topics fall under the umbrella of grace and courtesy. Care of the classroom environment, social situations, friendships, care for the earth and its inhabitants, and the Montessori approach to high school, “Erdkinder”.
How does a child go about developing inner harmony? The child in the Montessori classroom is allowed many choices. Each child’s inner life is as distinctive as their fingerprints; having the freedom to choose their work (and all the details that go with it) gives them a chance to express their true selves.
Harmony between people is part of the social skills and conflict resolution that is the core of any Montessori classroom. Establishing “ground rules” with the help of the children happens at the beginning of each school year. Role-playing and discussion are done throughout the year so that children know how they should treat others – and how they should expect to be treated.
It’s obvious that skills of grace and courtesy are deeper and more complicated than simply teaching children how to shake hands or hold open a door (although those are important things to know). They go to the roots of how we behave towards one another and the world around us. Attention to grace and courtesy can often be the deciding factor in the formation of rewarding friendships; whether or not someone lands a job; whether or not marriages succeed.
Through these opportunities, children gradually build the social skills of a polite society. As they find activities that meet their inner need for self-development and as their space and autonomy are respected, a sense of calm and purposefulness settles over the classroom. Perhaps it is magic, after all, especially when enjoyed with a warm cup of tea.
All the best,
Susan Engdall
Principal
February 27th-March 2nd
Tuesday-28th Prospective Parent Meeting FNM@Shaw in the cafeteria, 10:00
Wednesday-29th Incoming Middle School Parent Meeting, Main Campus, 5:00-6:00
Hello Faith North Community,
Observing one morning in one of our classrooms, I was approached by two elementary students. One politely offered to prepare me a cup of tea, the other offered a clipboard with a note paper and pen so that I could record any questions during my time there.
How do Montessori children, while in the environments, know how to wait for a turn, make a guest comfortable, respect someone else’s space, walk instead of run, ask politely for help or offer to help someone else? It’s not magic; they have learned each of these skills, and many more, in the lessons of Grace and Courtesy. These lessons are a regular feature of the Montessori classroom.
Grace and courtesy should promote harmony in every level of human existence, large and small:
At a small level:
…within each person
…in relationships
…within families
At a larger level:
…in the community
…throughout the world
Many different topics fall under the umbrella of grace and courtesy. Care of the classroom environment, social situations, friendships, care for the earth and its inhabitants, and the Montessori approach to high school, “Erdkinder”.
How does a child go about developing inner harmony? The child in the Montessori classroom is allowed many choices. Each child’s inner life is as distinctive as their fingerprints; having the freedom to choose their work (and all the details that go with it) gives them a chance to express their true selves.
Harmony between people is part of the social skills and conflict resolution that is the core of any Montessori classroom. Establishing “ground rules” with the help of the children happens at the beginning of each school year. Role-playing and discussion are done throughout the year so that children know how they should treat others – and how they should expect to be treated.
It’s obvious that skills of grace and courtesy are deeper and more complicated than simply teaching children how to shake hands or hold open a door (although those are important things to know). They go to the roots of how we behave towards one another and the world around us. Attention to grace and courtesy can often be the deciding factor in the formation of rewarding friendships; whether or not someone lands a job; whether or not marriages succeed.
Through these opportunities, children gradually build the social skills of a polite society. As they find activities that meet their inner need for self-development and as their space and autonomy are respected, a sense of calm and purposefulness settles over the classroom. Perhaps it is magic, after all, especially when enjoyed with a warm cup of tea.
All the best,
Susan Engdall
Principal
Friday, February 10, 2012
Events for the week of February 13-17
Tuesday the 14th-Celebrations of Affection
The North Star vs. Hererra, co-ed soccer 5:00 at Hererra. Go Stars!
Wednesday the 15th Join us for Family Literacy Night at the Burton Barr Library 5:30-7:30
Saturday the 18th-Michael Turley competes in the regional spelling bee, 9 AM at Morris K Udall School. Go Michael!
Monday the 20th-No School. Enjoy the day!
Hello Faith North Community,
We hope you can join us this Wednesday for our second annual Family Literacy Night. This evening at the library will be fun filled with games, tours and reading! Afterwards, do not forget to go on down to the new Zoyo at the corner of 7th Avenue and McDowell for a sweet treat. 20% of purchases that evening will be donated to our PTA. You must mention the fundraiser at the register.
Looking forward, our Father/Daughter Dance will be held on Friday the 24th in the FN multi-use room. Tickets will go on sale Monday. So grab your favorite guy and we will see you there.
All the best.
Susan Engdall
Principal
Tuesday the 14th-Celebrations of Affection
The North Star vs. Hererra, co-ed soccer 5:00 at Hererra. Go Stars!
Wednesday the 15th Join us for Family Literacy Night at the Burton Barr Library 5:30-7:30
Saturday the 18th-Michael Turley competes in the regional spelling bee, 9 AM at Morris K Udall School. Go Michael!
Monday the 20th-No School. Enjoy the day!
Hello Faith North Community,
We hope you can join us this Wednesday for our second annual Family Literacy Night. This evening at the library will be fun filled with games, tours and reading! Afterwards, do not forget to go on down to the new Zoyo at the corner of 7th Avenue and McDowell for a sweet treat. 20% of purchases that evening will be donated to our PTA. You must mention the fundraiser at the register.
Looking forward, our Father/Daughter Dance will be held on Friday the 24th in the FN multi-use room. Tickets will go on sale Monday. So grab your favorite guy and we will see you there.
All the best.
Susan Engdall
Principal
Friday, January 27, 2012
Events for the week of January 30-February 3
Tuesday, January 31st Prospective Parent Meeting FN 10:00 in the multi-use room
Wednesday, February 1st Site Council/PTA Meetings FNM@Shaw 5:00 and 6:00
Thursday, Febraury 2nd FN vs Whittier in Coed Soccer at Bethune, 6:00
Thursday and Friday 2/2 & 3 Parent Teacher Conferences and Early Release Days
Hello Faith North Community,
What a great day. Our own Michael Turley won the district spelling bee in the 13th round with the word eponoymn, yes really!
Michael will move on to the regional bee to be held on Februiary 18th where I am certain he will have no trouble.
This week also saw on of the best Show Me Nights ever! The children were the presenters of the incredible work that goes on daily. The parents were patient and amazed at the beauty, intelligence and grace of each presentation. Thanks to all of you that supported our school and your child by attending this beautiful parent education opportunity.
Next week we look forward to seeing you during parent/teacher conferences.
All the best,
Susan Engdall
Principal
Tuesday, January 31st Prospective Parent Meeting FN 10:00 in the multi-use room
Wednesday, February 1st Site Council/PTA Meetings FNM@Shaw 5:00 and 6:00
Thursday, Febraury 2nd FN vs Whittier in Coed Soccer at Bethune, 6:00
Thursday and Friday 2/2 & 3 Parent Teacher Conferences and Early Release Days
Hello Faith North Community,
What a great day. Our own Michael Turley won the district spelling bee in the 13th round with the word eponoymn, yes really!
Michael will move on to the regional bee to be held on Februiary 18th where I am certain he will have no trouble.
This week also saw on of the best Show Me Nights ever! The children were the presenters of the incredible work that goes on daily. The parents were patient and amazed at the beauty, intelligence and grace of each presentation. Thanks to all of you that supported our school and your child by attending this beautiful parent education opportunity.
Next week we look forward to seeing you during parent/teacher conferences.
All the best,
Susan Engdall
Principal
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