October 2025 Newsletter

     Welcome to the first newsletter of the 2025-2026 school year!  There is a lot that follows to read and digest!   October will be a busy month with many happenings.   We look forward to a wonderful year!  Happy Reading! 

 Mindful Music and Movement Class
Mindful Music and Movement class with Mrs. Rachel Amidon will begin on
Tuesday, October 7th.
 
American Sign Language
American Sign Language class with Mrs. Maria Stewart will begin on
Thursday, October 9th.
 
These classes are provided by the school.  There is no enrollment necessary.  These classes will be for both morning and afternoon classes.
 
Coming Events:
Friday, October 31st
Halloween Celebration
 
   Thursday, November 6th                                                     Friday, November 7th
Parent Teacher Conferences                                           Parent-Teacher Conferences
No P.M. Classes                                                                 NO SCHOOL
Extended Care Program In Session                                Extended Care Program In Session



Snack Program
 The monthly snack program is a wonderful way for your children to experience Montessori at home and share their efforts with their classmates.  The snack program will begin Wednesday, October 1st.  Snack calendars are provided with this newsletter.  Please refer to the attached Happy Snack Day letter and to your Parent Handbook for reference.  Thank you.
 
Paperwork, Paperwork!
 We thank you for your cooperation with bringing your child’s file up to date.  We would appreciate any outstanding forms to be returned as soon as possible.  Also, if you have changed jobs or a cell phone number etc.,  PLEASE notify the office.  It is so hard to look at those little faces when they are ill and we don’t have the means to reach you.  
 
Halloween Celebration!
The Halloween Celebration will take place on  Friday, October 31st.  It is important that your child arrives at normal start time (morning session at 8:30 a.m. and afternoon session at 12:30 p.m.).  It will be an opportunity to share and celebrate with family!  The children will parade in their costumes, sing some wonderful songs to you with their classmates, and serve you cider and doughnut holes as a special treat!  They should arrive in costume.  Masks and props such as swords, knives, guns, etc. should be left at home in the interest of safety.  The children in extended care should arrive with a change of clothes to be more comfortable after their morning class.  The All Day Kindergartners ( and All Day Classes) may stay in costume all day so you may want to choose a costume that is comfortable.

Orton-Gillingham 
Mrs. Jill Bennett (Classroom 2 teacher) has received her national certification as a Structure Literacy Dyslexic Interventionist (C-SLDI) in Orton-Gillingham.  The Orton-Gillingham approach is a direct, explicit, multisensory, structured, sequential, diagnostic, and prescriptive way to teach literacy.  It focuses on the phonology, orthography, and structure of the English language.  It helps children who struggle with reading achieve mastery on their own timeline.  It also enables teachers to assess and recognize the characteristics of language deficits.
She is accepting clients and is open to discussing any questions that a concerned parent may have regarding their child’s literacy skills.  Mrs. Bennett works with children of all ages.
Her contact information is available upon request.

Drive Thru Procedure
The arrival and dismissal process has so many benefits for the children and parents, however everyone’s safety is our primary concern.  We must keep things moving so that Sawmill Road flows, otherwise you are vulnerable to other traffic problems.  When you reach the parking lot, please be sure that your child is unbuckled and ready to exit the car on the sidewalk side.  If they are not ready or you have car seats to drop off etc., please park and escort your child or deliver the necessary items.  Also, if there is a message that needs to be relayed to the office or teacher, please put it in writing.  The staff’s concentration is on making the start to your child’s day a positive one. Remembering many messages becomes difficult. 
Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.
 
Just a Reminder:
 Personal water bottles are not required for your child to bring to school.  We have filtered water in the drinking fountains and filtered water is served at snack and lunch.
We also discourage sun glasses as they often get forgotten, lost or broken.  Toys are not permitted for sharing; we like to see the children bring in books, educational objects, crafts, etc. to share with their classrooms.
Please remember to always label all outwear, including jackets, coats, hats, gloves, etc.