Summit School Newsletter
INNOVATIVE TEACHING. EXPERT EDUCATORS. THRIVING STUDENTS.
December 1, 2023
From the Head of School...
Dear Summit School Community,
I hope this message finds you well. As we approach the holiday season, we are reminded of the spirit of generosity and the joy that comes from giving back to our community. While November 28th was the official Giving Tuesday, a global day of charitable giving, it is not too late.
This year, we are focusing on the incredible impact of giving and how it can benefit not only our school but also you as donors through valuable tax credits.
It's as easy as 1-2-3-4!
1-Click on the Donate Button at Institute for Better Education, IBE https://ibescholarships.org/
2-Make your tax credit contribution and recommend Summit School!
3-Claim your tax credit by filing your contribution receipt with your 2023 tax return.
4- Your tax credit will assist a Summit student who has demonstrated financial need!
Your participation can make a significant difference in the continued success of Summit School. We appreciate your support and look forward to sharing more about the positive impact of your generosity.
Thank you for being an integral part of our Summit School community.
Warm regards,
Dr. Stephanie Nardi
Head of School
Winter Break is almost here! No school December 18 through January 2.
Retirement of Beloved Summit School Teacher, Cathy Reardon
Dear Summit Community,
After 22 wonderful years of teaching at Summit, and 29 total years of teaching, I am planning to retire at the end of this school year. I cannot express how much this school and all of you have meant to me over the years. Thank you for being a part of my journey. I have loved knowing you and your amazing children. Summit is truly a special place and I feel blessed to have been here for most of my career. I am hoping to do some subbing in the next couple of years so I am not saying good-bye. I will see you here and hopefully on the hiking trails.
With love and gratitude,
Cathy Reardon
The Hour of Code - Computer Science in Education Week Dec 6-12
The yearly edition of Computer Science in Education Week is coming the week of December 6-12. Also known as the Hour of Code has been an annual event in many schools for 10 years now. Schools around the world including Summit encourage students to learn the basics of computer programming with fun programming activities that teach the basics of coding. During Technology classes in K-5 over the next few weeks, students will get an extra dose of coding with the Hour of Code. Students login to the Code.org website and are able to solve coding puzzles with characters they recognize from places like Ice Age, Star Wars, Angry Birds, Minecraft, and much more. This year's theme is AI (Artificial Intelligence). If you have additional questions, contact Mr. Douwstra at Jeremy.Douwstra@summitschoolaz.org
The Dean's Corner
Congratulations to these Sabrecats for being sent to Mrs. France with POSITIVE office referrals!
Mrs. Phillips stated, "Earlier in the year, my bumble bee given to me by a former student was broken and I had no way to hang it up. Theo used his choice time and made a new hanger for the bee."
Ms. Angelakis stated, "Margot has been a great friend to a new student in our class. She is always kind and respectful to everyone! Plus, she spent her recess time today cleaning trash from the playground!"
Mrs. Phillips stated, "Luke helps keep our classroom safe and clean. If he sees trash on a table or the floor, he takes care of it without being asked."
Mr. Dorsey stated, "Alex demonstrated excellent listening and effort in guitar for three classes in a row!"
Ms. Vosseller stated, "Max was thinking like a mathematician! He analyzed his strategy use and figured out a mistake he made. He did a fantastic job explaining his thinking to his classmates and inspiring them to do the same!”
Accepting ESA Funds
Did you know that you qualify for significant tuition reimbursement through the Arizona Universal ESA program if you have a Summit Student in K-8? This program is designed to support families in securing the best education for their children.
To discover more about the Arizona Universal ESA program and how it can benefit your family, we encourage you to visit our dedicated Tuition Assistance page at https://summitschoolaz.org/tuition-assistance/. Here, you will find valuable information, resources, and guidance on the reimbursement process.
For any specific inquiries or assistance related to the program, please do not hesitate to contact Carrie Slade at Carrie.Slade@SummitSchoolAZ.org. She will be more than happy to address your questions and provide personalized support.
At Summit School, we are committed to making high-quality education accessible to all families. We believe that this program can make a significant difference in your educational journey, and we are here to assist you every step of the way.
