Vancouver Montessori School Newsletter
February 29, 2008


March 1…………………………….10:00am…………..Children’s Park Work Party
March 9………………………..Spring Forward…………....Daylight Savings Begins
March 10……………………………………………………Spring Conferences Begin
March 28………….......School Closed……………………Children’s House Inservice

Welcome!
Crystal Hasey has joined our superb VMS team beginning Monday, March 3. She will be working during the morning/lunch time supporting the classrooms in a variety of ways. We are very excited that she is joining us.

Thank You!
Jack Veil, and family, for a special book for the Sunflower Classroom which was photographed and written by a family friend.
Sophie Wallace for the decorative fabric for sewing.
Jillian and Ethan Allmain’s mom, Heather, for supplying samples from Dream Dinners at the last parent night.
Carson and Maddox Karras’ mom, Jini, for handling the Box Tops program---VMS made $106.00!

Play Structure Update
Hooray! Our new structure is on the way. The installation will begin on March 10, but will take a couple of days to complete. The children know, today, that on Monday, they will not see the the geodome bars, the wooden structure, or the small tree next to it. There will be nothing there for at least a week and a half. Farewell to the old equipment. It has seen much use and plenty of enjoyment over many, many years.

VMS Weblog
Yes, even here at VMS, we are moving into the hi-tech age! Beginning now, notices and newsletters will be available through the “Weblog” link on our website www.vancouvermontessori.com. It can also be accessed at http://vancouvermontessorischool.blogspot.com/. We are hoping to move these kinds of information pieces from paper to computer as much as possible. This will be a gradual process and your input either way is appreciated.

Spring Conferences
Spring Conference Schedules are now posted on the hallway bulletin board. Conferences are scheduled to be held beginning March 10th and are 30 minutes long.

If you will need your child to remain at VMS during a conference time that is beyond their regularly scheduled day, a sign-up sheet will also be posted for that. VMS’ after care is available up to 6:00pm each week day. There will be no charge for care during your scheduled conference time, but we do need to know ahead of time for staffing purposes.

Parents are encouraged to schedule a classroom observation prior to conferencing with their child’s teacher. These appointments may be scheduled through the office for most mornings at 9:00am. Any specific concerns or questions should be given be given to your child’s teacher in writing before conference time.

2008-2009 Re-registration
To secure your child’s space for the 2008-2009 school year, please return the blue Registration and Fee Payment Agreement along with the $200.00 commitment fee no later than Tuesday, April 15, 2008. This fee is then applicable to your first tuition payment for the 2008-2009 school year. Your child’s space cannot be guaranteed and the commitment fee is not applicable to the first tuition payment if registration is not received by the April 15, 2008 deadline.

Some Thoughts on “Peace” …

“World peace starts with one person. I will start; will you help me to continue? – Ann, 12, Pennsylvania

“Peace is running home to my mom.” – Roy, 3rd grade, Michigan

“Peace is love. Peace is how the wind blows through the grass. Peace is how your eyes twinkle, or when you’re old, your skin will wrinkle. This is peace, not war. – Shaun, 13, California

“If you watch a butterfly with someone you don’t know then you can both enjoy it and start to be friends.” – Patricia Dahl’s class, Washington

“If everyone would think of themselves as dinosaurs and if we keep fighting we will soon be extinct.” – Erik, 11, Minnesota

“One time the tiger wanted to dance with somebody. Then he found the turtle. The turtle thought the tiger would eat him. But the tiger said, “I only want to dance with you.” “Yes” said the turtle. And they danced.” –Marriam, 6, Minnesota

“If I want to make a new friend I say Hi and I smile. Everyone should try it.” – Mark, 6, Wisconsin