TCAPS Montessori Weekly Reader:
HOWL Everyday with Harmony, Optimism, Wisdom & Leadership!
September 20, 2024 Head of School News & Notes
Dear Montessori Timberwolves Families and Friends,
Today, we celebrated the International Day of Peace (September 21, 2024). We met as a student body to discuss this year’s theme, Cultivating a Culture of Peace. We recited our Peace Pledge, sang a song of peace, and took a school-wide photo.
Every morning, to begin our day, and whenever we gather as a school, students recite the Montessori Peace Pledge together. This is a part of our school's legacy and how we ALL strive to conduct our daily lives.
Montessori Peace Pledge
“I promise to make peace my personal goal every day. I will stand up for what is right, step in with kind words when I see injustice, and help foster peace in others. As a Montessorian, I pledge peacefulness with honor, and I will lead by example.”
I encourage you to use this pledge in your home and family life. The words hold valuable meaning and remind us of Dr. Montessori’s true vision for education and humanity.
Peace,
Tracy Rucker
Head of School
A Primary student is developing O.C.C.I. (see description below) by grinding coffee beans.
This week AC students released sturgeons into the Boardman.
AC returned to school with a sturgeon to raise for the year.
A Montessori Minute
O.C.C.I. - Order Concentration, Coordination, Independence. These are four fundamental skills that lead guides are trained in to help children learn the proper discipline to be successful in a Montessori environment. Dr. Montessori observed these skills within children and created most of her method around them.
Order: The prepared environment is essential for the development of the child's intellectual, physical, and psychological growth. Students can organize personal space, keep work in order, and set and meet daily work goals. They will learn to respect the environment prepared for them and participate in caring for that environment.
Concentration: Concentration is the first essential skill for a child’s development. It lays the whole basis for character and social behavior. Students will be able to concentrate and respect the concentration of others during the work cycle.
Coordination: Coordination and control refer to the child’s ability to correctly manipulate the materials and utensils s/he manipulates, as well as control of the body. This self-control will lead to respect for herself/himself and peers.
Independence: Montessori education always aims to foster independence and the ability to do things for oneself. This is achieved by giving children opportunities. When children are able to do things for themselves, they increase their self-belief, self-confidence, and self-esteem, which they may carry throughout their lives.
Updates & Reminders
- With the extension of beautiful summer weather, it is important to keep bedtimes in check. Thank you for ensuring your child(ren) are getting adequate sleep. It greatly affects their brain development and stamina for a long school day.
UPCOMING CALENDAR EVENTS
- September 16 - October 4, NWEA Fall Assessment Window
- September 24, PTO Meeting - 3:30 to 4:30, Timberwolves Cafe - All are welcome!
- October 2, Count Day & Move-a-Thon/Field Day
- October 3, Early Release Day (1 of 7) Dismissal at 1:12 pm
- October 9 & 16 - Parent Education Nights, 5:30-6:30
- October 22, PTO Meeting
- October 31, Literacy Celebrations
Lunch Menu
Notes From the Cafe:
1. Ala Cart items are available for AC (grades 7-8 students) to purchase daily. These items will be an extra main entree option. The prices are as follows: Additional First Choice Entree $2.85 - Soy Milk $2.50 - Dairy Milk - $0.50 - Extra Bosco Sticks (2 sticks w/ sauce) $3.00 - Extra Slice of Pizza $2.50
2. If students with packed lunch would like to purchase milk, they must have money on their account. Dairy milk is $0.50.
3. To put money on a students account you may send cash or check (made payable to TCAPS) in a marked envelope - LUNCH MONEY - in your child's folder.
PTO News
Highlights:
Read the PTO Newsletter for more information! Please Click HERE for the
La Clase de Espanol
District News
- TCAPS Board of Education Monthly Office Hours: The Traverse City Area Public Schools (TCAPS) Board of Education will host its next monthly “office hours” in person on Thursday, September 26, 2024, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Horizon Books, 243 E. Front Street, Traverse City, MI 49684. The meeting will be located on the mezzanine level (second floor) of the bookstore. TCAPS Board office hours provide community members with the opportunity to talk to a school board trustee. This month, Trustee Raymond is scheduled to attend.
Community Resources & Important Links
School Hours
CASA - 8th Grade:
Start Time: 8:15
End Time: 3:12
Half-Day Dismissal: 11:22
Early Release Dismissal: 1:12
Toddler Program:
Start Time: 7:50-8:30
End Time: 2:30-3:00
Morning Session End Time: 11:00
Afternoon Session Start Time: 12:00
Half-Day Dismissal: 11:00
Early Release Dismissal: 1:00
TCAPS Montessori School
Email: ruckertr@tcaps.net
Website: https://www.tcaps.net/schools/elementary-schools/montessori/
Location: TCAPS Montessori School, Franke Road, Traverse City, MI, USA
Phone: 231-933-6420
Facebook: facebook.com/TCAPSMontessori
YouTube: TCAPS Montessori YouTube Channel
X: @TRuckerTCAPSmo