Thank you for being part of our Summit School community, and we look forward to helping you explore this valuable opportunity.
Math Corner
Just as reading and literacy are crucial for a child's development, math skills are equally essential for their academic and life success.
At Summit, we believe that math education doesn't have to be limited to drills and exercises. Math can be an enjoyable and interactive experience for your child, one that can be incorporated into everyday conversations and activities. My goal as the math coach is to provide you with resources and guidance on how to make math an exciting part of your daily routine.
To help you with this endeavor, I recommend these excellent resources that can assist you in promoting math at home:
Table Talk Math: A Practical Guide for Bringing Math Into Everyday Conversations: This book by John Stevens offers practical and creative ways to integrate math discussions into everyday life. It provides you with engaging activities and conversation starters that can make math a part of family discussions, whether you're at the dinner table or simply spending time together. This book is a great resource if your child is in elementary school.
Talking Math with Your Kids by Christopher Danielson (Kindle): Christopher Danielson's book provides insights into the thought processes behind mathematical concepts and strategies to have meaningful math conversations with your children. This resource can help demystify math and make it more accessible for both you and your child. This is a good book to read, if your child is in pre-school and/or in k-2nd grade.
Podcast: Mathisfigureoutable Part 1
Podcast: Mathisfigureoutable Part 2
Tips for Caregivers pdf
By incorporating math into your daily life, you'll not only reinforce what your child is learning at school but also foster a positive attitude towards math. Children who see math as fun and applicable to their everyday experiences are more likely to excel in this subject.
I encourage you to take advantage of these resources and engage in math talks at home. Share your own mathematical thinking with your child, ask open-ended questions, and explore math concepts together. Whether you're measuring ingredients while cooking, calculating discounts while shopping, or discussing patterns in nature, these everyday opportunities can be rich learning experiences.
I will be hosting a virtual “Talking Math with Your Child” for grades K-2 on Wednesday, November 29 at 6:30.
Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need further guidance.
Ms Danforth
Morning Meetings- Please Join Us
Wednesday, December 6
Presented by Grade 4
Wednesday, January 17
Presented by science
Wednesday, January 31
Presented by kindergarten
General Safety Guidelines for Drop-off and Pick-up
Guardians are responsible for transporting their children to and from school.
Guardians and visitors must park in designated lined parking spaces only.
Do not park in such a way to hinder the flow of traffic or jeopardize the safety of children.
Parking is not allowed along the red curbs.
Do not park in the designated spaces purchased by guardians at the annual Summit School Auction.
State law prohibits neglect and endangerment of children. Never leave children unattended in a vehicle at any time, and always use car seats and seat belts.
Students cannot be dropped off in the parking lots.
Pedestrians are not permitted to cut through the carline.
Please do not try to meet with teachers while they are supervising carline.
There is no use of wireless phones (or other digital devices) while in the carline.
At dismissal, please do not arrive earlier than 15 minutes before your child’s dismissal, time as this blocks our fire lane and inhibits emergency vehicles from entering our facility.
Summit School is not responsible for damage to vehicles or theft. Please secure all valuables and use caution while moving through the parking lot and carline areas.
Key fobs will allow access to campus on scheduled school days at the following times/locations:
Front Office doors during office hours (7:45 AM – 3:45 PM)
Front blue gate during drop off (8:00 AM – 8:15 AM), pick up (3:15 PM – 3:30 PM) and afternoon extended day (3:30 PM – 6:00 PM)
Front Office doors will be unlocked for drop off until 8:30 AM. After 8:30 AM, K-8 students must be walked into the office by an adult that will need to sign the student in to school using the School Check In system located in the front office.
When leaving campus, you must exit through the Front Office during the school day (8:15 AM – 3:15 PM) and not through the outdoor gates.
Summit School
Email: Summit.School@SummitSchoolAZ.org
Website: https://summitschoolaz.org/
Location: 4515 E Muirwood Dr, Phoenix, Arizona 85048, USA
Phone: 480.403.9500
Facebook: www.facebook.com/SummitSchoolAZ
Twitter: @SummitSchoolAhw